Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a bone-derived extracellular matrix (bECM) product are provided. Also provided are bECM products and methods of using those products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active compound combinations for reducing the damage of plants and plant parts as well as losses in harvested fruits or vegetables caused by insects, nematodes or phytopathogens and which have fungicidal or nematicidal or insecticidal activity including any combination of the three activities, in particular within a composition, which comprises (A) Fluopyram and (B) one biological control agent, in particular bacteria, fungi or yeasts, protozoa, viruses, entomopathogenic nematodes, inoculants, botanicals and products produced by microorganisms including proteins or secondary metabolites. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for curatively or preventively controlling insects, nematodes or phytopathogens on the plant, plant parts, harvested fruits or vegetables, to the use of a combination according to the invention for the treatment of seed, to a method for protecting a seed and not at least to the treated seed.

Abstract: The invention relates to culture systems, methods, and conditions that allow pluripotent undifferentiated hESCs or iPSCs to progressively and uniformly differentiate into cells of the chondrogenic lineage.

Abstract: A system for targeted delivery of agents (e.g., molecular probes, diagnostic agents, therapeutic agents, imaging agents, research or analytical compounds, enzymes, peptides, proteins, lipids, lipoproteins, sugars, hormones, vitamins, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, and/or cells) including use of a composition containing the agent and a targeting moiety, specific for a determinant at the target location. An exemplary composition of the system includes a targeting moiety of one of peptides ?3, 2?3, 3?3, A1, B7, B8, B9, B1O, and D6, specific for targeting ICAM-I. The system enables effective, versatile, and safe targeting and transport of agents. The system is useful in research applications, as well as in the context of translational science and clinical interventions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heterogeneous or artificially created forms of plant defensins, and to uses of such heterogenous or artificially created defensins including methods for preventing or treating proliferative diseases. Compositions for use as animal and human medicaments are also provided. The present invention also relates to associated methods, uses, systems and kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing a combination of a first active component comprising one or more sulfated polysaccharides and/or glycosaminoglycans and a second active component comprising one or more RNAi-inducing molecules, and methods for using these compositions to enhance double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene silencing in pest or pathogen species. The invention further relates to methods for controlling pests or pathogens, methods for preventing pest infestations or pathogen infections and methods for knocking down gene expression in pests or pathogens using the compositions and methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a genipin cross-linked fibrin gel. The ratio of genipin to fibrin in the gel ranges from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 (genipin:fibrin). The gel can be hydrogel. The gel further contains proteins from the extracellular matrix that promote cell growth and density in and around the gel. Also provided is method for repairing tissue defects by administering the gel to site of tissue defect.

Abstract: The invention relates to the area of health-beneficial preparations and production methods thereof, in particular to the use of thermally pre-treated Lactobacillus preparations having specific bonding capacity for Streptococcus mutans for caries prophylaxis. The invention further relates to the Lactobacillus preparations and thermal pasteurization.

Abstract: A novel and stable attenuated poliovirus, which replicates in neuroblastoma cells, is produced by engineering an indigenous replication element (cre), into the 5? non-translated genomic region and inactivating the native cre element located in the coding region of 2C (mono-crePV). The stably attenuated poliovirus replicates in a neuroblastoma model (Neuro-2aCD155 tumors) expressing CD155, the poliovirus receptor, and is effective for oncolytic treatment and cure of solid tumors, such as neuroblastoma.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions or vaccines that contain a recombinant EHV-1 that elicit an immune response in animals against equine herpesvirus, including compositions comprising said recombinant EHV-1, methods of vaccination against equine herpesvirus, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel proangiogenic compositions, to the method for preparing same, and to the uses thereof, particularly for preventing or treating any disease causing ischemic-type complications.

