Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in treating cardiovascular conditions such as calcific aortic valve stenosis. For example, methods and materials for using sGC agonists or a combination of sGC agonists and PDE5A inhibitors to reduce calcification of heart valves and/or vessels or to slow progression of aortic sclerosis to calcific aortic valve stenosis are provided.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical, cosmetic and dietetic compositions and functional foods, constituted by: A) phospholipid mixtures containing N-acyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamines (NAPEs) and/or B) phospholipid mixtures containing N-acyl-ethanol amines (NAEs) together with phosphatidic acids (PAs) and/or lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) with the proviso that said N-acyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamines (NAPEs) do not include N-oleoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine. New phosphobioflavonic complexes of NAPE or NAE with one or more bioflavonoids are also disclosed.

Abstract: Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as zoledronic acid, in an acid or a salt form can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating immune cells and activating immune responses are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more optically active chiral cationic lipids.

Abstract: The present invention refers to methods and compositions to prevent viral entry into cells expressing the CD169/sialoadhesin surface receptor by inhibiting the coupling of the sialyllactose molecule contained in the viral membrane gangliosides to the CD 169/sialoadhesin receptor. The invention also pertains to vaccine compositions based on dendritic cells loaded with an antigen of interest whereby the vaccine is provided together with a composition capable of preventing viral entry into cells expressing the CD169/sialoadhesin. Moreover, the invention relates to diagnostic and therapeutic compositions that can be specifically delivered to enveloped virions wherein the diagnostic/therapeutic agent is coupled to CD169/sialoadhesin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods of use thereof for treatment of certain disorders and conditions, for example brain injuries such as stroke or traumatic brain injuries.

Abstract: Methods for targeting microRNA 128 (miR-128) for regulating cholesterol/lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides for systems and methods for inhaled CO therapy to prevent, attenuate, or delay processes that accelerate the loss of organ or tissue function, thereby increasing the lifespan of transplanted organs or tissues, or slowing the decline of native organs or tissues, or delaying the need for replacement of diseased native organs with organ transplants. Such biological processes that are prevented, attenuated, or delayed include chronic persistent inflammation, fibrosis, scarring, as well as immunologic or autoimmune attack.

Abstract: The invention relates to the medicine, namely to an agent for reducing the cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood plasma. The agent claimed comprises a nanocomposite that is a carbon-containing nanoparticles coated with the organic alkyl functional groups representing the residuals —C4H9, —C6H11, —C8H15, —C10H21, —C16H33, —C18H35. These groups are deposited by the covalent modification using diazonium salts of the general formula XC6H4N2+Y?, where X is the alkyl residual —C4H9, —C6H11, —C8H15, —C10H21, —C16H33, or C18H35, Y is the anion HSO4?, Cl?, BF4? or TsO?. The invention provides an effective reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride presented in the blood plasma.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the acceleration of hematopoietic compartment reconstitution in a subject in need of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by administering a composition having a protein transduction domain-MYC (PTD-MYC) fusion protein in combination with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and to the enhancement of hematopoietic compartment autoreconstitution in a subject in need thereof by administering a composition having a protein transduction domain-MYC (PTD-MYC) fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated stem cells of non-embryonic origin that can be maintained in culture in the undifferentiated state or differentiated to form cells of multiple tissue types. Also provided are methods of isolation and culture, as well as therapeutic uses for the isolated cells.

Abstract: Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of at least one layer of amnion tissue where the epithelium layer has been substantially removed in order to expose the basement layer to host cells. By removing the epithelium layer, cells from the host can more readily interact with the cell-adhesion bio-active factors located onto top and within of the basement membrane. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. The laminin structure of amnion tissue is nearly identical to that of native human tissue such as, for example, oral mucosa tissue. This includes high level of laminin-5, a cell adhesion bio-active factor show to bind gingival epithelia-cells, found throughout upper portions of the basement membrane.

