Abstract: This invention is directed toward a process for reducing transfusion related complications in a recipient of an allogeneic blood transfusion by adding to the blood to be transfused a photosensitizer comprising riboflavin, irradiating the blood and riboflavin with light, transfusing the irradiated blood into a recipient, and reducing a transfusion related complication by the recipient to cells in the donor blood. The invention is also directed towards a process for preventing rejection of a donor organ by a recipient comprising the steps of transfusing the recipient of the donor organ with treated platelets; and transplanting the donor organ into the recipient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing the differentiation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells into megakaryocytes and platelets, more particularly, a method for inducing the differentiation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells into megakaryocytes and platelets comprising the steps of coculturing CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells with stromal cells and adding the compound of Formula 1.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and systems for expanding CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for increasing the blood flow to an ischemic tissue in a subject in need thereof, such as to ischemic myocardium. The invention further provides methods and systems for directing differentiation of expanded CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for treating a subject with differentiated cells in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a composition for regeneration of periodontal soft tissue less invasively and a method for producing the composition. The composition for regeneration of periodontal soft tissue is prepared so as to contain a cell selected from an undifferentiated/stem cell or a blast cell having an ability to form gingiva, a matrix material and blood platelet plasma. With the composition, free gingiva as well as attached gingiva can be regenerated less invasively with an effective and good aesthetics.

Abstract: Methods and kits are disclosed to promote vascularization of tissue in mammals using an autologous platelet-rich plasma composition. The kit includes components for the preparation of platelet-rich plasma from the patient's blood and components for administration to an area in need of vascularization. The methods and kits are useful for the treatment of tendinosis, and in particular, lateral epicondylitis and plantar fasciitis.

Abstract: Novel methods, compositions, and devices for achieving optimal cooling of living cells during cryopreservation are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises gradually cooling the cell to a first predetermined temperature, followed by rapidly cooling the cell to a second predetermined temperature. In another aspect, a device is described for achieving a desired cooling rate for a cell, comprising a first container for holding a cell, a second container for holding the first container, and optionally a frame for holding the first container in a spaced apart relationship with the second container. The method of the invention comprises placing cells into the first container, placing the first container in the second container and sealing the second container, and placing the second container in a suitable cooling device. In yet another aspect, novel cryoprotectant compositions are provided comprising conventional cryoprotectant plus one or more high molecular weight cryoprotectants.

Abstract: A method of treating a human subject with cancer is disclosed. A pharmaceutical composition is administered to the subject, the pharmaceutical composition comprising human leukocytes and a replication-competent oncolytic virus in suspension in a physiologically acceptable solution. Alternatively the pharmaceutical composition comprises human leukocytes or platelets infected with an oncolytic virus.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for promoting wound healing are provided by the present invention which increase the rate and completeness of wound healing. Broadly described, an inventive composition includes a degradable scaffold of biocompatible material and a cell involved in wound healing, or a predecessor of such a cell, disposed in contact with the scaffold. In one embodiment, an albumin scaffold is provided with an endothelial cell predecessor disposed therein. Optionally, a cell involved in wound healing or a predecessor of such a cell is administered by local or systemic injection in conjunction with application of an inventive composition. Processes for promoting wound healing are provided as well as processes for producing the described compositions for promoting healing.

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 bone repair material comprises the following components: A) a first granular component with a diameter larger than 20 ?m chosen from the group of: calcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, or calcium sulfate dihydrate; B) a second component chosen from the group of apatite powder with a particle diameter smaller than 1 ?m, (preferably smaller than 100 nm); and B) a third component comprising water or an aqueous solution, whereby C) the volume fraction of the second and third component represents at least 35 volume-% of the total bone repair material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming shape-retentive and shape-conforming aggregate wound dressings and biomaterials composed of gel nanoparticles and wound or bodily fluid in which the aggregates are held together by non-covalent bond physical forces such as, without limitation, hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The method comprises introducing a dry powder of gel nanoparticles to a wound site in which the nanoparticles absorb some of the blood or wound exudate and coalesce in situ into the claimed shape-retentive aggregate dressing. The method also comprises introducing the dry nanoparticle powder in or on a wet bodily tissue in vivo to form the claimed shape-retentive biomaterial. In addition, the method also comprises incorporating biomedical agents to produce medicated aggregate dressings or biomaterials for a variety of medical applications. This invention also relates to uses of the method of formation of the shape-retentive aggregates of gel nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention describes a curable bone cement. The cement comprises a curable polymeric binder and a filler, and is capable of curing without substantial evolution of heat on exposure to a curing agent. The binder comprises phenol groups which are capable of reacting in order to cure the cement.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of spray drying cellular material are provided that allow preservation of the cellular material. In one aspect, the cellular material is spray dried with a quantity of excipient. In another aspect, the cellular material is spray dried using a cryoprotectant.

