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Coronavirus Discovered in Semen of Patients

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A few days ago we knew a news item about Covid-19. It alerted us to the extent of the pandemic we are currently experiencing: remains of coronavirus are discovered in the semen of infected patients. It has not been related to its spread, but that alerts those of us who work in the field of human reproduction. Hence, at Proiser we have chosen to dedicate a post on our blog to this topic.

Although the information has been published in an American magazine, in Spain we have heard about them thanks to the ABC newspaper, which has published part of its results.

Coronavirus Discovered in Semen of Patients

According to a study published in the prestigious scientific journal “JAMA Network Open”, the coronavirus could persist in men’s semen. Even after they have begun to recover from this infection.

This finding increases the possibility that the virus is transmitted sexually. But it has not been proven with total certainty. And it seems that, according to different investigations, once SARS-CoV-2 enters the human body, it reaches many beyond the lungs . Hence it has been found in the kidneys, heart, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. To which now we must add the semen, so it also reaches the reproductive system.

These findings do not mean that the virus can be transmitted sexually through contact with semen. But they do mean that this possibility should be considered as a new form of transmission.

 

Studies on coronavirus in semen

The studies that serve as the basis for this research have been conducted in China. The one of this work that has been disseminated is, in particular, the one that has been developed in the Municipal Hospital of Shangqiu. The place where they evaluated 38 male patients treated between January and February of last year 2020, at the peak of the incidence in that country. This work team detected SARS-CoV-2 in the semen of six of the male participants.

Of these, four patients were experiencing COVID-19 symptoms at the time, and two had recently recovered. What warned about the incidence of the virus and its ability to search for new ways of spreading.

espermatozoide

Ability to transmit infections?

The detection of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in the semen of men infected with the virus does not prove that these particles of it are capable of transmitting infections. As stated in the aforementioned article in the “Jama Network Open magazine”: «We discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can be present in the semen of patients with COVID-19, and that it can be detected in the semen of patients in recovery”.

Next, it adds: “Even if the virus cannot replicate in the male reproductive system, it can persist, possibly as a result of the privileged immunity of the testes.”

This work contradicts other similar studies. This is the case of the one that appeared in “Fertility and Sterility” before. It was made after studying 34 men in the town of Wuhan. They did not detect the virus in patients a month after their diagnosis of Covid-19.

In any case, from Proiser we will continue to be attentive to the development of these investigations. Adapting our work protocols at all times to the findings that occur in this regard. News that we will share with all of our users.

The eggs are able to choose the sperm they attract

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The eggs are able to choose the sperm they attract. This is, at least, what emerges from a study carried out by the universities of Stockholm and Manchester. A work published by the scientific journal The Royal Society, in its section dedicated to ongoing research. This magazine is very relevant. And it is one of the most prestigious publications in the world as far as knowledge of the human body is concerned.

At Proiser we know that the field of human reproduction has many unanswered questions. Findings that could clarify and facilitate assisted reproduction processes. Hence, we are attentive to each of the advances that occur in this regard. And that we value positively that publications such as the newspaper 20 Minutos echo these advances.

So that our followers can know them, we share a good part of that news.

 

The eggs are able to choose the sperm they attract

Human eggs are able to choose the sperm with which they want to combine. And they do it regardless of the relationship that people have with each other. It is not affective at all.

This is, at least, the conclusion reached by researchers from the Universities of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (United Kingdom) and Stockholm (Sweden) who work in this field together.

This selection, according to the investigations, is carried out according to quality criteria or by DNA. But this sperm isn’t necessarily from the partner.

A fact that qualifies what was known up to now and revolutionizes the procedures that have been developing in the assistance to conception. And it is that although we knew that eggs use chemical signals to attract sperm. Now we must add that these signals also serve to choose sperm. This behaviour varies according to the woman. And it is that, some eggs attract different types of sperm than others.

And all is done according to the quality or genetic compatibility that both cells share. In other words, the interactions between human eggs and sperm depend on the identity of the man and woman involved.

 

Advances to better understand reproduction

All these investigations shed light on some of the great questions of assisted reproduction processes. Especially, when they are failed and there is no proven physical explanation to support it. Thus, we can say that research on how eggs interact with sperm will bring advances in fertility treatments. This will allow us to continue developing systems that make them more and more efficient.