Abstract: A neural repair construct fabricated from human birth tissue comprising at least one cross-linked amniotic membrane, or at least one cross-linked chorionic membrane, or at least one amniotic membrane, or at least one chorionic membrane, or any combination thereof wherein the membrane(s) is/are treated with at least one alcohol composition followed by terminal sterilization is provided. Methods of processing a membrane to form a neural repair construct, methods of repairing a nerve and associated kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising retroviral vectors, transduced cells, and methods of using the same for gene therapy. In particular, the present invention relates to lentiviral vectors and cells transduced with those vectors to provide gene therapy to subjects having an adrenoleukodystrophy and/or adrenomyeloneuropathy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: This invention relates to use of probiotics, particularly P acidilactici and S boulardii, for use in conjunction with steroids and other immune suppressor agents to ameliorate symptoms of autoimmune diseases, especially disease symptoms arising from the body's production of antibodies against autologous blood cells. The practice of the invention sustains ameliorative response associated with immune suppressor agents while lowering the amount of immune suppressor agents required for treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of nutraceuticals, and in particular to nutraceuticals comprising sulfated polysaccharides, Astragalus polysaccharides, resveratrol, and combinations thereof. These compositions find use in inducing physiological responses such, decreasing body fat, increasing lean body mass, alleviating the symptoms of colds, preventing the onset of colds, increasing energy, increasing the feeling of well-being in subjects, and improving skin tone and appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a tall oil fatty acid in enhancing rumen fermentation and/or lowering rumen methane production. The invention further relates to use of a feed supplement and a feed composition comprising tall oil fatty acid.

Abstract: An extract of Carica papaya leaves obtained from a plant of age six months and younger from the date of germination of the seed is used as an inhibitor of HIF to effectively block hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) function and methods of use thereof. More specifically it relates to the use of the Carica papaya plant extract to eliminate unwanted cells by inhibiting HIF in the prevention and treatment of hypoxia-related conditions and diseases such as inflammatory diseases, vascular diseases, cancer and infectious diseases. In a particular embodiment, a solid hypoxic tumor in a patient is treated by administering to the patient a therapeutically acceptable amount of an extract of Carica papaya leaves obtained from a plant of age six months and younger from the date of germination of the seed, preferably an alcohol extract such as a methanol extract, whereby to inhibit hypoxia-inducible factors in the tumor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) an extract of a plant belonging to the genus Raphanus, wherein said extract is obtainable or obtained by extracting at least the air roots, seeds and/or bulbs with a hydrophilic, medium-polar and/or lipophilic solvent; b) an extract of a plant belonging to the genus Theobroma, wherein said extract is obtainable or obtained by extracting at least the fruit with a hydrophilic and/or medium-polar solvent, and c) an extract of a plant belonging to the genus Passiflora, wherein said extract is obtainable or obtained by extracting at least the flower with a hydrophilic, medium-polar and/or lipophilic solvent, its use in treating opioid abuse, opioid dependency, alcohol dependency and/or alcohol abuse and/or for use in treating the symptoms of opioid and/or alcohol withdrawal, and a method for its production.

Abstract: A method of preparing Adansonia digitata nanoparticles includes dissolving Adansonia digitata plant powder in an organic solvent to form a solution; spraying the solution in boiling water while applying ultrasonic energy to form a mixture; and stirring the mixture for at least about 15 minutes at a speed of about 200-800 rpm to obtain the Adansonia digitata nanoparticles.

Abstract: Extraction devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. Example devices have a solvent chamber, a plant material chamber, a collection chamber, and a solvent return that create a sealed, closed-cycle extraction and/or solvent purification process. Any extractable plant material can be used in the disclosed devices, methods, and systems although in some examples some form of the cannabis plant is used.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a carotenoid composition, a process for producing a carotenoid composition, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Compositions obtained from vegetation water from olives and methods for treating patients suffering from an inflammatory skin disease with the compositions are described. Included are hydroxytyrosol rich compounds obtained from olive vegetation water.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inducing hair growth and improving hair quality utilizing extracts of blackberry in an amount effective to induce hair growth when applied topically to an area of the skin on which hair growth is desired.

Abstract: The present invention features a composition and method for reducing food intake. The composition of the invention is composed of yerbe maté extract, guarana extract, and damiana extract in combination with a dietary fiber.

