Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic device to manipulate, select, treat, or cultivate living bodies, comprising a first chamber, a second chamber and a network of guiding tracks, wherein: said network of guiding tracks comprises at least one first guiding track connecting the first chamber and the second chamber and at least one second guiding track connecting said at least one first guiding track with at least two interconnections; and said at least one second guiding track comprises a curved part; said curved part exhibiting a concavity facing the second chamber or the part of the network connected to the second chamber.

Abstract: Thin film devices, e.g., multilayer thin film devices, that encapsulate cells for transplantation into a subject are provided. Also provided are methods of using and methods of preparing the subject devices. The thin film devices include a first porous polymer layer and a second porous polymer layer that define a lumen therebetween and encapsulate a population of cells within the lumen. The thin film devices can promote vascularization into the lumen of the device via the pores in the first polymer layer and/or second polymer layer; limit foreign body response to the device; limit ingress of cells, immunoglobulins, and cytokines into the lumen via the first and the second polymer layers; and release from the first polymer layer and/or the second polymer layer molecules secreted by the population of cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for producing dopaminergic cells and evaluating their functionality. When pluripotent human embryonic stem cells are cultured on plates coated with laminin-111, laminin-121, laminin-521, laminin-421, or laminin-511 in cell culture medium containing a GSK3 inhibitor and a TGF-? inhibitor as well as timely administered fibroblast growth factor, desired neural cells are produced at far higher rates. Useful cell culture kits for producing such dopaminergic cells are also described herein, as are methods of using such cells for stem cell therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing CD34+CD4dim megakaryocyte (MK) progenitor cells, and substantially pure cell population of megakaryocyte precursor cells obtained by said method. The invention also relates to a method of producing proplatelet-bearing MKs and/or platelets using the CD34+CD4dim cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for preparing induced pluripotent stem cells from endocardium-derived adult stem cells isolated from peripheral blood and a method for differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells into cardiovascular cells. The endocardium-derived adult stem cells are primary culture cells for preparing induced pluripotent stem cells, can be readily isolated and cultured only with a small amount of peripheral blood, have a high proliferation property so as to be storable without generic variation, and can rapidly ensure a cell number so as to be usable in cell therapy. The endocardium-derived adult stem cells have sternness, thereby having high preparation efficiency, and are derived from the endocardium so as to have the epigenetic memory of cardiovascular cells, thereby having an advantage of being able to be differentiated, after preparing induced pluripotent stem cells, into cardiovascular cells such as endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes with a high efficiency.

Abstract: Methods of producing stem cell conditioned media to treat mammalian injuries or insults. In at least one embodiment of a method for isolating non-endothelial adipocyte-depleted stromal cells of the present disclosure, the method comprises, comprising dissociating subcutaneous adipose tissue isolated from a mammal into a cell suspension, removing adipocytes from said cell suspension, resulting in a non-endothelial adipocyte-depleted cell suspension, and culturing the non-endothelial adipocyte-depleted cell suspension in a media containing growth factors VEGF, bFGF, EGF, and IGF, such that a mixed population of cells comprising a first population of further differentiated non-endothelial adipocyte-depleted CD34+/VE-cadherin? cells and a second population of further differentiated non-endothelial adipocyte-depleted CD34+/VE-cadherin+ cells are obtained and expanded.

Abstract: Modified bacteriophage and compositions containing the modified bacteriophage are described. Exemplary compositions are useful for human treatment and may treat various conditions, including bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production of biopharmaceuticals implementing a baculovirus-based system. These methods advantageously allow the production of biopharmaceuticals with a reduced number of or without contaminating baculoviral virions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.

Abstract: A recombinant vector according to an embodiment of the present invention may be used for producing a reconstituted cytochrome P450 oxygenase-reductase fusion protein. Oxygenase and reductase may be independently expressed in a host cell into which the recombinant vector is introduced, and then may be fused with a split intein so that it is possible to increase the heme content contained in the active site of the oxygenase and improve enzyme activity and stability.

