Described here are methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may also be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.

The invention relates to a sampling needle, in particular to a needle suitable for oocyte retrieval from a human or animal subject, said needle comprising a first tubular region in fluid communication with a second tubular region, the first tubular region comprising a leading end for insertion into a subject and the second tubular region comprising a trailing end for fluid communication with a means for receiving a fluid, in which the first tubular region has an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the second tubular region and the first tubular region has an inner diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the second tubular region. The invention also relates to a method of retrieving a sample, in particular an oocyte, from a human or animal subject.

A kit having instructions for use for performing uterine lavage in a female patient includes a uterine lavage catheter configured for insertion into a woman's uterus to remove viable blastocysts from the uterus, and one or more first containers having a sufficient dosage amount of a GnRH antagonist to cause desynchronization of the endometrium of the patient prior to, during and/or following recovery of viable blastocysts from the uterus.

A kit having instructions for use for performing uterine lavage in a female patient includes a uterine lavage catheter configured for insertion into a woman's uterus to remove viable blastocysts from the uterus, and one or more first containers having a sufficient dosage amount of a GnRH antagonist to cause desynchronization of the endometrium of the patient prior to, during and/or following recovery of viable blastocysts from the uterus.

A device and method for improving fertility among couples after intercourse is disclosed. The device and method uses an intravaginal device that collects ejaculate from the vaginal canal after intercourse and presents it to the os of the cervix. The device also serves to contain ejaculate near the cervical os to increase the chances of successful fertilization.

A method for automated, artificial-intelligence-based egg identification using optical coherence tomography (OCT) includes positioning an OCT imaging system head in proximity to a biological sample containing an oocyte, wherein the OCT is operatively coupled to an artificial intelligence/machine learning system (AI/ML system) and an imaging system, wherein the imaging system includes a camera system, and a lighting system. The method includes creating at least one three-dimensional image of the oocyte using the OCT, AI/ML system, and imaging system. The method includes using the AI/ML system to analyze the three-dimensional image, wherein an analysis includes detection of a polar body's presence or absence based at least in part on planar views of the oocyte.

A method for automated, artificial-intelligence-based egg identification using optical coherence tomography (OCT) includes positioning an OCT imaging system head in proximity to a biological sample containing an oocyte, wherein the OCT is operatively coupled to an artificial intelligence/machine learning system (AI/ML system) and an imaging system, wherein the imaging system includes a camera system, and a lighting system. The method includes creating at least one three-dimensional image of the oocyte using the OCT, AI/ML system, and imaging system. The method includes using the AI/ML system to analyze the three-dimensional image, wherein an analysis includes detection of a polar body's presence or absence based at least in part on planar views of the oocyte.

Purified air is provided, having a TVOC content of from less than 5 ppb to about 500 ppb, a Biologicals content of from less than 1 CFU/M.sup.3 to 150 CFU/M.sup.3 and a Particulate content of from about 1,000 0.3 m particles per ft.sup.3 to about 50,000 0.3 m particles per ft.sup.3, or from about 600 0.5 m particles per ft.sup.3 to about 500,000 0.5 m particles per ft.sup.3.

The invention concerns the fields of microtechnologies, biology and medicine and relates to a method for producing mobility in immobile cells as can be used, for example, for in vivo or in vitro fertilization.

The object of the present invention is to specify a method for producing mobility in individual immobile cells, with which method activity and guided mobility in previously immobile cells can be achieved.

The object is attained with a method for producing mobility in immobile cells in which an immobile cell is connected to a microstructure, .wherein 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 means of a time-varying, three-dimensional external magnetic field.

The invention concerns the fields of microtechnologies, biology and medicine and relates to a method for producing mobility in immobile cells as can be used, for example, for in vivo or in vitro fertilization.

The object of the present invention is to specify a method for producing mobility in individual immobile cells, with which method activity and guided mobility in previously immobile cells can be achieved.

The object is attained with a method for producing mobility in immobile cells in which an immobile cell is connected to a microstructure, .wherein 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 means of a time-varying, three-dimensional external magnetic field.