title: Three-dimensional sperm surface reconstruction: a novel approach to assessing sperm morphology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To create a rapid, inexpensive, efficient, and reproducible real-time three-dimensional (3-D) analysis of viable spermatozoa. Previous studies have demonstrated that abnormal semen profiles are associated with a modest increase in the frequency of sperm chromosomal abnormalities, and that sperm with aberrations in the shape and contours of the head may be carriers of chromatinic defects. Although high-power magnification and enhanced video-generated magnification have been suggested, these techniques are inherently limited by the clarity of the image, the time required for the analysis, and the risk of variable head-positioning during imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro experiment.
  
  
  METHODS
  University-affiliated infertility research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anonymous sperm donors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individual motile sperm were identified, analyzed at ×600 magnification, and a 10-second digital video was obtained.
  
  
  METHODS
  Image-tracking software captured serial photographs of sperm from recorded videos. Images were automatically extracted from each video frame using enhanced correlation coefficient maximization; the general shape of the sperm was extracted via space-carving. The reconstructed image was rotated to permit viewing from any direction, and the final image was rendered through interpolation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This technique yielded images that enable noninvasive, 3-D, real-time, in vitro assessment of sperm surface morphology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This proof-of-principle demonstrates that by keeping spermatozoa in a fluid environment, a 3-D sperm-surface reconstruction can be created. This technique can be automated, requires minimal computing power, and utilizes equipment already available in most embryology laboratories.
authors.affiliation: The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York. Electronic address: DrBrianLevine@GMail.com.
authors.forename: Brian A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.affiliation: Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Feinstein
authors.affiliation: The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Queenie V
authors.initials: QV
authors.lastname: Neri
authors.affiliation: The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Goldschlag
authors.affiliation: The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Zev
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Rosenwaks
authors.affiliation: Cornell Tech, Cornell University, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Serge
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Belongie
authors.affiliation: The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Gianpiero D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Palermo
mesh_terms: D057205:Automation, Laboratory; D048430:Cell Shape; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D018715:Microscopy, Video; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014741:Video Recording
keywords: Sperm morphology; noninvasive; three-dimensional