Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method to isolate and cultivate the lung microbiome obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage. The disclosed method involves lung microbiome culturomics based on three different media for both aerobic and fastidious anaerobic bacteria. The disclosed method allows for amplification of the lung microbiome, which can be used, for example, for subsequent testing of antibiotic sensitivity, drug resistance, or for lung microbiome transplantation.

Abstract: Methods are provided of generating functional human oocytes following nuclear transfer of first polar body (PB1) genomes from metaphase II (MII) oocytes into enucleated donor MII cytoplasm (PBNT) and using mitochondrial replacement techniques to circumvent mother-to-child mtDNA disease transmission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the embryo implantation rate in a mammalian uterus, by administering to the uterus of a mammal an effective amount of an extracellular matrix remodeling enzyme, as well as to a product comprising an extracellular remodeling enzyme.

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: An IR illuminator for providing infrared radiation for a digital camera having a camera lens with a camera field of view, including equidistant mounting substrates arranged adjacent to the digital camera, IR LEDs mounted to each of the mounting substrates, and a cover lens positioned to cover the IR LEDs. The shape of the free form cover lens is such that an emission pattern of radiation is emitted without entering into the camera lens and the emission pattern of IR radiation has an asymmetric field of view. Two IR illuminators adjacent to the camera are tilted at an angle from the camera optical direction. The cover lens may be a Fresnel lens, or include a diffractive layer or a collimator to shift radiation emitted from the LED to an asymmetric distribution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a graft material containing organ or tissue cells, the cells including cells having inhibited PHLDA3 expression.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including: an analysis unit that specifies a movement in a region-of-interest relating to an embryo on a plurality of images using the plurality of images including the embryo captured in a time series manner during periods corresponding to a plurality of cell stages; a feature value calculation unit that calculates a movement feature value relating to an inside of the embryo on the basis of the specified movement; and a presentation control unit that controls a presentation of the movement feature values acquired during periods corresponding to at least two cell stages among the plurality of cell stages in order to evaluate a quality of the embryo.

Abstract: Method for producing mobility in immobile cells in in vivo or in vitro fertilization. The method includes producing mobility in individual immobile cells that are connected to a microstructure. The microstructure is composed at least partially of magnetic materials and a non-reciprocal movement of the microstructure with the immobile cell is executed by a time-varying, three-dimensional external magnetic field.

Abstract: A needle employs a three-stair-stepped structure including a front-end small diameter part, an intermediate part, and a large diameter part. The front-end small diameter part and the intermediate part are in fluid communication with each other by a first tapered part, and the intermediate part and the large diameter part are in fluid communication with each other by a second tapered part. The internal diameter of the front-end small diameter part is made so as to be equal to or greater than 0.35 mm based on the allowable deformation level of a cumulus oocyte complex, the outer diameter is made so as to be equal to or smaller than 0.7 mm based on the size of a small follicle, and the inclination angle of the inclined acicular end, and the length is made so as to be 10-25 mm based on the size of a dominant follicle.

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

Abstract: This invention pertains to modified compositions for use in CRISPR systems, and their methods of use. In particular, length-modified and chemically-modified forms of crRNA and tracrRNA are described for use as a reconstituted guide RNA for interaction with Cas9 of CRISPR systems. The resultant length-modified and chemically-modified forms of crRNA and tracrRNA are economical to produce and can be tailored to have unique properties relevant to their biochemical and biological activity in the context of the CRISPR Cas9 endonuclease system.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for application of a pulsed radio frequency therapy in a vascular system or another cavity or tissue of the human or animal body comprising a catheter with at least one electrode disposed thereon for insertion into the vascular system or another cavity or the tissue of the human or animal body; a probe with at least one further electrode disposed thereon, wherein the probe is insertable via the catheter into the vascular system or the other cavity or the tissue of the human or animal body; and a generator electrically connected with the electrodes for generating a pulsed electro-magnetic field between the electrodes.

