Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineered biological system, and in particular an Escherichia coli host. The host is incorporated with a DNA construct for production of at least a first polypeptide. The first polypeptide may be an authentic basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The DNA construct has an insert including, for example, in the sequence of, an expression cassette, an intein sequence and DNA coding for the first polypeptide. The DNA construct is configured to effect the host to secrete the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the cytoplasm of the host and/or to excrete to cell medium in which the host is cultured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions that are effective in the inhibition of viral replication. In particular, the methods and compositions are effective at interfering with the activity of host cell proteins required in viral replication. For example, an embodiment of the invention is directed to methods and compositions comprising RNA sequences to which the host cell proteins TIAR and/or TIA-1 bind.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for reducing the number of apoptotic cell deaths in a population of cells undergoing excessive cellular apoptosis. The invention is also directed to methods for preventing apoptotic cell death in a population of cells at risk for developing excessive cellular apoptosis. In particular, the invention is directed to methods for reducing or preventing excessive cellular apoptosis comprising exposing cells exhibiting or at risk for developing excessive cellular apoptosis to a cellular factor-containing composition called Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution (referred to herein as ACCS), which is obtained from the culturing of Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor (AMP) cells, or AMP cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing extracts of material fermented with Paenibacillus sp., preferably Paenibacillus elgii ourofinensis. The extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity and may be used in the treatment or prophylaxis of infections in animals or plants or as a growth promoter in animals intended for slaughter for human consumption. The invention provides new peptides derived from the fractions of the fermentation of Paenibacillus elgii ourofinensis extract, prepared for example, by n-butanol extraction of the Paenibacillus fermentation broth. The extract may optionally be dried and/or mixed with other components such as appropriate nutritional components to form an animal feed, additional therapeutic adjuvants, or pharmaceutically or agriculturally acceptable carriers. The invention is also related to the isolation of this strain of Paenibacillus, including fermentation in a medium such as corn steep liquor and selection of catalase negative bacteria.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of residues 378-413 of Mus musculus ?-1-antitrypsyn (serpin A1c),active fragments thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same are described. The compositions are useful for treating burns, inflammatory, autoimmune and degenerative diseases.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an osteogenic composition comprising mesenchymal stem cells pre-cultured in the presence of an agent that accelerates canonical Wnt signaling therein. Also, provided are osteogenic compositions incorporated into a biocompatible gel. The present invention provides methods for treating bone degeneration or injury associated with a pathophysiological condition in a mammal or for accelerating repair of a skeletal injury in a mammal by administering to the mammal or contacting the site of injury with the osteogenic composition.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described herein for inducing reprogramming of non-pluripotent cells across lineage and differentiation boundaries to generate endodermal progenitor cells and hepatocytes. Compositions and methods for expansion of endodermal progenitor cells without loss of phenotype are also described herein.

Abstract: A tissue engineered nerve graft for repairing peripheral nerve injury consists of a nerve conduit and a extracellular matrix (ECM) that is secreted by autologous or allogeneic support cells and obtained by decellularization. A preparation method of the ECM-modified tissue engineered nerve grafts containing support cells, nerve conduit and constructing a ECM-modified tissue engineered nerve graft.

Abstract: This application relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the growth of potato pathogens preventing disease during post-harvest storage and processing conditions.

Abstract: The present invention features a novel protein engineering strategy by combining the domains of two independent proteins into a molecular switch. The invention features polypeptides comprising a prodrug activating enzyme and a protein that binds a cancer specific marker, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and molecular switches for converting a prodrug into a toxin, comprising the polypeptides. The invention also features methods for converting a prodrug into a toxin, methods for treating cancer, and methods for making the molecular switches, as well as kits.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel drug discovery platforms and methods for treating type I diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic compositions containing non-pathogenic, germination-competent bacterial spores, for the prevention, control, and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, disorders and conditions and for general nutritional health.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for producing recombinant proteins utilizing mutant E. coli strains containing expression vectors carrying nucleic acids encoding the proteins, and secretory signal sequences to direct the secretion of the proteins to the culture medium. Host cells transformed with the expression vectors are also provided.

Abstract: One form of the present invention is directed to a method of remyelinating demyelinated axons by treating the demyelinated axons with oligodendrocyte progenitor cells under conditions which permit remyelination of the axons. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating a subject having a condition mediated by a loss of myelin or a loss of oligodendrocytes by administering to the subject oligodendrocyte progenitor cells under conditions effective to treat the condition mediated by a loss of myelin or a loss of oligodendrocytes. A further aspect of the present invention relates to an in vitro method of identifying and separating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from a mixed population containing other mammalian brain or spinal cord cell types.

