Abstract: Methods and reagents are described for myocardial regenerative therapy using cardiomyocytes that are cultured ex vivo to have a controlled orientation of beating. This is achieved by growing the cardiomyocytes on a culture support that is coated with a polymerizable liquid crystal which is oriented so as to be in a liquid crystal phase state prior to curing with ionizing radiation or ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomatrix scaffolds, a tissue extract enriched for extracellular matrix components and bound growth factors, cytokines and hormones, and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: A cell culture product is provided for propagating embryonic stem cells, and maintaining their self-renewal and pluripotency characteristics for extended periods of time in culture. The cell culturing product includes a substrate; and a coating thereon deposited from a coating solution. The coating solution includes a mixture of extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, wherein the total protein concentration in the coating solution is about 10 ?g/ml to about 1 mg/ml.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synergistic associations of melatonin and other active substances and cosmetic compositions suitable for treating all those manifestations causing or accompanying the aging of skin, hair and other tissues. In particular, the invention is based on the use of melatonin associated with immunoactive and antioxidant substances significantly potentiating its antiaging activity, remarkably reducing free radical formation and thereby improving the aspect of both skin and hair.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions to treat a myocardial infarction. In one embodiment, the method includes the prevention of remodeling of the infarct zone of the ventricle using a combination of therapies. The method may include the introduction of structurally reinforcing agents. In other embodiments, agents may be introduced into a ventricle to increase compliance of the ventricle. The prevention of remodeling may include the prevention of thinning of the ventricular infarct zone. Another embodiment includes the reversing or prevention of ventricular remodeling with electro-stimulatory therapy. The unloading of the stressed myocardium over time effects reversal of undesirable ventricular remodeling. These therapies may be combined with structurally reinforcing therapies. In other embodiments, the structurally reinforcing component may be accompanied by other therapeutic agents. These agents may include but are not limited to pro-fibroblastic and angiogenic agents.

Abstract: The invention comprises two key components: dielectrophoresis (DEP) and reversible binding surfaces. DEP has become an important tool for trapping dielectric particles. Moreover, DEP can manipulate cell movement as dictated by the intrinsic dielectric constant of the cell without modification. DEP therefore provides a mechanism by which to force targets in a flow channel to a reversible binding surface. By building selectivity into the binding surface, the capacity to choose which targets can be held after the dielectric field is turned off, providing a separation strategy that does not suffer from fouling issues, as large foulants can freely pass over the surface through the flow channel.

Abstract: Therapeutic stem cells and methods for their use and manufacture. Stem cells are produced under conditions in which the stem cells are exposed to at least one environmental factor, including decreased oxygen tension. The environmental factors and culture conditions of the invention produce stem cells having an enhanced therapeutic ability and enhanced proliferation in culture. Stem cells of the invention retain their plasticity through a higher number of cell passages relative to know methods of stem cell culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for increasing the activity of the immune system and, especially, to methods for increasing the activity of the immune system by modulation of endogenous ectophosphatase levels. According to a particularly preferred embodiment the present invention relates to methods for the prophylaxis of mammals, and especially human mammals, at risk of inflammatory diseases such as mammals suffering from conditions such as surgery, digestive tract diseases, respiratory diseases, skin diseases, burn wounds, smoke inhalation, intoxication, severe blood loss, food poisoning, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, severe trauma or liver diseases, immunocompromised conditions. For this, the present invention provides use of an ectophosphatase for the preparation of a medicament for the prophylaxis of a mammal at risk of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modulating the growth, development and repair of bone, cartilage or other connective tissue. Devices and stimulus waveforms are provided to differentially modulate the behavior of osteoblasts, chondrocytes and other connective tissue cells to promote proliferation, differentiation, matrix formation or mineralization for in vitro or in vivo applications. Continuous-mode and pulse-burst-mode stimulation of cells with charge-balanced signals may be used. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by nitric oxide release through electrical stimulation and may be modulated through co-administration of NO donors and NO synthase inhibitors. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by release of BMP-2 and BMP-7 in response to electrical stimulation to promote differentiation of cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for treatment of ischemic diseases and conditions, particularly myocardial, CNS/brain and limb ischemia. More particularly, the present invention provides methods of treating disorders by administering monocytes obtained from blood, including umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, or bone marrow to an individual in need of treatment, wherein the drug is administered to the individual at a time point specifically determined to provide therapeutic efficacy. In one embodiment, the cells are for injection into ischemic myocardium for the treatment of angina.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for oral administration to an animal comprising at least one immune stress-reducing enzyme in an amount effective to decrease the level of positive acute phase protein in an animal, increase the level of negative acute phase protein in an animal, and/or improve animal growth performance is provided, as are methods using such compositions. The compositions include animal feed compositions, liquid compositions other than animal feed, and solid compositions other than animal feed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved sperm stimulating additive comprising a certain amount of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). Addition of PPi in the media for human/animal in vitro fertilization (IVF) improves fertilization rate; addition of PPi in the semen extender for farm animal artificial insemination (AI) may improve pregnancy rates; furthermore, mammalian oocytes matured in vitro in a medium including PPi attain improved fertilization and developmental potential, while embryos cultured in medium supplemented with PPi have improved development to blastocyst.

