Abstract: Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of at least one layer of amnion tissue where the epithelium layer has been substantially removed in order to expose the basement layer to host cells. By removing the epithelium layer, cells from the host can more readily interact with the cell-adhesion bio-active factors located onto top and within of the basement membrane. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. The laminin structure of amnion tissue is nearly identical to that of native human tissue such as, for example, oral mucosa tissue. This includes high level of laminin-5, a cell adhesion bio-active factor show to bind gingival epithelia-cells, found throughout upper portions of the basement membrane.

Abstract: A sheet-shaped composition is provided which has an improved preservability and handling readiness, as well as a high flexibility in use. Amnion with trehalose added thereto is utilized. Addition of trehalose improves the flexibility of the amnion, and prevents basal membrane and stratum compactum from being damaged during lyophilization process.

Abstract: A skin nourishing ball is disclosed. The skin nourishing ball has as a transparent ball body that includes a casing made of fish-scale collagen and a fish embryo extract particle enclosed in the casing. The fish embryo extract is taken from a fertilized fish embryo and therefore highly stable against deterioration. In addition, the fish embryo extract is effective in reducing fine lines on the skin, improving skin elasticity, and enhancing the spontaneous moisture-retaining ability of skin. Due to the granular configuration of the skin nourishing ball, it is possible not only to take a specific quantity of such balls for use, but also to control the quantity with ease, thereby preventing the user from applying an excessive or insufficient quantity of the skin nourishing balls to the skin.

Abstract: A method for using bird eggs to detect the presence of at least one botulinum toxin.

Abstract: Compositions having a combination of specific biological components have been found to exert a number of useful effects in mammalian cells, including modulating TGF ? signaling, apoptosis, and proliferation of mammalian cells, as well as decreasing inflammation in mice. These components can be obtained commercially, or can be prepared from biological tissues such as placental tissues. Placental amniotic membrane (AM) preparations described herein include AM pieces, AM extracts, AM jelly, AM stroma, and mixtures of these compositions with additional components. The compositions can be used to treat various diseases, such as wound healing, inflammation and angiogenesis-related diseases.

Abstract: Compositions having a combination of specific biological components have been found to exert a number of useful effects in mammalian cells, including modulating TGF ? signaling, apoptosis, and proliferation of mammalian cells, as well as decreasing inflammation in mice. These components can be obtained commercially, or can be prepared from biological tissues such as placental tissues. Placental amniotic membrane (AM) preparations described herein include AM pieces, AM extracts, AM jelly, AM stroma, and mixtures of these compositions with additional components. The compositions can be used to treat various diseases, such as wound healing, inflammation and angiogenesis-related diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for treatment of acne or acneform conditions, particularly but not limited to, acne vulgaris with products generated from culture of stem or progenitor cells. Specifically, compositions of matter are disclosed which are useful for the treatment of acne and acne associated disease states, in particular acne vulgaris, by topical administration of products derived from stem cells or progenitor cells.

Abstract: A sheet-shaped composition is provided which has an improved preservability and handling readiness, as well as a high flexibility in use. Amnion with trehalose added thereto is utilized. Addition of trehalose improves the flexibility of the amnion, and prevents basal membrane and stratum compactum from being damaged during lyophilization process.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. In preferred embodiments, the methods and agents comprise active extracts produced from fish eggs. The invention further provides processes for making active fish egg extracts.

Abstract: We describe an pre-natal mesenchymal stem cell obtainable from a pre-natal tissue such as a foetal tissue, a descendent of such a mesenchymal stem cell, a cell culture or a cell line comprising either. The pre-natal mesenchymal stem cell, cell culture or cell line may comprise a cell line F1Ib, F2lb, F3lb, F1ki or F3li. We further describe a conditioned medium conditioned by such a pre-natal mesenchymal stem cell, cell culture or cell line. These may comprise cardioprotective activity, and may in particular be used to treat or prevent a range of cardiac disorders of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Drosophila in vitro system which was used to demonstrate that dsRNA is processed to RNA segments 21-23 nucleotides (nt) in length. Furthermore, when these 21-23 nt fragments are purified and added back to Drosophila extracts, they mediate RNA interference in the absence of long dsRNA. Thus, these 21-23 nt fragments are the sequence-specific mediators of RNA degradation. A molecular signal, which may be their specific length, must be present in these 21-23 nt fragments to recruit cellular factors involved in RNAi. This present invention encompasses these 21-23 nt fragments and their use for specifically inactivating gene function. The use of these fragments (or chemically synthesized oligonucleotides of the same or similar nature) enables the targeting of specific mRNAs for degradation in mammalian cells, where the use of long dsRNAs to elicit RNAi is usually not practical, presumably because of the deleterious effects of the interferon response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a contact lens-shaped amniotic dressing and a contact lens-shaped amniotic dressing prepared therefrom for treating ocular surface diseases, which does not require the use of sutures or an adhesion material. The inventive contact lens-shaped amniotic dressing is capable of solving the problems associated with suturing an amniotic membrane, e.g., highly delicate surgical techniques of suturing, long surgery time, stitch abscess, granuloma formation, tissue necrosis, and discomfort of patients; and the problems associated with the use of a support, e.g., the elimination of the support by eye blinking, breaking of the support, and discomfort.

