Abstract: A disposable polymer container for manipulation of small specimens adapted to optimize heat transfer between an external heating element and specimens herein contained. In particular, this invention relates to the field of containers for Assisted Reproductive Technology hereunder In-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Abstract: Techniques regarding measuring a position and transcriptome of one or more cells from a biological sample are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a method, which can comprise covalently bonding a probe to a molecular structure located on a cell to label the cell according to a position of the cell with regards to a biological sample comprising the cell. The probe comprises an oligonucleotide sequence that can be indicative of the position.

Abstract: A method comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising an isolated microRNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of miR-19a-3p (SEQ ID NO:1); miR-103a-3p (SEQ ID NO:2); miR-106b-5p (SEQ ID NO:3); miR-146a-5p (SEQ ID NO:4); miR-223-5p (SEQ ID NO:5); miR-4497 (SEQ ID NO:6); miR-1303 (SEQ ID NO:7); miR-619-5p (SEQ ID NO:8); miR-1273f (SEQ ID NO:9); miR-7851-3p (SEQ ID NO:10); a functional variant thereof; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for reducing expression of C9ORF72 antisense transcript in an animal with C9ORF72 antisense transcript specific inhibitors. Such methods are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases in an individual in need thereof. Such C9ORF72 antisense transcript specific inhibitors include antisense compounds.

Abstract: Amino acids present in domains of an umami taste receptor are described herein, wherein the amino acids interact with at least one nucleotide derivative and/or at least one transmembrane compound that potentiates, modulates, increases, and/or enhances the activity of the umami receptor. Such compounds can be used in flavor compositions to enhance the umami taste and/or palatability of food products.

Abstract: Described herein are synthetic, modified RNAs for changing the phenotype of a cell, such as expressing a polypeptide or altering the developmental potential. Accordingly, provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits comprising synthetic, modified RNAs for changing the phenotype of a cell or cells. These methods, compositions, and kits comprising synthetic, modified RNAs can be used either to express a desired protein in a cell or tissue, or to change the differentiated phenotype of a cell to that of another, desired cell type.

Abstract: A cell culture container includes a storage container, a cell culture area, a culture solution supply unit, and a discharge unit. The cell culture area is a region for culturing cells, and is provided in the storage container. The culture solution supply unit supplies the culture solution into the cell culture area at a flow rate equal to or less than a predetermined flow rate. The discharge unit discharges the liquid in the cell culture area to the outside of the storage container. A rectification unit is a structure in which a plurality of outflow ports are uniformly arranged in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the culture solution from the culture solution supply unit to the discharge unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing immuno-stimulatory autologous dendritic cells. The present invention further relates to the use of such cells for treating patients suffering from hyper-proliferative disease such as cancer.

Abstract: The presently described subject matter relates to cancer vaccines composed of the signal peptide domain of tumor associated antigens or proteins. The described peptide vaccines have multiple MHC class I and class II epitopes which are highly abundant in the population. Therefore, these vaccines induce a strong, comprehensive immune response against the target proteins in the majority of the vaccinated population, and thereby induce an immune reaction against tumors expressing such target proteins. Specifically, the presently described subject matter relates to peptide vaccines composed of the signal peptide domain of Mucin (MUC1), BAGE-1 or ARMET, and their use for the treatment of cancers which express Mucin (MUC1), BAGE-1 or ARMET.

Abstract: A unified cell differentiation protocol for obtaining photoreceptor cells, retinal pigment epithelium, and 3D retinal organoid from pluripotent stem cells is described. Also described are photoreceptor cells, retinal pigmented epithelium, and 3D retinal organoid obtained from pluripotent stem cells. Also described are a pharmaceutical composition and a medicament containing the photoreceptor cells, retinal pigment epithelium, and 3D retinal organoid as described.

Abstract: Provided are a transgenic non-human mammal expressing a fusion protein, wherein the fusion protein comprises an ? subunit of an ATP synthase and two distinct fluorescent proteins as a donor and an acceptor for FRET, one of the fluorescent proteins being placed at an amino terminal moiety of the ? subunit and the other being placed at a carboxyl terminal moiety of the ? subunit, and a method of screening for an agent for preventing or treating diseases in a mammal in need thereof, comprising using an above transgenic non-human mammal.

