scholarly journals Web- and Artificial Intelligence–Based Image Recognition For Sperm Motility Analysis: Verification Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent FS Tsai ◽  
Bin Zhuang ◽  
Yuan-Hung Pong ◽  
Ju-Ton Hsieh ◽  
Hong-Chiang Chang

BACKGROUND Human sperm quality fluctuates over time. Therefore, it is crucial for couples preparing for natural pregnancy to monitor sperm motility. OBJECTIVE This study verified the performance of an artificial intelligence–based image recognition and cloud computing sperm motility testing system (Bemaner, Createcare) composed of microscope and microfluidic modules and designed to adapt to different types of smartphones. METHODS Sperm videos were captured and uploaded to the cloud with an app. Analysis of sperm motility was performed by an artificial intelligence–based image recognition algorithm then results were displayed. According to the number of motile sperm in the vision field, 47 (deidentified) videos of sperm were scored using 6 grades (0-5) by a male-fertility expert with 10 years of experience. Pearson product-moment correlation was calculated between the grades and the results (concentration of total sperm, concentration of motile sperm, and motility percentage) computed by the system. RESULTS Good correlation was demonstrated between the grades and results computed by the system for concentration of total sperm (r=0.65, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), concentration of motile sperm (r=0.84, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and motility percentage (r=0.90, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS This smartphone-based sperm motility test (Bemaner) accurately measures motility-related parameters and could potentially be applied toward the following fields: male infertility detection, sperm quality test during preparation for pregnancy, and infertility treatment monitoring. With frequent at-home testing, more data can be collected to help make clinical decisions and to conduct epidemiological research.

10.2196/20031 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e20031
Author(s):  
Vincent FS Tsai ◽  
Bin Zhuang ◽  
Yuan-Hung Pong ◽  
Ju-Ton Hsieh ◽  
Hong-Chiang Chang

Background Human sperm quality fluctuates over time. Therefore, it is crucial for couples preparing for natural pregnancy to monitor sperm motility. Objective This study verified the performance of an artificial intelligence–based image recognition and cloud computing sperm motility testing system (Bemaner, Createcare) composed of microscope and microfluidic modules and designed to adapt to different types of smartphones. Methods Sperm videos were captured and uploaded to the cloud with an app. Analysis of sperm motility was performed by an artificial intelligence–based image recognition algorithm then results were displayed. According to the number of motile sperm in the vision field, 47 (deidentified) videos of sperm were scored using 6 grades (0-5) by a male-fertility expert with 10 years of experience. Pearson product-moment correlation was calculated between the grades and the results (concentration of total sperm, concentration of motile sperm, and motility percentage) computed by the system. Results Good correlation was demonstrated between the grades and results computed by the system for concentration of total sperm (r=0.65, P<.001), concentration of motile sperm (r=0.84, P<.001), and motility percentage (r=0.90, P<.001). Conclusions This smartphone-based sperm motility test (Bemaner) accurately measures motility-related parameters and could potentially be applied toward the following fields: male infertility detection, sperm quality test during preparation for pregnancy, and infertility treatment monitoring. With frequent at-home testing, more data can be collected to help make clinical decisions and to conduct epidemiological research.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Urszula Marzec-Wróblewska ◽  
Piotr Kamiński ◽  
Paweł Łakota ◽  
Marek Szymański ◽  
Karolina Wasilow ◽  
...  

We analysed sodium (Na), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) levels in human semen and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) in seminal plasma and examined their relationships with sperm quality. Semen samples were obtained from men (n = 168) undergoing routine infertility evaluation. The study design included two groups based on standard ejaculate parameters: Group I (n = 39) with normal ejaculates (normozoospermia) and Group II (n = 129) with a pathological spermiogram. Se concentration (but not Na or Cu) and GPx activity were significantly higher in normozoospermic males than in those with a pathological spermiogram and also in males with correct sperm motility and normal sperm morphology than in asthenozoospermic and teratozoospermic males. There were significant correlations between sperm motility, Se and GPx, between rapid progressive motility and Cu, between sperm motility and Na, between normal sperm morphology and Se and Cu and between sperm concentration and Cu and GPx. Significant correlations were found between Na and Cu, between Na and Se and between Cu and Se in human semen in relation to alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Na, Cu, Se and GPx are related to sperm characteristics and male fertility and their survey could improve male infertility diagnosis.