Abstract: The inventions provided herein relate to silk-based scaffolds and methods of producing the same, which can be used for a range of tissue engineering applications. The fabrication methods described herein provide a versatile platform to incorporate hollow conduits (e.g., for nutrient/oxygen delivery) through three-dimensional silk-based scaffolds that have tunable bulk properties (e.g., but not limited to, porosity, mechanical, degradation rate) and allow endothelialization and/or cell compartmentalization, for engineering a variety of complex tissue equivalents.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing rejection by an immune system of a recipient subject of a tissue transplanted from a donor subject into the recipient subject without the need for long-term administration of non-specific immunosuppressive drugs.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods to modulate yeast-based immunotherapy products and the immune responses, prophylactic responses, and/or therapeutic responses elicited by such products. Also disclosed are modified yeast-based immunotherapy products, kits and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Purkinje cell-tropic viral vector in which a modified L7 promoter and a therapeutic gene are operably linked to a virus-based plasmid vector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for effectively and reproducibly infecting canines with Leishmania infantum using sand flies to vector the parasite. The inventive method comprises several steps, including ensuring canines are naïve to Leishmania, infecting the canines using bites of Leishmania-infected sand fly bites, and evaluating successful transmission of the Leishmania parasites.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for delivery of a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest, typically an antigen, to a dendritic cell (DC). The virus envelope comprises a DC-SIGN specific targeting molecule. The methods and related compositions can be used to treat patients suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV/AIDS, and various types of cancers.

Abstract: Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsid proteins are provided. Methods for generating a library of recombinant adeno-associated viral capsid proteins are also provided.

Abstract: A dietary supplement based on blue green algae, phycocyanin and phenylethylamine is fortified with one or more of curcumin, silymarin, resveratrol, astragalus root extract, astragoloside IV, vitamin D3, vitamin C, anhydrous trimethylglycine and brewer's yeast to stimulate stem cell production and reduce the rate of telomere reduction or shortening. This can result in the repair of existing body cells and enhance longevity by stimulating the production of new stem cells and maintaining the telomeres on new stem cells as well as existing cells. The dietary supplement supports an increased life span by enhancing metabolic function, activating SIRT-1 anti-aging genes, and encouraging the production of new cells with longer telomeres.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying candidate compounds for treating, reducing, or preventing a pathogenic infection, the methods including: (a) contacting a pathogenic cell with a candidate compound; and (b) measuring the production of a molecule selected from the group consisting of an 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinoline (HAQ) molecule, 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (HHQ) molecule, or a derivative or precursor thereof in the cell, a candidate compound that reduces the production relative to production of the molecule by a cell not contacted with the candidate compound, identifying a candidate compound useful for treating, reducing, or preventing a pathogenic infection.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for treating inflammation due to an immune response. Non-limiting example compositions include class-2 SPATE proteins that are capable of cleaving proteins involved in an inflammatory immune response in a patient. Example compositions include at least one mucin-cleaving class-2 SPATE protein. Further example compositions include protein involved in intestinal colonization (Pic). Non-limiting example methods include methods of decreasing inflammation in a patient having inflammation and methods of perturbing immune response in a patient having a disease or condition in which an active immune response is attributable to a cause of the disease or condition, by administering to the patient a composition including at least one class-2 SPATE protein capable of cleaving proteins involved in an inflammatory immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for light-activated cation channel proteins and their uses within cell membranes and subcellular regions. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-activated cation channels to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides millisecond-timescale temporal control of cation channels using moderate light intensities in cells, cell lines, transgenic animals, and humans. The invention provides for optically generating electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells useful for driving neuronal networks, drug screening, and therapy.

Abstract: A medium for growing vascular lineage cells is described. The vascular lineage cell growth medium includes an oligosaccharide-based hydrogel and a growth factor that promotes vascularization by vascular lineage cells.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for modulating an immune reaction between lymphocytes and a body recognized by the lymphocytes as foreign. The method exploits the immunomodulating activity of a new class of progenitor cells termed HUCPVCs derived from the perivascular region of human umbilical cord. The method can also emply soluble factors exuded by cultured HUCPVCs. The method is useful to treat immune disorders including graft versus host disease, autoimmune disorders, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for treating individuals at risk of developing or suffering from pancreatic cancer. The system comprises administering to the individual a recombinant poxvirus, where the poxvirus contains a foreign nucleic acid encoding at least one pancreatic tumor associated antigen (PTAA).

