Abstract: There is disclosed herein compositions, methods, uses and systems for reducing pain in a patient that emanates from a body area, preferably spine or joint. Methods of treatment or prevention are described for a disease or condition selected from degenerative disc disease, disc injury, pain, arthritis, or suspected arthritis.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein compositions, methods, uses and systems for reducing pain in a patient that emanates from a body area, preferably spine or joint. Methods of treatment or prevention are described for a disease or condition selected from degenerative disc disease, disc injury, pain, arthritis, or suspected arthritis.

Abstract: Compositions of alkaline salts and metabolic acid inducers and methods of use thereof are provided. The disclosed compositions may be used for stimulating vagal nerve efferent pathways, treating or preventing an inflammatory response or an autoimmune disorder, inhibiting or reducing one or more inflammatory M1 macrophages and/or one or more inflammatory neutrophils in the blood, promoting polarization of macrophages from a pro-inflammatory M1 state to an anti-inflammatory M2 state, and treating or preventing cardiovascular disease or metabolic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a kidney disease, comprising Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage (AIM) or a partial peptide thereof, or a nucleic acid comprising a base sequence encoding the same, or a screening method for a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a kidney disease, comprising using an animal obtained by subjecting a non-human mammal deficient in AIM expression to unilateral ureteral obstruction or transient kidney ischemia/reperfusion and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of melatonin for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition suitable for intratumoral administration for the treatment of tumors. This composition comprises high concentrations of melatonin, melatonin derivatives or metabolites, such that melatonin exerts an oxidizing effect, increasing the production of free radicals and activating cell death.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for administering one or more UDP compound, alone or in combination with another hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilizing compound (for example, but not limited to G-CSF), to mobilize hematopoietic progenitor cells for transplant or other purposes. The methods of the invention may be particularly advantageous as applied to improve the stem cell yield in so-called “poor mobilizing” patients.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein compositions, methods, uses and systems for reducing pain in a patient that emanates from a body area, preferably spine or joint. Methods of treatment or prevention are described for a disease or condition selected from degenerative disc disease, disc injury, pain, arthritis, or suspected arthritis.

Abstract: Provided herein are proteins, antibodies, assays and methods useful for modulating growth factor levels and/or activities. In some embodiments, such growth factors are members of the TGF-? superfamily of proteins.

Abstract: Autologous compositions and methods are provided for cartilage repair in patients in need thereof. Some aspects include combinations of platelet-based materials with chondrogenesis inducing agents in the presence or absence of cell-based therapies.

Abstract: Antiviral polypeptides and methods of use are provided herein. In particular, these polypeptides can comprise the Yodha amino acid sequence, variants, derivatives, or truncated versions thereof. In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to uses of the peptides and compositions disclosed herein to treat or prevent a viral infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods and compositions for treating chronic lung disorders, in particular, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). In some embodiments, a method according to the present invention includes administering to an individual who is suffering from or susceptible to BPD an effective amount of an anti-Flt-1 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, such that at least one symptom or feature of BPD is reduced in intensity, severity, or frequency, or has delayed onset.

Abstract: Methods and antibody compositions that displace mannose from the binding pocket of fimbrial adhesin FimH of enterobacteria, including uropathogenic E. coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, or Klebsiella pneumoniae, can be used to disrupt or prevent the attachment of a single layer of bacteria to a mannose-coated surface, or to disrupt or prevent the formation of a multilayer biofilm. The antibody compositions of the invention can thus be used in methods to inhibit, prevent, or reverse the colonization of a surface with enterobacteria that express the bacterial Type 1 fimbrial adhesin FimH, to inhibit or prevent infection of a cell by enterobacteria that express the bacterial Type 1 fimbrial adhesin FimH, such as, for example, uropathogenic E. coli, to treat a bacterial infection in subject in need thereof and to treat or prevent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), among other uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating or ameliorating certain neurodegenerative disorders (namely, dysmyelinating and demyelinating disorders) in patients in need of such treatment or amelioration. The invention provides methods of treating or ameliorating a patient in need of such treatment and includes the administration to the patient of: (a) thyroid hormones or thyroid hormone analogues; (b) cell replacement therapies involving the use of homogenous Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells derived from embryonic stem cells that have been treated with thyroid hormones or thyroid hormone analogues; (c) gene therapy to correct mutated genes in vivo; or (d) a combination of two or more of (a), (b) and (c). The invention also provides compositions and formulations of thyroid hormones and thyroid hormone analogues for use in treating or ameliorating such disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing and/or treating bleeding episodes by administering a single dose of a Factor VIIa equivalent. Preferably, the single dose comprises between about 150 and about 500 ug/kg Factor VIIa equivalent.

