Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for isolating large quantities of viable, undamaged exosomes from liquid, cell-free mesenchymal stem cell cultures using tangential flow filtration.

Abstract: Bead-based analytical assays suitable for detecting changes in the abundance of target analytes in biological samples are disclosed. In an embodiment, an assay involves incubating a sample with one or several beads that are capable of binding several distinct analytes in an amount sufficient for detection by mass spectrometry from a single bead.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the treatment of a subject suffering from drug intoxication by cleansing a contaminated sample from the subject with adsorption media. The adsorption media composition is selected for its antithrombogenic properties and for its ability to adhere to one or more drug targets to be reduced or eliminated. The media can further be held in a cartridge for use in extracorporeal treatments such as those of hemoperfusion. Contacting the contaminated sample from the subject with the absorption medium allows for the separation of a portion of the drug target from the sample, producing a cleansed sample that can be infused into the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating disease or condition caused or exacerbated by S100A9 activity, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) using a composition comprising an effective amount of a CD33/S100A9 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to CX3CR1-binding polypeptides, in particular polypeptides comprising specific immunoglobulin domains. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; to methods for preparing such polypeptides; to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such polypeptides; to compositions comprising such polypeptides; and to uses of such polypeptides or such compositions, in particular for prophylactic, therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: The invention concerns biocompatible polymer systems comprising at least one polymer with a plurality of pores, said polymer comprising either polyol or zwitterionic groups designed to adsorb endotoxins and other inflammatory mediator molecules. The inventions are in the field of porous polymeric sorbents, also in the field of broadly reducing endotoxins in blood and blood products that can cause endotoxemia, additionally, in the field of broadly removing endotoxins by perfusion or hemoperfusion.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the selective sequestration of metal ions are generally described.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, assays, and compositions relating to the treatment of thrombosis, preeclampsia, cancer, and intestinal inflammation, e.g., by administering ADAMTS13 to a subject in need of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface modification method based on the polymerization and cross-linking solidification of dopamine and/or its derivatives, which belongs to the technical field about composite material fabrication. The principle of dopamine polymerization and the formation process of polydopamine coating layer are the foundation of the present invention. This innovative method is established after deeply analyzing the failure mechanism of polydopamine coating layer in severe environments, such as organic solvents and acidic/alkalic environments. The critical work is finding out an eligible cross-linking agent which could react with the active functional groups in polydopamine. After cross-linking reaction, the soluble low-molecular-weight dopamine oligomers could be transformed into the insoluble three-dimensional stereographic networks.

Abstract: High accuracy mixing of fluids in a disposable fluid processing system with at least two pumps is provided by a method where a calibration fluid volume is pumped through each pump via a flow meter at at least one calibration pump speed while registering the flow rate using data output from the flow meter, a pump calibration function is calculated from the calibration pump speed and flow rate data and two or more operation fluids are mixed to a predetermined mixture ratio and predetermined flow rate by controlling the pump speed of the respective pumps in accordance with the pump calibration functions.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies, including antibody drug conjugates, that specifically bind to NTB-A. Also disclosed are methods for using the anti-NTB-A antibodies to detect or modulate activity of (e.g., inhibit proliferation of) an NTB-A-expressing cell, as well as for diagnoses or treatment of diseases or disorders (e.g., cancer) associated with NTB-A-expressing cells. Further disclosed is a method of treating multiple myeloma using an anti-NTB-A antibody drug conjugate, which optionally includes an anti-NTB-A antibody as disclosed herein.

Abstract: This disclosure provides antibodies that are useful for preventing and/or treating malaria. The epitope to which the antibodies bind is in close proximity to the conserved proteolytic cleavage site of P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP), and the antibodies provided in this disclosure can prevent cleavage and inhibit P. falciparum sporozoites from invading the liver.

