Viabilility of Rams Epididymal Sperm after Preservation in Low Temperature (5oc)

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the viability of ram epididymal sperm collected from fresh caudal epididymis (H-0) or after storage in low temperature (5oC, in refrigerator) for one (H-1), two (H-2), and three (H-3) days.  Collected sperm were diluted in modified Tris extender and they were preserved in refrigerator up to four days.  The viability of diluted sperm was evaluated daily base on motility and sperm live.  Results indicated that mean sperm concentration after sperm diluted with 0.05 ml Tris extender of caudal epididymis was 2745 million/ml. Sperm motility and percentage of live for H-0 (71.25% and 82.83%) and H-1 (70.00% and 79.17%) were significantly higher (P<0.05) than H-2 (61.25% and 69.83%) and H-3 (51.67% and 66.17%).  Percentages of sperm motility and live of diluted sperm and preserved in refrigerator for H-0 were significantly higher (P<0.05) than H-1, H-2, and H-3.  These results showed that epididymal sperm collected from caudal epididymis up to three days of preservation (without further storage of the diluted sperm) could be used for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization programs.  Diluted sperm of H-0 and H-1 could be preserved in refrigerator for two days and H-2 for one day. (Animal Production 6(1): 30-36 (2004) Key Words: Epididymal Sperm, Viability, Rams

The effect of Physiological NaCl Dilution levels and Storage Duration to Sperm Motility and Abnormality in Muscovy Duck

The aim of this research are to know the effects of physiological NaCl dilution levels and storage duration on sperm motility and abnormality of  Muscovy duck. Materials which used in this research were semen that collected of 1  - 1,5 years of four Muscovy duck. Semen were treated by physiological NaCl dilution levels nol , three, six and nine and storage duration ( t0 = 0 minute t1 =45minutes and t2=90 minute). Replication was three tapping periode . The method of this research was laboratory experimental with Randomized Complete Blok Design (RBD) in Split Plot Design (SPD)  pattern ,as main plot is Physiological NaCl dilation levels and as sub plot is storage duration. Result of the experiment showed that physiological NaCl dilution levels was very significantly influences on sperm motility (p<0,01) and significantly influences and sperm abnormality (p<0,05) . The storage duration was very significantly influences and sperm motility and abnormality (p<0,01) .Orthogonal duration polynomial assayed showed that the effect of physiological NaCl dilution levels to sperm motility  had a linier regression line with the a equation as Y =69.94 - 2.65 X,  r=0,49 R2=0.24 with Y presented to sperm motility and X represented to physiological NaCl dilution levels  sperm and effect of storage duration to sperm motility had a linier regression line with the equation as Y =74.24-0.35 X, r =0.73 R2=0.53 with Y represented to sperm motility and X represented to storage duration . The effect of physiological NaCl dilution levels to sperm abnormality had a linier regression line with the equation as Y =5.61+0.34X, r=0.52 R2=0.27 with Y represented to sperm to abnormality and X represented to regression line with the equation as Y =6.74+0.01X, r=0.24R2=0.060 with Y represented to sperm abnormality and X represented to storage duration. It is can be concluded that a higher physiological NaCl dilation levels and storage duration caused sperm to motility decreased and sperm abnormality increased. (Animal Production 3(2): 45-52 (2001)Key Word: sperm Muscovy duck.

Quality Of Pe Buck Sperm Stored In Different Packaging

AI for cattle has been develop in Indonesia in contrast, AI for small ruminants (sheep and goat) are less developed. Its due to the lack of facilities, processing and packaging during storage. This research aims to compare the effectivity and efficiency of two different packaging technique (test tube and straw). Test tube and 0.25 ml mini straw were tested . Semen was obtained from adult PE buck (3 yr) after collection by using  artificial vagina. The fresh semen was then evaluated and diluted 5 folds with 2.9 percent Na-citrate. Diluted semen then packed in test tube and mini straw, and stored in refrigerator (100C) for 7 days. Observations were done everyday on sperm motility, abnormality and percentage of  live sperm. Observation were made at 370C. Observation on fresh ejaculate showed that semen has 6x 109/ml concentration, 90 percent motility, 8 percent abnormality and  95 percent  live sperm. Five folds dilution reduced sperm concentration to 1.2 x 109/ml, but did not change sperm motility, abnormality and percent of live sperm. Sperm was then packed according  to the treatments. Storage in both packaging did significantly reduce  (P<0.01) sperm motility and percent live sperm, but not for sperm abnormality. All sperm stored in test tube were classified death at day 5 storage. However, sperm in the straw were remain live eventhough the percentages was low. It can be concluded that straw has a better result than test tube. Eventhough sperm motility was extremely low, it remains valuable for cervical insemination. (Animal Production 1(1) : 24-29 (1999).  Key Words : Sperm, PE Buck, Straw, Test Tube

