Abstract: Semen and sperm cell processing and preservation systems, and methods of producing a mammal and methods of producing mammalian embryos are disclosed. The present invention is directed to sperm cell preservation, fertilization, and insemination, maintaining or enhancing sperm quality and addressing one or more sperm cell characteristics, such as viability, motility, functionality, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates. Further, sperm cell characteristics may be addressed within the context of various collection, handling, separation, storage, transportation, usage, fertilization, or insemination techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a low cost and rapid microfluidic based method and test device for quantifying male fertility potential. The device can simultaneously measure three critical semen parameters rapidly, namely live sperm concentration, motile sperm concentration, and sperm motility. The device includes a transparent substrate and a top sheet with two holes therethrough and an intermediate sheet sandwiched between the substrate and the top sheet. The wells formed by holes form a concentration measuring well (C) and a motility well (M) formed by the top sheet with these two holes bonded to the intermediate sheet. A colorimetric agent is located on the top surface of the intermediate sheet at the bottom of each well which changes color when in contact with sperm. In the motility well a porous membrane is located on top of the colorimetric agent and a liquid buffer may be placed on the top surface of the porous membrane.

Abstract: Extracts obtained from the genus Hippophae or other plant sources or compositions produced by chemical or molecular biological techniques each having in common certain moieties in amounts effective when combined with reproductive cells to reduce the loss of function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a straw for cryopreservation that improves the chance of conception of semen after cryopreservation. The straw is produced by introducing a partitioning layer into a straw for artificial insemination to separate layers, thereby forming a semen storage layer containing an aqueous solution containing semen and an anti-freeze agent on one side and a dilution layer containing no anti-freeze agent on the other side, wherein a dilution solution containing an aqueous solution containing tris(hydroxymethyl aminomethane), citric acid, glucose and sodium chloride is used in the dilution layer.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. In preferred embodiments, the methods and agents comprise active extracts produced from fish eggs. The invention further provides processes for making active fish egg extracts.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. The agents include compositions of cells, eggs, cell extracts, egg extracts, and extract components such as purified nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, carbohydrates or other natural products.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing compositions prepared from amniotic membrane tissues may include harvesting placental tissue, separation of amniotic membrane tissue, and treatment of the amniotic membrane tissue with a supercritical fluid such as carbon dioxide. Treatment with supercritical fluid may subject the amniotic membrane tissue to conditions sufficient to sterilize the tissue yet maintain at least some biological function of the sterilized composition. Compositions described herein may be used as tissue grafts, wound dressings, cell culture substrates, or other substrates for use in tissue engineering.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and collecting one or more oocytes from a fluid mixture includes a chamber inserted into a hollow elongate tube. An inlet channel receives an injected fluid mixture of oocytes and extraneous fluids and passes the fluid mixture to the hollow elongate tube. A separation unit positioned within the chamber includes a porous filter that selectively filters the fluid mixture to retain the oocytes in the hollow elongate tube, and a propeller for agitating the extraneous fluids for allowing unobstructed passage of the extraneous fluids into an outlet channel and for compactly collecting fibrin elements from the extraneous fluids. A flow of the extraneous fluids rotates the propeller on application of a vacuum suction force. Furthermore, the chamber includes an outlet channel for allowing passage of the extraneous fluids separated from the fluid mixture out of the chamber, and retaining the oocytes in the hollow elongate tube.

Abstract: The described invention provides methods for preparing a composition containing extracts of activated amphibian oocytes, the method where the composition is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an equal volume of the extra-oocyte composition and the intra-oocyte composition, and a method for treating a disease, disorder, condition or injury characterized by a damaged or a cancerous differentiated cell including: (a) preparing the composition by the described method; (b) formulating a pharmaceutical composition comprising an equal volume of the extra-oocyte composition and the intra-oocyte composition, and optionally a carrier; and (c) administering a therapeutic amount of the pharmaceutical composition of (b) to a subject in need thereof, where the therapeutic amount is effective to reprogram the damaged or cancerous cells into iPSC-like cells capable of differentiating into cells capable of repairing the damaged or cancerous cells, thereby treating the disease, disorder, injury or condition.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. In preferred embodiments, the methods and agents comprise active extracts produced from fish eggs. The invention further provides processes for making active fish egg extracts.

