This invention relates generally to methods of preparing compositions from microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, particularly to preparing compositions with antifungal and/or antibacterial characteristics, and more particularly to preparing cyanobacteria or other microorganism-derived compositions for use in construction materials. Cyanobacteria make various kinds of natural products that may be useful for a variety of applications, including products with antifungal and/or antibacterial activity, and other biologically active compounds (e.g. immunomodulatory, antitumor, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral). Some of the especially useful ones might be antifungals and antibacterials, such as by incorporation or application onto construction materials (e.g. drywall).

The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising at least one open reading frame and at least one 3′-untranslated region element (3′-UTR element) comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is derived from the 3′-UTR of a FIG4 gene or from a variant of the 3′-UTR of a FIG4 gene. The invention further relates to the use of such an artificial nucleic acid molecule in gene therapy and/or genetic vaccination. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a 3′-UTR element comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is derived from the 3′-UTR of a FIG4 gene or from a variant of the 3′-UTR of a FIG4 gene for the stabilization and/or prolongation of protein expression from a nucleic acid sequence comprising such 3′-UTR element.

Targeted disruption of a specific gene and its subsequent restoration in obligate intracellular bacteria remains extremely challenging due to their absolute requirement for residence inside a host cell to replicate. Here, targeted allelic exchange mutations were created to inactivate two genes and then to restore one of the two genes of a rickettsial pathogen, Ehrlichia chaffeensis. These methods were then also successfully utilized in Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocyophilum. The resultant mutated pathogens are useful in immunogenic compositions for reducing the incidence of or severity of infection with ricksettsial pathogens.

Provided are vaccine compositions and methods against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The composition comprises liposomes which have polysaccharides from one or more serotypes and have proteins non-covalently attached to the surface and exposed to the exterior.

A combined microalgae and mycorrhizal fungi granular formulation includes a microalgae inoculant combined with a mycorrhizal fungi inoculant with demineralized water to maintain moisture and applied to carrier granules such as a natural clay-based or mineral-based material. The coated granules are dried and may be applied to agricultural areas in dried granular form.

A combined microalgae and mycorrhizal fungi granular formulation includes a microalgae inoculant combined with a mycorrhizal fungi inoculant with demineralized water to maintain moisture and applied to carrier granules such as a natural clay-based or mineral-based material. The coated granules are dried and may be applied to agricultural areas in dried granular form.

The invention relates to a plant protection and/or plant growth promotion system, comprising at least one anchor peptide for increased binding to a plant part, a support function, which is indirectly or directly bound to the anchor peptide, and an active substance for protecting the plant and/or promoting plant growth and yield.

Compositions and methods are provided for improved wound healing. In particular, provided herein are compositions and methods for the direct delivery of Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) or vectors encoding Sirt1 to the wounds (e.g., of diabetic patients).

Provided are compositions and methods for production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, or chemokines. Provided are nucleic acids (e.g., expression vectors) that include an NFκB inflammation response element operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-inflammatory cytokine (e.g., IL-4). In some cases, the nucleic acid is an expression vector selected from: a linear expression vector, a circular expression vector, a plasmid, and a viral expression vector. Also provided are cells (e.g., mesenchymal stem cells—MSCs) comprising a nucleic acid that includes an NFκB inflammation response element operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In some cases, the nucleic acid is integrated into the cell's genome. Also provided are methods for treating an individual having an inflammation-associated ailment, which can include administering an MSC to the individual, where the MSC includes an NFκB inflammation response element operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-inflammatory cytokine.

Methods of controlling a plant pathogen, e.g. fungal and bacterial pathogens, on a plant, are described wherein an agricultural composition comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FCC1256 deposited as ATCC No. PTA-122162, a carrier, a surface-active agent and optionally a buffer, and a corresponding concentrate is also described.