Abstract: Isolated populations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are provided, including mammalian mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) characterized by the lack of CD54 (CD54?) or low cell-surface CD54 (CD54low). Methods of in vitro cell differentiation and methods of treatment using said isolated populations are also provided.

Abstract: An abrasive tip is used to exfoliate skin and tissue through abrasive materials integrated in the tip. The tip also delivers fluid to the skin and vacuums the fluid and abraded tissue during treatment. Treated skin will look younger and healthier in appearance. In an implementation, the tip is replaceable and disposable.

Abstract: A distance between a surface of a treatment head and tip opening of a skin treatment hand piece is adjustable. In an implementation, the distance is adjusted by moving the tip opening relative to the treatment head surface. Different distances may be used to treat different skin types, problems, and conditions. In an implementation, the hand piece includes a fluid delivery and a vacuum or suction mechanism to provide various therapeutic benefits to the skin.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion system upgrade kit includes a plurality of couplers from which a user may choose one or more couplers in order to connect the upgrade kit to a vacuum source of an existing microdermabrasion system. In an implementation, the upgrade kit includes a power socket that the user can plug the vacuum source into.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for producing genetically modified cells expressing HLA-G (e.g., cell surface HLA-G) persistently, and nucleic acid compositions useful for generating such genetically modified cells. Also disclosed are cell therapy methods that utilize genetically modified cells that express HLA-G persistently. The HLA-G genetic modifications described herein provide the cells with characteristics of reduced immunogenicity and/or improved immunosuppression, such that these cells have the promise of being universal or improved donor cells for transplants, cellular and tissue regeneration or reconstruction, and other therapies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are genetically modified cells expressing HLA-G (e.g., cell surface HLA-G) persistently, and nucleic acid compositions useful for generating such genetically modified cells. Also disclosed are cell therapy methods that utilize genetically modified cells that express HLA-G persistently. The HLA-G genetic modifications described herein provide the cells with characteristics of reduced immunogenicity and/or improved immunosuppression, such that these cells have the promise of being universal or improved donor cells for transplants, cellular and tissue regeneration or reconstruction, and other therapies.

Abstract: An abrasive tip is used to exfoliate skin and tissue through abrasive materials integrated in the tip. The tip also delivers fluid to the skin and vacuums the fluid and abraded tissue during treatment. Treated skin will look younger and healthier in appearance. In an implementation, the tip is replaceable and disposable.

Abstract: Compositions of HLA-G+ MSC and methods of using them, including methods of transplanting compositions of HLA-G+ MSC into human recipients, are provided. Also provided are methods of preparing compositions of HLA-G+ MSC, including by treatment with DNA methylation inhibitors.

Abstract: Peptides that increase melanin synthesis are provided. These peptides include pentapeptides YSSWY (SEQ ID NO: 1), YRSRK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and their variants. The peptides may activate the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase to increase melanin synthesis. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other compositions including the peptides are also provided. The methods of increasing melanin production in epidermis of a subject are provided where the methods include administering compositions comprising an amount of one or more peptides effective to increase the melanin production. The methods also include treating vitiligo or other hypopigmentation disorders with compositions including one or more peptides.

Abstract: A system allows determining treatment parameters or sets of parameters applicable to electromagnetic radiation (EMR)-based device skin treatments that allow for upregulation of the sirtuin family of genes post treatment, while avoiding increasing collagen production. The system can be applied to other skin procedures, including chemical treatments, microdermabrasion treatments and others. The system includes classifying patient data into classifications of skin treatment and treatment parameters based on patient baseline levels. The system can determine effective treatment parameters for patients on an individual basis, to yield a healthy wound dealing response. In a specific implementation, the system determines the parameters of EMR and chemical based treatments that increase sirtuin gene expression post treatment, but do not induce collagen production.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the differentiation and characterization of mammalian fibroblast from mesenchymal stem cells. The methods of the invention provide a means to obtain mesenchymal stem cell-derived fibroblast populations, e.g., seeded on a scaffold, which may be used in wound healing.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification and isolation of mammalian HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G+/HLA-E+ MSC. The methods of the invention provide a means to obtain enriched HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G+/HLA-E+ MSC populations.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the differentiation and characterization of mammalian fibroblast from mesenchymal stem cells. The methods of the invention provide a means to obtain mesenchymal stem cell-derived fibroblast populations, e.g., seeded on a scaffold, which may be used in wound healing.

Abstract: Isolated populations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are provided, including mammalian mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) characterized by the lack of CD54 (CD54?) or low cell-surface CD54 (CD54low). Methods of in vitro cell differentiation and methods of treatment using said isolated populations are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides that inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase, as well as formulations and methods for their use in the reduction of skin pigmentation, and methods of administering the inhibitory pep tides in a topical formulation. Preferred octapeptide sequences are internally rich in tryptophan and/or tyrosine or arginine. The present invention is further directed to kits and compositions containing the present peptides, and methods of treatment of conditions involving expression of tyrosinase, in which the present peptides are administered topically for the treatment of conditions involving melanocyte activity in the skin.

Abstract: The present invention includes new hybrid hydrogel scaffolds comprised of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene (block) copolymer (a “poloxamer”) and a self-assembling peptide, which maintain the mechanical and bioactive properties of its individual constituents (as compared to when the individual constituents are scaffolds or hydrogels by themselves). The hydrogels of the invention can include a combination of materials from different origins or with different properties that provides a hybrid material that meets the multiple needs of a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification and isolation of mammalian HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G+/HLA-E+ MSC. The methods of the invention provide a means to obtain enriched HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G+/HLA-E+ MSC populations.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion system upgrade kit includes a plurality of couplers from which a user may choose one or more couplers in order to connect the upgrade kit to a vacuum source of an existing microdermabrasion system. In an implementation, the upgrade kit includes a power socket that the user can plug the vacuum source into.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are genetically modified cells expressing HLA-G (e.g., cell surface HLA-G) persistently, and nucleic acid compositions useful for generating such genetically modified cells. Also disclosed are cell therapy methods that utilize genetically modified cells that express HLA-G persistently. The HLA-G genetic modifications described herein provide the cells with characteristics of reduced immunogenicity and/or improved immunosuppression, such that these cells have the promise of being universal or improved donor cells for transplants, cellular and tissue regeneration or reconstruction, and other therapies.

Abstract: A distance between a surface of a treatment head and tip opening of a skin treatment hand piece is adjustable. In an implementation, the distance is adjusted by moving the tip opening relative to the treatment head surface. Different distances may be used to treat different skin types, problems, and conditions. In an implementation, the hand piece includes a fluid delivery and a vacuum or suction mechanism to provide various therapeutic benefits to the skin.