Abstract: The subject matter described herein generally relates to a computing system that can receive values of a plurality of biomarkers from a user, generate a score for each biomarker, compute a severity associated with each biomarker, generate an overall score for the user based on at least one of the score for each biomarker and the severity associated with each biomarker, generate treatment recommendations based on the score for each biomarker and the severity associated with each biomarker, and send those treatment recommendations to the user. The treatment recommendations can: 1) prevent or reduce disease progression within the user and the development of disease complications within the user, 2) reverse the disease or its complications within the user, and/or 3) reduce the need for medications the user is already taking for his/her condition. Related methods, techniques, systems, apparatuses, and articles are also described.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein generally relates to a computing system that can receive values of a plurality of biomarkers from a user, generate a score for each biomarker, compute a severity associated with each biomarker, generate an overall score for the user based on at least one of the score for each biomarker and the severity associated with each biomarker, generate treatment recommendations based on the score for each biomarker and the severity associated with each biomarker, and send those treatment recommendations to the user. The treatment recommendations can: 1) prevent or reduce disease progression within the user and the development of disease complications within the user, 2) reverse the disease or its complications within the user, and/or 3) reduce the need for medications the user is already taking for his/her condition. Related methods, techniques, systems, apparatuses, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A system, a method, and a non-transitory computer program product for generating treatment recommendations based on biomarker values are disclosed. Values of a plurality of biomarkers are received from an application executed on a computing device of a user. A score is generated for each biomarker. An overall heath score is computed for a user by weighting and adding all biomarker scores. A severity associated with each biomarker is computed. A physiological condition associated with the severity of each biomarker is identified. An explanation of the severity of the biomarker and at least one treatment recommendation are generated based on the severity associated with each biomarker. The score for each biomarker, the overall health score, the explanation of the severity, and the at least one treatment recommendation are transmitted to the application executed on the computing device of the user via a communication network.

Abstract: Devices, processes and compositions are provided for effective separation of cells from a mixture of cells, where depletion or positive selection may be employed to provide a cellular population of interest. Of particular utility is the separation of cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, where members of the lymphoid or myeloid lineages may be isolated and used for research, diagnosis or therapy. Also of interest are cellular separation from bone marrow, tumor suspensions or lymphoid tissue suspensions, where cells can be isolated and used for a variety of purposes. The separated cells may be homogeneous, free of exogenous biologicals, viable, capable of replication and exhibit their full complement of biological activities. Multiple phenotypes can be captured simultaneously. Captured cells can be specifically activated with cytokines and antigens to provide cells which are MHC restricted and have antigen-specific effector functions.

Abstract: Devices, processes and compositions are provided for effective separation of cells from a mixture of cells, where depletion or positive selection may be employed to provide a cellular population of interest. Of particular utility is the separation of cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, where members of the lymphoid or myeloid lineages may be isolated and used for research, diagnosis or therapy. Also of interest are cellular separation from bone marrow, tumor suspensions or lymphoid tissue suspensions, where cells can be isolated and used for a variety of purposes. The separated cells may be homogeneous, free of exogenous biologicals, viable, capable of replication and exhibit their full complement of biological activities. Multiple phenotypes can be captured simultaneously. Captured cells can be specifically activated with cytokines and antigens to provide cells which are MHC restricted and have antigen-specific effector functions.

Abstract: Simplified methods to produce recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are described. The methods involve the use of chimeric plasmids which incorporate the Epstein Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) gene, the latent origin of replication of Epstein Barr virus (oriP), and a rAAV genome. The chimeric plasmids themselves are also a part of the present invention. These plasmids are maintained as multicopy extra-chromosomal elements in cells, such as human 293 cells. Permanent cell lines carrying these EBV/AAV plasmids are induced to produce large amounts of rAAV upon addition of wild-type, adeno-associated virus helper functions. Vectors produced in this manner are capable of transducing exogenous genes into other human cell lines and exhibit the attributes of viral elements produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition, device and method for the removal of selected factors, such as cytokines or pharmaceuticals, from a substance such as whole blood or plasma. Advantageously, the invention provides for the treatment or prevention of septic shock syndrome or other conditions evidenced by the presence of cytokines in a patient by contacting the patient's whole blood with a composition comprising silica and a surface treatment material, such as heparin, but preferably human serum albumin (HSA). The treatment lowers the cytokine concentration of the blood. Pharmaceuticals can be removed from an individual's whole blood or plasma, such as for use in treating drug overdosage.

