Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating or preventing a cardiac arrhythmia in a subject.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel methods for modulating inflammatory and/or immune responses. Such methods utilize compositions comprising extraembryonic cells (herein referred to as EE cells) including but not limited to extraembryonic HLA-G positive cells (herein referred to as EHP cells) and amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells); compositions comprising expanded EE cell populations, and/or cell lysates and/or conditioned media derived therefrom, alone or in combination with each other and/or in combination with various extracellular matrices and/or devices and/or other suitable active agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for preparing, storing, shipping and using skin equivalents made by organotypic culture. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for producing, transporting, storing and using skin equivalents produced by organotypic culture at reduced temperatures, preferably from 2-8 degrees Celsius to ambient temperature. The methods include sterile packaging of the grafts so that the sterility and integrity of the package is maintained until the time of use for grafting purposes.

Abstract: Flowable matrix compositions and methods of their use and manufacture are provided. Exemplary compositions may include a flowable, syringeable, putty-like form of acellular human dermal matrix. In some cases, compositions may include a moldable acellular collagen extracellular matrix. In use, the matrix compositions can be used to fill or treat skin voids, channel wounds, and other soft tissue deficiencies.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which stimulate bone growth. Also provided are methods for utilizing the compositions for filling in bone defects, promoting rapid fusion of bone fractures, grafts, and bone-prostheses, and promoting strengthening of osteoporotic bones.

Abstract: Disclosed are tissue graft compositions made of materials having different densities, methods of making, and methods of treatment for restoring tissues in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for removing antigens from tissues by sequentially destabilizing and/or depolymerizing cytoskeletal components and removing and/or reducing water-soluble antigens and lipid-soluble antigens. The invention further relates to tissue scaffolding and decellularized extracellular matrix produced by such methods.

Abstract: Provided are methods of isolating an extracellular matrix from mesenchymal progenitor cells which are characterized by a reduced differentiation ability into an adipogenic lineage as compared to adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Also provide isolated extracellular matrix and hybrid devices comprising electrospun elements and extracellular matrix which can be used for various tissue regeneration, repair and reconstruction surgeries.

Abstract: The present application is directed to the field of implants comprising soft tissue for use in implantation in humans. The soft tissue implants of the present application are preferably obtained from xenograft sources. The present application provides a chemical process that sterilizes, removes antigens from and/or strengthens xenograft implants. The present techniques yield soft tissue implants having superior structural, mechanical, and/or biochemical integrity. The present application is also directed to processes for treating xenograft implants comprising soft tissues such as dermis, and to implants produced by such processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a damaged part treatment composition for repairing a damaged part of a target tissue that includes a stem cell-conditioned medium obtained by culturing stem cells; a damaged part treatment method for repairing or restoring a damaged part of a target tissue that includes administering the damaged part treatment composition to a patient having the target tissue for the damaged part treatment composition in an amount therapeutically effective for repairing the damaged part of the target tissue; a method of treating cerebral infarction that includes administering the damaged part treatment composition to a cerebral infarct patient in an amount effective for repairing a damaged part of the brain; and a method of treating a CNS disease that includes administering, as a CNS disease treatment composition, the damaged part treatment composition to a CNS disease patient in a therapeutically effective amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a rabbit skin containing biologically active substances. The rabbit skin extract is obtained by the process including vaccinating a rabbit subcutaneously with vaccinia virus, feeding the rabbit, killing the rabbit when the skin is inflamed, skinning the rabbit within 15 minutes of death, preserving the rabbit skin at ?18 degrees Celsius, extracting a portion of the rabbit skin with a phenol solution at 4° C., processing the rabbit skin extract with an acid and an alkali, eluting the rabbit skin extract and fractioning under a nitrogen atmosphere the eluted portion of the rabbit skin extract. The rabbit skin of the present invention can be used for preparing drugs and health foods.

Abstract: Disclosed are tissue graft compositions made of particles having different densities, methods of making these compositions, and methods of using these compositions for promoting tissue restoration in a patient.

Abstract: Tissue matrices having anti-microbial properties are provided. In certain embodiments, the tissue matrices include cationic anti-microbial agents that form a stable bond with the tissue matrices without adversely affecting the biologic properties of the tissue matrices.

