scholarly journals Computer-Assisted Analysis of Human Semen Concentration and Motility

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 17-33
Author(s):  
Karima Boumaza ◽  
Abdelhamid Loukil
Keyword(s):  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Human Semen ◽  
Low Contrast ◽  
Traditional Assessment ◽  
Sperm Detection ◽  
Speed Accuracy

Computer-assisted semen analysis systems insist on evaluating sperm characteristics. These systems afford capacity to study and evaluate sperm statistical and morphological characteristics such as concentration, morphology, and motility, which have an important role in diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. In this paper, the proposed algorithm allows the assessment of concentration and motility rate of sperms in microscopic videos. First, enhancement process is required because of microscopic images limitations such as low contrast and noises. Then, for true sperm recognition among noise and debris, a hybrid approach is proposed using a combination between segmentation techniques. After, the use of geometric features of the bounding ellipse of the sperm head led to define sperm concentration. Finally, inter-frame difference is applied for motile sperm detection. The proposed method was tested on microscopic videos of human semen; the performance of this method is analyzed in terms of speed, accuracy, and complexity. Obtained results during the experiments are very promising compared with those obtained by the traditional assessment, which is the most widely used and approved in the laboratories.

scholarly journals Seasonal variations in quantitative and qualitative sperm characteristics in fertile and subfertile stallions

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara Suliman ◽  
Frank Becker ◽  
Armin Tuchscherer ◽  
Klaus Wimmers
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Normal Sperm ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Significant Seasonal Variation

Abstract. Horses are seasonal breeders with a natural breeding season beginning in spring and extending through midsummer. In this study, quantitative and qualitative parameters of chilled stallion semen were compared between fertile and subfertile stallions and between the breeding and the non-breeding season. Semen quality parameters compared included ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, sperm morphology, and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA)-derived sperm movement characteristics obtained from two groups of warmblood stallions (n=8; four fertile stallions and four subfertile stallions), which differ in the seasonal pregnancy rate 80 %–90 % (fertile) vs. 40 %–60 % (subfertile). A total of 64 ejaculates were collected from the stallions (n=8; four in the breeding season and four in the non-breeding season of each stallion). No significant differences in the semen quality parameters between the fertile and the subfertile stallions in the non-breeding season were observed. However, in the breeding season the proportion of morphologically normal sperm, total motility, progressive motility, average path velocity (VAP), and curvilinear velocity (VCL) were significantly higher in the fertile group (P<0.05) when compared with the subfertile group. In addition, a significant seasonal variation in the proportion of morphological normal sperm was found in the fertile group between the breeding and the non-breeding season (P<0.05). Moreover, significant seasonal variations (P<0.05) in CASA parameters of mean VAP, straight line velocity (VSL), and beat-cross frequency (BCF) were observed in the fertile and the subfertile stallions, which tended to be lower in the non-breeding season. In conclusion, differences between the fertile and the subfertile stallions were observed only in the breeding season, and a few of CASA-derived parameters seemed to be significantly lower during the non-breeding season in both the fertile and the subfertile stallions.

scholarly journals Real-Time Single Cell Monitoring: Measurement and Counting of Motile Sperm Using LCR Impedance-Integrated Microfluidic Device

Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chalinee Phiphattanaphiphop ◽  
Komgrit Leksakul ◽  
Rungrueang Phatthanakun ◽  
Apirak Suthummapiwat
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Thin Metal Film ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Cell Detection ◽  
Motile Sperm ◽  
Single Cell Detection

In this research, we aimed to count the ratio of the number of motile to immotile sperm for patients with infertility problems based on a low-sperm-concentration examination. The microfluidic system consists of two series of applications: The conventional separation of motile sperm and the proposed inductance (L), capacitance (C), and resistance (R) or LCR impedance sperm counter. In the experiment, 96% of motile sperm were isolated from nonmotile sperm in the first part and transported to the second part to count and calculate real-time sperm concentration. A pair of microelectrodes composed of thin metal film were integrated between microchannels, resulting in a peak signal for LCR single-cell detection, as well as the estimated total sperm concentration. A minimum of 10 µL of the sperm sample was completely analyzed with an accuracy of 94.8% compared with the standard computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) method. This method could be applied for low-cost sperm separation and counting in the future.

