Abstract: A method for assessing prognosis in an individual suffering from liver failure, which method comprises detecting endotoxin in the individual, for example by determining the neutrophil function in the individual. The method can be used to determine whether there is an increased risk of infection in the individual, an increased risk of organ failure in the individual, an increased risk of mortality in the individual and/or an increased risk that the individual will not respond positively to treatment with an immunosuppressive agent, a steroid or an antibiotic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for using a hemofilter to treat IMRD, hepatic failure, exogenous intoxication and other conditions associated with toxins in a patient's blood. One treatment includes the use of a very large pore hemofilter to remove target complex molecules and/or target molecules from a patient's blood and to infuse a replacement fluid into the patient's blood to maintain a prescribed albumin concentration in the patient's blood.

Abstract: Provided are methods of applying biological compositions, that is, autologous bioadhesive sealant compositions containing one or more biological agents, to an individual, wherein all the blood components used in preparing the composition are derived from the patient who is to receive the biological composition. In one embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a whole blood sample from an individual; forming an inactive platelet rich plasma from the whole blood sample; mixing a biological agent into the inactive platelet rich plasma; obtaining thrombin from the whole blood sample; mixing the thrombin into the inactive platelet rich plasma to form a biological composition; and applying the biological composition to the individual.

Abstract: A suture combined intraoperatively with autogenous blood components. At least one strand of suture is placed into a sterile container. Blood obtained from a patient is separated, using a centrifuge, for example, to retrieve certain healing components such as autogenous growth factors, to obtain an autogenous blood suspension. The autogenous blood suspension is added to the sterile container containing the strand of suture. The suture wicks up biologic components of the autogenous blood suspension to produce an enhanced suture. Surgical repairs using the enhanced suture are conducted by suturing a tear to itself or to bone, for example. Post-operatively, the biologic components leach from the suture to accelerate healing of the repair.

Abstract: A method of treating cachexia is disclosed involving the removal or inactivation of macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) present in the blood, plasma or serum of a cachexia subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a suitable substrate for binding MIC-1 (e.g. a substrate provided with a MIC-1 binding molecule), treating blood, plasma or serum removed from a subject by contacting the blood, plasma or serum ex vivo with the substrate such that MIC-1 present in the blood, plasma or serum is bound to the substrate, separating the treated blood, plasma or serum from the substrate, and thereafter returning the treated blood, plasma or serum to the subject. Also disclosed, is a method of diagnosing or prognosing cachexia in a subject, said method comprising determining the amount of MIC-1 present in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for concentrating a fluid and for treating a patient with the concentrated fluid. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing (12) defining a separation chamber (14), a filter housing (48) containing a filter (46) comprising a filter element, a piping (44) for moving concentrated fluid from the separation chamber to the filter, and ports (32) for pressurizing the concentrated fluid past the filter element of the filter. The present invention also provides a variety of uses of concentrated body fluids, including autologous concentrated body fluid. The concentrated fluids can be used for example in surgical applications, including graft applications such as allograft, xenograft and autograft applications.

Abstract: The present relates to an autologous bioadhesive sealant composition or fibrin glue prepared by a two-phase method, wherein all of the blood components for the bioadhesive sealant are derived from a patient to whom the bioadhesive sealant will be applied. A platelet rich plasma and a platelet poor plasma are formed by centrifuging a quantity of anticoagulated whole blood that was previously drawn from the patient. In one embodiment, the platelet rich plasma is divided into two portions. In phase one, a compound that reverses the effect of the anticoagulant is added to the first portion and a clot is allowed to form. The clot is then triturated, and the resulting serum containing autologous thrombin is collected. In phase two, the serum obtained from phase one is mixed with the second portion of the platelet rich plasma to form the bioadhesive sealant of the present invention.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody against beta-amyloid (ABeta) peptide is provided with unique immunological and biological properties useful in the immunotherapy of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising such antibody and mimics thereof in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for enriching a heterogenous mixture of bone marrow or blood constituents for stem cells by removal of non-stem cell constituents comprising separation of the non-stem cell constituents using a tangential flow filtration device.