Abstract: An isolated human cell is disclosed comprising at least one mesenchymal stem cell phenotype and secreting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), wherein a basal secretion of the BDNF is at least five times greater than a basal secretion of the BDNF in a mesenchymal stem cell. Methods of generating same and uses of same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a rabbit skin containing biologically active substances. The rabbit skin extract is obtained by the process including vaccinating a rabbit subcutaneously with vaccinia virus, feeding the rabbit, killing the rabbit when the skin is inflamed, skinning the rabbit within 15 minutes of death, preserving the rabbit skin at ?18 degrees Celsius, extracting a portion of the rabbit skin with a phenol solution at 4° C., processing the rabbit skin extract with an acid and an alkali, eluting the rabbit skin extract and fractioning under a nitrogen atmosphere the eluted portion of the rabbit skin extract. The rabbit skin of the present invention can be used for preparing drugs and health foods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hydrogels and their preparation by cross-linking macromonomers by means of Diels-Alder reaction. The hydrogels described in the invention, which can gel in situ, are suitable, inter alia, as biomaterial for medical applications, as scaffolding material for living cells and as carrier system for the controlled release of drugs.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention is concerned with a method of cell culture, comprising the steps of (i) obtaining a stem or progenitor cell sample, (ii) culturing the stem or progenitor cell sample in media and under closed conditions appropriate to cause proliferation or differentiation of the stem or progenitor cells, wherein the media comprises a vEPO protein variant, (iii) purifying the stem or progenitor cells ex vivo. The invention relates to a method of increasing the number and survival of stem and progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo using a vEPO protein variant. The invention also relates to improved differentiation of stem and progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo using a vEPO protein variant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an infectious RNA molecule encoding a live viral strain of a dengue 3 virus (DV3), wherein said nucleotide sequence is the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleotide sequence having at least 99% identity with the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.1.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a recombinant bacterium comprising a regulated rfaH nucleic acid, as well as a vaccine comprising said recombinant bacterium. Other embodiments of the present invention encompass a recombinant bacterium comprising a regulated rfaH nucleic acid and a regulated rfc nucleic acid, while additional embodiments encompass a recombinant bacterium comprising a regulated rfaH nucleic acid and at least one nucleic acid encoding at least one exogenous antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides AAV capsid proteins (VP1, VP2 and/or VP3) comprising a modification in the amino acid sequence in the three-fold axis loop 4 and virus capsids and virus vectors comprising the modified AAV capsid protein. In particular embodiments, the modification comprises a substitution of one or more amino acids at amino acid positions 585 to 590 (inclusive) of the native AAV2 capsid protein sequence or the corresponding positions of other AAV capsid proteins. The invention also provides methods of administering the virus vectors and virus capsids of the invention to a cell or to a subject in vivo.

Abstract: Constructs and methods for immobilizing stem and other precursor cells, as well as other bioactive materials of therapeutic value on the surfaces of medical devices, such as bone, cartilage, spinal and tooth implants, are described herein. The present invention has broad application in the incorporation of bioactive and therapeutic materials in or on a medical implant or other interventional device, having particular value in enabling the real-time, utilization by medical personnel of bioactive materials extracted from the patient and subsequently reintroduced and immobilized in an implant device.

Abstract: A method for producing bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium having excellent viability even under various conditions with different environmental factors, novel bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium obtained by the method, and a method for detecting the bacteria are provided. By subculturing and storing bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium alternately in systems under conditions with different environmental factors, the bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium exhibiting excellent viability under all the conditions used for the alternate subculturing and storing can be produced.

Abstract: Provided are novel biocompatible copolymers and compositions comprising the copolymers. The copolymers and degradation products thereof are non-toxic and typically have an LCST between room temperature and 37° C. so that they are liquid at room temperature and gelled at 37° C. which facilitates their use in humans, for example for wound treatment and as a cellular growth matrix or niche. The copolymer comprises numerous ester linkages in its backbone so that the copolymers are erodeable in situ. Degradation products of the polymer are soluble and non-toxic. The copolymer is amine-reactive so that it can conjugate with proteins, such as collagen. Active ingredients, such as drugs, can be incorporated into compositions comprising the copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation made from a chitosan, a gelatin, and a phosphate salt can provide a sustained release/maintenance of a therapeutic agent, wherein the phosphate salt is selected from the group consisting of disodium phosphate and ammonium hydrogen phosphate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for accelerating the healing of connective tissue injuries and disorders. In particular, the invention is directed to accelerating the healing of injuries and disorders of tendons and ligaments. Such methods utilize novel compositions including, but not limited to, extraembryonic cytokine-secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution or ACCS), including pooled ACCS, and Physiologic Cytokine Solution (PCS).