Abstract: Alginate nanofibers, scaffolds that include alginate nanofibers, implantable devices that include alginate nanofibers, and methods for making the alginate nanofibers by electrospinning.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an improved formable bone composition for application to a bone defect site to promote new bone growth at the site which comprises a new bone growth inducing compound of demineralized lyophilized allograft bone particles ranging from about 100 to 850 microns. The bone particles are mixed in an excipient carrier combination containing carboxymethylcellulose, sodium hyaluronate, and a sodium phosphate saline buffer, the carboxymethylcellulose component of the carrier ranging from about 5.0 to about 11.0% of the composition and the sodium hyaluronate component of the carrier ranging from about 0.3 to about 0.7% of the composition, the composition having a pH between 6.5-7.5.

Abstract: Preparations comprising, especially, globin that is insoluble at neutral pH, and therefore at physiological pH, in which the globin has been obtained from whole blood by depigmentation in a medium that extracts or dissolves the haem but leaves the globin and the other constituents of proteinic nature in a substantially undissolved state, a process for the production of those preparations, and uses, especially for the filling, healing or regeneration of tissues, especially for chronic wounds and osseous healing or regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified platelets having a reduced platelet clearance and methods for reducing platelet clearance. Also provided are compositions for the preservation of platelets. The invention also provides methods for making a pharmaceutical composition containing the modified platelets and for administering the pharmaceutical composition to a mammal to mediate hemostasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to administering autologous uncultured cells into a diseased intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A method for storing and using platelets and an associated platelet structure. At least one modified platelet is formed. Each modified platelet includes a platelet and at least one polymerated chemical. Each polymerated chemical includes a polymer covalently bonded directly to the platelet or includes the polymer and a linker molecule such that the linker molecule is covalently bonded to the platelet and the polymer is covalently attached to the linker molecule. The polymer of each polymerated chemical of each modified platelet is polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a PEG derivative. Forming each modified platelet does not include modifying the platelet membrane of each platelet with a glycan-modifying agent. The at least one modified platelet is stored in a temperature range below 0° C. After being stored, the at least one modified platelet may be introduced into a subject to treat a condition related to a reduced platelet function.

Abstract: The invention features a dry platelet composition and methods of making and using the freeze-dried platelet composition.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprises a therapeutic peptide or protein, a transport moiety capable of transporting said first peptide or protein into a hematopoietic cell differentiated from a common myeloid progenitor, and a linker between said first protein and said transport moiety, said linker susceptible to cleavage by an intracellular enzyme in the cell. A cell or collection of cells, e.g., platelets, containing such a composition is useful in methods for treating infection, inflammation, vascular injuries or any disorders involving or mediated by cells of the hematopoietic lineage. Methods of making such compostions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are methods and associated means for treating a subject, such as a mammal, experiencing or thought to be at risk for hemorrhagic shock. Such methods include administering to the subject in a medically acceptable manner, a short oligopeptide such as AQGV (SEQ ID NO:1) and/or LQGV (SEQ ID NO:2).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to promote vascularization of tissue in mammals using an autologous platelet-rich plasma composition. The methods are useful for vascularizing tissue with a compromised blood supply, particularly cardiac tissue with a compromised blood supply due to heart attack or congestive heart failure.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved Lyophilized platelet rich plasma used to make a platelet gel wound healant, and methods of preparation and use thereof for healing wounds are disclosed. The improved wound healant comprises therapeutically effective amounts of activated growth factors, platelet ghost, plasma (know as the plasma back bone), white blood cells with optional none, one or more additional anti-oxidant such as vitamin A and/or C and/or E, and/or none one or more antibiotics and/or GHK-Cu (produced by ProCyte Inc.

Abstract: A method of regenerating tissue in a living organism. The method includes the act of contacting an affected area of the living organism with a solid-fibrin web, the solid-fibrin web comprising platelets that release growth factors about one minute after contact to regenerate the tissue in the living organism.

