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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Motility assessment of porcine spermatozoa: a comparison of methods.

Although widely used in practice, visual motility assessment of boar spermatozoa is a very subjective method. The aim of this study was to compare the visual motility assessment of boar spermatozoa with two objective, automated systems, namely the Sperm Quality Analyzer (SQA-IIC) and the Hamilton-Thorne computer-based semen analyzer (HTR). In addition, concentrations as determined by the Burker counting chamber and HTR were compared. Motility of 30 semen samples from 30 different boars (22 Pietrain, seven Landrace boars and one Large White) was examined during three consecutive days, subjectively by two independent persons (visual motility assessment) and objectively with both automated systems. The use of the SQA-IIC and HTR for assessing boar sperm motility was evaluated and the repeatability of the measurements was estimated. The Sperm Motility Index (SMI), determined by SQA-IIC, and the percentage motile spermatozoa determined by the HTR showed a good correlation (r=0.71; p <0.05). The visual examination performed by Person 2 showed a good correlation with the SMI (r=0.81) and with the percentage of motile spermatozoa measured by the HTR (r=0.66) (p <0.05). There was a very poor correlation and a limited agreement between the visual assessments of both persons emphasizing the subjectivity of visual motility assessment. Nevertheless, motility scores of each person during the three consecutive days were highly correlated (r=0.67 and 0.72, p <0.05). The limits of agreement plots showed poor agreement between both persons and the HTR. The repeatability of measurements for most parameters evaluated by the HTR and by the SQA-IIC was good with coefficients of variation below 10%. In addition, for fertile Pietrain boars (n=22), reference values for the different HTR-parameters are presented showing a high curvilinear velocity (157.3 +/- 19.5 microm/s) and a low straightness and linearity of the movement of the spermatozoa (62.7 +/- 8.7 and 35.5 +/- 7.6%, respectively). Concentration as determined by the Burker counting chamber (56.0 +/- 16.8 x 10(6)/ml) was significantly higher compared with HTR measurement (37.6 +/- 7.7 x 10(6)/ml). The high number of counted cells and the low variation render the HTR concentration measurement more reliable. It can be concluded that visual motility assessment is highly subjective and should therefore be replaced by automated systems that allow for a more objective and detailed motility assessment of boar spermatozoa. In addition, based on the present results, highly repeatable results were obtained by the SQA-IIC and especially by the HTR.

Animals↗

A technique for standardization and quality control of subjective sperm motility assessments in semen analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a quality control method to monitor and eventually to standardize the subjective assessment of sperm motility in conventional semen analysis. DESIGN: Quality control study running over 2 years. SETTING: University infertility clinic and andrology laboratory. PATIENT(S): Randomly chosen patients attending the clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Conventional semen analysis with sperm motility assessed by grading according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and analysis of individual sperm tracks with a computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) system. Formulas were established to identify, from the track data, the threshold velocity values for distinguishing between motility grades a and b and motility grades b and c for each technician. RESULT(S): The subjective thresholds above which technicians categorized sperm as WHO grades a and b were determined by CASA to be 61 +/- 1 and 11 +/- 1 micron/s (straight-line velocity), respectively. Agreement among three to five technicians over 2 years was reasonable (coefficient of variation < 20%), but threshold values were variable. CONCLUSION(S): Agreement within and between laboratories in the assessment of sperm motility grades could be achieved by agreeing on designated values for threshold velocities for grade a and b sperm. On the basis of such values, CASA analysis could be used to provide the expected percentages of grades a, b, and c forms for quality control samples recorded and distributed on videotapes, against which technicians could adjust their subjective assessments.