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating diseases associated with loss of neuronal function are described. The methods are designed to promote proliferation, differentiation, migration, or integration of endogenous progenitor stem cells of the central nervous system (CNS). A therapy, such as an electrical signal or a stem cell enhancing agent, or a combination of therapies, is applied to a CNS region containing endogenous stem cells or a CNS region where the endogenous stem cells are predicted to migrate and eventually reside, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for enhancing the gastrointestinal health of an animal in need thereof by administering a gastrointestinal health maintaining or improving amount of a composition comprising an effective amount of lactic acid. The administered composition may also comprise one or more prebiotic, probiotic, symbiotic, anti bacterial, or anti-diarrhea agents.

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: Provided is a platform for entrapment within alumina sol-gel carriers of labile biologically active materials such as proteins, therapeutic enzymes, enzymes of industrial relevance, antigens, and small molecules for achieving successful and efficient protective storage, protection from harsh environmental conditions such as heat, pH and chemicals, delivery to site and subsequent treatment and/or vaccination against diseases against which the active agents are targeted.

Abstract: The present application provides compositions comprising hyaluronic acid having low levels of functional group modification, mixtures formed by controlled reaction of such lightly modified hyaluronic acid with suitable difunctional or multi-functional crosslinkers, and hydrogel precursor compositions and the resulting hydrogels. The compositions are lightly cross-linked and possess low pro-inflammatory properties when injected in vivo, and can be used as, for example, medical devices, biomedical adhesives and sealants, and for localized delivery of bioactive agents, among other uses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to long-lasting erythropoietin therapeutic formulations and their methods of use wherein the formulation comprises a genetically modified micro-organ that comprises a vector which comprises a nucleic acid sequence operably linked to one or more regulatory sequences, wherein the nucleic acid sequence encodes erythropoietin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to virus growth media that improve the yield of alpha-herpesviruses (e.g., HSV-2) grown in cell cultures. The growth media of the invention include two additives, a disaccharide and a lipid mixture, that can be added to serum-free or serum-enriched growth media to improve the efficiency of virus production. The invention further provides methods of producing alpha-herpesviruses (e.g., HSV-2) in such growth media.

Abstract: Osteoconductive matrices and methods are provided that have one or more statins disposed in calcium phosphate particles. The matrices may be injected into a fracture site. The osteoconductive matrices provided allow for sustained release of the statin and facilitate bone formation and repair of the fracture site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the proliferation of Pseudomonas, 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: Probiotic microorganisms are micro encapsulated by dispersing the probiotic microorganism in an aqueous suspension of a film forming protein and a carbohydrate; in an oil in water emulsion of a film forming protein and a carbohydrate and a fat; or in an oil which is subsequently dispersed in a film forming protein and a carbohydrate. The emulsion or suspension may be dried to form a powder. The probiotic may be dispersed in oil and then emulsified with the aqueous suspension and then dried to produce an encapsulated oil be dried to produce a powder. Oil suspended probiotics may be preferred where the probiotic is water sensitive. The preferred protein is casein or whey protein and the carbohydrate may be a resistant starch or a saccharide with a reducing sugar group. Where the probiotic is oxygen sensitive the protein carbohydrate is heated to create Maillard reaction products in the encapsulating film.

Abstract: The inventions provided herein relate to compositions, methods, delivery devices and kits for repairing or augmenting a tissue in a subject. The compositions described herein can be injectable such that they can be placed in a tissue to be treated with a minimally-invasive procedure (e.g., by injection). In some embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a compressed silk fibroin matrix, which can expand upon injection into the tissue and retain its original expanded volume within the tissue for a period of time. The compositions can be used as a filler to replace a tissue void, e.g., for tissue repair and/or augmentation, or as a scaffold to support tissue regeneration and/or reconstruction. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used for soft tissue repair or augmentation.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising one or more isolated LDH-deficient mutans streptococcus strains and one or more isolated S. oralis strains and/or one or more isolated S. uberis strains. Compositions of the invention are useful to maintain oral health, by for example treating and/or preventing one or more symptoms of dental caries, periodontitis and/or other oral cavity diseases or wounds.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that a single lentiviral vector expressing multiple individual transcription factor proteins from a single multi-cistronic mRNA can reprogram a fibroblast cell to a stem cell-like cell. These reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are pluripotent. Additions of the Cre-LoxP sequences into the single lentiviral vector facilitate excision of the vector after reprogramming in achieved. Addition of a maker gene into the single lentiviral vector facilitates detection of the presence of the vector in an iPS. The invention provides compositions and methods of producing iPS cells using a single multi-cistronic lentiviral vector.