P–011 Automated sperm morphology assessment using artificial intelligence technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Agarwal ◽  
M K Panne. Selvam
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Sperm Morphology ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Diagnostic Use ◽  
Normal Sperm

Abstract Study question Can LensHooke X1 PRO semen analyzer be used to evaluate sperm morphology in men with infertility? Summary answer Morphology results generated by X1 PRO are highly reliable when normal sperm forms are ≥4% and therefore they can be reported in such cases . What is known already Most laboratories rely on manual evaluation of sperm morphology smears, which is a time-consuming procedure and its results are subjected to a relatively high variability. However, in recent years the computer-assisted semen analyzers are being increasingly used to evaluate sperm morphology. The X1 PRO semen quality analyzer was designed for in vitro diagnostic use to analyze sperm concentration, total, progressive and non-progressive motility as well as sperm morphology based on WHO 5th edition criteria. Evaluation of sperm morphology using X1 PRO based on AIOM (Artificial Intelligence Optical Microscopic)-based technology requires no fixation steps or staining unlike the manual method. Study design, size, duration This cross-sectional study used 31 semen samples from 8 normozoospermic healthy volunteers and 5 infertile men with a minimum abstinence period between 2 - 3 days. While the 8 healthy semen donors produced a total of 26 ejaculates, which were split into 88 aliquots, the 5 infertile patients produced 5 ejaculates that were split into 13 aliquots. Participants/materials, setting, methods A total of 101 aliquots were prepared from the native semen samples either by dilution or concentration using seminal plasma of the respective donors. Automated semen analysis was performed by the X1 PRO semen analyzer and the results of sperm morphology were compared with manual morphology results using Diff-Quik staining. Statistical analysis was carried out to calculate the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of X1 PRO semen analyzer. Main results and the role of chance The X1 PRO sperm morphology results show a weak non-significant (P = 0.2441) correlation (r = 0.119) with the manual results. However, X1 PRO demonstrated a high PPV (97.7%) and a low NPV (9.1%) for correct assessment of sperm morphology (≥4%) when compared to manual results. Due to its high PPV, laboratories can report the morphology results generated by X1 PRO in all such cases when normal sperm forms are ≥4%. However, a manual evaluation is necessary in patients with abnormal morphology (&lt;4%). Limitations, reasons for caution One of the limitation of this study is that X1 PRO morphology values did not correlate with manual results. The low NPV seen in our study is due to the inclusion of very few samples with abnormal sperm forms (&lt;4%) in the analysis. Wider implications of the findings: The X1 PRO’s combination of speed, ease of use, accuracy and portability makes it a good choice of device for small medical offices to large IVF centers. High PPV of X1 PRO allows it to correctly identify normal sperm forms for diagnostic use. Trial registration number 18–771

55 EFFECT OF TREHALOSE FOR FROZEN–THAWED RAM SPERM MOTILITY PARAMETERS

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 120
Author(s):  
M. M. Toishibekov ◽  
M. T. Jazkbayev ◽  
B. B. Molzhigitov
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Indigenous Sheep ◽  
Standard Tool ◽  
Freezing Curve ◽  
Ram Sperm

Computer-assisted sperm analysers have become the standard tool for evaluating sperm motility because they provide objective results for thousands of mammalian spermatozoa. Ram semen was collected using electro-ejaculation from 10 adult rams of Chingizskaya indigenous sheep breed. Motility was determined using computer-automated semen analysis (Hamilton Thorne Motility Analyzer, Beverly, MA, USA). Trehalose solution (0.375 M) was added to Tris-buffered saline solution to give the following trehalose extenders: 25, 50, 75, and 100% (vol:vol), and analysed for motility using computer-automated semen analysis. The sperm pellets were resuspended at 24°C in cooling extender – trehalose extenders of each concentration containing 5% egg yolk. The diluted semen was cooled to 5°C within 2 h. The semen was then further diluted 1 : 1 with freezing extender – each trehalose extender containing 1.5% glycerol to obtain a sperm concentration of 2.0 × 108 cells mL–1 – and then loaded into 0.5-mL straws. Straws were frozen using a programmable freezer with a freezing curve of 5°C to –5°C at 4°C per min, –5°C to –110°C at 25°C per min, and –110°C to –140°C at 35°C per min, and then the straws were plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage. Frozen samples were thawed in a 37°C water bath for 30 s and analysed for motility using computer-automated semen analysis. Statistical analyses were performed with a Student's test. The fresh semen samples showed the next results: motility 88.3 ± 2.4%, progressive motility 26.8 ± 6.9%, and progressive velocity 61.9 ± 4.2 μm s–1. Motility of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa was 63.6 ± 2.9% (25% trehalose), 55.6 ± 5.2% (50%), 32.4 ± 4.7% (75%), and 23.6 ± 3.2 (100%). Progressive motility was 15.6 ± 3.9% (25%), 13.7 ± 3.7% (50%), 4.5 ± 1.3% (75%), and 5.2 ± 1.3% (100%). Progressive velocity was 93.5 ± 8.3 μm s–1 (25%), 85.4 ± 8.1 μm s–1 (50%), 65.7 ± 6.1 μm s–1 (75%), 35.2 ± 3.3 μm s–1 (100%). Motility of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa significantly decreased with increasing concentrations of trehalose in the extender (P < 0.05). These preliminary studies showed that further research is needed of use trehalose for ram spermatozoa cryoconservation.

