Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising RSV F protein, methods for preparing compositions that contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides, and to certain engineered RSV F proteins and nucleic acids that encode the engineered RSV F proteins. Compositions prepared using the methods can contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides in a predominant or single desired form and conformation. The invention also relates to methods for inducing an immune response to RSV F.

Abstract: Provided are methods and kits for reducing the severity of muscle stiffness. The method comprises delivering to one or more specific locations in the deep fascia of an affected muscle a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of hyaluronidase.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a protein engineering pipeline configured to optimize or improve proteins for specified functions. The problem space of such a task can grow quickly based on the sequence of the protein being optimized and the functions for which the protein is being designed. The solutions described herein allow the problem space to be efficiently searched by applying a combination of a protein design pipeline and an evaluation procedure performed on a quantum computer. As a result, single or multiple amino acid substitutions at a site of interest may be predicted in order to generate optimized protein variants.

Abstract: A cell culturing system includes a docking station, a handling unit, a culturing module and an actuation layer. The culturing module has a culturing well and a culturing membrane separating the culturing well in an apical culturing chamber and a basal culturing chamber. The handling unit removably accommodates the culturing module and the actuation layer. The docking station has a coupling structure for removably holding the handling unit in a predefined position and an actuation feeding channel, wherein, when the handling unit is held by the coupling structure in the predefined position, a first end of the actuation feeding channel is connected to the actuation bore and a second end of the actuation feeding channel is connected to a connector.

Abstract: Provided is a genetically modified non-human mammal that comprises an anchor DNA sequence inserted at an endogenous locus of a secretory milk protein gene, wherein the anchor DNA sequence comprises a site-specific recombinase recognition site. Also provided is a genetically modified non-human mammal that comprises a transgene inserted at an endogenous locus of a secretory milk protein gene, wherein the transgene encodes a secretory protein and is operably linked to the endogenous promoter of said secretory milk protein gene, and wherein the transgene is flanked by a pair of site-specific recombinase resulting sites. The genetically modified non-human mammals provided can be used for producing the secreted recombinant protein encoded by the transgene from the milk produced by the genetically modified non-human mammals.

Abstract: An embryo, gamete or stem cell culture medium comprising: a) acetyl-carnitine at a concentration of about 5 to about 50 ?M; and b) lipoic acid or a derivative thereof at a concentration of about 2.5 to about 40 ?M. The culture medium may optionally further comprises acetyl-cysteine at a concentration of about 5 to about 50 ?M.

Abstract: A method of determining one or more target nucleic acids in cells includes the steps of: delivering one or more probes into the cells, each of the one or more probes being capable of binding with corresponding target nucleic acid present in the cells to form a double-stranded sequence; inserting an array of functionalized nanoneedles into the cells to bind with the double-stranded sequence; and hybridizing the bound double-stranded sequence with a first and second DNA sequence to produce a hybridized product, the first and second DNA sequence being at least partially complementary to each other. A kit for determining a target nucleic acid in cells includes a first reagent comprising a probe for binding with the target nucleic acid to form a double-stranded sequence; and an array of functionalized nanoneedles comprising a protein for binding with the double-stranded sequence.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for simultaneously expressing amyloid precursor protein and TonB protein. These devices and methods increase the production of these two proteins while also minimizing costs, making the proteins more widely accessible for medical research purposes, including the development of diagnostic tests for numerous diseases associated with elevated production of amyloid proteins. The amyloid precursor protein and TonB produced by the devices and methods described herein, as well as the devices themselves, can be used in experiments designed to model the interactions between metals and amyloids such as ?-amyloid that are characteristic of numerous diseases such as Alzheimer's. Finally, provided herein are diagnostic tests that can detect Alzheimer's disease in samples from patients; the tests are sensitive enough to identify diseases such as Alzheimer's even at pre-clinical stages, before the appearance of symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising RSV F protein, methods for preparing compositions that contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides, and to certain engineered RSV F proteins and nucleic acids that encode the engineered RSV F proteins. Compositions prepared using the methods can contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides in a predominant or single desired form and conformation. The invention also relates to methods for inducing an immune response to RSV F.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of preparing a biological specimen for imaging analysis, comprising fixing and clearing the biological specimen and subsequently analyzing the cleared biological specimen using microscopy. Also included are methods of quantifying cells, for example, active populations of cells in response to a stimulant. The present disclosure also provides devices for practicing the described methods. A flow-assisted clearing device provides rapid clearing of hydrogel-embedded biological specimens without the need of specialized equipment such as electrophoresis or perfusion devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing susceptibility of cancer cells to ionizing radiation by delivering to the cells a radiosensitizing agent that has one of the following properties: it perturbs the process of chromosome segregation thereby increasing chromosome missegregation; or (b) it is an inhibitor of an agent that promotes faithful chromosome segregation induces numeric chromosome instability in said cells and this instability is induced substantially simultaneously with or closely prior to or closely after irradiating the cells. Examples of such radiosensitizing agent include inhibitors of one or more of the following: Kif2b, MCAK, MPS1, Eg5/Kinesin-5 5, Polo-like kinase 4, MCAK, Bub1 and Hec1. Such agents specifically target proteins involved in maintaining or promoting faithful chromosome segregation.