Abstract: Provided are ejaculum of animals as medicinal materials and uses thereof in manufacture of medicaments for treatment of various tumors, depression, senile dementia, and dermatosis. Said tumors include ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, osteocarcinama, etc. The present medicinal material, alone or in combination with additional agents, is similar to cyclophosphamide in antineoplastic effects, which is accepted presently the most potent chemotherapeutic agent. It can inhibit the growth of tumors, not destroying the normal immune system of human. The present medicinal material of ejaculum is powdery crystal prepared by vacuum lyophilization from fresh ejaculum of animals, and it is suitable to a variety of dosage forms such as capsule or oral solution.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. In some embodiments, the invention relates to compositions of cells, eggs, cell extracts, egg extracts, and extract components such as purified nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, carbohydrates or other natural products.

Abstract: Methods of promoting reproductive health in an animal by administering an effective amount of a composition containing at least one transfer factor are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biopolymer particles for preservation of spermatozoa, wherein the spermatozoa are embedded within the biopolymer particle. The present invention also regards a method for preservation, storage and controlled delivery/release of spermatozoa, and the use of the biopolymer particles according to the present invention in breeding.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. In some embodiments, the invention relates to compositions of cells, eggs, cell extracts, egg extracts, and extract components such as purified nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, carbohydrates or other natural products.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides for use in immunocontraception of canines and other animals. The disclosed compositions may include pharmaceutical compositions. Methods for identifying peptides that bind to intact oocytes also are provided, in particular methods for identifying peptides that bind to zona pellucida of intact oocytes.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent for fibromyalgia syndrome or therapeutic agent for pain caused by vascular smooth muscle spasm including a) one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of RNA, ribonucleotide and ribonucleoside, b) one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of L-arginine, L-citrulline and L-ornithine, and c) L-ascorbic acid in which the mass ratio of Component b):Component c) is 1:0.2 to 20 is provided.

Abstract: Provided are ejaculum of animals as medicinal materials and uses thereof in manufacture of medicaments for treatment of various tumors, depression, senile dementia, and dermatosis. Said tumors include ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, osteocarcinama, etc. The present medicinal material, alone or in combination with additional agents, is similar to cyclophosphamide in antineoplastic effects, which is accepted presently the most potent chemotherapeutic agent. It can inhibit the growth of tumors, not destroying the normal immune system of human. The present medicinal material of ejaculum is powdery crystal prepared by vacuum lyophilization from fresh ejaculum of animals, and it is suitable to a variety of dosage forms such as capsule or oral solution.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of an agonist of an hypothalamic hormone for the preparation of a pharmaceutical agent to support the luteal phase during infertility treatment of female mammals and more specifically of woman. According to this invention, the pharmaceutical agent is suitable to be used for supporting the luteal phase after a spontaneous ovulation or after stimulation of follicular growth, trigger of final follicular maturation and ovulation with one or several additional agents.

Abstract: Improved insemination systems particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm sorting include systems which achieve superovulation and then multiple embryo production with sexed embryos. These systems combine with other techniques, including techniques for enhanced sheath fluid and other strategies which minimize stress on the sperm cells, and, potentially, a 2.9 percent sodium citrate sheath solution for bovine species and a hepes bovine gamete media for equine species. Improved collection systems and techniques for the process are described so that commercial application of sperms samples as well as the resulting animals may be achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to cytotrophoblast stem cells derived from embryonic stem cells; their differentiation into endovascular cytotrophoblast cells; and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating an infertility condition in humans or mammals, by exposure of a prospective mother to TGF beta or derivative or analog of TGF beta. The exposure is advantageously in conjunction with one more antigens of a prospective father so that a hyporesponsive immune reaction is mounted to the one or more antigens of the prospective father.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a substance with growth promoting activity that includes the step of isolating perivitelline fluid from a fertilized egg of a horseshoe crab. Also, a process for proliferating cells including the steps of isolating perivitelline fluid from a fertilized egg of a horseshoe crab and growing the cells in the presence of the isolated perivitelline fluid.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the preparation of putamen ovi, putamen ovi having a defined grain size distribution, and to the use of putamen ovi for the treatment of calcium deficiency and other disease conditions.

