OoTrap: enhancing oocyte collection and maturation with a field-deployable fluidic device.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are pivotal for contemporary reproductive medicine and species conservation. However, the manual handling required in these processes introduces stress that can compromise oocyte and embryo quality. This study introduces OoTrap, a novel fluidic device designed to streamline ART workflows by facilitating the capture and maturation of oocytes in a compact unit.

The impact of routine cholangiography for asymptomatic patients after cholecystostomy insertion for acute cholecystitis.

Background: We aim to investigate the impact of routine cholangiography on asymptomatic patients with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PCC) for acute cholecystitis (AC).

Methods: The study included all patients treated with PCC for AC from 2017 to 2020 ​at a single academic center. Patients who underwent routine cholangiography within 30 days post-discharge while asymptomatic were compared to patients who were only followed clinically.

Exploring the potential of in vitro extracellular vesicle generation in reproductive biology.

The interest in the growing field of extracellular vesicle (EV) research highlights their significance in intercellular signalling and the selective transfer of biological information between donor and recipient cells. EV studies have provided valuable insights into intercellular communication mechanisms, signal identification and their involvement in disease states, offering potential avenues for manipulating pathological conditions, detecting biomarkers and developing drug-delivery systems. While our understanding of EV functions in reproductive tissues has significantly progressed, exploring their potential as biomarkers for infertility, therapeutic interventions and enhancements in assisted reproductive technologies remains to be investigated.

Mechanical properties of native and decellularized reproductive tissues: insights for tissue engineering strategies.

Understanding the mechanical properties and porosity of reproductive tissues is vital for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This study investigated the changes in Young's modulus (YM), storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E"), and porosity of native and decellularized bovine reproductive tissues during the estrous cycle. Testis tunica albuginea had significantly higher YM, E', and E" than the inner testis, indicating greater stiffness and viscoelasticity.

A three layered repair of a large perineal hernia: case report and review of the literature.

Background: A symptomatic perineal hernia is an uncommon complication after abdominoperineal resection (APR). Repairs of such hernias can be achieved by usage of autologous flaps, synthetic mesh, or biologic mesh, which reduce bowel adhesions. Studies have shown that prophylactic repair of the pelvic floor with biologic mesh during APR, can reduce the incidence of perineal hernia.