Abstract: Novel methods, tissues and compositions for increasing the pancreatic mass of a mammalian recipient including harvesting immature pancreatic tissue from a mammalian donor and transplanting said tissue into the peritoneal cavity of a mammalian recipient under conditions that allow the pancreatic tissue to become vascularized and mature, thereby developing a functioning chimeric, endocrine pancreas that produces at least insulin in the recipient. The invention also includes mammalian immature pancreatic tissue adapted for transplantation into the peritoneal cavity of a mammalian recipient for increasing the pancreatic mass of the mammalian recipient as well as methods and compositions for treatment of the pancreatic tissue, recipient immunosuppression and recipient co-stimulatory blockade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to altering the physical and/or chemical properties of at least part of at least one tissue in the eye. In a specific embodiment, it relates to the treatment of any eye disorder, although in particular embodiments the individual has a thickened Bruch's membrane. An activating energy source is utilized to effect a controlled diffusion enhancement and/or degradation of Bruch's membrane that enables improved diffusional transport between the choroid and retina. The individual is administered an inactivated diffusion-enhancing molecule that becomes associated with the membrane, which is then precisely exposed to an activating energy source, such as light or ultrasound.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for the ex vivo formation of mammalian bone and subsequent uses of the bone. A critical and distinguishing feature of the present invention are defined tissue culture conditions and factors resulting in the formation of bone cell spheroids. The invention also provides for methods of implanting into subjects the ex vivo formed bone. Also described are methods for genetically altering the bone cell spheroids to affect bone formation, identification of candidate modulators of bone formation, and identification of genes involved in bone formation.

Abstract: A bone graft substitute composition can include essentially of calcium sulfate, a mixing solution, and a plasticizing substance. A bone graft substitute composition can include calcium sulfate, demineralized bone matrix, cancellous bone, a plasticizing substance, and a mixing solution.

Abstract: A bone graft substitute composition comprising calcium sulfate; a mixing solution selected from the group consisting of sterile water, sodium chloride, phosphate buffered saline, potassium chloride, and sodium sulfate; and a plasticizing substance selected from the group consisting of carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, methycellulose, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Abstract: A bone graft substitute composition can include essentially of calcium sulfate, a mixing solution, and a plasticizing substance. A bone graft substitute composition can include calcium sulfate, demineralized bone matrix, cancellous bone, a plasticizing substance, and a mixing solution.

Abstract: The present inventors intended to search for substances that can regulate the expression of a molecular chaperone, GRP78, using the expression of GRP78 as an indicator. As a result, a novel tetronic acid derivative, versipelostatin compound (also known as JL68) shown in formula (I) having the activity of suppressing GRP78 expression was isolated from the metabolite of Streptomyces versipellis strain 4083-SVS6.

Abstract: An assay for assessing the permeability of mitochondrial membranes is provided. The assay is based on enzymatic reactions that produce a detectable signal in the presence of intra-mitochondrial compounds. In some embodiments, the intra-mitochondrial compounds may be reduced and/or oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (i.e., NADH and NAD+, respectively). The assay may optionally be provided in the form of a kit, and may further be useful in the discovery and interrogation of compounds that may serve to inhibit pathologic increase in mitochondrial membrane permeability, which is associated with numerous and varied mammalian disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring the concentration of analytes with the aid of an oxidase in an immersion sensor situated in a fluid or in a matrix containing fluid. Oxygen diffuses into the enzyme layer from within, from a gas-filled space connected to the atmosphere and/or to an oxygen reservoir. This enables oxygen saturation of the oxidase in a low-oxygen or oxygen-free medium and/or at high analyte concentrations. The analyte diffuses into the enzyme layer in a channel or a number of channels which contain(s) water and limit(s) diffusion, wherein the channel/channels on the surface of the sensor is/are filled with a protein-impermeable, hydrophilic matrix. By increasing the channel cross-section on the surface of the sensor and/or by connecting the channel/channels to a protein-impermeable, porous, hydrophilic layer on the surface of the sensor, the effect of outer deposits on the diffusion resistance of the analyte is reduced.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for constructing stable mammalian embryonic epithelial tissues and organs as well as constructing kidney tissue, and treating renal failure. Disclosed are methods of using an active epithelial growth factor having the capability of effectuating induction of growth and morphognesis is cells.

Abstract: Gellan can be purified from nucleic acid contamination by combining the contaminated gellan with DNase under conditions that allow the DNase to degrade the nucleic acid contaminant. The purified gellan is useful in gel electrophoresis. A buffer which allows cystamine to be used as a reversible cross-linker does not have to be recirculated during the course of a normal gel run.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for inhibiting process formation and extension by cells in culture. The subject invention further includes cultures of process-forming cells wherein formation and extension of processes have been inhibited. In another aspect, the subject invention concerns methods of transplantation using process-forming cells that have been cultured by the process-inhibiting methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic composition containing at least one 15-hydroxy-prostaglandin dehydrogenase inhibitor and cosmetically acceptable excipients. It also relates to a method of cosmetic treatment for promoting the growth and/or preventing or delaying the loss of hair, and the use of a 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase inhibitor for the preparation of a composition intended for controlling hair loss and/or for promoting hair regrowth.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for isolating sperm cells from an aqueous sample and kits for isolating sperm cells from an aqueous sample.

Abstract: A method of staining bacteria comprises: working a polymethine dye on a sample in the presence of a substance capable of reducing nitrite ions to stain bacteria in the sample. A method of detecting bacteria comprises the following steps of: (1) working a polymethine dye on a sample by a method as described above to stain bacteria in the sample, (2) introducing the thus treated sample into a detecting part of a flow cytometer and irradiating cells of the stained bacteria one by one with light to measure scattered light and fluorescent light emitted from each of the cells; and (3) discriminating the bacteria from other components in accordance with an intensity of a scattered light signal and an intensity of a fluorescent light signal or a pulse width reflecting the length of particles to count the bacteria.

Abstract: Conditioned media compositions having valuable biological activity are obtained from cultures of immune cells from elasmobranch fishes. A method is provided for producing the conditioned media compositions. Conditioned media obtained using epigonal cells from bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) and lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) demonstrate strong anti-tumor activities. The conditioned media compositions can be used for treating tumor proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to new keratinocytes which may be cultured in vitro and the advantageous use thereof for preparing a product which can be used to treat acute and chronic wounds.

Abstract: A method for the prevention of the adhesion of particles, in particular cells and cellular components in solution to surfaces, characterized in that to the solution is added at least one polyalcohol.

Abstract: A process to produce 19-nor-10?-carboxylic acids by fungal oxidation of 6-substituted-?6-pregnanes is disclosed.

Abstract: From fish egg skin produced by utilization of roe grains of various fish, constituent proteins thereof are enzymatically degraded to obtain peptides and amino acids, of which effective utilization is achieved. The invention provides a method for producing amino acids and peptides (useful as nutrient enhancers for foods) from fish egg skins which comprises treating cold water-washed fish egg skins with ozonized water at room temperature or below, subsequently, degrading the resultant product with a proteolytic enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis, or further treating with a proteolytic enzyme produced by Aspergillus oryzae, to degrade myogenic fiber proteins (contractile proteins: myosins) in the fish egg skin, and then concentrating/drying the degraded solution.