Abstract: A method and composition for artificial insemination. The method involves artificially inseminating the subject with sperm, wherein the sperm is combined or coadministered with an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase and preferably a soluble salt of an earth alkaline metal. The composition comprises phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a functional equivalent thereof, a soluble salt of an earth alkaline metal and sperm. The method and composition reduce the recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

Abstract: A method for collecting and preserving semen of various animals including humans, canines, porcines, bovines, ovines and others involves collecting the semen into a collection vessel where the collection vessel is provided with an extender solution for the semen prior to its collection. Moreover, the extended is preferably maintained at a temperature close to normal body temperature of the species being collected over the time period of its collection. The extender is chosen to buffer the pH of the semen sample and to be isotonic with the semen. The volume of the extender in the collection vessel is preferably chosen such that the semen volume is initially diluted with twice its volume extender solution and some period thereafter the extended semen sample is diluted again at the same ratio. Collection into warmed extender media lessened the cold and pH shock to the spermatozoa, as shown by improved semen parameters. The extender solution is preferably rich in calcium ion.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with vaccines and their preparation. An effective long-term immune response, especially in mammals, can be produced using a vaccine comprising an antigen encapsulated in liposomes, a suitable adjuvant and a carrier comprising a continuous phase of a hydrophobic substance. The vaccine is particularly effective in eliciting the production of antibodies that recognize epitopes of native proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for freeze-drying spermatozoa to obtain at least one reconstituted spermatozoon whose head (nucleus) is capable of fertilizing an oocyte to produce a live offspring. The motility of spermatozoa which have been freeze-dried and stored in a vacuum at room temperature is not restored when rehydrated. Their plasma membranes are disrupted and they are all “dead” in the conventional sense. However, when they are injected microsurgically into oocytes, their nuclei transform into male pronuclei and participate in normal embryonic development.

Abstract: A colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles of silver is used to preserve animal reproductive samples such as boar semen without the use of antibiotics. The colloidal silver solution may have a metal concentration of at least about 1×10−9 moles/liter and may be mixed with conventional culture media such as semen extender.

Abstract: A method is provided for encapsulating sperm in a particle wherein the particle provides for the timed release of the sperm. In particular, the method uses a gel forming polymer to form the particle and a medium for maintaining most of the sperm in a non-capacitated stage while it is encapsulated. Further provided is a method for artificial insemination using the encapsulated sperm wherein the sperm is naturally or artificially capacitated after the artificial insemination. In an embodiment, capsules containing a core of sperm in a semen extender are formed as a mixture having membranes of different thicknesses to provide varying time of sperm release. In another embodiment, the sperm and extender are dispersed throughout solid beads that vary in chemical property and diameter to provide varying time of sperm release. The extender may be free of glucose, xanthine oxidase and H2O2, and contain fructose, fructose-6-phosphate, pyruvate, lactate or mixtures thereof as a carbohydrate source.

Abstract: A method of determining the gender of a bird in ovo comprises detecting the presence or absence of an elevated level of a sex-related hormone in the extra-embryonic fluid of the bird egg, and then determining the gender of the bird within the egg from the presence of an elevated level of a sex-related hormone therein. Preferably, the sex-related hormone is an estrogen. Further preferred are methods in which the extra-embryonic fluid is allantoic fluid. The method is preferably carried out on chicken eggs prior to or during transfer of the eggs from incubator to hatcher.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing non-human animal mutants, characterized in that the method comprises irradiating a male germ cell with heavy ion beams and selecting a mutated animal from animals, which are produced from an egg and the irradiated male germ cell, and their generations. According to the invention, non-human animal mutants with various phenotypes or morphological characters can efficiently be produced.

