Methods and compositions directed to altering a population of sRNAs in a sperm using vesicles isolated from an epididymosome are provided. Methods and compositions directed to altering a population of sRNAs in an oocyte using vesicles isolated from an epididymosome are also provided. Methods for altering an sRNA population in a sperm or an oocyte can be used to prevent, or reduce the severity of, a disease, disorder, or condition that would otherwise be inherited by progeny. For example, certain epigenetic inherited conditions due to paternal effects, such as certain metabolic and stress disorders and conditions, can be ameliorated in progeny using sperm or oocytes having an altered sRNA population.

A transfer device includes an elongate tube defining a lumen configured to support an organism and an obstruction positioned along the elongate tube. The obstruction is configured to prevent the organism from moving proximally past the obstruction, such that the obstruction defines a distal end region of the elongate tube in which the organism can move along the lumen of the elongate tube.

A transfer device includes an elongate tube defining a lumen configured to support an organism and an obstruction positioned along the elongate tube. The obstruction is configured to prevent the organism from moving proximally past the obstruction, such that the obstruction defines a distal end region of the elongate tube in which the organism can move along the lumen of the elongate tube.

The present subject matter discloses a device and system of aspirating follicular fluid. In an example, an ovum pick up (OPU) device for aspirating follicular fluid includes a needle having a first end and a second end, opposite to the first end. The first end of the needle is to pierce through an ovarian follicle to aspirate the follicular fluid from the ovarian follicle by a suction force. The OPU device includes a connector having a channel to receive the second end of the needle. The OPU device further includes an elastic tube connected to the connector. The second end of the needle passes through the channel and inside the elastic tube. The elastic tube is compressible, while locating the ovarian follicle and piercing the needle through the ovarian follicle, to regulate the suction force during aspiration of the follicular fluid between two follicles.

Novel benzamide derivatives of formula (I)

##STR00001##

wherein W.sup.1, W.sup.2, R.sup.1 to R.sup.10 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.

Provided are compositions and methods for preventing premature follicle activation and loss induced by transplantation of ovaries or tissues derived from ovaries, thereby preserving fertility in a subject.

Provided are compositions and methods for preventing premature follicle activation and loss induced by transplantation of ovaries or tissues derived from ovaries, thereby preserving fertility in a subject.

A process for recovering one or more blastocysts from a uterus of a human is disclose which comprises placing a device transvaginally into a cervical canal of the patient; delivering fluid through the device to the uterus and applying a vacuum to the uterus to aspirate fluid and entrained one or more blastocysts from the uterus; and causing a disruption of to the uterus and/or to one or more embryos remaining in the uterus following removal of one or more blastocysts from the uterus to reduce the chance that any such retained embryos remaining in the uterus will form a viable pregnancy, wherein the causing a disruption comprises one or more of the following: inducing a mechanical disruption of the uterus, delivering a hormonal agent to the uterus, delivering a chemical agent to the uterus, inducing a thermal disruption of the uterus, or using ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to induce said disruption. Kits and uterine lavage systems are further provided for performing the processes described in the invention.

A process for recovering one or more blastocysts from a uterus of a human is disclose which comprises placing a device transvaginally into a cervical canal of the patient; delivering fluid through the device to the uterus and applying a vacuum to the uterus to aspirate fluid and entrained one or more blastocysts from the uterus; and causing a disruption of to the uterus and/or to one or more embryos remaining in the uterus following removal of one or more blastocysts from the uterus to reduce the chance that any such retained embryos remaining in the uterus will form a viable pregnancy, wherein the causing a disruption comprises one or more of the following: inducing a mechanical disruption of the uterus, delivering a hormonal agent to the uterus, delivering a chemical agent to the uterus, inducing a thermal disruption of the uterus, or using ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to induce said disruption. Kits and uterine lavage systems are further provided for performing the processes described in the invention.

Disclosed is a protection device for a medical device comprising a substantially cylindrical body and a tube, the body and tube being hollow and open at their ends, the body comprising a thermally insulating distal part and assembly means, the tube comprising complementary assembly means, the body being capable of sliding on the tube in a longitudinal direction from a first position corresponding to a sampling configuration of the protection device to a second position corresponding to a protection configuration of the protection device, the assembly means of the body and the complementary assembly means being capable of immobilising the body in longitudinal translation in the first position and the second position.