Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of reproductive medicine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel human embryo co-culture system to improve human embryo growth in vitro and, consequently, increase pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of growing an embryo to a blastocyst stage of development comprising the step of coculturing said embryo in the presence of a population of cumulus cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for screening whether a candidate compound inhibits delta-6 desaturase activity are disclosed. Also disclosed is a transgenic mammal which overexpresses a gene encoding delta-6 desaturase and an animal model of a cardiometabolic disorder or disease that includes the transgenic mammal. A method of treating a cardiometabolic disorder or disease is also disclosed.

Abstract: Targeting constructs and methods of using them are provided for differentiation-dependent modification of nucleic acid sequences in cells and in non-human animals. Targeting constructs comprising a promoter operably linked to a recombinase are provided, wherein the promoter drives transcription of the recombinase in an differentiated cell but not an undifferentiated cell. Promoters include Blimp1, Prm1, Gata6, Gata4, Igf2, Lhx2, Lhx5, and Pax3. Targeting constructs with a cassette flanked on both sides by recombinase sites can be removed using a recombinase gene operably linked to a 3?-UTR that comprises a recognition site for an miRNA that is transcribed in undifferentiated cells but not in differentiated cells. The constructs may be included in targeting vectors, and can be used to automatically modify or excise a selection cassette from an ES cell, a non-human embryo, or a non-human animal.

Abstract: Targeting constructs and methods of using them are provided for differentiation-dependent modification of nucleic acid sequences in cells and in non-human animals. Targeting constructs comprising a promoter operably linked to a recombinase are provided, wherein the promoter drives transcription of the recombinase in an differentiated cell but not an undifferentiated cell. Promoters include Blimp1, Prm1, Gata6, Gata4, Igf2, Lhx2, Lhx5, and Pax3. Targeting constructs with a cassette flanked on both sides by recombinase sites can be removed using a recombinase gene operably linked to a 3?-UTR that comprises a recognition site for an miRNA that is transcribed in undifferentiated cells but not in differentiated cells. The constructs may be included in targeting vectors, and can be used to automatically modify or excise a selection cassette from an ES cell, a non-human embryo, or a non-human animal.

Abstract: A process for preparing a particle comprising a biological molecule typically a DNA plasmid, and a carrier polymer, typically poly-lactic acid (PLA), in which an organic solvent solution of the biological molecule and the carrier polymer in an organic solvent medium, nearly saturated with the biological molecule, is prepared, then this solution is contacted with an antisolvent substance, typically supercritical carbon dioxide to separate a particle comprising the biological molecule and the carrier polymer. High loadings of the biological molecule in the particle can be achieved.

Abstract: Provided herein are animals expressing light-responsive opsin proteins in the basal lateral amygdala of the brain and methods for producing the same wherein illumination of the light-responsive opsin proteins causes anxiety in the animal. Also provided herein are methods for alleviating and inducing anxiety in an animal as well as methods for screening for a compound that alleviates anxiety in an animal.

Abstract: An implant system and a method for controlling the natural and artificial microenvironments surrounding an implanted device using an artificial tissue system (ATS) and includes methods of diagnostic and testing related thereto. The ATS, among other things, induce better integration, function, and extended lifespan of the devices at the site of implantation. The ATS includes cells, such as naturally occurring, engineered, and/or artificial cells; matrices such as natural, engineered, artificial and/or hybrid matrices; tissue response modifiers (TRM); and/or cell response modifiers (CRM). The specific composition of the ATS is based on the nature of the tissue in which ATS-device combination is implanted and the nature of the implant device, as well as the required function and lifespan of the implanted device. Additionally, the ATS, as well as ATSdevice combinations can be utilized in vitro to aid in the design of improved ATS, devices and ATS-device combinations for in \>ivo uses.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treatment of individuals having an immune-related disease, disorder or condition, for example, inflammatory bowel disease, graft-versus-host disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, diabetes, mycosis fungoides (Alibert-Bazin syndrome), or scleroderma using placental stem cells or umbilical cord stem cells.

