Abstract: A method for automated, artificial-intelligence-based COC retrieval includes using an artificial intelligence/machine learning system (AI/ML system) to optically scan a follicular fluid sample to produce an image object using an imaging system that includes a microscopy system, a camera system, and a lighting system. The method includes comparing the image object to a predetermined threshold using an AI/ML system, wherein the predetermined threshold is at least in part an optical pattern with a probability of corresponding to a cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC). The method includes identifying a COC within the follicular fluid sample based at least in part on the image object satisfying the predetermined threshold. The method includes determining a COC location within the follicular fluid sample based at least in part on identifying a region of the image object corresponding to an optical pattern within the image object that satisfies the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) derived in vitro from cells isolated from amniotic fluid, and methods of use for the isolation, maintenance, and proliferation of adherent cells including stem cells, as well as for the differentiation of stem cells.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising human immature dental pulp stem cells (hIDPSCs) wherein the hIDPSCs express CD44 and CD13. The invention also provides methods of treating a neurological disease or condition comprising systemically administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising hIDPSCs wherein the hIDPSCs express CD44 and CD13. For example, for treating neurological diseases or conditions including supporting the neuro-protective mechanism in subjects diagnosed with early HD or repairing lost DA neurons in subjects diagnosed with PD.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of determining whether an extracellular vesicle (EV) can cross an endothelial barrier (e.g., the blood brain barrier). In some embodiments, the EV originates from a cancer cell. In some embodiments, the cancer has a higher likelihood of metastasizing (to the brain) if the EV originating from a cancer cell is determined to be able to cross an endothelial barrier (e.g., the blood brain barrier). Thus, further provided herein are methods of determining whether a subject who has cancer is likely to develop metastatic cancer. In some embodiments, the subject is treated for the metastatic cancer accordingly.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatuses for creating or using a fibrous cell substrate that is formed in a mold using temperature and wettability gradients and that upon which cells can be grown. The disclosed method can include utilizing a temperature gradient and a wettability gradient within a mold to form a porous cell substrate. In particular, the temperature and wettability gradients control nucleation and growth of crystals within the cell substrate solution to form parallel layers of cell substrate. The crystals can be sublimated by freeze drying and the porous cell substrate is seeded. More specifically, the disclosed method includes using pressure and an increased cell mixture viscosity to seed cells deep within the cell substrate. This disclosure also describes an apparatus for forming the structured porous cell substrate.

Abstract: A programmable receptor complex expressed by an immunocyte, wherein the programmable receptor complex includes a plurality of native or endogenously expressed receptor subunits, wherein the native or endogenously expressed receptor subunits have been engineered or modified to include Fc?RI receptor components, biotin-binding components, or both, and wherein the Fc?RI receptor components and biotin-binding components are operative to bind to target detector molecules that bind to or otherwise interact with predetermined targets.

Abstract: A method of producing cell derived particles is disclosed. The method comprising isolating cell-derived particles from a biological sample comprising cells modified to present CD24 so as to obtain a preparation of the cell-derived particles substantially devoid of intact cells. Cell derived particles, a culture medium and a cell culture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a method for separating mammalian sperm, by which even a large amount of sperm can be separated in a short time and decrease in motility of the separated sperm can be prevented; and an artificial insemination method, and an in vitro fertilization method. The method for separating mammalian sperm includes incubating the sperm in a medium containing a TLR7 ligand, and separating them into sperm floating in the upper layer and sperm sinking in the lower layer of the medium. The artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization methods include artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization for a non-human mammal using sperm of the non-human mammal separated by the method for separating mammalian sperm.

