Abstract: This disclosure provides methods of making a megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor cell (MEP), comprising differentiating a stem cell into a MEP in culture in the presence of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (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 agonist 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. In some embodiments the AhR modulator is an AhR antagonist. This disclosure also provides compositions comprising at least 1 million MEPs per ml and compositions in which at least 50% of the cells are MEPs.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous process for enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated biomass, the process comprising: providing a pretreated lignocellulosic biomass feed material containing cellulose; introducing the pretreated lignocellulosic biomass feed material to a mechanical-treatment unit containing one or more decompression regions configured to release pressure; introducing a liquid solution containing cellulase enzymes to one or more decompression regions in the mechanical-treatment unit, wherein the liquid solution enters void spaces between fibers of the pretreated lignocellulosic biomass feed material, to form enzyme-containing cellulose-rich solids; and retaining the enzyme-containing cellulose-rich solids under effective hydrolysis conditions to hydrolyze at least some of the cellulose to glucose. Various apparatus configurations are disclosed for the mechanical-treatment unit.

Abstract: Method for isolating microorganism from a sample likely contaminated by microorganism, including: (a) device for isolating microorganisms including a bottom waterproof layer, a nutritional layer, which is placed on the bottom layer and includes a dehydrated culture medium, an isolation layer which is pervious to elements included in the nutritional layer and is capable of retaining the bacteria on the surface and covering all or part of the nutritional layer, and a top protective layer; (b) depositing a volume of the sample on the isolation layer; (c) isolating the microorganisms by impoverishing or layering the sample using an isolating device; (d) incubating the device for an amount of time at a temperature to enable growth of microorganisms, method including at least one step of rehydrating the culture medium using a volume of liquid before or with step b) and/or c) and/or d), before or simultaneously with step b) and/or c).

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a coffee pulp treatment process comprising (a) Providing coffee pulp, obtainable from a production process for producing green coffee beans from coffee cherries; (b) extracting from the coffee pulp a pectin comprising extract, wherein extraction is performed under acid conditions or alkaline conditions, to provide the pectin comprising extract; (c) enzymatic treatment of the pectin comprising extract, wherein the enzymatic treatment comprises a treatment with one or more enzymes selected from the group consisting of an esterase and a reductase, to provide a enzymatically treated pectin material; and (d) extraction of polyphenol functionalized coffee pectin extract from the enzymatically treated pectin material.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and an apparatus for transporting a starter culture of living cells including fungi, bacteria, animal and plant cells. The methods and apparatus enable on-demand feeding and on-demand supply of nutrient gas resulting in increased cell viability and improved fermentations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparing dehydrated blood products, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a hydrated blood product; (b) spray-drying the hydrated blood product to produce a dehydrated blood product, as well as dehydrated blood products made by the method. The present invention is directed to a method of treating a patient suffering from a blood-related disorder, comprising the steps of: (a) rehydrating a therapeutic amount of the dehydrated blood products to produce a rehydrated therapeutic composition; and (b) administering the rehydrated therapeutic composition to the patient. The present invention is directed to a bandage or surgical aid comprising the dehydrated blood products described above.

Abstract: A method for rapid mincing of adipose tissues to isolate live cells in vitro is disclosed to overcome the drawbacks of a lead procedure of isolating live cells by holding a knife to mince adipose tissues, which can only isolate a small number of live cells and obtain low cell viability. The method includes: providing an adipose tissue; mincing the adipose tissue homogeneously by a mincing device; adding a reagent into the minced adipose tissue to perform hydrolysis; performing centrifuge and isolation; and removing a supernatant to obtain a cell pellet. Therefore, the time of mincing adipose tissues can be shortened, and contaminations caused by repeated use of the knife can be avoided. The method can be used for isolating live cells of adipose tissues to improve the number of live cells per unit weight of adipose tissues without reducing the cell viability.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method for measuring coagulation of blood or plasma samples using viscoelastic tests (VET) wherein the measuring is performed in the presence of immobilized endothelial cells.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. The preparation method therefor is: extracting the crude product from the Isaria Fumosorosea Wize solid or liquid fermentation broth using ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, or a mixed solvent of chloroform and methanol; separating the obtained extract using column chromatography on silica gel; and obtaining the target product. The inhibitor can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions for treating and preventing diabetes, obesity and cancers.

