Abstract: To date, no immune tolerance agent or combination of immune tolerance agents has been able to sustain insulin-independence among type 1 diabetes patients. This patent provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for providing insulin independence among newly diagnosed and existing type 1 diabetes. Methods include utilization of PPIs, which increase gastrin resulting in the transformation of human ductal tissue into insulin-secreting new beta cells, used in combination with an immune tolerance agent to protect the new insulin-producing beta cells generated by the PPI from immune destruction. Compositions and methods are provided for beta cell generation therapy comprising at least one member from a group of PPIs with formulations selected from immune tolerance agents, when used in combination result in insulin-independence among new and existing type 1 patients whom currently require insulin to sustain life.

Abstract: A method of activating a latent neural precursor cell population, comprising: (1) providing a neural cell population derived from the hippocampus; (2) introducing the neural cell population to a neurosphere-forming culture medium; and (3) activating the latent precursor cell population by treatment with a ?3 adrenergic receptor agonist.

Abstract: Certain isolated motile cells spontaneously migrate unidirectionally through a mechanically confined space, such as a microcapillary channel, in the absence of an external gradient (e.g., a chemical gradient). Assays and methods for detecting motile cells, and identifying chemical agents that inhibit cell migration, can include detecting the movement of motile cancer cells through a microcapillary channel.

Abstract: A device for investigation of a flow conduit comprising: a base; and a module formed in the base, the module comprising: a main channel for the flow conduit, the main channel having a loading inlet for loading the flow conduit; a culture chamber in the main channel for at least one of perfusion and superfusion of the flow conduit; at least two fixation lines in communication with the main channel for providing fixation of the flow conduit at at least two fixation locations along the length of the flow conduit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a composition comprising at least one N-acetyl-lactosamine, at least one sialylated oligosaccharide and at least one fucosylated oligosaccharide, for use in the prevention and/or treatment of skin conditions and skin diseases. Preferably said composition is a starter infant formula. Said skin disease is in particular atopic dermatitis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices to obtain multicellular arrangements in stable, stationary and reproducible spatial configuration, and optionally with controlled internal cell organization, methods for preparing such devices, methods for studying the cells' shapes, the cells' architectures, the cells' mechanical equilibrium, the cell-cell interaction, the cell movement and migration, the cell differentiation, the global internal cells' organizations, the cells' polarities and division, and/or any function of cells, methods for screening compounds of interest which enhance or inhibit specific cell functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-containing waste, such as drill mud and drill cuttings from oil and gas wellbores, drill waste deposit sites, oil spills, oil and gas production waste, and contaminated surfaces, using wood chips comprising microorganisms of mountain pine beetle.

Abstract: The disclosed islet isolation method comprises: an injection step of injecting a preservation solution into the pancreatic duct of an excised pancreas; a preservation step of immersing the pancreas into an immersion fluid for preservation; a digestion step of breaking down the pancreas to provide pancreatic tissue; and a purification step of immersing the pancreatic tissue in a purification solution to provide islets. The digestion step consists of: an enzyme injection step of injecting an enzyme solution containing a digestion enzyme into the pancreas; a digestion initiation step of activating the digestion enzyme; a digestion termination step of inactivating the digestion enzyme; and a collection step of collecting the broken-down pancreatic tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for evaluating one or more properties of an amino acid copolymer.

Abstract: An isolated Lactobacillus paracasei strain GMNL-133 is disclosed, which was deposited in the China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC) under the accession number of CCTCC M 2011331 is disclosed. The isolated Lactobacillus paracasei strain GMNL-133 is used for preparing a composition for use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis or other allergic diseases in an effective amount. And a composition for use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis or other allergic diseases comprises an effective amount of the Lactobacillus paracasei strain GMNL-133 is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for using a pulse flow to circulate algae in an algae cultivation apparatus are provided. In order to counteract the negative effects of biofouling on algae cultivation equipment, a pulse flow is created to periodically move through an algae cultivation apparatus. The pulse flow will dislodge algae cells adhering to various surfaces of the apparatus, and it will also create turbulence to stir up any algae cells which may have settled onto the bottom of the apparatus. To produce an increased fluid flow rate required to create an effective pulse flow, a sump, which is periodically filled with drawn algal culture from the apparatus, is located at an elevated position above the apparatus. When released, the algal culture travels through a transfer pipe and into the apparatus with gravity causing the algal culture to flow at a very high rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for reducing blood glucose levels in a mammal, such as canines and humans. The composition includes bran, cinnamon, yeast, gelatin, and optionally, wheat germ oil, octacosanol, and/or flavor. The method includes administering the composition to the mammal and, if the composition lacks wheat germ oil, also administering wheat germ oil to the mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro method for producing spontaneously contracting fish cell aggregates, to the fish cell aggregates obtained thereby, and to the use thereof, in particular for testing biological active substances and pharmaceuticals. The in vitro method according to the invention for producing contracting fish cell aggregates comprises the following steps: a) mechanical comminution and/or partial enzymatic digestion of fish embryos or fish larvae; b) transfer of the comminuted and/or partially digested fish tissue into an enzyme-free medium and removing the supernatant by centrifuging to obtain a cell pellet; c) re-suspension of the cell pellet in a cell culture medium; d) culturing the cells, with the medium being changed at least once, until spontaneously contracting cell aggregates form.

