Abstract: The present invention describes devices, solutions, and methods for the ex-vivo assessment, resuscitation, triage, and maintenance of human candidate cadaveric hearts.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for activating and expanding cells, and more particularly, to a novel method to activate and/or stimulate cells that maximizes the expansion of such cells to achieve dramatically high densities. In the various embodiments, cells are activated and expanded to very high densities in a short period of time. In certain embodiments, cells are activated and expanded to very high numbers of cells in a short period of time. Compositions of cells activated and expanded by the methods herein are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for detecting target microorganisms in a sample. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions comprising a conditionally detectable maker and an enzyme substrate that provides detection of the target microorganism as well as methods of use thereof. With the invention disclosed herein, a widely applicable approach is revealed which utilizes a presumptive indicator for the target microorganism and non-target microorganisms capable of growth and detection in a medium followed by a confirmation indicator, which is substantially only reacted upon by the non-target microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for rapidly modifying the fatty acid composition of cell membranes of organs and tissues, in particular to increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids of cell membranes of organs and tissues by parenterally administering to the human or animal body a supply of fatty acids in the form of an isotonic lipid emulsion comprising fatty acid triglycerides.

Abstract: The strain of Trichoderma asperellum T34(2) CECT No. 20417 is useful for preparing substrates for biological control of vascular fusariose and death of plants caused by Rhizoctonia solani. The substrates can be peats, composts (hardwood compost, pine bark compost, cork compost, sludge compost from sewage treatment plants, garden residues, etc.) or formulations based on CPV-type compost (compost+peat+vermiculite). The fact that the substrates suppress both Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and Rhizoctonia solani provides an advantage in comparison with other substrates known in prior art. Another advantage is that the use of methyl bromide, a highly harmful product for the environment, in the control of vascular fusariose is avoided.

Abstract: A differential extraction system is directed to a microfluidic-based integrated cartridge to automate differential extraction of specific cell types within a mixed sample. The integrated cartridge includes a sonication module for selective cell lysis, separating means to eliminate centrifugation, high surface area pillar chip modules to purify DNA from a cell lysate, and microfluidic circuitry to integrate the steps in an automated platform.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel strain of Megasphaera elsdenii and its uses. This invention further relates to preparations and methods incorporating such strain. This invention also relates to feedstuffs for ruminants and a preparation and method for the prevention and treatment of lactic acidosis in ruminants. This invention even further relates to a method of isolating a biologically pure culture of a superior ruminal microorganism in a relatively shorter time period than conventional methods. This invention yet further relates to a method of achieving any one or more of the following improvements in ruminants namely increased milk production; improved feedlot performance; improved growth rate; decrease in finishing time; lower digestive morbidity and mortality; lower incidence of lactic acidosis and related diseases; improved feed conversion efficiency; decrease in roughage content in feeds; and capability to feed on relatively higher concentrate diets.

Abstract: Methods of treating or preventing a disorder, or a complication of a disorder, of an eye of a subject, comprising contacting a vitreous and/or aqueous humor with a composition comprising a truncated form of plasmin comprising a catalytic domain of plasmin (TPCD) are disclosed. TPCDs include, but are not limited to, miniplasmin, microplasmin and derivatives and variants thereof. The methods of the invention can be used to reduce the viscosity of the vitreous, liquefy the vitreous, induce posterior vitreous detachment, reduce hemorrhagic blood from the eye, clear or reduce materials toxic to the eye, clear or reduce intraocular foreign substances from the eye, increase diffusion of a composition administered to an eye, reduce extraretinal neovascularization and any combinations thereof. The method can be used in the absence of, or as an adjunct to, vitrectomy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides obtained from bear derivative isolate which are useful in suppressing appetite. The polypeptides of the present invention are most preferably between 12 and 13 amino acid residues in length and a mass of about 1249. The present invention also relates to a method of treating obesity by administering to obese subjects an effective amount of the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for activating and expanding cells, and more particularly, to a novel method to activate and/or stimulate cells that maximizes the expansion of such cells to achieve dramatically high densities. In the various embodiments, cells are activated and expanded to very high densities in a short period of time. In certain embodiments, cells are activated and expanded to very high numbers of cells in a short period of time. Compositions of cells activated and expanded by the methods herein are further provided.

