• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.13-17
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• 1993

This study was conducted to determine the cost of production of semen and the rate of conception for artificial insemination in eight randomly selected districts of Bangladesh. A sample of 640 adopting farms were investigated. Results indicate that the cost of liquid semen per dose on full-cost and cash cast basis were Tk. 16.17 and Tk. 14.48, while the cost of locally produced exotic semen and imported semen were Tk. 31.25 and Tk. 110.00 respectively. The cost of liquid semen per insemination, per conception and per progeny on full-cost were Tk. 26.65, Tk. 50.64, and Tk. 56.27 respectively and on cash cost were Tk. 23.88, Tk. 45.37 and Tk. 50.41 respectively. The average cost of semen paid by the farmers was Tk. 14.00 and it was higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Out of the cost of A.I. centres, government had subsidized 92.16 percent and the rest 7.84 percent accrued as returns. About 40 percent of the produced semen was lost in the system which could not be used at all. The conception rate on first insemination was 53.6 percent. The rate increased to 73.2 percent upto the last insemination. The difference in conception rate between liquid semen (69.97%) and frozen semen (70.48%) was not statistically significant.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.10
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• pp.1411-1416
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• 2014

Gender selection is important in livestock industries; for example, female calves are required in the dairy industry. Sex-sorted semen is commonly used for the production of calves of the desired gender. However, assessment of the sex ratio of the sorted semen is tedious and expensive. In this study, a rapid, cost effective and reliable method for determining the sex ratio was developed using a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. In this assay, the X and Y chromosome-specific markers, i.e., bovine proteolipid protein (PLP) gene and sex-determining region Y (SRY) were simultaneously quantified in a single tube. The multiplex real-time PCR assay was shown to have high amplification efficiencies (97% to 99%) comparable to the separated-tube simplex real-time PCR assay. The results obtained from both assays were not significantly different (p>0.05). The multiplex assay was validated using reference DNA of known X ratio (10%, 50%, and 90%) as templates. The measured %X in semen samples were the same within 95% confidence intervals as the expected values, i.e., >90% in X-sorted semen, <10% in Y-sorted semen and close to 50% in the unsorted semen. The multiplex real-time PCR assay as shown in this study can thus be used to assess purity of sex-sorted semen.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.699-703
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• 2016

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious clinical and an urgent problem worldwide. Few new drugs are available against MRSA, because MRSA has the ability to acquire resistance to most antibiotics, which consequently increases the cost of medication. In the present study, the antibacterial activity of Hydnocarpi Semen was investigated. The most effective method is to develop antibiotics from the natural products without having any toxic or side effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative antibacterial drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases. Five Clinical isolates (MRSA) were obtained from five different patients at Wonkwang University Hospital (Iksan, South Korea). The Other 2 strains were ATCC 33591 (Methicillin-resistant strain) and ATCC 25923 (Methicillin-susceptible strain). Antibacterial activity (Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations, MICs) was determined by broth dilution method, disk diffusion method, MTT test, and checkerboard dilution test. Antibacterial activity of n-hexane fraction was remarkable, and had a MICs ranging from $31.25-125{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. FICI values for HFH+AM and HFH+OX were 0.13-0.19 and 0.04-0.29, showing the increase of synergistic effect. When combined together, these antibacterial effects were dramatically increased.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.149-156
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• 1994

Failure of in vitro fertilization may occur even though oocyte and semen parameters seem satisfactory. Quantified ultrastructural study of spermatozoa was performed in three cases of failed in vitro fertilization. The results were compared to those of four fertile men. Quantification was achieved by cataloguing cell defects of the spermatozoon heads and mid/principal pieces of the flagella. Using the data from each specimen, the percentages of total cellular abnormalities in the head/mid/principal pieces were established. The percentages of anomalies of the midpiece and of the principal piece were not significantly different between failed cases and controls. The percentage of cell alterations of the head (96-100 vs 75${\pm}$3,4%), the percentage of combined anomalies of the head (80-86 vs 52.5${\pm}$1.9%), and the percentages of nuclear shape deformation (68-86 vs 47.5${\pm}$6.3%), acrosomal defects (86-96 vs 50${\pm}$4.3%), and postacrosomal sheath defects (78-88 vs 44.5${\pm}$7.2%) of the head were significantly different between failed cases and controls. Due to the cost and time involved in processing semen samples for electron microscopy, the widespread application of this technique to all couples presenting for IVF certainly is not warranted. However, in selected instances electron microscopy may play a crucial role in identifying an occult male factor.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.99-105
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• 2000