Abstract: A method of cryopreserving biological material, which method comprises providing a sample of the biological material, where a liquid phase of the sample includes at least one solute; lowering the temperature of the sample to a nucleating point at which ice nucleation can occur in the sample; effecting ice nucleation in the sample; and lowering the sample temperature from the nucleating point to the solidification point thereof, characterized in that the temperature lowering from the nucleating point to the solidification point is non linear, whereby the rate of change of solute concentration in the liquid phase decreases for more than 80% of the time taken to lower the temperature from the nucleating point to the solidification point.

Abstract: A composition for treating impotence in human males contains a synergistic mixture of dried sturgeon roe and yohimbine hydrochloride wherein the weight percent ratio of said dried sturgeon roe:yohimbine hydrochloride is from about 25:1 to 1000:1, with an optimum ratio of about 132:1. The roe can be dried via either lyophilization or air drying under ambient temperature and pressure with reduced environmental humidity. A method of treating impotence in human males includes administration of such compositions containing the synergistic mixture of roe and yohimbine. Also, a method of treating impotence in human males by administration of dried roe in doses of from 300 to 900 mg. The roe is prepared either via lyophilization or air drying under ambient temperature and pressure with reduced environmental humidity.

Abstract: A biocompatible cell device having an internal foam scaffold to provide a growth surface for encapsulated cells which produce a biologically active molecule.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide which provides for initial binding of sperm to oocyte investments and has an active amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:12 (Cys-Gln-Ser-Leu-Gln-Glu-Tyr-Leu-Ala-Glu-Gln-Asn-Gln-Arg-Gln-Leu-Glu-Ser-A sn-Lys-Ile-Pro-Glu-Val-Asp-Leu-Ala-Arg-Val-Val-Ala-Pro-Phe-Met-Ser-Asn-Ile- Pro-Leu-Leu-Leu-Tyr-Pro-Gln-Asp-Arg-Pro-Arg-Ser-Gln-Pro-Gln-Pro-Lys-Ala-Asn -Glu-Asp-Val-Cys); or SEQ ID NO:13 (Cys-Glu-Ser-Leu-Gln-Lys-His-Leu-Ala-Glu-Leu-Asn-His-Gln-Lys-Gln-Leu-Glu-S er-Asn-Lys-Ile-Pro-Glu-Leu-Asp-Met-Thr-Glu-Val-Val-Ala-Pro-Phe-Met-Ala-Asn- Ile-Pro-Leu-Leu-Leu-Tyr-Pro-Gln-Asp-Gly-Pro-Arg-Ser-Lys-Pro-Gln-Pro-Lys-Asp -Asn-Gly-Asp-Val-Cys); or the shorter but biologically active SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:9 (Tyr-Pro-Gln-Asp-Arg-X-Arg-Ser-Gln-Pro-Gln-Pro-Lys-Ala-Asn, where X is Thr or Pro).

Abstract: Compositions are provided which contain a complex of a polyvalent metal and sodium salt, the DNA-sodium salt being obtained from sturgeon milt. The complexes exhibit high antiviral activity and low toxicity.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided for the treatment of burns and wounds and contains a DNA-sodium salt obtained preferably from sturgeon milt. This composition is particularly useful for the treatment of burns resulting from radiation.

Abstract: Inclusion of fucose or fucose-containing bull sperm monovalent binding oligosaccharide in semen extender increases the reproductive efficiency of bull semen extended therewith, for artificial insemination of cows by increasing non-return rates for normal concentrations of sperm and providing acceptable non-return rates at sperm concentrations lower than 5 million motile sperm per insemination.

