Current sperm processing methods used in assisted reproductive technologies can cause damage to the sperm cell. New ways that mimic the natural guidance mechanisms present in the female genital tract may offer ways to sort sperm with better fertility parameters. Sperm that respond to these cues may have better over sperm health. Human sperm exhibit positive rheotaxis by orienting and swimming against the fluid released by the female genital tract. At certain flow rates sperm can actively orient and swim against the flow. Sperm retrieved that exhibit positive rheotaxis have higher motility and better morphology than the original semen sample. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

OBJETIVO: Comparar dois meios de congelamento para sêmen: o comercialmente disponível Meio de Congelamento TEST Yolk Buffer-Irvine Scientific - USA (TYB) e o crioprotetor sintético suplementado com fosfatidilcolina (PC) e antioxidante L-acetil-carnitina (ANTIOXPC - delineado pela Invitra Tecnologia de Reprodução Assistida - Brasil) em relação a motilidade progressiva (PR) e índice de fragmentação do DNA (IFD) em amostras de sêmen obtidas de homens com parâmetros seminais alterados. DESENHO: Ensaio clínico de nãoinferioridade. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas amostras de sêmen com parâmetros seminais alterados (astenozoospermia) de 58 voluntários no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo. As amostras de sêmen foram submetidas à análise antes e após a criopreservação. A motilidade dos espermatozoides foi avaliada pelo espermograma e a fragmentação do DNA espermático foi analisada pela técnica transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL). Antes da criopreservação, todas as amostras de sêmen foram divididas e randomizadas para receber os crioprotetores TYB ou ANTIOX-PC, congelados no período mínimo de 30 dias e descongelados. Uma análise exploratória dos dados foi realizada através de medidas de posição central e dispersão. O teste t pareado foi usado para comparar os grupos. Comparações entre os dois meios, ANTIOX-PC e TYB, e sêmen fresco foram realizadas através de contrastes ortogonais, utilizando o modelo de regressão linear de efeitos mistos. Este modelo foi implementado no programa SAS 9.3 considerando o PROC MIXED. RESULTADOS: A motilidade PR (P = 0,78) e o IFD (P = 0,06) não foram diferentes quando comparados os meios ANTIOX-PC (12,40 ± 11,49 e 13,33 ± 10,54) e o TYB (12,09 ± 11,11 e15,83 ± 11,04), respectivamente. Esses dados mostraram que o crioprotetor sintético delineado não foi inferior na proteção dos espermatozoides comparado com o meio TYB. Além disso, o ANTIOX-PC reteve taxas mais altas de motilidade total43,36 ± 26,77) do que o TYB (34,79 ± 22,86; P <0,0001) e reduziu significativamente as taxas de espermatozoides imóveis (56,64 ± 26,77; P <0,0001) em relação ao TYB (65.00 ± 23.00).CONCLUSÃO: O meio ANTIOX-PC não pode ser considerado menos efetivo que o TYB em relação à motilidade PR e ao IFD. Parâmetros cinéticos observados em espermatozoides pósdescongelamento do diluente ANTIOX-PC demonstraram o impacto positivo do tratamento com fosfolipídios/antioxidantes na criotolerância espermática humana na ausência de aditivos animais. / OBJECTIVE: To compare two sperm freezing media: commercially available Freezing Medium TEST Yolk Buffer-Irvine Scientific - USA (TYB) and a synthetic cryoprotectant supplemented with phosphatidylcholine (PC) and antioxidante L-acetyl-carnitine (ANTIOXPC - designed by Invitra Assisted Reproduction Technology - Brazil) in relation to progressive motility and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in sêmen samples obtained from men with altered seminal parameters. DESIGN: Non-inferiority clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Were included semen samples with altered seminal parameters (asthenospermia) from 58 volunteers at the Clinical Hospital of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo. Semen samples were subjected to analysis both before and after cryopreservation. The sperm motility was evaluated by the spermogram and the sperm DNA fragmentation was analyzed by the transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling technique (TUNEL). Before cryopreservation, all semen samples were divided and randomized to receive the cryoprotectants TYB or ANTIOX-PC, frozen and thawed after 30 days. An exploratory data analysis was carried out through measures of central position and dispersion. The paired t-test was used to compare the groups. Comparisons between the two media ANTIOX-PC and TYB, and fresh semen were performed through orthogonal contrasts using the mixed effects linear regression model. This model was implemented in the SAS 9.3 program considering PROC MIXED. RESULTS: Progressive motility (P = 0.78) and DFI (P = 0.06) were not different when comparing ANTIOX-PC (12.40 ± 11.49; and 13,33 ± 10.54) and TYB (12.09 ± 11.11 and 15.83 ± 11.04), respectively. These data showed that the synthetic cryoprotectant designed was not inferior in sperm protection compared to the TYB medium. In addition, ANTIOX-PC retained higher rates of overall motility (43.36 ± 26.77)than TYB (34.79 ± 22.86; P<0,0001) and significantly reduced the immotile sperm rates (56.64 ± 26.77; P<0,0001) when compared with TYB (65.00 ± 23.00). CONCLUSION: ANTIOX-PC medium can not be considered less effective than TYB relative to progressive motility and IFD. Kinetic parameters observed in post-thaw sperm from ANTIOX-PC extender demonstrated the positive impact of the phospholipid/antioxidant treatment on human sperm cryotolerance in the absence of animal aditives.