Analysis of Variance↗

Socket motility assessment of anophthalmic sockets: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Systematically review and categorize the methods used to assess socket and prosthetic motility in anophthalmic patients following enucleation or evisceration. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception through September 2024. Studies reporting qualitative or quantitative assessments of motility in anophthalmic sockets or ocular prostheses were included. Motility assessment methods were categorized as qualitative (descriptive or graded clinical evaluation) or quantitative (numerical measurements in millimeters, degrees, or objective tracking systems). RESULTS: Thirty-five studies encompassing 1,819 patients met inclusion criteria. Nineteen studies used qualitative assessment methods, including subjective observation, graded scales based on cardinal gaze positions, or comparison with the contralateral eye. Sixteen studies employed quantitative techniques, such as the Kestenbaum limbus test, Lister perimeter measurements, conjunctival or limbal markings, photographic image analysis, infrared eye-tracking systems, and magnetic search-coil technology. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in measurement techniques, reporting standards, timing of assessment, and distinction between socket and prosthetic motility. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variability exists in the methods used to assess motility in anophthalmic sockets, limiting comparability across studies. Establishing standardized, feasible, and reproducible assessment approaches may improve outcome reporting and facilitate meaningful comparisons in future oculoplastic research.

Humans↗

Relationship between sperm motility assessed with the Hamilton-Thorn motility analyzer and fertilization rates in vitro.

To determine which sperm movement characteristics are related to in vitro fertilization rates, semen and swim-up preparations used for in vitro fertilization in 108 patients were assessed using the Hamilton-Thorn HTM-2030 Motility Analyzer (HTMA) and other sperm tests. There were highly significant correlations between manual and HTMA results for sperm concentration (Spearman r = 0.881; P less than 0.001) and the percentage of motile spermatozoa (Spearman r = 0.580; P less than 0.001). The percentage of motile spermatozoa with average path velocities greater than 10 microns/s and greater than 20 microns/s, straight line and curvilinear velocity, linearity (straight line velocity vs curvilinear velocity), amplitude of lateral head displacement, and beat-cross frequency were significantly higher in the insemination medium after selection of motile spermatozoa by the swim-up technique than in the semen. Linearity (P less than 0.01), the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (P less than 0.05) and straight line velocity (P less than 0.05) in semen, and the percentage of motile spermatozoa with average path velocities greater than 10 microns/s in both semen (P less than 0.05) and insemination medium (P less than 0.05) were significantly correlated with in vitro fertilization rate when examined by a nonparametric (Spearman) test. With logistic regression analysis of all data, only the diagnoses of male infertility and tubal disease, linearity in semen, and the percentage of motile spermatozoa with average path velocities between 10 and 20 microns/s in insemination medium were significantly related to in vitro fertilization rates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Female↗

Superimposed Image Analysis System (SIAS) software: a new approach to sperm motility assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To apply Superimposed Image Analysis System (SIAS) software (Delta Sistemi, Rome, Italy) to the objective analysis of sperm motility. DESIGN: To test a new procedure for sperm motility assessment based on image superimposition. RESULTS: The system can superimpose six sequential frames onto a monitor producing a final image with a motion effect similar to the multiple exposure photography method, but bypassing the film processing stage. Viewing the final image of a complete series of six superimposed frames allows the evaluation of the percentage of motile spermatozoa and their kinetic characteristics. Compared with multiple exposure photography, SIAS has the following main advantages: [1] the procedure is quick; [2] projecting the first frame alone allows the easy evaluation of sperm concentration; and [3] the system allows quick and easy analysis and measurement of each sperm trajectory frame by frame, thus avoiding misleading interpretations because of crossing sperm trajectories, collisions, and overlapping of motile spermatoza with round cells or immotile spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS: Superimposed image analysis is a new approach to sperm motility assessment. It seems to be useful particularly in selected situations, such as oligozoospermia or in cases of increased round cell concentration. In these situations, SIAS can even serve as a support or an alternative to the computer-aided sperm analysis system widely used for objective sperm analysis.

Humans↗

Use of computer-assisted sperm motility assessment and multivariate pattern analysis to characterize ejaculate quality in Mohor gazelles (Gazella dama mhorr): effects of body weight, electroejaculation technique and short-term semen storage.

