Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for tissue regeneration without cell transplantation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating the activities of connexins are provided, including, for example, for use in post-surgical, trauma, or tissue engineering applications. These compounds and methods can be used therapeutically, for example, to reduce the severity of adverse effects associated diseases and disorders where localized disruption in direct cell-cell communication is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention relates biomedically useful compositions containing bioactive agents and biodegradable carbohydrate polyethers that exhibit reverse thermogelation properties in aqueous media. The microstructure structure and properties of the carbohydrate polyethers can be conveniently controlled with respect to functionality, molecular weight, polydispersity index, microstructure and tertiary structure, they can be customized for use in a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery, cell delivery, surgical procedures and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopolymer-modified nanocarrier in which chitosan is bound to a water-soluble biocompatible polymer that has been crosslinked via a photo-crosslinkable functional group; wherein the chitosan-modified nanocarrier has a diameter which changes in accordance with changes in temperature, has enhanced skin permeability or cellular uptake and selective delivery to cancer tissue as compared with a bare nanocarrier to which chitosan has not been bound, and exhibits characteristics that are advantageous in photothermal therapy. The chitosan-modified nanocarrier of the present invention exhibits highly superior efficacy as a transdermal carrier, since the skin permeability is enhanced to a significant level as compared with a bare nanocarrier that has no chitosan.

Abstract: Recombinant NELL peptides and methods of preparing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to providing enhanced application tissue graft materials in regenerative medicine through improved cellular interactions. Biocompatible implant materials, methods for preparing biocompatible implant materials, methods for using same, and methods for treating tissue injury are disclosed. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing transport of agents across the blood brain barrier while allowing their activity once across the barrier to remain substantially intact. The agents are transported across the blood brain barrier via one or more endogenous receptor-mediated transport systems. In some embodiments the agents are therapeutic, diagnostic, or research agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting pathologic angiogenesis and/or cell proliferative disorder. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises an effective amount of LECT2 protein or analogue thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to increase oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells through administration of prolactin or a prolactin inducing agent.

Abstract: A nutritional Composition for a subject, comprising prolactin identical or similar or analogous to prolactin found in a natural food source, and at least one protective layer, wherein release of said prolactin from the composition in said subject is the result of an environmental event.

Abstract: Provided herein are PDGF-R? imaging agents that are polypeptides labeled with a signal generator (e.g., paramagnetic label, a radionuclide, or a fluorophore), wherein the imaging agents bind specifically to PDGFR-?. Also provided are in vivo imaging methods using the imaging agents.

Abstract: A multiphasic microfiber for a three-dimensional tissue scaffold and/or cellular support is provided in one aspect that includes at least one biocompatible material. The multiphasic microfiber optionally has a first phase and at least one distinct additional phase and is formed by electrohydrodynamic jetting. Further, such microfibers optionally have one or more biofunctional agents, which may be surface-bound moieties provided in spatial patterns. Multiphasic microfibers formed in accordance with the disclosure may form, in some cases, three-dimensional fiber scaffolds with precisely engineered, micrometer-scaled patterns for cellular contact guidance, which may thus support and/or promote cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation, repair, and/or regeneration for tissue and bioengineering applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions devices and methods for treating bone and/or cartilage defects, and a method for manufacturing such a composition or device. In a certain embodiment, the invention provides a device and/or composition for treating bone and/or cartilage defects, having at least one collagen, for example of animal origin, and further containing at least one substance having an osteo-inductive or chondro-inductive activity, at least one differentiation and/or growth factor having osteo-stimulative and/or chondro-stimulative effect, and at least one filling material, in which the composition is in the form of a lyophil.

Abstract: The present invention provides effective new methods and materials for maxillofacial bone augmentation, particularly alveolar ridge augmentation, that are free of problems associated with prior art methods. In one embodiment, these materials include human recombinant platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) and a biocompatible matrix. In another embodiment, these materials include rhPDGF-BB, a deproteinized bone block or calcium phosphate, and a bioresorbable membrane. The use of these materials in the present method is effective in regenerating maxillofacial bones and facilitating achievement of stable osseointegrated implants. The mandible and maxilla are preferred bones for augmentation, and enhancement of the alveolar ridge is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia includes an adhesion-resistant biodegradable region and an opposing tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region. When the prosthesis is implanted into the patient, the adhesion-resistant biodegradable region covers a fascial defect of the hernia, and the tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region is located above the adhesion-resistant biodegradable region while being exposed substantially only to the hoses subcutaneous tissue layer. This orientation allows the tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region to become firmly incorporated with the host's body tissue. The adhesion-resistant biodegradable region faces the internal organs and decreases the incidence of adhesions and/or bowel obstruction.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for facilitating fusion of bones in a joint. The present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting fusion of bones in arthrodetic procedures. In one embodiment, a method of performing an arthrodetic procedure comprises providing a composition comprising PDGF disposed in a biocompatible matrix and applying the composition to a site of desired bone fusion in a joint.

Abstract: Improvements on the basic method used for BEAMing increase sensitivity and increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The improvements have permitted the determination of intrinsic error rates of various DNA polymerases and have permitted the detection of rare and subtle mutations in DNA isolated from plasma of cancer patients.