Abstract: Ligands that bind to prion proteins and methods for using the ligands for detecting or removing a prion protein from a sample, such as a biological fluid or an environmental sample. The ligands are capable of binding to one or more forms of prion protein including cellular prion protein (PrPc), infectious prion protein (PrPsc), and recombinant prion protein (PrPr). Prions from various species, including humans and hamsters, are bound by the ligands. Also provided is a method of treating or retarding the development of a prion-associated pathology in a subject.

Abstract: Described are systems, methods, and kits for compression sedimentation and whole blood separation. For example, a compression sedimentation system may include a compression stage configured to accept a flexible reservoir configured to contain a liquid mixture. The compression stage may include a base substrate and a compression substrate configured to apply a force to the flexible reservoir effective to create a pressure in the liquid mixture. An apparatus for whole blood separation may include a sedimentation system that separates whole blood into a supernatant including platelet rich plasma and a subnatant including red blood cells. At least one platelet-concentrating device may be included to receive the supernatant including the PRP and to separate a platelet concentrate and a platelet poor plasma from the supernatant.

Abstract: This invention relates to determination of quantitative expression of plasma membrane proteins as biomarkers in the erythrocytes. The invention includes simple, quantitative assay platforms which can be made available in most diagnostic laboratories. The platform allows performing personalized, quantitative tests for the direct expression level of a wide range of membrane proteins from small volume blood samples and connecting them to individual genetic variability, disease conditions, disease stages and complications, treatment protocols, pharmacological responses, or toxic side effects.

Abstract: The invention describes specific sialylated structures present on human stem cells and cell populations derived thereof. The invention is especially directed to methods to control the status of stem cells by observing changes in sialylation of the cells; and control of potential contaminations of biological materials; and reagents and methods used in connection with the cells in order to avoid alterations of the cell glycosylation by contaminating materials. The invention is further directed to novel stem cells, the glycosylation of which has been specifically altered.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for targeted removal of a substance or biomolecule such as a protein from a biological fluid, such as blood. In some cases, the blood may be withdrawn from a subject, treated, and returned to the subject. Previous techniques for removal of biological materials from blood, such as hemodialysis and plasmapheresis, were generally non-specific (i.e., they removed a multitude of proteins/toxins from the blood). By contrast, novel methods and devices described herein are capable of removing specific or single substances such as proteins from biological fluids such as blood in a specific manner. Such highly specific protein removal has a broad array of clinical applications, including treatment of inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A method is described to treat cancer by extracorporeally treating a bodily fluid of a patient. A patient's body fluid is treated extracorporeally using a moiety that targets an antigen in the bodily fluid. The treatment can include applying an anti-angiogenesis, anti-tumorigenesis, anti-metastasis, or chemotherapeutic treatment to at least one antigen in the bodily fluid. The moiety facilitates removal of the antigen. The cleansed body fluid is then returned to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article and method of extracorporeal treating a patient's body fluid, for example, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), lymph, or blood. The treatment includes a plurality of stages comprising removing the body fluid from a patient, applying an extracorporeal treatment to the body fluid, and returning the body fluid to the patient. In the first stage of the treatment, the body fluid is removed from the patient. A convenient method for removing blood is utilizing standard venipuncture technique. A convenient method for removing CSF is using a standard lumbar puncture. In the second stage, a treatment is applied to the body fluid. The treatment can include an antibody directed against targeted antigen(s)/TA(s). The third stage comprises returning the body fluid to the patient, and can also include removing the treatment from the body fluid.