Abstract: A method is provided for the diagnosis of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) or prion disease in an animal which comprises assaying a sample obtained from said animal to determine the number of hematopoietic cells of the erythroid, megakaryocyte or platelet cell lineages in the sample or an expression product thereof.

Abstract: A method for storing and using platelets and an associated platelet structure. At least one modified platelet is formed. Each modified platelet includes a platelet and at least one polymerated chemical. Each polymerated chemical includes a polymer covalently bonded directly to the platelet or includes the polymer and a linker molecule such that the linker molecule is covalently bonded to the platelet and the polymer is covalently attached to the linker molecule. The polymer of each polymerated chemical of each modified platelet is polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a PEG derivative. Forming each modified platelet does not include modifying the platelet membrane of each platelet with a glycan-modifying agent. The at least one modified platelet is stored in a temperature range below 20° C. for at least one hour. After being stored, the at least one modified platelet may be introduced into a mammal.

Abstract: Methods are described for using compositions containing platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of a variety of tissue lesions. Particularly, delivery of platelet-rich plasma to connective tissue is described. The described method and compositions have been shown to provide both pain relief and improved mobility in treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Abstract: Fixed-dried blood cells carrying an active agent are described, along with methods of making the same, methods of using the same, and compositions containing the same. The blood cells may be red blood cells or blood platelets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions regarding the preparation of an cell concentrate, such as, for example, an osteogenic cell concentrate, from a physiological solution, such as bone marrow aspirate, blood, or a mixture thereof. In specific embodiments, the invention provides methods and compositions utilizing two physiological solution-processing techniques, particularly in a point of care environment, wherein centrifugation is not employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising complexes of human cells and polymer fibers and methods of their use for therapeutic purposes. Methods of making such compositions are also provided. The present invention encompasses compositions comprising poly-?-1?4-N-acetylglucosamine polymers and stored platelets and their use for promoting wound healing and achieving hemostasis.

Abstract: A method of treating a human subject with cancer is disclosed. A pharmaceutical composition is administered to the subject, the pharmaceutical composition comprising human leukocytes and a replication-competent oncolytic virus in suspension in a physiologically acceptable solution. Alternatively the pharmaceutical composition comprises human leukocytes or platelets infected with an oncolytic virus.

Abstract: An improved platelet gel wound healant, and methods of preparation and use thereof for healing wounds are disclosed. The improved wound healant comprises a therapeutically effective amount of activated growth factors and ascorbic acid with optional one or more additional anti-oxidant such as vitamin A and/or E, and optional one or more antibiotics.

Abstract: A method is provided for the diagnosis of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) or prion disease in an animal which comprises assaying a sample obtained from said animal to determine the number of hematopoietic cells of the erythroid, megakaryocyte or platelet cell lineages in the sample or an expression product thereof.

Abstract: A dehydrated composition is provided that includes freeze-dried platelets. The platelets are loaded with trehalose which preserves biological properties during freeze-drying and rehydration. The trehalose loading is conducted at a temperature of from greater than about 25° C. to less than about 40° C., most preferably at 37° C., with the loading solution having trehalose in an amount from about 10 mM to about 50 mM. These freeze-dried platelets are substantially shelf-stable and are rehydratable so as to have a normal response to an agonist, for example, thrombin, with virtually all of the platelets participating in clot formation within about three minutes at 37° C.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and kit for preparing and performing a surgical procedure includes providing a medicinal composition having an autologous tissue medium and a therapeutic agent. the medicinal composition is then delivered to a surgical site in a patient before closing to reduce postoperative pain, provide an interpositional membrane to prevent or inhibit the formation of scar tissue, and/or promote hemostasis. The medicinal composition is suitable for use in a variety of types of surgery, and has particular application in bone or tissue grating and orthopaedic surgery, expecially spine surgery.

Abstract: A platelet composition suitable for direct transfusion into a patient is provided. The platelet composition includes a preservation medium comprising plasma and a gel-forming material in a concentration relative to the plasma such that the medium is in a sufficiently fluent state at about 37° C. to allow platelets to move within the medium and is in a sufficiently gelatinous state at about 5° C. to substantially prevent platelets from moving freely within the medium; and platelets.