Abstract: Nanostructures such as nanowires, nanosprings, nanorods, and nanoparticles, when maintained in contact with a source of bone cells, enhance the proliferation of the bone cells and integration bone into the nanostructures. The nanostructures may or may not be coated with a metal or metal oxide coating and preferably are textured. Such coated or non-coated nanostructures may be utilized on the surface of bone implants to enhance osseointegration of the implants.

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: Process for the production of at least one organic compound having at least 3 C atoms or having at least 2 C atoms and at least 1 N atom by fermentation. In particular, the process comprises milling a starch feedstock, thus obtaining a millbase which comprises at least part of the nonstarchy solid constituents of the starch feedstock; suspending the millbase in an aqueous liquid and liquefying the millbase present in the aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one starch-liquefying enzyme, obtaining an aqueous dextrin-containing medium (1) which comprises at least a part of the nonstarchy solid constituents of the starch feedstock; and using the aqueous dextrin-containing medium (1) in a fermentation for culturing a microorganism which is capable of overproducing the organic compound; wherein enzymes which hydrolyze the dextrins to monosaccharides are being added in an amount of less than 0.001% by weight based on the total weight of the starch feedstock employed, or not at all.

Abstract: The use of mesenchymal stem cells cultured in the presence of HS-2 for the treatment of bone fracture. Repair of bone fracture using such cells is enhanced compared with the treatment of bone fracture using mesenchymal cells cultured without HS-2. These mesenchymal stem cells may be formulated in a pharmaceutical composition and injected directly into tissues surrounding the fracture or used in a biocompatible implant or prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous bioceramic composition for bone repair and method of fabrication of the same. 3D-scaffolds were fabricated with a novel micro- and macro-architecture. Porous scaffolds based on dextrin, dextran, gelatin and biomineral (CaCO3) powder were fabricated by heating and freeze-drying methods. Fabrication of different compositions of porous scaffolds (20, 30 wt % of gelatin, 20, 40 wt % dextrin, 30, 40, 50, 60 wt % dextran bounder with the constant quantity of CaCO3 50 g). The scaffolds properties were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compression tests.

Abstract: A method for enhancing growth of plants comprising contacting a Trichoderma strain with the plant or a plant seed under conditions effective for the Trichoderma strain to colonize the roots of the plant or a plant grown from the plant seed, thereby creating a plant-Trichoderma system. The plant or plant seed is grown under conditions effective to sustain the plant-Trichoderma system in a planting medium and to enhance plant growth. The Trichoderma strain is selected from the group consisting of Trichoderma atroviride strain WW10TC4 (ATCC accession number PTA 9707), Trichoderma harzianum strain RR17Bc (ATCC accession number PTA 9708), Trichoderma harzianum strain F11 Bab (ATCC accession number PTA 9709), and combinations thereof. Methods of enhancing resistance of plants to abiotic stress, increasing nitrogen use efficacy in plants, reducing nitrous oxide emissions in air, reducing leaching of nitrates into soil and water, and enhancing sequestration of carbon from air are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides aquatic biomass having enhanced growth and methods for selecting and growing a mix of aquatic organisms to maximize production of such a biomass. In one aspect, for example, a method of enhancing aquatic biomass growth is provided. Such a method can include preselecting at least two organisms selected from the group consisting of an algae mixture, a cyanobacteria mixture, and a diatom mixture, combining the at least two organisms at a growth enhancing ratio in a growth environment, and growing the at least two organisms as an aquatic biomass under environmental conditions in the growth environment that further enhance biomass growth, wherein the aquatic biomass growth is synergistic.