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: The present invention relates to a new type of functionalized nanoparticles for drug delivery, comprising a type of polymer nanoparticles, a polymer stabilizer coating, and a drug, wherein said polymer stabilizer coating is coated on the surface of said type of polymer nanoparticles, and said drug is conjugated to said polymer stabilizer coating. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the nanoparticles; and provides a method for treating an ischemic or degenerative disease, comprising administrating an effective amount of the type of functionalized nanoparticles to a subject.

Abstract: A method and system that is directed to the local delivery of growth factors to the mammalian CNS to treat CNS disorders associated with neuronal death and/or dysfunction is described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a leg ulcer comprising contacting the leg ulcer with a collagen biofabric. The leg ulcer may be a venous, arterial, diabetic or decubitus (pressure) ulcer. The invention further provides kits comprising one or more pieces of collagen biofabric for the treatment of a leg ulcer.

Abstract: A lipid vesicle comprising a phospholipid which is a stable vesicle former and at least one unstable vesicle forming member, wherein the unstable vesicle forming member is selected from the group consisting of a polar lipid which is not a stable vesicle former, a PEG, a raft former and a fusion protein is provided. The vesicle can further comprise a biomolecule, such as for example ATP. Methods of using the vesicle for delivery of biomolecules are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wound healing device. Such wound healing device utilizes novel wound healing compositions embedded onto or into a natural plant-derived cloth-based matrix.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II) pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pro-drugs, biologically active metabolites, stereoisomers and isomers thereof wherein the variable are defined herein. The compounds of the invention are useful for treating immunological and oncological conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for increasing hair growth and decreasing hair loss. In one embodiment, the compositions comprise a plurality of hair growth agents. Optionally, the hair growth agents are selected from the group consisting of: IGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-10, PDGF-AA, Wnt-3a, noggin, ephrin-A3, sonic hedgehog (SHH), BMP-6 and hypoxanthine.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a polysaccharide which is excreted by the Vibrio diabolicus species for the regeneration and protection of the non-mineralised connective tissue of the periodontium.

Abstract: A system for growing tissue based upon layers of an inorganic extracellular matrix, wherein each layer of the inorganic matrix is designed to dissolve at a separate rate and result in sequential growth factor delivery upon its dissolution.

Abstract: Physically and chemically stable, water-soluble, amphiphilic polymer-PDGF complex, characterized in that the amphiphilic polymers include a hydrophilic polymeric backbone functionalized with hydrophobic substituents and hydrophilic groups.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: Recombinant NELL peptides and methods of preparing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a pharmaceutical composition for prevention and treatment of a neural disease including at least one selected from the group consisting of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a culture solution of the MSCs, activin A, PF4, decorin, galectin 3, GDF15, glypican 3, MFRP, ICAM5, IGFBP7, PDGF-AA, SPARCL1, thrombospondin-1, WISP1, progranulin, IL-4, a factor inducing expression thereof, and any combination thereof, and a method therefor.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of accelerating osteogenic differentiation and a composition thereof. The method comprises a step of adding type II collagen into stem/progenitor cells or osteoblasts to accelerate the osteogenic differentiation of the added cells, and the composition comprises type II collagen, and stem/progenitor cells or osteoblasts. Type II collagen can accelerate osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) much faster than does type I collagen. The said composition is effective to facilitate bone repair upon introduction of the composition into various osseous defects.

Abstract: The invention discloses a bone implant and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the bone implant comprises a step of coating or mixing type II collagen with at least one porous bone material comprising metals, bio-ceramics, natural biopolymers and synthetic polymers. Another manufacturing method of the bone implant comprises the steps of loading type II collagen with or without at least one porous bone material in a container, and lyophilizing the type II collagen to generate a type II collagen sponge construct with or without the porous bone material as the bone material. The manufactured bone implants are effective, with or without loading cells having differentiation tendency towards osteogenesis, to facilitate bone repair upon introduction of the bone implant into various osseous defects.

Abstract: The present application discloses matrix compositions to support the repair of tissue defects such as an injury to tendon tissue, ligament tissue, vascular tissue, dermal tissue, or muscle tissue. A matrix described herein comprises a polyester polymer entangled with a polysaccharide polymer. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a matrix, and methods of using a matrix in the repair of tissue. In certain configurations, a matrix can comprise a polyester cross-linked with a polysaccharide, which can be an oxidized polysaccharide. In some configurations, a matrix can further comprise one or more additional components, such as a growth factor or an anti-infective agent. In some configurations, a matrix can be a viscous fluid or a paste, while in other configurations a matrix can be comprised by a solid such as a plug, a granule or a membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for purifying a target protein group. The method comprises the steps of contacting a sample comprising at least 95% of the target protein group and at most 5% of contaminating proteins with a library of binding moieties having different binding moieties, binding the contaminating proteins and a minority of the target protein group to the library of binding moieties, separating the unbound target protein group from the proteins bound to the library of binding moieties and collecting the unbound target protein. The collected target protein is more pure than the target protein group in the sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of tendinopathies, such as tenosynovitis, tendinosis or tendinitis, including Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis or “tennis elbow,” medial epicondylitis or “golfer's elbow,” plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff tendinopathy, and in particular to methods for the treatment of tendinopathies by administering compositions comprising platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

