Abstract: Certain viral gene therapy vectors are by design unable to replicate in a patient. Nonetheless, during manufacture of viral gene therapy vector, undesirable replication-competent virus (“RCV”) may form due to random mutation or other events. Viral gene therapy vector manufacturers thus assay for the presence of contaminating RCV. Regulatory agencies require this to be done by assaying for serial infection, i.e., transducing target cells with the viral vector, and then lysing the transduced cells, and then mixing the lysate with live assay cells, and then microscopically observing the assay cells to visually determine whether they have been infected with virus. We have tested various alternative approaches, and surprisingly found that digital PCR is not only faster than the prior art approach, but is also over an order of magnitude more sensitive, able to detect, for example, in 3×1010 assay cells, as few as seven (7) replication competent adenoviruses (“RCA”).

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for remotely and non-invasively subjecting targeted biological structures with light emissions or chromogenic changes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an amphiphilic material and an application thereof in preparation of a liposome, and in particular, the present invention provides an amphiphilic material, wherein the structure of the amphiphilic material is as follows. The amphiphilic material of the present invention is used for preparing drug-loaded nanoparticles to effectively enter cells such as tumor cells, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect of the drug.

Abstract: Provided are gene-activated materials comprising a scaffold and at least one nucleic acid molecule which may be chemical bound together or in which the at least one nucleic acid is not bound but coated on a surface of the scaffold. Methods for regenerating bone using these gene-activated materials are also provided.

Abstract: A valve includes a body including an inner bore extending between a first port and a second port, a seat, and one or more restrainers and a disk that is moveable between the seat and the one or more restrainers such that a first pressure that is less than 1 pascal and applied in a first direction causes the disk to move from a first position towards a second position to permit fluid communication between the first port and the second port. A metamaterial scaffold including a structure defining a lumen, at least a portion of an outer or non-lumen surface of the structure is coated with a plurality of biological cells, and wherein the structure is composed of a metamaterial.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions comprising one or more compound components generally recognized as safe for human consumption, and related methods of use, such compositions and methods as can be employed in a wide range of agricultural, industrial, building, pharmaceutical, personal care and/or animal care products and applications.

Abstract: This application provides compositions, e.g., formulations, used for gastric, gastrointestinal and/or colonic treatments, and methods for making, storing and using them, including formulations that effectively preserve microbial cell viability during freeze-thaw or freeze-drying. Compositions provided herein are useful for treating various diseases or conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and recurrent or primary C. difficile infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to amoebae (slime molds) and uses thereof. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the use of amoebae or their environmentally stable spores to control agricultural infections and other uses.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for preventing, relieving or treating climacteric symptoms, the composition comprising lactic acid bacteria and prebiotic composition. The lactic acid bacteria of the present disclosure have ?-glucosidase activity and a very excellent ability to convert isoflavones into equol compounds, and thus may exhibit estrogenic activity through synergism with the gut microbiota. Therefore, the lactic acid bacteria of the present disclosure may be effectively used for the prevention, relief or treatment of women's climacteric or menopausal symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene therapy vector which is useful in the treatment or prevention of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a subject in need thereof. The gene therapy vector of the invention comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cardiac sarcomeric protein and a cardiomyocyte-specific promoter which is operably linked to said nucleic acid sequence. The invention furthermore relates to a cell which comprises the gene therapy vector. Pharmaceutical compositions which comprise the gene therapy vector and/or a cell comprising said vector are also provided. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating or preventing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a subject by introducing the gene therapy vector of the invention into a subject in need of treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for expanding cells in a cell expansion system. The cells may be grown in a bioreactor, and the cells may be activated by an activator (e.g., a soluble activator complex). Nutrient and gas exchange capabilities of a closed, automated cell expansion system may allow cells to be seeded at reduced cell seeding densities, for example. Parameters of the cell growth environment may be manipulated to load the cells into a particular position in the bioreactor for the efficient exchange of nutrients and gases. System parameters may be adjusted to shear any cell colonies that may form during the expansion phase. Metabolic concentrations may be controlled to improve cell growth and viability. Cell residence in the bioreactor may be controlled. In embodiments, the cells may include T cells. In further embodiments, the cells may include T cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), for example.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid and silk protein fragments based tissue fillers and methods of using the same are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel peptide and method for treating polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. Also disclosed are related compositions and kits for therapeutic use in the treatment of polyQ diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical pharmaceutical emulsion compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of 3,5-Dihydroxy-4-isopropyl-trans-stilbene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, an oil phase, a water phase, a surfactant, and an antioxidant, and wherein the emulsion composition is homogeneous and/or the active is solubilized in the oil phase. The invention also relates to methods of treating a dermatological condition or disorder in a patient by administering the present compositions to the skin of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to purified preparations of dermal mesenchymal stem cells that are characterized by the cell surface expression of the ABCB5 P-glycoprotein. The cells may be used for any purpose that mesenchymal stem cells from other course are used. For instance they may be administered to treat an organ transplant recipient to improve allograft survival or as a treatment to patients with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: This invention relates to the expansion of non-haematopoietic tissue-resident ?? T cells in vitro by culturing lymphocytes obtained from non-haematopoietic tissue of humans or non-human animals in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and/or interleukin-15 (IL-15) and the absence of TCR activation or co-stimulation signals, without any direct contact with stromal or epithelial cells. Methods of non-haematopoietic tissue-resident ?? T cell expansion are provided, as well as populations of non-haematopoietic tissue-resident ?? T cells and uses thereof.

