Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro cultured skin substitutes, preferably to in vitro cultured skin substitutes that have improved barrier function. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of such skin substitutes for irritancy testing. The present invention provides improved methods of screening compounds for irritancy activity, as well for identifying novel irritant responsive genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates, to novel methods and substrates for the propagation of viruses. The invention relates to IFN-deficient substrates and methods for propagating viruses in these unconventional substrates. In particular, the invention relates to methods of propagating viruses in immature embryonated eggs, preferably six- to nine-day-old chicken eggs. The methods of the invention are particularly attractive for growing viruses suitable for use in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: A method for treating a living organism to increase nutrient ingestion. The step of the method are first treating a fluid stream for use by at least one living organism, in a surface tension modification generator (STMG) at a first pressure with a frequency minimize hydrogen bonding of the fluid forming a reduced surface tension stream. The next step is flowing the reduced surface tension stream through a port reducing the first pressure to a second pressure and adding oxygen. After oxygen is added, then flow the reduced surface tension stream with oxygen at the second pressure into an inner chamber. The next step is flowing the reduced surface tension stream and oxygen from the inner chamber through a plurality of funnels disposed in a wall of the inner chamber creating a turbid zone in an outer chamber, and wherein nano-sized oxygen particles are dissolved into the stream.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for enhancing the growth of adult marrow stromal cells.

Abstract: A tissue graft composition comprising liver basement membrane is described. The graft composition can be implanted to replace or induce the repair of damaged or diseased tissues.

Abstract: Cells present in processed lipoaspirate tissue are used to treat patients. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of stem cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Compositions that are administered to a patient include a mixture of adipose tissue and stem cells so that the composition has a higher concentration of stem cells than when the adipose tissue was removed from the patient.

Abstract: Methods of determining rate of biosynthesis or breakdown of biological molecules from metabolic derivatives and catabolic products are disclosed herein. In particular, methods of measuring the rates of biosynthesis and breakdown of biological molecules inaccessible or not easily accessible to direct sampling by sampling metabolic derivatives and catabolic products in accessible biological samples are disclosed herein.

Abstract: To provide an enzymatic resolution process for efficiently producing an optically active N-protected-octahydro-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid denoted by the formula (2): by using an enzyme capable of asymmetrically hydrolyzing the —CO2R1 group in the formula (1) wherein R1 indicates an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 4, R2 indicates a protecting group of the imino group, and the carbon atoms marked with asterisks (*) indicate asymmetrical carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to probiotic Propionibacterium strains and their use in the preparation of probiotic supplements and foods. The invention relates to the provision of Vitamin B12, propionic acid, folacin and bacteriocins by probiotic strains, stimulation of bifidobacteria growth, production of favourable effects on the lipid metabolism and on the immune system of hosts through immunostimulation, immunomodulation or use of a probiotic strain as an adjuvant, reduction of homocysteine and ? glucuronidase and the prevention, treatment or amelioration of conditions associated with a need for these activities. The probiotic bacteria of the invention can be used in humans or other animals. In at least some applications, the bacteria can be used dead and parts rather than whole cells may be used. The present invention also relates to the preparation of vaccines for use in protecting patients from infectious diseases, in particular tuberculosis.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing cells in a 2-D cell cassette having a matrix for cell growth under pressure comprising two side assemblies which include a frame with a rigid support that fits over the 2-D cell cassette, with said assemblies positioned on either side of the cassette over the solid support sides, and a means to secure the sides of the cassette. The invention also provides different uses of this apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in vitro method for producing T lymphocytes. The method involves culturing bone marrow cells on a matrix seeded with keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of immunology. Specifically, the invention relates to the field of immune-mediated disorders such as allergies, auto-immune disease, transplantation-related disease or inflammatory disease. The invention provides for an immunoregulator (IR), use of an IR in preparing a pharmaceutical composition for treating an immune-mediated disorder and a method for treating an immune-mediated disorder.

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: In a method for culturing cells (2), according to which cells (2) are introduced into a cell culture chamber in order to form a cellular layer, the chamber being configured inside a carrier structure (1). The shape and size of the carrier structure (1) correspond to the shape that is to be formed by the cells (2), such as an implant or a prosthesis. Nutrients and oxygen are fed to the carrier structure (1). The exterior of the carrier structure (1) is provided with a boundary membrane (4) that is impermeable to cells.