Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic agent for an ischemic heart disease risk group comprising an anti-brain-derived neurotrophic factor antibody as an effective ingredient, to an assay method for an ischemic heart disease risk group performed by measuring a brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration in blood, and to a suppressive/preventive drug for ischemic heart disease, particularly for post-infarction myocardial remodeling, comprising a brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Abstract: A method for preventing a break out of a neurodegenerative disease in an individual and for treating an individual suffering from a neurodegenerative disease comprising the administration of an effective amount of an antimicrobial and neurotrophic peptide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric material comprising a conductive polymer substantially homogeneously distributed within a hydrogel. Also disclosed are methods for making the polymeric material and uses for the polymeric material.

Abstract: Disclosed are in situ-forming injectable hydrogel and medical uses thereof. In the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel two or more homogeneous or heterogeneous polymers are bonded to each other by a dehydrogenation reaction between phenol or aniline moieties on adjacent polymers, wherein a polymer backbone is grafted with a phenol or aniline moiety using a linker. In contrast to conventional hydrogel, the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel is superior in terms of in vivo stability and mechanical strength thanks to the introduction of a water-soluble polymer as a linker which leads to an improvement in the reactivity of phenol or aniline moieties. Having the advantage of superior bio stability and mechanical strength, the hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field.

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 features methods and compositions for treating a patient who has a neurological deficit. The method can be carried out, for example, by contacting (in vivo or in culture) a neural progenitor cell of the patient's central nervous system (CNS) with a polypeptide that binds the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and directing progeny of the proliferating progenitor cells to migrate en masse to a region of the CNS in which they will reside and function in a manner sufficient to reduce the neurological deficit. The method may include a further step in which the progeny of the neural precursor cells are contacted with a compound that stimulates differentiation.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are: to provide a therapeutic agent and a therapeutic method for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases, a transplant for periodontal tissue regeneration, and a method for regenerating the periodontal tissue. According to the present invention, there are provided therapeutic agents for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases which comprise neurotrophic factors as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease. The protocol is practiced by directly delivering a definite concentration of a nerve growth factor via delivery of the protein, an expression vector operably encoding the nerve growth factor, or grafting a donor cell containing such an expression vector into the substantia nigra and preferably also the striatum. The method stimulates growth of targeted neurons, and reversal of functional deficits associated with the neurodegenerative disease being treated.

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 invention provides methods for treating a patient having type 2 diabetes who has failed on previous regimens of one or more oral and/or injectable anti-diabetic agents, which include the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of an SGLT2 inhibitor alone or in combination with another anti-diabetic agent and/or other therapeutic agent to such patient. A pharmaceutical composition containing dapagliflozin or dapagliflozin-S-propylene glycol solvate and one or more diabetic agents and/or other therapeutic agents for use in the methods of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating a subject having a disease, disorder or condition of the central nervous system. The methods include administering TGF-? polypeptides, related polypeptides, fragments and mimetics thereof useful in stimulating progenitor cell or stem cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. The methods of the invention are useful to treat and prophylactically ameliorate neurological tissue injury in vivo.

Abstract: Methods of treating nervous system conditions. In at least one embodiment of a method of treating a mammalian patient having a neuronal injury or insult of the present disclosure, the method comprises the step of administering a therapeutically-effective dose of a stem cell conditioned medium to a mammalian patient, the stem cell conditioned medium comprising a cell culture supernatant containing at least one factor capable of exerting effective neuroprotection to treat a mammalian neural injury or insult.

Abstract: Compositions for treating nervous system conditions. In at least one embodiment of a stem cell conditioned medium of the present disclosure, the stem cell comprises a cell culture supernatant containing at least one factor capable of exerting effective neuroprotection to treat a mammalian neural injury or insult, the cell culture supernatant produced by culturing at least one mammalian adipose stem cell to produce the at least one factor.