Submitted by Filipe dos Santos (fsantos@pucsp.br) on 2017-02-22T11:42:26Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Giseli Marques Bianchini.pdf: 2821462 bytes, checksum: 5791ab9c059731ba118df6aadf7ac64a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-22T11:42:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Giseli Marques Bianchini.pdf: 2821462 bytes, checksum: 5791ab9c059731ba118df6aadf7ac64a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-16 / This work aims to analyze the responsibility for eugenic human reproduction, with an approach to ethical and legal aspects. The justification of this research consists on the extraordinary question that surrounds the responsibility in eugenic human reproduction, given the relevance of the role of Bioethics and Bio-Law in analyzing ethical and legal aspects and establishing limits in the use of medical research results, always maintaining a bond between the technical and ethical powers, based on the purpose of preserving the humanization on the procedures of assisted human reproduction. For a better understanding of the subject, it is necessary to reflect about the importance of the children to the individuals whose project of concretizing motherhood or fatherhood was not possible through natural methods. In this context, arises the possibility of using the techniques of assisted human reproduction. However, it should be noted that to the employment of these techniques is necessary to pay attention to the personal conditions of potential patients, their capacity and also the issue of their free consent to the submission to the procedures. It is important that patients are aware of the real opportunities of success with the results, as well as the possible risks of frustration. The legal system in validity in Brazil is still permeated by gaps because of the rapid development of reproductive medical sciences and, in this sense, does not have specific regulations for a number of situations that raise important conflicts, not only in the legal sphere, but also in ethics, as the cases of excess embryos and its possible freezing, preinseminations, diagnosis, artificial insemination post mortem, the gestation of replacement and the status of filiation, among many others. In fact the constitutional principles and norms are able, at first, to solve important issues, considering that always part from the fundamental rights inherent in human life, as well the dignity and the human welfare. However, it is important to mention the need to use the criterion of ponderation when there is a conflict between fundamental principles as solution to the collision of interests, as occurs in the anonymity of the donator against the right to knowledge of genetic origin. In order to do so, through bibliographical and documental research, and writing, using the inductive method, sought to outline the dimensions of the rights that surround the assisted human reproduction, as well as exposing its intrinsic relation with ethics and fundamental rights inherent in the exercise of a dignified life. In this sense, eugenic abortion, the choice of sex and the characteristics of babies should be analyzed in the light of human dignity, as well as all constitutional precepts related to life and full human development, attributing to each being that will be conceived the prerogative of born free. / O presente trabalho objetiva analisar a responsabilidade na reprodução humana eugênica, com abordagem dos aspectos éticos e jurídicos. A justificativa desta pesquisa consiste no extraordinário questionamento que circunda a responsabilidade na reprodução humana eugênica, dada a relevância do papel da Bioética e do Biodireito ao analisar os aspectos éticojurídicos e estabelecer limites na utilização dos resultados das pesquisas médicas, sempre mantendo um vínculo entre os poderes técnico e ético, pautados no propósito de preservar a humanização nos procedimentos de reprodução humana assistida. Para a melhor compreensão do tema, faz-se necessário refletir sobre a importância dos filhos para os indivíduos cujo projeto de concretizar a maternidade ou a paternidade não foi possível por meio dos métodos naturais. Nesse contexto, surge a possibilidade da utilização das técnicas de reprodução humana assistida. Entretanto, é preciso observar que para o emprego dessas técnicas é necessário se atentar para as condições pessoais dos possíveis pacientes, sua capacidade e também da emissão do seu livre consentimento para a submissão aos procedimentos. É importante que os pacientes tenham conhecimento das reais oportunidades de sucesso com os resultados, bem como dos possíveis riscos de frustração. O ordenamento jurídico em vigência no Brasil ainda está permeado por lacunas diante do célere desenvolvimento das ciências médicas reprodutivas e, nesse sentido, não possui regulamentação específica para uma série de situações que suscitam importantes embates, não somente na seara jurídica, mas também na ética, como são os casos de destino dos embriões excedentes e seu possível congelamento; os diagnósticos pré-implantacionais; a inseminação artificial post mortem; a gestação de substituição e o estado de filiação, dentre tantas outras. De fato as normas e princípios constitucionais são capazes, num primeiro momento, de sanar importantes questões, haja vista partirem sempre dos direitos fundamentais inerentes à vida humana, bem como a dignidade e o bem estar humano. Contudo, importante se faz mencionar a necessidade da utilização do critério da ponderação quando houver conflito entre princípios fundamentais como solução para a colisão de interesses, como se dá no direito ao anonimato do doador frente ao direito ao conhecimento da origem genética. Para tanto, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, e na escrita, com a utilização do método indutivo, buscou-se delinear as dimensões dos direitos que circundam a reprodução humana assistida, bem como expor sua intrínseca relação com a ética e os direitos fundamentais inerentes ao exercício de uma vida digna. Nesse sentido, o aborto eugênico, a escolha do sexo e das características dos bebês devem ser analisados à luz da dignidade humana, bem como todos os preceitos constitucionais relacionados à vida e ao pleno desenvolvimento humano, atribuindo a cada ser que será concebido a prerrogativa de nascer livre

