A Web-Based Global Educational Model for Training in Semen Analysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Infertility affects between 2.5% and 12% of couples worldwide, with male factor infertility solely accounting for 20% to 30% and contributing to 50% of the overall infertility cases [1]. In the United States alone, infertility affects 9.5% of men [2]. The clinical evaluation of male infertility is based on the semen analysis where the results can significantly influence the diagnostic interpretation and management. While many clinicians rely on semen parameters as a surrogate marker of a man’s ability to father a child, the results of semen analysis should, however, be interpreted with caution considering its inherent limitations [3,4]. A properly performed semen analysis and an adequate clinical examination of the male along with questions regarding current medical conditions and lifestyle circumstances that could affect sample quality, can provide valuable information related to a man’s fertility potential. This information facilitates a better understanding of the physiology of the reproductive organs and the underlying causes of dysfunction [5- 7]. However, manual semen analysis has its inherent challenges associated with high subjectivity, lack of standardization, inadequate quality control and quality assurance, as well as inadequate assessment of competency, and training of laboratory personnel performing the test [7,8]. Unlike sperm concentration and motility, sperm morphology has even more subjectivity in reporting the results, with increased intra- and intervariability [8-10]. Therefore, quality control is imminent in preventing such variations and retaining uniformity in all assessments by all operators. This includes preanalytical (test requisition, correct sample collection, delivery of sample), analytical (mixing and loading of sample, correct preparation of smears or calculation of results), and post-analytical (correct reporting of results to the clinician) indicators. To minimize errors, daily, weekly, or monthly quality control of reagents and equipment is imperative

Hydrogel beads bio-nanocomposite based on Kappa-Carrageenan and green synthesized silver nanoparticles for biomedical applications

This paper describes the fabrication and characterization of bio-nanocomposite hydrogel beads based on Kappa-Carrageenan (κ-Carrageenan) and bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). The silver nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous Citrullus colocynthis seed extract as both reducing and capping agent. Cross-linked κ-Carrageenan/Ag-NPs hydrogel beads were prepared using potassium chloride as the cross-linker. The hydrogel beads were characterized using XRD and FESEM. Moreover, swelling property of the hydrogel beads was investigated. The Ag release profile of the hydrogels was obtained by fitting the experimental data to power law equation. The direct visualization of the green synthesized Ag-NPs using TEM shows particle size in the range of 23 ± 2 nm. The bio-nanocomposite hydrogels showed lesser swelling behavior in comparison with pure κ-Carrageenan hydrogel. Regardless the slow Ag release, κ-Carrageenan/Ag-NPs presented good antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus aurous, Peseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli with maximum zones of inhibition 11 ± 2 mm. Cytotoxicity study showed that the bio-nanocomposite hydrogels with non-toxic effect of concentration below 1000 μg/mL have great pharmacological potential and a suitable level of safety for use in the biological systems

Sperm morphology assessment in the era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection: Reliable results require focus on standardization, quality control, and training

Semen analysis is the first, and frequently, the only step in the evaluation of male fertility. Although the laboratory procedures are conducted according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, semen analysis and especially sperm morphology assessment is very difficult to standardize and obtain reproducible results. This is mainly due to the highly subjective nature of their evaluation. ICSI is the choice of treatment when sperm morphology is severely abnormal (teratozoospermic). Hence, the standardization of laboratory protocols for sperm morphology evaluation represents a fundamental step to ensure reliable, accurate and consistent laboratory results that avoid misdiagnoses and inadequate treatment of the infertile patient. This article aims to promote standardized laboratory procedures for an accurate evaluation of sperm morphology, including the establishment of quality control and quality assurance policies. Additionally, the clinical importance of sperm morphology results in assisted reproductive outcomes is discussed, along with the clinical management of teratozoospermic patients

Sperm Morphology Assessment in the Era of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: Reliable Results Require Focus on Standardization, Quality Control, and Training

Semen analysis is the first, and frequently, the only step in the evaluation of male fertility. Although the laboratory procedures are conducted according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, semen analysis and especially sperm morphology assessment is very difficult to standardize and obtain reproducible results. This is mainly due to the highly subjective nature of their evaluation. ICSI is the choice of treatment when sperm morphology is severely abnormal (teratozoospermic). Hence, the standardization of laboratory protocols for sperm morphology evaluation represents a fundamental step to ensure reliable, accurate and consistent laboratory results that avoid misdiagnoses and inadequate treatment of the infertile patient. This article aims to promote standardized laboratory procedures for an accurate evaluation of sperm morphology, including the establishment of quality control and quality assurance policies. Additionally, the clinical importance of sperm morphology results in assisted reproductive outcomes is discussed, along with the clinical management of teratozoospermic patients