Conventional Semen Research Articles

MP01-04 A NEW SEMEN CONTAINER DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE TO SPERM DURING TRANSPORTATION AT LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP01-04 A NEW SEMEN CONTAINER DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE TO SPERM DURING TRANSPORTATION AT LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS Hiroshi Okada, Toshiyuki Iwahata, Hiroshi Okada, Hiroshi Okada, Kazutaka Saito, and Kouhei Sugimoto Hiroshi OkadaHiroshi Okada More articles by this author , Toshiyuki IwahataToshiyuki Iwahata More articles by this author , Hiroshi OkadaHiroshi Okada More articles by this author , Hiroshi OkadaHiroshi Okada More articles by this author , Kazutaka SaitoKazutaka Saito More articles by this author , and Kouhei SugimotoKouhei Sugimoto More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003212.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Rapid cooling is believed to be harmful to mammalian spermatozoa. Thus, special care should be taken when transporting semen in low temperature conditions. A new semen container, TPS-2 was designed to protect sperm against damage caused by cold shock. We investigated the ability of TPS-2 to protect sperm from low temperature conditions, using sperm from both fertile and infertile men. METHODS: We measured the change in temperature of semen stored in TPS-2 at 10°C compared with Sperm Cup, a conventional semen collecting cup. We also investigated change in total sperm motility, sperm DNA fragmentation index, and seminal oxidation-reduction potential when stored in TPS-2 or Sperm Cup at 10°C. We used Sperm Cup and TPS-2 to transport 25 semen samples of infertile patients from home to the clinic below 10°C, and compared the difference of sperm motion parameters. RESULTS: After storage for 3 h, the temperature in TPS-2 and Sperm Cup was 20.1°C and 12.1°C, respectively (Figure 1). The temperature dropped more gradually in TPS-2 than in Sperm Cup. Semen from fertile volunteers stored in Sperm Cup showed significantly lower total sperm motility, whereas in TPS-2, total sperm motility was the same as at 25°C (Figure 2). Semen from infertile patients stored at 10°C showed significantly lower total sperm motility in Sperm Cup. In TPS-2, total sperm motility did not change after storage at 10°C for 3 h. TPS-2 could maintain sperm motility (p=0.000), percentage of rapid moving sperm (p=0.002) and total motile sperm count (p=0.014) during transportation in low temperature conditions (Figure 3). CONCLUSIONS: TPS-2 maintains the temperature of semen stored in it during exposure to low temperatures conditions, preventing sperm damage. TPS-2 is recommended for transportation of semen in cold conditions. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e2 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Hiroshi Okada More articles by this author Toshiyuki Iwahata More articles by this author Hiroshi Okada More articles by this author Hiroshi Okada More articles by this author Kazutaka Saito More articles by this author Kouhei Sugimoto More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Computer-assisted semen analysis in large falcons (Falco spp.) and comparison to results of conventional semen analysis

Numerous raptor species including some falcon species are facing continuous population decline in the wild and some are threatened by extinction. To support these species, captive breeding and reintroduction programs are attempted. Besides conservation, some large falcon species are commonly used in falconry and therefore bred commercially. Assisted reproduction is established in falcon breeding since the 1970s and semen analysis is an integral part to enable assessment of breeding males, inclusion or exclusion of semen donors and quality control of semen prior to artificial insemination. Conventional methods for semen analysis are widely used, but are time consuming and depend on the investigator's experience and ability. Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) would offer an objective, fast and reproducible alternative, but as they have not been established in large falcon species, this was the aim of this study. To this end, we examined in 3 breeding seasons 109 semen samples of gyr-saker hybrid falcons (n=2) and peregrine falcons (n=4) in 940 fields of view using the Minitube CASA SpermVision and compared these results to results of conventional methods of semen analysis. We used a preprogrammed setting and adapted two settings of CASA according to specific semen characteristics of falcons. Sperm velocity, motility and viability parameters were recorded successfully using CASA. Correlation of conventional and computer-assisted motility analysis improved during the process of adaptation of CASA settings, but both methods differed significantly due to misinterpretation of round bodies and semen impurities by CASA. Viability values of conventional and computer assisted viability analysis using SYBR-PI correlated significantly while sperm concentration did not at all. CASA failed to replace conventional semen analysis regarding sperm motility and sperm concentration using 3 different settings, as a reliable differentiation between spermatozoa, spermatids and round bodies was not achieved. Using CASA, sperm velocity parameters were measured in spermatozoa of captive-bred large falcons for the first time and may be used as orientation values.