Abstract: An anti-adhesion wound barrier fabricated from amnion obtained from human birth tissue and treated with a glutaraldehyde solution is provided. The amnion is treated in 1% glutaraldehyde solution for up to 15 minutes to fix the amnion. Methods of processing the birth tissue to prepare the amnion for use as a wound barrier are also provided. Use of the amnion anti-adhesion wound barrier for dressing wounds is also described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tissue matrix for implantation into a patient is disclosed. The method sets forth collecting embryonic stem cells from a placenta which has been treated to remove residual cord blood and seeding the collected stem cells onto or into a tissue matrix. The seeded tissue matrix is then implanted on or into a patient. The seeded tissue matrix made by the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fertilized egg isolate, methods for preparing the fertilized egg isolate and uses thereof for treating mental health disorders and disease or conditions mediated by or associated with one or more glutamate receptors or by the neurokinin 2 (NK2) receptor.

Abstract: A method of preparing an amniotic membrane extract including the steps of obtaining a healthy amniotic membrane from a pregnant mammal, such as a pig, cow, horse or human, homogenizing the membrane to obtain a homogenate solution, freezing the homogenate solution, and lyophilizing the frozen homogenate solution to dryness is disclosed. Preferably, the lyophilized homogenate is pulverized to a powder. The lyophilized homogenate is then reconstituted before use, e.g., in a liquid, such as a balanced salt solution or fresh amniotic fluid, or in another substance, such a gel, an ointment, a cream or a soap, depending on the intended use. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition prepared according to the method of the invention, for prophylaxis and/or treatment of a disease or condition, especially of the eye or the skin.

Abstract: A method of treating a renal, hepatic or enzyme-deficiency disorder in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method is effected by transplanting into the subject tissue derived from a human or porcine, kidney or liver, the kidney or liver being at a selected gestational stage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for promoting hair growth. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to extraembryonic cytokine secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells), conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution or ACCS), cell lysates derived therefrom, and cell products derived therefrom, each alone or in combination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for storage and development of eggs from helminthic parasites, where the composition further comprises a liquid carrier having a pH value of below 7 at a temperature of from 10 C to ambient temperature. The liquid carrier can be sulphuric acid, H2SO4 with a pH in the range of from 0 to 2, and antibiotics can be added. The invention further relates to a method for treating, ameliorating, prophylactic or curative, an autoimmune or allergic disease in an individual, animal or man, using eggs being separated from the composition. The present invention also relates to methods for isolation, embryonation and preservation of eggs of helminthic parasite, and to a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising a helminthic parasite preparation. The helminthic parasite eggs may be from the pig whipworm; Trichuris suis ova (TSO).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of placental stem cells and stem or progenitor cells derived from a second source, wherein the combination shows improved engraftment as compared to placental stem cells or stem cells from a second source, alone. The combination is referred to as a combined stem cell population. The invention also provides in vitro and in vivo methods for identifying and producing combined stem cell populations, and models of engraftment. In accordance with the present invention, the placental stem cells may be combined with, e.g., umbilical cord blood-derived stem or progenitor cells, fetal or neonatal stem cells or progenitor cells, adult stem cells or progenitor cells, hematopoietic stem cells or progenitor cells, stem or progenitor cells derived from bone marrow, etc.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for the treatment of wounds. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to amnion-derived multipotent cells (herein referred to as AMP cells), conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine suspension or ACCS), cell lysates derived therefrom, cell products derived therefrom, each alone or in combination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dried amnion which is dried with maintaining tissues of a raw amnion and can be easily stored for a prolonged period of time. An amnion which is dried with maintaining cells and tissues of a raw amnion can be produced by repeating a pressure-reducing operation and a pressure-recovery operation several times, the pressure-reducing operation comprising continuously heating a raw amnion placed in a treatment vessel by a far-infrared heater provided in the treatment vessel and reducing the pressure of the inside of the treatment vessel, and the pressure-recovery operation comprising recovering the reduced pressure of the inside of the treatment vessel with heating the amnion by microwaves irradiated from a microwave heating apparatus provided outside of the treatment vessel, and the amnion is characterized by retaining basement membranes and connective tissues which are constituents of the raw amnion.