Abstract: An oral dosage form or plurality of oral dosage forms comprising as active ingredients combinations of citric acid, magnesium citrate, phytin, pyridoxine, and musa is disclosed. The oral dosage form(s) is useful for inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal growth and for treating or inhibiting growth of kidney stones. Methods of inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal growth and of treating or preventing kidney stones are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition derived from Chinese herbal medicines, medicinal plants and extracts thereof, and to its use for preventing cancer and treating cancer and intensifying the effects of other anticancer drugs. More specifically, the composition of the present invention is derived from various Chinese herbal medicines or medicinal plants which have a long history of human consumption. The composition of the invention is obtained through specific techniques and has revealed good cytotoxicities on Malignant Melanoma Cells, Prostate Cancer Cells and Colon Cancer Cells, Lung Cancer Cells, Stomach Cancer Cells, Breast Cancer Cells and Liver Cancer Cells. The composition of the invention has also revealed obvious intensifying the effects of other anticancer drugs. Cancer presents special problems to the medical community which the present invention address.

Abstract: Plasmonics-active metal nanostars are provided that can be used for treating and detecting cells in a subject. The modes of treatment include a photo-activated drug, which is activated by the photo-response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; a thermally-activated drug, which is activated by a thermal response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; and the thermal response of the nanostar itself to electromagnetic stimulation, which may directly or indirectly cause the death of an undesirable cell. Uptake of nanostars by undesirable cells may also aid in detection, by enhancing contrast or otherwise transforming electromagnetic stimulation during imaging.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods of using compounds that act to increase oxytocin release, including certain melanocortin receptor agonists, for treating or reducing the severity of psychotherapeutic or social disorders such as autism, and in particular the use of these compounds as an adjunct to psychotherapeutic counseling or behavioral therapy.

Abstract: The treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) cancers using a combination of anti-mucin 1 (anti-MUC1) therapy and anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (anti-HER2) therapy is described, such as the treatment of trastuzamab-resistant cancers, both primary and acquired, using the same combination of agents.

Abstract: A method has been developed of preventing or limiting formation of adhesions by administering to a site in need thereof, in the absence of or after bleeding or leakage of fluid has been substantially stopped, a self-assembling material which forms a barrier to formation of adhesions. In certain embodiments, the self assembling materials are peptidomimetics, nucleotidomimetics, di- and triblock copolymers, N-alkylacrylamides, or dendimers. These materials are also useful in a method for regeneration or repair of tissue or cells forming tissue.

Abstract: Applications of recombined ganoderma lucidum immunoregulation protein (rLZ-8) in preparing drugs for treating tissue fibrosis are provided.

Abstract: The methods of the present disclosure are directed toward methods of diagnosis and treatment of cancer in a subject. The present disclosure provides methods of diagnosing abnormal cells in a subject by measuring the level of Hexim-1 in a sample from the subject, where elevated levels of Hexim-1 indicate abnormal cells. This disclosure further provides methods of treating cancer or hyperplasia, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of Hexim-1 or an activator of Hexim-1 expression or activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of lowering blood glucose levels in a subject, with the methods comprising administering fibroblast growth factor binding protein 3 (FGFBP3) or a variant thereof to a subject in need of having lower glucose levels.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for increasing bone mass and strength or bone fracture healing in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of multipotent stem cells, wherein each multipotent stem cell is transformed with a recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) B, and wherein the multipotent stem cells express a sufficient amount of PDGFB to increase bone mass and strength or bone fracture healing. A lentiviral vector also is disclosed that includes a phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK) promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding PDGFB.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing N-terminal derivatives of proteins in which a polysaccharide, preferably having at least terminal sialic units, and preferably consisting essentially only of sialic acid units, is reacted at the N-terminus of a protein or peptide under controlled conditions to produce an N-terminal derivative. The controlled conditions include use of acidic pH for the derivatization step and a higher pH for purification. The derivatives are useful for improving pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of proteins and peptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions comprising analogs of naturally occurring polypeptides, wherein the analog comprises an ?-amino acid and at least one ?-amino acid. Administration of the compositions may be used for effecting treatment or prevention of a plurality of disease states caused by dysfunctional biochemical or biological pathways. The compositions and methods of this invention are particularly useful to identify novel therapeutic modulators of in-vivo receptor activity with extended half-lives and relevant bioactivity as compared to the naturally translated polypeptides upon which the analogs are derived.

