Abstract: The present application is directed to compositions and methods for treating a subject with cancer and/or increasing migration of a mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) stimulated with a recombinant autocrine motility factor (rAMF) to a tumor or a tumor cell, e.g. hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, methods for increasing adhesion of MSCs to endothelial cells with rAMF are disclosed. In some embodiments, the MSCs comprise a therapeutic agent, e.g., an anti-tumor agent.

Abstract: Tracers for oil recovery, particularly fluorescent nanotracers conservative in aqueous phases. The tracer comprises a core-shell nanoparticle tailored according to the operation to be traced. It contains a fluorescent core that allows the detection thereof in the field and a functionalized polymeric shell that provides increased stability in high salinity aqueous phases. A method for preparing said nanotracer. Given the nanotracer versatility, it can be used both for tracing fracking steps as well as meshes of secondary and tertiary recovery.

Abstract: A process for producing propylene glycol from glycerol including a catalyst of Cu and Ce at concentrations of up to 15% of each metal. In addition, it is described a catalyst of Cu and Ce to perform the selective reduction of glycerol and the process of production of such catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the activity of a transcription factor in a plant comprising expressing in said plant a chimeric protein comprising a GIF moiety comprising a GIF domain or fragment thereof, and a DNA binding domain (DBD) moiety. The chimeric proteins comprise a GIF moiety comprising a GIF domain or fragment thereof, or a polypeptide with an amino acid sequence having at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of a GIF domain or fragment thereof; and a DBD moiety comprising the DBD or plant transcription factor whose activity enhancement is intended, or a binding protein which is capable of forming a tertiary complex with the DBD or transcription factor whose activity modification and/or enhancement is intended. The invention also relates to polynucleotides and polypeptides useful in the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anode for a lithium-ion battery and a method of manufacturing the same. The anode is manufactured from a material composed of Si and C known as SBA-15/C having a porous structure of mesopores interconnected by micropores, wherein carbon nanofibers occupy the pore space of the porous structure. The anode has improved conductivity properties and allows to mitigate the drawbacks linked to the volumetric expansion of the anode during the operation of a lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: A method for the acid dissolution of LiCoO2 contained in the cathode of lithium ion batteries, using acetic or tartaric acid as leaching agent, the method being characterized in that it comprises a first stage and a second stage, wherein said first stage comprises the step of separating the cathode components, while said second stage comprises the step of dissolving the pure LiCoO2 with at least one acid. The method allows achieving an economically viable complete recycling process with low environmental impact.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that galectin-1 (Gal1) plays a role in viral-associated PTLD, e.g., EBV-associated PTLD and hypoxia associated angiogenesis disorders. Accordingly, the invention relates to compositions, kits, and method for diagnosing, prognosing, monitoring, treating and modulating viral-associated PTLD, e.g., EBV-associated PTLD and hypoxia associated angiogenesis disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of Secreted Protein, Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) as a new therapeutic target in patients with fulminant hepatitis and allows the development of a strategy destined to protect the liver form damage. The invention relates to the treatment of acute liver failure or fulminant hepatitis by administering to a subject in need thereof an agent that inhibits at least partially the expression of SPARC and/or interferes with its biological function.

Abstract: A method for controlling an insulin injection device and a system for delivering insulin in a patient in need thereof. The method includes the steps of defining a time interval; receiving the level of blood glucose; computing an insulin dose to be injected in the next time interval, and transmitting the computed insulin dose to be injected to the insulin injection device.

