Abstract: A system and method for sorting sperm is provided. The system includes a housing and a microfluidic system supported by the housing. The system also includes an inlet providing access to the microfluidic system to deliver sperm to the microfluidic system and an outlet providing access to the microfluidic system to harvest sorted sperm from the microfluidic system. The microfluidic system provides a flow path for sperm from the inlet to the outlet and includes at least one channel extending from the inlet to the outlet to allow sperm delivered to the microfluidic system through the inlet to progress along the flow path toward the outlet. The microfluidic system also includes a filter including a first plurality of micropores arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet to cause sperm traveling along the flow path to move against through the filter and gravity to reach the outlet.

Abstract: A sterile Intracervical Insemination (ICI) fertility kit, method of sterilization, and method of use for performing self-insemination. Each sterile kit comprises: up to three sets of individually wrapped sterile, disposable, syringes and semen collection jars; printed instructions; and a QR code. The collection jar comprises a snap-on lid, and an inner surface with seamless edges to prevent semen residue. The syringes and jars are sealed in plastic wraps permeable to air and gas, and impermeable to pathogens; and are sterilized via gamma radiation or ethylene oxide. Fresh or frozen, unwashed or washed, semen is deposited into the jar, pulled into the syringe, and administered cervically during a user's maximum monthly level of luteinizing hormone. The syringe distal end is designed to push all semen out of the syringe then plug the end closed, while preventing semen residue from collecting within the syringe. Large circular syringe handles facilitate stable handling.

Abstract: Continuous microfluidic dilatometry devices and methods are provided for activity monitoring with ultra-high sensitivity. Corner flow in capillary channels is used to detect the resistance change in microfluidic circuits filled with ionic liquids. The conversion of mechanical input (e.g. strain) to an intermediary domain, namely liquid displacement, allows a large enhancement in sensor performance. Embodiments are suitable for tracking skin deformations that occur as a result of human movements.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of reproductive medicine. More specifically, the present invention relates to in vitro non invasive methods and kits for determining the quality of an embryo by determining the level of the cell free nucleic acids and/or determining the presence and/or expression level of at least one specific nucleic acid sequence in the nucleic acid extraction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device including a chamber having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a sealable port. In some embodiments, the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet may be positioned to direct fluid flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the chamber. Various embodiments may include a sealable port which may be aligned with the chamber to allow material to be placed directly into, or removed from, the chamber from the exterior of the device when the sealable port is open, and to inhibit and/or prevent fluid escaping through the sealable port when the port is sealed.

Abstract: A microchip includes a first chamber and second chamber formed to a predetermined depth in a member made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); and a channel (microchannel) connecting the first chamber to the second chamber. These components mimic in vivo organs which produce by selecting capacitated motile sperm from semen and causing the selected sperm to meet mature oocyte, and these components are capable of effectively producing motile capacitated good-quality sperms from sperms ejaculated outside the body.

Abstract: A conception device includes a dome having a collapsible sidewall, an annular rim, an integral dome rib, and three or more gripping flanges along the inner surface of the rim. The gripping flanges may effectively position and secure the device over the cervix for the concentration of semen on the cervical os to effect fertilization independently or with the aid of biologically active agents. The device may additionally include a handle extending from the annular rim at an angle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing embryonic development images. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of embryonic development images captured in a time series, determining, for at least one of the plurality of embryonic development images, a time series of evaluation values for each of a plurality of evaluation items associated with the plurality of embryonic development images, and evaluating a characteristic of cells represented in one or more of the plurality of embryonic development images based, at least in part, on the time series of evaluation values for the plurality of evaluation items.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods of evaluating cellular activity by: placing a cell population on an area; assaying for a dynamic behavior of the cell population as a function of time; identifying cell(s) of interest based on the dynamic behavior; characterizing a molecular profile of the cell(s); and correlating the obtained information. The assayed dynamic behavior can include cellular activation, cellular inhibition, cellular interaction, protein expression, protein secretion, cellular proliferation, changes in cellular morphology, motility, cell death, cell cytotoxicity, cell lysis, and combinations thereof. Sensors associated with the area may be utilized to facilitate assaying. Molecular profiles of the cell(s) can then be characterized by various methods, such as DNA analysis, RNA analysis, and protein analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of health-care product, and in particular relates to a traditional Chinese medicine composition having a function of regulating emotions, a process for preparing the same, and a product thereof. It was found that the composition of the present invention had effects of nourishing liver and kidney, regulating Yin and Yang, tonifying Qi and nourishing blood, regulating emotions, and protecting the function of autonomic nerve, and could improve pressure-induced anxiety and depression, inattention, poor spirit, dispirited, learning and memory capacity decline, etc. The invention has the advantages of specificity and remarkable effect, and it uses all natural medicinal and edible plants as raw materials, the combination of which is simple, safe and stable, and is suitable for long-term use.