Abstract: Genetically modified LeuCD? enzyme complexes, processes for preparing a C7-C11 2-ketoacid utilizing genetically modified LeuCD? enzyme complexes, and microbial organisms including modified LeuCD enzyme complexes are described. The instantly-disclosed genetically modified LeuCD? enzyme complexes, processes for preparing a C7-C11 2-ketoacid, and microbial organisms including modified LeuCD? enzyme complexes can be particularly useful for producing C6-C10 aldehydes, alkanes, alcohols, and carboxylic acids, both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered RNA polymerase variants and compositions comprising these variants. The present invention further provides engineered T7 RNA polymerase variants and compositions comprising these variants. These variants have been evolved for selective incorporation of the m7G(5?)ppp(5?)m7G cap analog over GTP at the initiation of in vitro transcription. The present invention also provides methods for selective capping of RNA transcripts.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered RNA polymerase variants and compositions comprising these variants. The present invention further provides engineered T7 RNA polymerase variants and compositions comprising these variants. These variants have been evolved for selective incorporation of the m7G(5?)ppp(5?)m7G cap analog over GTP at the initiation of in vitro transcription. The present invention also provides methods for selective capping of RNA transcripts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are enzymatically active Cas9 (eaCas9) fusion molecules, comprising an eaCas9 molecule linked, e.g., covalently or non-covalently, to a template nucleic acid; gene editing systems comprising the eaCas9 fusion molecules, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibacterial compositions and methods of making and using the compositions.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to chimeric recombinant lysins comprising at least one thermophile endolysin catalytic domain and at least one cell wall binding domain. Also disclosed are polynucleotides encoding the chimeric recombinant lysins, host cells expressing the chimeric recombinant lysins, and use of such chimeric recombinant lysins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes comprising enzymatic degradation of mannan-containing cellulosic materials for producing a hydrolyzate. The invention also relates to processes of producing a fermentation product from mannan-containing cellulosic materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated polypeptides having protease activity, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: A horseshoe crab Factor C protein having activity of Factor C, wherein the horseshoe crab is selected from Tachypleus tridentatus, Limulus polyphemus, and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, and wherein the horseshoe crab Factor C protein is produced through being recombinantly expressed from a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) DG44 cell or HEK cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to, in part, compositions of beta-lactamases and methods of using these enzymes in, for example, gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) disorders such as C. difficile infection (CDI).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing hexoses from saccharides by enzymatic processes. The methods utilize fructose 6-phosphate and at least one enzymatic step to convert it to a hexose.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an adenylosuccinate synthetase variant, a microorganism containing the same, and a method for preparing purine nucleotides using the microorganism.

Abstract: A hierarchical catalyst composition comprising a continuous or particulate macroporous scaffold in which is incorporated mesoporous aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles, wherein an enzyme is embedded in mesopores of the mesoporous aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles. Methods for synthesizing the hierarchical catalyst composition are also described. Also described are processes that use the recoverable hierarchical catalyst composition for depolymerizing lignin, remediation of water contaminated with aromatic substances, polymerizing monomers by a free-radical mechanism, epoxidation of alkenes, halogenation of phenols, inhibiting growth and function of microorganisms in a solution, and carbon dioxide conversion to methanol.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and processes in the field of self-cleaning system using digestive proteins. One composition includes a substrate, a digestive protein capable of decomposing a stain molecule, and a linker moiety bound to both said digestive protein and said substrate. The processes include binding a substrate to a surface and forming a linker moiety between a digestive protein and said substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-enzymatic method for isolating stem cells from adipose tissue, wherein the method comprises treating adipose tissue with ultrasonic cavitation to break up the adipose tissue and lyses mature adipocytes, resulting in a stromal vascular fraction containing viable stromal/stem cells.