The Effect of Level Testosteron e Addition in Diluents and Level Dilution on Speed Movement and Abnormality of Kedu Chicken Sperm

The research entitled “The Effect of Level Testosterone Addition in Diluents and Level Dilution on Speed Movement and Abnormality of Kedu Chicken Sperm” was conducted in Laboratory of Physiology and Reproduction, Faculty of Animal Science, UNSOED, started at August 15th to September 15th , 2001. The aims of  this research were to obtain influences of level testosterone and dilution on speed movement and secondary abnormality kedu chicken sperm and obtain interaction between the treatments. The tapped sperm from nine kedu chickens were used in this research. This Experiment was performed 4 x 3 Factorials with Randomized  Completely Block Design (RCBD) as the basic design. The treatment combinations were level testosterone 0, 300, 600 and 900 μg (t0, t1, t2 and t3) and level of dilution 4, 6 and 8 time (in a row p1, p2 and p3). The tapping period was replicated four times as a group (replicated) with two days interval. The result of this research showed that the interaction between level of testosterone addition and level of dilution gave a non-significant effect to speed movement sperm but significant to abnormality of kedu chicken sperm. The group gave a significant influence (P<0.05) to speed movement sperm and non significant to sperm abnormality. The interaction of level testosterone addition and level dilution of kedu chicken semen (T x P) has a quadratic regression to sperm abnormality with regression comparison is Y = 24.418 – 0.014 X +1.187E – 05 X², with peak point is (543.76: 20.23) of correlation coefficient (r) 0.55 and determination coefficient (R²) as 30.34%. The addition of 600 μg testosterone level with 6 level dilutions was the best to defend sperm abnormality. (Animal Production 4(2): 60-70 (2002) Key Words : Spermatozoa, Kedu Chicken, Testosterone, Dilution, Speed Movement and Abnormality

Listening to late discovery adoption and donor offspring stories : adoption, ethics and implications for contemporary donor insemination practices

For most of the 20th Century a ‘closed’ system of adoption was practised throughout Australia and other modern Western societies. This ‘closed’ system was characterised by sealed records; amended birth certificates to conceal the adoption, and prohibited contact with all biological family. Despite claims that these measures protected these children from the taint of illegitimacy the central motivations were far more complex, involving a desire to protect couples from the stigma of infertility and to provide a socially acceptable family structure (Triseliotis, Feast, & Kyle, 2005; Marshall & McDonald, 2001). From the 1960s significant evidence began to emerge that many adopted children and adults were experiencing higher incidences of psychological difficulties, characterised by problems with psychological adjustment, building self-esteem and forming a secure personal identity. These difficulties became grouped under the term ‘genealogical bewilderment’. As a result, new policies and practices were introduced to try to place the best interests of the child at the forefront. These changes reflected new understandings of adoption; as not only an individual process but also as a social and relational process that continues throughout life. Secrecy and the withholding of birth information are now prohibited in the overwhelming majority of all domestic adoptions processed in Australia (Marshall & McDonald, 2001). One little known consequence of this ‘closed’ system of adoption was the significant number of children who were never told of their adoptive status. As a consequence, some have discovered or had this information disclosed to them, as adults. The first study that looked at the late discovery of genetic origins experiences was conducted by the Post Adoption Resource Centre in New South Wales in 1999. This report found that the participants in their study expressed feelings of disbelief, confusion, anger, sorrow and loss. Further, the majority of participants continued to struggle with issues arising from this intentional concealment of their genetic origins (Perl & Markham, 1999). A second and more recent study (Passmore, Feeney & Foulstone, 2007) looked at the issue of secrecy in adoptive families as part of a broader study of 144 adult adoptees. This study found that secrecy and/or lies or misinformation on the part of adoptive parents had negative effects on both personal identity and relationships with others. The authors noted that those adoptees who found out about their adoption as adults were ‘especially likely to feel a sense of betrayal’ (p.4). Over recent years, stories of secrecy and late discovery have also started to emerge from sperm donor conceived adults (Spencer, 2007; Turner & Coyle, 2000). Current research evidence shows that although a majority of couples during the donor assisted conception process indicate that they intend to tell the offspring about their origins, as many as two-thirds or more of couples continue to withhold this information from their children (Akker, 2006; Gottlieb, A. McWhinnie, 2001; Salter-Ling, Hunter, & Glover, 2001). Why do they keep this secret? Infertility involves a range of complex factors that are often left unresolved or poorly understood by those choosing insemination by donor as a form of family building (Schaffer, J. A., & Diamond, R., 1993). These factors may only impact after the child is born, when resemblance talk becomes most pronounced. Resemblance talk is an accepted form of public discourse and a social convention that legitimises the child as part of the family and is part of the process of constructing the child’s identity within the family. Couples tend to become focused on resemblance as this is where they feel most vulnerable, and the lack of resemblance to the parenting father may trigger his sense of loss (Becker, Butler, & Nachtigall, 2005).

