Abstract: The present invention provides a novel way to replenish the disc using retooled disc compositions to repair degenerative discs. There is no better source of proteoglycans than the actual disc material (6) itself. To this end, there has been developed a technique to remove the nucleus pulposus and retool the morphology of the nucleus pulposus to create a powder material (10) that is dry and can be stored at room temperature for long periods of time. This powder (10) can then be reconstituted with a variety of fluids, the most suitable being normal saline or lactated ringers to form a flowable mixture (20).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for populating the gastrointestinal tract of a subject are described. Methods include administering to a subject a therapeutic composition comprising a purified population of spore-forming bacteria produced by providing a fecal material and subjecting the material to a treatment step resulting in purification of spore-forming bacteria. Methods include administering an amount effective to engraft and/or augment in the gastrointestinal tract in order to treat or prevent a dysbiosis in the mammalian subject.