F1000Research ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhukar Shivajirao Dama ◽  
M Narayana Bhat

As mobile phone usage is growing rapidly, there is a need for a comprehensive analysis of the literature to inform scientific debates about the adverse effects of mobile phone radiation on sperm quality traits. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of the eligible published research studies on human males of reproductive age. Eleven studies were eligible for this analysis. Based on the meta-analysis, mobile phone use was significantly associated with deterioration in semen quality (Hedges’s g = -0.547; 95% CI: -0.713, -0.382; p < 0.001). The traits particularly affected adversely were sperm concentration, sperm morphology, sperm motility, proportion of non-progressive motile sperm (%), proportion of slow progressive motile sperm (%), and sperm viability. Direct exposure of spermatozoa to mobile phone radiation with in vitro study designs also significantly deteriorated the sperm quality (Hedges’s g = -2.233; 95% CI: -2.758, -1.708; p < 0.001), by reducing straight line velocity, fast progressive motility, Hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test score, major axis (µm), minor axis (µm), total sperm motility, perimeter (µm), area (µm2), average path velocity, curvilinear velocity, motile spermatozoa, and  acrosome reacted spermatozoa (%). The strength of evidence for the different outcomes varied from very low to very high. The analysis shows that mobile phone use is possibly associated with a number of deleterious effects on the spermatozoa.


2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mostakhdem Hashemi ◽  
Nasser Behnampour ◽  
Mojgan Nejabat ◽  
Afsaneh Tabandeh ◽  
Behrouz Ghazi-Moghaddam ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction. Human seminal plasma contains a variety of macro and trace elements including magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) that have essential roles in normal functioning of semen and its quality. The imbalance of these elements has been reported in several pathologic and male infertility disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the levels of these elements in seminal plasma samples, their relationships with each other and their impact on sperm motility. Methods. Overall, 192 males (96 normospermic and 96 asthenospermic males) were enrolled in the study. Semen samples were collected by masturbation and computer-assisted/aided semen analysis of sperm motility was performed. The samples were centrifuged and seminal levels of Mg, Cu, Zn and Fe were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results. The levels of Zn did not differ between the two groups, while the levels of Mg, Cu, and Fe were significantly higher in normospermic males. Fe showed a positive correlation with Mg and Cu in asthenospermic group. However, a negative relationship was found between Mg and Fe levels and between Mg and sperm concentration in the normospermic group. Fe levels were higher in the normospermic group compared to the asthenospermic group. Nevertheless, increased Fe levels caused a decrease in most of sperm motility fractions. Conclusion: Elements play major roles in male fertility and directly affect sperm quality. According to the results of this study, the levels of Zn do not affect the sperm quality and motility, while Fe, Cu and Mg are decreased in males with sperm motility problems. Nevertheless, Fe levels can adversely affect sperm motility in normospermic men.


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Brogliatti ◽  
G. Barreiro ◽  
G. Larraburu ◽  
A. Laborde

