Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes containing recombinant membrane lytic proteins, such as an adenovirus protein VI lytic domain, and methods of using the vault complexes to facilitate delivery and entry of a biomolecule into a cell or subject.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods and compositions for diagnosis, prognosis and for determining methods of treatment. The physiological status of cells present in a sample (e.g. clinical sample) can be used in diagnosis or prognosis of a condition (e.g. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia), in patient selection for therapy, to monitor treatment and to modify or optimize therapeutic regimens. The physiological status of a cell can be determined by comparing the intracellular status of one or more activation elements (e.g. the phosphorylation status of a signaling molecule) in a cell (e.g. a cancer cell) to that of another cell (e.g. a normal cell). The physiological status of a cell can be further classified by adding one or more modulators (e.g. an inhibitor or activator) to the cell in question. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to methods of determining a phenotypic profile of a population of cells.

Abstract: Methods and systems for isolating gastrointestinal microflora from stool collected from a donor are provided. Stool is collected from a donor in a container as the donor is defecating. A solvent is introduced into the container and the container sealed to place its contents in a sealed environment. Various agents can be added to achieve dissolving, colorizing, deodorizing, or for further therapies. The solvent and collected stool is homogenized into a mixture which is then filtered by a multi-stage filter system to create a solution containing microflora in the desired consistency. This solution can be dispensed via an enema tube or other delivery apparatus for infusion into a patient's gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Food waste streams may be managed efficiently with a waste-processing facility, which in some embodiments may be co-locating a food distribution facility. The waste processing facility includes a pulper fluidly connected to an input configured to receive a heterogeneous waste stream including biodegradable and non-biodegradable components, the pulper configured to mechanically de-fiber the biodegradable component and form a de-fibered biodegradable material, and an anaerobic membrane bioreactor fluidly connected downstream of the pulper and configured to produce biogas and anaerobic effluent from the de-fibered biodegradable material.

Abstract: A method for removing protein from a food includes adding a first group of enzymes into a food while cooking the food. The first group of enzymes decomposes protein in the food in a first enzyme reaction. Let a mixture of the first group of enzymes and the food rest after cooling the mixture to a temperature below 45° C. Then, the mixture is boiled to terminate the first enzyme reaction. A second enzyme is added into the mixture after the boiled mixture is cooled to a temperature below 45° C., and let mixture of the first group of enzymes, the food, and the second enzyme rest. The second enzyme carries out a second-stage decomposition of protein in the food in a second enzyme reaction. Then, the mixture of the first group of enzymes, the food, and the second enzyme is boiled to terminate the second enzyme reaction.

Abstract: The invention discloses an oligosaccharide mixture comprising 5-70 wt % of at least one N-acetylated oligosaccharide, 5-90 wt % of at least one neutral oligosaccharide, 2-50 wt % of at least one sialylated oligosaccharide, and/or 5-70 wt % of at least one fucosylated oligosaccharide. The invention also discloses a food product, especially an infant formula, comprising said oligosaccharide mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides for ischemia/reperfusion protection compositions having one or more ketone bodies and melatonin. The invention also provides for methods of using such compositions to reduce or prevent ischemia/reperfusion injury due to blood loss, stroke or cardiopulmonary arrest or surgery.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of suppression of proliferation and growth of cells of bone-related cancers, e.g., multiple myeloma or chondrosarcoma cells, using placental cells, e.g., the placental stem cells described herein, and populations of such placental cells. Also provided herein are methods of treating individuals having cells of a bone-related cancer.