Cytochrome p450 isozyme protein verified in the skin of southern hemisphere humpback whales (megaptera novaeangliae) : implications for biochemical biomarker assessment

Large mysticete whales represent a unique challenge for chemical risk assessment. Few epidemiological investigations are possible due to the low incidence of adult stranding events. Similarly their often extreme life-history adaptations of prolonged migration and fasting challenge exposure assumptions. Molecular biomarkers offer the potential to complement information yielded through tissue chemical analysis, as well as providing evidence of a molecular response to chemical exposure. In this study we confirm the presence of cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 1A1 (CYP1A1) in epidermal tissue of southern hemisphere humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). The detection of CYP1A1 in the integument of the humpback whale affords the opportunity for further quantitative non-destructive investigations of enzyme activity as a function of chemical stress.

Ureaplasma parvum and ureaplasma urealyticum detected in semen after washing prior to assisted reproductive technology procedures

Objective: This study investigated: (i) the prevalence of ureaplasmas in semen and washed semen and (ii) the effect of ureaplasmas on semen andrology parameters. Design: Prospective study. Setting: IVF unit -private hospital, Brisbane, Australia. Patient(s): Three hundred and forty three men participating in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment cycle. Intervention(s): Semen and washed semen tested by culture, PCR assays and indirect immunofluorescent antibody assays. Statistical differences were determined by a t-test, Wilcoxon or Pearson’s Chi- square test where appropriate. Main Outcome Measure(s): The prevalence of ureaplasmas in semen and washed semen and the effect of these microorganisms on semen andrology parameters. Result(s): Ureaplasmas were detected in 73/343 (22%) semen samples and 29/343 (8.5%) washed semen samples. Ureaplasmas adherent to the surface of spermatozoa were demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescent antibody testing. U. parvum serovar 6 (36.6%) and U. urealyticum (30%) were the most prevalent isolates in washed semen. A comparison of the semen andrology parameters of washed semen ureaplasma positive and negative groups demonstrated a lower proportion of non-motile sperm in the washed semen ureaplasma positive group. Conclusion(s): Ureaplasmas are not always removed from semen by a standard ART washing procedure and can remain adherent to the surface of spermatozoa.

The spermostatic and microbicidal actions of quinones and malemides : towards a dual-purpose contraceptive agent

There is an urgent need to develop safe, effective, dual-purpose contraceptive agents that combine the prevention of pregnancy with protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Here we report the identification of a group of compounds that on contact with human spermatozoa induce a state of “spermostasis,” characterized by the extremely rapid inhibition of sperm movement without compromising cell viability. These spermostatic agents were more active and significantly less toxic than the reagent in current clinical use, nonoxynol 9, giving therapeutic indices (ratio of spermostatic to cytotoxic activity) that were orders of magnitude greater than this traditional spermicide. Although certain compounds could trigger reactive oxygen species generation by spermatozoa, this activity was not correlated with spermostasis. Rather, the latter was associated with alkylation of two major sperm tail proteins that were identified as A Kinase-Anchoring Proteins (AKAP3 and AKAP4) by mass spectrometry. As a consequence of disrupted AKAP function, the abilities of cAMP to drive protein kinase A-dependent activities in the sperm tail, such as the activation of SRC and the consequent stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation, were suppressed. Furthermore, analysis of microbicidal activity using Chlamydia muridarum revealed powerful inhibitory effects at the same low micromolar doses that suppressed sperm movement. In this case, the microbicidal action was associated with alkylation of Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP), a major chlamydial membrane protein. Taken together, these results have identified for the first time a novel set of cellular targets and chemical principles capable of providing simultaneous defense against both fertility and the spread of sexually transmitted disease.