Abstract: A home controlled ovarian hyperstimulation method for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing and a home IVF kit are described herein.

Abstract: A device for isolating a microbe or a virion includes a semiconductor substrate; and a trench formed in the semiconductor substrate and extending from a surface of the semiconductor substrate to a region within the semiconductor substrate; wherein the trench has dimensions such that the microbe or the virion is trapped within the trench.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an uterine receptivity profile in order to increase implantation success in assisted fertilization.

Abstract: A living cell collection needle has a hollow needle having a hollow body part, a hollow small-diameter front end part, a tapered part between the front end part and the hollow body part and decreasing in inner and outer diameters toward the front end of the needle, and a piercing cutting edge part at a front end of the small-diameter front end part; a hub fixed to a rear end portion of the hollow body part; an inner tube inside the hollow needle and a living cell sucking tube connected to a rear end portion of the inner tube. A rear end of the hollow needle is positioned inside the hub. The needle has a side tube with a front end portion inside the hub and communicating with the inside of the hollow needle and a rear end portion projecting rearward from the hub and liquid-tightly fixed to the hub.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for evaluating viability of oocytes and embryos comprising imaging an oocyte or embryo using motility contrast imaging; generating temporal contrast and spatial contrast data for the cells; generating a cell viability value as a function of the temporal and spatial contrast data; and comparing the cell viability value to a predetermined value indicative of a cell suitable for use in an in vitro fertilization program.

Abstract: Provided is a sample image management system that uses a cell culture vessel including a plurality of microwells and a plurality of first identifiers provided to the respective microwells in pairs. The sample image management system analyzes, in an enlarged sample image including a pair of the first identifier and the microwell, the microwell and the first identifier, and associates at least position information on the microwell with the enlarged sample image.

Abstract: In a method for ex vivo evaluation of tissue response, a target biological sample is placed in a chamber of a sample holder. Biodynamic imaging (BDI) is performed on the sample to extract BDI data of the entire sample, optical coherence imaging (OCI) data is generated from the BDI data; and then motility contrast imaging (MCI) data is generated from the OCI data. The MCI data is used to select an area of the ex vivo sample having the highest normalized standard deviation (NSD) value, indicative of a region of desirable responsiveness to a stimuli. The sample is subjected to a perturbation or external condition and an MCI analysis is performed on the selected area to determine the tissue response to the perturbation or external condition. In one aspect, the selected area or region of interest is obtained using a gradient descent method.

Abstract: A laser microdissectate specimen collector for a laser microdissection device includes a collecting chamber configured to receive a dissectate. The collecting chamber has, on a specimen side, an opening open to the environment for receiving the dissectate. The collecting chamber also has a first valve. The first valve, in a closed state thereof, forms a closure of the collecting chamber opposite to the opening for retaining the dissectate. A capillary line is connected downstream of the first valve to the collecting chamber such that the capillary line is configured to transport the dissectate out of the collecting chamber.

Abstract: A device having a catheter and a hub which facilitates the transfer of an embryo containing solution into the uterus of a mammal, for example, a small mammal such as a rat or mouse. The catheter's shape and tip is designed to simplify insertion and minimize injury to the mammal. The hub is designed to further control the insertion of the catheter and to interface with a pipette, for example, that provides the force required for the transfer of an embryo containing solution. As a result, the transfer can occur without requiring surgery.

