Evaluation of sperm motility with CASA-Mot: which factors may influence our measurements?

Computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) is now routinely used in IVF clinics, animal breeding centres and research laboratories. Although CASA provides a more objective way to evaluate sperm parameters, a significant number of factors can affect these measurements. This paper classifies these factors into four categories: (1) sample and slide (e.g. preincubation time, type of specimen and type of chamber slide); (2) microscope (e.g. light source and microscope stage); (3) hardware and software, including the settings of each system; and (4) user-related factors. We review the effects of the different factors in each category on the measurements made and emphasise the need to take measures to standardise evaluations. The take-home message of the present article is that there are several commercial and useful CASA systems, and all are appropriate for routine analysis. Non-commercial systems may also be good choices when the user needs to adapt the device to specific experimental conditions. In both cases (commercial and non-commercial), it is important that standard protocols are put in place for evaluation, as well as methods to validate the system.

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Computer aided optimization of the experimental conditions for the isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of hormonal steroids

Journal of Chromatography A ◽

10.1016/s0021-9673(01)95926-6 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 552 ◽

pp. 103-111 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Ji-Qing Wei ◽

Ji-Lu Wei ◽

Xian-Teng Zhou

Keyword(s):

Chromatographic Separation ◽

High Performance ◽

High Performance Liquid Chromatographic ◽

Reversed Phase ◽

Experimental Conditions ◽

Liquid Chromatographic Separation ◽

Computer Aided ◽

Hormonal Steroids ◽

Liquid Chromatographic

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Application of computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) for detecting sperm-immobilizing antibody

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology ◽

10.1111/aji.12814 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 79 (3) ◽

pp. e12814 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Yu Wakimoto ◽

Atsushi Fukui ◽

Teruhito Kojima ◽

Akiko Hasegawa ◽

Minoru Shigeta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Analysis ◽

Computer Aided ◽

Sperm Immobilizing Antibody

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Iron Deficiency: The Problem and Approaches to its Solution

Food and Nutrition Bulletin ◽

10.1177/156482659601700108 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 1-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Clive E. West

Keyword(s):

Iron Deficiency ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Work Performance ◽

Nutrient Status ◽

Related Factors ◽

Number Of Factors ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Matrix ◽

Intractable Problem ◽

Year 2000

Anaemia is associated with increased perinatal mortality, increased child morbidity and mortality, behavioural changes and impaired mental development, decreased work performance, increased susceptibility to lead poisoning, and impaired immune competence. Iron-deficiency anaemia is an intractable problem, as indicated by the goal set by world leaders of reducing nutritional anaemia to one-third of 1990 levels by the year 2000, compared with the goals of virtually eliminating deficiencies of vitamin A and of iodine during the same period. To a large extent, this is because intake is less associated with status for iron than for iodine and vitamin A. The demand for iron varies throughout the life cycle, and the bioavailability of iron varies over a wide range because of a number of factors, such as the species of iron compound, the molecular linkage, the amount of nutrient consumed in a meal, the matrix in which the nutrient is incorporated, the absorption modifiers, the nutrient status of the host, genetic factors, other host-related factors, and interactions among factors.

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A novel method of sperm immobilization test applied with computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA)

Journal of Reproductive Immunology ◽

10.1016/j.jri.2017.10.013 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 124 ◽

pp. 75

Author(s):

Yu Wakimoto ◽

Teruhito Kojima ◽

Akiko Hasegawa ◽

Atushi Fukui ◽

Minoru Shigeta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Analysis ◽

Computer Aided ◽

Novel Method ◽

Sperm Immobilization

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CASA—Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis

Encyclopedia of Reproduction ◽

10.1016/b978-0-12-801238-3.64935-8 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 59-63

Author(s):

Sharon T Mortimer ◽

Christopher J De Jonge

Keyword(s):

Sperm Analysis ◽

Computer Aided

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CASA: tracking the past and plotting the future

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd17420 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (6) ◽

pp. 867 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

M. T. Gallagher ◽

D. J. Smith ◽

J. C. Kirkman-Brown

Keyword(s):

