Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4. The cells thus isolated are also a feature of the invention, as is a method for screening for potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for making agarose coated, agarose beads which contain cells. The method which is preferably automated, involves placing manufactured beads in a sample of mineral oil at a temperature gradient, such that the temperature drops as the bead moves through the oil. Preferably, a “trumpet tool” and a “straw tool” are employed in the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a method for identifying an agent that selectively decreases the number of cancer stem cells (CSCs). This method includes (a) contacting a CSC from a population of cells with a candidate agent; and (b) determining whether the candidate agent reduces the survival or growth of the CSC or increases differentiation of the CSC relative to a CSC that has not been contacted with the candidate agent. The method may be used as a high throughput screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating sepsis in subjects who exhibit serum albumin levels, and one of total cholesterol or HDL levels, above minimum threshold values. The method involves intravenous administration of an emulsion, which contains a phospholipid, a neutral lipid, and a cholate salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4. The cells thus isolated are also a feature of the invention, as is a method for screening for potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4.

Abstract: The invention describes the manufacture and use of secretory cell containing bead structures that are coated with agarose. The beads, which are preferably 4 mm-12 mm in diameter, and which preferably contain islets, are made of a particular agarose, i.eagarose which has a sulfate content of less than 0.2 wt % but greater than zero, a pyruvate content of 0-0.1 wt %, and a Kjeldahl nitrogen content of 0-0.04 wt %. The gels found from the agarose exhibit a gel strength of at least 1200 g/cm2 (1.0 wt % concentration), substantial absence of DNA binding in 0.07 M or less tris acetate buffer, and an EEO at 1.0 wt % agarose concentration of 0.05 or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for making agarose coated, agarose beads which contain cells. The method which is preferably automated, involves placing manufactured beads in a sample of mineral oil at a temperature gradient, such that the temperature drops as the bead moves through the oil. Preferably, a “trumpet tool” and a “straw tool” are employed in the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stem cells, embryonic stem cells in particular. It has been found that, when these stem cells are entrapped such that their proliferation is inhibited, they produce material which inhibits the proliferation of other, non-entrapped cells, including stem cells and neoplastic and/or hyperproliferative, but otherwise normal cells. It has also been found that entrapped cancer cells will produce material which inhibits the proliferation of stem cells. Further, it has been found that the entrapment of the stem cells inhibits their differentiation and thus the entrapment process can serve as a long-term storage device for maintaining the undifferentiated state of at least a portion of the entrapped cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating a pancreas as a source of therapeutically useful islets. A scoring system is set forth whereby 5 criteria are listed. If three criteria are positive, then the pancreas is a suitable source of therapeutically useful islets.

Abstract: Compositions of matter are described which contain restricted cancer cells. When so restricted, the cells produce an unexpectedly high amount of material which suppresses cancer cell proliferation. The phenomenon crosses cancer type and species lines. Processes for making these compositions, and their use, are also described.

Abstract: Compositions of matter are described which contain restricted cancer cells. When so restricted, the cells produce an unexpectedly high amount of material which suppresses cancer cell proliferation. The phenomenon crosses cancer type and species lines. Processes for making these compositions, and their use, are also described.

Abstract: Compositions of matter are described which contain restricted cancer cells. When so restricted, the cells produce an unexpectedly high amount of material which suppresses cancer cell proliferation. The phenomenon crosses cancer type and species lines. Processes for making these compositions, and their use, are also described.

Abstract: Compositions of matter are described which contain restricted cancer cells. When so restricted, the cells produce an unexpectedly high amount of material which suppresses cancer cell proliferation. The phenomenon crosses cancer type and species lines. Processes for making these compositions, and their use, are also described.

Abstract: Compositions of matter are described which contain restricted cancer cells. When so restricted, the cells produce an unexpectedly high amount of material which suppresses cancer cell proliferation. The phenomenon crosses cancer type and species lines. Processes for making these compositions, and their use, are also described.

Abstract: Biological agents such as secretory cells are encapsulated in a hydrophilic gel made of agarose or collagen-agarose and gelatin sponge-agarose combinations. In a preferred embodiment, semi-solid beads are formed from a suspension containing collagen, agarose and secretory cells such as pancreatic islets, the collagen is polymerized to form solid, agarose-collagen beads and the solid beads are coated with agarose. Coating is preferably by rolling the solid beads in about 5-10% agarose, contacting the rolled beads with mineral oil and washing oil from the beads. Beads containing secretory cells can be transplanted into a mammal to treat a condition caused by impaired secretory cell function.

Abstract: Biological agents such as secretory cells are encapsulated in a hydrophilic gel made of agarose or collagen-agarose and gelatin sponge-agarose combinations. In a preferred embodiment, semi-solid beads are formed from a suspension containing collagen, agarose and secretory cells such as pancreatic islets, the collagen is polymerized to form solid, agarose-collagen beads and the solid beads are coated with agarose. Coating is preferably by rolling the solid beads in about 5-10% agarose, contacting the rolled beads with mineral oil and washing oil from the beads. Beads containing secretory cells can be transplanted into a mammal to treat a condition caused by impaired secretory cell function.

Abstract: Biological agents such as secretory cells are encapsulated in a hydrophilic gel made of agarose or collagen-agarose and gelatin sponge-agarose combinations. In a preferred embodiment, semi-solid beads are formed from a suspension containing collagen, agarose and secretory cells such as pancreatic islets, the collagen is polymerized to form solid, agarose-collagen beads and the solid beads are coated with agarose. Coating is preferably by rolling the solid beads in about 5-10% agarose, contacting the rolled beads with mineral oil and washing oil from the beads. Beads containing secretory cells can be transplanted into a mammal to treat a condition caused by impaired secretory cell function.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for making agarose coated, agarose beads which contain cells. The method which is preferably automated, involves placing manufactured beads in a sample of mineral oil at a temperature gradient, such that the temperature drops as the bead moves through the oil. Preferably, a “trumpet tool” and a “straw tool” are employed in the method.