Flow citometry cell sorting has been proven successfully to separate X and Y sperm; however, the technology is still too stressfull for the viability of the sorted semen. The objective of this study was to evaluate nonsexed and sexed frozen sperm motility characteristics using a CASA technology. Ejaculates from 4 different bulls (3 Holstein and 1 Angus) were collected, and processed as split non-sexed and sexed semen samples using Tris egg yolk extenders. X and Y sperm were separated using a high-speed sorter (SX Moflo). Cryopreservation was done at the same time under appropiate conditions using a programmed cryochamber. Thawing procedure was done at 37°C for 30s and a sample of each straw was placed in the evaluation chamber. The experiment was repeated twice and two chambers with 30 observations each were analyzed each time. Mean and standard deviation of each characteristic were calculated, compared and analyzed statistically. The sperm concentration was determined by means of a burker counting chamber. Sperm quality was determined at 0h after thawing, and later at 1h, 2h and 3h after incubation in a glass tube at 30°C. The following sperm motility parameters were determined with the Hamilton Thorne (HTM-ceros 12.1) on at least 1000 spermatozoa: velocity average path (VAP), velocity straight line (VSL), amplitude lateral head (ALH), beat cross frequency (BCF), straightness (STR), linearity (LIN), and percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (PMS). Linearity of nonsexed spermatozoa was 53±3.5, 47±0.8, 43±7.8 and 42±4.5 for the 0h and the 3 test incubation times and 49.5±3.7, 51.2±3.7, 43.3±7.8 and 44.5±7.6, respectively, for sexed semen. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in the progressive velocity, track speed and linearity between sexed and nonsexed semen. The percentage of static cells was 33%, 30%, 47% and 50% for the 0h and the 3 test incubation periods; however, the percentage of static cells for the sexed semen was 53%, 71%, 77% and 82%, respectively. Results from the analysis indicate a significant increase (P&lt;0.01) in the number and the percentage of static cells with time. The lateral amplitude of sperm motility for nonsexed semen was 5.9±0.5, 6.8±0.8, 6.0±0.4 and 5.1±0.7, and for sexed semen 6.6±0.7, 6.8±0.4, 6.4±0.4 and 5.5±1.7, respectively. The percentage of progressively motile sperm was significantly different at 0 time 49.7±4.9 and 23.1±4.9 for nonsexed and sexed semen respectively. After 3 hours of incubation the percentage of progressively motile sperm was 38.7±10.2 and 3.7±3.2 for nonsexed and sexed semen, respectively. In conclusion, sexed frozen semen seems to have characteristics similar to those of normal nonsexed semen. However, a significant decrease in the percentage of progressively motile cells could affect pregnancy rates. More research needs to be done to detect differences between bulls and cryoprotectans.Research supported by Centro Genetico Bovino de EOLIA sa Argentina.


2018 ◽  
Vol 110 (7) ◽  
pp. 1277-1284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashok Agarwal ◽  
Manesh Kumar Panner Selvam ◽  
Rakesh Sharma ◽  
Kruyanshi Master ◽  
Aditi Sharma ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 244
Author(s):  
K. Hayama ◽  
M. Takeuchi ◽  
A. Ideta ◽  
M. Urakawa ◽  
M. Sasatani ◽  
...  

Sperm motility is known to affect fertilization; however, little is known about the relationship between frozen–thawed sperm motility and in vivo fertilization following superovulatory treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate a sperm function test as potential predictors of embryo production following superovulatory treatment in cattle. Two to five batches of semen (Japanese black bull, n = 4, A to D) were diluted with egg york-citrate-glycerol in 0.5 mL plastic straws, and they were stored in liquid nitrogen until analyzed. Frozen–thawed spermatozoa were evaluated for motility {motile sperm concentration (MSC, million mL–1), progressive MSC (PMSC, million mL–1) and velocity (μm s–1)} using a sperm quality analyzer for bulls (SQA-Vb, Medical Electronic Systems, Caesarea, Israel). Each sample of 20 μL aspirated into the disposable capillary, was inserted into SQA-Vb. Measurements were displayed within 75 s. Intra-assay CVs of MSC, PMSC, and velocity were 14.2, 7.3 and 7.5%, respectively. Inter-assey CVs of them were 13.5, 3.9 and 4.3% respectively. Superstimulated donors (Japanese black cows, n = 161) were artificially inseminated with one dose of frozen–thawed semen (bull A = 74, B = 46, C = 21 and D = 20). The proportion of transferable embryo (IETS grade 1 to 3) was examined on day 7 (day 0 = estrus). Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Scheffe multiple comparison test, and Fisher’s z-transformation. MSC, PMSC and velocity values differed significantly among each bull. The values of bull A were much lower than those of the other bulls. The proportion of transferable embryos produced by bull A was significantly lower than that of other bulls (P < 0.05, Table 1). Correlations showed significant association between MSC and proportion of transferable embryos (r = 0.99, P < 0.01). We conclude that bovine sperm motility using a SQA-Vb is a useful predictor of embryo production following superovulatory treatment. Table 1.Relationship between sperm motility and proportion of transferable embryo


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Y. Pirosanto ◽  
M. Valera ◽  
A. Molina ◽  
J. Dorado ◽  
S. Demyda-Peyrás