Subjective and objective semen assessments were performed on 18 male Mohor gazelles (Gazella dama mhorr). Sperm motility assessments combined with sperm plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity evaluations were undertaken as part of a captive breeding programme. The primary objective was to test methodology for short-term preservation of gazelle semen for artificial insemination (storage in N-[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid-Tris diluent (TEST) for up to 96 h at 17 degrees C). However, the secondary objective was to investigate phenotypic and genotypic influences on semen quality within this small population, which was established in 1971 with only 12 genetic founders. Sperm motility was measured by computer-assisted semen assessment and the data were analysed using a pattern analysis technique to detect and quantify naturally occurring sperm subpopulations within the semen samples. Four sperm subpopulations distinguishable by their motion characteristics were detected. The relative frequencies of two subpopulations (population 2: highly motile, non-linear; and population 4: poorly motile, non-linear) in fresh semen were correlated with the maximum voltage used during electroejaculation. The frequency of subpopulation 2 was negatively correlated with maximum voltage (r = -0.875, P < 0.0001) and the frequency of subpopulation 4 was positively correlated (r = 0.727, P < 0.005). The frequencies of all subpopulations varied significantly among the animals sampled (chi-squared = 2577.6, degrees of freedom = 54, P < 0.0001) and subpopulation 4 was also correlated with body weight (r = -0.59, P < 0.005). Semen stored at 17 degrees C retained motility, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity for 48 h, but these measures decreased thereafter. The frequency of a sperm subpopulation showing uncoordinated but active motility increased significantly over the first 48 h and then decreased.

Animals↗

One-step disposable chambers for sperm concentration and motility assessment: how do they compare with the World Health Organization's recommended methods?

The World Health Organization suggests that 'one-step' type disposable chambers lack the accuracy and precision of the haemocytometer method for assessing sperm concentration. The purpose of this particular study was to compare sperm concentration measurements and motility using the Neubauer((R)) haemocytometer with those obtained using three 'one-step' methods: the Microcell((R)) slide, Leja((R)) slide and a plain glass slide with a 22x22 mm coverslip. A total of 200 sperm concentration measurements and 100 motility assessments were performed on all chambers. Paired comparisons showed enormous discrepancies between the counts, particularly between the Neubauer((R)) and other chambers (P < 0.0001). This discrepancy was less pronounced in oligozoospermic samples, and samples with low (<30% progression) motility but more pronounced in normozoospermic samples and those with good motility (>50% progression). In addition, concentration assessments from a fresh undiluted and unfixed semen sample on the Microcell((R)) slide were found to be significantly lower than both fixed counts on the same slide (P = 0.011) and the initial laboratory reading on the Neubauer((R)) chamber (P = 0.009). No differences were observed in progressive motility between the different chambers and a plain glass slide. There appears to be little comparison between the haemocytometer and either re-useable or disposable one-step chambers. The unfortunate consequence of this is that diagnostic semen analysis and guidelines for allocation of patients to appropriate treatment groups will vary from centre to centre, depending on the method used and may, on occasion, be erroneous.

Humans↗

Quality control workshops in standardization of sperm concentration and motility assessment in multicentre studies.

Semen quality has been reported to vary markedly between different regions. To properly assess the differences among countries a minimization of the variation among centres in the assessments of sperm quality is essential. We here report on the training and two subsequent follow-up workshops on assessments of sperm concentration and motility. A total of 26 fresh ejaculates were analysed by four persons who were collecting these data in a multicentre study on sperm quality. In addition, two trained technicians from one of the laboratories analysed the samples. At the first training workshop, the median coefficient of variation among centres in sperm concentration was 27.7%, but decreased markedly to 17.0% at the second workshop and 8.1% (p = 0.048) at the third workshop. The CV for evaluation of the proportion of progressive motile sperm decreased less and not statistically significant from 16.5 to 14.1% and 11.0% (p = 0.94). At the third workshop there were no statistical significant differences among centres in assessments of sperm concentration or motility (p > 0.57). Furthermore the coefficient of variation in assessments of sperm concentration and motility among centres were at the same level as between two trained technicians (p > 0.72). This study indicates that training and subsequent follow-up workshops can assure minimum variability among centres in assessments of sperm concentration and motility.