Abstract: An adsorbent for immunosuppressive substance, which can adsorb an excessive immunosuppressive substance directly from a body fluid, can carry out extracorporeal perfusion safely and can be utilized in treatment of cancer. The excessive immunosuppressive substance may be involved in growth of cancer cells. The adsorbent for immunosuppressive substance includes a water-insoluble carrier and a hydrophilic amino group immobilized to the water-insoluble carrier. An extracorporeal perfusion column contains the adsorbent of the invention. A method for treating cancer carries out extracorporeal perfusion using the extracorporeal perfusion column. A method of adsorbing the transforming growth factor ? which is combined with another protein, includes adsorbing the transforming growth factor ? and protein on an adsorbent containing a water-insoluble carrier to which quaternary ammonium groups each having 3 to 18 carbon atoms per one nitrogen atom are attached, and having a specific surface area of 0.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of molecular immunology, more in particular, in the field of the prevention or treatment of autoimmune diseases, more in particular, systemic sclerosis or scleroderma. The invention is based on the observation that SSC patients have an elevated plasma level of CXCL4. This was found to contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc, in particular, fibrosis. When CXCL4 was neutralized in in vitro experiments, the fibrotic effects could be neutralized. This led us to conclude that SSc may be cured by reducing the plasma level of CXCL4. The invention, therefore, relates to a method for treatment or prevention of fibrosis in patients with scleroderma, wherein the plasma level of CXCL4 is reduced.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed which are useful in increasing maturation of dendritic cells from CD14+ mononuclear cells, by contact with a composition comprising a fucose-containing glycoprotein fraction from Ganoderma lucidum. The extract can also be used for increasing production of a cytokine or a chemokine in a dendritic cell or CD19+ B cell. In addition, a fucose-containing glycoprotein fraction from Ganoderma lucidum can be administered to a subject identified as needing increased immunoglobulin, cytokine, or chemokine production.

Abstract: A method for reducing the number of selected antibodies in a subject's blood, the method comprising removing blood from the subject, passing the blood along an enclosed pathway, wherein the pathway comprises one or more semi-permeable hollow fibers with one or more membranes having surfaces positioned substantially perpendicular to the length of the one or more hollow fiber and antigens specific for the antibodies immobilized on the one or more membranes, returning the treated blood to the internal circulation of the subject, wherein the returned treated blood has a reduced number of selected antibodies compared to before treatment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a biomarker for diagnosing or prognosing childhood Membranous Nephropathy (MN), said biomarker is (i) cationic Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), and/or (ii) an antibody that binds to a polypeptide of sequence SEQ ID NO: 3. The invention further concerns an antibody or antibody fragment or a composition comprising such an antibody or antibody fragment, wherein said antibody or antibody fragment is specific to an amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 3. The invention also concerns a foodstuff likely to contain BSA or cow milk or cow milk extracts, wherein said foodstuff is depleted in BSA.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating or preventing a bacterial infection, particularly infection by a Staphylococcus bacterium. The invention provides methods and compositions for stimulating an immune response against the bacteria. In certain embodiments, the methods and compositions involve a non-toxigenic Protein A (SpA) variant or an antibody directed thereto.