Abstract: Blue-green algae, such as Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA) or Spirulina (Arthrospira) can be fractionated. Anti-inflammatory aqueous fractions of blue-green algae are described herein that include low molecular weight molecules. Methods for reducing inflammation in a subject are also described. These methods include administering to the subject compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the anti-inflammatory aqueous fraction blue-green algae, or dried form thereof, thereby reducing inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention provides muscle-derived cells, preferably myoblasts and muscle-derived stem cells, genetically engineered to contain and express one or more heterologous genes or functional segments of such genes, for delivery of the encoded gene products at or near sites of musculoskeletal, bone, ligament, meniscus, cartilage or genitourinary disease, injury, defect, or dysfunction. Ex vivo myoblast mediated gene delivery of human inducible nitric oxide synthase, and the resulting production of nitric oxide at and around the site of injury, are particularly provided by the invention as a treatment for lower genitourinary tract dysfunctions.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanocapsules with a liquid lipidic core and a solid lipidic shell, the lipidic core being loaded with at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible ingredient, said ingredient being present in the form of a reverse micellar system.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybrid construct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. The inert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed and grow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation. The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external and inflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises the cell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold. The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patient and inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after the foregoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure are successively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example. Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating human fibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.

Abstract: We describe an ELABELA polypeptide comprising a sequence CXXXRCXXXHSRVPFP (SEQ ID NO: 1), in which X signifies an amino acid residue, such as a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 2 to SEQ ID NO: 18, preferably CLQRRCMPLHSRVPFP (SEQ ID NO: 2), or a fragment, homolog, variant or derivative thereof, which polypeptide is capable of maintaining self-renewal and/or pluripotency of a stem cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry compositions for lactic acid bacteria and in particular to a dry composition comprising from 109 to 1013 cfu/g of the composition of lactic acid bacteria cells, wherein the composition is characterized by that it also comprises following amounts of protective agents (all amounts of protective agents below are given relative to 1 g of lactic acid bacteria cells in the composition): from 6 to 9 g of trehalose, from 0.1 to 1 g of inulin and from 0.5 to 3 g of hydrolyzed casein, and by that it does not comprise a salt of alginic acid. The composition has an improved storage stability of the cell of interest. Comparison experiments have been made between compositions with and without alginate and it has been found that there is substantially no difference between compositions with or without alginate with regard to stability. Further, the invention relates to a method for preparing a dry lactic acid bacteria composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigenic and vaccine compositions comprising Norovirus antigens and adjuvants, in particular, mixtures of monovalent VLPs and mixtures of multivalent VLPs, and to a process for the production of both monovalent and multivalent VLPs, the VLPs comprising capsid proteins from one or more Norovirus genogroups.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of autologous stem/progenitor cells to restore or rejuvenate adult stem cell function in a mammal, wherein the restoration or rejuvenating extends lifespan and/or improves health of the mammal. In addition, the invention also relates to compositions containing one or more regulatory factors secreted or released from isolated mammalian stem/progenitor cells and use of such compositions to extend lifespan and/or improve health of a mammal. Also provided are methods of treating, delaying, preventing or reversing progeria or related syndromes in a mammal using isolated autologous or allogeneic stem/progenitor cells and/or regulatory factors secreted or released therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated S. suis strains that elicit an immune response in animals against S. suis, compositions comprising said strains, methods of vaccination against S. suis, and kits for use with such methods and compositions. The invention further provides novel, mutagenically-induced mutations in S. suis genes, which are useful in the production of novel attenuated S. suis bacterial strains.

Abstract: A bacterial composition that inhibits E. coli O157:H7 growth by as much as 93% and Salmonella growth by as much as 97%, together with commensurate inhibition rates against the Big-Six Escherichia coli strains referred to as the non-O157 STECs that include E. coli O121:H19; E. coli O45:H2; E. coli O103:H11; E. coli O145, E. coli O26:H11; and E. coli O111. The composition is constituted of various combinations of the following four unique pathogen-inhibiting bacteria: (1) Lactobacillus animalis strain MB101; (2) Lactobacillus animalis strain MB102; (3) Enterococcus faecium strain MB505; and (4) Pediococcus acidilactici strain MB902. Each of the discovered bacteria is deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and respectively has an individual ATCC Accession Number.