Abstract: A nucleic acid-drug complex is provided in the present disclosure, which includes a nucleic acid sequence of an anti-PD-L1 aptamer and a CpG oligonucleotide sequence capable of activating TLR9, in which the CpG oligonucleotide sequence consists of a first fragment and a second fragment, and the nucleic acid sequence of the anti-PD-L1 aptamer is inserted between the first fragment and the second fragment.

Abstract: A synthetic peptide provided according to the technology disclosed here includes (1) a CMTM4-TM related sequence; and (2) an amino acid sequence that functions as a cell membrane permeable peptide. The synthetic peptide has a total number of amino acid residues of 100 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T-cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cultivating cells, in particular tissues, comprising a carrier plate unit, which has at least one access opening, at least one cultivation chamber, and at least one channel connecting the access opening to the cultivation chamber.

Abstract: A specimen processing system includes a plate for supporting a specimen system, wherein the specimen system includes a container and a specimen contained therein. The specimen processing system further includes a camera disposed above the plate and configured to generate images of the specimen system, a light source disposed beneath the plate for radiating light towards the plate, a light stop for blocking a portion of the light from reaching the specimen system to produce darkfield illumination of the specimen at the camera, and one or more processors electronically coupled to the camera and configured to track a position of the specimen within the specimen container during a specimen processing protocol based on the images.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising, or consisting of, the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleic acid sequence of at least 1000 bp having at least 80% identity to said sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said isolated nucleic acid molecule specifically leads to the expression in cells of the retinal pigment epithelium of a gene when operatively linked to a nucleic acid sequence coding for said gene.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the shipping, packaging, and freezing of whole or partial biological materials including but not limited to cells, tissues, and organs, designed to simultaneously reduce freezing damage and maintain tissue structure. The compositions include a buffered hyperosmotic solution, an oncotic agent, an antioxidant, a metal chelator, and a ketone body. These aspects of the present invention are applicable to transport and preservation of biological materials including but not limited to amniotic membrane of the placenta and umbilical cord and are applicable to preservation of cellular and acellular biological materials generally.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for performing multiplex RT-PCR to amplify short nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies that specifically bind tau. The antibodies inhibit or delay tau-associated pathologies and associated symptomatic deterioration.

Abstract: The present set of embodiments relate to a bioproduction system, method, and apparatus for creating a scalable bioreactor system. Specifically, the present set of embodiments enable the determination of bioreaction performance characteristics of a commercial scale by matching operational parameters between a small test scale bioreaction to that of a commercial scale bioreaction. The system and methods do not rely on simply making bioreactor apparatuses across scales the same dimensionally which would not account for differences in fluid dynamic properties between very small to very large volumes, but requires tuning of a variety of systems (mixing assembly, sparger system, and headspace airflow system) in conjunction with one another to achieve predictive outcomes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating whole cells from a mixture, e.g., including liquid, other cell types, nucleic acid material, or other components. Focused acoustic energy may be used to move whole cells in a chamber so that the cells exit the chamber via a first outlet rather than a second outlet. A filter may, or need not, be used to assist in separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of porcine granulocyte colony stimulating factor (pG-CSF). The pG-CSF variants are useful in treating preventing or reducing the incidence of bacterial infections in swine. Methods of treating swine are disclosed.

Abstract: Various cell analysis systems of the present teachings can measure the electrical and metabolic activity of single, living cells with subcellular addressability and simultaneous data acquisition for between about 10 cells to about 500,000 cells in a single analysis. Various sensor array devices of the present teachings can have sensor arrays with between 20 million to 660 million ChemFET sensors built into a massively paralleled array and can provide for simultaneous measurement of cells with data acquisition rates in the kilohertz (kHz) range. As various ChemFET sensor arrays of the present teachings can detect chemical analytes as well detect changes in cell membrane potential, various cell analysis systems of the present teachings also provide for the controlled chemical and electrical interrogation of cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fusion protein including a cell-penetrating peptide and an LRR domain derived from the NLRX1 protein. Since the fusion protein can effectively inhibit and alleviate the disease severity of autoimmune diseases and directly regulates T cell functions, it can be usefully used to treat or prevent autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The substrates, systems, and methods described herein relate to textured substrates for preparing a comestible meat product. Substrates and methods are described herein for controlling one or more of growth, adhesion, retention, and/or release of cells (e.g., of a cell sheet) on or from the surface of the substrate. A method of preparing a comestible meat product may include applying a plurality of non-human cells to at least one patterned texture substrate, growing the cells on the patterned texture substrate to form the comestible meat product, and separating the comestible meat product from the patterned texture substrate. The patterned texture allows for improved growth, adhesion, retention, and/or release of cells as compared to another surface not comprising the patterned texture. In some embodiments, the cell culture substrate surfaces include a plurality of regions corresponding to a plurality of patterned textures.