Abstract: Described herein are dose escalation regimens for the administration of complexes comprising interleukin-15 (“IL-15”) covalently or noncovalently bound to IL-15 receptor alpha (“IL-15R?”) to patients in order to enhance IL-15-mediated immune function. In a specific aspect, the dose escalation regimens are useful in the prevention, treatment, and/or management of disorders in which enhancing IL-15-mediated function is beneficial, such as cancer, infectious diseases, immunodeficiencies and lymphopenia. In another specific aspect, the dose escalation regimens are useful for eradicating or reducing HIV in HIV-infected patients.

Abstract: A polymer coating/ring is employed to aid in the sealing and connection of modular elements used in body flow lumens for the exclusion and bypass of diseased regions of the flow lumen, such as where aneurysm occurs adjacent to branching blood vessels.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation in a lyophilised form, which comprises pharmacologically effective amount of interferon beta-1a as an active ingredient, disaccharides as a bulking agent and a non-ionic surfactant. After reconstitution, the composition can be administered intravenously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to treat a neurodegenerative disease or disorder, e.g., a motor neuron disease in a subject, whereby the subject is administered a recombinant human Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) protein as disclosed herein, wherein the recombinant human MIS protein comprises a modified Kex cleavage site for increased cleavage. The recombinant human MIS protein can be produced from a pre-proprotein comprising a non-MIS leader sequence or a functional fragment thereof in place of the MIS leader sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subject afflicted with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) comprising administering to the subject an amount of ginsenoside M1 effective to treat the subject.

Abstract: A method of using fucoidan to enhance stem cell mobilization in a subject, including hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) is provided. In the method, a blended composition of fruits, mushrooms, microorganisms, maternal fluids, and extracts thereof are used to promote trafficking of stem cells, resulting in migration of the stem cells to specific sties of maintenance an and repair within tissues and/or organs. The method also involves the use of fucoidan obtained from particular algae species to support release and circulation of HSCs, as demonstrated by significantly increase circulation of HSCs in the peripheral blood. Increased circulation of HSCs and/or BMSCs and migration towards sites of maintenance and the natural regeneration mechanisms in the body. Further provided is a dosing regimen for the administration of fucoidan and a method of enhancing release and circulation of stem cells.

Abstract: A method of treating or improving neurological function in a human subject includes identifying a human subject diagnosed with at least one of post-CNS trauma, post-concussion syndrome, a chronic refractive epileptic encephalopathic condition, autism spectrum condition, cerebral palsy; or ischemic long term treatment for remote ischemic or traumatic brain injury; and administering to the human subject a composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective dose of filgrastim.

Abstract: Peptides and methods of use thereof, are disclosed for use in treating various disease and disorders, including inflammation, pain, oral mucositis, oral lesions, and cancer. The peptides modulate the activity of the transcription factor NF ?B.

Abstract: Methods for controlling obesity using minimally-invasive procedures including introducing embolic crystal particles that are naturally occurring and mostly non-toxic salts into the arterial capillaries feeding the sections of the stomach where the appetite inducing hormone, ghrelin, is produced to limit the blood flow to the region reducing appetite; introducing a virus vector or antisense oligonucleotide to inhibit the production of ghrelin and reduce the appetite; and introducing a soluble embolic particle with a virus vector or antisense oligonucleotide which will inhibit the flow of blood initially and then dissolve and release the inhibit vector to the region, generating ghrelin to control the appetite.

Abstract: A glycopeptide, comprising a polyproline backbone and one or more carbohydrate molecules.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment presenting defined physical or mechanical cues that regulate cellular behavior and use of the matrix. The disclosure also provides for devices and methods for screening for optimal combinations of physical and mechanical cues in order to create a microenvironment that can regulate specific cellular behavior such as cell growth, proliferation, migration or differentiation.

