Abstract: Screening methods as well as kits for identifying modulators of hydroxysteroid (17-beta) dehydrogenase (HSD17B) family member proteins, such as HSD17B13, are provided. The methods comprise screening molecules for their capacity to modulate the HSD17B family member protein, including inhibiting the HSD17B family member protein, as measured by substrate depletion, product concentration from the HSD17B family member protein substrate conversion or NADH concentration, levels of labeled substrate, luciferin light emission, or combinations thereof. Inhibitors of HSD17B family member proteins identified through the screening methods may be used to treat liver diseases, disorders, or conditions in which the HSD17B family member protein plays a role.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of living, microbial samples and microorganisms for subsequent mass spectrometric measurement and evaluation. Findings which can be derived from such a measurement can particularly serve the faster identification of microorganisms in the microbial sample according to species/subspecies and/or the fast determination of resistance/sensitivity of the microorganisms to antimicrobial substances and/or the further characterization of microorganisms, for example in respect of pathogenicity, virulence and metabolism. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the preparation particularly takes place directly on a mass spectrometric sample support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the protein enrichment of a heterotrophically cultured microalga, the microalga being of the genus Chlorella, even more particularly Chlorella protothecoides, characterized in that it comprises: a first step directed toward limiting the ammonium supply so as to obtain a microalgal biomass with a protein content of less than 50% expressed as N.6.25, preferably less than 30%, more preferentially between 20 and 25%; a second step in which the ammonium supply in the fermentation medium is increased so as to obtain a protein content of greater than 50%, preferably greater than 60%, more preferentially greater than 65%.

Abstract: Provided are a composition for preparing D-psicose comprising a microorganism of the genus Kaistia, and a method for preparing D-psicose using the same.

Abstract: Inventive concepts relate generally to nanofibrous scaffolds useful for electrophysiological assays. Scaffolds include polymeric nanofibrous components and electrically excitable cells immobilized at a distinct cell seeding domains on the scaffold. Methods and kits including the scaffolds are also described.

Abstract: Diagnostic assays and methods employ a dual-enzyme cascade system comprised of two enzymatic amplifiers and two molecular probes, by (a) incubating a target enzyme with a target enzyme substrate to liberate a thiol; (b) incubating the thiol with a disulfide inactivated amplification enzyme to activate the amplification enzyme in an interchange reaction of the thiol and the disulfide; and (c) incubating the activated amplification enzyme with an amplification enzyme substrate to generate an amplified signal.

Abstract: A device and method for extracting particles contained in a ferrofluid medium are provided. Such methods may comprise suspending particles of different sizes in a ferrofluid medium and containing the ferrofluid medium in a cylindrical reservoir, and applying a first magnetic field to at least a portion of the reservoir. The first magnetic field is configured to indirectly exert a force on at least a portion of the particles of a predetermined size, and direct the portion of particles in a desired direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and compositions provided herein relate to hollow beads encapsulating single cells. Some embodiments include performing multiple co-assays on a single cell encapsulated within a hollow bead, including nucleic acid sequencing, preparing nucleic acid libraries, determining methylation status, identifying genomic variants, or protein analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making microalgal strains with improved properties relative to the strains from which they are derived. In illustrative embodiments, the methods are performed to produce microalgal strains adapted for use in the industrial production of microalgae-derived biomass products, including but not limited to triglycerides and fatty acids. Also provided are microalgal strains, which can be obtained using the methods described herein, as wells microalgal-derived biomass products, which can be produced from such microalgal strains.