Abstract: Provided herein are genetically modified arenaviral vectors suitable as vaccines for prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus infections and reactivation. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections and reactivation. Specifically, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines, and methods of treating cytomegalovirus infections and reactivation.

Abstract: Disclosed are cationic lipids which are compounds of Formula I. Cationic lipids provided herein can be useful for delivery and expression of mRNA and encoded protein, e.g., as a component of liposomal delivery vehicle, and accordingly can be useful for treating various diseases, disorders and conditions, such as those associated with deficiency of one or more proteins.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a container system and method for the cryopreservation and resuspension of a body fluid. The container system may include a cryopreservation container comprising the body fluid in a cryopreservation liquid, a resuspension container comprising a resuspension solution, a connection tube sterilely connecting the cryopreservation container and the resuspension container, and at least one shut-off element actively associated with the connection tube.

Abstract: There is provided herein a method for expanding human CD4-CD8- regulatory T cells (DN Tregs) from a population of cells comprising DN Tregs, comprising: culturing the population of cells with artificial antigen presenting cells (APCs), preferably the DN Tregs are ??-TCR-CD56- or alternatively ?8-TCR+.

Abstract: Cyclic peptide pro-gelator compositions, and methods of therapeutic use, which assemble into macromolecular hydrogel when administered through cleavage by endogenous enzymes upregulated at a site of tissue injury, such as a myocardial infarction.

Abstract: The invention provides antibody heavy chain constant regions with a hinge region modified to reduce binding to Fc? receptors. The modification occurs within positions 233-236 by replacement of natural residues by glycine(s) and/or deletion(s). Such modifications can reduce binding of an antibody bearing such a constant region to Fc? receptors to background levels. The constant regions can be incorporated into any format of antibody or Fc fusion protein. Such antibodies or fusion proteins can be used in methods of treatment, particularly those in which the mechanisms of action of the antibody or Fc fusion protein is not primarily or at all dependent on effector functions, as is the case when an antibody inhibits a receptor-ligand interaction or agonizes a receptor.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an object to be medically examined by blowing is provided where air is blown into a container in which an object to be medically examined is stored, so as to make the uniform distribution state of the object to be medically examined from the inside of the container, thereby ensuring the sameness of the object to be medically examined, which is to be extracted from the container.

Abstract: A method for producing a mesenchymal cell line derived from a vertebrate adipose tissue, and a mesenchymal cell line derived from a vertebrate adipose tissue produced by the method. Advantageously, a method for producing a mesenchymal cell line derived from a vertebrate adipose tissue is achieved more simply, in a shorter period of time, and more efficiently. Also, a mesenchymal cell line is derived from a vertebrate adipose tissue produced by the production method. The method for producing a mesenchymal cell line derived from a vertebrate adipose tissue comprises: (A) inducing differentiation of one or more cells selected from a stromal vascular fraction comprising a mesenchymal stem cell, an adipose progenitor cell, and a stromal cell of a vertebrate adipose tissue into a mature adipocyte; and (B) inducing dedifferentiation of the mature adipocyte obtained in step (A) to obtain a mesenchymal cell line derived from the vertebrate adipose tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell-based assay for measuring T cell activation mediated by a T cell-dependent bispecific antibody (TDB). In some aspects, the assay is useful for detecting a TDB in a composition, quantitating the amount of TDB in a composition, determining the potency and/or specificity of a TDB, or determining if a population of cells expresses a target antigen. Compositions and kits are also contemplated.

Abstract: An antibody that binds a glycosylated protein is disclosed, wherein the glycosylation comprises the glycan motif Fuc?1-2Gal?1-3GlcNAc?1-3Gal?1 or Fuc?1-2Gal?1-3GlcNAc. Antibodies that are cytotoxic against undifferentiated pluripotent cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for knocking in a gene of interest to a cell. The genome of the cell contains a negative selectable marker, e.g., a thymidine kinase gene flanked by a pair of recombinase recognition sites (RRS), e.g., attP. The method involves introducing into the cell a targeting construct that contains a gene of interest flanked by a second pair of RRS, e.g., attB. The targeting construct also contains in the vector backbone a negative selectable marker, e.g., thymidine kinase gene. When a recombinase recognizing the RRS is expressed, the recombination events between the two pairs of RRS result in the site-specific integration of the gene of interest in the genome of the cell. Upon selection based on the negative selectable marker, the parental cells, cells with undesired integration, e.g., random integration, or the integration of the vector backbone are removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved processes for production of closed linear deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), in particular cell-free enzymatic production of closed linear DNA molecules, preferably using a closed linear DNA as a template for DNA synthesis. The invention further relates to a novel closed linear DNA species, suitable for use as a template in the improved processes for production of closed linear DNA. Further, the invention pertains to the intermediate products of the processes, since this enables the production of larger quantities of closed linear DNA from the template than with methods known in the art.