Analysis of Variance↗

Correlates of human sperm motility assessed by laser Doppler spectroscopy.

The sperm motility characteristics of 140 men (percentage motile and average velocity of all sperm in motion; percentage progressive and the average velocity of sperm swimming more than 15 microns/sec) were determined using a laser-Doppler technique and correlated with other aspects of sperm quality, including the concentration and the proportion of abnormal and dead sperm in the ejaculate. In addition, the influence of the length of the period of abstinence, the viscosity of seminal plasma and the volume of the ejaculate were also assessed. The four motility characteristics were all highly correlated with each other. The magnitude of all four parameters increased in an exponential fashion with increasing sperm number up to 400 x 10(6) per ejaculate. At higher numbers, no further improvement in motility was observed. Moreover, increasing sperm number was associated with a decline in the proportion of sperm exhibiting abnormalities in morphology but with an increase in viable sperm 30 min after ejaculation. The relative viscosity of the ejaculates had generally no influence on sperm motility. In contrast, certain of the sperm motility characteristics, including the average velocity, were significantly negatively correlated with the length of the abstinence period.

Adult↗

Gastric emptying and motility: assessment with MR imaging--preliminary observations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method for simultaneous assessment of gastric emptying and motility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gastric emptying and motility were measured in nine volunteers after ingestion of a liquid meal. A specially designed MR imaging protocol was used that allowed simultaneous assessment of gastric emptying (spatial resolution, 1.5 mm; corrected for gastric secretion volume) and gastric motility (temporal resolution, 1.2 seconds; spatial resolution, 3.1 mm). To evaluate the ability to detect small changes in gastric motor activity with findings from this method, the influence of a prokinetic agent (loxiglumide) on gastric emptying and motility was tested in five volunteers. RESULTS: Each contraction could be individually visualized at MR imaging. Administration of loxiglumide resulted in decreased gastric half-emptying time (mean +/- 1 standard error of the mean, 88.1 minutes +/- 6.3 for the placebo and 39.1 minutes +/- 6.7 for loxiglumide) and increased gastric motility (contraction frequency, 2.26 contractions per minute +/- 0.15 for the placebo and 3.04 per minute +/- 0.04 for loxiglumide). CONCLUSION: MR imaging makes it feasible to study gastric emptying and gastric motility and to determine the influence of drugs on gastric motor activity.

Adult↗

Sperm motility assessment by videomicrography.

A technically simple, inexpensive method is described for measuring objective parameters of sperm motility. The instruments involved are commercially available, home-oriented videotape equipment. Quantitative measurements of sperm motility are made directly from the video image and are facilitated by use of an analysis transparency that is applied as an overlay to the screen of the television monitor. A protocol is given for describing the motility of a suspension of human spermatozoa in terms of percentage motility, mean swimming speed, and the percentage of progressive sperm. A complete analysis can be done in 20 minutes or less. Examples are presented of videomicrographic assessment of the motility of human and bull spermatozoa.

Animals↗

Are conventional sperm morphology and motility assessments of predictive value in subfertile men?

Sperm morphology and motility are believed to be important prognostic factors for fertility. Results of a group of 67 men investigated for primary infertility who had mean sperm concentrations greater than 5 million per ml and who later produced pregnancies, were compared with those of 67 matched controls who remained infertile. All female partners were potentially fertile. The groups were matched for other known prognostic factors for fertility, namely, wife's age, the duration of infertility, sperm concentration and varicocele size. There were no significant differences between the two groups overall in the (mean +/- SEM)% of sperm with normal morphology (58.3 +/- 2.1; 58.5 +/- 2.2), or motility (40.6 +/- 1.8; 37.0 +/- 2.0). However, among oligospermic men from the two groups, sperm motility was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in the subsequently fertile group (43.1 +/- 2.6%) than in the persistently infertile group (33.3 +/- 3.7). These results indicate that sperm morphology as currently assessed may not be important in predicting fertility in subfertile men with a mean sperm concentration over 5 million/ml and the % sperm motility may only be a relevant predictor in oligospermic men.