Abstract: A gel composition that forms a three dimensional gel microenvironment that is formed of an adhesive protein, a maleimide-functionalized poly alkylene oxide, a linking agent and a nanoparticle, the components forming an interpenetrating network that exhibits improved mechanical and biochemical properties, as well as creates a favorable microenvironment for cellular growth and proliferation. The gel composition also creates a favorable microenvironment for testing various agents on normal or diseased cells, including chemotherapeutic agents on cancer cells or other diseased cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell analysis method comprising: extracting target cells from a population of cells derived from an epithelial tissue on the basis of N/C ratio representing a relative size of a nucleus to a cytoplasm; classifying the target cells into at least a first group and a second group by difference of amount of DNA; and evaluating a pathology of the epithelial tissue by comparing a ratio of numbers of cells between the first and second groups with a threshold; wherein the threshold varies according to a proportion of the target cells in the population.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions related to immune modulating Lactococcus strains useful as therapeutic agents. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods of treating an immune disorder in a subject comprising administering to the subject a bacterial composition comprising Lactococcus lactis cremoris Strain A (ATCC Deposit Number PTA-125368).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for the generation of microparticles containing an immobilized functional component, where the following measures are proposed: spraying a liquid (32) containing a soluble alginate and a functional component consisting of molecules or nanoparticles to generate a stream (60) of droplets, directing the stream (60) of droplets onto a precipitation bath (16) and capturing the droplets therein by application of high voltage (14), precipitating the droplets in the precipitation bath (16) via a precipitation liquid (18) containing an alginate complexing agent, such that the droplets are solidified to form microparticles (10) containing the functional component and extracting the microparticles (10) from the precipitation bath (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel strains of Lactobacillus as well as preparations and compositions, such as fermentation broths, protective cultures, final food or feed product with Lactobacillus alone or in combination with bacteria of the genus Propionibacterium. The present invention further relates to methods for the controlling of growth of a contaminant, such as a bacteria, yeast or mould by using these novel strains of Lactobacillus.

Abstract: A method of isotope-labelling a microbiota sample. It involves providing a first microbiota sample that was obtained from a given source; exposing the first microbiota sample to an isotope enriched medium; and culturing the exposed first microbiota sample in the isotope enriched medium to obtain an isotope-labelled microbiota sample, wherein the isotope labelled metaproteome of the isotope-labelled microbiota sample is taxon specific for taxa present in the first microbiota sample when initially obtained from the given source.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for use in therapy of lactose intolerance or conditions arising from lactase deficiency, wherein the composition is a non-dairy solid dosage form comprising: (a) a lactase; and (b) one or more lactase-producing and/or lactase containing microorganisms selected from Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus; wherein the lactase (a) is other than a lactase derived from the said one or more microorganisms (b); and wherein the one or more lactase-producing and/or lactase-containing microorganisms (b) are in dried form. Also provided are uncoated capsule and tablet compositions containing the lactase and the lactase-producing and/or lactase-containing microorganisms.

Abstract: Provided is a norovirus deactivator, including a lysozyme component that includes at least one kind selected from lysozyme and/or a salt thereof, and a denatured product thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an analyte of interest using paper spray mass spectrometry includes a spray material; a sample on the spray material including an enzyme of interest; a solvent to hydrate the sample, promote enzymatic activity, and extract analytes of interest from the sample; a substrate specific to the enzyme of interest, wherein any of the spray material and the solvent includes the substrate; a voltage source to apply a voltage to the spray material to create charged droplets of a mixture containing the sample; and a mass spectrometer to perform spectrometry on the droplets to perform any of: identify the analytes of interest in the sample; and measure a level of inhibition in any enzymes contained in the sample.

Abstract: A skin care composition is disclosed comprising at least one exopolysaccharide (EPS) originating from a microbial mat, the EPS being in a concentration of about 0.001% w/w to about 1.5% w/w of the composition. Uses and methods of use thereof. In specific embodiments, the EPSs are derived from microorganisms isolated from microbial mats found in French Polynesia. The composition is useful in reducing signs of skin aging and environmental damage by altering skin cell metabolism and improving hydration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a sample comprising one or more proteins of interest, the method comprising: providing a sample comprising a population of proteins of interest solubilised with a surfactant in a medium; exposing said sample to a mild precipitant to cause precipitation of said proteins; during or after the precipitation step, bringing said sample into contact with a matrix adapted to capture said precipitated proteins and prevent excessive aggregation of precipitated protein particles; and washing the matrix with captured precipitated proteins to remove the surfactant. A sample preparation device to carry out the same is also provided.