Abstract: Simplified methods to produce recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are described. The methods involve the use of chimeric plasmids which incorporate the Epstein Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) gene, the latent origin of replication of Epstein Barr virus (oriP), and a rAAV genome. The chimeric plasmids themselves are also a part of the present invention. These plasmids are maintained as multicopy extra-chromosomal elements in cells, such as human 293 cells. Permanent cell lines carrying these EBV/AAV plasmids are induced to produce large amounts of rAAV upon addition of wild-type, adeno-associated virus helper functions. Vectors produced in this manner are capable of transducing exogenous genes into other human cell lines and exhibit the attributes of viral elements produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: Simplified methods to produce recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are described. The methods involve the use of chimeric plasmids which incorporate the Epstein Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) gene, the latent origin of replication of Epstein Barr virus (oriP), and a rAAV genome. The chimeric plasmids themselves are also a part of the present invention. These plasmids are maintained as multicopy extra-chromosomal elements in cells, such as human 293 cells. Permanent cell lines carrying these EBV/AAV plasmids are induced to produce large amounts of rAAV upon addition of wild-type, adeno-associated virus helper functions. Vectors produced in this manner are capable of transducing exogenous genes into other human cell lines and exhibit the attributes of viral elements produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: Simplified methods to produce recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are described. The AAV rep and cap genes are combined in a single recombinant adenovirus vector, i.e., a rep/cap adenovirus vector which combines in a single vector all complementing functions required for rAAV production. The rep/cap vectors of the present invention comprise: genes encoding helper functions, preferably from adenovirus, sufficient to permit AAV replication; and AAV cap and rep genes. In adenovirus rep/cap vectors the rep and cap genes may, for example, replace the adenovirus E3 gene or the adenovirus E1a and E1b genes.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition, device and method for the removal of selected factors, such as cytokines or pharmaceuticals, from a substance such as whole blood or plasma. Advantageously, the invention provides for the treatment or prevention of septic shock syndrome or other conditions evidenced by the presence of cytokines in a patient by contacting the patient's whole blood with a composition comprising silica and a surface treatment material, such as heparin, but preferably human serum albumin (HSA). The treatment lowers the cytokine concentration of the blood. Pharmaceuticals can be removed from an individual's whole blood or plasma, such as for use in treating drug overdosage.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition, device and method for the treatment or prevention of septic shock syndrome or other conditions evidenced by the presence of cytokines in a patient by contacting the patient's whole blood with a composition comprising silica and a surface treatment material, such as heparin, but preferably human serum albumin (HSA). The treatment lowers the cytokine concentration of the blood.

Abstract: Simplified methods to produce recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are described. The methods involve the use of chimeric plasmids which incorporate the Epstein Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) gene, the latent origin of replication of Epstein Barr virus (oriP), and a rAAV genome. The chimeric plasmids themselves are also a part of the present invention. These plasmids are maintained as multicopy extra-chromosomal elements in cells, such as human 293 cells. Permanent cell lines carrying these EBV/AAV plasmids are induced to produce large amounts of rAAV upon addition of wild-type, adeno-associated virus helper functions. Vectors produced in this manner are capable of transducing exogenous genes into other human cell lines and exhibit the attributes of vital elements produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: Peptide fragments of conglutinin are provided for use in binding to complementary ligands. Particularly, an N-proximal region is provided having a hypervariable region with a collagen type structure for binding to complementary molecules, and a C-proximal region which provides for lectin binding activity.

Abstract: A method and composition which permits sterilization of surfaces coupled with biologically active moieties by ionizing radiation is described. The protecting composition contains a surface-stabilizing agent which adheres to the surface and has a molecular weight.gtoreq.5 kd, and an oxygen radical scavenger which is preferably a di- or polysaccharide or reduced form thereof. In the method of the invention, a surface which is coupled to a biologically active agent is protected with the invention composition, dried to a moisture content of less than 1%, and then sterilized by ionizing radiation under standard conditions. The sterilized surfaces of the invention are particularly useful in the production of medical devices intended for extracorporeal use, particularly in cell-separation techniques.

Abstract: A simplified method to produce recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is described. The procedure involves the use of chimeric plasmids which incorporate the Epstein Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) gene, the latent origin of replication of Epstein Barr Virus (oriP), and a recombinant AAV genome. The chimeric plasmids themselves are also a part of the present invention. These EBV/AAV plasmids are maintained as multicopy extra-chromosomal elements in cells, such as human 293 cells. Permanent cell lines carrying these EBV/AAV plasmids are induced to produce large amounts of recombinant AAV virus upon addition of wild-type, adeno-associated virus helper functions. Recombinant AAV vectors produced in this manner are capable of transducing exogenous genes into other human cell lines and exhibit all of the attributes of viral elements produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: Compositions and devices are provided for the specific removal of components of plasma in efficient and economical ways. The devices provide for a tortuous path of the plasma through a high surface material to which is bound a binding compound for removal of the fluid component. The devices find particular application with plasma, in diagnosis, therapy, and for production of specific physiologically active materials.

Abstract: Blood derived fluids are subjected to modification resulting in the production of anaphylatoxins. The anaphylatoxins may then be removed by passing the modified blood through silicic acid particles in an amount sufficient to substantially reduce the anaphylatoxins, while still retaining the other blood components and without affecting adversely the use of the blood for the patient.