Humans↗

Transmembrane migration technique: reexamination of its usefulness in sperm motility assessments.

A study was carried out using time-exposure photomicrography to investigate the potential usefulness of the transmembrane migration technique in the assessment of drug effects on human sperm motility. Significant but weak correlations were evident between the transmembrane migration ratio (TMMR%) and both % motility (r = 0.43; p less than 0.05) and the amplitude of lateral sperm head displacement (r = 0.40; p less than 0.05). However, no significant correlations were evident between TMMR% and the concentration of motile spermatozoa, mean path velocity, or frequency of sperm head rotation. Exposure to 2.5 mM 2-deoxyadenosine caused significant increases in % motility, mean path velocity, and frequency of sperm head rotation, with no concomitant rise in TMMR%, while 5.0 mM caffeine caused significant elevations in both TMMR% and in % motile cells. It is concluded that the transmembrane migration technique is a relatively insensitive method for detecting subtle but important changes in the movement characteristics of human spermatozoa.

Caffeine↗

Effect of romifidine on gastrointestinal motility, assessed by transrectal ultrasonography.

A technique of transrectal ultrasonography was developed to investigate the effects of romifidine 80 and 120 microg/kg bwt on intestinal motility in the horse. Motility of the small intestine, caecum and left ventral colon were assessed following injection of romifidine and a saline control, using a blinded, cross-over study design in 6 horses. Measurements were taken at 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after drug administration. There was a slight nonsignificant decrease in motility in the control group over the 4 h study period. Both doses of romifidine produced a marked decrease in gastrointestinal motility and were associated with the presence of reduced (nonpropulsive) contractions. Transrectal ultrasonography proved suitable for monitoring changes in the type and frequency of intestinal motility in the horse.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Improved accuracy of sperm motility assessment using a modified Micro-Cell sperm counting chamber.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of modifications made in the Micro-Cell sperm counting chamber on the motility of washed human spermatozoa. DESIGN: In a 2 x 2 experimental design, human sperm samples were washed with or without protein supplementation, loaded into modified or unmodified Micro-Cell chambers, and assessed by automated semen analysis for changes associated with sperm adhesion to the glass chamber surfaces. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one men who were undergoing semen analysis and presented with > or = 50% motile sperm, or normal donors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reduced motility and elevated lateral head displacement associated with sperm adhesion to glass surfaces were compared using a doubly repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Addition of protein to the sperm washing solution partially reversed the adhesion of spermatozoa to the glass of unmodified Micro-Cell chambers. Chambers manufactured to reduce cell adhesion to glass surfaces yielded the highest motility and lowest lateral head displacement, whether the sperm were washed in a solution supplemented with or without protein. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that, as in raw semen, kinematics of washed sperm can be measured reliably in the modified Micro-Cell chamber.

Cell Adhesion↗

Properties of human epididymal sperm obtained from an alloplastic spermatocele: motility assessment and penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes in the presence and absence of caffeine.

Sperm were collected over a period of months from a human alloplastic spermatocele implanted at the corpus/caudal epididymal junction and were evaluated for their maturity, motility, and ability to capacitate and acrosome react, as assessed by the hamster zona-free oocyte sperm penetration assay (SPA). A mean of 11 X 10(6) sperm were obtained with each aspiration, with 34% to 40% being mature, normal forms. Motility was poor; 15% +/- 5% showing nonprogressive movement. SPA results were 22% +/- 3% oocyte penetration. Addition of 7.5 mM caffeine markedly enhanced motility and improved the SPA results. After 30 minutes' exposure, the motility was 45% +/- 5%, with all spermatozoa exhibiting progressive movement. This stimulation was maintained over a 24-hour period. When caffeine was present during the 2-hour preincubation for the SPA, penetration rates increased to 50% +/- 10% (P less than 0.05). These results demonstrate that the poor-quality sperm retrieved from a human alloplastic spermatocele can be improved with exogenous stimulation and suggest that their fertilizing capacity may be enhanced by this treatment.

Adult↗