Abstract: Methods are described for using compositions containing platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of a variety of tissue lesions. Particularly, delivery of platelet-rich plasma to connective tissue is described. The described method and compositions have been shown to provide both pain relief and improved mobility in treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Abstract: A wound healing composition derived from a low platelet concentration plasma preparation is described. The composition differs from conventional platelet gel preparations in that the centrifugal conditions under which the low platelet concentration plasma is prepared are less stringent than those for the preparation of platelet rich plasma and platelet concentrates. As a result the low platelet concentration plasma preparation from which the wound healing composition of the present invention is prepared has, as its name implies, a concentration of platelets that is lower than the platelet concentration of platelet rich plasma or of whole blood. Methods of making and using the wound healing composition of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: A dehydrated composition is provided that includes freeze-dried platelets. The platelets are loaded with trehalose which preserves biological properties during freeze-drying and rehydration. The trehalose loading is conducted at a temperature of from greater than about 25° C. to less than about 40° C., most preferably at 37° C., with the loading solution having trehalose in an amount from about 10 mM to about 50 mM. These freeze-dried platelets are substantially shelf-stable and are rehydratable so as to have a normal response to an agonist, for example, thrombin, with virtually all of the platelets participating in clot formation within about three minutes at 37° C.

Abstract: A method for loading a preservative into blood platelets comprising providing a preservative solution having a preservative, water and protein, and loading blood platelets with the preservative solution to produce preservative-loaded blood platelets having the preservative solution generally including higher glass transition temperatures than glass transition temperatures for a preservative solution having the preservative, water and no protein. A process for processing blood platelets comprising suspending blood platelets in a preservative solution at a concentration greater than about 108 platelets per ml. of preservative solution to produce preservative-loaded blood platelets, freeze-drying the preservative-loaded blood platelets, and recovering at least 75% of the freeze-dried platelets.

Abstract: An improved platelet gel wound healant, and methods of preparation and use thereof for healing wounds are disclosed. The improved wound healant comprises a therapeutically effective amount of activated growth factors and ascorbic acid with optional one or more additional anti-oxidant such as vitamin A and/or E, and optional one or more antibiotics.

Abstract: A method and composition for wound care is provided, the composition comprising autologous platelet-rich plasma that has been contacted with an activator.

Abstract: Methods are described for using compositions containing platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of a variety of tissue lesions. Particularly, delivery of platelet-rich plasma to connective tissue is described. The described method and compositions have been shown to provide both pain relief and improved mobility in treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Abstract: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used to treat dural leaks. In the preferred embodiment, a mixture of calcium chloride and thrombin is added to release valuable components such as soluble regulators and growth factors. The growth factors in particular may also help expedite healing of the dura. The PRP may be combined with calcium and/or thrombin before during, or after injection of the PRP. The PRP may be injected into the epidural space through a spinal needle to treat dural leaks. Syringe attachments that allow two liquids to combine at the time of injection are readily available in hospitals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regenerative adjuvant to be used in skin and bone defects of living beings and to a method that can be carried out in any doctor's practice without the need for a specialized laboratory. The invention further relates to a kit used with this regenerative adjuvant that can be easily handled. The inventive regenerative adjuvant for skin and bone defects comprises thrombocyte-rich plasma (platelet-rich plasma) and calcium phosphates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ready-to-use ristocetin cofactor test reagent possessing long-term stability for use in coagulation tests.

Abstract: This invention relates to enzymatic removal of type A and B antigens from blood group A, B, and AB reactive cells in blood products, and thereby converting these to non-A and non-B reactive cells. The invention further relates to using unique &agr;N-acetylgalactosamimidases and &agr;-galactosidases with superior kinetic properties for removing the immunodominant monosaccharides of the blood group A and B antigens and improved performance in enzymatic conversion of red blood cells.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue repair stimulating implant or “scaffold” device is used to repair tissue injuries, particularly injuries to ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Such implants are especially useful in methods that involve surgical procedures to repair injuries to ligament, tendon, and nerve tissue in the hand and foot. The repair procedures may be conducted with implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair.

Abstract: The invention provides biocompatible, biodegradable calcium sulfate matrices containing calcium sulfate activated platelets for use in tissue formation. The matrices are particularly useful in stimulating hard tissue, for example, bone formation. The matrices may also further include a growth factor and/or a transfectable gene, the inclusion of which may be useful in stimulating the growth of tissue of interest.