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 relates to methods for stable transfection of Babesia parasites, and for vaccines conferring immunity against parasitic arthropods.

Abstract: The present invention provides for enhancing engraftment by co-infusing at least two partially HLA matched umbilical cord blood (“UCB”) units. The invention further provides for positive C3a mediated priming on responsiveness to doses of SDF-1 and C3a induced incorporation of CXCR4 in membranes in HSC and progenitors. The invention further provides for enhancing the homing of UCB HSC and progenitors via the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway and that C3a and LL-37 are useful for this method. It is also disclosed herein that fragments of C3a (e.g., des-Arg) are effective in the methods of the invention, including enhancing homing of HSPCs to BM. The invention further encompasses the disclosure herein of NFAT1 regulation post-transcriptionally by both mir-184 and IFN-?. The present invention further provides for measuring and using differences between UCB and adult CD4+/45RA+ T-cells as a means of defining strategies to enhance optimal allogeneic stem cell transplantation outcomes.

Abstract: T cell responses are often diminished in humans with a compromised immune system. We have developed a method to isolate, stimulate and expand naïve cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors (CTLp) to antigen-specific effectors, capable of lysing tumor cells in vivo. This ex vivo protocol produces fully functional effectors. Artificial antigen presenting cells (AAPCs; Drosophila melanogaster) transfected with human HLA class I and defined accessory molecules, are used to stimulate CD8+ T cells from both normal donors and cancer patients. The class I molecules expressed to a high density on the surface of the Drosophila cells are empty, allowing for efficient loading of multiple peptides that results in the generation of polyclonal responses recognizing tumor cells endogenously expressing the specific peptides. The responses generated are robust, antigen-specific and reproducible if the peptide epitope is a defined immunogen.

Abstract: Provided herein are placental perfusate, placental perfusate cells, and placenta-derived intermediate natural killer cells, and combinations thereof. Also provided herein are compositions comprising the same, and methods of using placental perfusate, placental perfusate cells, and placenta-derived intermediate natural killer cells, and combinations thereof, to suppress the growth or proliferation of tumor cells, cancer cells, and the like, and to treat individuals having tumor cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the proliferation of Listeria, with the exception of the treatment methods applied to the human or animal body, characterized in that it uses protozoa of the Willaertia magna species, and also to a disinfecting agent containing such protozoa.

Abstract: Mesenchymal precursors cells have been isolated from perivascular niches from a range of tissues utilizing a perivascular marker. A new mesenchymal precursor cell phenotype is described characterized by the presence of the perivascular marker 3G5, and preferably also alpha smooth muscle actin together with early developmental markers such as STRO-1 and CD146/MUC18. The perivascular mesenchymal precursor cell is shown to induce neovascularization and improvement in cardiac function. Suitable administration of preparations of the mesenchymal precursor cells are useful for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and peripheral vascular diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nutritional formulation comprising an n3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA), a prebiotic fiber and a probiotic bacterial strain which ingredients act together in a synergistic fashion to promote catch-up growth in young mammals whose growth has been retarded because the young mammal has been subjected to physical or mental stress.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tissue matrix for implantation into a patient is disclosed. The method sets forth collecting embryonic stem cells from a placenta which has been treated to remove residual cord blood and seeding the collected stem cells onto or into a tissue matrix. The seeded tissue matrix is then implanted on or into a patient. The seeded tissue matrix made by the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fusion polypeptides comprising a TRAIL trimer and a targeting domain are disclosed. The targeting domain can be, in some embodiments, a sequence that binds MUC16, which is prevalent on some tumor cells such as pancreatic and ovarian tumor cells. A sequence that binds MUC 16 can be mesothelin or a MUC16-binding fragment thereof, such as amino acids 1-64 of mesothelin. A fusion polypeptide of the present teachings can induce apoptosis in a target cell such as a MUC16-expressing cancer cell. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the fusion polypeptides, and methods of use of the fusion polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Salmonella mutants, to a process for producing the same and to vaccines containing the same, wherein said Salmonella mutants are characterized in that they are not responsive to stress-related recrudescence. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide the use of said Salmonella mutants in the vaccination of animals, in particular mammals and birds, more in particular pigs, poultry and cattle.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the growth and expansion of mammalian cells in culture are provided. In particular, methods for the growth and expansion of postpartum-derived cells in vitro are provided using surfaces such as microcarrier beads.