Orientador: Anaglória Pontes / Coorientador: Mário Cavagna / Banca: Claudia Guilhermino Petersen Rodrigues da Costa / Banca: Tamara Beres Lederer Goldberg / Resumo: Para saber quais casais de fato poderiam se beneficiar com a IIU, desenhamos esse estudo com o objetivo de avaliar se a motilidade espermática pós-capacitação em gradiente descontínuo de diferentes densidades e incubação em CO2 em indivíduos normospérmicos é capaz de predizer gravidez. Participaram do estudo 175 casais que foram submetidos à IIU. Os critérios de inclusão foram mulheres com idade inferior ou igual a 35 anos; com trompas sem alterações; endometriose Grau I e II; infertilidade sem causa aparente ou inexplicada; disfunção ovulatória não hiperandrogênica, e homens que apresentaram parâmetros seminais normais. Todas as pacientes foram submetidas à estimulação ovariana com Citrato de Clomifeno na dose de 50mg/dia, do 3° ao 7° dia do ciclo menstrual, associado à Gonadrotofina menopausal humana ou Hormônio Folículo Estimulante recombinante (FSH-r) no 3°, 5° e 7° dias do ciclo. O desenvolvimento folicular foi acompanhado pela ultrassonografia transvaginal e, quando um ou até três folículos medindo entre 18 e 20mm foram observados, foi administrado hCG ou hCG-r 250mg, e a IIU foi realizada 36-40h após hCG. Os parâmetros seminais foram analisados e classificados segundo os critérios da OMS de 2010. A capacitação espermática foi realizada utilizando a técnica de gradiente descontínuo de diferentes densidades. Uma alíquota de 20μl foi incubada por 24h a 37ºC em 5% de CO2. Após 24h de incubação, foi feita análise da motilidade total (progressão A+B) dos espermatozóides. Dos 175 casais, 52 obtiveram gravidez clínica e 123 não obtiveram êxito. A taxa de gravidez clínica foi de 29,7%. Houve também 4 abortos espontâneos (7,6%) e 1 gravidez múltipla (3,8%). Análises realizadas quanto a idade, duração e etiologia da infertilidade não mostraram diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: To assess what couples actually could benefit from IUI, we designed this study to evaluate the sperm motility through discontinuous gradient of different densities and incubation in CO2 in normospermic individuals is able to predict pregnancy. A total of 175 couples underwent IUI and inclusion criteria were women with age 35 years or younger, with normal tube; endometriosis grades I-II; unexplained infertility; ovulatory dysfunction not hyperandrogenic and men with normal seminal parameters. All patients underwent ovarian stimulation used 50mg/day clomiphene citrate on days 3-7 of menstrual cycle, associated to human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) or follicle stimulating hormone recombinant (FSH-r). The follicular development was monitored by transvaginal ultrasound. When one or two follicles measuring 18 and 20mm were observed, hCG or hCG-r 250mg was administered and IUI was performed 36-40h after hCG. Seminal parameters were analyzed and classified according to 2010 WHO criteria. Spermatic capacitation was performed using discontinuous concentration gradient. A 20μl aliquote was incubated for 24 hours at 37ºC in 5% CO2. The sperm concentration was adjusted to a total of 10x106 motile sperm per milliliter of medium. After 24h incubation, it was performed total motility analysis (A+B). Of the 175 couples, 52 achieved clinical pregnancies and 123 did not have success. Pregnancy rate per cycle was 29.7%, there were 4 spontaneous abortions (7.6%) and multiple pregnancies (3.8%). Analysis of age, infertility duration and causes of infertility did not show statistic significance between pregnant and nonpregnant groups, as to results of seminal volume, total sperm concentration, total motile sperm and morphology, except sperm motility (p<0.00001). The comparison of motility A+B after processed and 24h after... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

