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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.

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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.

sperm count

Decreases sperm count in western men

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As published in recent weeks, sperm count in western men have declined over the past four decades. This entails numerous reproductive problems in couples, which find it an impediment to creating their own families.

In Proiser we had already observed that the amount of sperm had been significantly reduced in recent decades. And we urge our users to change habits to improve the quality and quantity of sperm they generate in their reproductive system. If you want to know more about it, don’t hesitate and read this article. A text we have written inspired by the publication of these in the 20 minute newspaper, which in turn echoes the report of the Human Reproduction Update, directed by Dr. Hagai Levine of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. A document that has managed to get a spot on the BBC’s news agenda and has reached the world.

 

Sperm count in western men

Sperm counts have declined alarmingly among men in Western countries over the past forty years. Lack of physical activity, obesity, poor postural habits, stress, or smoking are some of the factors that have influenced the progressive decline in sperm count among first world male inhabitants.

The research to which the report just made public refers is one of the largest that has been carried out so far. It brings together the results of a total of 185 studies carried out between 1973 and 2011, worldwide.

Sperm count. Proiser

The results obtained highlight that while South America, Asia and Africa do not see significant changes in sperm production, it does exist in the rest of the continents. Dr. Levine found a 52,4% decrease in sperm concentration and a 59,3% decrease in total sperm among samples taken from men in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. This means that the survival of the human species in certain parts of the world is clearly at risk. And we need to put in place mechanisms that will stop this trend if we do not want to extinguish. This trend, far from being slowed, seems to increase year after year.

These falls in sperm production are directly related, as the research shows, to the population’s exposure to chemicals, to the use of plastics, to the fast and sedentary life rate we carry in western societies, but above all it is directly related to obesity, smoking, and even the amount of hours we spend in front of screens like television. The excess temperature in the genital area directly affects the quality of the samples and the rate of activity that sperm have in these cases.

This work, however, is not welcomed by the entire scientific community. And there are researchers who say that the unchanged group may not be such, as the reality highlights that there are fewer studies in South America, Asia, and Africa, so comparisons cannot be developed with the same absolute terms.

sperm count

At Proiser, as specialists in everything that is related to human reproduction, we are aware that beyond the figures the reality is clear: The quality of the sperm is getting worse and worse, which makes reproduction difficult even when assisted. Therefore, to those who wish to be parents, we always tell them that they must begin to take care of themselves because any gesture, any activity they perform directly affects this natural capacity of their organism.

SpermTrack Proiser

SpermTrack

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Spermtrack  counting chamber is the name given to the new counting camera that the ISAS brand has launched. It is a new product that we want to improve the work of seminal analysis , an area in which the company is a leader.

With Spermtrack the offer grows with a new tool that substantially improves the counting cameras that already existed in the marking . By following the semen droplet displacement procedure, The Spermtrack eliminates most of the disadvantages of the less efficient products on the market.

Another advantage is its design. A model that facilitates its use under the microscope and makes it even easier to clean, handle and store .

One of the most striking features of this element is that it can be customized by colors . Therefore, it is easier to identify the samples with which we are working and speed up the work process in this regard. It also allows you to engrave the identifying name on the bottom of the camera, for added security .

 

Spermtrack counting chamber: for humans and animals

Aware that it will be an element that will be used in many laboratories and for different purposes, the company has decided to launch it with two different capacities. Thus, we can find Spermtrack in 10 and 20 micron models.

The first model is a 10 μm deep chamber that is optimal for traditional human clinical testing . These are the usual measurements that we usually find in this type of camera.

The Spertrack 20 is a chamber with a capacity of 20 μm , following the latest recommendations in the WHO 2010 laboratory manual. An aspect with which its use is also extended for veterinary purposes . This greater capacity allows a greater natural freedom of movement of the sperm , a necessary peculiarity for this type of sperm samples.

spermtrack counting chamber

Another feature to consider when it comes to Spermtrack is the reliability and security that comes with laboratory analysis. Therefore, the serial numbers on the lid and the chamber are independent, allowing full traceability of the sample as marked by ISO 13485 standards .

Finally, it should be noted that Spermtrack allows better visibility under the microscope . This is because this chamber is thinner than other similar products in the lab products industry.

This is because the light from the microscope’s condenser reaches the sample much more in focus, improving optical quality and avoiding the generation of common visual artifacts that appear in other similar devices. This makes it much easier to observe and study these samples in laboratories.

Therefore, with Spermtrack you gain in reliability, safety, visibility, organization, optimization of work, safety and reliability . Aspects that are causing many laboratories to rely on this new system for their projects. If you want to test its effectiveness and improve your performance, do not hesitate and contact us.