Gold Standard ◽

New Technologies ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Computational Approach ◽

Human Semen ◽

Laboratory Staff ◽

Sperm Analysis ◽

The Past ◽

Computer Aided ◽

The Future

The human semen sample carries a wealth of information of varying degrees of accessibility ranging from the traditional visual measures of count and motility to those that need a more computational approach, such as tracking the flagellar waveform. Although computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) options are becoming more widespread, the gold standard for clinical semen analysis requires trained laboratory staff. In this review we characterise the key attitudes towards the use of CASA and set out areas in which CASA should, and should not, be used and improved. We provide an overview of the current CASA landscape, discussing clinical uses as well as potential areas for the clinical translation of existing research technologies. Finally, we discuss where we see potential for the future of CASA, and how the integration of mathematical modelling and new technologies, such as automated flagellar tracking, may open new doors in clinical semen analysis.

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Quantitative assessment of heavy metal effects on sperm function using computer-aided sperm analysis and cytotoxicity assays

Andrologia ◽

10.1111/and.13141 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 50 (10) ◽

pp. e13141 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Farren Hardneck ◽

Gadieja Israel ◽

Edmund Pool ◽

Liana Maree

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metal ◽

Quantitative Assessment ◽

Sperm Function ◽

Sperm Analysis ◽

Cytotoxicity Assays ◽

Computer Aided

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20 Assessment of Motion and Kinematic Characteristics of Semen from Four Cattle Breeds Using Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv30n1ab20 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

pp. 149

Author(s):

M. L. Mphaphathi ◽

M. M. Seshoka ◽

T. R. Netshirovha ◽

Z. C. Raphalalani ◽

N. Bovula ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Objective Evaluation ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Sperm Cells ◽

Sperm Analysis ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Cattle Breeds ◽

Bull Semen ◽

Head Displacement ◽

Computer Aided ◽

Sperm Motion

Subjective semen evaluation using standard optical microscopy is the most common practice. Semen parameters routinely assessed are volume, concentration, progressive motility, and morphology. However, computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) represents an objective evaluation, sperm assessment that are reproducible and reliable. Such semen parameters have not been evaluated in Afrikaner, Brahman, and Bonsmara bulls’ semen. The present study evaluated the sperm motion and kinematics characteristics of semen from stud Afrikaner, Brahman, Bonsmara, and Nguni bulls using CASA technology. The electro-ejaculator was used for semen collection from Afrikaner (n = 11), Brahman (n = 7), Bonsmara (n = 10) and Nguni (n = 16) bulls of known and proven fertility. Semen was collected following 4 days of resting period. The bulls ranged between 5 and 6 years of age. After collection, the semen samples were immediately transferred to a thermo-flask and maintained at 37°C for further evaluation in the mobile laboratory (Nedambale, 2014). The CASA-Sperm Class Analyzer® system (Microptic, Barcelona, Spain) was used to evaluate sperm motion, velocity, and kinematic parameters or characteristics of raw/fresh semen from 4 cattle breeds. Data were analysed using GenStat® statistical programme (VSN International, Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom). Treatment means were compared using one-way ANOVA. The total sperm motility rate was similar for all breeds: Afrikaner (92.2 ± 4.2), Brahman (90.7 ± 9.0), Bonsmara (93.9 ± 4.0), and Nguni (96.0 ± 2.7). However, Brahman and Afrikaner bull semen had higher sperm cells moving in a progressive motility of 57.3 and 45.6%, respectively, compared with other breeds (P < 0.05). Nguni, Afrikaner, and Bonsmara had the highest sperm cells moving in a rapid movement of 73.7, 72.4, and 67.4% (P > 0.05), respectively. The bulls sperm trajectories had a variation, as they were recorded to be irregular and not linear (P < 0.05). The straight-line sperm velocity (µm s−1), wobbling %, and amplitude of lateral head displacement % was similar for the 4 breeds (P > 0.05). In conclusion, CASA technology was a useful technique for assessing differences in sperm motion and kinematic (motility and velocity characteristics) among different bull breeds.

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