MP43-16 VARICOCELE INDUCED TESTICULAR HYPERTHERMIA: INFRARED DIGITAL THERMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF SURGICAL VARICOCELE CORRECTION ON POSTOPERATIVE TESTICULAR TEMPERATURE AND REPRODUCTIVE OUTCOME

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP43-16 VARICOCELE INDUCED TESTICULAR HYPERTHERMIA: INFRARED DIGITAL THERMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF SURGICAL VARICOCELE CORRECTION ON POSTOPERATIVE TESTICULAR TEMPERATURE AND REPRODUCTIVE OUTCOME Mohammed Mahdi, Kareim Khalafalla, Ahmed Al Saeedi, Mohamed Arafa, Haitham Elbardisi, Sami Alsaid, and Ahmad Majzoub Mohammed MahdiMohammed Mahdi More articles by this author , Kareim KhalafallaKareim Khalafalla More articles by this author , Ahmed Al SaeediAhmed Al Saeedi More articles by this author , Mohamed ArafaMohamed Arafa More articles by this author , Haitham ElbardisiHaitham Elbardisi More articles by this author , Sami AlsaidSami Alsaid More articles by this author , and Ahmad MajzoubAhmad Majzoub More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003289.16AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Testicular hyperthermia is considered as one of the main pathophysiological mechanisms of spermatogenic dysfunction in patients with varicocele. The aim is to compare scrotal & inguinal temperature measurements between varicocele patients and normal controls linking such measurements with semen parameters, in addition to the evaluation of changes in such variables after varicocele repair. METHODS: Patients with clinical varicocele were included. They were classified into normal semen (group I; n=25); & abnormal semen (group II; n=34). Controls (group III; n=30 ) with no varicocele & normal semen parameters were recruited. Initial conventional semen analysis (WHO 2010) and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) test (MiOXSYS) were performed. Bilateral inguinoscrotal infrared digital thermographic imaging (FLIR E6, Wilsonville, USA) was done.21 patients from group II underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy, temperature measurements & semen analysis were repeated 3 months post-surgery.Temperature were compared between all groups using ANOVA. Paired t-test was used to evaluate changes in temperature & semen parameters after the procedure. Pearson’s correlations were used to explore the association between temperature measurements & different variables and between changes in post-operative temperature with the changes in semen parameters. RESULTS: Bilateral scrotal temperatures, ORP and semen DNA fragmentation were significantly higher in group II compared with the other 2 groups.Left scrotal temperature was significantly negatively correlated with sperm concentration (-0.268, p=0.004), total motility (-0.337, p<0.001), normal morphology (-0.282, p=0.003) & left testicular size (-0.292, p=0.002). While it was significantly positively correlated with ORP (0.374, p=0.01). After varicocelectomy, there was a significant decrease in bilateral testicular temperature (p=0.01), and a significant increase in the sperm count (p= 0.03) & Normal morphology (p≤0.001), however, no significant correlation was identified between changes in testicular temperature & changes in all semen parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Increased scrotal temperature is detected in patients with testicular dysfunction secondary to clinical varicocele. Varicocele repair results in improvements in testicular temperature & semen parameters. Further studies with larger samples are needed to support correlations between post-operative outcomes. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e607 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Mohammed Mahdi More articles by this author Kareim Khalafalla More articles by this author Ahmed Al Saeedi More articles by this author Mohamed Arafa More articles by this author Haitham Elbardisi More articles by this author Sami Alsaid More articles by this author Ahmad Majzoub More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Analytical Determination of Heavy Metals in Human Seminal Plasma-A Systematic Review.

Infertility is a growing concerning health problem affecting around 15% of couples worldwide. Conventional semen parameters have limited accuracy for male infertility potential determination. Current advances in the understanding of male infertility indicate that environmental and occupational exposure to chemical contaminants are important etiological factors leading to infertility problems. In this context, some heavy metals (HMs) can be considered as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), thus altering the seminal quality. This systematic review aims to summarize the key points to detect and quantify HMs in human seminal plasma (SP) and the involved analytical tools. Our results showed that that for HM quantification, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) were the most employed techniques while Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cr were the analytes most often detected. Fast, reliable, and sensitive quantification of EDCs in SP could be important for the development of accurate diagnostic and preventive strategies to address male infertility towards providing personalized therapy.

