Abstract: Formulations and methods are provided for improving the function, i.e. clinical outcome, of solid organ transplants. Lung transplantation is of particular interest. In the methods of the invention, a nanoparticle formulation comprising an effective dose of an iron chelator active agent in nanoparticle form, including without limitation, deferoxamine (DFO), deferasirox (DFX), and deferiprone (DFP), etc. is topically applied to the surface of tissues during episodes of graft rejection.

Abstract: Formulations and methods are provided for improving the function, i.e. clinical outcome, of solid organ transplants. Lung transplantation is of particular interest. In the methods of the invention, a nanoparticle formulation comprising an effective dose of an iron chelator active agent in nanoparticle form, including without limitation, deferoxamine (DFO), deferasirox (DFX), and deferiprone (DFP), etc. is topically applied to the surface of tissues during episodes of graft rejection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enhanced healing of wounds, e.g. cutaneous wounds, by application of a scaffold or matrix, e.g. a hydrogel film comprising a dose of macrophages, or monocyte progenitors thereof, which dose is effective in increasing the rate of wound healing. The compositions of the invention find use in treating cutaneous wounds, particularly chronic wounds, e.g. in diabetic patients or other patients with impaired wound healing.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the manufacture and use of a pullulan-based collagen hydrogel film with controlled porosity. The hydrogel is fabricated with salt-induced phase inversion and cross-linking to form a reticular scaffold. This soft collagen scaffold displays excellent handling characteristics, durability, and a porous dermal-like ultrastructure that is maintained in vitro. Cells, including cells involved in tissue repair, are viably sustained within the scaffold. The hydrogel films are biodegradable, and find particular use in wound healing, where the hydrogel scaffold can be replaced by dermal cells over time.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of use thereof that relate to biocompatible delivery of stabilized porphyrin complexes are provided. Formulations may include microparticles comprising the porphyrin complex, wherein the porphyrin active agent is admixed or coated with a pharmaceutically acceptable stabilizer.

Abstract: Improved methods are provided for the recombinant synthesis of collagen, particularly collagen VII, in host cell, and for therapeutic delivery of the same. The recombinant collagen is produced in a host cell that has increased levels of prolyl-4-hydroxylase, relative to basal cell levels. The collagen produced by the methods of the invention has increased numbers of modified proline residues, relative to a recombinant collagen produced in a host cell having basal levels of prolyl-4-hydroxylase. The increased proline modification provides for a collagen having increased stability, including increased in vivo stability.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to threads of hyaluronic acid, methods of making such threads and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., facial contouring, dermal fillers), surgery (e.g., sutures), drug delivery, negative pressure wound therapy, moist wound dressing, and the like.

Abstract: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can be prevented in persons susceptible to the diseases and PAH patients can be treated by administering an effective dose of a leukotriene inhibitor. Suitable inhibitors include leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) inhibitors, leukotriene B4 receptor (BLT1/BLT2) antagonists, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, and 5-lipoxgygenase activating protein (FLAP) inhibitors.

Abstract: Formulations and methods are provided for improving the function, i.e. clinical outcome, of solid organ transplants. Lung transplantation is of particular interest. In the methods of the invention, a nanoparticle formulation comprising an effective dose of an iron chelator active agent in nanoparticle form, including without limitation, deferoxamine (DFO), deferasirox (DFX), and deferiprone (DFP), etc. is topically applied to the surface of tissues during episodes of graft rejection.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the use of a truncated, recombinant laminin-511 for modifying hair growth as well as delivery devices, kits and methods for topically administering truncated, recombinant laminin-511. Furthermore disclosed are delivery devices, kits and methods using modulators of full-length laminin-511 expression or function to decrease hair growth in areas of unwanted hair growth.

Abstract: Efficient stem cell delivery into biomaterials using capillary driven encapsulation are disclosed herein where stem/progenitor and/or tissue specific cells are rapidly and efficiently seeded via capillary driven encapsulation into a porous scaffold for cell deliver in the skin or any other organ. The rapid capillary force approach maximizes both seeding time and efficiency by combining hydrophobic, entropic and capillary forces to promote active, ‘bottom-up’ cell engraftment. This methodology uses micro domain patterned biopolymers in a porous dry gel to generate capillary pressure to move a viscous stem cell mix from a hydrophobic reservoir into the polymer matrix to promote active cell seeding within the entire gel volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides threads of hyaluronic acid, and/or derivatives thereof, methods of making thereof and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., dermal fillers), surgery (sutures), drug delivery, etc.

Abstract: Encompassed are pharmaceutically acceptable compositions formulated for the topical or transdermal delivery of probes specific for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) of human and non-human subjects. In particular, an activatable probe comprises a fluorescent moiety comprising a fluorophore attached to a compound having selective affinity for COX-2, and a removable fluorescence quencher linked to the fluorescent moiety by a cleavable linker. Upon delivery to a recipient subject, the activatable probe is localized and concentrated in tissues and cells with elevated levels of COX-2. The linker is cleaved to release the fluorescence quencher.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and disorders with apelin are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to formulations comprising apelin encapsulated in liposome nanocarriers conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and their use in treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and disorders. Encapsulation of apelin in PEG-conjugated liposomes significantly enhances efficacy, improves cellular uptake of apelin, and allows for sustained and extended release of apelin under physiological conditions.

Abstract: A method of testing for specificity and strength of an allergic reaction is performed by penetrating the skin of an individual with the microneedle array comprising a plurality of epitopes and determining the response of the skin to the allergens. The response can be measured with a thermal imaging device. Analysis, and optionally treatment, can be provided to the individual.

Abstract: Methods of treating Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to methods of treating Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies with inhibitors of microtubule affinity regulating kinase (MARK). Hyperphosphorylation of tau by MARK is associated with the pathogenic deposition of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and loss of synaptic markers, dendritic spines, and synapses during progression of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Peptide inhibitors derived from the Helicobacter pylori protein CagA block phosphorylation of tau in neuronal cells and thereby decrease the deposition of neurofibrillary tangles and the toxic effects of Abeta-42.

Abstract: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can be prevented in persons susceptible to the diseases and PAH patients can be treated by administering an effective dose of a leukotriene inhibitor. Suitable inhibitors include leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) inhibitors, leukotriene B4 receptor (BLT1/BLT2) antagonists, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, and 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides threads of hyaluronic acid, and/or derivatives thereof, methods of making thereof and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., dermal fillers), surgery (sutures), drug delivery, etc.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to soft tissue augmentation threads, methods of making such threads and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., facial contouring, soft tissue augmentation products), surgery (e.g., sutures), drug delivery, negative pressure wound therapy, moist wound dressing, and the like.

Abstract: Improved methods are provided for the recombinant synthesis of collagen, particularly collagen VII, in host cell, and for therapeutic delivery of the same. The recombinant collagen is produced in a host cell that has increased levels of prolyl-4-hydroxylase, relative to basal cell levels. The collagen produced by the methods of the invention has increased numbers of modified proline residues, relative to a recombinant collagen produced in a host cell having basal levels of prolyl-4-hydroxylase. The increased proline modification provides for a collagen having increased stability, including increased in vivo stability.