Abstract: The device comprises an injection system, which is made up of a rigid external tubular body (1) that enables it to be inserted into the abdominal cavity of a sow. This body is, in turn, covered by a sterile sleeve (2) that enables it to be used in different animals. A flexible duct (3) runs coaxially and its distal end connects with a bevelled needle (4) that permits insertion in the oviduct (12) at an angle of 45°. The proximal end of the flexible tube connects with a device (6) that includes a sheath (7) closed at the other end by a piston (8) that slides along the inside of the sheath and that enables the precision insertion of low-volume liquids.

Abstract: A recoverable intra-uterine system comprises a receptacle (10) designed to contain one or more elements chosen from the group comprising an embryo, male and/or female gametes, a fertilized oocyte, an unfertilized ovum, and a combination of these elements, and a retaining device (20) for retaining the recoverable intra-uterine system in the uterus. The retaining device (20) comprises a deformable element (21) designed to be retained by bearing in the neck of the uterus. Use in artificial insemination techniques.

Abstract: Secretome profiling improves the pregnancy success rate of in vitro fertilization processes, while reducing the risk of multiple births.

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: The invention provides a new type of a capsid protein VP1 of human enterovirus 71, named as MEL701-VP1 and functional/structural variants thereof, which is used for protection against enterovirus. The transgenic animal producing the protein, the composition comprising the protein and the method for production thereof are also provided.

Abstract: An embryo replacement catheter has a flexible extruded shaft of a transparent polyurethane with a bore extending along its length. Gas bubbles of a diameter in the range 5? to 10? are incorporated into the thickness of the wall of the shaft by adding gas during extrusion. The bubbles are selected to increase the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound imaging whilst still enabling material flowing along the catheter to be seen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell comprising the step of introducing into a target cell one or two coding sequences each giving rise upon transcription to a factor that contributes to the reprogramming of said target cell into an induced pluripotent stem cell and selected from Oct3/4 or a factor belonging to the Myc, Klf and Sox families of factors, wherein the target cell endogenously expresses at least the factors that are not encoded by the coding sequences to be introduced and selected from Oct3/4 or factors belonging to the Myc, Klf and Sox families of factors, and wherein the cell resulting from the introduction of the one or two coding sequences expresses the combination of factor Oct3/4 and at least one factor of each family of factors selected from the group of Myc, Klf and Sox.

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 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: 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 an embryos collector system used for the collection and careful selection of embryos, which maintains the fluid control from the uterus discharge fluids inside the collector device and the control of displacement of the embryos and mucosal in the interior of the device. This system includes a conduit system free of internal collision points where the embryos can safely navigate to a section on the device, in which the direction, force, and speed of the turbulent currents are controlled; thus, the embryos are not subjected to any trauma, cannot be trapped by the mucosal; nor dragged by the filtration mesh.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for determining which embryos from a group of embryos are most likely to implant and develop as desired. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more cells are biopsied from each of the embryos, and the genetic condition of those cells are determined. Within a group of embryos that each test positive for aneuploidy, the likelihood that each embryo contains euploid cells may be determined from the type of aneuploidy observed in the biopsied cells. This knowledge may be used to make a decision as to which embryos to transfer to a uterus. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, these determinations are made for the purpose of embryo selection in the context of in vitro fertilization.

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 invention provides a transgenic Mustelidae in which a gene associated with a human disease or condition comprises a targeted genetic modification, and uses thereof. Also provided is a method to cryopreserve Mustelidae embryos or cells, and to enhance the number of live offspring from cryopreserved Mustelidae embryos.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for determining an animal's genotype and to select animals having a desired genotype. Embodiments of the invention also provide isolated nucleic acid molecules and analytical kits that may be used to determine an animal's genotype. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for improving desirable animal traits including improved growth, enhanced body composition, and improved reproductive traits. The invention also provides methods for allocating animals for predetermined uses, for picking potential parent animals for breeding, and for producing progeny animals. The instant invention also provides methods for identifying associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phenotypic traits. Also provided are methods for identifying genetic markers in allelic association with the SNP disclosed herein and for identifying the genotypes of a causative mutation underlying a quantitative trait locus (QTL).

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: The invention concerns a method for producing non-human mammal embryos, in particular rabbit by nuclear cloning. The invention also concerns the mammals obtained and their uses.

Abstract: Described are methods for selecting a domestic animal having desired genotypic properties, the methods comprising testing the animal for the presence of a parentally imprinted quantitative trait locus (QTL). The invention further relates to the use of an isolated and/or recombinant nucleic acid comprising a QTL or functional fragment derived therefrom to select a breeding animal or animal destined for slaughter having desired genotypic or potential phenotypic properties. In particular, the properties are related to muscle mass, fat deposition, sow prolificacy, and/or sow longevity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to constructs and methods used to enhance the attachment and implantation of an embryo. It is shown that modified glycolipids and glycolipid-attachment molecule constructs can be used to modify embryos, or localised to target tissues, to enhance interaction between the embryo and the target tissue, (typically the endometrium). The invention may advantageously be used to enhance implantation of embryos in the uterus, for example, in IVF treatments.