Abstract: Solutions, reagents, and methods for nucleic acid purification. In certain aspects, cationic surfactant and, optionally, an anionic surfactant solutions are provided which can be used for phase separation and capture of nucleic acids, such as plasmid or genomic DNA, to a solid phase carrier, such as a mineral matrix.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for assessing protein function are provided. A modified SpyCatcher protein that can include a tag is provided. Modified SpyCatcher proteins linked to a protein of interest, such as a nuclease are also provided. The methods include contacting a SpyCatcher protein and a SpyTagged protein to form a complex that may further include a protein of interest, one or more nucleic acids, and/or a nuclease. The methods can be used to purify a protein of interest or identify or target a protein binding site in a nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides for use of CRISPR-Cas systems to sort barcoded cells or molecules. Cells or nucleic acid molecules may be sorted from a heterogenous population by targeting a barcode of interest specific for a cell or cell progeny or nucleic acid molecule of interest.

Abstract: It is disclosed a method for determining the biological activity of defibrotide, which comprises the steps of: a) bringing into contact defibrotide, mammalian euglobulin and a substrate specific for the plasmin which, by reaction with the plasmin, provides a measurable product; and b) measuring the amount of product formed at successive times, to thereby determine the biological activity of the defibrotide. Liquid defibrotide formulations are also disclosed, preferably water solutions, having a defined biological activity and, in particular, having an activity of 25 to 35 IU/mg of defibrotide, preferably from 27 to 32 IU/mg and, more preferably, from 28 to 32 IU/mg.

Abstract: An antisense compound for use in treating myotonic dystrophy DM1 or DM2, a method of enhancing antisense targeting to heart and quadricep muscles, and a method for treating DM1 or DM2 in a mammalian subject are disclosed. The oligonucleotide has 8-30 bases, with at least 8 contiguous bases being complementary to the polyCUG or polyCCUG repeats in the 3?UTR region of dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) mRNA in DM1 or DM2, respectively. Conjugated to the oligonucleotide is a cell-penetrating peptide having the sequence (RXRR(B/X)R)2XB, where R is arginine; B is ?-alanine; and each X is —C(O)—(CH2)n—NH—, where n is 4-6. The antisense compound is effective to selectively block the sequestration of muscleblind-like 1 protein (MBNL1) and/or CUGBP, in heart and quadricep muscle in a myotonic dystrophy animal model.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds comprising oligonucleotides complementary to a pyruvate kinase M transcript. Certain such compounds are useful for hybridizing to a pyruvate kinase M transcript, including but not limited to a pyruvate kinase M transcript in a cell. In certain embodiments, such hybridization results in modulation of splicing of the pyruvate kinase M transcript. In certain embodiments, such compounds are used to treat one or more symptoms associated with cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of diagnosing and treating metastatic cancer in a subject. The methods involve detecting or modulating the expression of at least one of Kif3b, ACTB, SRPK1, TM EM 229b, Cl4orf142, KB-1460A1.5, ACTC1, Nr2f1, KIAA0922, KDELR3, APBA2, miRNA 130b, miRNA 374b, or miRNA 122 in a biological sample from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a set of human microRNAs, or a primary transcript for such microRNAs, or a precursor of such microRNAs, or a mimic of such microRNAs or a combination thereof, and their use as medicaments for inducing proliferation of cardiomyocytes for the prevention and treatment of heart diseases associated with a loss of cardiomyocytes. The invention also relates to a method for screening microRNAs and biological and therapeutically active compounds for their ability to increase proliferation of cardiomyocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medicine. In particular, it relates to novel antisense oligonucleotides that may be used in the treatment, prevention and/or delay of Stargardt disease.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a technique for more conveniently delivering a polynucleotide in a less cytotoxic form into a cell. This problem is solved by a polynucleotide modified by a molecule that contains a structure that contains a disulfide bond and/or a thiol group.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligomeric compounds. Certain such oligomeric compounds are useful for hybridizing to a complementary nucleic acid, including but not limited, to nucleic acids in a cell. In certain embodiments, hybridization results in modulation of the amount, activity, or expression of the target nucleic acid in a cell. In certain embodiments, hybridization results in selective modulation of the amount, activity, or expression of a target Huntingtin gene or Huntingtin transcript in a cell.