Abstract: Bacillus strains, compositions and methods are disclosed for reducing growth of microorganisms in a feed. Bacillus strains, compositions and methods are disclosed for providing beneficial effects to animals, including but not limited to increasing performance of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of constituting a tissue construct in vitro using a tissue without depending on scaffold materials. A method of integrating a biological tissue with a vascular system in vitro, comprising coculturing a biological tissue with vascular cells and mesenchymal cells. A biological tissue which has been integrated with a vascular system by the above-described method. A method of preparing a tissue or an organ, comprising transplanting the biological tissue described above into a non-human animal and differentiating the biological tissue into a tissue or an organ in which vascular networks have been constructed. A method of regeneration or function recovery of a tissue or an organ, comprising transplanting the biological tissue described above into a human or a non-human animal and differentiating the biological tissue into a tissue or an organ in which vascular networks have been constructed.

Abstract: Some embodiments provided herein relate to methods, systems and kits for providing consistent intracoronary administration of a biologic to subjects having diverse coronary anatomies. In some embodiments, the biologic is an adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV1) vector encoding sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) protein.

Abstract: Dosage units consist of an autologous cell therapy product composed of fibroblasts grown for each individual to be treated. The suspension of autologous fibroblasts, grown from a biopsy of each individual's own skin using current good manufacturing practices (CGMP), and standard tissue culture procedures, is supplied in vials containing cryopreserved fibroblasts or precursors thereof, having a purity of at least 98% fibroblasts and a viability of at least 85%, for administration of from one to six mL, preferably two mL, of cells at a concentration of from 1.0-2.0×107 cells/mL. When injected into the nasolabial fold wrinkles (creases on the sides of the nose that extend to the corners of the mouth), the autologous fibroblasts are thought to increase the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, including collagen, reducing the severity of these wrinkles. Dosage and timing of administration have been demonstrated to be critical to achieving clinically significant outcomes.