Abstract: Method for determining developmental fate of early embryos comprises measuring the expression level of a gene selected from the group consisting of CDKN1C, IGF2R, MAGEL2, MKRN3, NAP1L5, NDN, PEG3, PHLDA2, TSSC4, and UBE3A genes. Also disclosed is a method for improving pregnancy rate, wherein early embryos whose expression level of the MKRN3, NDN, PEG3, PHLDA2, TSSC4, or UBE3A gene is not increased, or the expression level of the CDKN1C, IGF2R, MAGEL2, or NAP1L5 gene is not decreased, are selected for planting into a suitable uterus for further development. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the likelihood of an early embryo to develop successfully into full-term pregnancy, wherein a suitable amount of siRNA corresponding to the PHLDA2 gene is injected into a fertilized egg which is in turn cultured further and planted into a suitable uterus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for contacting in a closed container a host liquid including target cells, microbubble reagents comprising gas-core lipid-shelled microbubbles, and one or more antibodies or other ligands that bind to cell surface molecules on the target cells, wherein the one or more antibodies or other ligands are bound to the target cells or the microbubbles, wherein the contacting under conditions to produce target cells linked to microbubbles via the one or more antibodies or other ligands and activating the target cells to generate activated target cells.

Abstract: An extracellular vesicle isolation method using a metal, and a method for isolating extracellular vesicles from various samples using metal affinity are disclosed. An extracellular vesicle isolation method has the advantages of not requiring costly equipment, of being able to be applied without limits on sample quantity, and of being capable of efficiently isolating extracellular vesicles while preserving the shape or properties thereof. Moreover, the method can be combined with existing isolation methods to maximize the efficiency of extracellular vesicle isolation, and can be utilized in disease diagnosis, disease treatment, multi-omics research, and extracellular vesicle property research and the like using the isolated extracellular vesicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved culture methods for expanding epithelial stem cells and obtaining organoids, to culture media involved in said methods, and to uses of said organoids.

Abstract: Systems and methods for culturing cells are disclosed. A system can comprise an auxetic scaffold substrate. The substrate can comprise scaffold units at least a portion of which comprise living cells. Scaffold units can be configured to transition between a contracted state and an expanded state. Units can comprise an interior void having a contracted volume in the contracted state and an expanded volume in the expanded state, in which the expanded volume is greater than the contracted volume. Units can be configured to pass a fluid into the interior void of the corresponding unit when the unit transitions from the contracted state to the expanded state. Units can be configured to pass the fluid out of the interior void of the corresponding unit when the unit transitions from the expanded state to the contracted state.

Abstract: Genetically modified cells that are compatible with multiple subjects, e.g., universal donor cells, and methods of generating said genetic modified cells are provided herein. The universal donor cells comprise at least one genetic modification within or near at least one gene that encodes a survival factor, wherein the genetic modification comprises an insertion of a polynucleotide encoding a tolerogenic factor. The universal donor cells may further comprise at least one genetic modification within or near a gene that encodes one or more MHC-I or MHC-II human leukocyte antigens or a component or a transcriptional regulator of a MHC-I or MHC-II complex, wherein said genetic modification comprises an insertion of a polynucleotide encoding a second tolerogenic factor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are neural extracellular vesicles (EVs) and methods of using these EVs in the treatment of spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: A method for observing the dynamics of sweat glands and a method for evaluating a substance of interest, which are useful for development of a preparation for external application, such as a cosmetic. In each of the methods, an observation sample is used, which is prepared by staining all sweat glands, which are isolated alive, with a staining reagent, and then holding the all sweat glands on a support using at least one material selected from the group consisting of collagen, agarose, basement membrane matrix, poly-D-lysine and a membrane.

Abstract: This invention provides gels and matrices having a rigidity in the range of 150-750 Pa, methods of manufacturing same, and method of preserving a mesenchymal stem cell population or studying mesenchymal stem cells, comprising same.

Abstract: Therapeutic agents effective for treating cell-proliferative diseases contain extracellular vesicles (exosomes) released from cytotoxic T cells or miRNA obtained from extracellular vesicles (exosomes) released from cytotoxic T cells, such as human CD8+ T cells. Such therapeutic agents suppress the proliferation of mesenchymal cells surrounding cancer cells, e.g., by killing the mesenchymal cells, such that the cancer cells become isolated and unable to metastasize. Cell-proliferative diseases are thus treatable by administering such a therapeutic agent to a patient.

Abstract: A vacuum drill guide includes an elongated structure having an internal axial passageway formed therethrough, a first end of the elongated structure terminating in a drill bushing affixed to a first end of the elongated structure, the drill bushing having an axial slot communicating with the internal axial passageway of the elongated structure, the drill bushing further having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to receive a drill bit and allow the received drill bit to rotate, a second end of the elongated structure opposite the first end terminating in a vacuum hose fitting communicating with the axial passageway, a chip recovery chamber disposed along the internal axial passageway between the first end and the second end of the elongated structure, and a vacuum filter disposed in the internal axial passageway between the chip recovery chamber and the first end of the elongated structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integration-defective lentiviral vector based on a parental lentivirus and related methods, the integration-defective lentiviral vector including one or more of the following: (a) a mutation, deletion or other modification of one or more binding sites for a host factor involved in gene silencing; (b) an addition of one or more binding sites for a transcription activator, which can be natural (such as but not limited to ubiquitous and/or tissue/cell type specific) including but not limited to SP1 NFkB, or synthetic including but not limited to binding sites for tetracycline regulated trans activators tTA, rtTA, tT65, and/or rtT65; (c) one or more nucleic acid sequences from a SV40 genome, wherein the one or more sequences are obtained from a region of the SV40 genome upstream to the SV40 poly-adenylation signal; (d) a shRNA expression cassette, which encodes a shRNA directed to a host gene involved in epigenetic silencing and/or in DNA repair pathways; or (e) any combination o