Abstract: A method of forming a lipid membrane attached linker comprises contacting a lipid membrane with an oligonucleotide having a first strand and a second strand of nucleic acid and two or more hydrophobic anchoring moieties located in its terminal ends. The two strands are hybridized to each other in a duplex section in a manner that the first strand terminal end is not a part of the duplex section and free from a hydrophobic anchoring moiety and the two or more hydrophobic anchoring moieties are covalently attached to the adjacent terminal ends of the first strand and the second strand of said oligonucleotide, thereby accomplishing a direct attachment of the oligonucleotide by the moieties on the same membrane.

Abstract: Nanoparticles for providing immune responses for the treatment or prophylaxis of infection by infectious agents such as viruses, parasites, bacteria, prions and fungi are described which comprises a core including metal and/or semiconductor atoms, wherein the core is covalently linked to a plurality of ligands, the ligands including a carbohydrate residue capable of stimulating an innate immune response, a T cell helper peptide and a danger signal. This platform may then be adapted by including one or more further ligands capable of producing a specific response to a target infectious agent.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a composition capable of delivering and expressing a nucleic acid encoding UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases, p53 or a combination thereof into a cell, and methods for treating tumors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for the release of nucleic acid complexes. In an embodiment the invention includes a nucleic acid delivery particle. The delivery particle can include a polymeric matrix including a polyethyleneglycol containing copolymer and a nucleic acid complex disposed within the polymeric matrix. The nucleic acid complex can include a nucleic acid and a carrier agent. In an embodiment the invention includes a medical device including a first polymeric matrix comprising a first polymer and a plurality of nucleic acid delivery particles disposed within the first polymeric matrix. The medical device can be configured to release the nucleic acid complex when the medical device is implanted within a subject. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of neurological disorders and more particularly to the field of neuropsychiatric disorders. The invention provides non-human, transgenic animal models for brain disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, compulsive disorders, addictive disorders and the like. The animals also have applications in the field of GABA neurotransmission and other disorders in which GABA-dependent gene regulation has a role.

Abstract: The present application relates to compositions comprising and methods of using a liposome comprising a pHLIP polypeptide, wherein a lipid bilayer of the liposome is substantially free of the pHLIP polypeptide.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of compositions, methods, devices, systems, kits, or products regarding rejuvenation or preservation of stem cells. Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods of modifying stem cells, or methods of administering modified stem cells to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: A method for converting animal cells into brown adipose tissue cells is provided that includes transforming the animal cells using an expression vector. The expression vector includes a nucleotide sequence encoding HB-EGF operatively linked to a promoter and a nucleotide sequence encoding ADAM 12 operatively linked to a promoter. Converting animal cells to brown adipose tissue cells can be used to treat obesity or to treat cancer by converting target cells to brown adipose tissue cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replicon RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence at least containing the 5? untranslated region, the nucleotide sequence encoding NS3 protein, NS4A protein, NS4B protein, NS5A protein and NS5B protein, and the 3? untranslated region on the genomic RNA of hepatitis C virus of genotype 2a.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treatment of individuals having an immune-related disease, disorder or condition, for example, inflammatory bowel disease, graft-versus-host disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, diabetes, mycosis fungoides (Alibert-Bazin syndrome), or scleroderma using placental stem cells or umbilical cord stem cells.

Abstract: Methods of reducing Wallerian degeneration are disclosed. These methods comprise inhibiting expression or activity of a mixed lineage kinase such as a dual leucine-zipper-bearing kinase (DLK), inhibiting expression or activity of a molecule acting downstream from DLK, such as a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), or a combination thereof. Further disclosed are methods of screening candidate compounds for DLK inhibition activity. These methods comprise providing a neuronal culture comprising a plurality of axons; contacting the culture with a candidate compound and with an axon degeneration-triggering agent; and comparing axonal degeneration in the culture to a control culture comprising the axon degeneration-triggering agent but not the candidate compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selecting a competent oocyte or a competent embryo.