Abstract: Compositions comprising TL1A-Ig fusion proteins and methods of their use, e.g., for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with antigen-specific immune responses, are described. Also described are combination therapies that include the administration of a TNFRSF25 agonist and an interleukin (e.g., IL-2) and/or an mTOR inhibitor (e.g., rapamycin).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions of GHRH agonists and peptides, and methods to treat diabetes. In one embodiment, a method of promoting survival of grafted cells and/or tissues may involve exposing the cells and/or tissues to an effective amount of at least one agonist of GHRH. In some embodiments, the grafted cells and/or tissues may be pancreatic cells. In some embodiments, the grafted cells may be islet cells co-cultured with non-pancreatic cells. In a further embodiment, a method of treating a patient diagnosed with diabetes involves transplanting and/or grafting the islet cells and/or tissues comprising islet cells into a patient, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agonist of GHRH to the patient. In some embodiments, the islet cells and/or tissues comprising islet cells may be optionally exposed to GHRH and/or at least one agonist of GHRH prior to transplantation into a patient.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of hypoxia associated disorders by directional angiogenesis/arteriogenesis. Conditionally silenced vectors expressing a therapeutic molecule under hypoxic conditions avoid chaotic vascularization and allow for the orderly growth of new vessels into damaged tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of medicine, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. In particular, the present invention provides methods to isolate and purify microvesicles from cell culture supernatants and biological fluids. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions of microvesicles to promote or enhance wound healing, stimulate tissue regeneration, remodel scarred tissue, modulate immune reactions, alter neoplastic cell growth and/or mobility, or alter normal cell growth and/or mobility. The present invention also provides compositions of microvesicles to be used as diagnostic reagents, and methods to prepare the compositions of microvesicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds which are able to modulate b-raf kinases, and the use of such compounds in the treatment of various diseases, disorders or conditions.

Abstract: A novel classification system for breast cancer based on normal breast cell phenotypes and various expression levels of estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), and vitamin D receptor (VDR). The various categories of the classification system are associated with different survival rates and prognoses. The invention includes a method of classifying breast cancer comprises measuring the levels of ER, AR, and VDR in the cancerous tissue, and classifying the breast cancer into one of the above-noted categories according to expression levels. The invention includes a method of predicting the prognosis of breast cancer in a patient and a method of determining a treatment regimen for breast cancer depending on the category in which the breast cancer is classified. The invention includes a method of treating breast cancer according to the expression profile of ER, AR, and VDR detected in the cancerous tissue. Kits for detecting the same are also provided.

Abstract: A method of repairing diseased or dysfunctional pancreas or liver is provided. The method involves preparation of a suspension of stem cells and/or progenitor cells such as biliary tree stem cells, hepatic stem cells, pancreatic stem cells or their descendants, committed progenitor cells, from healthy tissue of the patient or of the biliary tree of a non-autologous donor and engrafting the cells into the wall of bile ducts near to the organ to be treated. The graft consists of stem cells or progenitors that are admixed with biomaterials and, optionally, with cytokines and/or native epithelial-mesenchymal cells appropriate for the maturational lineage stage of the cells to be engrafted.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of synthetic analogs of hGH-RH(1-29)NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and hGH-RH(1-30)NH2. Of particular interest are those carrying PhAc, N-Me-Aib, Dca, Ac-Ada, Fer, Ac-Amc, Me-NH-Sub, PhAc-Ada, Ac-Ada-D-Phe, Ac-Ada-Phe, Dca-Ada, Dca-Amc, Nac-Ada, Ada-Ada, or CH3—(CH2)10—CO-Ada, at the N-Terminus and ?-Ala, Amc, Apa, Ada, AE2A, AE4P, ?-Lys(?-NH2), Agm, Lys(Oct) or Ahx, at the C-terminus. These analogs inhibit the release of growth hormone from the pituitary in mammals as well as inhibit the proliferation of human cancers, and inhibit the hyperplastic and benign proliferative disorders of various organs, through a direct effect on the cancerous and non-malignant cells. The stronger inhibitory potencies of the new analogs, as compared to previously described ones, result from replacement of various amino acids.