scholarly journals The effect of varicocele on semen quality in boars exposed to heat stress1

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 293-298
Author(s):  
Tasha R Gruhot ◽  
Lea A Rempel ◽  
Brett R White ◽  
Benny E Mote
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Swine Industry ◽  
Maternal Line ◽  
Component Trait ◽  
Potential Marker ◽  
Quality Issues

Abstract Semen quality has a dramatic impact on reproductive efficiency in the swine industry, influencing both conception rate and litter size. The objective of this study was to assess whether the presence of varicocele hinders semen quality in both thermoneutral and heat stress (HS) conditions. At approximately 6 mo of age, ultrasonography was used to measure left and right pampiniform plexus area in order to detect varicocele in maternal line boars at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Between 10 and 12 mo of age, semen was collected from each boar (n = 28) twice weekly. Boars were collected under thermoneutral conditions, were then heat stressed for 7 d to exacerbate any semen quality issues, and semen was collected post-HS for 6 wk. Sperm characteristics were determined by computer-assisted semen analysis. The presence of varicocele had a significant effect on sperm concentration (P = 0.04) and trended toward significance for mean sperm head area (P = 0.06) throughout the duration of the study. An interaction existed between varicocele and collection time point at weeks 2–5 post-HS for distal droplet percentage, suggesting that boars with varicocele were possibly more susceptible to heat-stress-induced semen quality issues than boars without varicocele. Moreover, semen quality was reduced in boars with versus without varicocele under both thermoneutral and HS conditions. Therefore, detection of varicocele by ultrasound could represent a potential marker of fertility in young boars or as a component trait in selection indices for fertility.

scholarly journals Impact of Seminal Plasma Trace Elements on Human Sperm Motility Parameters

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mostakhdem Hashemi ◽  
Nasser Behnampour ◽  
Mojgan Nejabat ◽  
Afsaneh Tabandeh ◽  
Behrouz Ghazi-Moghaddam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Human Seminal Plasma

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.

scholarly journals 221 Effect of age and rut period on the semen quality in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 48-49
Author(s):  
Elena Nikitkina ◽  
Artem Musidray ◽  
Anna Krutikova ◽  
Svetlana Timofeeva ◽  
Kirill Plemyashov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Reindeer Herding ◽  
Russian Science ◽  
Effect Of Age

Abstract Reindeer herding is a traditional activity of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic. Assisted reproductive technology in reindeer herding are under development. This is due to the difficulty of collecting reindeer sperm (Rangifer tarandus) in the Arctic. The aim of the work was to study the influence of age and rut period on the quality of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) sperm. Semen was collected in Taimyr in autumn 2017, 2018. Ejaculate volume, total (TM) and progressive motility (PM) and sperm concentration were evaluated. TM, PM and sperm concentration were measured by CASA (computer-assisted semen analysis). Sperm was not found in caudae epididymidae in males at the age of six months. The sperm was collected only from caudae epididymidae from males aged 1.5 and 2.5 years. Collecting of ejaculated semen is possible in males from 3.5 years of age. The volume of ejaculate increased from 0.3±0.09 ml (mean±SD) at the age of 3.5 years to 0.7±0.09 ml at the age of 5.5 years and older (P &lt; 0.05). Concentration of cells increased by 2 times in older males. It is known that reindeer sperm can be collected only during the rut. At the beginning and end of the rut, the collection of sperm by electroejaculation was not always successful, sperm was collected in 3 of 10 cases, while in the middle of the rut in 9 of 10 cases. There was no significant effect of the rut period on the ejaculate volume and sperm concentration. The lowest TM (51.1±2.16%) and PM (33.5±7.90%) were at the beginning of the rut, the highest at the end (73.0±5.02% and 59.0 ± 6,30%) (P &lt; 0.01). Thus, the effect of age and rutting period on the reindeer sperm was observed. Authors acknowledge financial support from Russian Science Foundation, Grant No:17-16-01023.