Abstract: The invention provides a microbial composition in the form of a powder for oral administration comprising or consisting of: (i) micro-organism, preferably probiotic bacteria; (ii) sugar alcohol, such as Erythritol and Xylitol; (iii) moisture absorbent fibre, such as inulin; (iv) a flow agent, such a silicon dioxide optionally; (v) a flavorant; and/or optionally (vi) a bulking agent, such as maltodextrin. The compositions display good storage stability, fast-melt and sensory properties. They are preferably packaged in a single dose in a sealed stick pack aluminium container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for providing a health benefit to a companion animal comprising: a maintenance pet food comprising fat, protein, and carbohydrates, where the maintenance pet food can be complete and balanced and has a density ranging from 400 g/l to 600 g/l; and a reduced caloric pet food comprising fat, protein, and carbohydrates, where the reduced caloric pet food can be complete and balanced and has a density ranging from 300 g/l to 450 g/l. Generally, the reduced caloric pet food can have a caloric content of 50% to 90% of the maintenance pet food in about the same volume and the reduced caloric pet food can have a density of 70% to 85% of the maintenance pet food.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer therapy. In particular, the present invention relates to a live attenuated Gram-negative bacterium for use in the treatment, reduction, inhibition or control of a neoplastic disease in a subject undergoing or intended to undergo immunotherapy with a checkpoint inhibitor therapy, an adoptive T cell therapy and/or an allogeneic or an autologous CAR-T therapy simultaneously, separately or sequentially with the administration of the live attenuated Gram-negative bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant virulence attenuated Gram-negative bacterial strains and its use in a method of treating cancer in a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for generating islet-like cell clusters. The methods include culturing a whole non-islet pancreatic cell discard or cells sorted therefrom with an effective amount of a molecule having Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) activity (e.g., a BMP polypeptide). The effective amount of said molecule having BMP activity (e.g., BMP polypeptide) is sufficient to induce the formation of islet-like cell clusters. The methods further include treating or attenuating insulin-deficiency disorders, including type 1 diabetes. In one non-limiting embodiment, an insulin-deficiency disorder in a subject is treated or attenuated by culturing a whole non-islet pancreatic cell discard or cells sorted therefrom with an effective amount of a molecule having BMP activity (e.g., a BMP polypeptide) such that tho formation of islet-like cell clusters occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ovarian-derived hydrogel material, which can be useful for three-dimensional in vitro culturing of cells, cell therapy, fertility preservation, drug delivery, site-specific remodeling and repair of damaged tissue, and/or diagnostic kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical pharmaceutical emulsion compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of 3,5-Dihydroxy-4-isopropyl-trans-stilbene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, an oil phase, a water phase, a surfactant, and an antioxidant, and wherein the emulsion composition is homogeneous and/or the active is solubilized in the oil phase. The invention also relates to methods of treating a dermatological condition or disorder in a patient by administering the present compositions to the skin of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant vaccinia virus in which the expression of some genes is inhibited, and a use thereof. The recombinant vaccinia virus of the present invention selectively kills cancer cells, and has an excellent reproducibility in cancer cells. Also, the virus has a lower toxicity to normal cells, and thus has an advantage of being safe for a human body. Therefore, the recombinant vaccinia virus of the present invention can be effectively used as a composition for treating cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector comprising a capsid comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 or SEQ ID NO: 9, wherein the AAV vector further comprises a heterologous nucleic acid sequence, and wherein the heterologous nucleic acid sequence can encode the NGF-PTH fusion polypeptide or methylmalonyl CoA mutase enzyme. The invention also provides a polypeptide comprising nerve growth factor (NGF) signal peptide and parathyroid hormone (PTH), wherein the polypeptide can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention provides a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, a vector comprising the nucleic acid, and a composition comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acid, or vector, as well as treatment methods comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acid, vector, or composition.

Abstract: The invention provides cellular compositions that contain CD34+ cells derived from bone marrow of a decease donor and CD3+ cells derived from non-bone marrow of the deceased donor. The compositions are useful to promote mixed chimerism in recipients of solid organ transplants. The invention also provides methods of making and using such compositions. In certain embodiments, the invention further provides methods of analyzing and preparing blood and blood components from a deceased donor for use in compositions of the invention to promote mixed chimerism in solid organ transplant recipients.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nanoparticle comprising an inner core comprising a virus; and an outer surface comprising a cellular membrane derived from a cell, and process of making thereof. The virus is an oncolytic virus and cellular membrane is derived from for example red blood cells.

Abstract: A biomimetic composite material includes a bioactive cement material, an autologous dentin matrix, and an inorganic nano-reinforcement material. A dental implant includes a body including a biomimetic composite material, wherein the biomimetic composite material includes a bioactive cement material, an autologous dentin matrix, and an inorganic nano-reinforcement material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapeutic or non-therapeutic use of protozoans, for examples protozoans of the Willaertia magna amoeba species, as a fungistatic and/or fungicide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a graft material including a reinforced layer and to implantable medical devices including such a graft material. The invention also relates to methods of using and manufacturing such graft materials and devices. In one embodiment the implantable medical device is a stent graft.