Abstract: A biocompatible synthetic bone growth composition comprising a fibrillar collagen component and a calcium phosphate component. The composition is formed into particles, and then formed into a unitary article that may be provided at the site of a skeletal defect. An osteoinductive component may be further added, either before or after forming the unitary article. The composition may be formulated as a paste or putty and facilitates bone growth and/or repair.

Abstract: A method for treating conditions related to lack of blood supply with a resuscitation fluid is disclosed. The resuscitation fluid contains a lipophilic component and a polar liquid carrier. The lipophilic component forms an emulsion with the polar liquid carrier. The resuscitation fluid can be used to increase the blood pressure and to carry oxygen and other lipophilic gases to tissues. The resuscitation fluid can also be used for preserving the biological integrity of donor organs for transplantation.

Abstract: Transimmunization methods incorporating skin immunologic challenges are described for either selectively suppressing the immune response of recipients of transplanted tissue or cells or monitoring induced anti-cancer immunity. In one embodiment, skin from the transplant donor is allografted to the transplant recipient to induce an immunological response to the transplanted skin. A quantity of blood is taken from the recipient and treated to render the T cells in the blood apoptotic and to induce differentiation of blood monocytes into dendritic cells. The treated blood is incubated and administered to the recipient to induce formation of suppressor T cell clones which reduce the number of T cells attacking the transplanted tissue or organ. This tolerogenic approach can be complemented by also feeding the immature dendritic cells apoptotic or necrotic cells from the organ donor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for repairing or regenerating tissues in a patient such as cartilage, meniscus, ligament, tendon, bone, skin, cornea, periodontal tissues, abscesses, resected tumors, cardiac tissues and ulcers. The method comprises the step of administering simultaneously or sequentially a pro-coagulant factor and an effective amount of a polymer composition comprising a biocompatible polymer and blood or a component thereof. When the polymer composition is in contact with the pro-coagulant factor it is converted into a non-liquid state such that the polymer composition will adhere to the site in need of repair to effect repair of the tissue and/or regeneration thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides cerium oxide nanoparticles for use both in therapeutic compositions in vivo and in research in vitro. The cerium oxide nanoparticles are of a known range of sizes having biological properties that are reproducible and beneficial. Pharmaceutical and other compositions are provided, as are methods of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a pharmacologically active blood serum product producible by a method comprising electrostimulation of a non-human animal, withdrawal of blood from said animal, isolation of serum from said blood, and gamma irradiation of said serum in the treatment of stroke, preferably ischemic stroke.

Abstract: An osteogenic composition suitable for use in bone and soft tissue reparative procedures is provided for herein. Methods for preparing osteogenic composition from blood and bone marrow are also provided for. The osteogenic compositions contain therapeutically effective concentrations of one or more osteogenic agents such as BMP-2, TGF-?, PDGF and VEGF.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunoglobulin composition suitable for prophylaxis and/or treatment of a viral mediated disease, disorder or condition and to methods of its preparation. In one embodiment, the invention provides a potent intravenous immunoglobulin composition useful for the treatment or prevention of a West Nile virus mediated disease, disorder or condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides BoNT/B peptides, BoNT/B peptide compositions, tolerogizing compositions, immune response inducing compositions, as well as methods of determining immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of treating immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of reducing anti-botulinum toxin antibodies in an individual and methods of inducing a BoNT/B immune response an individual.