Machine learning-based clustering to identify the combined effect of the DNA fragmentation index and conventional semen parameters on in vitro fertilization outcomes

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated an association between male sperm quality and assisted reproduction outcomes, focusing on the effects of individual parameters and reaching controversial conclusions. The WHO 6th edition manual highlights a new semen assay, the sperm DNA fragmentation index, for use after routine semen examination. However, the combined effect of the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and routine semen parameters remains largely unknown.MethodsWe assessed the combined effect of the sperm DFI and conventional semen parameters on single fresh conventional IVF outcomes for infertile couples from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2020. IVF outcomes were obtained from the cohort database follow-up records of the Clinical Reproductive Medicine Management System of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. An unsupervised K-means clustering method was applied to classify participants into several coexposure pattern groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was used for statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 549 live births among 1258 couples occurred during the follow-up period. A linear exposure–response relationship was observed among the sperm DFI, sperm motility, and IVF outcomes. In multivariable adjustment, increased sperm DFI values and decreased sperm motility and semen concentration levels were associated with reduced odds of favourable IVF outcomes. Four coexposure patterns were generated based on the sperm DFI and the studied semen parameters, as follows: Cluster 1 (low sperm DFI values and high sperm motility and semen concentration levels), Cluster 2 (low sperm DFI values and moderate sperm motility and semen concentration levels), Cluster 3 (low sperm DFI values and low sperm motility and semen concentration levels) and Cluster 4 (high sperm DFI values and low sperm motility and semen concentration levels). Compared with those in Cluster 1, participants in Cluster 3 and Cluster 4 had lower odds of a live birth outcome, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of 0.733 (0.537, 0.998) and 0.620 (0.394, 0.967), respectively.ConclusionsWhen combined with low sperm DFI values, there was no significant difference between high or moderate sperm concentration and motility levels, and both were associated with favourable IVF outcomes. Low sperm parameter levels, even when DFI values remain low, may still lead to poor IVF outcomes. Participants with high sperm DFI values and low sperm motility and semen concentration levels had the worst outcomes. Our findings offer a novel perspective for exploring the joint effects of sperm DFI and routine semen parameter values.

Decrease of air pollution during lockdown in Tuscany (Italy): An effect on sperm DNA fragmentation?

In March 2020, the Italian government imposed a national lockdown which was almost completely removed in June 2020. Due to the abrupt stop of human activities, emissions of air pollutants decreased. Air pollution is an environmental risk factor for noncommunicable disease and mortality. Emerging evidence also suggests a role in male infertility. In this study, we compared sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) levels and conventional semen parameters between subjects undergoing sDF determination and routine semen analysis in a single Italian centre, during about 6 months before (N = 119) and after lockdown (N = 105). After lockdown, we found an improvement of sperm progressive motility (48.00[38.50-58.00]% vs. 42.00[33.00-53.00]%) and sDF levels (as total: 24.79[18.33-33.97]% vs. 35.02[25.04-45.73]%, p < .001; brighter: 14.02[10.69-17.93]% vs 18.54[13.58-25.82]%, p < .001 and dimmer sDF: 9.24[5.64-15.78]% vs. 12.24[8.08-19.10]%, p < .01), mirrored by a decrease of leukocyte semen concentration (p < .01). The improvement of sperm motility and DNA quality was maintained after adjusting for leukocyte concentration and several conditions known to affect sperm motility and/or sDF levels. With a significant decrease in air pollution observed in Tuscany during and after lockdown, associated improvement in sperm motility and DNA quality in patients referred to the infertility clinic is suggestive of the potential role of air pollution in male infertility.

