Abstract: Stem cell lines derived from meningeal tissue such as dura mater, pia mater, or arachnoid mater, are disclosed. In various embodiments, the stem cell lines include greater than 80%, greater than 90%, or greater than 99% of pluripotent meningeal-derived stem cells. In other embodiments, the stem cell lines are induced to form nerve cells, bone cells, cartilage cells, Schwann cells, adipocytes, fibroblasts, or melanocytes with various inducing agents, such as antioxidants, steroid hormones, laminin, or various growth factors. Derivation of the current stem cell lines is accomplished through explantation or enzymatic dissociation of meningeal tissue, followed by expansion to large populations using growth media.

Abstract: The invention includes a synthetic bone substitute material suitable for use as a replacement for cancellous bone in a bone graft composition, the material comprising a reticulated framework of interconnecting bioceramic struts defining an interconnecting interstitial void volume, and a solid non-porous composition substantially filling the interstitial void volume and in intimate contact with the reticulated framework, the pore-filling composition comprising calcium sulfate. Calcium triphosphate is a preferred bioceramic material for the reticulated framework.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the enzymatic cleavage of racemates of aminomethyl-aryl-cyclohexanol derivatives.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating, preventing, modulating, attenuating, or inhibiting a disease or a disorder associated with inflammation related to NF-?B activation in a subject which comprises administering to the subject at least one curcumin compound. Also disclosed are combination therapies comprising the administration of at least one curcumin compound and at least one ROS inhibitor. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hematological assay is described in which the blood coagulation potential of a body fluid is assessed by reacting a sample of the body fluid with an amount of an activator reagent comprising: (a) a predetermined amount of factor Xa or a hematologically equivalent mutant thereof, and (b) a predetermined amount of factor Va, a hematologically equivalent mutant thereof or an enzyme activating endogenous factor V, (c) (optionally) phospholipids. The reagent may be dry (e.g. lyophilised) or in an aqueous solution preferably buffered to a pH from 6 to 10 (preferably 7 to 8), if desired incubating, if necessary inducing coagulation by the addition of one or more coagulation accelerants such as calcium chloride, and establishing a value indicative of the coagulation potential, e.g. by measuring the time to clotting on an optical coagulometer or through use of a chromogenic substrate. It is preferred to use at (b) factor V activator from purified Russell's Viper venom (RVV-V).

Abstract: Capsules which contain vital cells or tissues as the contents and in which these cells or tissues can be grown. Since these cells or tissues can be grown in the capsules, an extremely high cell density can be achieved. By using these capsules, foods having an excellent effect of ameliorating intestinal disorders, etc. can be provided. Moreover, it is possible to provide artificial seeds showing an excellent storage stability and a high germination ratio which comprise seamless soft capsules consisting of an innermost layer containing indefinite embryo, indefinite shoots, multiple shoots, shoot apexes, growing points, protocorm-like bodies, indefinite roots, hairy roots, etc., an inner coating layer comprising a hardened oil and an outer coating layer made of a biodegradable film comprising gelatin, polysaccharides, etc.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for identification of lymph nodes and the presence or absence of lymph node metastases as an important prognostic factor in early stage cancers of all types. A carbon black suspension is administered in combination with a second compound to a region associated with a neoplastic tumor in a patient. The sentinel lymph node associated with the disease-associated region is identified by the accumulation of carbon particles. The region associated with the accumulation of carbon black particles is then subject to histopathology for the purpose of identification, diagnosing, staging or predicting the presence of neoplastic tissue. The neoplastic tumor is any neoplasm that metastasizes via the lymphatic channels.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that histidinol-phosphatase is essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of histidinol-phosphatase gene expression in fungi results in small, non-sporulating lesions and reduced pathogenicity. Thus, histidinol-phosphatase can be used as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit histidinol-phosphatase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: Cell membrane maintenance of red blood cells and platelet concentrates is improved by the addition of 1 mM-10 mM L-carnitine and derivatives. This improvement allows extension of the period of viability of packed red blood cells and platelet concentrations beyond current periods. Additionally, the materials so treated exhibit extended circulation half life upon transfusion to a patient. Improvements in membrane maintenance achieved by this method permit irradiation of sealed containers of blood products so as to substantially sterilize and destroy leukocytes in the same. Further, addition of L-carnitine or derivatives to plasma, red blood cells or platelet concentrates results in the suppression of bacrerial growth.

Abstract: A new citrate-based anticoagulant for donor whole blood provides good platelet yield and cell morphology at a significantly reduced risk of donor paresthesia during apheresis procedures. The primary citrate anticoagulant compositions include a citric acid to total citrate ratio greater than about 30%. The anticoagulants are mixed with whole blood to provide an anticoagulated blood mixture which contains a citric acid concentration of greater than about 5.0 mM, a total citrate concentration of less than about 20 mM, and an initial blood pH of less than about 6.75. The platelet rich products including PRP and PC prepared from blood collected in accordance with the invention exhibit better platelet yields and better platelet morphology on storage.

Abstract: The use of sphingomyelinase to increase the levels of skin and mucosal ceramides, as well as dermatolgical and cosmetic compositions containing game which are suitable for topical application are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the resolution of a racemic mixture of nucleoside enantiomers that includes the step of exposing the racemic mixture to an enzyme that preferentially catalyzes a reaction in one of the enantiomers. The nucleoside enantiomer (-)-2-hydroxymethyl-5-(5-fluorocytosin-1-yl)-1,3-oxathiolane is an effective antiviral agent against HIV, HBV, and other viruses replicating in a similar manner.