Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid exchange cell culture technique and tissue repair cells (TRCs) made by these methods, as well as methods using these cells. The method includes a new wash step which increases the tissue repair properties of the TRCs of the invention. This wash step allows for the production of TRC populations with greater tissue repair and anti -inflammatory capabilities. Embodiments of the present invention include a post-culture process for cultured cells that preferably includes the steps of: a wash process for removing unwanted residual culture components, a volume reduction process, and a harvesting process to remove cultured cells. Preferably, all these steps are performed within a aseptically closed cell culture chamber by implementing a separation method that minimizes mechanical disruption of the cells and is simple to automate. The harvested cells may then be concentrated to a final volume for the intended use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for characterizing a carbohydrate polymer by identifying at least two binding agents that bind to the carbohydrate polymer. Binding is preferably determined by contacting the carbohydrate polymer with substrate that contains a plurality of first saccharide-binding agents affixed at predetermined locations on the substrate. The carbohydrate polymer is allowed to contact the substrate under conditions that allow for formation of a first complex between the first saccharide-binding agent and the carbohydrate polymer. A second saccharide-binding agent, which preferably includes a label, is also contacted with the carbohydrate polymer under conditions that allow for formation of a second complex between the second binding agent and the first complex. Identification of the first and second binding agent allows for characterization of the polysaccharide.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing carbohydrate polymers according to maps obtained from experimental data. Preferably, the data is obtained from a plurality of different types of experimental assays for characterizing the carbohydrate polymer. More preferably, at least one such assay involves binding a saccharide-binding agent to the carbohydrate polymer. One or more features of the carbohydrate polymer are then preferably characterized. These features are preferably derived from maps of the data obtained from assays involving the sample carbohydrate polymer. These maps are more preferably analyzed at a plurality of levels, with each level providing more abstract biological information. Most preferably, new types of experimental data are introduced to the process of analysis at each level, in order to support more complex analyses of the data. Optionally and most preferably, maps are eliminated at each level as being inconsistent with the experimental data.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the structural analysis of a saccharide, comprising: a) providing on a surface a plurality of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific binding agents; b) contacting said surface with a saccharide to be analyzed, or with a mixture comprising a plurality of fragments of said saccharide; c) washing or otherwise removing unbound saccharide or saccharide fragments; d) adding to the surface obtained in step c) an essentially sequence- and/or site-specific marker, or a mixture of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific markers; e) acquiring one or more images of the markers that are bound to said surface; and f) deriving information related to the identity of the saccharide being analyzed from said image.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modulating tumor growth or metastasis are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neuron-restrictive silencer factor proteins, nucleic acids, and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides amplification-based methods for detecting hypermethylated nucleic acid in heterogeneous biological samples, e.g., stool. A screening procedure based on the detection of hypermethylation, preferably at multiple genes, provides a means for detecting various diseases, e.g., colorectal cancer. By using chimeric primers that contain a 5′ non-specific portion, the specificity and efficiency of the nucleic acid amplification is improved. Methods of the invention are especially useful in detection of rare events in a heterogeneous sample.

Abstract: The subject invention addresses the need for methods of treatment and prevention of breast cancer, and other cancers, by providing a peptide of eight to twenty amino acids in length which comprises a hydrophilic analog of an alpha-fetoprotein peptide having SEQ ID NO: 6: EMTPVNPG. The peptides may be linear, but are preferably cyclic. The peptides may be provided as dimers or other multimers. A composition comprising the peptide, an antibody that specifically binds to the peptide, a method of reducing estrogen-stimulated growth of cells using the peptide, as well as a method of treating or preventing cancer, such as breast cancer, are also provided. The treatment or prevention method can include the use of tamoxifen therapy in combination with the peptide therapy.