Veal and beef meat quality of crossbred calves from dairy herds using sexed semen and semen from double-muscled sires

The use of sexed semen to produce replacement heifers in dairy farms allows many cows to be inseminated with bulls of beef breeds with the aim of improving meat production. The major dairy and beef breeds are undergoing rapid genetic improvement as a result of more efficient selection methods, necessitating evaluation of the quality of meat produced by beef × dairy crosses obtained using current genetics. As part of a larger project, we carried out quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the veal and beef produced from crossbred calves produced by dairy farms that use sexed semen to obtain purebred replacement heifers. A total of 231 bull-calves were reared in the dairy farms or in specialised fattening farms, slaughtered, and sampled for meat quality analysis. These comprised: 104 crossbred calves, mainly from Belgian Blue sires and Holstein dams, which were intensively fattened for veal production; 84 beef × dairy crossbred calves, destined for beef production on the dairy farm of origin (12 calves) or in a specialised intensive fattening centre (72 calves); 26 purebred Charolais and 17 beef crosses from suckler cows, included for comparison, which were fattened in the same fattening centre and fed the same diet as the beef × dairy crosses. Veal and beef meat differed in all quality traits; the beef produced by dairy farmers was better than the beef produced by specialised fatteners in terms of cooking losses and tenderness, even though these animals were much older and weighed less at slaughter. There were minor differences in the quality traits of veal between the various beef × dairy breed combinations. In the case of intensive beef production, minor differences were observed between Belgian Blue-sired crosses from Brown Swiss cows (lipid content and shear force of meat) and Belgian Blue-sired crosses from crossbred cows (haem iron, lightness, yellowness, and hue) in comparison with crosses from Holstein cows. The beef of young bulls from suckler cows (Charolais and crosses) had a lower pH, dry matter and lipid contents, slightly higher cholesterol and haem iron contents, and higher cooking losses than meat from beef × dairy crosses. Taking into account the results from the entire project, we conclude that the combined use of sexed semen for pure-breeding and conventional beef semen for terminal crossbreeding improves meat production from dairy herds, both quantitatively and qualitatively. HIGHLIGHTS The meat from beef × dairy crossbred calves was found to have valuable qualitative characteristics. With regard to veal production, the meat quality characteristics of crossbred calves did not differ appreciably between breed combinations. With regard to intensive beef production, the meat from beef × dairy young bulls had greater quality than that from suckler cows. Crosses fattened by dairy farmers grew slower than those by specialised fatteners, but their beef was better in terms of cooking losses and tenderness.

ANALIZA EFEKTYWNOSCI WYKORZYSTANIA NASIENIA SEKSOWANEGO U KRÓW MLECZNYCH W WYBRANYM STADZIE

Biotechnological methods can be used in dairy cow reproduction to increase reproductive potential and improve economic outcomes of milk production. Biotechnological methods widely used in reproduction include artificial insemination and embryo transfer, and more recently insemination with sexed semen, which makes it possible to control the sex of the offspring. This study presents an analysis of the effectiveness of the use of sexed semen in a selected herd of dairy cows. The results confirmed the effectiveness of sexed semen at increasing births of female calves. Sexed semen was most effective among heifers. In that group the fewest insemination doses were required for conception (1.54), and pregnancy after the first insemination procedure was noted in 52.2% of cases. The values of selected fertility parameters (calving-to-first-service interval, service period, services per conception, and rate of conception after first service) did not deviate significantly from recommended values in cows inseminated with sexed and unsexed semen. Among the group of cows inseminated with sexed semen, fertility parameters were significantly more favourable than in the group inseminated with conventional semen.

Sorted Bulls' X-Chromosome-Bearing Spermatozoa Show Increased GAPDHS Activity Correlating with Motility.

Sperm sexing is a technique for spermatozoa sorting into populations enriched with X- or Y-chromosome-bearing cells and is widely used in the dairy industry. Investigation of the characteristics of sorted semen is of practical interest, because it could contribute to the enhancement of sexed semen fertility characteristics, which are currently lower than those of conventional semen. Comparison of a spermatozoa population enriched with X-chromosome-bearing cells to a mixed population is also intriguing in the context of potential differences that drive the mechanisms of primary sex-ratio determination. In this work, sexed (X spermatozoa) and conventional spermatozoa of Holstein bulls were analyzed for the content and enzymatic activity of GAPDHS, a sperm-specific isoform of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase that plays a significant role in the regulation of flagellar activity. No difference in the amount of this glycolysis enzyme per cell was revealed, but, notably, GAPDHS enzymatic activity in the sexed samples was significantly higher. Enzymatic activity among the group of sexed but not conventional sperm samples positively correlated with spermatozoa motility, which indicates the significant role of this enzyme for the sorted cells population.

