Abstract: The present invention relates to pluripotent stem cells, particularly to pluripotent embryonic-like stem cells. The invention further relates to methods of purifying pluripotent embryonic-like stem cells and to compositions, cultures and clones thereof. The present invention also relates to a method of transplanting the pluripotent stem cells of the present invention in a mammalian host, such as human, comprising introducing the stem cells, into the host. The invention further relates to methods of in vivo administration of a protein or gene of interest comprising transfecting a pluripotent stem cell with a construct comprising DNA which encodes a protein of interest and then introducing the stem cell into the host where the protein or gene of interest is expressed. The present also relates to methods of producing mesodermal, endodermal or ectodermal lineage-committed cells by culturing or transplantation of the pluripotent stem cells of the present invention.

Abstract: It has been discovered that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a polymeric carrier implanted into a cartilage and/or bone defect will differentiate to form cartilage and/or bone, as appropriate. Suitable polymeric carriers include porous meshes or sponges formed of synthetic or natural polymers, as well as polymer solutions. A presently preferred material is a polyglycolic acid mesh.

Abstract: It has been discovered that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a polymeric carrier implanted into a cartilage and/or bone defect will differentiate to form cartilage and/or bone, as appropriate. Suitable polymeric carriers include porous meshes or sponges formed of synthetic or natural polymers, as well as polymer solutions. A presently preferred material is a polyglycolic acid mesh.

Abstract: A scar inhibitory factor protein isolate from mammalian basement membranes is provided that inhibits lineage commitment and differentiation of stem cells in vitro and in vivo. The protein isolate is characterized by its ability to inhibit stem cell commitment to a fibroblastic-scar phenotype without killing the cells, thus allowing their differentiation into normal tissue phenotypes. SIF thus limits the amount of scar tissue formation at the site of delivery, while maximizing the potential for the stem cells to differentiate into other tissue phenotypes (muscle, cartilage, bone, fat, etc.). Therefore, it is useful in treating numerous disorders and injuries that currently result in scar tissue or fibrous adhesion formation. The protein isolate can be administered in various modalities in vivo, i.e.

Abstract: A composition and method for controlled release of water-soluble proteins comprising a surface-eroding polymer matrix and water-soluble bioactive factors is described. The composition bioerodes in the biological environment of the subject at a controlled rate, thereby releasing the water soluble proteins at a rate which allows them to interact with local cell populations.

Abstract: A composition and method for controlled release of water-soluble proteins comprising a surface-eroding polymer matrix and water-soluble bioactive factors is described. The composition bioerodes in the biological environment of the subject at a controlled rate, thereby releasing the water soluble proteins at a rate which allows them to interact with local cell populations.

Abstract: A composition and method for controlled release of water-soluble proteins comprising a surface-eroding polymer matrix and water-soluble bioactive factors is described. The composition bioerodes in the biological environment of the subject at a controlled rate, thereby releasing the water soluble proteins at a rate which allows them to interact with local cell populations.

Abstract: A myogenic protein isolate from mammalian bone is provided that stimulates lineage commitment and differentiation of stem cells in vitro and in vivo. The protein isolate is characterized by its ability to cause muscle stem cell differentiation without excessive proliferation of connective tissue proximal to the delivery site. Treated muscle stem cells differentiate into myotubes and multinucleated structures with minimal formation of scar tissue, resulting in functional muscle tissue restoration in vivo, and therefore useful in the treatment of a number of disorders and injuries. The protein isolate is preferably administered by implanting a bioerodible polymer matrix, preferably a surface erodible polymer such as a polyanhydride or a polyorthoester, interspersed with the protein isolate near the site of muscle injury or degeneration, but can be administered directly to cells cultured in vitro.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microprocessor-based medical pump with a number of manual controls. The operation of this pump requires the attachment of a magnetic label to the front of the pump. This magnetic label includes a given number of strong permanent magnets in a pre-determined configuration which indicate the pharmaceutical product type and concentration to be infused. The magnetic label also changes the visual scales around the manual controls. Hall Effect sensors read the pre-determined configuration and send the data to the microprocessor which also reads the manual controls. Using the pre-determined configuration data and the manual control data, the microprocessor determines the desired infusion parameters.

Abstract: A drinking cup and container for a beverage concentrate is made by shaping a piece of thin plastic film on a shaped form by a vacuum to form a shaped lining including one or more compartments, positioning a beverage concentrate or the like in said compartments and sealingly affixing an inverted expendible cup thereover and releasing said assembly from said shaped form.

Abstract: A snow removing device has a hollow roller with closely spaced apertures forming its surface through which partially compacted snow moves as the roller advances. A suction blower communicates with the hollow roller to continuously remove snow therefrom and a secondary roller having fingers engagable with the apertures in the first roller is arranged as an idler with respect thereto. A framework engages the rollers and supports the suction blower and provides a handle for moving the snow removing device.

Abstract: A coffee cup and container for a beverage concentrate comprises an expendible cup and a plastic film liner therefor positioning the beverage concentrate between the liner and the cup bottom. The liner overlaps the rim of the cup and is attached thereto so as to form a convenient easily handled section enabling the liner to be removed when the beverage concentrate is to be used as by adding water thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for refolding a tapered, transversely sealed, gussetted bag into a gussetted square bottom bag, comprising: opening means whereby the wall portions are formed into distinct walls having a generally rectangular configuration; a rotating main drive assembly; an expandable rectangularly shaped member mounted to said rotating assembly; gripping means mounted to said rotating assembly for pulling said bag, open end first, around said rectangularly shaped member; means for expanding said member as said bag is pulled around said member thereby forming a rectangularly shaped bag bottom; means for gussetting said side walls toward each other in a plane generally parallel to said seal; and means for gusseting said rectangularly shaped bag bottom in a plane generally perpendicular to said seal.