Abstract: Sample-collecting devices, articles and methods of use are disclosed. Premoistened sample-collecting devices comprise 1,2-propanediol as a humectant, which promotes the retention of a liquid solution on the sample-collecting device during storage. 1,2-propanediol as humectant can be compatible with proteins and other reagents used to detect an analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry compositions for lactic acid bacteria and in particular to a dry composition comprising from 109 to 1013 cfu/g of the composition of lactic acid bacteria cells, wherein the composition is characterized by that it also comprises following amounts of protective agents (all amounts of protective agents below are given relative to 1 g of lactic acid bacteria cells in the composition): from 6 to 9 g of trehalose, from 0.1 to 1 g of inulin and from 0.5 to 3 g of hydrolyzed casein, and by that it does not comprise a salt of alginic acid. The composition has an improved storage stability of the cell of interest. Comparison experiments have been made between compositions with and without alginate and it has been found that there is substantially no difference between compositions with or without alginate with regard to stability. Further, the invention relates to a method for preparing a dry lactic acid bacteria composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of Lactobacillus delbrueckii to elicit a plant cell of an Iridaceae and the use of these elicited cells in treating sensitive skins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bone compositions for locally delivering a therapeutic agent to the site of a bone defect. Therapeutic agents may promote repair of the bone defect and/or treat conditions or disorders such as pain, inflammation, cancer, and infection. The compositions include calcium phosphate cements and a demineralized bone matrix or a collagen sponge. The compositions are useful for implantation in a patient at the site of a bone defect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an isolated cellulose degrading fungus and pharmaceutical substances produced by the fungus.

Abstract: An article suitable for inducing quasispherical cell clustering is provided. The article comprising: a layer suitable for culturing quasispherical cell clusters, the layer comprising a bulk region comprising an interpenetrating network of at least one predominantly positively charged polyelectrolyte and at least one predominantly negatively charged positive polyelectrolyte, a back surface region, and a front surface region, wherein the front surface region comprises a net negative fixed surface charge density of between about 0.4 micromole per m2 and about 1.5 micromole per m2.

Abstract: A composition interacts with a biological cell system that includes bioactive molecules with biomolecular surfaces, cellular components and water molecules with a specific density. The composition includes a biologically active component that is constructed to increase an activity of a biological cell system by increasing the hydration of one or more components of that cell system. The biologically active component may include a primary carbohydrate clathrate subcomponent that increases the H-bonded structure of water, and a secondary solute subcomponent. The biologically active component may include an inclusion complex that is made up of a clathrate component and a complex-forming compound. The clathrate subcomponent may include amyloses or cyclodextrins. There is also a beverage and a method that improves cellular hydration in an animal, such as a human.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diabetes-inducing bacterium and use thereof, and a reagent and a detection method for detecting the bacterium. According to the present invention, enteric colonization of the diabetes-inducing bacterium can be prevented, and diabetes can be treated and/or prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of medicine, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. In particular, the present invention provides methods to isolate and purify microvesicles from cell culture supernatants and biological fluids. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions of microvesicles to promote or enhance wound healing, stimulate tissue regeneration, remodel scarred tissue, modulate immune reactions, alter neoplastic cell growth and/or mobility, or alter normal cell growth and/or mobility. The present invention also provides compositions of microvesicles to be used as diagnostic reagents, and methods to prepare the compositions of microvesicles.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a composition comprising a biological material and transition metal atoms selected from the group consisting of Group IVB, Group VB, Group VIB of the Periodic Chart and a combination thereof, bound to a surface of the biological material.

Abstract: Methods of making and osteoinductive compositions are provided. The method includes mixing isolated periosteum tissue with a demineralized bone matrix to form the osteoinductive composition. The periosteum tissue is isolated from the surface of large bones such as femur, tibia, humerus or a mixture thereof. The demineralized bone matrix can include a plurality of surface demineralized or fully demineralized bone fibers, bone chips, bone particles or mixtures thereof. In the osteoinductive composition the substantially isolated periosteum tissue is from about 0.5% wt. to about 10% wt. A method for repairing a bone defect is also provided. The method of treatment includes applying to the bone defect a substantially effective amount of a mixture of isolated periosteum tissue and demineralized bone matrix.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates generally to a method for modifying oil, and specifically to a process for increasing the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acid in an oil composition.