Abstract: Provided is a method for efficiently manufacturing high-purity peripheral nerve cells from undifferentiated cells. The method for manufacturing peripheral nerve cells from undifferentiated cells having an ability to differentiate into peripheral nerve cells includes the following steps (a) and (b): (a) culturing undifferentiated cells having an ability to differentiate into peripheral nerve cells to induce differentiation into neural progenitor cells without detaching a grown colony from a culture vessel; and (b) detaching the neural progenitor cells produced in the step (a) from the culture vessel, then seeding the cells at a seeding density of 2×105 to 6×105 cells/cm2 to a culture vessel, and culturing the cells for 14 to 42 days.

Abstract: Nanoparticles coated with extracellular matrix (ECM) are provided, in some aspects, for the delivery of a therapeutic protein, nucleic acid, or drug. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are delivered to a subject via inhalation or aerosol delivery. Also provided, in some aspects, are methods for treating acute lung injury comprising administering ?-Klotho (?Klotho) protein or DNA to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryoprotecting agent comprising a cryprotectant being one or more of: dextrin, dextran, isomaltooligosaccharide and derivatives thereof, cryoprotecting and cryopreserved compositions, uses thereof, and methods of cryopreservation.

Abstract: A method, software, database, and system in which a query attribute is used as the basis for accessing stored attribute combinations and their frequencies of occurrence for individuals; and tabulating, based on frequencies of occurrence, those attribute combinations that are most likely to co-occur with the query attribute.

Abstract: The present application, in some embodiments, is directed to a polynucleotide including: (a) a first nucleic acid molecule including a sequence of a human endogenous Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) promoter; and (b) a second nucleic acid molecule including a codon optimized sequence encoding a BTK or a functional analog thereof. Further provided are an expression vector, a cell, and a composition, all of which include the polynucleotide of the invention, and a method of using same, such as for treating X-linked Agammaglobulinemia (XLA) in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating cancer comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of KPC1, a peptide which is at least about 70% homologous to the KPC1 or an agent which up-regulates KPC1. In some embodiments, there is also provided a method for treating cancer comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of p50, a peptide which is at least about 70% homologous to the p50 or an agent which up-regulates p50.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for preventing, suppressing, alleviating, ameliorating or treating pruritus comprising stem cell-derived exosomes as an active ingredient. The composition of the present invention is able to act against pruritus-inducing multiple cytokine targets, for example, IL-4, IL-31 and TSLP, and thus is able to be widely applied against pruritus caused by various factors and is able to effectively suppress and alleviate pruritus. In addition, when the composition of the present invention is applied directly to human skin, it is able to remarkably ameliorate pruritus-associated clinical scores, erythema and the like. Thus, the composition of the present invention is able to be used as a pharmaceutical composition, a skin external preparation and a cosmetic composition for preventing, suppressing, alleviating, ameliorating or treating pruritus.

Abstract: Methods for purifying, culturing and selecting mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) subpopulations with neonatal quality and adult tissue specificity are for in production of advanced therapeutic medicinal products. In certain examples, term amniotic fluid derived cells having characteristics of lung cells can be isolated. In some the term amniotic fluid derived cells having characteristics of lung cells can be used in the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for manufacturing pluripotent cells. In particular, the invention provides improved culture platforms for manufacturing pluripotent cells with ground state pluripotency.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating a disorder associated with mutations in the CEP290 gene. The disclosure includes synthetic polynucleotides for skipping a reading-frame of a CEP290 pre-RNA, yielding a CEP290 translated product that lacks one or more exons. The disclosure also provides methods of treating patients with the synthetic polynucleotides disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunotherapeutic approaches to treating haematological cancers. In particular the invention relates to a method for treating a haematological cancer by targeting the 5T4 antigen. As such, the invention provides a method for treating haematological cancers comprising administering to a subject a 5T4-targeting agent. The invention also provides a 5T4-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and uses thereof in treating cancers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for generating an optimized nucleotide sequence encoding an engineered influenza structural protein and the optimized nucleotide sequences obtained therefrom. The optimized nucleotide sequences can be used in a reverse genetics system to facilitate the rescue of infectious influenza virus containing the engineered structural proteins and/or enhance viral titers. Also provided are methods of preparing an influenza vaccine composition using the optimized nucleotide sequences, as well as methods of inducing an immune response using the influenza vaccine composition.