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare results of the macroscopic one-layer vasovasostomy with those of microscopic one-layer vasovasostomy and to analyze the change of semen parameters according to the interval of vasal obstruction. Method and Materials: Between March 1987 and December 1997, we performed 121 vasovasostomies using modified one-layer technique with loupe magnification (macroscopic vasovasostomy) or microscope. Among the 68 could be followed post-operatively, 37 patients were treated by macroscopic technique with loupe, and 31 patients by microscopic technique. We compared rates of anatomical patency (sperm count above than $10{\times}10^{6}$/ml) and pregnancy of macroscopic vasovasotomy with those of microscopic vasovasostomy. Patency and pregnancy rates according to vasal obstructive interval were also examined. Results: The patency rates of macroscopic and microscopic technique were 86.5% and 87.1%, and pregnancy rates of macroscopic and microscopic technique were 64.9% and 67.7%. There was no statistical significance between these two methods (p>0.05). The pregnancy rates and sperm motility were decreased if more than 10 years had elapsed following vasectomy (p<0.05). Conclusion: We found little difference in success rates resulting from macroscopic and microscopic vasovasostomy and the former had the advantage of reduced cost and a lower operator skill level. In post-operative semen analysis, the sperm motility was the most probable factor associated with vasal obstructive interval.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.451-455
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• 2015

The buffalo is an important livestock resource in several countries of South Asia and the Mediterranean regions. However, reproductive efficiency is compromised due to known problems of biological and management origins, such as lack of animal selection and poor nutrition. Under optimal conditions puberty is attained at 15 to 18 months in river buffalo, 21 to 24 months in swamp buffalo and is influenced by genotype, nutrition, management and climate. However, under field conditions these values deteriorate up to a significant extant. To improve reproductive efficiency, several protocols of oestrus and ovulation synchronization have been adopted from their use in commercial cattle production. These protocols yield encouraging pregnancy rates of (30% to 50%), which are comparable to those achieved in buffaloes bred at natural oestrus. The use of sexed semen in buffalo heifers also showed promising pregnancy rates (50%) when compared with conventional non-sexed semen. Assisted reproductive technologies have been transferred and adapted to buffalo but the efficiency of these technologies are low. However, these latest technologies offer the opportunity to accelerate the genetic gain in the buffalo industry after improving the technology and reducing its cost. Most buffaloes are kept under the small holder farming system in developing countries. Hence, future research should focus on simple, adoptable and impact-oriented approaches which identify the factors determining low fertility and oestrus behaviour in this species. Furthermore, role of kisspeptin needs to be explored in buffalo.

• 대한생식의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2003.12a
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• pp.21-30
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• 2003

As a result of the technological advance provided by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in 1992, the evaluation and treatment of the infertile male has changed significantly. Many men who were previously thought to be irreversibly infertile have the potential to initiate their own biologic pregnancy. However, not all men having impaired semen parameter are ideal candidates for ICSI for numerous reasons including a lack of addressing the underlying problem causing the male infertility, unknown genetic consequences, and cost-effectiveness issues. In this era of ICSI, the fundamental approach to the male with suspected subfertility is unchanged and is based on a history, physical examination, and focused laboratory testing. The urologist should approach the patient with an intent to identify remediable causes of subfertility given the specific clinical situation. For instance, should a gentleman have his varicocele repaired or vasectomy reversed, or should he proceed directly with ICSI? If no factors can be improved in a timely manner, then ICSI should be considered using the available sperm. Examples of recent advances include the diagnosis and treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction, indications and techniques for performing testis biopsy, and technique for sperm harvesting. In addition, potential genetic causes of male subfertility should be diagnosed and discussed with the patient. Cystic fibrosis gene mutation, karyotype abnormallities, and Y-chromosome microdeletions all have recently been identified as causative for male infertility in otherwise phenotypically normal men. With recently evolved diagnostic and therapeutic techniques now available for the infertile couple, even the most severe male factor problems in patients previously considered irreversibly infertile are now potentially treatable. The physician should be aware of the availability and limitations of these new and exciting reproductive technologies because they will allow him to provide timely and more effective therapy for the infertile couple. An understanding of these advances by all physicians is important as we progress into the $21^{st}$ century

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.57-66
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• 2002

Objective : This study was designed to investigate the interrelationship and clinical usefulness of sperm morphology by strict criteria (SM), acrosome reaction following ionophore challenge test (ARIC) and sperm penetration assay (SPA) using zona-free hamster ova as prognostic factors in in vitro fertilization. Materials and Methods: Semen samples were provided by 83 patients undergoing IVF. We first evaluated the differences between normal fertilization group and poor fertilization group on three andrologic tests. Secondly, we analyzed the relationship between the three andrologic tests and in vitro fertilization on IVF settings. Finally, we evaluated the effectiveness of the three andrologic tests as the prognostic indicators for fertilizing ability. Results: The fertilization rate of all men in the poor fertilization group was less than 30%; but there was no evidence that this poor fertilization was due to oocyte defects. The results of three andrologic tests were significatly higher in normal fertilization group. Fertilization rate (%) in vitro was highly correlated (p<0.001) with % normal sperm by SM, ARIC value (%), and SPA result. By using Receiver-Operator-Characteristic curve (ROC), we evaluated the effectiveness of these three tests. The sensitivity and specificity of SM, ARIC test and SPA in predicting fertilization potential in IVF setting were 76% and 75%, 84% and 90%, and 76% and 95%, respectively. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the three andrologic tests can be reliable tools as prognostic factors of sperm fertilizing ability. Among these test, ARIC test and SPA gave more accurate information on fertilizing capacity. ARIC test was shown to have a predictive value for fertilizing ability comparable to that of SPA that appears to be a simple and cost-effective addition to current andrology laboratory. Combined application of these three tests may give more information on predicting sperm fertilizing capacity.