Abstract: The dried amniotic membrane is produced by drying a fresh amniotic membrane, which envelopes an embryo of an animal including human, and can be used as a substitute membrane for a membrane tissue in a living body; the dried amniotic membrane is dehydrated and dried so that the dried amniotic membrane can be stored in a dry air in a sterile state; when hydrated again by immersing in water or a buffer solution, the amniotic membrane still has an epithelial cell, a basement membrane and a connective tissue which constitute the fresh amniotic membrane. The dried amniotic membrane is useful as a medical substitute membrane for a membrane tissue in a living body such as a dura mater, a meninx, a pericardium, a pleura and a peritoneum.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a biological material for implanting. The invention also provides a biological material for surgical implantation. The invention further provides a biological composition for surgical implantation.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a medicinal agent which is useful for amelioration or treatment of chronic prostatitis, interstitial cystitis and/or urination disorders. The present invention relates to a novel medical use of an extract from inflamed tissues inoculated with vaccinia virus, and more particularly, it relates to an ameliorating or therapeutic agent for chronic prostatitis, interstitial cystitis and/or urination disorders containing the extract as an active ingredient. The medicinal agent of the present invention containing the extract as an active ingredient is extremely useful as a highly effective and highly safe ameliorating or therapeutic agent for chronic prostatitis, interstitial cystitis and/or urination disorders.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing gelled, solubilized extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions useful as cell growth scaffolds. Also provided are compositions prepared according to the methods as well as uses for the compositions. In one embodiment a device, such as a prosthesis, is provided which comprises an inorganic matrix into which the gelled, solubilized ECM is dispersed to facilitate in-growth of cells into the ECM and thus adaptation and/or attachment of the device to a patient.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of sores, wounds, burns and other traumatized dermal tissues and skin injuries comprising Boswellia gum, gel, resin or extract, Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca oil), an Aloe gel, resin, latex or extract and Lavender oil. The composition may be incorporated into a medical device such as a wound dressing or bandage, or formulated into a topical preparation such as an ointment, lotion or cream.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a composition comprising a biological material and transition metal atoms selected from the group consisting of Group IVB, Group VB, Group VIB of the Periodic Chart and a combination thereof, bound to a surface of the biological material.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an evaluation method and a screening method capable of eliminating a substance that disturbs in vivo kinetics in an individual and capable of simply and easily searching a substance having an action of activating/suppressing an innate immune mechanism without being affected by LPS derived from bacteria, which can be contaminated during the search, as well as a drug and a food for activating/suppressing the innate immune mechanism, and methods of producing the same. The present invention provides a method of evaluating or screening the substance having the action of activating/suppressing the innate immune mechanism using a muscular contraction of an organism having the innate immune mechanism as an indicator, and methods of producing the drug and the food for activating/suppressing the innate immune mechanism.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating a tissue matrix with a proteolytic enzyme to produce a desired pliability of the tissue matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed are tissue graft compositions made of materials having different densities, methods of making, and methods of treatment for restoring tissues in a patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel methods for modulating inflammatory and/or immune responses. Such methods utilize compositions comprising extraembryonic cells (herein referred to as EE cells) including but not limited to extraembryonic HLA-G positive cells (herein referred to as EHP cells) and amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells); compositions comprising expanded EE cell populations, and/or cell lysates and/or conditioned media derived therefrom, alone or in combination with each other and/or in combination with various extracellular matrices and/or devices and/or other suitable active agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating or preventing a cardiac arrhythmia in a subject.

Abstract: Provided is an injectable composition for intra-articular administration including at least one viscosupplementation agent selected from hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate, keratin, keratin sulphate, heparin, cellulose and derivatives thereof, for example, chitosan, xanthans, galactomannan, alginates, and one or more salts thereof, and a fibroblast growth medium. The viscosupplementation agent and the fibroblast growth medium can be provided in a single composition for injection or as separate components for simultaneous, separate, or subsequent injection over time.

Abstract: A process for isolating a biomaterial extract from tissue is disclosed. The process comprises the step of contacting the tissue with an extracting solution so as to extract a biomaterial into solution. A solution containing the biomaterial extract is separated before being freeze-dried at a rate sufficient to enable the biomaterial to be isolated. The examples relate to the extraction of collagen from skin or hide using an acetic acid solution as the solvent.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods for treating liver disease, e.g., acute liver disease, using bone marrow-derived stem cells and bone marrow-derived stem cell conditioned media.