Abstract: A treatment device treats a biotissue by heating the biotissue to a target temperature. The device includes a heat-transfer member conveying heat to the biotissue, a heat-generating chip including a heat-generating member, a first temperature-measuring module, a temperature-measuring element disposed on the heat-transfer member, a second temperature-measuring module, and a controller. The heat-generating member heats the heat-transfer member. The first temperature-measuring module obtains a first temperature of the heat-generating member. The second temperature-measuring module obtains a second temperature measured by the temperature-measuring element. The controller determines the supplied electric power based on the first temperature after start of heating and before a transition point in time, and based on the second temperature after the transition point in time.

Abstract: This catheter comprises a tubular catheter body defining a longitudinal channel, the distal end of the catheter body being closed, and the channel opening out through a single side orifice onto an external surface of a side wall of the catheter body at a distance from this distal end. The channel includes a curved distal end segment and has a substantially constant diameter along the entire length thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assessing the endometrium receptivity of a patient, comprising a step consisting of measuring the expression level of eleven genes in an endometrial biopsy sample obtained from said patient wherein said genes are MFAP5, ANGPTL1, PROK1, NLF2, LAMB3, BCL2L10, CD68, TRPC4, SORCS1, FST and KRT80.

Abstract: The present invention relates to deuterated thiazolidinone analogues as agonists for follicle stimulating hormone receptor and their use for treating fertility disorders.

Abstract: An injector for injecting a fertilized ovum(ova) or a sperm(s) for artificial insemination into a uterine body, by which an injection pipe can be introduced smoothly into a uterus, is disclosed. An injector for a fertilized ovum(ova) or a sperm(s) of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a guide pipe for insertion into a uterine body, an injection pipe which is inserted into the guide pipe and has a length longer than the guide pipe, and a nozzle connected to a frontal end of the injection pipe, wherein the injection pipe comprises a flexible 1st pipe section constituting a frontal side of the injection pipe, and a 2nd pipe section being more rigid than the 1st pipe section and constituting a rear side of the injection pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.

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: Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that exhibit a functional lack of one or more lncRNAs. Methods and compositions for disrupting, deleting, and/or replacing lncRNA-encoding sequences are provided. Genetically modified mice that age prematurely are provided. Also provided are cells, tissues and embryos that are genetically modified to comprise a loss-of-function of one or more lncRNAs.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of ITIH5 as a biomarker of endometrium receptivity to embryo implantation. Also provided are methods and kits for using this biomarker for detecting the receptivity state of the endometrium of a mammal to embryo implantation, for diagnosing infertility in a female mammal, for the early diagnosis of pregnancy, for detecting the window of embryo implantation in the endometrium of a female mammal, for in vitrofertilization of a female mammal, and for diagnosing endometriosis.

Abstract: Herein provided are a model and method for a transgenic a bovidae having an TGF-?1 gene inserted into the bovidae genome and capable of expressing higher than normal levels of TGF-?1 in cardiac muscle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein include embodiments related to delivery of molecular molecules by a sperm cell to an egg cell for expression, including transient expression, in a fertilized progeny. Further embodiments relate to computerized systems for assisting in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for gynaecological transfer or insemination with shape memory comprising a catheter comprising a polymer tube open at its ends, characterised in that this tube is comprised of a medium-density polymer associated with mineral filler. Such a device presents an adaptable diameter and a structure not enlarged by the presence of a metallic mesh without imposing fastidious handling such as can be the case of a flexible introducer catheter associated with a metallic rod for positioning.

Abstract: Disclosed herein include embodiments related to delivery of molecular molecules by a sperm cell to an egg cell for expression, including transient expression, in a fertilized progeny. Further embodiments relate to computerized systems for assisting in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Novel benzamide derivatives of formula (I) wherein W1, W2, R1 to R10 and X have the meaning according to the claims, are positive allosteric modulators of the FSH receptor, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of fertility disorders.

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. The distal tip includes a semi-permeable absorbent head. The device defines a distal suction port for aspirating blastocysts from the uterus through the absorbent head.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include systems, methods, compositions, and products by process for in vitro cycling of gametes for rapid breeding of animals. In certain embodiments, the systems and/or methods are at least partially automated.