Abstract: A soluble multimeric polypeptide or protein is disclosed that is able to inhibit interaction of leukocyte Fc? receptors (Fc?R) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The protein or polypeptide comprises two or more Fc binding regions linked in a head to tail arrangement, at least one of which is derived from an Fc?R type receptor, and an Fc domain of an immunoglobulin which has been modified to reduce or prevent binding to the said Fc binding regions and/or to alter effector function. Also described are polynucleotide molecules encoding the polypeptide or protein and the use thereof in methods of treating a subject for an immune-complex (IC)-mediated inflammatory disease.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing decreased vascular function is disclosed. The method includes assaying the number of endothelial progenitor cells. A method for detecting increased cardiovascular risk is also disclosed, as is a method for diagnosing atherosclerosis. In one example, the methods include assaying the number of endothelial progenitor cells. A method for treating a subject with decreased vascular function is disclosed. The method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of endothelial progenitor cells to the subject. In one embodiment, the subject has atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Bone graft compositions comprising demineralized bone matrix, calcium phosphate, collagen and bioinductive cellular solution. Methods to repair and heal defective and missing bone using the bone graft compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polypeptide variants of factor VII (FVII) or factor VIIa (FVIIa) polypeptides, where said variants comprise an amino acid substitution in position 10 and 32 and where said variants further comprise a sugar moiety covalently attached to an introduced in vivo N-glycosylation site located outside the Gla domain. Such polypeptide variants are useful in therapy, in particular for the treatment of a variety of coagulation-related disorders, such as trauma.

Abstract: An endogenous mammalian material has been found which has the biological effect of causing a reduction in the mass of mammalian organs including the heart and prostate. The material has physico-chemical properties such that it appears as a compound of molecular weight between 10 and 20 kD when subjected to a purification process using membrane filtration followed by gel filtration. This material has therapeutic uses including the treatment of organ or tissue hypertrophy and hyperplasia.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods for preparing composite materials, which include nanoscale hydroxyapatite, and the composite materials and articles prepared therewith.

Abstract: A fluid matrix comprising cross-linked remodelable collagen from a donor vertebrate animal is useful for regenerating hydrodynamic function in damaged intervertebral discs in vivo. The matrix may be injectable and may comprise cells and a plurality of purified cell growth factors. The matrix promotes cell growth and elaboration of proteoglycans to facilitate regeneration of native tissues. The collagen in the matrix may be cross-linked using photooxidative catalysis and visible light, and purified cell growth factors are preferably at least partly bone-derived.

Abstract: Self-forming hybrid compositions consisting in admixed liquid and solid components enable the formation of bio-materials. The present invention proposes a) a thermo-sensitive self-forming liquid component, being water-based and containing at least a polycationic polymer such as chitosan, and an organic mono-phosphate source, which is a solution at a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.4; b) a solid component being mineral and composed of at least one of calcium, fluoride, strontium, carbonate and phosphate salts. Solid mineral salts preferentially have a recognized bioactive potential such as the calcium phosphate salts for bones. Both solid and liquid components are admixed to form an injectable liquid slurry or pre-gelled paste that turn in situ into a hybrid uniform gel-like bio-material.

Abstract: This invention relates to cholesterol-sequestering agents and methods of using cholesterol-sequestering agents to treat or prevent infection. The compositions of the invention can be used in vitro or in vivo to decrease the load of a microorganism in a biological sample. Methods of generating an immune response against a microorganism are also included.

Abstract: Whole blood-derived coagulum devices are described for use in treating bone defects.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a method for crosslinking a biological fluid comprising combining a biological fluid with a crosslinker to covalently crosslink proteins endogenous to the biological fluid to form a crosslinked gel. Examples of a biological fluid are blood, plasma, or serum.