Abstract: An autologous topical formulation containing conditioned medium obtained from culture of autologous fibroblasts has been developed. Unlike other topical formulations, it is autologous since it is derived solely from cells obtained by the person who is to use the formulation. This avoids any possible reaction with proteins derived from the cells. Preferred formulations include gels, creams, lotions, and ointments. The topical formulations of conditioned medium obtained by culturing autologous dermal fibroblasts are topically administered to individuals for the prevention and treatment of scarring, reduction in signs of aging, and improvement in quality of skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of pharmacology, and particularly to a method for treating inflammation, particularly inflammation of the respiratory system. The invention provides a method to reduce or ameliorate inflammation, by administering an effective amount of a protein factor originally isolated from thymic tissue, and referred to as T4 immune stimulating factor (TISF).

Abstract: A formulation comprising a potentized mixture of triturated Lichen planus tissue with histamine in the ratio of about 1:2 to about 2:1 in a vehicle, where the ratio of the mixture to the vehicle, can be varied from 1:99 to 50:50.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an in vitro method to provide biological tissue with a heparin coating comprising the following steps; linking a biotin reagent to biological tissue, linking an avidin reagent to the biotinylated biological tissue, and linking a heparin reagent to the formed layer of avidin on the biological tissue thus forming a heparin coating. The invention further discloses a heparin coating on biological tissue, the use of a heparin coating, and the biological tissue coated with a heparin layer according to the method.

Abstract: Methods, mixtures, and kits related to treating tissue are provided. The methods, mixtures, and kits can include an acellular tissue matrix, a polymer, and a solvent and may be capable of producing tissue scaffolds. The tissue scaffolds may be able to form a stable, three-dimensional shape in situ and elicit a limited immunologic or inflammatory response.

Abstract: Implantable pliable bone blocks comprising a solid block of cortical bone characterized by a length, width and thickness, having a first and a second face on opposite sides of the block. The first and second faces have a plurality slot features. The angle of incidence of the slot features of the first face and the x-axis and the angle of incidence of the slot features of the second face and the x-axis (a2) are such that the slots would intersect if they were in the same plane. Methods are provided for making implantable pliable bone blocks.

Abstract: Combinations of cell lines are provided for allogeneic immunotherapy agents in the treatment of cancer. Cancer vaccines generally have been limited to the use of cells that contain at least some tumor specific antigens (“TSAs”) and/or tumor associated antigens (“TAAs”) having shared identity with antigens in a targeted tumor. In such cases, tumor cells often are utilized as a starting point on the premise that only tumor cells will contain TSAs or TAAs or relevance, and the tissue origins of the cells are matched to the tumor site in patients. A primary aspect of the invention is the use of immortalised normal, non-malignant cells, in combination with primary and/or metastatic tumor cells, as the basis of an allogeneic cell cancer vaccine. Normal cells do not posses TSAs or relevant concentrations of TAAs and hence it is surprising that normal cells are effective as anti-cancer vaccines when administered in combination with primary and/or metastatic tumor cells.

Abstract: A tissue graft construct for use in repairing diseased or damaged tissues is provided. The tissue graft construct comprises a matrix composition selected from the group consisting of liver basement membrane and extracts and hydrolysates thereof, and processed collagen from vertebrate non-submucosal sources, added endothelial cells, and at least one additional preselected, exogenous population of cells which enhance the initiation of vessel-like structures in the grant. The preselected population of cells can be a population of non-keratinized or keratinized epithelial cells or a population of mesodermally derived cells selected from the group consisting of fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, multi-potential progenitor cells, pericytes, osteogenic cells, and any other suitable cell type, preferably selected based on the tissue to be repaired.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for modifying antigenic carbohydrate epitopes within a xenographic bioprosthetic tissue by oxidation of vicinal diols to form aldehydes or acids and subsequence reductive amination of aldehydes to form stable secondary amines, or amidation or esterification of acids to form stable amides or esters. Advantageously, methods provided herein mitigate the antigenicity of the bioprosthetic tissue while leaving the overall tissue structure substantially undisturbed, and thereby enhance the durability, safety and performance of the bioprosthetic implant.

Abstract: The invention here relates to a product comprised of a cell line or lines intended for use as an allogeneic immunotherapy agent for the treatment of cancer in mammals and humans. All of the studies of cell-based cancer vaccines to date have one feature in common, namely the intention to use cells that contain at least some TSAs and/or TAAs that are shared with the antigens present in patients' tumor. In each case, tumor cells are utilized as the starting point on the premise that only tumor cells will contain TSAs or TAAs of relevance, and the tissue origins of the cells are matched to the tumor site in patients. A primary aspect of the invention is the use of immortalized normal, non-malignant cells as the basis of an allogeneic cell cancer vaccine. Normal cells do not possess TSAs or relevant concentrations of TAAs and hence it is surprising that normal cells are effective as anti-cancer vaccines.