Abstract: Disclosed are arrays of nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods using SNPs on genes of the bovine interferon tau signaling pathway for improved bovine fertilization rate, or embryo survival, or both.

Abstract: A container assembly comprises a vessel for containing a biological medium, gametes and/or one or more embryo(s). The vessel has a CO2 permeable seal and a closure valve device for selective access. A buffer chamber for a CO2 enriched atmosphere cooperates with the vessel and is in communication with the CO2 permeable wall. Such a container assembly is particularly adapted for intravaginal use in which case the permeable seal prevents ingress of vaginal secretions. The buffer chamber mediates the aqueous pH in the vessel after the container assembly is removed from a CO2 enriched environment.

Abstract: Methods of in vitro fertilization wherein said method includes preimplantation genetic diagnosis of all 24 chromosomes of an IVF embryo comprising whole genome amplification and SNP-based microarray analyses are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for determining endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation and for detecting and treating castration-recurrent prostate cancer are provided. The methods comprise measuring the level of melanoma antigen gene protein-11 (MAGE-11, also referred to as MAGE-Al 1) in an endometrial or prostate tissue sample. The level of MAGE-11 protein or mRNA can be correlated to endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation in a female human or nonhuman primate, or to the presence of castration-recurrent prostate cancer in a male patient in need thereof. Methods are described whereby MAGE-11 may serve as a target for vaccine development in the treatment of castration-recurrent prostate cancer. Methods for monitoring endometrial maturation, for diagnosing infertility, and for in vitro fertilization in a female human or nonhuman primate are also provided.

Abstract: A method of embryo transfer (“ET”) that improves fertility rates by eliminating transferred air during the procedure is provided. Also provided is a method for hormonally enhancing the uterine wall of a patient either prior to or during the time of ET. Quantitative administration of transfer solutions is accomplished with a modified apparatus that provides for implantation of an embryo into the uterus of a patient. The apparatus comprises an outer sheath and an inner lumen arranged to be slidably disposed within the outer sheath. The inner lumen includes at least one visual marker situated on the exterior surface adjacent its distal end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of minimizing immunological rejection of a nuclear transfer (“NT”) fetus which includes transferring a NT embryo into an embryo recipient under conditions effective for development of a NT fetus with minimal risk of immunological rejection of the fetus due to a maternal anti-fetal MHC-I immune response. After determining an MHC-I antigen type for a NT embryo and an MHC-I antigen type for embryo recipients, the NT embryo is either (i) transferred into a first embryo recipient having a compatible MHC-I antigen type under conditions effective for development of a NT fetus from the NT embryo, or (ii) transferred into a second embryo recipient having an incompatible MHC-I antigen type, followed by regulating MHC-I expression of the NT embryo or suppressing an immune response of the embryo recipient under conditions effective for development of a nuclear transfer fetus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay for determining the implantation potential of a plurality of embryos each obtained or to be obtained by assisted fertilisation of an oocyte of a female subject, comprising measuring the levels of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the follicular fluid (FF) present in the follicle from which each oocyte is derived, and determining the implantation potential of each embryo from the level of measured FF G-CSF. It also relates to a kit for carrying out the assay. It further relates to a method for assisted fertilisation.

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: Single nucleotide polymorphic site at position 11646 of the bovine FGF2 gene is associated with improved fertilization rate and/or improved embryo survival rate, as well as improved milk production. Also disclosed are nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods.

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: A method of assessing the viability of a cell comprises incubating the cell in a culture medium. The culture medium includes a plurality of amino acids and the change in concentration in the medium of at least one amino acid is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing the developmental potential of oocytes or preimplantation embryos by modulating mitochondrial-associated proteins and/or genomic integrity modifier proteins in the oocytes or preimplantation embryos. In one aspect of the invention, the levels of one or more mitochondrial-associated proteins and/or genomic integrity modifier proteins are increased, in particular by introducing the mitochondrial-associated proteins and/or genomic integrity modifier proteins into the oocytes or preimplantation embryos. Oocytes may be fertilized to obtain a zygote with increased levels of one or more mitochondrial-associated proteins and/or genomic integrity modifier proteins. The methods and compositions may be used to improve in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer methods, and nuclear transfer techniques.

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: A device whose main part is a catheter or probe which is advantageously made up by an echogenic tube on its whole length, and which is proportionally transparent. The structure is made up by a material chosen from among the group comprising amorphous thermoplastic polymer matrices incorporating a braid, strand or strip with a non metal echogenic material which is biocompatible and chosen from among filled or un-filled semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: The inventors have discovered inter alia, that when the chromosome complement of a first polar body (PB-I) is normal, it alone is in more than 80% of cases sufficient to predict that an embryo which has developed from an oocyte associated with the PB-I is also normal and competent. As such, the invention relates to methods of identifying competent oocytes and embryos suitable for use during in vitro fertilization.

