The invention concerns a process for the preparation of fish proteases from fish viscera, preferably from cod (Gadus genus) viscera. The fish proteases produced according to the invention have high specific enzymatic activity and are useful for food uses, for biomedical applications, in histology and tissue culture.

An apparatus is provided for dispensing cells which comprises a determination unit to perform a determination as to whether a receptacle (i.e. a well) contains exactly one sample cell. This is because a medical study may require each cell in a colony of cultivated sample cells to each be derived from a common sample cell. The apparatus also comprises a dispenser to dispense one or more feeder cells into the receptacle based on the determination (i.e. when it is determined that the receptacle contains exactly one sample cell). The feeder cells which the apparatus is arranged to dispense are one or more feeder cells which are adapted to be responsive to a trigger condition being met to trigger death of that feeder cell. When the trigger condition is met, such as by controlling an environment of the receptacle, cell death of the feeder cells in the receptacle is triggered which results in only sample cells remaining alive.

Methods are disclosed for viable preservation of biomaterials including both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells/materials such as human cells and tissues at subzero and suprazero temperatures. One embodiment provides a method wherein initial desiccation and subsequent cooling of the biological samples is below their glass transition temperature (Tg) to achieve a stable glassy state without exposing the biomaterials to excessive osmotic/chemical stresses for long periods of time. Another embodiment provides a method that includes combining the initial desiccation with subsequent freeze-drying to achieve a glassy state of biomaterials. Another embodiment provides a desiccation medium with low salt, high osmolyte/glass former content and desiccation of biomaterials in a spherical droplet to avoid the edge effect.

Provided herein are cytoplasts, compositions comprising cytoplasts, methods of using cytoplasts, and methods of treating a subject, such as providing benefits to a healthy or unhealthy subject, or treating or diagnosing a disease or condition in a subject. In some embodiments, methods of treating a subject include: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a cytoplast. Also, provided herein are compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) that include a cytoplast. Also, provided herein are kits comprising instructions for using the compositions or methods.

The present invention relates to interleukin-4 receptor-binding fusion proteins. More specifically, the invention provides, in part, fusion proteins that include an interleukin-4 or interleukin-13 protein moiety joined to an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member protein moiety.

A production method for a cell population containing pluripotent stem cells includes: a step of culturing cell populations containing pluripotent stem cells; and a step of sorting out a cell population having the following characteristics (a) and (b) from the cell populations containing pluripotent stem cells. (a) A relative expression level of a LEF1 gene with respect to an expression level of a β-actin gene is 5.5×10.sup.−4 or less in the cell population. (b) A percentage of cells positive for LEF1 is 55% or less in the cell population.

The presently disclosed subject matter relates, in general, to the identification, isolation, and use of a population of stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood and/or other sources and that are referred to herein as Small Mobile Stem cells (short: SMS). More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to isolating said SMS stem cells and employing the same, optionally after in vitro manipulation, to treat tissue and/or organ damage in a subject in need thereof.

Provided is a host cell for stably propagating a virulent hand, foot and mouth disease virus, the host cell expressing no heparan sulfate and overexpressing primate scavenger receptor class B member 2 (SCARB2). Also provided is a method for screening for an anti-hand, foot and mouth disease virus vaccine or an anti-hand, foot and mouth disease virus drug using a stably cultured virulent hand, foot and mouth disease virus.

A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.

Provided herein are compositions and methods of use thereof for screening a plurality of uniquely identifiable therapeutic moiety in vivo by identifying one or more reporters indicative of a cell state.