Abstract: An integrated microfluidic device and its usage are provided. The microfluidic device comprises an upper layer (1) and a lower layer (2), wherein the lower layer (2) is bound to the upper layer (1). The upper layer (1) comprises a micro-channel (3) and the lower layer (2) comprises a micro-well (7) array. The micro-channel (3) is in fluidic connection with the micro-well (7) array, and the height of the micro-channel (3) is greater than the diameter of the oocyte (4) flowing through the micro-channel (3). The integrated microfluidic device has many advantages including low cost, high integration, and convenient operation, and has application prospects in reproductive medicine and the research of fertilization and embryo early development.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the non-invasive imaging of embryos to determine whether they are euploid or aneuploid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for automated, computer-controlled, tracking and manipulation of motile specimen. The systems and methods of the present invention are suited for tracking and manipulating sperm, particularly for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedures. The present invention also relates also to devices for holding motile cells, such as sperm, and non-motile cells, such as oocytes. The device of the present invention comprises a sealed chamber having an air outlet, one well for the motile cells, and another well for non-motile cells.

Abstract: A cell capturing filter, in which cells or particles having a predetermined size or greater in a sample may be easily captured, and clogging of a flow passage due to the captured cells or particles may be prevented, and stresses acting on the captured cells or particles may be reduced, having a first surface and a second substrate having a second surface that is bonded to the first surface, wherein the first substrate may include a flow passage formed in the first surface of the first substrate so that a sample flows in the flow passage, and a barrier that protrudes across the flow passage, and the second substrate may include a fine groove formed in an area on the second surface corresponding to the barrier, and a gap may exist between a surface of the barrier and the fine groove.

Abstract: A reversible leave in contraceptive device includes an obturator having a body with cylindrical configuration, made of a flexible material and including two stabilizing deformable stiffeners that can be folded back along the obtorator body when unactivated, spreading out radially in a fitted situation in the isthmic part of the Fallopian tube. The stiffeners are in opposite positions so as to fit on one side in the isthmic part of the tube (for the distal side) and, on the other (proximal end) on edges of a tubal ostium. A plurality of projecting forms, having a ridged configuration, run along the entire length of the obturator body in a continuous manner from a tapered bulge of the proximal end to a spherical distal end of the head, and block the tubal protect tubal haustrations. The forms cause deformation of the alveoli to block spermatozoa and close off other mucosal folds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production and culture of undifferentiated spermatogonial stem cells that can be maintained long term and are feeder free. The resultant feeder-free populations can be used in any of a number of protocols including the generation of progeny bulls. The present invention includes novel methods required for the successful enrichment of bovine spermatogonial stem cells, novel cell lines and other components used for the same, as well as the resultant stem cell compositions.

Abstract: A microwave antenna including a feedline, a radiating section, an inflow hypotube, a puck, a transition collar and a sleeve. The feedline includes a coaxial cable including an inner and outer conductor, and a dielectric disposed therebetween. The radiating section includes a dipole antenna coupled to the feedline and a trocar coupled to the distal end of the dipole antenna. The inflow hypotube is disposed around the outer conductor and configured to supply fluid to the radiating portion. The puck includes at least two ribs with inflow slots defined between two adjacent ribs. The transition collar is coupled to the distal end of the inflow hypotube and the first end of the puck. The transition collar includes at least two outflow slots configured to receive fluid from a distal end of the inflow hypotube and to transition the fluid from the outflow slots to a distal end of the radiating section.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispersion of clusters of somatic plant embryos suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps in sequence until the individual embryos are separated from each other. The devices may comprise a flow channel including at least one constriction, such that clusters of embryos flowing through the flow channel are first subjected to axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain, and then to axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain from fluid dynamics forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of and compositions comprising cytokines for, improving the success rate of embryo implantation and the success rate of pregnancy rates in females, by providing an immunopermissive uterine environment prior to insemination or implantation of embryos. The methods of the present invention are used to make the uterus more receptive or less hostile to, for example, transferred embryos, sperm or other allografted tissue.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: A scrotal cushion and therapeutic device is provided that fits securely under and around the scrotum when a patient is seated or supine (body position characterized by lying flat on one's back). The scrotal cushion comprises a device body, a cap, four lateral wing elements contiguous with the scrotal cushion body, a temperature altering element (cooling or heating) and/or a receptacle for receiving the temperature altering element, and aeration elements. The body, cap and wings are preferably constructed of a soft, absorbent, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-decubitus, fast drying, durable, washable material. The scrotal cushion can be used to decrease pain, increase comfort, reduce scrotal swelling, improve hygiene, prevent scrotal skin tears, prevent infections, and alter fertility.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly advantageous and efficient methods for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transfer for the generation of animals having valuable traits or genetic background.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispersion of assemblies of biological material (such as plant embryogenic mass, plant tissue, cultured plant cells, animal tissue and/or cultured animal cells) suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the assemblies of biological material to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the assemblies of biological material to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps i) and ii) in sequence until assemblies of biological material is dispersed into the desired smaller size.