Not only will we expand the information we have collected in this article , but we will answer any questions that may arise in this regard and we will tell you how to get them. And all this simply by contacting us through the web or by phone. Don’t hesitate and make the leap to superior quality and work!

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Sperm quality and subpopulation behavior.

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The quality of sperm in a semen sample does not depend, as previously thought, on the individual quality of sperm samples. On the contrary, it depends on the joint action of sperm subpopulations.

 

This conclusion, which is based on a clear research premise, has been made possible by the work of researchers from the University of Valencia and the PROISER Company.

 

Sperm quality: A job of many years

The study on sperm behavior and sperm quality in different samples has been the main objective of the Department of Cell Biology, Functional and Physical Anthropology of the University of Valencia for several decades. A line of research that has been supported by the Valencian company PROISER, dedicated to the diagnosis of semen samples and which has developed revolutionary software to reveal parameters of sperm samples and give answers on sperm morphometry.

Sperm morphology is a line of study and work that is based on the correct identification of sperm involved in the reproduction function of some internal fertilization species.

An area of work in which the members of the research team of the University of Valencia raised the need to check the starting point of many of the work that had been carried out in the laboratories. Works that claimed that the success of fertilization depended on the health of a sperm and its individual ability.

However, thanks to the trials carried out by the professionals of the University of Valencia, it was possible to verify that the way sperm behave in a reproduction process is mainly due to the joint action of them and the coordination they develop with each other.

Hence the main element of work in internal in Vitro fertilization processes is no longer a single sperm, but a sample of them.

computer assisted counting. sperm quality

Sperm analysis. – CASA System

The findings of this study revolutionized the field of assisted reproduction by offering answers and solutions around male fertility with internal fertilization.

 

Reference in the field of reproduction

With this new work, which has been echoed by numerous scientific journals, a change in assisted reproduction strategy has been defined, both in its veterinary and human applications. What has made both the University of Valencia and the company PROISER a reference for the rest of the laboratories and entities that carry out their work in this field.

This new milestone adds to other PROISER findings in the same area. This private entity has been developing computer programs and applications for more than a decade that favor successful seminal analysis. In fact, it is noted as a leading company in the development of different systems of sperm analysis that in the professional field are known as “Computer Assisted Semen Analysis“. A quantification system that has full implementation today.

PROISER. sperm quality

CASA System

In this way, PROISER continues to advance and place Valencian talent at the top of the international ranking.

ISAS V1

Multispecies sperm analysis: ISAS V1

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Multispecies sperm analysis ISAS V1 for Sperm tests, which are increasingly widespread evidence among the animal and human population. Hence, there is an increasing supply of systems on the market and, by extension, it is increasingly necessary to have systems that offer greater efficiency in the results obtained.
In Proiser we are aware of this, that is why we have developed the ISAS V1 method, a system that gathers tools to be used both in clinics and in research.

Its fields of application are both the field of human sciences and those related to veterinary, scientific research, livestock production or pharmaceutical and reproductive toxicology.

ISAS V1 is currently considered to be the most complete and easy-to-use sperm analysis system of all we can find on the market. This is mainly because it works under different hardware conditions and with different operating systems, so it adapts to the needs of all types of users.

Caption from DNA Fragmentation-. ISAS V1 

Multispecies sperm analysis ISAS V1: What it is and what applications it has

ISAS V1 is a sperm analysis system suitable for multiple species, so it can work with different sperm samples. It doesn’t matter if it is to analyze the sperm sample of a man, a horse, a bull, a pig, a goat, rabbit, dog, rat, lamb, etc. It’s valid for all of them. This does not imply that ISAS V1 always applies the same parameters. On the contrary, each species has its own configuration algorithms and results in independent analysis.

Depending on the sample, ISAS may use negative or positive phase contrast. The motility analysis of a field is performed in real time (less than one second), and can be configured to analyze motility up to 250 frames, at 200 frames per second and with concentrations greater than 1000 sperm/field.

In addition to the concentration, motility and percentage of progressives, with ISAS V1 the following kinetic parameters are also calculated: VCL, VSL, VAP, LIN, STR, WOD, ALH, BCF, DNC, MAD, among others.

It should also be noted that it works with cameras up to 200 frames per second, allowing for near-perfect analysis of sperm behavior.

In addition, it is specially designed for quality control programs, allowing the analysis of video files of many different formats (Windows AVI, Windows Media Video, MPEG-4, DV among others). It also allows to obtain images, which makes it easier to have collections of videos and images for offline analysis of mobility, concentration, morphology, vitality or DNA fragmentation.