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: Compositions and methods are provided for modifying a rat genomic locus of interest using a large targeting vector (LTVEC) comprising various endogenous or exogenous nucleic acid sequences as described herein. Compositions and methods for generating a genetically modified rat comprising one or more targeted genetic modifications in their germline are also provided. Compositions and methods are provided which comprise a genetically modified rat or rat cell comprising a targeted genetic modification in the rat interleukin-2 receptor gamma locus, the rat ApoE locus, the rat Rag2 locus, the rat Rag1 locus and/or the rat Rag2/Rag1 locus. The various methods and compositions provided herein allows for these modified loci to be transmitted through the germline.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical, non-invasive, and efficient method for cryopreservation of an in-vitro-produced porcine embryo. The inventive method treats the NP (such as IVF- or NT-derived) embryo at the one-cell or cleavage stage prior to compaction with high osmolality followed by high speed centrifugation. The high osmolality treatment enlarges the periviteline space, and with centrifugation, enables the separation of the lipids from the cytoplasm. The lipid-separated embryos after high osmolality treatment have been successfully cryopreserved and later recovered and transferred to produce live offspring.

Abstract: Ovarian germ-line-competent embryonic stem cells (GLC-ESC) are cultured, either in the presence or absence of a compound having estrogenic activity. The GLC-ESC are either collected prior to specific commitment or are permitted to remain in the culture medium for a time sufficient to develop into oocytes, and the oocytes may be fertilized by adding sperm to the culture medium. The fertilized oocytes may be permitted to develop into embryos, which may be transferred into the uterus of an adult human female or frozen for later use. The invention provides a method for obtaining by in vitro fertilization an embryo that is genetically related to a human female who is not producing oocytes.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method for evaluating transfer embryos including blastocysts used for in vitro fertilization in fertility treatment, and a method for evaluating transfer embryos using a new biomarker necessary for evaluation. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a test object, for example, a culture solution of a human blastocyst, containing norepinephrine (noradrenaline) released from a transfer embryo, such as a human blastocyst, obtained from a subject; (b) quantitatively analyzing norepinephrine in the test object by a combination of ultra high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry or the like; (c) predicting the quality of the transfer embryo based on the amount of norepinephrine from analysis results obtained; and (d) transferring the embryo into a suitable female recipient for implantation, if the transfer embryo is predicted to be of good quality and/or to lead to the establishment of a viable pregnancy based on step (c).

Abstract: Method of selecting oocyte donor candidates for oocyte donation. A number of triple CGG repeats on each allele of the isolated FMR1 gene is measured by using an assay, and an oocyte donor is selected for oocyte donation only if both alleles of the isolated FMR1 gene have more than 26 CGG repeats.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for making rat pluripotent and totipotent cells, including rat embryonic stem (ES) cells. Compositions and methods for improving efficiency or frequency of germline transmission of genetic modifications in rats are provided. Such methods and compositions comprise an in vitro culture comprising a feeder cell layer and a population of rat ES cells or a rat ES cell line, wherein the in vitro culture conditions maintain pluripotency of the ES cell and comprises a media having mouse leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF) or an active variant or fragment thereof. Various methods of establishing such rat ES cell lines are further provided. Methods of selecting genetically modified rat ES cells are also provided, along with various methods to generate a transgenic rat from the genetically modified rat ES cells provided herein. Various kits and articles of manufacture are further provided.

Abstract: A redundant temperature monitoring system and method for an electrosurgical system are provided. The temperature monitoring circuit includes at least one temperature sensor for sensing a temperature at a measuring point, a first temperature measurement circuit coupled to the at least one temperature sensor for generating a first temperature value, a second temperature measurement circuit coupled to the at least one temperature sensor for generating a second temperature value, and a control circuit for determining a difference between the first and second temperature values and for comparing the difference to a first predetermined threshold. If the difference is greater than the first predetermined threshold, the control circuit generates a warning signal. If the difference is greater than a second predetermined threshold, the control circuit generates an alarm signal and/or shuts down a power source of the electrosurgical system.