Abstract: Novel MCH-1 receptor antagonists are disclosed. These compounds are used in the treatment of various disorders, including obesity, anxiety, depression, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and psychiatric disorders. Methods of making these compounds are also described in the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of promoting neuronal outgrowth in a neuron. The method comprises contacting the neuron with an effective amount of hypoxanthine, to thereby promote neuronal outgrowth of the neuron. The hypoxanthine may be contacted in the absence of xanthine oxidase and/or in the absence of exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF), and/or in the absence of exogenous D-mannose, and/or in the absence of exogenous oncomodulin, and/or in the absence of exogenous TGF-B. The neuron may be an optic nerve neuron or a retinal neuron and/or an injured neuron. Neurons may be from the central nervous system (CNS) or the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The methods are useful for treating an injured neuron, for example to an optic nerve neuron, resulting from branch and central vein/artery occlusion, trauma, edema, angle-closure glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma. Methods of treatment of various neurological injuries and diseases, as well as therapeutic compositions, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain biologically active peptides and polypeptides which can be used as therapeutics or prophylactics against diseases or disorders linked to NGF as the causative agent. In one aspect of the present invention, pharmacologically active polypeptides comprising peptides linked to one or more Fc domains are provided.

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 invention relates to T. cruzi trans-sialidase (TS) and to the neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing activities of the protein. TS, neurotrophic variants and/or neurotrophic peptides based upon the sequence of TS can be administered to a mammal to directly or indirectly provide neurotrophic support for neurons. A mammalian neurotrophic factor (e.g., CNTF, LIF) can be co-administered with the TS, neurotrophic variant and/or neurotrophic peptide. TS, IL-6 secretion-inducing variants and/or IL-6 secretion-inducing peptides based upon the sequence of TS can be administered to a mammal to induce the secretion of IL-6. TS, active variants and/or active peptides can be administered to a mammal having an acquired or congenital condition characterized by neuronal degeneration or to a mammal that has experienced trauma to the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. The invention also relates to neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing variants of TS and to neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing peptides.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treatment and diagnosis using NRG-2 polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies. The invention also provides novel NRG-2 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: NGF variants which have trkC-binding activity and trkC-signal inducing activity are provided. The variants optionally have trkA or trkB binding and signal induction activity. The NGF variants of the present invention are useful in the treatment of neuronal disorders. Nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding the NGF variant neurotrophins are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing regeneration and/or repair of neural tissue. One method include providing a nanoscale structured material at the site of injury, wherein the nanoscale structured material provides an environment that is permissive for regeneration of neural tissue and allows axon growth from a location on one side of a site of injury or barrier to a location on the other side of the site of injury or barrier. A second method includes introducing a composition comprising self-assembling peptides into the subject at the site of injury, wherein the peptides are amphiphilic peptides that comprise substantially equal proportions of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids and are complementary and structurally compatible. A variety of compositions comprising a nanoscale structured material or precursor thereof, and an additional substance such as a regeneration promoting factor, are also provided.

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 present invention relates to a chimeric protein comprising a cell-targeting agent and a Yersinia outer protein, connected by a translocating polypeptide. The invention further relates to the preparation and use of such chimeric protein.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating diseases associated with loss of neuronal function are described. The methods are designed to promote proliferation, differentiation, migration, or integration of endogenous progenitor stem cells of the central nervous system (CNS). A therapy, such as an electrical signal or a stem cell enhancing agent, or a combination of therapies, is applied to a CNS region containing endogenous stem cells or a CNS region where the endogenous stem cells are predicted to migrate and eventually reside, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A macroporous hydrogel sponge is provided selected from: (i) a synthetic polymer hydrogel sponge, and (ii) a synthetic polymer-polypeptide conjugate hydrogel sponge, the macroporous hydrogel sponge being at least 20% porous and having a pore diameter of 50-1000 ?m, wherein said synthetic polymer is crosslinked to an extent determined by effecting the crosslinkig of the synthetic polymer or synthetic polymer-polypeptide conjugate in the presence of at least about 30% by weight crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A cell type that is a complete match of the transplant recipient appears as an optimal scenario to open treatment options to a large patient population with minimal complications. The use of autologous bone marrow or umbilical cord blood has been proposed as a good source of stem cells for cell therapy. Menstrual blood is found to be another important source of stem cells. Assays of cultured menstrual blood reveal that they express embryonic like-stem cell phenotypic markers and neuronal phenotypic markers under appropriate conditioned media. Oxygen glucose deprivation stroke models show that OGD-exposed primary rat neurons, co-cultured with menstrual blood-derived stem cells or exposed to the media from cultured menstrual blood, exhibited significantly reduced cell death.