Abstract: Provided, among things, is a method of decreasing intraocular pressure in an animal, including a human, comprising administering an intraocular pressure decreasing amount of a compound of the formula IA and or IB:

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the diagnosis of a human autoimmune disease, including presymptomatic diagnosis, said human autoimmune disease being associated with human retrovirus (HERV) having Superantigen (SAg) activity, comprising specifically detecting in a biological sample of human origin at least one of the following: (I) the mRNA of an expressed human endogenous retrovirus having Superantigen (SAg) activity, or fragments of such expressed retroviral mRNA, said retrovirus being associated with a given autoimmune disease, or (II) protein or peptide expressed by said retrovirus, or (III) antibodies specific to the protein expressed by said endogenous, or (IV) SAg activity specifically associated with said endogenous retrovirus, detection of any of the species (I) to (IV) indicating presence of autoimmune disease or imminent onset of autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for reversing advanced glycosylation end product-mediated cross-linking and protein aging. Accordingly, compositions are described which comprise thiazolium compounds substituted with heterocyclic groups which are capable of reversing the formation of advanced glycosylation end product cross-links. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are disclosed, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated. Such compounds have particular application in the treatment of protein aging such as is responsible for the complications of aging and diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biologically active serum-derived composition of matter (SDF), having a low molecular weight, being electrically charged at acidic pH and having absorption at 280 nm. The molecular weight of said SDF was determined by electron spray mass spectrometry and is of 316 Da. SDF of the present invention or its complex with ceruloplasmin (CP) have several therapeutic properties. For example, SDF or its complex with CP is capable of inducing terminal cell differentiation of leukemic cells, which as a result, may lose their ability to proliferate and their ability for self cell renewal. Further, SDF or the complex with CP is capable of stimulating the proliferation of early, normal progenitor cells and inhibiting enhanced angiogenesis. In addition, SDF or its complex with CP is capable of ex vivo expanding normal stem and progenitor cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel protein named Api m 6. Api m 6 was identified in bee venom and is found in four isoforms, each about 8 kD. The purified Api m 6 can be used to modulate immune responses, e.g., in individuals hypersensitive to bee venom.

Abstract: The invention provides cell-permeable peptides that bind to JNK proteins and inhibit JNK-mediated effects in JNK-expressing cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions containing novel leptin peptides, preferably for the modulation of body mass (i.e., weight), more specifically for novel diagnostic and therapeutic applications in homeostasis of body weight and adipose tissue mass.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the effect of a biological agent comprising contacting a cell culture with a biological agent. The cell culture of the invention contains a culture medium containing one or more preselected growth factors effective for inducing multipotent central nervous system (CNS) neural stem cell proliferation. The cell culture also contains, suspended in the culture medium, human multipotent CNS neural stem cells that are derived from primary CNS neural tissue that have a doubling rate faster than 30 days.

Abstract: A method of treating immune suppression in a warm-blooded animal bearing a tumor, by administering to the animal an amount of combretastatin A4 and/or a prodrug thereof effective to enhance immune responsiveness without causing vascular destruction. Immunotherapy treatment to inhibit or kill tumor cells includes administering to the animal an immune-response-stimulating agent such as a vaccine of tumor cells genetically modified to produce an immune-response-enhancing cytokine while counteracting tumor-induced immune suppression in the animal by administering combretastatin A4 and/or a prodrug thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and pharmaceutical compositions for inducing pancreatic hormone production.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating and preventing vascular diseases, by inhibiting cysteine proteases active at sites of vascular injury, particularly cathepsins K and S, by administering cystatin C or TGF-&bgr;1. Cystatin C is severely reduced in both atherosclerotic and aneurysmal aortic lesions. Also provided is a method of diagnosing a patient at risk of, or with, vascular injury by detecting low levels of circulating cystatin C.

Abstract: A new and distinct Argyranthemum plant named ‘Danaranblush’ characterized by having red ovate ray florets and orange-white colored bell-shaped disc florets when fully opened; bush type vigorous growth with numerous inflorescences per plant; use in the garden as a single plant or planted in groups, as well as use as a border plant and suitable for planting in pots due to its compact growth habit; and growth in full sunlight or partial shade.