Abstract: A sheet-shaped composition is provided which has an improved preservability and handling readiness, as well as a high flexibility in use. Amnion with trehalose added thereto is utilized. Addition of trehalose improves the flexibility of the amnion, and prevents basal membrane and stratum compactum from being damaged during lyophilization process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for storage and development of eggs from helminthic parasites, where the composition further comprises a liquid carrier having a pH value of below 7 at a temperature of from 1° C. to ambient temperature. The liquid carrier can be sulphuric acid, H2SO4 with a pH in the range of from O to 2, and antibiotics can be added. The invention further relates to a method for treating, ameliorating, prophylactic or curative, an autoimmune or allergic disease in an individual, animal or man, using eggs being separated from the composition. The present invention also relates to methods for isolation, embryonation and preservation of eggs of helminthic parasite, and to a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising a helminthic parasite preparation. The helminthic parasite eggs may be from the pig whipworm; Trichuris suis ova (TSO).

Abstract: A dormant preparation (DC) is provided which is capable of inhibiting proliferation of various kinds of cells. The preparation comprises an extract which is obtained from cells or tissue originating in an organism capable of entering a phase of dormancy in at least one of its parts and comprises at least one substance which induces or maintains the state of dormancy in the organism from which the cells or tissue are derived. The DC may be used for a variety of indications including human medicine and cosmetics, plant growth control and food preservation.

Abstract: The invention relates to cytotrophoblast stem cells derived from embryonic stem cells; their differentiation into endovascular cytotrophoblast cells; and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and method for enhancing fertilization. Fertilization enhancement is achieved by effectively delivering bioactive molecules with a lipid anchor (GPI-linked proteins) to the surface of epididymal or ejaculated sperm. The process may be facilitated or promoted in the presence of Clusterin/ApoJ, a well-known lipid carrier. The acquisition of these molecules, such as Sperm Adhesion Molecule 1 (SPAM1) can significantly impact sperm maturation and function.

Abstract: A method for making, storing and using a surgical graft from equine amniotic membrane in veterinary ophthalmology. The amniotic membrane is obtained from equine placenta, from which the chorion has been separated. Sheets of the amniotic membrane are cut to size and mounted on filter paper. The cells of the amniotic membrane are killed, preferably while being frozen and thawed in the storage solution. The equine amniotic membrane can be used in a variety of ocular surgeries in horses but also other species such as food animals, dogs and cats. It represents a strong biomaterial that will give a good physical support to the ocular tissues while inducing a minimal amount of scarring which is primordial in ocular surgeries in order to obtain the best visual outcome.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tissue matrix for implantation into a patient is disclosed. The method sets forth collecting embryonic stem cells from a placenta which has been treated to remove residual cord blood and seeding the collected stem cells onto or into a tissue matrix. The seeded tissue matrix is then implanted on or into a patient. The seeded tissue matrix made by the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for the prevention and treatment of age-related physical and mental disorders that includes phospholipids that have been extracted from chick embryos aged between about 6 days old and about 14 days old. Also provided is a method for extracting these phospholipids by incubating them for between about 6 days to about 14 days. The chick embryos are then prepared for chemical extraction, and the lipids are extracted from the chick embryos. Further provided is a method for preventing and treating age-related physical and mental disorders, in human subjects in need thereof, by administering a sufficient dosage of a composition including phospholipids extracted from chick embryos incubated for between about 6 days and about 14 days to a human subject.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of obtaining compounds from human amniotic tissue and/or by synthesizing these compounds by chemical and genetic engineering methods known in the art that modulate apoptosis in animals, including humans, their preparation, their applications in human conditions for the treatment of all disease conditions and other conditions in which apoptosis occurs and in laboratory tests for diagnostic studies and other potential uses. The invention describes methods of obtaining compositions that modulate apoptosis and compositions obtained thereby. These compositions are herein referred to as Amnion Apoptosis Modulators (AAM). AAM includes materials comprised of biologically active factors found in amniotic tissue and amniotic fluid associated therewith. AAM could be manufactured from the amniotic tissue of mammalian origin—human, pig etc.