Abstract: In a non-destructive means of ectopic pregnancy management, a baby is delivered with the gestational sac intact and then submerged in an incubator containing ventilating fluid; the baby is placed in an absorbable transfer capsule and transcervically transferred to the uterine cavity; the capsule dissolves after a period of time to leave the gestational sac abutted to the endometrium so the baby can reattach. To maintain the baby's life support, the means includes fluidic ventilators and ventilation catheters to perfuse the gestational sac with ventilating fluid during such times as delivery, incubation, transfer, and reimplantation. Advantageously, the transfer capsule protects the baby during transfer and serves as a convenient vehicle for placing devices such as the ventilation catheter in the uterus along with the baby.

Abstract: Genetically modified somatic cells of a non-human animal are provided that are engineered to contain a self-excisable, recombinase expression cassette comprising a site-specific recombinase gene operably linked to an ES cell-specific promoter. Compositions and methods for producing a genetically modified, cloned non-human animal that is free of a selective marker gene and a recombinase gene are provided, wherein a targeting construct comprising a self-excisable recombinase gene operably linked to an ES cell-specific promoter is introduced into differentiated somatic cells. The genetically modified genome of the somatic cells is transferred into an enucleated host oocyte. The artificially created zygote is then cultured in vitro until the blastocyst embryonic stage and subsequently implanted into a uterus of a surrogate mother to form a genetically modified, cloned non-human animal free of selective marker and recombinase genes.

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: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of an embryo at a chromosome from a sample of DNA from an embryo. The ploidy state is determined by sequencing the DNA from one or more cells biopsied from the embryo, and analyzing the relative amounts of each allele at a plurality of polymorphic loci on the chromosome. In an embodiment, the ploidy state is determined by comparing the observed allele ratios to the expected allele ratios for different ploidy states. In an embodiment, the DNA is selectively amplified at a plurality of polymorphic loci by targeted sequencing. In an embodiment, the mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of producing multiple births of the same sex. Some embodiments relate to methods of boosting the population growth of a herd with genetically desirable females by transferring two embryos fertilized with sex-sorted sperm to recipients.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for assessing the developmental potential of mammalian embryos. The method of the invention comprises taking measurements of cytoplasmic movements in the embryo and/or periodic changes in the shape of the embryo at the single cell stage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to select a non-human female animal subject having the capacity to produce appropriate number of transferable embryos or fertilizable oocytes in said animal, said method comprising the determination of the anti-Mullerian hormone concentration in a biological sample before an ovarian superovulatory treatment. The present invention is further directed to the use of AMH as a predictive marker of number of transferable embryos or fertilizable oocytes able to be produced in a non-human female animal.

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: An embryo from a female animal is transferred to another animal by determining presence of an embryo in the uterus of a donor animal by ultra-sonic imaging and inserting an endoscope vaginally into the uterus to a location adjacent the embryo. A tool of the endoscope projects to a position to extract the embryo washed into a container of the tool which is then closed by moving a closure part to enclose the embryo and extracting the endoscope to remove the embryo for transfer to a recipient animal. The fluid into the container can be controlled in pressure to maintain a required pressure generally matching that inside the uterus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to select a non-human female animal subject having the capacity to produce appropriate number of transferable embryos or fertilizable oocytes in said animal, said method comprising the determination of the anti-Mullerian hormone concentration in a biological sample before an ovarian superovulatory treatment. The present invention is further directed to the use of AMH as a predictive marker of number of transferable embryos or fertilizable oocytes able to be produced in a non-human female animal.

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 of creating mutations in genomic exons by inserting introns into the genomic exons via homologous recombination. Also, methods are provided for introducing modifications into genomic exons by inserting introns into the genomic exons via homologous recombination such that a mature mRNA transcript produced from a genomic region of the genome comprising the genomic exon does not contain the modification are provided. The methods provide for a rapid method for introducing mutations and/or modifications of any type into a mammalian cell genome.