Abstract: A method is provided for the lyophilization of mammalian sperm cells which can be stored and reconstituted to provide morphologically intact cells. The method is advantageous in that the sperm cells may be stored at ambient temperatures for extended periods of time and recovered morphologically intact with DNA-containing heads and intact flagella. The lyophilization medium comprises a carbohydrate and a polymer selected from PVP, HES, dextran and poloxamers or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns products and methods particularly useful for activating and analyzing non-dividing cell nuclei. The featured products include activating egg extracts, cytostatic factor (CSF) extracts, kits containing these extracts, and a microchamber microscope slide useful in analyzing nucleus activation.

Abstract: A method for testing the potential fertility of spermatozoa in a sample by contacting an aliquot of the sperm sample onto a protein extracted from native vitelline membranes removed from chicken or turkey eggs to enable quantification of the number of sperm which bind to the protein. Typically, the vitelline membrane protein is coated onto a solid substrate and the protein extract is first prepared by dissecting vitelline membranes (lamina perivitelline plus lamina extravitellina) from either a group of chicken eggs or a group of turkey eggs, rinsing the membranes free of albumin and yolk, and subdividing the membranes into small particles. The resulting protein is heat solubilized, purified with centrifugation and concentrated to yield the protein extract in solution. The extracted protein then is used as a protein substrate for spermatozoa binding, with sequential contacting of the protein extract with the spermatozoa and measuring the amount of sperm-egg binding that takes place.

Abstract: Cryopreservation of primordial germ cells and germ cells, in which primordial germ cells or germ cells are separated from bird embryos before meiosis and are then suspended and frozen in a freezing medium containing a cryoprotective agent is useful for the conservation of species of birds, for the protection of rare species which are in danger of extinction and also for the production of transgenic animals, the production of novel animals having gene markers on a cellular level, the production of animals useful as disease models, the production of useful substances by genetic engineering, and the development of test methods for toxicity to germ-line cells.

Abstract: A vaccine for the immunocontraception of mammals is described. The vaccine consists of zona pellucida antigens and an adjuvant encapsulated in a liposome delivery system. The liposome delivery system allows for the slow release of antigen resulting in a prolonged immune response. In particular, after a single injection of the vaccine, levels of anti-zona pellucida antibodies were detected for up to 22 months in seals. Thus, the vaccine according to the present invention is effective after a single dose and is therefore very useful in immunocontraceptive protocols.

Abstract: A composition for treating impotence in human males is disclosed, which includes a mixture of lyophilized roe and a dry powdered extract from leaves of Ginkgo biloba. The lyophilized roe is obtained from a species of Sturgeon. The dry powdered extract is standardized to include flavonoid glycosides and terpenes. The mixture preferably provides lyophilized roe to lyophilized Ginkgo biloba in the ratio of approximately 12.33:1. The composition is preferably encapsulated and orally given to patients. A process for producing the composition is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to isolated DNA encoding all or a portion of a surface protein present in sperm of a mammal. This surface protein of sperm is essential for fertilization in the mammal. Preferably, the sperm surface protein is the PH-20 protein.

Abstract: Oral compositions for use in the mouth are provided which contain a DNA-sodium salt obtained preferably from sturgeon milt. The compositions are useful, for example, as mouth wash and toothpaste formulations.

Abstract: A method for Avian sex-preselection by identifying sex-specific proteins for maternal immunization to embryonic proteins is described. Sex-preselection proteins are used in sexing offsprings.

Abstract: Recombinant zona pellucidae proteins having altered, non-native glycosylation patterns are able to elicit the production of antibodies to matured zona pellucida proteins. Such recombinant proteins and the elicited antibodies can therefore be used in a contraceptive vaccine to prevent pregnancy in humans and animals.

Abstract: A vaccine for the immunocontraception of mammals is described. The vaccine consists of zona pellucida antigens and an adjuvant encapsulated in a liposome delivery system. The liposome delivery system allows for the slow release of antigen resulting in a prolonged immune response. In particular, after a single injection of the vaccine, levels of anti-zona pellucida antibodies were detected for up to 22 months in seals. Thus, the vaccine according to the present invention is effective after a single dose and is therefore very useful in immunocontraceptive protocols.