Abstract: Cell-based immunotherapy (e.g., immunization or vaccination) may be improved by frequent administration to a human subject of allogeneic cancer cells secreting a modified heat shock protein (e.g., gp96), depletion of B cells in the subject, or both. Antigen (e.g., epitope derived from neoantigen or tumor antigen of allogeneic or syngeneic cancer cells) may induce a specific immune response in the subject. For example, the epitope bound in an immunogenic complex with the secreted heat shock protein may be obtained from allogeneic cancer cells coexpressing both secreted gp96 and antigen, or from syngeneic cancer cells of the subject expressing only antigen.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for processing of solid tissue are described. The method may be performed manually or automatically. The system may have modules such as (i) a grossing module where a fresh tissue is sliced to prepare a tissue specimen, (ii) a hardening module that hardens the tissue specimen, (iii) an impregnating module that impregnates the tissue specimen that was hardened, and (iv) an embedding module that embeds a tissue specimen that was hardened and impregnated. Fresh (i.e., not fixed or frozen) tissue, which was excised to diagnose disease or to assess surgical treatment, is grossed to about 0.6 mm. Preferably, the hardening of fresh tissue is initiated, but not completed, during grossing by contact with a chemical admixture. Preferably, dry ice, a thermoelectric device, or a gas condenser cools a metal mold containing the embedded specimen.

Abstract: Compositions are directed to the treatment of kidney diseases in a cell-specific manner. Methods of treating kidney diseases comprise the use of the compositions. Assays for identification of further compounds are provided. Biomarkers for predisposition to kidney diseases and diagnosis are indentified.

Abstract: A protective coating for covering a biological material, the protective coating having a plurality of interconnected layers covalently bonded to each other. The plurality of interconnected layers can include at least one hyperbranched polymeric material, and at least one dendrimer. A method of forming a protective coating for covering a biological material, the method can include depositing a plurality of interconnected layers, which are covalently bonded to each other. The plurality of interconnected layers can include at least one hyperbranched polymeric material, and at least one dendrimer.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons or fluorocarbon derivatives (e.g., fluorinated silane, partially fluorinated silane) in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a biocompatible drug delivery device for the targeted treatment of cancer that is implantable within the tumorous mass of a patient. In one embodiment, the device comprises two polarizable elements mechanically coupled by a connecting element. The device also comprises one or more cancer treatment agents. When the polarizable elements are depolarized, such as by the application of ionizing radiation, the two polarizable elements are repelled from each other and release the cancer treatment agent. In another embodiment, one or more treatment agents are expelled from a miniaturized syringe when internal pressure of the device is increased by the production of gas bubbles in response to the application of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: Red blood cell membrane derived microparticles (RMP) are safe, economical, effective hemostatic agents in the treatment of a wide range of bleeding conditions and can be considered as universal hemostatic agents. RMP are produced from red blood cells using a high-pressure extrusion membrane shear process and can be lyophilized after production and retain activity even when stored at room temperature. RMP can be administered to original donors (autologous treatment), thus avoiding transfusion complications, or can be administered to blood type compatible recipients. RMP produced from type O, Rh negative red cells can be given to any person regardless of blood type. RMP can be administered to reduce excessive bleeding resulting from trauma, surgeries, invasive procedures and various bleeding disorders such as platelet disorders, either congenital or acquired, and coagulation disorders, either congenital or acquired.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the treatment of cathepsin or dynamin mediated diseases, such as proteinuria, cancer, and cognitive disease and related products. Diagnostic and other assays are also provided, as well as methods for podocyte cell gene transfer.

Abstract: There are provided a novel series of peptide analogs of hGH-RH(1-29)NH2 and hGH-RH(1-30)NH2 which show high activities in stimulating the release of pituitary GH in animals. They retain their physiological activity in solution for extended periods of time and resist enzymic degradation in the body. These novel and useful properties appear to be due to novel substitution patterns ant at the 1, 15, 27 and 29 positions on the peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds which are able to modulate b-raf kinases, and the use of such compounds in the treatment of various diseases, disorders or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides dendrimer conjugates. The present invention provides a composition comprising a dendrimer conjugate and a cell, such as a cell covered with dendrimer conjugates, in which dendrimer conjugates home the cell to a target tissue.

Abstract: Compositions and methods utilizing immunomodulating agents can either stimulate or indirectly augment the immune system or have an immunosuppressive effect. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect. They can be used to treat disease caused by asthma and chronic inflammation such as inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. TNFR25 antagonists disclosed herein are capable of inhibiting CD8 T cell-mediated cellular immune responses and can for example, mitigate organ or tissue rejection following a tissue transplantation.