Investigation on the mechanisms of human sperm DNA damage based on the proteomics analysis by SWATH-MS

BackgroundSpermatozoa have the task of delivering an intact paternal genome to the oocyte and supporting successful embryo development. The detection of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been emerging as a complementary test to conventional semen analysis for male infertility evaluation, but the mechanism leading to SDF and its impact on assisted reproduction remain unclear. Therefore, the study identified and analyzed the differentially expressed proteins of sperm with high and low SDF.MethodsSemen samples from men attended the infertility clinic during June 2020 and August 2020 were analyzed, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was detected by the sperm chromatin structure assay. Semen samples with low DFI (< 30%, control group) and high DFI (≥ 30%, experimental group) were optimized by density gradient centrifugation (DGC), and the differentially expressed proteins of obtained sperm were identified by the Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS) and performed GO and KEGG analysis.ResultsA total of 2186 proteins were identified and 1591 proteins were quantified, of which 252 proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins, including 124 upregulated and 128 downregulated. These differentially expressed proteins were involved in metabolic pathways, replication/recombination/repair, acrosomal vesicles, kinase regulators, fertilization, tyrosine metabolism, etc. Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of RAD23B and DFFA proteins and the levels of posttranslational ubiquitination and acetylation modifications in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, which was consistent with the results of proteomics analysis.ConclusionsProteomic markers of sperm with high DNA fragmentation can be identified by the SWATH-MS and bioinformatic analysis, and new protein markers and posttranslational modifications related to sperm DNA damage are expected to be intensively explored. Our findings may improve our understanding of the basic molecular mechanism of sperm DNA damage.

Effects of use of conventional and sexed semen on conception rate, calf sex, calf birth weight, and stillbirth in Holstein heifers

Pregnancy rate is low in artificial insemination with sexed semen compared to conventional semen. This situation poses a major problem for dairy farms. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of semen type on conception rate, calf sex and birth weight, stillbirth, pregnancy loss, and postpartum maternal body weight (MBW) in Holstein heifers inseminated with sexed (n = 229), and conventional semen (n = 153). The female and male calf ratios of the heifers inseminated with sexed and conventional semen were found to be 88% to 54.8% and 12% to 45.2%, respectively. There was a significant difference between sperm type and calf sex (p < 0.001). While 36.7% of calves between 34 and 36 kg birth weights were born from heifers inseminated with sexed semen, 15.7% were born from heifers inseminated with conventional semen. Moreover, 46% and 17.3% of calves that had birth weights of 36.1-38.1 kg and > 38.2 kg were born from heifers inseminated with sexed semen while 40% and 44.3% were born from heifers inseminated with conventional semen, respectively. A statistically significant relationship was found between semen type and calf birth weights (p < 0.001). After calving, there was a significant difference between semen type and MBW after calving (p < 0.001). In the sexed and conventional semen groups, the MBW after calving was found to range from 11.3% to 23.5% in the 400-460 kg, 46.7% to 57.4% in the 461-511 kg, and 42% to 19.1% in the 512-587 kg weight categories, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between sperm type and mean gestation length and calf birth weight, pregnancy loss, stillbirth rate, and weaning calf mortality rates. There was a strong positive correlation between semen type, sex, and calf birth weight. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the MBW, the gestation period and the survival status of the calves. It was determined that there was a minor positive relationship between the insemination season and the gestation period, MBW, and the survival status of the calves. Our results demonstrated that with careful and consistent application of herd management program in dairy cattle farms, the rates of pregnancy obtained with sexed and conventional semen will increase, whilst parameters such as stillbirth and pregnancy loss will decrease.