Abstract: A topical application of omentum, preferably in a cream form, that takes advantage of the healing properties of omentum for the treatment of topical maladies. An internal application of omentum for the treatment of internal maladies, such as ulcers. And a method of processing the mammalian omentum for topical or internal application.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for the prevention and treatment of age-related physical and mental disorders that includes phospholipids that have been extracted from chick embryos aged between about 6 days old and about 14 days old. Also provided is a method for extracting these phospholipids by incubating them for between about 6 days to about 14 days. The chick embryos are then prepared for chemical extraction, and the lipids are extracted from the chick embryos. Further provided is a method for preventing and treating age-related physical and mental disorders, in human subjects in need thereof, by administering a sufficient dosage of a composition including phospholipids extracted from chick embryos incubated for between about 6 days and about 14 days to a human subject.

Abstract: A preparation and a method of making composite blastocysts (CBs) from aggregates of dissociated cells of non-viable pre-embryos are disclosed. The CB is characterized morphologically by having two distinct tissue types, the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE), and a blastocoelic cavity (BC). The method of making CBs is an aggregation process (AP) comprising inter alia the following steps: 1) dissociation of discarded pre-embryos; 2) isolation of single nucleated cells from dissociated discarded pre-embryos; 3) microsurgical encapsulation of several cells within a host zona pellucida or artificial aggregation with or without a non-zona vessel; and 5) primary culture of the cell aggregates for multiplication and differentiation of cells. One particularly advantageous embodiment is that the starting material is non-viable pre-embryos. Another advantageous embodiment is that the AP allows individual cells from non-viable pre-embryos to further multiply, and become integrated into CBs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the production of avian gametes, comprising reducing endogenous primordial germ cells (PGCs) in a recipient bird in ovo and introducing donor primordial germ cells from another bird into the recipient bird in ovo. The present invention further provides a method of increasing the ratio of male offspring from a female bird, comprising reducing endogenous PGCs in the female bird in ovo, introducing donor PGCs from another bird into the female bird in ovo, and incubating the female bird to hatch. The female bird is raised to sexual maturity and bred to produce a plurality of eggs having a higher proportion of male eggs than in the absence of the inventive methods. In some embodiments, the donor PGCs are from a different species than the recipient bird. In preferred embodiments, endogenous PGCs are reduced using busulfan.

Abstract: A method of producing a sustained localized immunosuppressive effect in localized tissues is achieved by transplanting Sertoli cells proximate to the tissue.

Abstract: A colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles of silver is used to preserve animal reproductive samples such as boar semen without the use of antibiotics. The colloidal silver solution may have a metal concentration of at least about 1×10−9 moles/liter and may be mixed with conventional culture media such as semen extender.

Abstract: A method for the cryopreservation of zona pellucida-intact, early-stage swine embryos, morulae and blastocysts includes centrifuging the embryos prior to cryopreservation in order to remove intracytoplasmic lipids. The lipids are localized external to the embryo proper inside the zona pellucida, thus neutralizing harmful effects which prevent subsequent embryological development. The embryos may be cryopreserved by vitrification or conventional freezing. After recovery and rehydration, zona pellucidae are removed, and intact, viable embryos are transferred to recipient females.

Abstract: A method of forming and preserving a bioremodelable, biopolymer scaffold material by subjecting animal tissue to chemical and mechanical processing. In addition to skin tissue, another source of EBM is a blood vessel. EBM may be used for hernia repair, colon, rectal, vaginal and or urethral prolapse treatment; pelvic floor reconstruction; muscle flap reinforcement; lung tissue support; rotator cuff repair or replacement; periosteum replacement; dura repair; pericardial membrane repair; soft tissue augmentation; intervertebral disk repair; and periodontal repair. EBM may also be used as a urethral sling, laminectomy barrier or spinal fusion device.

Abstract: A composition for stimulating hair growth is described comprising an effective amount of mesenchyme from an animal embryo. Methods for orally administering the composition are taught, including maintaining the composition frozen until use, maintaining the composition sublingually prior to swallowing.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of obtaining compounds from human amniotic tissue and/or by synthesizing these compounds by chemical and genetic engineering methods known in the art that modulate apoptosis in animals, including humans, their preparation, their applications in human conditions for the treatment of all disease conditions and other conditions in which apoptosis occurs and in laboratory tests for diagnostic studies and other potential uses. The invention describes methods of obtaining compositions that modulate apoptosis and compositions obtained thereby. These compositions are herein referred to as Amnion Apoptosis Modulators (AAM). AAM includes materials comprised of biologically active factors found in amniotic tissue and amniotic fluid associated therewith. AAM could be manufactured from the amniotic tissue of mammalian origin—human, pig etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active substance inhibiting tumorous proliferation in ectoderm derived tissues and to a composition containing such substance.