Abstract: A method and device for aggregating algae in an aqueous solution is disclosed. The method can include providing an algae feed comprising a liquid and algae dispersed therein. The algae feed can be aggregated by applying a nanosecond pulsed electric field to the algae feed. The nanosecond pulsed electric field can include a plurality of electric pulses having a pulse duration ranging from 1 to 1,000 nanoseconds. The method can also include separating an aggregated algae stream from the algae feed and feeding the aggregated algae stream to a lipid extraction operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diagnosing cancer on the basis of the quantitative analysis of blood or tissue isotopes. The method can accurately diagnose cancer even when it is too small for current conventional technology to diagnose.

Abstract: A bacterial cellulose film is provided, including microbial fibers consisting of bacterial cellulose, wherein the microbial fibers are arranged in a density gradient in a direction of the bacterial cellulose film thickness.

Abstract: The use of a neutral protease (NP) together with a collagenase consists in that a neutral protease which is not contained in a collagenase enzyme preparation and which is not produced by a recombinant production is mixed before the beginning of a tissue dissociation with a collagenase or a collagenase enzyme preparation with an individual dosage of the quantitative proportions of neutral protease and collagenase for improving the isolation results with respect to yield, viability and integrity of the cells.

Abstract: The device of the invention comprises a support having a surface comprising an attachment zone (Z) capable of being functionalized with a probe (A) capable of binding, according to the pH and reversibly, to a target (B) so as to attach it; a working electrode (WE) and a counterelectrode (CE) for this working electrode, arranged on the support in the vicinity of the attachment zone; and means for applying a given electric current or a given potential to said working electrode so as to cause, when said attachment zone and said electrodes are immersed in an aqueous solution, a local variation in pH in the region of said attachment zone. The method for attaching and/or detaching a target or an object according to the invention uses this device, the attachment and/or the detachment being electrochemically controlled with the working electrode.

Abstract: A biosorbent for removing cationic and/or anionic metals from aqueous solutions, and a process for the production of the biosorbent. The biosorbent includes bacterial aggregates of Bacillus sp. VCHB-10, deposited as NRRL-B-30881, and treated with polyethyleneimine and glutaraldehyde. Among the metals in their cationic form, the following are considered: cations of Ag, Al, Au, Co, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, U, Th and Zn. Among the metals in their anionic form, the following are considered: anions of As, Cr and Mo. Removal or recovery of metals from wastewater using the biosorbent is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of Bifidobacteria. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of Bifidobacteria with a modulated stress resistance. One embodiment of the present invention is a Bifidobacterium with a constitutively modulated DnaK, GrpE and/or CIpB expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. In particular, the present invention provides an improved method for the formation of pancreatic endoderm, pancreatic hormone expressing cells and pancreatic hormone secreting cells. The present invention also provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells without the use of a feeder cell layer.