Mammalian phylogeny

Living mammals can be divided into three subclasses (monotremes, marsupials and placentals) and within these, about 27 orders. Final resolution of the relationships between the orders is only now being achieved with the increased availability of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences. Highlights include the deep division of placental mammals into African (Afrotheria), South American (Xenarthra) and northern hemisphere (Boreoeutheria) super-orders, and the finding that the once considered primitive ‘Insectivora’ and ‘Edentata’ clades, in fact, have members distributed widely among these super-orders. Another surprise finding from DNA studies has been that whale origins lie among the even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla). Our order, Primates is most closely related to the flying lemurs and next, the tree shrews. With the mammal phylogeny becoming well resolved, it is increasingly being used as a framework for inferring evolutionary and ecological processes, such as adaptive radiation.

Identity and genetic origins : an ethical exploration of the late discovery of adoptive and donor-insemination offspring status

This thesis is an ethical and empirical exploration of the late discovery of genetic origins in two contexts, adoption and sperm donor-assisted conception. This exploration has two interlinked strands of concern. The first is the identification of ‘late discovery’ as a significant issue of concern, deserving of recognition and acknowledgment. The second concerns the ethical implications of late discovery experiences for the welfare of the child. The apparently simple act of recognition of a phenomenon is a precondition to any analysis and critique of it. This is especially important when the phenomenon arises out of social practices that arouse significant debate in ethical and legal contexts. As the new reproductive technologies and some adoption practices remain highly contested, an ethical exploration of this long neglected experience has the potential to offer new insights and perspectives in a range of contexts. It provides an opportunity to revisit developmental debate on the relative merit or otherwise of biological versus social influences, from the perspective of those who have lived this dichotomy in practise. Their experiences are the human face of the effects arising from decisions taken by others to intentionally separate their biological and social worlds, an action which has then been compounded by family and institutional secrecy from birth. This has been accompanied by a failure to ensure that normative standards and values are upheld for them. Following discovery, these factors can be exacerbated by a lack of recognition and acknowledgement of their concerns by family, friends, community and institutions. Late discovery experiences offer valuable insights to inform discussions on the ethical meanings of child welfare, best interests, parental responsibility, duty of care and child identity rights in this and other contexts. They can strengthen understandings of what factors are necessary for a child to be able to live a reasonably happy or worthwhile life.

Polyandry and paternity skew in natural and experimental populations of Drosophila serrata

Many species engage in polyandry, resulting in the potential for sexual selection to continue post-copulation through sperm competition and/or cryptic female choice. The relative importance of pre- vs. post-copulatory processes remains unknown for most species despite this information being fundamental for understanding the evolutionary consequences of sexual selection. The Australian fruit fly Drosophila serrata has become a prominent model system for studying precopulatory sexual selection, such as mating preferences and their influence on the evolution of sexually selected traits. Here, we investigated polyandry and the potential for post-copulatory sexual selection in this species using indirect paternity analysis. We genotyped 21 wild-caught and 19 laboratory-reared mothers and their offspring (a total of 787 flies) at six microsatellite loci and found extensive polyandry, with all broods surveyed having at least two sires. Female remating rates were higher than in other Drosophila surveyed to date and no significant differences were found between laboratory and field populations. Additionally, we found evidence for biased sperm usage in several broods of D. serrata. Paternity skew occurred more frequently in broods from the field population than the laboratory one, suggesting differences between the two environments in the level of post-copulatory sexual selection. Our data suggest that D. serrata represents a promising system for studying the interaction between pre- and post-copulatory sexual selection in driving the evolution of sexually selected phenotypes.