Abstract: Methods of treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), comprising administering an inhibitory nucleic acid that targets miR-128.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides nucleic acid compositions that incorporate one or more halouracil molecules. More specifically, the present disclosure reveals that the replacement of uracil nucleotides within a microRNA nucleotide sequence with a 5-halouracil increases the ability of the micro-RNA to inhibit cancer progression and tumorigenesis. As such, the present disclosure provides various nucleic acid (e.g., microRNA) compositions having 5-halouracil molecules incorporated in their nucleic acid sequences and methods for using the same. The present disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modified nucleic acid compositions, and methods for treating cancers using the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to antisense oligomers and related compositions and methods for inducing exon inclusion as a treatment for glycogen storage disease type II (GSD-II) (also known as Pompe disease, glycogenosis II, acid maltase deficiency (AMD), acid alpha-glucosidase deficiency, and lysosomal alpha-glucosidase deficiency), and more specifically relates to inducing inclusion of exon 2 and thereby restoring levels of enzymatically active acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) protein encoded by the GAA gene.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of GYS1 in an individual. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate a glycogen storage disease or disorder in an individual in need.

Abstract: Methods of treating an adult mammal for an aging-associated impairment are provided. Aspects of the methods include modulating CCR3, e.g., by modulating eotaxin-1/CCR3 interaction, in the mammal in a manner sufficient to treat the mammal for the aging-associated impairment. A variety of aging-associated impairments may be treated by practice of the methods, which impairments include cognitive impairments.

Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, are nucleic acid compounds capable of binding transferrin receptor on a cell and internalizing into said cell. The compositions provided herein may be useful for delivering therapeutic and diagnostic agents to a cell. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment using nucleic acid compounds provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel molecule that can be used for detection of sIgA. The sIgA-binding nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is characterized in that it binds to secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) with a dissociation constant of 37.7 nM or less, and preferably includes a polynucleotide consisting of any of base sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 12 or a partial sequence thereof, for example. According to the sIgA-binding nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, it is possible to detect sIgA in saliva.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing dextran polymer-based amplified nucleic acid aptamer nanoconstructs which efficiently and selectively capture a specific target molecule, the method comprising linking a short nucleic acid sequence or a complementary sequence for formation of nanoconstructs and a nucleic acid aptamer sequence for capture of the specific target molecule to a dextran polymer by a chemical reaction, mixing the resulting polymer/nucleic acid substances with each other to form nanostructures, subjecting the nanostructures to rolling circle amplification, thereby forming a nucleic acid aptamer having a repeated structure. The dextran polymer-based amplified nucleic acid aptamer nanoconstructs have the effect of efficiently and selectively capturing a specific target molecule.

Abstract: Genetically modified cells with at least one codon substituted to a synonymous codon, and with modified replicative fitness as compared to the unmodified cell, wherein a slower translating synonymous codon increases replicative fitness and a faster translating codon decreased replicative fitness are provided. Further, vaccine composition comprising those cells as well as methods for modifying replicative fitness of a cell are provided.

Abstract: A synthetic nucleic acid which encodes a protein wherein at least one optimal or non-optimal codon in a wild type nucleic acid encoding the protein has been replaced respectively with one or more non-optimal codons or optimal codons encoding the same amino acid.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences of the Dipgene as well as (functional) homologues, fragments and variants thereof, which provides diplospory as a part of apomixis. Also diplospory plants and methods for making these are provided, as are methods of using these, and methods of making apomictic seed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for Ochrobactrum-mediated transformation of plants are provided. Methods include but are not limited to using an Ochrobactrum strain to transfer a polynucleotide of interest to a plant cell. These include VirD2-dependent methods. Compositions include an Ochrobactrum strain, transfer DNAs, constructs and/or plasmids. These include Ochrobactrum strains having a plasmid comprising one or more virulence gene(s), border region, and/or origin of replication. Plant cells, tissues, plants, and seeds comprising a polynucleotide of interest produced by the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses polynucleotide sequences that can be used to regulate gene expression in plants. Terminator sequences from Sorghum bicolor and Oryza sativa that are functional in plants are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression constructs, plants and seed comprising these terminator sequences are further disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a number of sequences involved in axillary bud growth in tobacco, methods of using such sequences, tobacco plants carrying modifications to such sequences or transgenes of such sequences, and tobacco products made from tobacco leaf harvested from such plants.