Abstract: Differentiation and stability of neural stem cells can be enhanced by in vitro or in vivo culturing with one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions, such as collagen I, IV, laminin and/or a heparan sulfate proteoglycan. In one aspect of the invention, adult mammalian enteric neuronal progenitor cells can be induced to differentiate on various substrates derived from components or combinations of neural ECM compositions. Collagen I and IV supported neuronal differentiation and extensive glial differentiation individually and in combination. Addition of laminin or heparan sulfate to collagen substrates unexpectedly improved neuronal differentiation, increasing neuron number, branching of neuronal processes, and initiation of neuronal network formation. In another aspect, neuronal subtype differentiation was affected by varying ECM compositions in hydrogels overlaid on intestinal smooth muscle sheets.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a bacterial strain belonging to Lactobacillus brevis subspecies brevis, which has more potent antiallergic activity than the known lactic acid bacteria strains and produces ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is another object of the present invention to provide beverages and foods containing cells of the aforementioned bacterial strain belonging to Lactobacillus brevis subspecies brevis, as well as antiallergic agents containing them as an active ingredient. The present invention provides a bacterial strain belonging to Lactobacillus brevis subspecies brevis, which: is capable of growing in effervescent alcoholic beverages, produces ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and has antiallergic activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for culturing mesenchymal stem cells, comprising culturing mesenchymal stem cells in a medium containing calcium in a concentration of from 2.1 to 3.8 mM and magnesium in a concentration of from 1.0 to 3.0 mM under a hypoxic condition of 2 to 5% oxygen. The culturing method can increase the population of mesenchymal stem cells even with a small number of passages by improving mesenchymal stem cells in proliferative capacity and viability. In addition, the mesenchymal stem cells prepared by the culturing method are effectively used not only as a safe cell therapeutic agent due to their lacking immunogenicity, but also as a cartilage regenerating medicine owing to their excellent secretion of cytokines.

Abstract: Composite grafts including a biocompatible, synthetic scaffold; and a biological tissue component obtained or derived from a deceased donor tissue, wherein the biological tissue component is embedded in the biocompatible, synthetic scaffold, are provided as systems relating thereto. Methods of manufacture and methods of treatment using such grafts are also provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating a mammal (e.g., a human) having one or more tumors. For example, embolic agents including an amnion tissue preparation (e.g., amnion coated embolic agents) that can be used in arterial embolization to reduce or eliminate blood flow in a blood vessel that supplies a tumor are provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone graft. An osteoconductive matrix is placed in a receptacle. Bone marrow aspirate is provided that includes plasma, progenitor cells, hematopoietic cells, endothelial cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, bone, cartilage, thrombus or combinations thereof. The bone marrow aspirate is passed through the receptacle. At least a portion of bone marrow aspirate is retained in the receptacle. The portion of the bone marrow aspirate retained in the receptacle becomes associated with the osteoconductive matrix to form the bone graft.

Abstract: Methods and compositions involving exosomes or lipid nanovesicles are provided. For example, certain aspects relate to compositions comprising exosomes obtained from cells that have been induced to undergo oxidative stress or stimulated. Furthermore, some aspects of the invention provide methods of treating a subject at risk or having a demyelinating disorder using the compositions.

Abstract: Provided are a tissue structure mimetic used for regenerating a tissue and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, a 3-dimensional tissue structure mimetic which consists of a complex of extracellular matrix protein and bone mineral, wherein the complex is specifically bound to a regeneration-functional peptide to thereby be capable of implementing environment of a tissue requiring restoration, and a method for manufacturing the same. In the tissue structure mimetic according to the present invention, bone mineral components are finely dispersed in the extracellular matrix protein to have excellent mechanical strength of the tissue structure mimetic and conductivity which provides a migration path of cells involved in tissue regeneration. Further, environment of the tissue may be implemented by the peptide contained in the tissue structure mimetic to finally remarkably increase tissue regeneration capacity.