Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules comprising a SNP site at position 1296 of bovine uterine milk protein (UTMP) coding sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1), which SNP indicates a desirable productive life in a dairy cattle. Also disclosed are an array or a kit comprising the same, a method for detecting the SNPs, a method for progeny testing of cattle, and a method for selectively breeding of cattle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for determining quality criteria in order to select the most viable embryos after in vitro fertilization. The present invention may further be applied for iteratively adapting embryo quality criteria based on new knowledge, historical selection & fertilization data and cooperation between fertility clinics.

Abstract: An embryo that is transferred into the uterus of a recipient female is protected from toxic effects of prostaglandin F2? by exposing the embryo, or an oocyte from which the embryo is produced, to a prostaglandin antagonist.

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: A single nucleotide polymorphic site at position 59752 of the bovine PGR gene is associated with improved fertilization rate or early embryo survival. Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods.

Abstract: The outcome of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) of a woman in terms of chances of successful pregnancy or the fertility status of a woman is predicted based on nucleotide analysis of the histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) gene or protein analysis of HRG. The proline isoform of HRG or an amino acid fragment thereof can further be used to increases the success of pregnancy of a woman.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic pig that expresses sTNFR1-Fc, wherein a gene encoding sTNFR1-Fc, which is a fusion protein of the extracellular domain of human soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR1) and an immunoglobulin Fc region, is introduced; a method for preparing the same; an organ isolated from the transgenic pig; a somatic donor cell line inserted with sTNFR1-Fc gene; a method for preparing a blood sample comprising sTNFR1-Fc; and a method for preparing human sTNFR1-Fc from the blood sample of the transgenic pig. As the transgenic pig can suppress immune response and inflammatory response by secreting an inhibitory substance that suppresses the activity of TNF-? in blood, it can be effectively used for xenograft. Furthermore, since the transgenic pig has a blood type O, it can be transplanted for suppressing inflammatory response, regardless of a blood type of recipient.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the likelihood of reaching the blastocyst stage for 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: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the likelihood of reaching the blastocyst stage for 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: Provided are methods for producing a reprogrammed fibroblast or epithelial cell. The methods include growing a plurality of fibroblasts or epithelial cells in monolayer culture to confluency; and disrupting the monolayer culture to place at least a fraction of the plurality of fibroblasts or epithelial cells into suspension culture under conditions sufficient to form one or more embryoid body-like spheres, wherein the one or more embryoid body-like spheres comprise one or more reprogrammed fibroblasts or epithelial cells that express one or more markers not expressed prior to the disrupting step. Also provided are reprogrammed fibroblasts or epithelial cells produced by the disclosed methods, formulations that include reprogrammed fibroblasts or epithelial cells, methods for using the reprogrammed fibroblasts or epithelial cells, methods for producing chimeric non-human mammals that include one or more sphere-induced Pluripotent Cells (siPS), and chimeric non-human mammals produced thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting a protein from milk, having at least one hydrophobic pocket and a negative charge to the natural pH of milk, that comprises the following steps: a) skimming and delipidation of the milk; b) passing the delipidated and skimmed fraction containing the protein on a chromatographic substrate on which is grafted a ligand having both a hydrophobic characteristic and an ionic characteristic in pH conditions enabling the protein to be retained on the substrate, the pH being higher than 4.6; c) elution of the protein; d) purification of the eluted fraction by removing the milk proteins from the eluted fraction; and e) recovering the protein.

Abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphic sites at positions 3117, 12195, 13244, 13319, and 13516 of the bovine STAT5 gene are associated with improved fertilization rate and/or improved embryo survival rate. Also disclosed are nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of visualizable or treatment compositions or therapeutic agents comprising device elements for diagnosis and/or treatment of conduits. A delivery system comprising an introducer shaft having at least one exit port sad at least one delivery catheter tor placement of compositions into the conduit, such as a fallopian tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system and method for determining embryo quality comprising monitoring the embryo for a time period, said time period having a length sufficient to comprise at least one cell division period and at least a part of an inter-division period, and determining the length of the at least one cell division period; and/or ii) determining the extent and/or spatial distribution of cellular or organelle movement during the cell division period; and/or iii) determining duration of an inter-division period; and/or iv) determining the extent and/or spatial distribution of cellular or organelle movement during the inter-division period thereby obtaining an embryo quality measure. Thus, the selection of optimal embryos to be implanted after in vitro fertilization (IVF) is facilitated based on the timing, duration, spatial distribution, and extent of observed cell divisions and associated cellular and organelle movement.

Abstract: Provided is a transgenic animal model for testing immunogenicity and protective efficacy of human vaccines and the method for generating such a multitransgenic animal. Also disclosed are methods for screening compositions for human vaccine development. More specifically, a mouse model capable of expressing human leukocyte antigen DR4, and human costimulatory molecules (CD80) upon infusion of human HLA-matched hematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into a functional man immune system is provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a chimera animal, characterized by transplanting, into a host animal, an aggregate of a first pluripotent stem cell that is of interest to strain establishment, a second pluripotent stem cell in which the ability to form germ cells is absent or decreased, and embryo.