scholarly journals Computer-Assisted Human Semen Analysis Sampling Errors and Reproducibility

1988 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
KENNETH A. GINSBURG ◽  
KAMRAN S. MOGHISSI ◽  
ERNEST L. ABEL
Keyword(s):  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Human Semen ◽  
Sampling Errors

scholarly journals 324 ADJUSTING SPERM CONCENTRATION USED TO INSEMINATE SUPERSTIMULATED BEEF COWS, IN ORDER TO AVOID DECLINE IN EMBRYO PRODUCTION

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 313
Author(s):  
C.M. Barros ◽  
M.F.G. Nogueira
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
The Other ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
Group 5 ◽  
Group 2

The quantity and quality of semen may affect conception rate after artificial insemination (AI). The concentration of motile spermatozoa, after thawing, varies according to the sire and lot of frozen semen used. The minimum amount of spermatozoa required in a semen straw was determined to obtain pregnancy after a single AI of a non-superovulated animal. However, superstimulation of embryo donors results in the availability of many more oocytes (an average 10–20) for fertilization than in a non-superovulated female (1 oocyte). The purpose of the present work was to verify if by adjusting the concentration of motile spermatozoa, in straws with low sperm concentration, the percentage of viable embryos is comparable to those obtained using straws with high sperm concentration after thawing. Nelore cows (Bos taurus indicus) were superstimulated with a protocol termed P36 (Barros CM et al. 2003 Theriogenology 59, 524 abst), in which the ovulation is induced by exogenous LH (12.5 mg, Lutropin®, Vetrepharm, London, Ontario, Canada), administered 36 h after PGF2α. One sample of each lot of semen was analyzed by CASA (computer-assisted semen analysis), and motile sperm concentration, after thawing, was adjusted to a minimum of 25–30 × 106 spermatozoa, which is approximately 3 to 4 times higher than the sperm concentration used for a regular AI. Fixed-time AI (FTAI) was performed 12, 24, and sometimes 36 h after exogenous LH. The number of semen straws necessary to obtain at least 25 × 106 spermatozoa varied from 2 to 6 (Groups 2 to 6, respectively). Since at least two semen straws were used per animal, there is no Group 1. The number of FTAI was adjusted according to the number of straws used, i.e., 2 straws (FTAI 12 and 24 h after LH), and 3 or more straws (12, 24, and 36 h after LH). Mean total structures (oocytes, viable embryos and degenerate embryos), mean viable embryos per flushing, and viability rate (percentage of viable embryos/total structures) were, respectively: 12.2, 8.9, and 73.6% (Group 2, n = 19 flushings); 13.5, 9.6, and 70.9% (Group 3, n = 101); 13.3, 9.4, and 70.9% (Group 4, n = 22); 5.5, 4.0, and 72.7% (Group 5, n = 4); and 24.0, 13.0, and 54.2% (Group 6, n = 1). When the results from Groups 4, 5, and 6 were pooled, total structures, viable embryos, and viability rate were: 12.5, 8.7, and 69.8% (n = 27). The statistical analysis was performed using the ratio of viable embryos/total structures for each flushing, transformed in square root followed by arc sin. Data from groups 4, 5 and 6 were pooled before comparing to the other groups by ANOVA. In order to facilitate the comprehension of the results, data were presented as viability rate instead of means of arc sin. There was no difference when comparing pooled data from Groups 4, 5, and 6 with the other groups (2 or 3; P = 0.87; ANOVA). It is concluded that by adjusting the concentration of motile spermatozoa in straws with low sperm concentration (Groups 4, 5, and 6), the viability rates are comparable to those obtained using semen with high sperm concentration (Group 2 or 3). Nogueira has a fellowship from FAPESP (Sã Paulo).

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