Abstract: This application discloses methods for treating an established myocardial infarction, including treatment with an epicardial construct containing stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue which may be seeded onto a biocompatible substrate, which preserves microvascular function and LV contractile mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons, includes at least the following steps: a) anaerobic fermentation of a fermentable raw material in order to produce volatile fatty acids, b) elongation of the volatile fatty acids produced in step a) by fermentation with at least one bacterium of the Megasphaera genus, extraction of the fatty acids produced from the fermentation broth, and c) production of hydrocarbons by subjecting the fatty acids produced in step b) to a Kolbe electrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactobacillus plantarum capsule and use thereof, and belongs to the technical field of microbe feed additives. The Lactobacillus plantarum capsule consists of a wall material, Lactobacillus plantarum, a cryoprotectant, stachyose, and Morchella esculenta zymolytic powders; wherein the wall material is composed of zymolytic soybean protein isolate, chitosan, xanthan gum, carrageenin, glycerin and trehalose, and when formulated into a mixed solution, the above substances have concentrations of 7 to 10% zymolytic soybean protein isolate, 1 to 2% chitosan, 1 to 3% xanthan gum, 0.1 to 0.5% carrageenin, 0.3 to 1% glycerin, and 0.5 to 2% trehalose. The Lactobacillus plantarum capsule of the present invention enhances resistance of the capsule to gastric acid, has very good enteric solubility, besides, it can effectively inhibit the growth of pathogenic germs to improve immunity, decrease incidence of diseases in livestock and poultry, and improve the breeding quality and benefit.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a novel herbal and oil composition and methods for modulating fatty acid composition and metabolism in an animal. In one aspect, the subject matter involves a composition comprising rosemary extract, oregano extract, and a polyunsaturated oil. In a particular embodiment, the polyunsaturated oil is fish oil or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the present subject matter relates to methods for modulating essential dietary fatty acid composition of lipoprotein particles or cell membranes, modulating essential fatty acid metabolism, regulating the activity of lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases, improving cardiovascular health, and/or inhibiting cell proliferation diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising the probiotic strain Lactobacillus johnsonii CNCM I-1225 in combination with a polyphenol for use in the treatment or prevention of a cognitive and/or neurodegenerative disorder, in particular Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic multifunctional immature dental pulp stem cells (IDPSCs), and IDPSCs multi-lineage compositions. The invention is further directed to the use of IDPSCs and compositions to reduce the risk of and/or treat degenerative diseases or for other medicinal and aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: A method for the isolation, storage and retrieval of mature retinal cells is disclosed. The Method is applicable to adult mammalian cone cells, and more particularly human cone cells, and to healthy as well as pathological or otherwise altered cone cells. A kit for the isolation, storage and retrieval of mature retinal cells is also described.

Abstract: A method of making a flowable, dried agglomerated nutrient medium is provided. The method comprises introducing a nutrient component comprising a powdered nutrient, and an agglomeration liquid, into an agglomerator comprising a flow-through-type agglomeration chamber, wet-massing the nutrient component with the agglomeration liquid in the agglomeration chamber for a predetermined period of time to form agglomerated nutrient medium particles, and exposing the agglomerated nutrient medium particles to drying conditions for a period of time to form the dried, agglomerated nutrient medium. The nutrient component facilitates the growth of a microorganism. Compositions, articles, and kits comprising the flowable, dried agglomerated nutrient medium are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a tunable or customizable activated product composition are related. In certain embodiments, one or more of electric pulse parameters, flow rate, or sample container size are varied so as to generate the activated product composition. The activated product composition may be customized or optimized based for a particular patient or procedure.

Abstract: A method of treating muscle cramps and muscle pain, and to relieve swelling in and around muscles after strenuous physical activity is provided, whereby an aqueous composition is applied topically to the skin overlying the affected muscles, the composition has dissolved, suspended or dispersed therein (a) an anti-inflammatory agent; (b) an agent that stimulates or promotes cell growth; and (c) an agent that enhances or stimulates the skin's immune system, wherein components (a), (b) and (c) are different.