SVIA dataset: A new dataset of microscopic videos and images for computer-aided sperm analysis

Male Contraception Development: Monitoring Effective Spermatogenesis Suppression Utilizing a User-Controlled Sperm Concentration Test Compared with Standard Semen Analysis.

Male infertility is a commonly encountered pathology that is estimated to be a contributory factor in approximately 50% of couples seeking recourse to assisted reproductive technologies. Upon clinical presentation, such males are commonly subjected to conventional diagnostic andrological practices that rely on descriptive criteria to define their fertility based on the number of morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa encountered within their ejaculate. Despite the virtual ubiquitous adoption of such diagnostic practices, they are not without their limitations and accordingly, there is now increasing awareness of the importance of assessing sperm quality in order to more accurately predict a male’s fertility status. This realization raises the important question of which characteristics signify a high-quality, fertilization competent sperm cell. In this review, we reflect on recent advances in our mechanistic understanding of sperm biology and function, which are contributing to a growing armory of innovative approaches to diagnose and treat male infertility. In particular we review progress toward the implementation of precision medicine; the robust clinical adoption of which in the setting of fertility, currently lags well behind that of other fields of medicine. Despite this, research shows that the application of advanced technology platforms such as whole exome sequencing and proteomic analyses hold considerable promise in optimizing outcomes for the management of male infertility by uncovering and expanding our inventory of candidate infertility biomarkers, as well as those associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Similarly, the development of advanced imaging technologies in tandem with machine learning artificial intelligence are poised to disrupt the fertility care paradigm by advancing our understanding of the molecular and biological causes of infertility to provide novel avenues for future diagnostics and treatments.

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New horizons in human sperm selection for assisted reproduction

Purpose of review The sixth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen was recently published with specific step-by-step instructions for semen evaluation and sperm processing. Point-of-care (POC) testing for semen evaluation and microfluidics for sperm processing are rapidly evolving technologies that could impact how we evaluate and process sperm. Understanding the updated manual in the context of these novel technologies is important. Recent findings Proper standardization of semen evaluation and sperm processing will allow for consistent high-quality results among laboratories worldwide. POC testing could improve access to semen evaluations that generate referrals to male infertility specialists for further assessment. Microfluidics can select functional sperm with decreased DNA fragmentation in semen and testicular biopsy samples for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Clinical outcomes, such as pregnancy rates and live birth rates, have not been shown to be consistently improved with these technologies compared to conventional techniques, although high level evidence research in this area is limited. Summary POC testing and microfluidics have the potential to be combined with machine learning technologies to improve fertility care. If these technologies are appropriately optimized, they could change how we evaluate and process sperm, and potentially lead to improved ART outcomes. 

Evolution of the basic semen analysis and processing sperm

In the last decade, evidence of a relation between diet and human fertility has exponentially increased, allowing the identification of some clear outcomes. Male infertility is an increasing common concern. Although some patients have known anatomical, hormonal or functional disorders, the exact etiology remains unknown in a great number of cases. In different types of male infertility, generally associated with abnormalities in sperm morphology or function, there is clear evidence of cell damage caused by oxidative stress. In the last 5 decades, several research studies have aimed to demonstrate if micronutrient supplementation may have a positive effect on qualitative/quantitative semen parameters and pregnancy rate. Vitamins C and E, together with L-carnitine, have shown to have a positive effect. However, other micronutrients have been studied to a lesser extent. Further research by means of randomized controlled trials is required to confirm the efficacy and safety of antioxidant supplements to medically treat idiopathic male infertility. The objective of this review was to evaluate the effects of micronutrients in the treatment of male infertility.

Micronutrientes en el tratamiento de la infertilidad masculina idiopática

Background Manual semen assessment (MSA) is a key component in a male's fertility assessment Clinicians rely on it to make diagnostic and treatment decisions When performed manually, this routine laboratory test is prone to variability due to human intervention which can lead to misdiagnosis and consequently over- or under- treatment For standardisation, continuous training, quality control (QC) programs and pricy Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) systems have been proposed, yet, without resolving intra- and inter-laboratory variability In response, promising simplified sperm testing devices, able to provide cost-effective point-of-care male infertility diagnosis are prospected as a plausible solution to resolve variability and increase access to sperm testing Materials and methods A throughout literature research for semen testing, sperm analysis, smart-phone assisted semen analysis, 'at-home' semen testing, male infertility, infertility in developing countries, infertility in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and quantitative sperm analysis was performed A total of 14 articles, specific to 'at-home' simplified sperm assessment, were included to treat the core subject Results Continuous training and consistent QC, are sine qua none conditions to achieve accurate and comparable MSA Compliance does not rule-out variability, nevertheless Emerging simplified sperm assessment devices are an actual alternative to resolve the lack of standardisation and accessibility to sperm analysis YO ® , SEEM ® , and ExSeed ® are commercially available, user-friendly smartphone-based devices which can accurately measure volume, sperm concentration (millions/ml) and total motile sperm count More broadly, by cost-effectiveness, availability, accuracy and convenient application, these devices could effectively select patients for first-line artificial reproduction treatments such as intrauterine insemination Conclusions Accuracy and cost-effectiveness make smart-phone based sperm testing devices a practical and realistic solution to overcome variability in MSA Importantly, these tools represent an actual opportunity to standardise and improve male subfertility diagnosis and treatment, especially in LMIC However, before clinical application is possible, guidelines, further testing with special attention on accuracy in washed sperm, availability, cost-benefit and reliability are required

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Simplified sperm testing devices: a possible tool to overcome lack of accessibility and inconsistency in male factor infertility diagnosis. An opportunity for low- and middle- income countries.

E Andersen

Papers

Simplified sperm testing devices: a possible tool to overcome lack of accessibility and inconsistency in male factor infertility diagnosis. An opportunity for low- and middle- income countries.