Abstract: Recombinant antibody-based molecules that trigger both T-cell and B-cell immune responses are disclosed. The recombinant molecules are comprised by at least one targeting unit and at least one antigenic unit connected through a dimerization motif. Also disclosed are nucleic acid molecules encoding the recombinant antibody-based molecule and methods of treating multiple myeloma or lymphoma in a patient using the recombinant antibody-based molecules or the nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies that bind growth factor prodomain complexes, for example, growth factor prodomain complexes that include GDF-8 growth factor and GDF-8 prodomain. Also included are antibodies that bind growth factor prodomain complexes that have been altered by proteolytic processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in stroke patients and in patients at risk for stroke. In particular, the invention relates to using assays that detect one or more biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker assays in such patients.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a composition comprising a biological material and transition metal atoms selected from the group consisting of Group IVB, Group VB, Group VIB of the Periodic Chart and a combination thereof, bound to a surface of the biological material.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for enhancing male erectile function comprising an erectile function-enhancing amount of an insulin-like growth factor selected from the group consisting of IGF-1 (Somatmedin-C) and analog LR3 IGF1 in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluents or carrier. Such compositions optionally further comprise compounds selected from an androgen, particularly, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, a vasodilator, PDE5 inhibitor and prostaglandin E1.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for forming fibrochondrocytes or fibrochondrocyte-like cells from progenitor cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells. One aspect provides a fibrochondrocyte culture medium including CTGF and TGF?3, optionally encapsulated by microspheres having different release profiles. Another aspect provides a method for forming fibrochondrocytes or fibrochondrocyte-like cells from progenitor cells by culturing with CTGF and TGF?3.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a composition for treating gastrointestinal or neurological disorders, constipation, functional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, travelers diarrhoea, chronic idiopathic nausea, IBD-associated constipation and diarrhoea, pseudo-obstruction, diabetic gastroparesis, cyclic vomiting, reflux oesophagitis, autism enteropathy, flatulence, halitosis, chronic fatigue, bloating, proctalgia fugax, Parkinsons disease, MS, Alzheimers Disease, Motor Neurone Disease or autism, the composition comprising: (i) at least two anti-clostridial agents selected from the group consisting of: vancomycin, vancomycin derivatives, a multi-valent polymer of vancomycin, aminoglycosides, nitroimidazoles, ansamysins, nifuroxazide, colchicine, prucalopride, prokinetic agent and 5-aminosalicylic acid; or (ii) at least one anti-clostridial agent selected from the above combined with an opioid blocking agent.

Abstract: Peptide compounds derived from human melanotransferrin, and compositions thereof, are described. Uses of these peptide compounds, for example to modulate angiogenesis and/or cell migration, and/or to treat angiogenesis-related disorders (e.g., cancer), are also described.

Abstract: A product comprising follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for the treatment of infertility.

Abstract: Viral VEGF and viral anti-inflammatory cytokine compositions, methods of treatment using them, and kits containing them for use in the promotion and/or improvement of wound healing and/or tissue repair, and for anti-scarring, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis and anti-adhesion indications.

Abstract: A short-chain peptide capable of controlling spermatozoa fertilization performance is supplied in an in vitro culture medium of spermatozoa and oocytes to increase the success rates of in vitro fertilization. The short-chain peptide comprises an amino acid sequence H-Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-X-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1), where X denotes Tyr or Phe, and the sequence ends with an amide. The short-chain peptide is conducive to adjustment of the concentration of free calcium ions inside the cells of the spermatozoa and thus enhancement of the success rates of in vitro fertilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing, attenuating neuronal damage or stimulating neuronal repair prior or following central nervous system injury.

Abstract: This invention relates to an osteogenic device for the de novo induction of bone formation in a mammal. The device contains at least one transforming growth factor-?3 isoform and a retention matrix. The device is introduced by direct injection or surgical implantation into an area where de novo bone formation is desired and, once implanted, the retention matrix acts to retain the TGF-?3 isoform at its place of introduction and forms a scaffold for generated bone, the induction of which is promoted by the TGF-?3 isoform. The device may be used to induce bone growth where bone has been debrided in a surgical procedure and it may also be used to transform neoplastic primary and/or metastatic secondary masses into bone thus facilitating surgical debridement thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for modulating an immune response. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an initial artificial lymph-node homing environment, and a simultaneous, or subsequent, artificial spleen environment leading to the resolution of the activated immune responses. In one specific embodiment, the present invention can be used to prevent and/or treat pathogenic infection, cancer, allergenic reactions, and/or unwanted immune or auto-immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for treating and/or preventing type I diabetes and an application thereof. The active ingredient of the composition is 1.) or 2.) or 3.), as follows: 1.) a mixture of a type I diabetes protein antigen and an immunosuppressor, 2.) a mixture of a type I diabetes protein antigenic epitope polypeptide and an immunosuppressor, 3.) a mixture of a type I diabetes protein antigen, a type I diabetes protein antigenic epitope polypeptide, and an immunosuppressor; the type I diabetes protein antigen is at least one of insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and islet amyloid polypeptide, and the immunosuppressor is at least one of dexamethasone, cyclosporine A, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, prednisone, early prednisolone, anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody, and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides vaccine compositions comprising at least one adjuvant and at least one therapeutic factor. The disclosure also provides methods of reducing an immune suppressor cell population in a mammal, methods of augmenting an immune response in a mammal, and methods of treating a disease in a mammal utilizing the vaccine compositions.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a plurality of antibody species in a single animal, comprising delivering a plurality of antigen species to a single animal, where each antigen species is delivered to the animal at an anatomically distinct location. Also provided are methods for generating an immune response in an animal, where each antigen species is delivered to the animal at an anatomically distinct location, under conditions in which the animal produces a plurality of antibody species, where each antibody species specifically binds to a different antigen species among the plurality of antigen species.