Inbreeding depression, a genetic condition produced by the mating of close-related individuals, has been associated with a reduction of fertility in several species. However, a loss in sperm quality was also associated with age. In horses, the few existing reports have described a tendency of both parameters to produce a negative effect on sperm quality. However, those reports were performed using a subjective evaluation of sperm motility. In the present study, a total of 692 ejaculates from 86 Pure Spanish stallions (PRE), aged between 3 and 22 years, were evaluated using a computer-assisted methodology to determine the effect of inbreeding in four semen parameters: free-gel volume (V), sperm concentration (C, by haemocytometer), and total (TM) and progressive (PM) sperm motility (by Spermvision sperm class analyser; Minitube). The inbreeding coefficient (F) was estimated using 300 000 PRE pedigree records approximately (minimum pedigree depth, eight equivalent complete generations; range, between 1 and 30.1%). Stallion, age, ejaculate, and season of semen collection were the variables included in the statistical model (general linear model), with ejaculate and season being the variables with a major effect (by variance components analysis). Our results showed that sperm concentration (r=−0.18; P&lt;0.0001) and volume (to a lesser extent) were reduced with advancing age, both showing a major decline after 15 years of age. To the contrary, sperm motility was not affected by age of the stallion. We also found a negative correlation between the inbreeding coefficient and ejaculate volume (r=−0.14; P&lt;0.001), with a marked decrease seen when F was between 7 and 20%. Also, a negative correlation was observed in PM (r=−0.08; P&lt;0.05), although to a lower extent. Conversely, C and TM were not affected by inbreeding depression (P&gt;0.05). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that high levels of inbreeding can compromise severely the sperm quality of the PRE stallion, which, subsequently, may have a negative influence on fertility. Ongoing studies using genomic data will help to detect genetic variants associated with stallion semen quality and how it is influenced by inbreeding in specific genomic regions.


2002 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 403-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc Multigner ◽  
Alejandro Oliva

The debate concerning the possible degradation in human sperm quality began in the 1970s, was revived at the beginning of the 1990s and has continued to mobilize the scientific community ever since. After the meta-analysis by Carlsen et al. (1992) showing a decline in human semen quality over the last 50 years, several groups investigated the sperm characteristics of more or less homogeneous groups of men who had provided semen at the same center for 10 to 20 years. A significant decrease in sperm concentration was reported in some studies, but not in others. Meanwhile, there is an increasing number of reports suggesting that physical and chemical factors introduced and spread by human activity in the environment may have contributed to sperm decline. At the end of the 20th century the debate on declining semen quality is not closed. The lack of certainty and the serious consequences that such a decline would have on the fertility of human populations make this an important public health issue at the start of the 21st century. For this reason, intensive research should be developed in both fundamental and epidemiological domains, particularly in South America, where industrial and agricultural pollution pose a serious threat to the population.


2009 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Kheradmand ◽  
Majid Taati ◽  
Homayoon Babaei

AbstractAlthough ghrelin acts as a modulator of feeding behavior and energy metabolism in the central nervous system, recent studies have implicated the peripheral actions of ghrelin in reproductive tissues. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic administration of ghrelin on the motility, plasma membrane integrity and concentration of rat spermatozoa. 45-d male Wistar rats were scheduled for the study and were divided into control and treatment groups. In the treatment group, 1 nmol of ghrelin was administered as sc injection for 10 consecutive days or vehicle (physiological saline) to the control rats. Sperm collection was achieved by killing of the rats on days 15, 25 and 50 after first injection. Total sperm motility and forward progressive movement did not exhibit significant difference during the experiment, although, there was a tendency for greater motion rate on d 15 and 25 in the treated rats compared to the control group. Plasma membrane integrity (HOS-reacted spermatozoa) was significantly higher in the treated animals, especially on day 15 as well as day 25, because of possible antioxidant properties of ghrelin. This value was statistically higher on day 15 than that of day 25 (P <0.05). Likewise, there was a significant correlation between the FPM (P <0.0001, r = 0.79) and TSM (P <0.01, r = 0.52) with the HOS test percentage in the treatment group. It was not observed statistically difference in the sperm concentration between groups during all of the experimental days. In conclusion, chronic administration of ghrelin (similar to induced by energy deficiency such as fasting) increased the integrity of sperm membrane, however, the sperm motility and concentration did not display any alterations.


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