Abstract: A male chastity apparatus, system and method are disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a housing, a protrusion, and a lock. The housing is configured to contain a shaft of a penis of a user. The housing, in certain embodiments, is made of a substantially rigid material that prevents the user from stimulating the shaft of the user's penis. The protrusion is configured to engage a piercing in the user's penis. The protrusion, in certain embodiments, is also made of a substantially rigid material. The lock is configured to engage the protrusion and to attach the protrusion to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic, large non-human animal models of atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia, as well as methods of using such animal models in the identification and characterization of therapies for atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: A lentiviral vector was used to produce non-human animals that express human sFLT1 specifically in the murine placenta, to provide model animals of diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome that are close to the clinical conditions, methods for producing the model animals, methods of screening for candidate compounds as therapeutic agents for diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome by using the model animals, and therapeutic agents for diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome. As a result, the model animals were found to exhibit symptoms that are very close to the clinical conditions in human, which are presentation of hypertension as well as placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth retardation, glomerulosclerosis, and proteinuria during pregnancy, and improvement of those symptoms postpartum.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the determination of the viability of a mammalian embryo or a potential embryo generated from a mammalian oocyte, comprising applying a mechanical stimulus to the embryo or oocyte, detecting a temporal response of the embryo or oocyte to the mechanical stimulus, and deriving measurements for one or more parameters from the temporal response, the measurements being indicative of viability. Also provided are methods for selecting an embryo for transfer and methods for enhancing the viability of an embryo or oocyte.

Abstract: A method of in vitro fertilization wherein the embryo is implanted into the uterus of a female patient at least two, and preferably three to twelve months after the eggs are retrieved from the patient in order to reduce the effect of autoimmune rejection of the embryo by the patient's autoimmune system and increase the probability and success of pregnancy and wherein prior to embryo implantation, the endometrium in the uterus is prepared for embryo implantation by introducing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into the uterus. The procedure is combined with cryopreservation techniques to preserve the oocytes or the IVF-produced embryos of the patient.

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: 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: A catheter including a shaft comprising a body with a proximal portion and a distal portion, the body defining an opening from the proximal portion to the distal portion, the distal portion having an end that is beveled in a first direction across an end opening, such that a length of the shaft to a first point on the end is a first length and a length of the shaft to a second point on the end is a second length longer than the first length. A method including placing at least one embryo near an open end of a catheter, inserting the open end of the catheter into an endometrial lining of a subject's uterus, using the catheter to open a flap of the endometrial lining, and transferring the at least one embryo from the catheter to the pocket site.

Abstract: The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A catheter including a shaft comprising a body with a proximal portion and a distal portion, the body defining an opening from the proximal portion to the distal portion, the distal portion having an end that is beveled in a first direction across an end opening, such that a length of the shaft to a first point on the end is a first length and a length of the shaft to a second point on the end is a second length longer than the first length. A method including placing at least one embryo near an open end of a catheter, inserting the open end of the catheter into an endometrial lining of a subject's uterus, using the catheter to open a flap of the endometrial lining, and transferring the at least one embryo from the catheter to the pocket site.

Abstract: Improved flow cytometer system particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm sorting include enhanced sheath fluid and other strategies which minimize stress on the sperm cells, including 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 applications of sperms samples as well as the resulting animals may be achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-invasive diagnostic method of endometrial receptivity which includes collecting and comparing lipid biomarker patterns to reference lipidomic biomarkers, particularly prostaglandins PGE2 and/or PGF2?. The method is especially applicable for determining status fertility of a mammalian female, preferably, a woman.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a means for efficiently obtaining mammalian embryos having high conception rates. A first aspect of the present invention is a method for selecting a mammalian embryo prepared by in vitro culture from a fertilized egg, comprising a step of selecting an embryo using two or more of the following indicators: the time from fertilization to the completion of first cleavage; the morphology at a stage after first cleavage and before second cleavage; the morphology at a stage after third cleavage and before fourth cleavage; and the amount of oxygen consumed at the early blastocyst stage, the blastocyst stage, or the expanded blastocyst stage.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for use of TALENs to make genetically modified livestock or other animals are set forth. Some of the embodiments of the invention provide for making an founder animal that is completely free of all unplanned genetic modifications. Some embodiments are directed to removing genetic faults in established breeds without making other alterations to the genome. Other embodiments are directed to particular tools or processes such as a TALENs with a preferred truncation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system and method for determining embryo quality comprising monitoring the embryo for a time period, said time period having a length sufficient to comprise at least one cell division period and at least a part of an inter-division period, and determining the length of the at least one cell division period; and/or ii) determining the extent and/or spatial distribution of cellular or organelle movement during the cell division period; and/or iii) determining duration of an inter-division period; and/or iv) determining the extent and/or spatial distribution of cellular or organelle movement during the inter-division period thereby obtaining an embryo quality measure. Thus, the selection of optimal embryos to be implanted after in vitro fertilization (IVF) is facilitated based on the timing, duration, spatial distribution, and extent of observed cell divisions and associated cellular and organelle movement.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the discovery that the presence of oocyte spindle associated factors in an enucleated oocyte improves oocyte quality and subsequently nuclear transfer. In particular, it was discovered that maintaining oocyte spindle factors in the oocyte after enucleation improves oocyte quality for use in nuclear transfer methodology.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of modulating or regulating eukaryotic gene expression through the controlled or regulated expression of polynucleotide constructs that encode siRNA or other desired exogenous nucleic acids or proteins. Such constructs, and additional elements of the system may be transfected into the cells of interest and the expression of the siRNA, and hence the expression of the target gene of the siRNA, may be controlled through the administration of a compound to the cell, such as a small molecule or drug. Lentivirus vectors are employed in some embodiments of the invention including the generation of conditional knockdown animals.