Abstract: A device for recovering one or more blastocysts from a uterus of a human includes an outer guide member for insertion into a cervical canal of the human. The outer guide member includes a distal portion with an activatable seal for isolating the uterus from the external environment. The outer guide member defines a lumen having a longitudinal axis. The device also includes an inner catheter located within the lumen and slidable along the longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the outer guide member. The inner catheter has a distal tip positionable distally of the seal to extend into the uterus and includes a fluid delivery lumen terminating at a distal fluid delivery port for delivering fluid into the uterus.

Abstract: A device for recovering one or more blastocysts from the uterus of a human includes an outer guide member for insertion into a cervical canal of the human. The outer guide member includes a distal portion with an activatable seal for isolating the uterus from the external environment and defines a lumen having a longitudinal axis. The device also includes an inner catheter located within the lumen and slidable along the longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the outer guide member. The inner catheter has a distal tip positionable distally of the seal to extend into the uterus and includes a fluid delivery lumen terminating at a distal fluid delivery port for delivering fluid into the uterus. The device defines a distal suction port for aspirating fluid and entrained blastocysts from the uterus. The distal fluid delivery port and the distal suction port are arranged such that, in use, fluid delivered from the distal fluid delivery port travels through the distal suction port to the uterus.

Abstract: A device for recovering one or more blastocysts from a uterus of a human includes an outer guide member for insertion into a cervical canal of the human, The outer guide member includes a distal portion with an activatable seal for isolating the uterus from the external environment. The outer guide member defines a lumen having a longitudinal axis. The device also includes an inner catheter located within the lumen and slidable along the longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the outer guide member. The inner catheter has dual supply lines positionable distally of the seal to extend into the uterus. Each supply line includes a fluid delivery lumen and multiple fluid delivery ports for delivering fluid into the uterus. The device defines a distal suction port for aspirating fluid and entrained blastocysts from the uterus.

Abstract: A device for recovering one or more blastocysts from a uterus of a human includes an outer guide member for insertion into a cervical canal of the human. The outer guide member includes a distal portion with an activatable seal for isolating the uterus from the external environment. The outer guide member defines a lumen having a longitudinal axis. The device also includes an inner catheter located within the lumen and slidable along the longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the outer guide member. The inner catheter has a distal tip positionable distally of the seal to extend into the uterus and includes a fluid delivery lumen terminating at a distal fluid delivery port for delivering fluid into the uterus. The device defines a first distal suction port for aspirating fluid and entrained blastocysts from the uterus and a second distal suction port for aspirating fluid and entrained blastocysts from the uterus. The second distal suction port is located between the first distal suction port and the seal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for synchronizing the time of insemination in swine are described. More particularly, methods are described for synchronizing the time of insemination by administration of a composition comprising a hormone, wherein the swine is inseminated only one time after administration of the hormone, and wherein there is no heat detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving viability and/or stress tolerance of viable biological material and using the said material comprising applying hydrostatic pressure to said biological material; keeping the said viable biological material at the hydrostatic pressure for a predetermined time period; releasing the hydrostatic pressure; and using the said material for any desired purpose in accordance with any useful protocol. The usage of the said biological material incorporates any techniques, protocols that are applicable in the field of assisted reproductive techniques, biotechnical and/or biotechnological manipulations.