Abstract: The anatomic and functional arrangement of the gastrointestinal tract suggests an important function of this organ is its ability to regulate the trafficking of metabolites as well as control the equilibrium between tolerance and immunity through gut-associated lymphoid tissue, the neuroendocrine network, and the intestinal epithelial barrier. Combining nucleated cells from various tissues and introducing them directly into the small intestine will have a positive effect on diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and materials for promoting neurogenesis of endogenous and transplanted stem cells. Specifically exemplified herein are methods that comprise transplanting neural stem cells in conjunction with a regimen of (+)phenserine treatment.

Abstract: Methods of causing an improvement in central nervous system function are provided. The methods include administering an aliquot of stem cells to the patient, the cells being derived from blood, e.g., umbilical cord blood. In some cases a growth factor is administered with the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. Coli, Gemmiger, Desulfamonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathoenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: A method of increasing bone marrow stem cells in the blood stream, and targeting those stem cells toward specific damaged or diseased organs in the body so that the tissue in these organs might be repaired. The method comprises ingestion of a claimed formulation having effective amounts of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and fucoidan being released into the blood stream over a measured period of time, and during that period, irradiating the ribs, skull, vertebrae, or pelvic bones, as well as the damaged or diseased area with low-level laser therapy. The combination of ingesting the formulation and the low-level laser therapy causes the release of bone marrow pluripotent stem cells, which then transform into the targeted tissue cells, thereby repairing the damaged or diseased tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of inhibiting cancer cell growth or proliferation by contacting the cancer cell with an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Also provided are methods of delivering a chemotherapeutic agent to a cancer cell by contacting a cancer cell with an extracellular matrix composition containing a chemotherapeutic agent. Also provided are compositions containing ECM and a chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: A thiol-ene polymeric material is disclosed. The material is produced by the photopolymerization of reactants having thiol and olefin moieties. The material can incorporate encapsulated components, including cells. Additionally, the material can be derivatized by reacting the polymeric material with components such as proteins.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions containing Ecobiotic™ populations for prevention, treatment and reduction of symptoms associated with a dysbiosis of a mammalian subject such as a human.

Abstract: Methods for generating and using omentum cells, and particularly stromal cells and/or omentum stem cells, in medical treatments such as tissue repair and regeneration to facilitate healing from traumatic injury to an abdominal organ, and immune modulation treatments such as suppression of immune responses and inflammation and prevention of tissue fibrosis. According to one aspect, a medical procedure is performed on a patient that involves harvesting omental tissue from the patient, and then transferring the omental tissue to an organ of the patient. At least a portion of the harvested omental tissue may be activated prior to transferring the omental tissue to the organ. Alternatively, the transferred omental tissue may comprise non-lymphoid cells isolated from the omentum tissue and obtained by homogenizing at least a portion of the harvested omental tissue.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering substances in a dry mode, wherein the compositions include a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of the composition that is permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. The compositions may be used to deliver microorganisms to remove contaminates, such as oil, chemical, waste, or sewage, from soil, water, or air. In other embodiments, the compositions can also be used for delivering liquid food, liquid food additives, liquid biotech agricultural ingredients, conventional liquid agricultural ingredients, liquid human wellness and dietary supplements, and liquid fragrances and beauty products.

Abstract: Method of stimulating an immune response (e.g., to treat cancer) include administering to a patient a composition including dendritic cells that present cancer stem cell antigens. Compositions including cancer stem cell antigens are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of metathesizing olefins using catalysts previously considered to be practically inactive. The present invention further relates to novel photosensitive compositions, their use as photoresists, and methods related to patterning polymer layers on substrates. Further, modifications to the compositions and method provide for an unprecedented functionalization of the compositions, useful for example in the preparation of sensors, drug delivery systems, and tissue scaffolds. The novel compositions and associated methods also provide for the opportunity to prepare 3-dimensional objects which provide new access to critically dimensioned devices, including for example photonic devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of mitotically and/or lethally inactivated stem cells for the repair of damaged organs and/or tissues. Stem cells are mitotically and/or lethally inactivated and transplanted into damaged tissue. Any form of ex vivo inactivation of stem cells may be used such that the stem cells cannot undergo mitosis or cell division before in vivo application. Mitotically and/or lethally inactivated stem may be used to ameliorate numerous disease, injury, traumatic, ischemic, aging, and/or degenerative conditions in different types of organs and/or tissues.