OBJETIVO: Comparar dois meios de congelamento para sêmen: o comercialmente disponível Meio de Congelamento TEST Yolk Buffer-Irvine Scientific - USA (TYB) e o crioprotetor sintético suplementado com fosfatidilcolina (PC) e antioxidante L-acetil-carnitina (ANTIOXPC - delineado pela Invitra Tecnologia de Reprodução Assistida - Brasil) em relação a motilidade progressiva (PR) e índice de fragmentação do DNA (IFD) em amostras de sêmen obtidas de homens com parâmetros seminais alterados. DESENHO: Ensaio clínico de nãoinferioridade. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas amostras de sêmen com parâmetros seminais alterados (astenozoospermia) de 58 voluntários no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo. As amostras de sêmen foram submetidas à análise antes e após a criopreservação. A motilidade dos espermatozoides foi avaliada pelo espermograma e a fragmentação do DNA espermático foi analisada pela técnica transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL). Antes da criopreservação, todas as amostras de sêmen foram divididas e randomizadas para receber os crioprotetores TYB ou ANTIOX-PC, congelados no período mínimo de 30 dias e descongelados. Uma análise exploratória dos dados foi realizada através de medidas de posição central e dispersão. O teste t pareado foi usado para comparar os grupos. Comparações entre os dois meios, ANTIOX-PC e TYB, e sêmen fresco foram realizadas através de contrastes ortogonais, utilizando o modelo de regressão linear de efeitos mistos. Este modelo foi implementado no programa SAS 9.3 considerando o PROC MIXED. RESULTADOS: A motilidade PR (P = 0,78) e o IFD (P = 0,06) não foram diferentes quando comparados os meios ANTIOX-PC (12,40 ± 11,49 e 13,33 ± 10,54) e o TYB (12,09 ± 11,11 e15,83 ± 11,04), respectivamente. Esses dados mostraram que o crioprotetor sintético delineado não foi inferior na proteção dos espermatozoides comparado com o meio TYB. Além disso, o ANTIOX-PC reteve taxas mais altas de motilidade total43,36 ± 26,77) do que o TYB (34,79 ± 22,86; P <0,0001) e reduziu significativamente as taxas de espermatozoides imóveis (56,64 ± 26,77; P <0,0001) em relação ao TYB (65.00 ± 23.00).CONCLUSÃO: O meio ANTIOX-PC não pode ser considerado menos efetivo que o TYB em relação à motilidade PR e ao IFD. Parâmetros cinéticos observados em espermatozoides pósdescongelamento do diluente ANTIOX-PC demonstraram o impacto positivo do tratamento com fosfolipídios/antioxidantes na criotolerância espermática humana na ausência de aditivos animais. / OBJECTIVE: To compare two sperm freezing media: commercially available Freezing Medium TEST Yolk Buffer-Irvine Scientific - USA (TYB) and a synthetic cryoprotectant supplemented with phosphatidylcholine (PC) and antioxidante L-acetyl-carnitine (ANTIOXPC - designed by Invitra Assisted Reproduction Technology - Brazil) in relation to progressive motility and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in sêmen samples obtained from men with altered seminal parameters. DESIGN: Non-inferiority clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Were included semen samples with altered seminal parameters (asthenospermia) from 58 volunteers at the Clinical Hospital of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo. Semen samples were subjected to analysis both before and after cryopreservation. The sperm motility was evaluated by the spermogram and the sperm DNA fragmentation was analyzed by the transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling technique (TUNEL). Before cryopreservation, all semen samples were divided and randomized to receive the cryoprotectants TYB or ANTIOX-PC, frozen and thawed after 30 days. An exploratory data analysis was carried out through measures of central position and dispersion. The paired t-test was used to compare the groups. Comparisons between the two media ANTIOX-PC and TYB, and fresh semen were performed through orthogonal contrasts using the mixed effects linear regression model. This model was implemented in the SAS 9.3 program considering PROC MIXED. RESULTS: Progressive motility (P = 0.78) and DFI (P = 0.06) were not different when comparing ANTIOX-PC (12.40 ± 11.49; and 13,33 ± 10.54) and TYB (12.09 ± 11.11 and 15.83 ± 11.04), respectively. These data showed that the synthetic cryoprotectant designed was not inferior in sperm protection compared to the TYB medium. In addition, ANTIOX-PC retained higher rates of overall motility (43.36 ± 26.77)than TYB (34.79 ± 22.86; P<0,0001) and significantly reduced the immotile sperm rates (56.64 ± 26.77; P<0,0001) when compared with TYB (65.00 ± 23.00). CONCLUSION: ANTIOX-PC medium can not be considered less effective than TYB relative to progressive motility and IFD. Kinetic parameters observed in post-thaw sperm from ANTIOX-PC extender demonstrated the positive impact of the phospholipid/antioxidant treatment on human sperm cryotolerance in the absence of animal aditives.