Abstract: Among other things, uterine lavage is performed to withdraw at least 50% of in vivo fertilized preimplantation embryos produced after superovulation of a woman and artificial insemination using sperm of her sexual partner. After genetic diagnosis or sex determination or gene therapy, or any combination of any two or more of them, of the recovered embryos and selection of at least one of the embryos to be implanted, the selected embryos are returned to the woman for implantation in her uterus.

Abstract: There is a high stem cell therapy potential in the field of reproductive disorders. Endometriosis is a common finding in women with infertility. In addition endometriosis is the major problem in the veterinary field. In the disclosed invention we provide a method of application and use of adipose tissue derived stem cell to treat fertility and pregnancy related disorders, especially endometriosis in mammalian objects.

Abstract: Mice are provided that comprise a reduction or deletion of ADAM6 activity from an endogenous ADAM6 locus, or that lack an endogenous locus encoding a mouse ADAM6 protein, wherein the mice comprise a sequence encoding an ADAM6 or ortholog or homolog or fragment thereof that is functional in a male mouse. In one embodiment, the sequence is an ectopic ADAM6 sequence or a sequence that confers upon a male mouse the ability to generate offspring by mating. Mice and cells with genetically modified immunoglobulin heavy chain loci that comprise an ectopic nucleotide sequence encoding a mouse ADAM6 or functional fragment or homolog or ortholog thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphic sites of the bovine HSP genes are associated with improved fertilization rate and/or improved embryo survival rate in cattle. Nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods based on these SNPs are disclosed.

Abstract: Method for determining developmental fate of early embryos comprises measuring the expression level of a gene selected from the group consisting of CDKN1C, IGF2R, MAGEL2, MKRN3, NAP1L5, NDN, PEG3, PHLDA2, TSSC4, and UBE3A genes. Also disclosed is a method for improving pregnancy rate, wherein early embryos whose expression level of the MKRN3, NDN, PEG3, PHLDA2, TSSC4, or UBE3A gene is not increased, or the expression level of the CDKN1C, IGF2R, MAGEL2, or NAP1L5 gene is not decreased, are selected for planting into a suitable uterus for further development. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the likelihood of an early embryo to develop successfully into full-term pregnancy, wherein a suitable amount of siRNA corresponding to the PHLDA2 gene is injected into a fertilized egg which is in turn cultured further and planted into a suitable uterus.

Abstract: The invention features a method of identifying oocytes with a risk of reproductive failure and/or aneuploidy based on a telomere length assay.

Abstract: A sperm cell process system providing to generate sperm cell insemination samples having controlled sperm cell fertility characteristics of sperm cells.

Abstract: Means for improving the success rate of pregnancy on the basis of blastocyst transfer is disclosed. The means comprises an agent for promoting pregnancy in blastocyst transfer comprising the supernatant of the culture which is obtained by culturing a human embryo in a medium until the embryo develops into a blastocyst. Also disclosed are a method for production of the agent, as well as a method for promoting pregnancy comprising; culturing a human embryo in a medium until the human embryo develops into a blastocyst, injecting a composition comprising the supernatant of the culture into the uterine cavity of a patient who is to undergo blastocyst transfer, and then transferring the blastocyst to the recipient.

Abstract: The present provides novel systems and methods to facilitate embryo transfer, to maximize implantation rates and to improve pregnancy rates resulting from In Vitro fertilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for predicting the embryonic progression of a preimplantation embryo, comprising measuring in the insemination medium (IM) in which an oocyte was fertilized and subsequently incubated in vitro, thereby generating a pre-implantation embryo, at 18-24 hrs post fertilization, the levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in the insemination medium (IM), wherein a level of NOx of at least about 1.3 ?M indicates that the preimplantation embryo is likely to progress to the blastocyst stage by culture day (CD) 5.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the ability of spermatozoa to fertilize an egg in vitro and/or vivo, said method comprising providing a medium comprising active vitamin D (calcitriol) or analogs thereof, providing a sample of spermatozoa, and incubating said sample of spermatozoa with said medium. In addition, the invention relates to compositions comprising active vitamin D or analogs thereof for use in the treatment of infertility in a male or female subject.