Abstract: A cell-free combination for use in the controlled, especially decelerated or retarded, release of active ingredient and/or in the production of a formulation in hydrogel form, especially depot formulation in hydrogel form, and/or as a formulation in hydrogel form, especially depot formulation in hydrogel form, and/or for the coating of a medical product, especially implant, preferably with a formulation in hydrogel form, especially depot formulation in hydrogel form, wherein the cell-free combination comprises a first component and a second component, the first component comprising crosslinkable albumin and the second component comprising a crosslinking agent for the albumin. Additionally, a hydrogel-forming material or hydrogel, to a kit or multicomponent system, to a medical product or a pharmaceutical formulation, to a discharge device, and to uses of the cell-free combination and of the hydrogel-forming material or hydrogel.

Abstract: The invention relates to molecular biology, biotechnology, medicine, veterinary science. A group of inventions is proposed: a fusion protein comprising a ligand to MATN1 protein, and a growth factor of EGF, TGF, FGF, IGF, connected via a flexible link; such fusion protein further comprising the Fc-fragment of an antibody or a polypeptide binding with FcRn and/or transferrin or a fragment thereof, connected via a flexible link; encoding polynucleotide, a genetic construct for the synthesis of the fusion protein in producer cells, or cells of a target organism, the fusion protein producer, a producer of the genetic construct, a preparation for the regeneration of cartilage containing at least 1 fusion protein or genetic construct, for parenteral or, in the case of the preparation based on at least 1 fusion protein containing the transport domain, —oral administration, in the latter case the preparation is enclosed in an enteric coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Bacillus subtilis strain selected from the group consisting of a) the strain deposited as DSM32324, b) the strain deposited as DSM32325, and c) a mutant strain of (a) or (b) which has sensitivity for ampicillin, vancomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol; and has inhibitory activity against E. coli and Clostridium perfringens. The invention further relates to Bacillus compositions comprising at least one Bacillus subtilis strain of the invention, preferably the Bacillus subtilis strain DSM32324 and/or the Bacillus subtilis strain DSM32325, as Direct Fed Microbial (DFM), premix, animal feed additive or animal feed.