Abstract: An enzymatic process to obtain 4-O-?-D-galactopyranosyl-D-xylose useful in compositions or solutions in the in vivo evaluation of intestinal lactose activity in humans, that comprises the steps of preparing a reaction mixture of D-xylose, a ?-D-galactopyranoside and a reaction medium that comprises water buffered to a pH between 5.0 and 9.0; adding 10 to 1,000 units of ?-D-galactosidase per gram of ?-D-galactopyranoside; subjecting the reaction mixture to a reaction or a temperature between a temperature higher than the freezing point of the reaction mixture and 45° C., for 2 to 48 hours; for the reaction by deactivation of the ?-D-galactosidase; and to isolate and crystallize the fractions that contain 4-O-?-D-galactopyranosyl-D-xylose from a crystallization mixture selected between mixtures of acetone/methanol in a ratio between 5/1 to 20/1 and mixtures of acetone/water in a ratio between 5/1 to 20/1.

Abstract: A cell growth matrix for optimizing 3D organization nutrient delivery, controlling release of differentiation factors and facilitating attachment of cells to a scaffold Colloidal crystals and inverted colloidal crystals are used to form an ordered structure for use as a scaffold for tissue engineering. The porosity of the cell growth matrix may be modified by the selection of particles of appropriate diameter. Further, the surface of colloidal crystals can be easily modified to accommodate many organic species including biomolecules. Layer-by-layer materials are used for tissue engineering to control cell development by using sequential layering of bioactive species wherein the number and order of LBL layers deposited between layers containing a particular protein are controlled. LBL may also be used for timed release of bioactive species. Increased control differentiation factors release and control of cell attachments to the scaffold are achieved to better mimic natural tissue development.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: A pliable bone restorative having an osteoconductive foam that at least partially surrounds a biocompatible mesh and the foam comprises a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and calcium phosphate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of ethanol and energy. The process includes the steps of fermenting a corn mash in an aqueous medium to produce a beer. Next, the beer is distilled to produce ethanol and a whole stillage. The whole stillage is anaerobically digested to produce a biogas and a residue. The biogas is combusted to produce electricity and steam. The electricity and steam are used during the fermentation and distillation process. The residue may further be separated into a liquid fertilizer and top soil residue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three dimensional, malleable cell culture composition and method of forming the same comprising hyaluronic acid, chitosan and a polyelectrolytic complex of hyaluronic acid and chitosan. These three components in combination constitute an initial microenvironment for support of stromal cells, and their undifferentiated mesenchymal cell progeny. The tissue engineering device and method of forming the same comprising hyaluronic acid and chitosan and the use of said device with compositions of pluripotent cells and various formulations of cell culture media for repair of tissues is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that are used to separate cells from a wide variety of tissues. In particular, automated systems and methods are described that separate regenerative cells, e.g., stem and/or progenitor cells, from adipose tissue. The systems and methods described herein provide rapid and reliable methods of separating and concentrating regenerative cells suitable for re-infusion into a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying, collecting and isolating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and compositions of purified HSCs. Specifically, the present invention provides methods of isolating and purifying CD150+ HSCs, CD48? HSCs, and CD244? HSCs. The present invention also relates to purified cell samples with enriched CD150+ HSCs, CD48? HSCs, and CD244? HSCs populations, as well as methods of treating subjects with such compositions.

Abstract: A method for improving the health and viability of pancreatic islets and improving the outcome of pancreatic islet transplantations is described. The method includes incubating the islets with an IKVAV-containing laminin A chain peptide, such as PA22-2, either before or during the culturing of the islets in an RCCS bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inorganic bone graft materials and a method for preparing the bone graft materials. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing bone graft materials comprises the following steps: collecting cancellous bones from an animal; removing lipids and organic materials from the cancellous bones using organic solvent, sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide; and sterilizing the cancellous bones wherefrom the lipids and the organic materials are removed. The bone graft materials prepared by the method of the present invention meet requirements for use in bone grafting, including biocompatibility, sterilization, osteoinductivity and osteoconductivity with free from immunogenecity and toxicity to tissue and are suitable for use in osteogenesis and have morphogenesis.