Pregnancy Rate and Sex-ratio of Calves Born to Sex-sorted Semen in Murrah Buffaloes

The research was carried out to study the pregnancy rate and sex-ratio of female calves born through sex-sorted semen in buffaloes. Murrah and graded Murrah buffaloes were inseminated with sex-sorted semen (n=44) and with conventional semen (n=20). Out of which 17 (38.63%) and 9 (45%) buffaloes were found pregnant in sex-sorted and conventional semen groups, respectively. Out of seventeen calves born with inseminations of sex-sorted semen, 15 (88.23%) were female calves while two (11.77%) calf born were male. Out of nine calves born with inseminations of conventional semen, 5 (55.55%) were females and four (44.45%) were male. Female calves born were 32.68 % more in sex-sorted semen compared to conventional semen in buffaloes so female sex-sorted semen should be utilized for production of more number of female calves in buffaloes.

Using mid-infrared spectroscopy to identify more fertile cows for insemination to sexed semen

Context Broader applications of milk mid-infrared spectral data could add value to milk-recording data. One such application is to rank cows on the probability of conception to first service (MFERT) which could help prioritise cows for insemination with dairy sexed semen (SS). Aims This study compared the use of MFERT estimates against two other approaches, to (1) identify most and least fertile dairy cows and (2) prioritise cows predicted to be most fertile for first service insemination with SS. Methods Mid-infrared spectral data from first herd test after calving was used to generate 13 379 MFERT predictions for 76 cohorts. Reproduction records were used to calculate reproductive parameters, calf numbers and net benefit, i.e. calf values minus mating costs, for two breeding programs. Breeding program 1 used SS and conventional dairy semen, while Breeding program 2 used SS, conventional dairy and beef semen. Three semen-allocation approaches were compared, namely, allocation via MFERT, calving date (CDATE) or assignment via random number generator (RANDOM). Key results MFERT significantly outperformed (1) RANDOM in identifying cows most and least likely to calf after first insemination (P &lt; 0.05), and (2) both CDATE and RANDOM in identifying cows most and least likely to calf overall (P &lt; 0.05). This resulted in up to 1.5 and 4.5 more dairy heifer calves, in Breeding programs 1 and 2 respectively, and up to six fewer dairy-beef calves in Breeding program 2. Differences in net benefit among semen-allocation approaches were modest, although generally favoured MFERT. Few significant differences between MFERT and CDATE were found. However, significant net benefit differences among all three semen-allocation approaches were seen in Breeding program 2. Conclusions MFERT outperformed CDATE and RANDOM in identifying most and least fertile cows. Realised net benefits of semen allocation by MFERT over other approaches were modest. Given the impact of semen type and dairy-beef calf prices value proposition will vary. Implications Our study confirmed that MFERT can add value to milk recording data by identifying the most and least fertile cows. As MFERT value is sensitive to individual farm parameters, incorporation alongside other fertility parameters into a decision support tool is desirable.

Relation between semen oxidative reduction potential in initial semen examination and IVF outcomes.

The MiOXSYS system is a new technique to analyze the semen oxidative reduction potential (ORP) that may use to classify the level of sperm DNA integrity. It does not clearly explain how the semen ORP values could help to change the IVF outcomes. We have analyzed correlations between semen ORP value and the IVF results. Four hundred and thirty couples were enrolled. The male counterparts were divided into two groups according to their semen ORP values and compared the fertilization rate, cell cleavage rate, and embryo quality, following the IVF procedures. The relations between ORP values and the clinical pregnancy, live birth, and abortion rates were analyzed. The ORP values show negative and positive correlations with some conventional semen parameters. The fertilization and the cleavage rate did not show any differences in those two groups, but the transferable embryo rate was significantly high in patients with high semen ORP. However, the patients with high ORP show a tendency to lower clinical pregnancy with a low abortion rate compared to the low ORP group. The main purpose of measuring the ORP value in semen is still questionable and shows controversial results.

Does Varicocele Repair Improve Conventional Semen Parameters? A Meta-Analytic Study of Before-After Data.