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the promotion of wound healing and tissue regeneration are described. The compositions and methods make use of water-soluble soy protein isolates (WSsoy), Fraction 5, Fraction 9, and/or bioactive peptide components of soy protein isolates. The invention also relates to the unexpected discovery that purified WSsoy forms gel-like matrices when suspended within certain concentration ranges in an aqueous environment. The compositions of the invention comprising WSsoy promote natural healing and have a low risk profile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing human antibodies against a pathogen comprising injecting a non-human animal with a pathogen-derived DNA vaccine in at least two locations of the animal; injecting the animal with an adjuvant in a location of the animal different from the location of the DNA vaccine location; collecting plasma from the animal after the injections; and purifying polyclonal antibody from the plasma.

Abstract: This invention provides purified preparations of an RNA, oligoribonucleotide, or polyribonucleotide comprising a modified nucleoside, and methods of assessing purity of purified preparations of an RNA, oligoribonucleotide, or polyribonucleotide comprising a modified nucleoside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating glucose-responsive beta cells.

Abstract: To convert directly from a somatic cell into a cell having the ability to form stratified epithelial tissue that can act as outer skin of the body, a method for producing a cell having the ability to form stratified epithelial tissue is provided, the method including the step of introducing into a somatic cell at least one gene expressed relatively strongly in a cell having the ability to form stratified epithelial tissue.

Abstract: Nucleases and methods of using these nucleases for inserting a sequence encoding a therapeutic protein such as an enzyme into a cell, thereby providing proteins or cell therapeutics for treatment and/or prevention of a lysosomal storage disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying miRNA (microRNA)-modulating compounds by contacting a compound of interest with a cell comprising (i) a “miRNA-specific module” that reports specific miRNA target sequence binding by means of a first reporter product; (ii) a “non-specific RNAi module” that reports altered expression of one or more endogenous miRNAs with baseline expression levels in the cell (“non-specific miRNA markers”) by means of a second reporter product; and optionally (iii) a “gene expression module” that reports global changes in gene expression; and subsequent detection of changes in reporter product expression. The advantage of this method is that non-specific miRNA- and/or RNAi-effects of the compound of interest are detected and false positive results due to the structural similarity of different miRNAs and the commonly shared maturation pathway for most miRNAs are substantially reduced over conventional miRNA screening assays.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying modulators of ion channels without the use of recombinant cell lines over-expressing the ion channel proteins or the use of detection labels.

Abstract: Alveolar-like macrophages and a method for generating alveolar-like macrophages from hemangioblasts is provided. The method comprises the steps of: i) culturing the hemangioblasts in a hematopoietic-inducing medium comprising vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin-3 (IL-3) for a sufficient period of time to generate macrophages, and ii) culturing the macrophages in an alveolar macrophage-inducing medium comprising granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and optionally macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), under suitable conditions and for a sufficient period of time to yield alveolar-like macrophages.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of differentiating cardiomyocyte progenitor cells and mature cardiomyocyte cells from pluripotent stem cells. The methods may include differentiating pluripotent stems cells on a substrate including (i) laminin-511 or 521 and (ii) laminin 221. The mature cardiomyocyte cells produced by the method may form a human heart muscle cell line for use in regenerative cardiology.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides thermoreversible polymers, hydrogel compositions comprising the thermoreversible polymers, as well as methods of making and using the thermoreversible polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetically modified infectious measles virus derived from a live-attenuated measles virus strain, in which the gene encoding the viral accessory C protein has been knocked out (MV-deltaC). It concerns in particular the use of said genetically modified infectious MV-deltaC in the treatment of malignant tumour or cancer conditions, and for the preparation of agents or compositions for such treatment.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions related to non-human animals that express exogenous Terminal Deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT).