Abstract: An isolated cell membrane potential detection system can measure a cell membrane current change when light having different parameters such as wavelength, energy density, pulse width, and repetition rate stimulates a cell to be detected, to detect whether the biological electrical activity of the cell can be regulated by light, and to detect the specificity of the light regulation parameters of the cell. In the light regulation cell membrane potential detection system, a method of progressively adjusting and detecting with multiple optical parameters from small to large is used to measure a cell membrane current change in different periods under a certain photostimulation parameter for each group of cells, so as to quickly and efficiently detect which type of optical signal can regulate the characteristics of the cell such as the generation of a membrane current, photostimulation parameter specificity, and an energy threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a cell chip and a three-dimensional tissue chip and a production method therefor such that even when a highly viscous cell-containing solution is a material, the highly safe and reproducible cell chip or three-dimensional tissue chip with a desired application volume can be produced within a short time and in a large quantity so as to have a desired cell density and exhibit high cell viability.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medium composition for enhancing proliferation of stem cells, comprising ethionamide, and a use thereof. It is possible, according to the present disclosure, to mass-produce highly-efficient next-generation stem cells through a simple and safe method of controlling a culturing environment, without using genetic modification or viral vectors, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, kits, and methods for identifying genes that are involved in T-cell trafficking. In particular, the compositions, kits, and methods may be used to identify genes involved in T-cell trafficking and/or infiltration into tumors such as genes that encode immune checkpoint regulators and/or stimulatory agents. The disclosed compositions, kits, and methods utilize the Sleeping Beauty® transposon system in a mouse tumor model to identify genes that are involved in T-cell trafficking and infiltration into tumors. The genes identified in the disclosed methods may provide immunotherapy targets in the tumor microenvironment. The identified genes may be utilized in order to develop therapies that enhance T-cell trafficking and infiltration into tumors and/or T-cell killing of tumors such as in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies.

Abstract: Provided herein are soluble soft tissue protein compositions that can contain one or more soft-tissue bioactive factors, methods of making the soluble soft tissue protein compositions, and methods of using the soluble soft tissue protein compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for proliferating or propagating undifferentiated stem cells, comprising contacting a population of stem cells with an effective amount of Ganoderma immunomodulatory protein or a recombinant thereof or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions relating to the treatment of a tumor (e.g., schwannoma) by increasing expression of Apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and/or gasdermin D. In some embodiment, the increased expression is provided by means of a vector or construct comprising a nucleic acid encoding Apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and/or gasdermin D operably linked to a Schwann-lineage cell-specific promoter. In some embodiments, the vector is a viral vector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating diseases characterized by expanded microsatellite repeats by impeding or inhibiting transcription of expanded microsatellite repeats.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nanobarcode for controlling adhesion and differentiation of stem cells and a method of controlling adhesion and differentiation of stem cells by using nanobarcodes. The method of controlling adhesion and differentiation of stem cells of the present invention may efficiently control adhesion and differentiation of stem cells in vivo or in vitro by tuning periodicity and sequences of a ligand peptide (RGD) of a nanobarcode.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to in vitro cultures of human hepatocytes, and in particular co-cultures systems including human hepatocytes, non-parenchymal cells, and human endothelial cells, and the use of the co-cultures in developing and screening drugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of medicine and biotechnology. In particular, it relates to novel antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) that may be used in the treatment, prevention and/or delay of Stargardt disease and/or ABCA4-associated eye disease. More in particular, the invention relates to AONs that are used in inhibiting or blocking exon 39 skipping in the human ABCA4 pre-mRNA.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods of making a megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor cell (MEP), comprising differentiating a MEP precursor cell into a MEP in culture in the presence of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulator. In some embodiments the AhR modulator is an AhR antagonist. In some embodiments the AhR modulator is an AhR agonist. In some embodiments the methods comprise culturing MEP precursor cells in the presence of an AHR antagonist and then culturing MEP precursor cells in the presence of an AHR agonist. In some embodiments the stem cell is a pluripotent stem cell. In some embodiments the MEP co-expresses CD41 and CD235. In some embodiments the number of MEPs produced in the culture increases exponentially. Methods of making a red blood cell (RBC) by culturing a MEP in the presence of an AhR modulator are also provided. Methods of making a megakaryocyte and/or a platelet, comprising culturing a MEP in the presence of an AhR modulator are also provided.