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to study the impact of varicocele repair in the largest cohort of infertile males with clinical varicocele by including all available studies, with no language restrictions, comparing intra-person conventional semen parameters before and after the repair of varicoceles. The meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA-P and MOOSE guidelines. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Eligible studies were selected according to the PICOS model (Population: infertile male patients with clinical varicocele; Intervention: varicocele repair; Comparison: intra-person before-after varicocele repair; Outcome: conventional semen parameters; Study type: randomized controlled trials [RCTs], observational and case-control studies). Out of 1,632 screened abstracts, 351 articles (23 RCTs, 292 observational, and 36 case-control studies) were included in the quantitative analysis. The before-and-after analysis showed significant improvements in all semen parameters after varicocele repair (except sperm vitality); semen volume: standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.203, 95% CI: 0.129-0.278; p<0.001; I²=83.62%, Egger's p=0.3329; sperm concentration: SMD 1.590, 95% CI: 1.474-1.706; p<0.001; I²=97.86%, Egger's p<0.0001; total sperm count: SMD 1.824, 95% CI: 1.526-2.121; p<0.001; I²=97.88%, Egger's p=0.0063; total motile sperm count: SMD 1.643, 95% CI: 1.318-1.968; p<0.001; I²=98.65%, Egger's p=0.0003; progressive sperm motility: SMD 1.845, 95% CI: 1.537%-2.153%; p<0.001; I²=98.97%, Egger's p<0.0001; total sperm motility: SMD 1.613, 95% CI 1.467%-1.759%; p<0.001; l2=97.98%, Egger's p<0.001; sperm morphology: SMD 1.066, 95% CI 0.992%-1.211%; p<0.001; I²=97.87%, Egger's p=0.1864. The current meta-analysis is the largest to date using paired analysis on varicocele patients. In the current meta-analysis, almost all conventional semen parameters improved significantly following varicocele repair in infertile patients with clinical varicocele.

Controversy and Consensus on Indications for Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations.

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing was recently added to the sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Many conditions and risk factors have been associated with elevated SDF; therefore, it is important to identify the population of infertile men who might benefit from this test. The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to indications for SDF testing, compare the relevant professional society guideline recommendations, and provide expert recommendations. Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to take part in a global online survey on SDF clinical practices. This was conducted following the CHERRIES checklist criteria. The responses were compared to professional society guideline recommendations related to SDF and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations on indications for SDF testing were then formulated, and the Delphi method was used to reach consensus. The survey was completed by 436 experts from 55 countries. Almost 75% of respondents test for SDF in all or some men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, 39% order it routinely in the work-up of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and 62.2% investigate SDF in smokers. While 47% of reproductive urologists test SDF to support the decision for varicocele repair surgery when conventional semen parameters are normal, significantly fewer general urologists (23%; p=0.008) do the same. Nearly 70% would assess SDF before assisted reproductive technologies (ART), either always or for certain conditions. Recurrent ART failure is a common indication for SDF testing. Very few society recommendations were found regarding SDF testing. This article presents the largest global survey on the indications for SDF testing in infertile men, and demonstrates diverse practices. Furthermore, it highlights the paucity of professional society guideline recommendations. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians.

Explaining the Unexplained: Examining the Predictive Value of Semen Parameters, Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Metal Levels in Unexplained Infertility.

There is ongoing research to find an optimum modality to predict male fertility potential. To compare the semen parameters, sperm DNA damage and seminal metal levels of Zinc, Lead and Aluminium among the male partners of couples with unexplained infertility and men with proven fertility. Prospective case-control study at a tertiary level teaching hospital. One hundred male partners of couples with unexplained subfertility and 50 men with proven fertility were included in the study. Male partners of unexplained infertility couples and fertile men were compared for their semen parameters, sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) and seminal metal levels in semen. Chi-square test, Student's t-test, sensitivity and specificity analysis, binomial logistic regression analysis. Fertile men had statistically significantly higher mean progressive sperm motility than male partners of unexplained infertility (53.12 ± 9.89% vs. 44.81 ± 19.47%, P = 0.005). Semen volume and sperm concentration were comparable among the cases and control population. The mean sperm DFI was significantly lower among fertile men (10.83 ± 6.28 vs. 21.38 ± 10.28, P < 0.0001). Plotting the receiver-operating characteristic curve the threshold for discrimination was calculated to be 18% DFI. The sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy were 43%, 84% and 56.67%, respectively when the DFI cut-off was set at 18%. Zinc concentration in the semen had a strong positive correlation (Point Biserial correlation coefficient = 0.831) with fertility, whereas lead and aluminium had a moderate negative correlation. Conventional semen analysis had limited differentiating ability for unexplained infertility. The sperm DFI may be employed for explanatory purposes among couples with unexplained subfertility. A lower discriminatory threshold of DFI (18%) has better overall accuracy as opposed to a 30% cutpoint for unexplained subfertility. Among metals, Zinc was strongly correlated with fertility status.