Abstract: A method for the production and collection of avian sperm comprises the steps of: providing primordial germ cells from a donor avian species; administering the primordial germ cells to a recipient avian species in ovo; incubating the recipient avian species to hatch; and then collecting sperm of the donor avian species from the recipient avian species. For example, the donor avian species may be a whooping crane, and the recipient avian species may be a sand hill crane. In another example, the donor avian species may be a turkey, and the recipient avian species may be a chicken.

Abstract: The present invention concerns products and methods particularly useful for activating and analyzing non-dividing cell nuclei. The featured products include activating egg extracts, cytostatic factor (CSF) extracts, kits containing these extracts, and a microchamber microscope slide useful in analyzing nucleus activation.

Abstract: Embryonic stem cell lines C-6 and C-2, Cr/A-3, DB1, and B6-26 have been derived from the inbred mice strains C3H/HeN, BALB/c, DBA/1J, and C57BL/6N, respectively. The embryonic stem cells are alkaline phosphatase positive and express a C3H specific antigen. The embryonic stem cell lines are useful in genetic research and the production of knockout mice.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for determining the phototoxicity and/or photosensitivity of substances or substance mixtures, involving putting the chemical substance or substance mixture into contact with a non-human vertebrate embryo or tissues or tissue components of a vertebrate embryo, except for human skin cell cultures, whereby, following the contact, there is also a treatment with electromagnetic radiation ranging from 1 mm to 200 nm, followed by evaluation of the pathology of the embryo, tissue or cell; also disclosed is the use of a non-human vertebrate embryo or tissues or tissue components of such an embryo, except for human cell cultures, for purposes of determining the phototoxicity and/or photosensitivity of chemical substances/substance mixtures.

Abstract: A method for specifically inducing transient infertility or permanent sterility in a host animal by selective vaccination with specific zona pellucida proteins or immunocontraceptively active fragments thereof. Novel zona pellucida DNA sequences encoding specific zona pellucida proteins are disclosed.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide which provides for initial binding of sperm to oocyte investments and has an active amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:12 (Cys-Gln-Ser-Leu-Gln-Glu-Tyr-Leu-Ala-Glu-Gln-Asn-Gln-Arg-Gln-Leu-Glu-Ser-A sn-Lys-Ile-Pro-Glu-Val-Asp-Leu-Ala-Arg-Val-Val-Ala-Pro-Phe-Met-Ser-Asn-Ile- Pro-Leu-Leu-Leu-Tyr-Pro-Gln-Asp-Arg-Pro-Arg-Ser-Gln-Pro-Gln-Pro-Lys-Ala-Asn -Glu-Asp-Val-Cys); or SEQ ID NO:13 (Cys-Glu-Ser-Leu-Gln-Lys-His-Leu-Ala-Glu-Leu-Asn-His-Gln-Lys-Gln-Leu-Glu-S er-Asn-Lys-Ile-Pro-Glu-Leu-Asp-Met-Thr-Glu-Val-Val-Ala-Pro-Phe-Met-Ala-Asn- Ile-Pro-Leu-Leu-Leu-Tyr-Pro-Gln-Asp-Gly-Pro-Arg-Ser-Lys-Pro-Gln-Pro-Lys-Asp -Asn-Gly-Asp-Val-Cys); or the shorter but biologically active SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:9 (Tyr-Pro-Gln-Asp-Arg-X-Arg-Ser-Gln-Pro-Gln-Pro-Lys-Ala-Asn, where X is Thr or Pro).

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-human chimeric mammal, comprising a severe-combined immunodeficient mammal engrafted with bovine immune system tissues, wherein said chimeric mammal is functionally reconstituted. Also provided is a method of producing a functionally reconstituted scid-bo mouse with bovine fetal hematopoietic tissues.

Abstract: A method of producing undifferentiated avian cells expressing an embryonic stem cell phenotype is disclosed. The method comprises collecting avian cells from an avian blastoderm prior to formation of the primitive streak, then depositing the avian cells in contact with a mouse fibroblast feeder cell layer, and then growing the avian cells on the mouse fibroblast feeder cell layer in the presence of a media containing leukemia inhibitory factor in a differentiation-inhibiting amount for a time sufficient to produce a sustained avian cell culture. Cell cultures produced by the aforesaid process and veterinary pharmaceutical formulations containing such cells are also disclosed.