Excellent news for professionals in the sector like those of us who are behind Proiser, as we develop proposals, products and instruments to ensure that these processes are developed successfully.

And it is that although we thought that empathy should be between people, the reality is very different. And it is that at least what this study shows is that this choice continues after the sexual relations of the same. Since the choice of the ovum to attract according to the type of sperm is totally independent of who the woman’s partner is.

In any case, while these theories have just been developed, remember that in Proiser you will be able to find everything your laboratory needs for assisted reproduction processes. You just have to visit our website and get in touch with us. Your laboratory will be equipped with the best on the market and will achieve the best results.

100 million years old has the oldest known sperm

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100 million years old has the oldest known sperm so far. It is a remains of sperm found in a female of a small crustacean from the Cretaceous era. A small being that was enclosed in a drop of amber. A form of conservation that has allowed it to reach our days. Thus facilitating the investigation of animal reproduction in extinct species.

This is, at least, what has been published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of Royal Society B. An article that we knew in Spain thanks to the dissemination work carried out by the 20 minutes newspaper in this area.

At Proiser we consider that it is important for the general population to know how many advances are made in the field of reproduction. Even when these findings are not directly related to the generation of new human beings. Therefore, we bring here today a summary of these new contributions that have been developed in the study of animal sperm.

 

100 million year old sperm

The crustacean specimen in which the 100-million-year-old sperm sample has been found belongs to a hitherto unknown species. A species baptized with the name of Myanmarcypris hui. And that, apparently, belongs to the class of ostracods.

The location of this rest of sperm was fortuitous. And, among the remains of the crustacean fossilized in amber, the researchers located a female. Later, they discovered that inside her reproductive tract there were giant sperm cells. Which, by dating it, made the sample the oldest fossil in which sperm cells have been conclusively identified.

 

Ostracods and 100-million-year-old sperm

As explained by the spokesmen of the German Ludwig-Maximilians University, one of the signatories of the study, ostracods existed for 500 million years.

Your study in very important. For it has allowed thousands of modern species to be described. And it is that finding fossilized shells of these crustaceans is not something rare in areas like Myanmar, where these investigations have been carried out.

However, the main novelty on this occasion is that the remains found preserved their reproductive organs. And with them the sperm they contained. Which was an important find. And is that with it

100 year old sperm and new technologies

For its study, it was necessary to have the latest technology. In order to access this information, it was necessary to reconstruct computer-assisted images with 3D X-rays. In this way, it was possible to know how much amber contained inside. These images revealed details of the anatomy of these animals that were previously unknown. For example, the shape of their tiny limbs or what their reproductive organs were like.

Luck was also on the part of the researchers. And is that one of the specimens was female. And this one conserved inside sperm of a reproductive act previous to be fossilized. Hence, it can be said that 100 million years has the oldest known sperm. For this reason, this sample has become the oldest of all those that are preserved to date.

At Proiser we know how important it is to know all possible details about the fertilization of species that have already become extinct. Well, they allow us to recover them when deemed appropriate.

Proiser R+D Systems. Análisis de esperma

Proiser, a global sperm analysis solutions company

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Proiser R+D is the name of one of the leading companies in the sector of tailor-made solutions for the analysis of sperm samples in Spain. It is an entity founded in 2004 by two doctors: Carles Soler (Professor at the University of Valencia) and Francisco Blasco (Computer Engineer), who until that time had been working together to develop proposals for other companies. And that at the time they considered it appropriate to launch their own project with which to be able to materialize high quality personal proposals.

If you don’t already know them, we have written this article with which we want to approach it and the products they develop.

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Proiser R+D: Who they are and what they do

Proiser R+D is a company whose activity is focused on the research and development of automated systems for the diagnosis and automatic analysis of semen samples.

Its main product line is the ISAS (Integrated Semen Analysis System) family, consisting of CASA (Compuert Assisted Semen Analysis) systems, reusable and disposable cell counting chambers, as well as all the tools needed for routine andrology laboratory analysis.