Abstract: A fecal occult blood testing system includes a testing unit that has an initial storage chamber, a secondary storage/mixing chamber, a window, a test strip viewable through the window, a vial containing analyte disposed within the testing unit, and a specimen collector. Prior to testing, the specimen collector may be positioned within the initial storage chamber. After specimen collection, the specimen collector is positioned within the secondary storage/mixing chamber. The tip of the specimen collector pierces a sealing cap on the vial so that the collected specimen mixes with the analyte in a channel formed in the testing unit. Once the specimen and analyte mixture is formed, the test strip absorbs and wicks the mixture to the test strip. The test strip detects and indicates, when viewed through the window, the presence or absence of fecal occult blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of algal biomass with a high lipid content, comprising: (a) the production of inocula in order to effect phase (b), in photoreactors; (b) the massive cultivation of the algal biomass in open ponds, inoculated with phase (a); (c) a thickening phase of the algal biomass, effected blandly; (d) an induction phase of the lipid production, wherein modules are used consisting of photoreactors or open ponds; (e) a separation phase of the biomass with a high lipid content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone-repair composition comprising a micro-pulverized demineralized bone matrix; a nonmicro-pulverized demineralized bone matrix; and a hydrating material. The bone-repair composition of the present invention provides easier injectability and shape-maintenance (handling), and exhibits excellent bone-repairing effects due to a large surface area of the micro-pulverized demineralized bone matrix and an early release of the bone growth factors, compared with conventional compositions comprising the nonmicro-pulverized demineralized bone matrix alone. It also has an advantage of being biocompatible and harmless to the human body because there is no use of synthetic materials.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for production of gangliosides, e.g., GM1, from cells in culture using, for example, bone marrow cells and neuroblastoma cells. Methods include the treatment of cells with neural induction media and chloroquine, or chloroquine alone in the case of, e.g., human bone marrow cells, neuraminidase or glucosamine, to induce the production of gangliosides, e.g., GM1, in the cells. Also provided are methods of long-term, high density culturing of cells without passaging to produce gangliosides, e.g., GM1. Methods of quantifying gangliosides, e.g., GM1 in cell culture are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collagen hydrogels. Particularly, the invention relates to hydrogels comprising a telopeptide collagen (“telo-collagen”) and an atelopeptide collagen (“atelo-collagen”); hydrogels comprising collagen and chitosan; methods of making the hydrogels; methods of reducing gelation of a hydrogel mixture at room temperature; methods of reducing compaction of cells; and methods of culturing cells on such hydrogels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an algae bioreactor and process. The algae bioreactor includes a container with an inlet and an outlet. An algae suspension present in the container interior moves from an inlet to an outlet along a flowpath. A light assembly, a liftwall, and a gas conduit are located in the container interior. The gas conduit extends along a length of the container and emits gas bubbles into the algae suspension. A diffuser is located on a bottom wall of the container, The flowpath, the liftwall, the gas conduit, and the diffuser produce an active flow of the algae from the container inlet to the container outlet. The container may be a deep-vessel container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of a fertilizer precursor or of a fertilizer. The method comprises the following method steps: a) production of an acidic source solution (05) in which at least one organic acid is present in dissolved form; b) addition of the acidic source solution (05) to at least one substance containing minerals; c) artificial weathering of the minerals present in the substance containing minerals by means of the source solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collagen hydrogels. Particularly, the invention relates to hydrogels comprising a telopeptide collagen (“telo-collagen”) and an atelopeptide collagen (“atelo-collagen”); hydrogels comprising collagen and chitosan; methods of making the hydrogels; methods of reducing gelation of a hydrogel mixture at room temperature; methods of reducing compaction of cells; and methods of culturing cells on such hydrogels.

Abstract: Provided are a method of producing Clostridium botulinum toxin by using a media containing plant-derived components, and a method of producing Clostridium botulinum toxin by using a flexible closed container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of safely and simply inducing differentiation of mononuclear cells into cells that promote neovascular stabilization and maturation, and lead to recovering from ischemia or tissue repair. The cells according to the present invention are obtained by inducing differentiation of a mononuclear cell by culturing the mononuclear cell in a medium (particularly a serum-free medium) containing one or more selected from vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), thrombopoietin (TPO), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), and collecting a cell population expressing CD11b.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bone substitute compositions and methods of their preparation, and their use in a wide variety of clinical applications. The compositions include calcium phosphate, acidic calcium salt, basic calcium salt, sodium hydrogen phosphate and porogen. The compositions further include a mixing liquid. The compositions can optionally include biological signaling molecules and/or a growth compound. Further, the compositions can optionally include a plasticizer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhancing growth and/or activity of lactobacilli using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and ?-galactosidase; and to enhancing growth and/or activity of bifidobacteria using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and ?-glucanase. Other combinations of fibers and enzymes are described below which also stimulate growth and activity of lactobacilli or bifidobacteria. These combinations of enzymes and prebiotics can be taken separately or added to foods, including desserts.