Abstract: Numerous diseases have been linked to the production of effector cells. The present invention relates to the realization that effector cells are cycling in these diseases. In addition, the present invention relates to the determination that regulator cells are cycling in degenerative diseases. Based on these realizations, the present invention provides methods for treating conditions such as autoimmune diseases, degenerative diseases, and graft-versus-host disease. The present invention also relates to methods of determining when therapy should be administered to a patient.

Abstract: Provided herein are various processes for the improved production of antibody producing organisms, antibody producing tissues, antibody producing cells and antibodies. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for rapidly producing antibody producing organisms, tissues, cells and antibodies derived from humans, organisms, plants or cells that are genetically altered to over-express certain proteins.

Abstract: The absence of regulatory T cells (Treg) may underlie disorders including but not limited to autoimmunity, dermatitis, periodontitis and even transplant rejection. Enhancing local numbers of Treg through in situ Treg expansion or induction is contemplated herein as a treatment option for these disorders. Current methods for in vivo Treg expansion are not Treg specific and are associated with many adverse side-effects. The data presented herein provides in vitro testing of a Treg-inducing microparticle providing a predictable controlled release for combinations of cytokines and drugs (e.g., IL-2, TGF-?, and/or rapamycin) resulting in targeted Treg migration. These controlled release microparticles are also capable of inducing FoxP3+ Treg in human cells in vitro suggesting that these compositions be developed into an in vivo Treg induction and expansion therapy.

Abstract: A method for recognizing and evaluating the presence and function of GnRH receptors on tumor cells including those originating in the brain and/or nervous system and/or the meninges and/or reactive neuroglia cells and/or primitive neuroectodermal tumor cells and/or on Kaposi sarcoma is provided. Furthermore, a method for reducing degenerate GnRH-positive tumor cells and/or for decreasing cellular replication of the above GnRH-positive tumor cells comprising administering to a cell or to a subject a replication decreasing amount of a GnRH agonist and/or GnRH antagonist and/or an erythropoietin agonist, and/or a thrombopoietin agonist, and/or a endothelin antagonist and/or a gonadotropin inhibiting hormone agonist is also provided. Furthermore, a diagnostic kit for detecting GnRH receptors on tumor cells according to the present methods is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying allosteric modulators of a SHIP polypeptide, wherein said SHIP polypeptide is contacted with a test compound, and wherein said SHIP polypeptide comprises an allosteric site selected from the group consisting of a SHIP C2 domain and a SHIP PH domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic polypeptide and methods for its creation and use for modulating an immune response in a host organism in need thereof. In particular, the invention relates to the administration to an organism in need thereof, of an effective amount of a pre-coupled polypeptide complex comprising a lymphokine polypeptide portion, for example IL-15 (SEQ ID NO: 5, 6), IL-2 (SEQ ID NO: 10, 12) or combinations of both, and an interleukin receptor polypeptide portion, for example IL-15Ra (SEQ ID NO: 7, 8), IL-2Ra (SEQ ID NO: 9, 11) or combinations of both, for augmenting the immune system in, for example, cancer, SCID, AIDS, or vaccination; or inhibiting the immune system in, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, or Lupus. The therapeutic complex of the invention surprisingly demonstrates increased half-life, and efficacy in vivo.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating or enhancing an immune response in a host are disclosed. The methods include contacting a monocyte with 15 kD granulysin thereby producing a monocyte-derived dendritic cell. In one example, the method further includes contacting the monocyte or monocyte-derived dendritic cell with a target antigen, such as a tumor antigen or an autoimmune antigen. In another embodiment, the method includes contacting the monocyte with an additional agent that enhances maturation of dendritic cells or induces immunological tolerance. The methods are of use in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) molecules with high cytotoxicity and reduced immunogenicity, compositions containing the improved (PE), and methods of use.