<p>Science and technology has been the bedrock of human growth and dynamism. Man has over the years distinguished his existence from all other beings by his ability to champion and fashion his existence. Among his tools is biotechnology which actually attenuates the fears of aging and death.</p><p>Human reproductive cloning stands out as one of the means through which biotechnology plans to achieve this perfect existence for man. Technological advancements in the field of biotechnology are now in the threshold of human procreation.</p><p>Human reproductive cloning is seen as an assisted method of reproduction which creates a newborn that is genetically identical to another human being.Human reproductive cloning as a technology and as a means of reproduction is not without its pros and cons. In as much as the technology promises to mention but a few, hope for the infertile couples and single parents, as well as the hope of reproduction without passing on hereditary diseases; it at the same time beeps some flashes of worry. Hence, the inherent threat to the notion of parenthood which does not smack of compromise, coupled with other ethical implications are reasons one may proffer not to have this technology.</p><p>Technologised parenthood stands out as an implication of human reproductive cloning and as such it considers issues in human sexuality i.e. the place of human sexuality in reproduction and then the nature of the family which is the playground of human existence. This thesis focuses on this implication of human reproductive cloning while making a critical exposition of the concept of human reproductive cloning.</p>

Science and technology has been the bedrock of human growth and dynamism. Man has over the years distinguished his existence from all other beings by his ability to champion and fashion his existence. Among his tools is biotechnology which actually attenuates the fears of aging and death. Human reproductive cloning stands out as one of the means through which biotechnology plans to achieve this perfect existence for man. Technological advancements in the field of biotechnology are now in the threshold of human procreation. Human reproductive cloning is seen as an assisted method of reproduction which creates a newborn that is genetically identical to another human being.Human reproductive cloning as a technology and as a means of reproduction is not without its pros and cons. In as much as the technology promises to mention but a few, hope for the infertile couples and single parents, as well as the hope of reproduction without passing on hereditary diseases; it at the same time beeps some flashes of worry. Hence, the inherent threat to the notion of parenthood which does not smack of compromise, coupled with other ethical implications are reasons one may proffer not to have this technology. Technologised parenthood stands out as an implication of human reproductive cloning and as such it considers issues in human sexuality i.e. the place of human sexuality in reproduction and then the nature of the family which is the playground of human existence. This thesis focuses on this implication of human reproductive cloning while making a critical exposition of the concept of human reproductive cloning.

There is a dearth of research that explores the lives and experiences of trans-identified parents. The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of trans people who sought or accessed AHR services in Ontario between 2007 and 2010. Qualitative data that was collected from 7 qualitative interviews with 9 trans people and their partners was analyzed for the present analysis. Results from this study indicate that AHR providers do not possess sufficient knowledge about trans people, trans identities and trans lives to adequately address the needs of trans service users. Specific provider practices that trans people experienced as being unhelpful are illuminated and implications for improving clinical practices are discussed.

There is a dearth of research that explores the lives and experiences of trans-identified parents. The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of trans people who sought or accessed AHR services in Ontario between 2007 and 2010. Qualitative data that was collected from 7 qualitative interviews with 9 trans people and their partners was analyzed for the present analysis. Results from this study indicate that AHR providers do not possess sufficient knowledge about trans people, trans identities and trans lives to adequately address the needs of trans service users. Specific provider practices that trans people experienced as being unhelpful are illuminated and implications for improving clinical practices are discussed.

D. Tech. Biomedical Sciences. / Discusses despite significant advances in andrological techniques, the execution of semen analysis is currently not performed in a sequential manner. As such, it is important that reproductive biology laboratories establish an optimal diagnostic scheme that will assist reproductive health workers to direct patients to a specific therapeutic intervention and procedure.