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and having a scraping surface configured to scrape tissue. A second member includes a cutting surface that is rotatable relative to the first member. The second member has a maximum length defined by opposite end surfaces of the second member. The end surfaces are each disposed within the first member. A third member includes an outer surface defining at least a portion of a passageway configured for disposal of the scraped tissue. The third member is fixed with the first member. The cutting surface is rotatable relative to the third member to transfer the scraped tissue along the axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved culture methods for expanding epithelial stem cells and obtaining organoids, to culture media involved in said methods, and to uses of said organoids.

Abstract: When mammal cells are administered by using a container whose surface in contact with the mammal cells is formed of a fluororesin material at least partially having a —CF3 terminal group or a container whose surface in contact with the mammal cells is formed of a fluororesin material having a total number of non-fluorinated group terminals and —CF2H group terminals in the fluororesin of 70 or less per 1×106 carbon atoms, or mammal cells are stored or cultured in such a container, the cell adhesion on the container inner surface and the cell survival rate reduction can effectively be suppressed. Therefore, by using these containers, a mammal cell-containing liquid having a high concentration and a high proportion of living cells can be administered, stored or prepared, which contributes to regenerative medicine using the mammal cell-containing liquid (suspension liquid).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing a tissue graft, comprising at least steps of providing a gel, seeding the gel with cells of at least a first and/or cells of a second type, and culturing of the cells of the first and/or cells of the second type in said gel until the formation of at least one first biostructure in the gel by the cells of the first type and/or the cells of the second type.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: The invention concerns pluri- or multipotent stem cells (SCs), e.g. human pluri- or multipotent stem cells (hSCs) engineered to express a multispecific antibody and which further express, on their surface, a human immune cell co-stimulatory ligand or an active fragment thereof.

Abstract: Genetic tests, such as whole genome analysis (WGA), have been employed to identify genetically superior embryos. The disclosed methods extend in vitro culture time of embryos while awaiting results of genetic tests being performed on a portion of the same embryos. The disclosed methods also help expand the number of cells in each embryo before implantation in the recipient.

Abstract: Provided are cytoplasts (enucleated cells), methods for making cytoplasts, compositions comprising cytoplasts, and methods for using cytoplasts.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a multi-specific polypeptide with a first moiety specific for a tumor-associated antigen on tumor cell surface and a second moiety specific for an immune checkpoint protein, which multi-specific polypeptide can be useful for biasing a T-cell-mediated response to a tumor micro-environment. For example, the polypeptide may contain: a) a first binding domain, for example, a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding domain of an antibody, specifically recognizing a tumor-associated antigen on tumor cell surface, and b) a second binding domain, such as a lipocalin mutein, capable of stimulating T-cell proliferation e.g., by inhibiting a protein receptor that down-regulates the immune system. The first binding domain may be genetically linked (i.e., peptide bond at its N- or C-terminus) to the second binding domain. The multispecific polypeptide also may contain a third or yet additional specific binding moieties, any of which can specifically bind a distinct immune checkpoint protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the frequency of meiotic recombination in plants, by inhibiting the RECQ4 or TOP3A protein, especially by mutagenesis or extinction of the RECQ4 or TOP3A gene coding for said protein. The invention can be used especially in the field of plant breeding and genetic mapping.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the system is used to monitor how organ systems respond to agents such as toxins or medications. The system enables the precise and controlled delivery of these agents, which, in some implementations, enables the biomimetic dosing of drugs in humans to be mimicked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RNAi constructs with improved tissue and cellular uptake characteristics and methods of use of these compounds in dermal and fibrotic applications.

Abstract: A method includes introducing a suspension including cells suspended in a cell culture medium through a feed port or a drain port into a cavity of a cell culture vessel, the suspension being in an amount sufficient to cover a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane positioned at a bottom of the cell culture vessel, the feed port being disposed through a surface of the cell culture vessel and configured to permit additional cell culture medium into the cavity, and the drain port being disposed through the surface of the cell culture vessel and configured to permit removal of the cells, cell culture medium, and used cell culture medium from the cavity, allowing the cells to settle on the gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane by gravity, removing the used cell culture medium through the drain port and introducing the additional cell culture medium through the feed port such that a constant volume is maintained in the cell culture vessel until the cells expand to a desired cell density, wherein the removi

Abstract: A culture device supplying an accurate amount of liquid into a culture bag has a culture bag having ports, a first bag holding portion having supporting surfaces supporting the culture bag, a rotation mechanism rotating the first bag holding portion, a liquid supplying mechanism supplying a liquid through a tube communicating with the ports a weight detector detecting the weight of the culture bag and the first bag holding portion, and a control portion, in which the control portion sets a first reference value according to a first detection information output from the weight detector in a first state and carries out a liquid supplying step of stopping the liquid supplying mechanism under the condition where a second detection information output from the weight detector when a liquid is supplied to the culturing bag reaches a first target value obtained by adding the weight of the liquid to be supplied to the first reference value.