Abstract: A planar transformer power supply for an electrosurgical device to minimize stray capacitance comprising a step down/step-up isolation transformer and circuitry to limit the effects of a short circuit in the output of the planar transformer power supply on the input to the planar transformer power supply to enhance power capacity at a low load impedance as low as from about 5 ohms to about 10 ohms and to operate at resonance at the output of the planar transformer power supply.

Abstract: A recoverable intra-uterine device comprising a housing containing one or several elements selected from a group containing an embryo, male and/or female gametes, a fertilised oocyte, an unfertilised egg and the combination thereof, wherein said housing is provided with a wall made of a biocompatible material. The wall is provided with a series of perforations whose size is sufficient in order to bring the intra-uterine medium into a cellular contact with the housing and to keep the elements therein. The inventive device is provided with a system for loading and unloading one or several elements selected from the group containing an embryo, male and/or female gametes, a fertilised oocyte, an unfertilised egg and the combination thereof.

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: The invention concerns a syringe for injecting the content of a straw enabling the reading of data borne by the straw, even when it is ready for use. The straw is placed in a tubular body (12) of the syringe in a housing (30) wherein is provided at least a lateral window (38).

Abstract: The present invention provides a role for neurotrophins in hES cell survival and important new insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling the growth of these cells. Although previous studies identified growth factors that affect self-renewal of hES cells, the novelty of the present invention is the identification of factors that act through specific receptors present on hES cells and activate the receptors at physiological concentrations to promote survival and proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and a device for the intrauterine embryo transfer, according to a procedure in which the embryos are aspirated from a culture medium for being ejected into the uterine cavity, wherein the aspiration and the release of the embryos is realized using a catheter having a substantially constant inner diameter in which is inserted a relevant plunger.

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: A fertilization and culture container, e.g. for intravaginal use, comprises a container body having an orifice for introducing a culture medium, one or more oocytes and sperm, resealable closure means for selectively opening and closing the container body orifice, the container body having a main chamber for receiving the culture medium, oocytes and sperm and a microchamber for collecting for retrieval of one or more embryos. The container body has elements for restricting access of retrieval catheter or pipette relative to the microchamber. At least a portion of a sidewall of the container body defining said microchamber is transparent and of optical quality for microscopic inspection of embryos prior to and/or during retrieval with a catheter or a pipette.

Abstract: A method of assessing the viability of a cell comprises incubating the cell in a culture medium. The culture medium includes a plurality of amino acids and the change in concentration in the medium of at least one amino acid is determined.

Abstract: An echogenic and/or radio-opaque device adapted to permit carrying out removals from the genital organs for analysis, or adapted to promote the transfer of products, particularly gametes or embryos, into the female genital organs, or again adapted to carry out tests for the introduction of catheters into the uterus and to analyze the morphology of the neck of the uterus and of the uterine cavity. The device comprises an echogenic and/or radio-opaque material permitting visualizing by medical imagery, particularly by echography or radiography, the position of the usable orifice or of the distal portion of the device.

Abstract: Oocyte extraction apparatus or embryo replacement apparatus has a flexible tube along which the oocyte or embryo passes. The tube extends along an outer jacket which maintains the temperature within the tube. The jacket may be thermally insulating or it may be heated such as with warmed liquid.

Abstract: A device for transferring cells present in fluid media is provided which is especially useful for in vitro fertilization techniques and intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedures.

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: Oocyte extraction apparatus or embryo replacement apparatus has a flexible tube along which the oocyte or embryo passes. The tube extends along an outer jacket which maintains the temperature within the tube. The jacket may be thermally insulating or it may be heated such as with warmed liquid.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter or the like has electrical resistance heating elements extending along its shaft and connected to a battery in the catheter hub or to a separate power source via a cable. Alternatively, the shaft may be extruded with two channels in its wall connected with inlet and outlet connectors on the hub. Pipes connected with the connectors supply warmed fluid from a heat exchanger to one channel and return fluid to the exchanger from the other channel.

Abstract: The A fertilization process comprises includes the following steps: a) a container (15) which can be introduced into, and lodged in, the uterine cavity of the mammal is provided; b) the container (15) is filled with a culture medium, at least one ovocyte of the mammal, and spermatozoa; c) the filled container (15) is inserted into the uterine cavity; d) the container (15) is left for a given length of time to allow fertilization of the ovocyte(s) to take place; e) the contents of the container (15) are released into the uterine cavity. The container may be made from a tube of biodegradable or non-biodegradable material. In the latter case, it is associated with a stiffening device. A biodegradable container (15) filled with gametes and a culture medium is placed in the uterine cavity using an implantation device (20) which is then withdrawn from the mammal's genital tract.