For those who don’t know, ISAS software is the most advanced and cutting-edge solution for automatic semen analysis in this field. In fact, it is a system that is capable of analyzing more than 2.000 cells per field, and more than 80.000 sperm per analysis. It is also able to evaluate the following parameters: Sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm morphology and other similar characteristics of semen samples at the same time.

It is a versatile and versatile system. Therefore, do not matter the nature of the sample on which you work. It does the same if the person needs to obtain the balanced and customized dose calculation for animal production, or if, on the contrary, he or she is looking for a complete seminal clinical analysis. And it’s because, both cases, the ISAS system provides it.

Proiser R+D. sperm analysis

Software ISAS

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Proiser: sperm analysis products

The main products offered by the company Proiser are the following:

  • ISAS v1, which has been developed as a system that brings together all the tools necessary to be used in both the clinical and research setting. Its fields of application are: Human and veterinary clinical, scientific research, livestock production as well as pharmaceutical and, of course, reproductive toxicology.
  • ISASLab, which allows seminal reviews in the ordinary circumstances of a laboratory for the development of its analyzes, both for the determination of seminal quality, and for the monitoring of samples during processing in assisted reproduction techniques.
  • ISASPSUs, which allows sperm to be recognized by the detection of the tail. For this purpose, a system is proposed in which sperm is digitally “washed” by the development of a morphological analysis. This allows mobility, concentration and morphology, which are analyzed at the same time.
  • SPERMTRACK, which following the semen drop displacement procedure, eliminates most of the disadvantages of the less efficient products found in this market area. A uniquely designed product that enables and enhances use in the microscope, as well as cleaning, handling and storing samples at all times and in the laboratory.

So if you’re looking for quality in the analysis of your semen samples, it’s best to choose Proiser products. And it’s only here you’ll be able to find the lab tools that can offer you the solution to exactly what you need. Always with high quality and completely guaranteed.

sperm morphology. Proiser. Trumorph.

Thrumorph: the new technique of observing sperm morphology

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Trumorph is the name of a technique that is presented as the definitive mode of work in terms of observation of sperm morphology.

A system with which you will be able to obtain reliable data with which to carry out your research on sperm samples, in the best possible way. Who your lab, using this system, will be able to be more competitive and be able to respond to the needs of users faster than is usually done.

In order to know this system, its operation and advantages, we have written this article in which we want to develop a little its concept and philosophy.

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Trumorph: what is it and what advantages it offers in the observation of sperm morphology.

Trumorph is a system that allows us to analyze the morphology of sperm from a semen sample of a person or animal. So thanks to it we can know all the data we need to work with sperm samples.
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To achieve this, Trumorph comprises a device and a 40x/60 PH (-) lens. So, after placing a drop between the carrier and the conventional cover, the device raises the sample temperature to 45 degrees Celsius for 5 seconds, applying a slight pressure. This allows cells to be immobilized and easier to observe in the optical microscope. Which allows you to carry out your study without any problem more quickly because thanks to this system we have prepared the sample in just a few seconds.
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What saves key time for this activity, as the shorter process of preparing sperm samples usually takes about 2 hours.
Trumorph®. PROISER.sperm morphology

Trumorph®

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Trumorph is an innovative technique of observing sperm morphology

You only need 20 seconds to prepare the sample!

Trath significant advantage of this system, is that the results obtained in terms of observation of the sperm morphology are comparable to those observed after using conventional stains, with the advantage that in this case it is not necessary to introduce these elements.

The Trumorph system is supported by different scientific publications, as it has been proven to be valid both in the conduct of analysis with human samples and those obtained from other animals. You can request more information at info-proiser.com

On our website you can obtain information about Trumorph as well as all the product offering that Proiser has at the disposal of its customers to give a complete solution for the analysis and counting of sperm samples; sperm counting cameras; Heated plates and plates; staining kits and reagents and systems to develop analysis on sperm morphology in living cells refers.
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In any case, if you have any questions and need to clarify it, do not hesitate and contact us. We will assist you both by email and by phone.