Abstract: Process for obtaining lithium compounds and intermediate compounds, comprising the following steps: a) contacting aluminosilicate particles, for example ?-spodumene, with at least one fluorine compound, for example HF, NaF or others; b) stirring the mixture increasing the temperature until reaching an appropriate temperature; c) carrying out at least a precipitation and filtration process of the mixture of step b), and, d) recovering the lithium compound. The process may comprise using HF at a concentration between 5 and 30% v/v or NaF at a concentration between 5 and 30% w/v; a solid/liquid ratio of step a) between 0.9 and 14.4% w/v; a particle size of between 29 and 200 ?m. The final lithium product of the process may be lithium carbonate or lithium fluoride.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered microorganisms, engineered biosynthetic pathways, methods of producing lipid compounds using genetically engineered microorganisms, and the products synthesized by those organisms. In particular, the disclosure provides genetically engineered microorganisms for the production of multi-methyl branched fatty acids (MMBFAs) and MMBFA esters (wax esters) derived from these fatty acids. In addition, the disclosure provides methods for producing acylglycerols with one of more of their acyl substituents being an MMBFA, and methods for producing alcohols derived from MMBFAs (fatty alcohols).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition comprising at least three peptides derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen Rv2626c, its use in the diagnostic of latently infected Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LTBI) subjects, corresponding methods of use and kits.

Abstract: Bi-structured matrix for purification and handling of solid reagents, which comprises at least a polymer solid carrier coated with at least one hydrosoluble polymer, and manufacturing processes. The solid carrier may be, among others, cross-linked polyurethane foam or a micropipette tip. The hydrosoluble polymer may be, among others, polyvinylalcohol, agarose, hydroxyethylcellulose or combinations thereof. The matrix may further comprise a polymer produced from monomers of glycidyl metacrylate (GMA), dimethyl acrylamide (DMAAm), 2-hydroxyethyl metacrylate, metacrylic acid, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated HaHB11 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding the same. Also provided are methods of introducing a nucleic acid encoding HaHB11 polypeptides into a plant cell, plant part or plant, e.g., to increase tolerance to abiotic stress, to delay development and/or prolong the life span of a plant, and/or to increase yield from the plant. The invention also provides nucleic acids comprising HaHB11 promoter sequences and methods for expressing a nucleotide sequence of interest operably associated with the HaHB11 promoters of the invention in a plant cell, plant part, or plant. Also provided are transformed plants, plant tissues, plant cells and plant seed comprising the nucleic acids, expression cassettes and vectors of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the activity of a transcription factor in a plant comprising expressing in said plant a chimeric protein comprising a GIF moiety comprising a GIF domain or fragment thereof, and a DNA binding domain (DBD) moiety. The chimeric proteins comprise a GIF moiety comprising a GIF domain or fragment thereof, or a polypeptide with an amino acid sequence having at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of a GIF domain or fragment thereof; and a DBD moiety comprising the DBD or plant transcription factor whose activity enhancement is intended, or a binding protein which is capable of forming a tertiary complex with the DBD or transcription factor whose activity modification and/or enhancement is intended. The invention also relates to polynucleotides and polypeptides useful in the method of the invention.

Abstract: A process for producing propylene glycol from glycerol including a catalyst of Cu and Ce at concentrations of up to 15% of each metal. In addition, it is described a catalyst of Cu and Ce to perform the selective reduction of glycerol and the process of production of such catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions using a polypeptide comprising at least one CXXC motif, such as Giardia parasite's variable surface proteins (VSP) or a fragment thereof to raise by oral or mucosal vaccination an immune response against a heterologous selected antigen, such as tumor antigen, microbial antigen or other antigen.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for oral delivery and methods of treatment using VSP carriers, such as Giardia sp. variable surface proteins (VSP), to deliver therapeutic agents. VSP drug carriers can be combined with bioactive peptides, e.g., insulin, glucagon, or hGH, and be administered orally or mucosally. VSP carriers are resistant to acidic pHs and to proteolytic degradation and protect therapeutic agents from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition comprising at least three peptides derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen Rv2626c, its use in the diagnostic of latently infected Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LTBI) subjects, corresponding methods of use and kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preventing and treating cell proliferation in cancer. More specifically, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting tumor growth, and for treating proliferative diseases, particularly colon and breast cancer, with a combined pharmacological approach. Yet more specifically, the compositions for inhibiting tumor growth comprise a combination of: i) a first component which is an ACSL4 inhibitor; and ii) a second component selected from the group consisting of mTOR inhibitor and ER inhibitor.