Abstract: A scaffold material for wound care and/or other tissue healing applications and methods for making the same is described. The scaffold material is constituted of a decellularized extracellular matrix from fish skin. The scaffold material may also include lipids from the lipid layer of the fish skin. Methods for making and using the scaffold material are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel ?-galactosidases for the enzymatic removal of the immunodominant monosaccharides on blood products and tissues. Specifically this invention provides a novel family of ?3 glycosidases, used for the enzymatic removal of type B antigens from blood group B and AB reactive blood products, and the GaIiIi antigen from non-human animal tissues, thereby converting these to non-immunogenic cells and tissues suitable for transplantation.

Abstract: The invention provides activated fibroblasts for the treatment of tissue and/or organ damage in a patient. Fibroblasts are activated by culturing the cells under conditions that induce the cells to adhere to each other and simultaneously to secrete growth factors, especially hepatocyte growth factor, HGF. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition based on the medium in which the activated fibroblasts are cultured. The invention further provides methods for transplantation.

Abstract: There is provided a medicinal agent that is effective and highly safe for the prevention or alleviation of a peripheral nerve disorder that develops as a side effect occurring after the administration of an anti-cancer agent. The present invention relates to a novel medical use of an extract from inflamed tissues inoculated with vaccinia virus, and to a prophylactic or alleviating agent for a peripheral nerve disorder that contains the extract as an active ingredient. The agent containing the extract as an active ingredient is used for a prophylactic or alleviating agent for a peripheral nerve disorder induced by an anti-cancer agent and is a highly safe and remarkably highly useful medicinal agent with few side effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the cosmetic prevention or treatment of skin ageing in an individual, comprising administering to said individual a cosmetically active quantity of a gingival fibroblast-derived product.

Abstract: An acellular matrix glue and a method of making is disclosed. Specifically, an acellular matrix glue that is useful in preparing a reinforced acellular matrix for medical applications including tissue engineering and hernia repair.

Abstract: A tissue graft composition comprising liver basement membrane and a method of preparation of this tissue graft composition are described. The graft composition can be implanted to replace or induce the repair of damaged or diseased tissues.

Abstract: A method of efficiently removing or fixing donor cells from a native tissue of mammalian origin comprises immersing the tissue in a treating solution, and irradiating the tissue with microwave while maintaining the temperature thereof in the range between 0° C. and 40° C.

Abstract: A biomaterial prepared from a process comprising dehydrating the fish scales until the fish scales containing less than about 50% of water, and grinding the dehydrated fish scales into ground particles each having an average size of less than about 10,000 ?m in diameter, wherein the ground particles contain a mixture of sponge like matrix and powder is provided. The invention also provides a biomaterial prepared from fish scales by a process comprising subjecting the fish scales to a heat treatment at a temperature of less than about 200° C.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to treat a patient having a wound area, such as a burn injury. The method provides a plurality of epidermal/dermal cells, and applies that plurality of epidermal/dermal cells to the wound area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating or preventing cardiac arrhythmia in a subject.

Abstract: A tissue graft construct for use in repairing diseased or damaged tissues is provided. The tissue graft construct comprises a matrix composition selected from the group consisting of liver basement membrane and extracts and hydrolysates thereof, and processed collagen from vertebrate non-submucosal sources, added endothelial cells, and at least one additional preselected, exogenous population of cells which enhance the initiation of vessel-like structures in the grant. The preselected population of cells can be a population of non-keratinized or keratinized epithelial cells or a population of mesodermally derived cells selected from the group consisting of fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, multi-potential progenitor cells, pericytes, osteogenic cells, and any other suitable cell type, preferably selected based on the tissue to be repaired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition useful for making homogeneously mineralized self assembled peptide-amphiphile nanofibers and nanofiber gels. The composition is generally a solution comprised of a positively or negatively charged peptide-amphiphile and a like signed ion from the mineral. Mixing this solution with a second solution containing a dissolved counter-ion of the mineral and/or a second oppositely charged peptide amphiphile, results in the rapid self assembly of the peptide-amphiphiles into a nanofiber gel and templated mineralization of the ions. Templated mineralization of the initially dissolved mineral cations and anions in the mixture occurs with preferential orientation of the mineral crystals along the fiber surfaces within the nanofiber gel. One advantage of the present invention is that it results in homogenous growth of the mineral throughout the nanofiber gel.