Controversy and Consensus on the Management of Elevated Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations.

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been associated with male infertility and poor outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to the management of elevated SDF in infertile men, summarize the relevant professional society recommendations, and provide expert recommendations for managing this condition. An online global survey on clinical practices related to SDF was disseminated to reproductive clinicians, according to the CHERRIES checklist criteria. Management protocols for various conditions associated with SDF were captured and compared to the relevant recommendations in professional society guidelines and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations and consensus on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF were then formulated and adapted using the Delphi method. A total of 436 experts from 55 different countries submitted responses. As an initial approach, 79.1% of reproductive experts recommend lifestyle modifications for infertile men with elevated SDF, and 76.9% prescribe empiric antioxidants. Regarding antioxidant duration, 39.3% recommend 4-6 months and 38.1% recommend 3 months. For men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, and couples experiencing recurrent miscarriages associated with elevated SDF, most respondents refer to ART 6 months after failure of conservative and empiric medical management. Infertile men with clinical varicocele, normal conventional semen parameters, and elevated SDF are offered varicocele repair immediately after diagnosis by 31.4%, and after failure of antioxidants and conservative measures by 40.9%. Sperm selection techniques and testicular sperm extraction are also management options for couples undergoing ART. For most questions, heterogenous practices were demonstrated. This paper presents the results of a large global survey on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF and reveals a lack of consensus among clinicians. Furthermore, it demonstrates the scarcity of professional society guidelines in this regard and attempts to highlight the relevant evidence. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians.

Semen cryopreservation in Bornean Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus)

Semen cryopreservation is one common tool for extended genome storage and serves as insurance for declining biodiversity. In the endangered Bornean sun bear, semen was collected with electroejaculation and this is the first attempt at semen cryopreservation for this subspecies. Chilled semen with motility of more than 50 % was extended with Caniplus freezing medium, and cryopreserved with slow freezing protocol. A total of 22 cryopreserved semen straws were evaluated with computer-assisted sperm analysis and conventional semen evaluation tests as well as additional functional tests including evaluation of the acrosome (Rose Bengal Fast Green stain), plasma membrane (hypoosmotic swelling test), and chromatin (toluidine blue stain). Post-thaw semen quality was compromised with poor viability (27.6 ± 11.2 %), motility (8.3 ± 7.1 %), and progressive movement (1.3 ± 2.0 %) but maintained high integrity for the acrosome (71.1 ± 10.8 %), plasma membrane (54.7 ± 9.6 %), and chromatin (89.7 ± 7.6 %). The total post-thaw sperm abnormality was 51.7 ± 10.7 %, predominantly bent tail (28.0 ± 7.6 %) and proximal droplets (20.0 ± 11.8 %). Although this current cryopreservation was not a success, the compromised frozen-thawed semen may be a valuable resource in assisted reproductive technologies such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The three additional functional tests demonstrated were simple and affordable and hence are recommended to be part of the routine semen evaluation. Further research is required to develop species-specific cryopreservation protocols and to explore other assisted reproductive technologies in the Bornean sun bear.

Acoustofluidic semen analysis for veterinary male bovine infertility assessment

We demonstrate through the use of a unique acoustically driven microfluidic extensional rheometry platform (ADMiER) that a single measurement – i.e. the time required for a liquid bridge filament comprising a microlitre semen sample to thin and break up under elastocapillary stresses – constitutes an appropriate proxy for quantifying the motile sperm concentration of the sample in place of computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and haemocytometer measurements used in conventional semen assessment – without the need to separately resolve for individual dependencies on each sperm parameter. By benchmarking diagnostic test accuracy results of blind random bull semen samples ( $n=35$ ) against OpenCASA measurements of these parameters, ADMiER is capable of predicting sperm quality to 93.7 % accuracy, 91.4 % sensitivity and 97.5 % specificity, with respect to commonly adopted veterinary industry minimum values for fertility. These results therefore highlight the potential diagnostic capability of the platform as a conceptual first step towards the development of a rapid, low-cost and portable alternative for veterinary male bovine fertility assessment.