Abstract: An external fixation system may include first and second fixation rings and a plurality of adjustable length struts. Each adjustable length strut may have two joints, a rod, a tube, and an actuator configured to drive the rod axially relative to the tube to change an effective length of the strut. The system may include a plurality of controller modules each configured to couple to a corresponding strut. The external fixation system may have a manual mode of operation in which the controller modules are not coupled to the struts, and manual actuation of the actuators changes the effective lengths of the struts in discrete length increments. The external fixation system may have an automated mode of operation in which the controller modules are coupled to the struts, and automated actuation of the actuators changes the effective lengths of the struts in infinitesimally small length increments.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with a tumor using genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells, wherein each genetically modified mesenchymal stem cell contains an exogenous nucleic acid comprising (i) a cytotoxic protein-encoding region operably linked to (ii) a promoter or promoter/enhancer combination, whereby the cytotoxic protein is selectively expressed when the genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells come into proximity with the tumor's stromal tissue. This invention further provides genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells for use in this method.

Abstract: This invention provides novel stem cell-based methods for treating a number of conditions. These methods employ CD34 stem cells, and have a tremendous advantage in that they do not require myeloablation in the subject being treated. The CD34 stem cells used in the instant methods can be genetically, modified or not, depending on the disorder treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion constructs of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and their use for the treatment of cancer and in regenerative medicine. By this approach, the GPI-anchored TIMP proteins are incorporated into the surface membrane of tumor cells and render tumor cells sensitive to FAS-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the fusion constructs of the present invention are effective agents useful in wound healing applications. In one embodiment, the TIMP is linked to mucin followed by GPI in order to enhance surface presentation. The use of GPI to link TIMP renders the resulting fusion protein particularly useful as an anti-cancer agent for the treatment of cancer, and, in particular, any residual cancer following an incomplete surgical resection of primary tumors in an individual.

Abstract: The use of a chemokine receptor antagonist together with a cyclosporin to produce a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing rejection of transplanted organs, tissues or cells is herein disclosed. Said pharmaceutical compositions for the simultaneous, sepatate or sequential use of its active ingredients for the above specified therapy are also disclosed and claimed. In particular, the use of Met-RANTES together with cyclosporin A to produce a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of renal allograft transplant rejection is experimentally shown.

Abstract: The present invention provides elements derived from a human RANTES promoter that induce expression of a heterologous coding sequence. The invention further provides expression vectors comprising the elements, and host cells comprising the expression vectors. The invention further provides methods of inducing the expression of a heterologous protein in a host.