Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the reduction or elimination of bacterial biofilms on biological and non-biological surfaces, as well as methods for the treatment of wounds, skin lesions, mucous membrane lesions, and other biological surfaces infected or contaminated with bacterial biofilms using compositions comprising a synergistic combination of thermolysin and at least one aminoglycoside antibacterial agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for inducing immune tolerance in subjects suffering from metabolic diseases.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions composed of micronized placental components and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The compositions have numerous medical applications. Methods for making and using the micronized compositions are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods that provide novel anti-tumor therapies in cancer. In one aspect, the present invention features a hybrid neutrophil in a non-naturally occurring container, wherein the hybrid neutrophil expresses at least one neutrophil associated molecule selected from the group consisting of: Arg1, MPO, CD66b, and CD15, and at least one antigen-presenting cell (APC) associated molecule selected from the group consisting of: CD14, HLA-DR, CD32, CD64, and CD89. In another aspect, the present invention features methods of generating a hybrid neutrophil. In still another aspect, the present invention features methods of inhibiting tumor growth in a subject, treating a tumor in a subject, and increasing efficacy of an antibody against a tumor in a subject. The methods comprise (a) administering to the subject an effective amount of an anti-tumor antibody and (b) administering to or generating in the subject an effective amount of a hybrid neutrophil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for treating retinal epithelium and/or nerves. More specifically, the present invention is an agent for the treatment or prevention of retinal disease or the like and/or a disease, disorder, or ophthalmological state of the nerves, the agent including at least one factor selected from the group consisting of laminin and fragments thereof, wherein the problem is solved by also providing a technique characterized in that this agent is administered together with retinal pigment epithelial cells and/or nerve cells. Specifically, the present invention can include laminin 411 (?4?1?1), laminin 511 (?5?1?1), laminin 521 (?5?2?1), or fragments of these.

Abstract: A method for quantifying at least one microorganism group via at least one mass spectrometry analysis. The method includes at least one separation and fragmentation step. The method moreover includes a step that involves measuring the amount of at least one representative peptide or at least one protein representing the microorganism group. The at least one representative peptide or the at least one protein is obtained after the at least one separation and fragmentation step and serves as a quantification marker(s). The amount of the quantification marker(s) is directly correlatable to the amount of the at least one microorganism group.

Abstract: A population of human polygonal RPE cells is disclosed. At least 95% of the cells thereof co-express premelanosome protein (PMEL17) and cellular retinaldehyde binding protein (CRALBP), wherein the trans-epithelial electrical resistance of the cells is greater than 100 ohms. Methods of generating same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to discogenic cell populations, methods of deriving, and methods of using them. The presently described discogenic cell populations may be used to restore or regenerate damaged, diseased, or missing intervertebral discs of a subject. The presently described discogenic cell populations can be derived from and administered or implanted into a subject, or may be derived from an unrelated donor.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in assessing and/or treating a mammal having a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For example, methods and materials provided herein can be used for determining if a mammal having a FGID is likely to respond to a particular FGID treatment. This document also provides methods and materials for treating a mammal having a FGID.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for using butyrylcholinesterases (BChE) to treat cancer (e.g., triple negative breast cancer or prostate cancer). For example, methods and materials for using nucleic acid vectors (e.g., viral vectors) to express BChE polypeptides under conditions that reduce the number of cancer cells (e.g., triple negative breast cancer cells or prostate cancer cells) within a mammal (e.g., a human) and/or reduce the growth rate of cancer cells (e.g., triple negative breast cancer cells or prostate cancer cells) within a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

Abstract: This document provides biomarkers of gut microbiota dysbiosis. Bacteria that are increased or decreased in gut microbiota dysbiosis can be used as biomarkers to predict dysbiosis in patients with diarrhea and/or to predict susceptibility to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). In addition, provided herein are compositions including at least three bacteria that are decreased in gut microbiota dysbiosis which can be used, for example, to restore heathy gut microbiota (e.g., by probiotic or by fecal microbiota transplant) to treat CDI.

Abstract: A method includes containing an algae media within a contactor, introducing a stream of natural gas comprising up to 80 wt % carbon dioxide (CO2) into the contactor, contacting the natural gas on the algae media and thereby allowing the algae media to consume CO2 from the natural gas, and discharging a stream of natural gas comprising 2 wt % or less CO2 from the contactor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating uterine fibroids are described, wherein a uterine fibroid treatment agent comprising collagenase in an amount effective to cause shrinkage of uterine fibroids is injected or inserted into the uterine fibroid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactobacillus strain having antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida albicans, a culture medium of the strain, and a cell-free supernatant of the strain, and to an antimicrobial composition containing the same, a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating Gardnerella vaginalis infection or Candida albicans infection containing the same, a pharmaceutical composition for prevention or treatment of vaginitis containing the same, a health functional food for prevention or ameliorating of vaginitis containing the same, and a quasi-drug composition for prevention or amelioration of vaginitis containing the same.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed herein comprising a graft copolymer that comprises: (i) a backbone comprising an alpha-1,3-glucan ether or ester compound, and (ii) one or more alpha-1,3-glucan side chains comprising at least about 50% alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages. Further disclosed are reactions for producing such graft copolymers, as well as their use in various applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of reducing colonization of a subject's anterior nares and/or nasal cavity by a microorganism (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus). In some aspects, the method may include administering a pharmaceutical composition to the subject, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of at least one probiotic.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of culturing algae that overcomes catabolic repression of photosynthesis in mixotrophic growth.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved genome editing compositions and methods for editing a PCSK9 gene. The disclosure further provides genome edited cells for the prevention, treatment, or amelioration of at least one symptom of hypercholesterolemia or a condition associated therewith.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for treating or preventing heart failure in subjects with elevated left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV). In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods for treating or preventing heart failure in subjects with a LVESV of greater than 70 ml (>70 ml).

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of deoxyribonuclease (DNase) enzyme for inhibiting progression and for prevention and treatment of neurodegeneration.