Abstract: The invention described herein teaches methods of removing microvesicular particles, which include but are not limited to exosomes, from the systemic circulation of a subject in need thereof with the goal of reversing antigen-specific and antigen-nonspecific immune suppression. Said microvesicular particles could be generated by host cells that have been reprogrammed by neoplastic tissue, or the neoplastic tissue itself. Compositions of matter, medical devices, and novel utilities of existing medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Antibodies that target CD19, wherein the antibodies comprise at least one modification relative to a parent antibody, wherein the modification alters affinity to an FcyR or alters effector function as compared to the parent antibody, and methods of using the antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for preparing liposome-based constructs comprising a peptide, particularly an antigenic peptide, of interest modified through hydrophobic moieties reconstituted in liposomes and to the antigenic constructs obtained with said method. The invention further relates to the use of said constructs for the therapeutic and diagnostic use in the treatment of diseases and disorders, which are caused by or associated with proteopathy such as Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting alternative complement pathway activation in a mammal includes administering an amount of an antibody and/or fragment thereof that specifically binds to an epitope of the N terminus end of properdin effective to the inhibit alternative complement pathway in the subject.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition useful in the treatment or prevention of transgenic xenograft rejection comprising immunosuppressant compounds selected from the group consisting of an IL-2 transcription inhibitor and immunosuppressant compounds that immunosuppress for B-cell-mediated or antibody-mediated rejection of xenografts, and pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or carriers, and a method of preventing hyperacute rejection, reducing early graft damage, improving early xenograft function and promoting long term survival of said transgenic xenografts comprising the steps of i) contacting the body fluid removed from a human recipient with a xenoantigenic material which is bound to a biocompatible solid support, ii) reintroducing the treated body fluid into the recipient, and iii) treating the recipient with said pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Antibody molecules, in particular fully human antibodies that bind to human IGF-1 and cross-react with IGF-2 such that binding of IGF-1 and IGF-2 to the IGF-1 receptor is prevented and IGF-1 receptor-mediated signaling is inhibited. The antibodies do not bind to insulin and thus do not affect the mitogenic properties of insulin that are mediated by its binding to the insulin receptors. The antibodies are useful for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, in particular cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrin alpha-2 binding agent and methods of using an integrin alpha-2 binding agent to, e.g., inhibit proliferation of cancer cells, modulate tumor growth in a subject, inhibiting angiogenesis, or treating a fibrotic disorder. The invention further provides a method of producing an antibody, the method comprising propagating cancer cells in a 3-dimensional matrix; immunizing a mammal with the propagated cancer cells; and isolating an antibody from the immunized mammal. A method of identifying an agent that inhibits cancer cell proliferation also is provided.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for generating antibodies and an expression vector used to express protein(s) which provoke the antibody response. The expression vector may be useful in generating an antibody directed to an antigen, comprising a gene in operable linkage with a promoter, which gene encodes upon expressing a fusion protein comprising (i) CD134L, a fragment or homologous protein thereof as N-terminal moiety of the fusion protein; and (ii) all or part of an antigenic protein as C-terminal moiety of the fusion protein. To generate the antibodies, the vector is injected into a subject animal, which produces a fusion protein, against which antibodies are generated.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying peptides and compositions that bind to oocytes of animals in a species-specific manner. The methods utilize phage libraries and oocytes isolated from target species and non-target species.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assessing a severity of rheumatoid arthritis. The method involves measuring in a patient sample a concentration of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) and serum amyloid A, combining the concentrations determined to obtain a combined value, and comparing the combined value to a cut-off value established from a reference population. In another method, a marker selected from the group consisting of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), S100 protein, osteopontin, rheumatoid factor (RF), matrix metalloprotease 1 (MMP-1), matrix metalloprotease 3 (MMP-3), hyaluronic acid, and soluble CD14 (sCD14) may also be determined along with the anti-CCP and serum amyloid A.

Abstract: Extracorporeal cell-based therapeutic devices and delivery systems are disclosed which provide a method for therapeutic delivery of biologically active molecules produced by living cells in response to a dynamic physiologic environment. Exemplary designs are disclosed. In a first exemplary embodiment the device includes long hollow fibers in which a layer of cells are grown within the intraluminal volume or within a double hollow-filled chamber. In another exemplary embodiment the device includes a wafer or a series of wafers forms a substrate onto which cells are grown. The wafer(s) are then inserted into a device. The devices are intended to be extracorporeal. Disclosed is a device for delivering a pre-selected molecule, for example, a hormone, into a mammal's systemic circulation. The device may also deliver a member of different cell products. The device comprises an anchoring element that can be anchored to an inner wall of an extracorporeal tube for blood.

Abstract: Methods for production of tumor-specific antibodies are provided. The methods employ microorganisms that are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products.

Abstract: A composition for treating a subject is provided. The composition includes antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and pentameric IgM therapeutic. A process for manufacturing a medicament for the treatment of C. difficile associated disease in a human is also provided that the modification of antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and pentameric IgM with secretory component to form a antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and pentameric secretory IgM therapeutic. The antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and the pentameric secretory IgM therapeutic is then mixed with formulating agents to create a capsule, tablet, liquid or suppository dosing form. The therapeutic is amenable to enrobement directly through microencapsulation or the dosing form is coated with an enteric coating. A method of C. difficile treatment with the therapeutic is also provided that is amenable to supplementation with concurrent or prior antibiotic administration.