Abstract: A biodegradable polyurethane scaffold, comprising at least one polyisocyante, polyisocyanate prepolymer, or both, at least one polyester polyol, at least one catalyst, wherein the density of said scaffold is from about 50 to about 250 kg m-3 and the porosity of the scaffold is greater than about 70 (vol %) and at least 50% of the pores are interconnected with another pore, and wherein the scaffold incorporates at least one biologically active component in powder form.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treatment of conditions requiring inhibition of angiogenesis. Such conditions include those characterized by neovascularization, such as retinopathies, macular degeneration and various malignancies.

Abstract: Cosmetic and therapeutic compositions for skin care, containing a transgenic plant extract containing a growth factor, or a growth factor purified from transgenic plants, or a mixture of growth factors derived from transgenic plants as extracts or in purified form, for use in topical therapeutic and/or cosmetic applications. Importantly, this invention makes safer growth factors available for use for cosmetic and topical treatment. These growth factors do not carry the risk of unwanted contaminants and transmissible agents that can result from animals or animal cell based expression systems, and the recombinant growth factors that plant expression systems provide are post-translationally modified proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of the Aegyptin gene and Aegyptin protein, a molecule that interacts with collagen and inhibits platelet adhesion, activation and aggregation. Novel biological tools, prophylactics, therapeutics, diagnostics, and methods of use of the foregoing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage form comprises a solid dispersion product of at least one active ingredient dispersed in a polymeric binder composition, the polymeric carrier composition comprising a) a vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer, wherein at least 95% by weight of the vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer has a molecular weight distribution within the range of from 1000 to 13 000; and b) a vinylpyrrolidone copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight of from 5000 to 1 500 000. The dosage form is preferably prepared by a melt extrusion process. The polymeric carrier composition exhibits a high drug dissolution power and allows a reduction of the viscosity of the melt without deteriorating the mechanical properties and storage stability of the dosage form.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the discovery of a novel class of neural progenitor cells, which proliferate in response to platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and differentiate into neurons and oligodendrocytes but not astrocytes. Progeny of the progenitor cells can be obtained by culturing brain tissue in PDGF without serum, epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor 2, or transforming growth factor alpha. Upon subculturing into EGF-containing media, these progeny cells can proliferate and form neurospheres, whereas PDGF has no such effect.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of 4-amidino benzylamine derivatives as cosmetic ingredients and to cosmetic compositions, as well as to non-therapeutic methods for the cosmetic treatment of the skin and the scalp. Said derivatives and compositions can be used as urokinase inhibitors to prevent and restore damage of the epidermal barrier. Barrier abnormalities and disruptions respectively are often the starting point of a dry skin state, of itching, of dandruff and of the perception of sensitive skin. These 4-amidino benzylamine derivatives can be used for topical skin and scalp care applications in form of creams, lotions, gels, shampoos and the like.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the use of a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence in the preparation of a medicament for the regeneration of tissue, preferably for the treatment of a wound. Further the invention relates to compositions comprising such peptides, and use of said peptides in both medical and nonmedical (cosmetic) applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for improving wound healing and in particular for preventing scar formation and thus loss of function that can occur in injured tissues during the natural wound healing process. Particularly, although by no means exclusively, the invention relates to the healing of chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of influencing central nervous system cells to produce progeny useful in the treatment of CNS disorders. More specifically, the invention includes methods of exposing a patient suffering from such a disorder to a reagent that modulates the proliferation, migration, differentiation and survival of central nervous system cells. These methods are useful for reducing at least one symptom of the disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for use in osteodistraction procedures. In one embodiment, a method of stimulating osteogenesis during and/or following bone distraction comprises providing a composition comprising a PDGF solution disposed in a biocompatible matrix and applying the composition to at least one site of bone distraction.

Abstract: An open implant constituted of an osteogenic composition comprising at least one osteogenic growth factor/amphiphilic anionic polysaccharide complex, one soluble salt of a cation at least divalent, and one organic support, said organic support comprising no demineralized bone matrix. In one embodiment, said implant is in the form of a lyophilizate. It also relates to the method for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixture of: a bone/cartilage formation promoting agent containing sulfated galactosaminoglycan having greater than or equal to 0.6 numbers of ester sulfate groups on average per constituent monosaccharide or a salt thereof as an active ingredient; a factor having a bone/cartilage formation promoting action; or a bone filler (BMP, TGF-?, FGF, IGF, insulin, PDGF, HGF, midkine, pleiotrophin, collagen, gelatin, proteoglycan, fibronectin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, osteonectin, bone sialoprotein, hydroxyapatite, dicalcium phosphate anhydride, dicalcium phosphate dehydrate, ?-tricalcium phosphate, amorphous calcium phosphate, octacalcium phosphate, ?-tricalcium phosphate, PLLA, PLGA, titanium, decalcified bone, autogeneous bone, or the like).