Agreement between self-reported use of in vitro fertilization or ovulation induction, and medical insurance claims in Australian women aged 28–36 years

STUDY QUESTION: What is the self-reported use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ovulation induction (OI) in comparison with insurance claims by Australian women aged 28–36 years? SUMMARY ANSWER: The self-reported use of IVF is quite likely to be valid; however, the use of OI is less well reported. WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Population-based research often relies on the self-reported use of IVF and OI because access to medical records can be difficult and the data need to include sufficient personal identifying information for linkage to other data sources. There have been few attempts to explore the reliability of the self-reported use of IVF and OI using the linkage to medical insurance claims for either treatment. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, population-based, longitudinal study included the cohort of women born during 1973–1978 and participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) (n = 14247). From 1996 to 2009, participants were surveyed up to five times. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Participants self-reported their use of IVF or OI in two mailed surveys when aged 28–33 and 31–36 years (n = 7280), respectively. This study links self-report survey responses and claims for treatment or medication from the universal national health insurance scheme (i.e. Medicare Australia). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Comparisons between self-reports and claims data were undertaken for all women consenting to the linkage (n = 3375). The self-reported use of IVF was compared with claims for OI for IVF (Kappa, K = 0.83), oocyte collection (K = 0.82), sperm preparation (K = 0.83), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (K = 0.40), fresh embryo transfers (K = 0.82), frozen embryo transfers (K = 0.64) and OI for IVF medication (K = 0.17). The self-reported use of OI was compared with ovulation monitoring (K = 0.52) and OI medication (K = 0.71). BIAS, CONFOUNDING AND OTHER REASONS FOR CAUTION: There is a possibility of selection bias due to the inclusion criteria for participants in this study: (1) completion of the last two surveys in a series of five and (2) consent to the linkage of their responses with Medicare data. GENERALIZABILITY TO OTHER POPULATIONS: The results are relevant to questionnaire-based research studies with infertile women in developed countries. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): ALSWH is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. This research is funded by a National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence grant.

Directory of World Cinema : Australia and New Zealand

This ambitious volume offers an in-depth and exciting look at the cinema produced in Australia and New Zealand since the turn of the twentieth century. Though the two nations share cultural and economic connections, their film industries remain marked by differences of scale, level of government involvement and funding. Through discussion of prominent genres and themes, profiles of directors, and comprehensive reviews of significant titles, this user-friendly guide explores the diversity and distinctiveness of films from Australia and New Zealand including Whale Rider, and Wolf Creek.

Honesty about adverse event : more honoured in the breach than in the observance?

Part of the chapter: "Sale of Sperm, Health Records, Minimally Conscious States, and Duties of Candour" Although ethical obligations and good medical practice guidelines clearly contemplate open disclosure, there is a dearth of authority as to the nature and extent of a legal duty on Australian doctors to disclose adverse events to patients.

Assessment of damages for wrongful birth and consolidation in advance care directives

The recent decision of Waller v James involved a claim by the plaintiff parents for damages for wrongful birth against the defendant doctor, Dr James, a gynaecologist with a practice in infertility and IVF procedures, who had been consulted by the plaintiffs. The second plaintiff, Mr Waller suffered an inherited anti-thrombin deficiency (ATD), a condition which results in a propensity for the blood to clot, at least in adults. Dr James subsequently recommended IVF treatment. The first plaintiff, Mrs Waller became pregnant after the first cycle of IVF treatment. Her son Keeden was born on 10 August 2000 with a genetic anti-thrombin deficiency. Keeden was released from hospital on 14 August 2000. However, he was brought back to the hospital the next day with cerebral thrombosis (CSVT). As a result of the thrombosis, he suffered permanent brain damage, cerebral palsy and related disabilities. The plaintiffs alleged that the defendant was in breach of contract and his common law duty of care to the plaintiffs in failing to inform them, or cause them to be informed, of the hereditary aspects of ATD. They further alleged that, had they been properly informed, they would not have proceeded to conceive a child using the male plaintiff’s sperm and therefore avoided the harm that had befallen them. The plaintiffs claimed damages to compensate them for their losses, including psychiatric and physical injuries and the costs of having, raising and caring for Keeden. The defendant was held to be not liable in negligence by Justice Hislop of the Supreme Court of New South Wales because a finding was made on medical causation which was adverse to the plaintiffs claim.