Abstract: Antigenic fragments of human Factor VIII polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions which contain these fragments, and complexes containing these peptides and a carrier protein or peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method aiding in the assessment of rheumatoid arthritis. The method especially is used in assessing the absence or presence of rheumatoid arthritis in vitro. It can be best practiced by analyzing biochemical markers, comprising measuring in a sample the concentration of anti-CCP and serum amyloid A and correlating the concentrations determined to the absence or presence of rheumatoid arthritis. To further improve the assessment of RA in a method of this invention the level of one or more additional marker may be determined together with anti-CCP and serum amyloid A and be correlated to the absence or presence of RA. The invention also relates to the use of a marker panel comprising anti-CCP and serum amyloid A in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and it teaches a kit for performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A novel subtype of type A botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT/A) is disclosed in the application. Methods to purify the neurotoxin as well as uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the selection and production of group specific immunoglobulins to bind to specific microbes or their toxins is provided. The immunoglobulins are produced in animals and collected either in the plasma or colostrums of the animals after being challenged with a series of selected immunogens. The selected immunoglobulins are packaged into products against specific groups of microbes or their toxins. These packages are delivered to animals including humans. These products could be used as passive protectants. The packages could be developed into products to protect animals or humans against diseases until vaccines can be effectively administered.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and materials for diagnosing and treating neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

Abstract: A peptide having an ED50 of less than 500 nm, in particular 10 nM to an antibody which recognizes an epitope on an extracellular ?1 loop 2 or ?2 loop 1 of a human adrenoceptor wherein the antibody's binding to the epitope results in an increase of ?-secretase activity, an increased release of ?-amyolid molecules and/or cellular dysfunction of cerebral blood vessel cells, glia cells or neurons, wherein the ED50 value is measured by bioassay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating Alzheimer's disease by inducing sequestration of amyloid ? into a plasma with a A?-mimotope peptide, and treatment with an apheresis device such that a fixed carrier can come into contact with the blood or plasma flow and includes a receptor that binds to an amyloid-? precursor-protein (APP), the APP being removed from the blood with the apheresis device.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method for decreasing the number of clinical cases for which trastuzumab administration is ineffective. The present invention provides a method for treating a living individual with epithelial cancer comprising: step (a) of selectively reducing KLRG1-positive immunocytes in the peripheral blood of a living individual with epithelial cancer ex vivo, which is positive for a cancer-specific membrane antigen expressed in epithelial cancer cells and positive for a KLRG1 ligand; and step (b) of administering, to the living individual, a therapeutic agent for cancer comprising an antibody reacting with the cancer-specific membrane antigen expressed in epithelial cancer cells and having antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel uses of a construct consisting of virus-like particle (VLP) structure chemically coupled to a fragment of the A?-1-42 peptide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts (hereinafter CONSTRUCT), in particular to dosage regimens, modes of and dosage forms for the administration of a CONSTRUCT for the treatment of patients suffering from dementia, in particular dementia of the A

Abstract: A method for detecting a mutation related to the gene encoding OAS1. This and other disclosed mutations correlate with resistance of humans to viral infection including hepatitis C. Also provided is a therapeutic agent consisting of a protein or polypeptide encoded by the mutated gene, or a polynucleotide encoding the protein or polypeptide. Inhibitors of human OAS1, including antisense oligonucleotides, methods, and compositions specific for human OAS1, are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides, and expression vectors for use in species-specific immunocontraception of animals. The disclosed compositions may include immunogenic compositions or vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides diagnostic methods for determining the risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a fetus or child by detecting in a biological sample from the mother antibodies that bind to one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), guanine deaminase (GDA), collapsin response mediator protein 1 (CRMP1), stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), alpha subunit of the barbed-end actin binding protein Cap Z (CAPZA2), Y Box Binding Protein 1 (YBX1), eukaryotic translation and elongation factor 1A1 (EEF1A1), microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT), dihydropyrimidinase-like protein 2 (DPYSL2), dynamin 1-like protein (DNM1L), radixin (RDX), moesin (MSN), and ezrin (EZR).