Another application of ISAS V1 is the morphological and morphometric analysis of sperm from dyed or fresh samples (using phase contrast optics).
This work provides data on 14 morphometric parameters: head size (area, length, width and perimeter), head shape (ellipticality, elongation, roughness, and regularity), percentage of acrosome, head color level, centerpiece size (area and width), and insertion of the middle part (angle and distance).

With ISAS we can also know the data related to the percentage of fragmented sperm. To do this, it uses 20x or 40x real-time (less than 1 second) targets.

Finally, it should be noted that ISAS V1 also provides data on automatic feasibility of sperm cells. This is especially interesting because we need to determine the actual percentage of viable cells in a sample, and to accurately perform this analysis, we use fluorescence techniques with their corresponding use of tying kits.

ISAS V1

Caption From Vitality test-. ISAS V1

FEATURES of the ISAS V1 system

The current ISAS V1 equipment is completely modular, so each part of it can operate independently and together.
In addition, we have designed the system to allow most of the components that can be found in each type of laboratory, from the microscope to the computer, as long as they meet the minimum system requirements.

So, if you are looking for a system with which you can do high quality multispecies sperm analysis and be able to obtain a large number of data, do not hesitate and come to Proiser. You’ll find everything you need.

 

Combined effect of counting chamber and diluent on sperm kinematics

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The evaluation of sperm motion is crucial for processing of seminal doses for artificial insemination.

The evaluation of sperm The evaluation of sperm motion is crucial for processing of seminal doses for artificial insemination. Here, the combined effect of the type and capture area of three counting chambers, together with the type of diluent employed, on sperm motility was analysed. Ejaculates from thirteen Holstein bulls were used for sperm kinematic analysis with the ISAS®v1 CASA‐Mot system, using two capillary‐loaded counting chambers (Leja® and Cell‐Vu®) and one drop displacement chamber (Makler®).

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evaluate sperm morphology

Evaluate sperm morphology

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How do you do stain to evaluate sperm morphology?

Approximately 15% of couples have infertility problems. Evaluate sperm morphology is an important parameter forsuccessful fertilization. In assisted reproduction techniques (Kuster et al., 2004) the Kruger criteria(1986) and the WHO classification are the most important. According to the Kruger criteria, the head,neck and tail of the sperm must be normal and 70% of the head must be covered by the acrosome.

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Sperm quality and behavior of subpopulations.

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Sperm quality and subpopulations behaviour.

The quality of the sperm from a semen sample does not depend, as was previously thought, on the individual quality of the semen, this depend the joint action of many sperm subpopulations.

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This conclusion, which is based on research carried out in recent decades by various research groups, has been corroborated by the joint work of researchers from the University of Valencia and the PROISER R + D, S.L.

The study on the sperm behaviour and their quality in samples of diverse species has been one of the main objectives of the research group by Dr. Carles Soler in the Departament of Celular biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology of the Universitat de València for several decades. A line of research that has been linked to the approaches of I D I from the Valencian company PROISER, dedicated to the development of solutions for the diagnosis of semen samples. They have developed a revolutionary software to study the divers quantitative parameters of sperm samples.

As a result of the experience acquired, Dr. Carles Soler, as head of the University’s research group and as scientific director of PROISER, was invited to be the editor of two special issues in the prestigious journals Asian Journal of Andrology (2016) and Reproduction, Fertility and Development (2018), respectively, with morphometry and sperm kinetics.

The CASA systems (Computer Assisted Semen Analysis) developed by PROISER provides a databases for tens of thousands of sperm. The application of advanced statistical techniques of multivariate analysis (main components and cluster) from these databases have allowed to consolidate the concept of subpopulations.

Hitherto, has been thought that the behavior of sperm within an ejaculate was comparable to what happens in a marathon: many runners, in principle equivalent, competing for the goal that is the oocyte. Now, the verification mathematically coherent subpopulations points more or less organized team concept.

All of this is around about what happen the sperm in a female tract. Each spermatozoonfind many obstacules and barriers that help to select the best sperm. We can say that it is similar to chess. It would not make sense to spend the towers or even the king in the opening and the first dabbling, that’s what the pawns are for.

espermatozoideIn any case, we still do not know what the rules that the sperm through in the female genital tract. The essay by the Universitat de València and PROISER, are currently work for to find more solutions.

 

Referent in the reproduction area

In addition to the physiological conditions, these results should lead to the definition of changes in the strategies followed in assisted reproduction, both in their veterinary and human applications. This group of studies and the new perspectives that have consider turned the group of the Universitat de València and PROISER into world leaders.

This new points come in addition to other PROISER findings in the same area. It is this private company has been developing software and computer applications for more than a decade that help to do a successful seminal analysis.

In this way, PROISER continues to advance and placing Valencian talent at the top of the international ranking.