Abstract: Methods for facilitating joint immobilization or fusion using selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) such as raloxifene are disclosed. The SERM may be administered systemically or locally. In conjunction with SERM, other therapeutic agents such as calcium, vitamin D, bone morphogenetic protein may be administered simultaneously. The method can similarly be applied to facilitate bone repair, bone healing, and connective tissue healing processes in a patient.

Abstract: An injectable, high potency (high capillary force) composite comprised of bioceramic spheres having a smooth porous macroarchitecture and porous microarchitecture with interconnected pores and may be combined with various electrospun polymer fibers, thus achieving a biphasic composite implant device whereby a primary phase stabilizes, reinforces, restricts and constricts the expansion of dysfunctional and diseased cardiac muscle tissue, and a secondary phase providing a matrix structure within the bioceramic composite for the regeneration of dysfunctional and diseased cardiac tissue; an injectable composite implant material containing pharmaceutical agents or may contain stem cells, and other DNA materials; an injectable, high potency, bioceramic composite material providing a specific means to alter cardiac muscle geometry so as to normalize cardiac wall stress, aid in the reduction of local stresses in the border zone or in the actual infarct as well as multiple peri-infarct border zone modifications that h

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: The present invention relates to treatment methods and methods for sustained delivery of one or more exogenous factors to desired nervous system sites. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of biodegradable microspheres to deliver exogenous factors, such as the morphogenic factor, sonic hedgehog (Shh), to the site of spinal cord injury. In certain embodiments, the Shh-releasing microspheres are administered together with stem cells, which may be spinal cord neural stem cells. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to regrowth of neural cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

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: 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: Provided are methods for performing a dental, endodontic or root canal procedure on a mammalian tooth in need thereof. Also provided are matrices, materials or scaffolds suitable for insertion into a tooth pulp chamber. Additionally provided are uses of any of the above matrix, material or scaffolds in a dental, endodontic or root canal procedure. Further provided are uses of any of the above matrices, materials or scaffolds for the manufacture of a medicament for a dental, endodontic or root canal procedure.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for delivering a polypeptide to the central nervous system of a mammal via intranasal administration are provided. The polypeptide can be a catalytically active protein or an antibody, antibody fragment or antibody fragment fusion protein. The polypeptides are formulated with one or more specific agents.

Abstract: Pantropic neurotrophic factors which have multiple neurotrophic specificities are provided. The pantropic neurotrophic factors of the present invention are useful in the treatment of neuronal disorders. Nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding the pantropic neurotrophins are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to controlling the release of growth factors for the promotion of angiogenesis. The growth factors or a polymer matrix are modified by photoactive compounds, such that the growth factors are not released into an active form until they are irradiated with light. The disclosure also relates to tissue engineering scaffolds comprising one or more polymers and at least two growth factors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to treatment methods for a disease or condition, in a subject in need of such treatment, that provide alternatives to treatment by injection that give, relative to treatment by injection, improved treatment outcomes, 100% treatment compliance, reduced side effects, and rapid establishment and/or termination of substantial steady-state drug delivery. The method typically includes providing continuous delivery of a drug from an implanted osmotic delivery device, wherein substantial steady-state delivery of the drug at therapeutic concentrations is typically achieved within about 7 days or less after implantation of the osmotic delivery device in the subject and the substantial steady-state delivery of the drug from the osmotic delivery device is continuous over a period of at least about 3 months. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus using incretin mimetics.

