Abstract: The tissue grafting method relates to a tissue graft material, a method of preparing the material, and a method of using the material. The tissue graft material is made from the tunica serosa of the small intestine of a warm-blooded vertebrate, which has been delaminated from the tunica muscularis, tunica submucosa, and the tunica mucosa of the intestinal tissue. The tissue graft material may be perforated by discrete punctures. The tissue graft material is dehydrated by air drying or vacuum drying, sterilized with ethylene oxide, and stored in a hermetically sealed enclosure at room temperature until needed, having an indefinite storage life. When needed, the tissue graft material is rehydrated, cut to match the size of the wound, and applied to the wound. The graft may be overlaid with nylon mesh, or bandaged with an elastic tubular dressing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for improving gut health. In particular, the invention provides methods for improving gut health by improving the digestibility of dietary proteins, decreasing the flow of protein to the lower gastrointestinal tract, and/or decreasing the levels of Clostridium bacteria the upper intestinal tract of a subject. The methods comprise administering to the subject a supplement consisting essentially of at least one protease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the enrichment of photosynthetic microorganisms in organic selenium using selenohydroxy acid compounds, in particular 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid, in D or L form, or an enantiomer, salt or ester or amide derivative of these compounds, and also to the use of the microorganisms thus enriched in animal or human nutrition, in cosmetics or in pharmacy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods related to carbon nanotubes are provided. More particularly, imaging agents comprising carbon nanotubes internally loaded with a contrast agent and associated methods are provided. One example of a method may involve a method for imaging comprising: providing an imaging agent comprising a carbon nanotube loaded with contrast agent; introducing the imaging agent into a cell; and imaging the cell to detect the presence of the imaging agent.

Abstract: Substrates and devices for culturing cells are disclosed, along with methods of using the same. The substrates and devices include top surfaces with one or more divots disposed therein. Each divot is defined by an opening in the top surface, a rounded bottom surface spaced from the opening, and an interior side-wall surface extending between the rounded bottom surface and the opening. The top surface of the substrates and devices are optionally walled to form wells containing one or more divots. The substrates and devices may be used for reaggregating cells, for example, to form small islet cell clusters and for high throughput testing methodologies.

Abstract: Methods for isolating and concentrating bone marrow stromal cells drawn from various surgical sites (for example, the proximal humeral head during rotator cuff repair, or the distal femur during ACL surgery) during arthroscopic or open orthopaedic surgery. The pluripotent cells obtained from the bone marrow aspirate can then be reimplanted during the same surgery to improve healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for delivering agents to target cells or tissues, for example nerve cells and other cells in the central nervous system. The compositions and methods are useful for delivering agents across the blood-brain barrier. The present invention also provides methods of using the compositions provided by the present invention to deliver agents, for example therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurologically related disorders.

Abstract: A scaffold having islet cells or small islet cell clusters attached thereto in a multilayer, and a micro-mold having divots for culturing islets, wherein islet formation is influenced by the shape and dimensions of the divots are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to microorganisms for the treatment of food allergies, specifically coeliac disease, as well as to methods for the selection thereof. The action mechanisms of said microorganisms include: (i) the regulation of the innate and adaptive immunological responses; (ii) the reduction of the concentration of toxic gluten peptide epitopes in the intestinal lumen; (iii) the strengthening of the barrier defence function against harmful antigens and bacteria; and (iv) the provision of enzymatic activities that promote digestion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition containing enzymes, and more particularly to a cosmetic composition, which contains, as active ingredients, 1) papain, and 2) at least one selected from the group consisting of theanine and N-acetyl glucosamine, and thus functions to control the skin turnover cycle and promote the exfoliation of skin keratin.

Abstract: A method for producing an optically active compound includes reacting a nucleophile with a mixture of R- and S-stereoisomers of an azolide substrate by enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution so as to produce the optically active compound, wherein the azolide substrate contains an azole group used as a leaving group and an acyl group directly bonded to a nitrogen atom of the azole group.

Abstract: A tissue, such as an amniotic or chorionic membrane, harvesting device that integrates a system facilitating subsequent storage of tissue samples. The device cuts a sample of the target tissue and automatically deposits the sample in a storage vessel. A method of collecting and storing a sample from a target tissue using a tissue harvesting device. A kit for collecting and storing samples of the target tissue.

Abstract: A microorganism which produces compounds useful as an antifungal agent, particularly a therapeutic agent for deep-seated mycoses, such as mycotic sinusitis, is provided. The present inventors have conducted intensive studies on naturally-occurring microorganisms as a research for antifungal compounds, and found a fungus Acremonium persicinum which produces cyclic compounds having a potent antifungal activity and useful as a medicament, particularly an antifungal agent, and the present invention was completed.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising a bacterium of the genus Dietzia that is useful for treating paratuberulosis in ruminants and to a method for culturing the bacterium. The invention further relates to methods of treating Johne's disease by administering to a mammal a composition of the invention.

Abstract: A drum type container for analytical elements comprises a casing defining a compartment with a plurality of portions For receiving respective ones of the analytical elements. The container further comprises a base assembly to which the casing is rotatably mounted. The base assembly includes a dispenser mechanism for dispensing the glucose test strips from the casing and a locking mechanism for maintaining an alignment of a selected one of the compartment portions with the dispensing mechanism.