Abstract: The present invention relates to exendin-4 derivatives and their medical use, for example in the treatment of disorders of the metabolic syndrome, including diabetes and obesity, as well as reduction of excess food intake.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for assessing risk, particularly immediate risk, of thrombotic events in patients with suspected or known vascular disease, and more particularly to assessing risk of thrombotic events in patients with coronary artery disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, stable angina, or restenosis. Risk of thrombosis can be assessed by analysis of platelet reactivity and/or velocity of thrombin or fibrin formation, and determining whether the patient has a score associated above a risk threshold value. In other embodiments, risk of thrombosis in a patient is evaluated in the context of a profile generated from values obtained from one or more assays that evaluate various factors associated with thrombosis and/or atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of microbiology, specifically to a combination of a source of a first enzymatic active domain and a source of a second enzymatic active domain and to a composition comprising said combination. The invention further relates to a composition comprising said combination for use as a medicament, to the use of said composition as an antimicrobial agent and to a method for controlling microbial contamination in a food- or feed product, on and/or in food- or feed processing equipment, on and/or in food- or feed containers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating a disorder characterized by elevated or dysregulated myostatin, disorders where the interaction between follistatin and angiogenin can be used to improve function in tissues, neurological diseases or disorders, spinal injuries or diseases, bone diseases or disorders, diseases involving glucose homeostasis, wound healing, neuroprotection, nervous system functional support or managing metabolic diseases, the method comprising administering an effective amount of angiogenin or an angiogenin agonist. Compositions and neutraceuticals comprising angiogenin are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising recombinant Arginase I proteins which are capable of depleting the plasma arginine levels in a subject are disclosed. The methods and compositions can be used to modulate the activity of the immune system in a subject. Modulation of the immune system is useful in the treatment of immune disorders and in preventing rejection of a transplanted organ, tissue, or cell. The methods and compositions can also be used to treat a bone condition of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to isolated to arginine deiminase (ADI) proteins that have reduced cross-reactivity with anti-ADI-PEG 20 antibodies as compared to ADI-PEG 20, but which can have functional characteristics comparable to or better than ADI-PEG 20, compositions comprising the ADI proteins, and related methods of treating arginine-dependent diseases or related diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for modulating movement of eukaryotic cells with migratory capacity. More specifically, the invention provides anti-fugetactic agents and methods for the use thereof in enhancing an immune response.

Abstract: A method for overcoming mild to moderate immune suppression includes the steps of inducing production of naive T-cells and restoring T-cell immunity. A method of vaccine immunotherapy includes the steps of inducing production of naive T-cells and exposing the naive T-cells to endogenous or exogenous antigens at an appropriate site. Additionally, a method for unblocking immunization at a regional lymph node includes the steps of promoting differentiation and maturation of immature dendritic cells at a regional lymph node and allowing presentation of processed peptides by resulting mature dendritic cells, thus, for example, exposing tumor peptides to T-cells to gain immunization of the T-cells. Further, a method of treating cancer and other persistent lesions includes the steps of administering an effective amount of a natural cytokine mixture as an adjuvant to endogenous or exogenous administered antigen to the cancer or other persistent lesions.

Abstract: A method for overcoming mild to moderate immune suppression includes the steps of inducing production of naive T-cells and restoring T-cell immunity. A method of vaccine immunotherapy includes the steps of inducing production of naive T-cells and exposing the naive T-cells to endogenous or exogenous antigens at an appropriate site. Additionally, a method for unblocking immunization at a regional lymph node includes the steps of promoting differentiation and maturation of immature dendritic cells at a regional lymph node and allowing presentation of processed peptides by resulting mature dendritic cells, thus, for example, exposing tumor peptides to T-cells to gain immunization of the T-cells. Further, a method of treating cancer and other persistent lesions includes the steps of administering an effective amount of a natural cytokine mixture as an adjuvant to endogenous or exogenous administered antigen to the cancer or other persistent lesions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for priming genetically modified T cells suitable for administration to a patient having a tumor. The invention is also directed to the composition obtained by the method and uses thereof.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a nucleic acid molecule that encodes TB esat-6 proteins are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response against TB an individual are disclosed. Method of treating an individual who has been diagnosed with TB are disclosed. Method of preventing TB infection in an individual are disclosed.