Abstract: A biomimetic composite material includes a bioactive cement material, an autologous dentin matrix, and an inorganic nano-reinforcement material. A dental implant includes a body including a biomimetic composite material, wherein the biomimetic composite material includes a bioactive cement material, an autologous dentin matrix, and an inorganic nano-reinforcement material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapid, culture and/or label free pathogen detection. The methods utilize optical spectroscopy techniques to identify and/or characterize pathogens in a sample via the detection of unique properties and/or analytes that are specific to particular pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strain of Salmonella enteritidis 3934vac, which has been deleted the waaL gene to obtain a rough phenotype (3934vac DwaaL), the obtaining procedure and the oligos used with the objective of reducing toxicity and maintaining immunogenicity for its application as a vaccine. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a strain of Salmonella enteritidis 3934vac DwaaL, i.e. rough type, which has been modified to express the gene of the avian adenovirus type I fiber, in addition to the procedure for obtaining a Salmonella enteritidis 3034 vac DwaaL strain expressing an AvA-I fiber gene. The invention also comprises the development of a new, live, recombinant, effective and innocuous avian vaccine against the AvA-I virus developed via an insertion and integration process of AvA-I fiber genes in the chromosome of an attenuated and non-pathogenic strain of the bacterium Salmonella enteritidis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the phenomenon of the glomerular sclerosis and mononuclear leukocyte infiltration around renal tissues, and increasing the renal function by administering the probiotic bacterium of a Parabacteroides goldsteinii to a subject in need to inhibit the occurrence of chronic kidney disease. The Parabacteroides goldsteinii can also effectively modulate the gene expression level of MCP-1, IL-1?, COL3A, COL6A1, ACAA2, PPAR-?, CPT1, and PGC-1? in kidney tissues to reduce kidney inflammation and renal fibrosis and enhance the mitochondria activity of kidney cells. Therefore, the Parabacteroides goldsteinii of the present invention can be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions for inhibiting or treating chronic kidney diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apicidin composition for inducing differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into cardiac-committed cells, and a method for inducing differentiation into cardiac-committed cells using the same. The present invention allows mesenchymal stem cells to be specifically induced to differentiate into cardiac-committed cells even when an apicidin is treated for only a very short period of time of 24 hours, thereby being capable of solving the extremely low cardiomyogenic differentiation efficiency of mesenchymal stem cells, high cost, and long-term problems in the conventional art, and thus the present invention can be usefully used for treating heart disease.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to immunotherapy and, more specifically, to the use of immunotherapy for treating tumors and pathogen infected tissues by first priming patients with allogeneic cells designed to be rejected by a Th1 mediated mechanism, then inducing necrosis or apoptosis in a tumor or pathogen infected lesion by methods such as cryotherapy, irreversible electroporation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, ultrasound therapy, ethanol chemoablation, microwave thermal ablation, radiofrequency energy or a combination thereof applied against at least a portion of the tumor or pathogen infected tissue, and then delivering one or more doses of allogeneic cells (e.g., Th1 cells) within or proximate to the tumor or pathogen-infected tissue in the primed patient. The present invention provides an immunotherapeutic strategy to develop de-novo systemic (adaptive) immunity to a tumor or pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing or treating obesity by administering the probiotic bacterium of a novel Parabacteroides goldsteinii strain to the subject in need. The novel Parabacteroides goldsteinii strain is derived from the gastrointestinal tract of an individual and has better aero-tolerance and better acid-tolerance therefore it has better environmental tolerance to adapt to different living environments. The novel Parabacteroides goldsteinii strain not only can effectively prevent the weight gain of the individual, but also can effectively slow down the weight gain of the obese individual; therefore, the novel Parabacteroides goldsteinii strain of the present invention can be used for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for prevention and/or treating obesity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implant which includes: (a) an autologous engineered tissue; and (b) a vasculature, wherein the engineered tissue is a porous scaffold embedded with endothelial cell, a fibroblast, a myoblast, a mesenchymal cell, an adipocyte, or any combination thereof, wherein the vasculature feeds the cells. Further, the invention provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with a large soft tissue defect by implanting the implant of the invention.

Abstract: An organic liquid and foaming soap composition and dispenser for use as a human hand, body wash and a pet wash, comprising: a) a foam-able organic liquid soap composition comprising the anti-microbial active ingredients of: organic shea butter; USDA approved natural spearmint oil; USDA approved natural lime oil; organic thyme oil; organic rosemary extract; and, b) a portable or fixed, manual or automatic foaming soap dispenser. The organic soap composition may further comprise a base soap comprising: saponified organic coconut oil; organic olive oil; organic sunflower oil; organic jojoba oil; organic aloe vera; and glycerin. And the organic soap composition has a shelf-life of about three years, and able to eradicate about 74.6% through 77.6% of the bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus after at least one minute of direct contact with the composition. The dispenser is a fixed wall or sink mounted, or a portable bottle, including a mini-foaming leave-on sanitizer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for making and using pluripotent stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Provided herein are a population of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) derived from pluripotent stem cells, methods of generating the same for use in the treatment of acute spinal cord injury and other conditions affecting the CNS, and containers including the population of OPCs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating or preventing Huntington's Disease.

Abstract: Materials and methods for treating a patient to express a therapeutic agent comprising administering a Kupffer cell-suppressing substance in combination with a vehicle for introducing, into the patient, an exogenous nucleic acid comprising a sequence for expression of the agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel musculoskeletal stem cell (MSSC) differentiated from an ESC (embryonic stem cell) or an iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell). The musculoskeletal stem cell of the present disclosure can be easily induced from a human embryonic stem cell or a human-derived pluripotent stem cell and can be effectively differentiated not only into bone but also into cartilage, tendon and muscle. Accordingly, it can be usefully used for prevention or treatment of various musculoskeletal diseases.