Abstract: A method of ex-vivo expanding a population of stem cells, while at the same time inhibiting differentiation of the stem cells. The method comprises ex-vivo providing the stem cells with conditions for cell proliferation and with at least one copper chelator in an amount and for a time period for permitting the stem cells to proliferate and, at the same time, for reducing a capacity of the stem cells to differentiate.

Abstract: The invention provides an active agent selected from the group consisting of Copolymer 1, a Copolymer 1 related-peptide and a Copolymer 1-related polypeptide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the active agent, for use in treating a muscular dystrophy disease or disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of coating prosthetic devices with dried fibrin. Particularly, the present invention relates to methods of coating the surface of prosthetic devices with fibrin and drying the fibrin-coated prosthetic devices at moderately-high temperatures for extended periods of time under low atmospheric pressure to obtain prosthetic devices coated with stable cross-linked fibrin capable of binding cells and thereby capable of integrating into tissues.

Abstract: B-cell epitope peptides of HSP 65, particularly the peptides comprising the amino acid sequence substantially as denoted by SEQ ID: NOs. 1-5 and their biologically functional homologues and derivatives thereof. Also included are polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed against them and their compositions for passive immunization against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Also encompassed are diagnostic uses of these antibodies, for identifying people at risk of developing arthritis or diabetes, and a method of monitoring progress of the disease conditions and disease prognosis.

Abstract: Use of a cannabidiol for the manufacture of a medicament identified for the treatment or prevention of diabetes and/or insulitis.

Abstract: Novel agents exhibiting anti-biofilm formation activity while being non-cytotoxic are provided, as well as methods of using the same, either per se or conjugated to a polymer, for preventing and/or reducing the formation of microbial biofilms and/or for disrupting microbial biofilms. The novel agents described herein include thiazolidine-2,4-diones (TZDs), pyrrolidine-2,5-diones (PYDs), imidazolidine-2,4-diones or oxazolidine-2,4-diones, substituted by an alkyl having 7-20 carbon atoms in its backbone chain.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an antibody that specifically binds an epitope of a heparanase protein, the heparanase protein including an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, provided that phenylalanine replaces tyrosine at position 246. The present invention also provides an antibody elicited by an epitope of a heparanase protein, the heparanase protein including an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, provided that phenylalanine replaces tyrosine at position 246.

Abstract: The compounds D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and capsaicin are useful for prevention, treatment, or both, of hepatic encephalopathy. The compounds capsaicin, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), HU-308 and cannabidiol are useful for prevention, treatment, or both, of liver cirrhosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toothbrush having a bristle-carrying head portion (30) and a handle portion (22), said handle portion having a proximal end (22b) and a distal end (22a), said distal end interconnected by means of a mechanical movement redirection effecter to a plurality of maneuverable bristles (32a, 32b) embedded within said toothbrush head portion (30), wherein linear movement along the longitudinal axis of said handle portion (22) is redirected by said effecter to a three dimensional crescent shaped sweeping action of said maneuverable bristles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel cervical collar for maintaining the airways in head and neck immobilized trauma patient open. This collar comprises a rigid motion-restricting frame (220, 230, 240, 270, 280) attached to the head (100); and, a jaw clasp (210, 290) attached to the jaw (110). The collar is simultaneously restricting the motion of the head (100) and neck while allowing motion of the jaw (110) to maintain open airways. A jaw clasp (290) useful for performing the jaw-thrust maneuver motion of the jaw (110) to maintain open airways is also presented. Said device comprising a plurality of movable fitting elements adapted to fit the jaw (110) tightly; and, a plurality of movable mover elements adapted to move the jaw (110).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel family of homologous cell attachment chimeric peptides. In particular, the present invention relates to chimeric peptides, each comprising synthetic peptides comprising (a) an M-tide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:1, 2 and 37; and (b) a core haptide comprising an amino acid sequence homologous to amino acid sequences at the carboxy termini of the and E chains of fibrinogen or other proteins comprising C-termini that are homologous to said fibrinogen sequences, wherein the M-tide and the core haptide originate from the same protein. The synthetic peptides are linked to one another thereby providing the chimeric peptides of the invention which does not occur in the native protein as a continuous sequence. The present invention further discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising said chimeric peptides and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides an active agent selected from the group consisting of Copolymer 1, a Copolymer 1 related-peptide and a Copolymer 1-related polypeptide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the active agent, for use in treating a muscular dystrophy disease or disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating renal failure. Particularly, the present invention relates to methods for treating renal failure by administering to a subject complexes that include a member of the IL-6 family linked to a soluble receptor of the member of the IL-6 family, or isolated polynucleotides encoding same, the complexes capable of activating a gp130 mediated signaling pathway, thereby treating acute or chronic renal failure.

Abstract: A method of ex-vivo expanding a population of stem cells, while at the same time inhibiting differentiation of the stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention concerns RPE cells obtainable by directed differentiation from stem cell, particularly, human stem cells. It has been specifically found that culturing stem cells in the presence of one or more member of the TGF? superfamily, such as Activin A) induced directed differentiation into mature and functional RPE cells. This was evidenced by the expression of markers specific to mature RPE cells, including MiTF-A, RPE65 or Bestrophin). In accordance with one particular embodiment, the cells are a priori cultured with nicotinamide (NA) which was found to augment the cells' response to the inductive effect of the one or more member of the TGF? superfamily. The invention also provides methods of performing the directed differentiation, as well as methods for use of the resulting RPE cells.

Abstract: A method of ex-vivo expanding a population of stem cells, while at the same time inhibiting differentiation of the stem cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising NF-?B binding sites derived from the MGMT promoter region and uses thereof as decoy molecules in the treatment of cancer and immune-related disorders. More particularly, the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences as well as to modified oligonucleotides (ODNs) comprising NF-?B binding sites derived from the MGMT promoter region, and uses thereof as decoy molecules for inhibiting NF-?B enhanced expression of MGMT. The invention further relates to compositions, kits and screening methods using the NF-?B binding sites of the invention or ODNs comprising the same for treating cancer and immune related disorders.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a T cell vaccine for the treatment of immunodeficient HIV-infected patients is described herein, based on the enrichment of autologous CD4-reactive CD8 T cells. Also described is a protocol for the implementation of T cell vaccination in immunodeficient HIV-infected, as well as a method of treatment, based on the T cell vaccine developed herein. Finally, kits for preparing the T cell vaccine as well as for implementing the protocol are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic compositions methods and kits for the detection of carriers of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The detection is based on the use of detecting nucleic acids or amino acid based molecules, specific for determination of the expression of at least six marker genes of the invention, in a test sample. The invention thereby provides methods compositions and kits for the diagnosis of cancerous disorders associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, specifically, of ovarian and breast cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pentose and pentose derivatives that are effective at increasing glucose transport in a non-insulin dependent manner, and to uses thereof for a) treating and/or preventing hyperglycemia; b) treating and/or preventing the complications of hyperglycemia; c) treating diabetes; d) increasing the rate of cellular glucose transport; e) increasing the rate of cellular glucose uptake; f) improving the ability of a subject to metabolize glucose; g) treating daily blood glucose fluctuations; h) reducing blood sugar levels; i) reducing the dosage of anti-diabetic medication needed for treatment of diabetes. The present invention further provides novel pentose derivatives having beneficial properties in terms of pharmacokinetics, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these novel compounds and uses thereof.