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 outcome of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) of a woman in terms of chances of successful pregnancy or the fertility status of a woman is predicted based on nucleotide analysis of the histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) gene or protein analysis of HRG. The proline isoform of HRG or an amino acid fragment thereof can further be used to increases the success of pregnancy of a woman.

Abstract: A method for cultivating a transgenic animal with an increased expression amount of porcine growth hormone is provided. Additionally, a method for cultivating a transgenic embryo, which introduces a recombinant expression vector of 1) TRE-GH or 2) TET-ON into a target embryo to obtain a transgenic embryo with a higher expression amount of porcine growth hormone than a target embryo without introduction is provided. A transgenic animal can be obtained by transplanting the embryo into an animal. The experiments demonstrate that growth hormone (GH) is sharply increased in blood of transgenic pigs after adding DOX.

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 invention is drawn to novel methods of selecting mammals receptive to embryo transfers in order to improve reproductive efficiency and milk production of the mammals. The present invention encompasses three methods: (1) selecting from any group of mammals; (2) selecting from estrus-negative mammals; and (3) selecting from estrus-negative mammals and pooling the selected mammals with estrus-positive mammals. Also encompassed is a kit for selecting mammals receptive to embryo transfers.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-human transgenic animal comprising a transgene encoding angiogenin and food products comprising or obtained from the non-human transgenic animal and uses thereof.

Abstract: The recoverable intra-uterine system comprises a housing capable of containing one or a plurality of elements selected from among the group comprising an embryo, male and/or female gametes, a fertilized oocyte, and unfertilized ovum and a combination of these elements, the housing having along an axis a distal end and a proximal end, and a device for holding the recoverable intra-uterine device in the uterus. The holding device is arranged at the proximal end of the housing and includes at least one holding arm in the uterine cavity capable of taking at least two positions: —one free position in which at least one holding arm is separated from the axis; and —a retracted position in which at least one holding arm is substantially parallel to the axis. Use in medically assisted reproduction techniques.

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 comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of visualizable or treatment compositions or therapeutic agents comprising device elements for diagnosis and/or treatment of conduits. A delivery system comprising an introducer shaft having at least one exit port and at least one delivery catheter for placement of compositions into the conduit, such as a fallopian tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are based upon the discovery that exposure of cleavage-stage embryos to a stress inducer, e.g. heat shock or chemical, renders the exposed embryos more sensitive to a secondary treatment with a stress inducer, e.g. heat shock or chemical inducer. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to methods for making embryos, embryonic cells arising from them, and animals and plants that are sensitized to stress, e.g. physiologic or chemical stressors. Methods of screening for inducers and inhibitors of stress using, as test model systems, embryonic cells, embryos, animals, and plants that are sensitized to stress are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are the use of peripheral blood derived germline stem cells and their progenitors, methods of isolation thereof, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: This catheter (34) comprises a tubular catheter body (38) defining a longitudinal channel (52), the distal end (48) of the catheter body (38) being closed, and the channel (52) opening out through a single side orifice (50) onto an external surface (44) of a side wall (42) of the catheter body (38) at a distance from this distal end (48). The channel (52) includes a curved distal end segment (54) and has a substantially constant diameter (Dint) along the entire length thereof.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods of predicting embryo outcome by analyzing disclosed markers in embryo culture media.

Abstract: A catheter for introduction, particularly of the embryos, comprising an aspirator combined with an inner part of the catheter, characterized in that the core of the catheter is placed (1) inside the inner part of the catheter (4) and the aspirator (2), and the carrier for a cell transport, in particular of the embryos is covered with the adhesive agent.

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: Methods to introduce genetic material, such as DNA, to embryos, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method involves preparing the pregnant mother to receive the genetic material into a blood transport vessel which passes to the embryo, avoiding a maternal capillary bed and introducing the material under low pressure so as not to kill the pregnant animal. The effectiveness of the method is such that the nucleic acid has been expressed in all the cells of the embryo and in the postnatal mouse, including the primordial germ cells, thus making the nucleic acid germ line heritable.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of visualizable or treatment compositions or therapeutic agents comprising device elements for diagnosis and/or treatment of conduits. A delivery system comprising an introducer shaft having at least one exit port and at least one delivery catheter for placement of compositions into the conduit, such as a fallopian tube.