Spermtrack. seminal counting chamber. Proiser

Reusable counting chamber of sperm samples

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When we work with sperm samples we need top quality products. Systems and work supplements like those we offer in Proiser, where you will be able to acquire all kinds of tools and substances that you require for your daily work. One of the most popular is our seminal counting chamber. A product that is called Spermtrack and that allows to alleviate the workload of laboratories.

To get to know it, in Proiser we have written this article with which we want to explain its main characteristics and its operation.
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Seminal counting chamber: Spermtrack

Spermtrack is the name of a new counting chamber that has launched the ISAS brand, one of the most prestigious in the scientific field.

Thank you to this new camera, seminal analysis is developed as an activity with a new tool that substantially improves pre-existing counting chambers.

And is that following the semen drop-shifting procedure, Spermtrack eliminates most of the disadvantages presented by the less efficient products found on the market.

The Spermtrack design makes it easy to use under the microscope and also the cleaning, handling and storage actions that require proper use.

Spermtrack. seminal counting chamber PROISER

Spermtrack®

 

Advantages of using Spermtrack

To facilitate its handling, Spermtrack can be customized with different colors. Allowing even recording a name at the bottom of the camera. So we avoid mistakes or have to repeat tests because samples have been mixed.

To adapt to all the needs and activities around this activity, Spermtrack is available in two models: one of 10 and one of 20 microns. In the first case, it is a 10 μm depth chamber for traditional human clinical analysis. On the second model, it should be noted that it is a 20 μm  chamber, which follows the latest recommendations from the 2010 WHO Laboratory Manual, while expanding its use for veterinary purposes, due to increased natural freedom of movement of sperm cells.

SPERMTRAK. PROISER.

Spermtrack®

Another advantage offered by the use of this camera is its traceability as far as its daily application is concerned is that it has independent series numbers on the lid and in the camera, allowing for complete traceability according to ISO 13485 standards. A guarantee for those who work with them.
It should be noted, too, that Spermtrack is thinner than other similar products. This allows the microscope capacitor light to reach the sample much more focused, improving optical quality and preventing the generation of common visual artifacts that appear on other similar devices. All of this makes it easier for people who manipulate them to get their results more reliably.
So, if you want your lab to be more competitive when it comes to sperm sample work, don’t hesitate and purchase these reusable counting chambers. You will be able to find them on our website, in the tab that we dedicate to the products that relate to the seminal analysis. Here, in addition, you will be able to get more data about it, and even see photographs of the product. Which will allow you to get a visual idea of what it’s like and how you work with it.
spermtrack seminal counting chamber. PROISER

Spermtrack®

And if despite all this you still have doubts about anything related to it, do not hesitate and contact us, Proiser. We’ll figure it out for you quickly.

PROISER Fertility studies

Proiser develops fertility studies in freshwater fish

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Proiser together with the University of Valencia develop fertility studies in sperm samples from humans and animals, and have obtained results in freshwater fish that could be useful to protect endangered species such as salt salmon.

Proiser is the name of a Valencian company whose work is carried out in the research and development of automated systems of diagnosis and automatic semen analysis.

Its origin is located in 2004, when Dr. Carles Soler (Professor of the University of Valencia in the field of Cell Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology), and computer engineer Francisco Blasco (Computer Engineer) join to develop semen analysis systems.

Proiser‘s main product line is the ISAS (Integrated Semen Analysis System) family, composed of CASA (Compuert Assisted Semen Analysis) systems, reusable and disposable cell counting chambers, and all the tools needed to perform numerous routine andrology lab analyses. Hence this company is at the forefront of what is going on in this field of biology and the environment.
The ISAS software used by Proiser is, today, the most advanced and cutting-edge solution to perform the automatic analysis of all types of semen. In fact, it is capable of analyzing more than 2000 cells per field, and more than 80,000 sperm by analysis. A job that will allow you to evaluate sperm mobility, sperm concentration, sperm morphology and other similar characteristics at the same time.

Fertility studies. Proiser products.

Currently, Proiser has a wide range of products that allow the correct manipulation, study and analysis of semen of different animals (including humans).

In addition, it develops its own lines of research such as the one that focuses its attention on the fertility of freshwater fish.

In this context, professionals from Proiser and the University of Valencia have already published results around sperm quality studies in humans and animals; as well as the results that have been obtained in freshwater fish, made with their own technique.