Abstract: A controlled release multidrug formulation for improving locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury comprising: (a) a first composition comprising a first bioactive agent, encapsulated within a first polymeric particle; (b) a second composition comprising a second bioactive agent, encapsulated within a second polymeric particle, wherein the second polymeric particle is encapsulated within the first polymeric particle; and (c) a third composition comprising a third bioactive agent, encapsulated within either the first or the second polymeric particle, wherein the second composition is released subsequently to the release of the first composition, and wherein the first bioactive agent is a neurotrophic factor, the second bioactive agent is a collagen synthesis inhibitor, and the third bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of cyclic AMP (cAMP), an adenylate cyclase activator and a Rho inhibitor.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide novel peptidomimetics that contain a macrocycle. Such compounds are neuroprotective and have utility as therapeutic agents for treatment of diseases, injuries and other conditions characterised by neuronal degeneration and/or death. Compounds are also useful for manufacture of medicaments useful for treatment of such conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating subjects having conditions related to angiogenesis including administering an effective amount of a polymeric nanoparticle form of thyroid hormone agonist, partial agonist or an antagonist thereof, to promote or inhibit angiogenesis in the subject. Nanoparticle forms of thyroid hormone or thyroid hormone analogs as well as uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide methods for therapeutic use of cyclic G-2-allylProline (cG-2-allylP) to treat peripheral neuropathies, including toxin-induced peripheral neuropathy and diabetic as well as manufacture of medicaments including tablets, capsules, and other orally active compositions containing cG-2-allylP, as well as injectable solutions that are useful for treatment of such conditions.

Abstract: A method for targeted delivery of therapeutic compounds from hydrogels is presented. The method involves administering to a cell a hydrogel in which a therapeutic compound is noncovalently bound to heparin. The hydrogel may contain covalent and non-covalent crosslinks.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods and compositions for treatment of pain via craniofacial mucosal administration of an analgesic compound (e.g. a non-opioid analgesic peptide, an NOP agonist or N/OFQ). Intranasal administration of certain analgesic peptides such as N/OFQ results in global analgesic effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising isolated elastin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier wherein the human elastin is substantially insoluble in water with a molecular weight greater than 100 kDa. The present invention further provides methods and kits for soft tissue augmentation.

Abstract: A novel etiological hypothesis for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is proposed describing autoimmune attack of ATP: Cob (I) alamin adenosyltransferase (ATR) thereby inhibiting synthesis of (5?-deoxy-5?-adenosyl) cobamide (referred to as 5?-deoxyadenosylcobalmin or AdoCbl) from Vitamin B12 providing a basis for therapeutic design and diagnostic methods. Pharmaceutical compositions for therapy of MS, inflammatory neurological diseases and neurodegenerative diseases utilizing AdoCbl, growth hormone, immunomodulators, interleukins, other therapeutic agents, and physiotherapy are described. Encompassed in embodiments are diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on the amino acid sequence which binds AdoCbl in ATR. A scoping experiment in therapy, parenteral injection of AdoCbl, has been accomplished with a clinically definite MS patient in the Secondary Progressive stage of MS. The dramatic improvement in the patient's condition strongly supports the etiological hypothesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of novel compounds of Formulae I-II, wherein the variables R, X1, X2, X3, Y1, Y2, Y3, Z1, and Z2 are defined as described herein, which inhibit JAK and are useful for the treatment of auto-immune and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Novel MCH-1 receptor antagonists are disclosed. These compounds are used in the treatment of various disorders, including obesity, anxiety, depression, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and psychiatric disorders. Methods of making these compounds are also described in the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides injection vehicles suitable for administering particulate suspensions, such as polymer-based formulations, as well as associated pharmaceutical formulations, articles of manufacture, and kits. Other aspects of the invention included methods for producing and administering pharmaceutical formulations. The injection vehicles of the invention are superior to conventional injection vehicles in that they include a pseudoplastic composition that improves injectability, which facilitates delivery of the desired dose. The injection vehicles of the invention also allow the use of smaller-bore needles than are usually necessary to inject polymer-based formulations, reducing the pain associated with injection of such formulations.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to uses of delta opioid peptides and salts thereof for promoting neurogenesis and to pharmaceutical compositions containing such peptides and salts as active ingredients. Specifically exemplified herein is [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) and salts thereof. The peptides of the present invention upregulate glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the nervous system and are useful for prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with neurological injury, in particular, stroke.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions and methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue. The compositions and methods of the subject invention can be employed to restore the continuity of nerve interrupted by disease, traumatic events or surgical procedures. Compositions of the subject invention comprise one or more chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)-degrading enzymes that promote axonal penetration into damaged nerve tissue. The invention also concerns methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue using the present compositions and nerve tissue treated according to such methods. The invention also pertains to kits for nerve repair.