Particularly relevant have been its conclusions as far as salt salmon are concerned, a very important species at a commercial level and which has come to conclude, for example, that genetic-environmental interactions can be an important factor in the reproductive competition of male individuals of this species.
To carry out this work, Proiser has used a technique of his own with which they have been able to study sperm kinetics, thus identifying the different sub-populations of sperm that exist.
This work is part of Horizon 2020’s IMPRESS-Marie Sklodowska-Curie Program. A European programme that has allowed, for example, the experimental part to have been developed at the National Conservatory of Salmon Salar in the French town of Chanteuges.
PROISER ISAS Fertility Studies

 

This line of research highlights the important contribution of the Integrated Semen Analysis System (ISAS) in the study of different parameters of semen samples such as concentration, motility, percentage of progressives or different kinetic parameters and their use for scientific advancement in areas such as clinics, humans and veterinarians, scientific research, toxicology or livestock production among others.

Isaspsus analisis s

Isaspsus, to analyse Swine Semen

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Artificial animal insemination currently has effective methods that multiply the chances of new members developing. One of them is the Isaspsus method, with the analysis of the semen of pigs is not only a simple act but allows to obtain a lot of data about their quality and possibilities of reproduction.

isaspsus

CASA SYSTEM ( Sperm Analyzers),  Isaspsus Method for swine semen

 Isaspsus Method

 Isaspsus  Method to analyze swine semen,  is a quiality meassuring system with which you want to know its composition and calibrate its quality before being used in the insemination processes of females. 

This system is based on a new concept with which sperm selection is carried out. A methodology based on simultaneous analysis of mobility and cell-by-cell morphology. And all of this analyzing thousands of sperm per second.

The parameters that allow to identify and know the Isaspsus method are the following:

  • The total number of sperm (per milliliter and per ejaculate).
  • The progressive movement of all of them (per milliliter and by ejaculate).
  • The morphology of the sperm tail (per milliliter and by ejaculate).
  • Total useful sperm (per milliliter, by ejaculate and per dose).
  • Tail abnormalities.
  • Cytoplasmic drops.

 

 

This method allows seminal dose production to be significantly increased by up to 40%. However, it is not the only advantage as it presents many others such as the following:

  • Calculate precise doses that we need in each case.
  • Develop real-time, non-dying morphometry detection.
  • Be able to recognize cytoplasmic drops.
  • Develop tail analysis
  • Definition of the useful sperm in each sample.
  • We can save images and results to the database we handle.
  • We can repeat the function every day, every month, or annually; and even do it on samples of the same animal
  • We can get reports in Excel to visualize the data more clearly.

 

isaspsus-CASA

 CASA System-. Sperm Analyzers

Components

The Isaspsus method consists of the following elements to perform its function:

  • A Proiser M13-ON camera. This is a color camera, with a 1/2″ image sensor; resolution of 1280-1024, or what is the same as 8/10 bits per pixel; allowing you to offer frames up to 120 frames per second; Which consumes 1.3 watts and features a C lens mount.
  • An UB 203i microscope. It is a tri-ocular model, with voltage protector to homogenize the fluctuations of light and prolong the life of the LED; with a heating plate system; negative phase contrast; quintuple revolver; and reflected fluorescence accessory for the vitality or motility module; concentration using Hoechst.
  • A 22-inch Lenovo monitor, 4 Gigs capacity, a 500-mega hard drive, running Windows 10 Pro 64-bit.

A winning team with which you will not miss a detail of your animal semen samples, being able to shuffle a greater number of data that participate in the reproductive process. Which greatly multiplies your chances of success.

In addition, the cell of each sample is amplified by hovering the mouse over. And colors and shapes make the difference from the sperm found under the microscope.

If you are interested in purchasing the Isaspsus method, do not hesitate and contact us In Proiser we have everything you need and much more. Remember that we are a company that generates innovative solutions that lead to great improvements in sperm analysis procedures. This saves significant time in obtaining data on sperm mobility, sperm motility, sperm morphology or sperm concentration.

 

So if you want to know more about this method or many of our proposals, you only have to visit us. You won’t regret it!