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: Methods and devices are provided for reducing the concentration of low molecular weight compounds in a biological composition containing cells while substantially maintaining a desired biological activity of the biological composition. The device comprises highly porous adsorbent particles, and the adsorbent particles are immobilized by an inert matrix. The matrix containing the particles is contained in a housing, and the particles range in diameter from about 100 ?m to about 1500 ?m. The device can be used to adsorb and remove a pathogen-inactivating compounds from a biological composition such as a blood product.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying individuals suffering from a CNS disorder (including Alzheimer's Disease, behavioral disorders, and the like) that could be treated with a CNS drug with greater therapeutic efficacy and lower side effects and the compounds useful for such treatment. Also disclosed are methods for predicting the efficacy of a drug candidate for the treatment of a CNS disorder. The technology is also applicable to drug discovery for use in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for promoting wound healing are provided by the present invention which increase the rate and completeness of wound healing. Broadly described, an inventive composition includes a degradable scaffold of biocompatible material and a cell involved in wound healing, or a predecessor of such a cell, disposed in contact with the scaffold. In one embodiment, an albumin scaffold is provided with an endothelial cell predecessor disposed therein. Optionally, a cell involved in wound healing or a predecessor of such a cell is administered by local or systemic injection in conjunction with application of an inventive composition. Processes for promoting wound healing are provided as well as processes for producing the described compositions for promoting healing.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for the treatment of basement membrane diseases and disorders, such as Alport's syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for tissue repair using a cytocompatible self-gelling cross-linked hydrogel. The composition comprises a biocompatible mixture of chitosan, bifunctional dialdehyde, and hydroxylated polymer, which can be used to immobilize or encapsulate viable cells, or bioactive substances. The method includes the process of mixing bioactive substances, live cells, and/or extracellular matrix components with a cross-linking solution comprising a bifunctional aldehyde-treated hydroxylated polymer such as hydroxyethyl cellulose. The cross-linking solution is then mixed homogenously with a neutral isotonic chitosan solution. The chitosan becomes cross-linked by the bifunctional aldehyde, while the cells are protected from potentially nocive effects of the aldehyde cross-linker by the hydroxylated polymer. The injectable solution retains cell viability and bioactivity, and immobilizes cells at the site of injection or delivery.

Abstract: A material having the ability to reduce organ mass has been isolated by collecting ovarian venous blood from a female mammal; preparing ovarian venous plasma from the blood; and at least partially purifying said material from the plasma. This material has therapeutic and other uses, e.g. in the treatment of organ or tissue hypertrophy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating the risk of increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels by conducting extracorporeal perfusion of blood plasma from patients with risk for cardiovascular diseases or immune dysfunctions, such as autoimmune diseases, through a device, such as a column, which contains absorbent matrix material including lipids, peptides, polypeptides, phosphocholine (PC) or PC derivatives so as to remove C-reactive protein. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of compounds which have the characteristic to bind CRP at least temporarily, for removing CRP from biological fluids of a patient for prophylaxis and/or treatment of autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, such as infarction, stroke, diabetes, rheuma and renal failure.

Abstract: A process for purifying and collecting albumin from plasma and plasma fractions involves diafiltration of an albumin-containing plasma fraction; stabilizing the resulting albumin fraction with sodium chloride and an amino acid in the absence of any added fatty acid; pasteurizing the stabilized albumin fraction; and diafiltering the pasteurized fraction to remove, along other things, stabilizers. In one embodiment, the amino acid stabilizing agent is acetyl tryptophan. The resulting albumin has at least about 80% albumin binding capacity relative to natural plasma albumin, and is storage stable for about 30 months at 30° C.

Abstract: Red blood cells are purified by defibrinating whole blood and then filtering the defibrinated whole blood, whereby at least a portion of a plasma component is separated from the red blood cells to form a suspension of red blood cells, thereby purifying the red blood cells. Whole blood is defibrinated by, for example, using a chemical coagulating agent or mechanical agitation. Separation of the plasma component from red blood cells can be completed by, for example, diafiltration. The suspension of red blood cells can then be employed to produce a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting an immune response in a mammalian subject by (a) withdrawing blood or a blood fraction containing immune cells from the subject, (b) contacting the blood with an antibody that specifically binds to the cell surface HLA-F histocompatibility protein of activated mammalian immune cells and then (c) detecting the presence or absence of binding of immune cells to the antibody, wherein the presence of binding indicates the presence of an immune response in the subject.

Abstract: An improved method for selectively depleting hypoxic cells within the bone marrow is disclosed. The method can be used to enhance engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow of a host subject. Also disclosed is a method for treating a cancer within the bone marrow of a host subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a preventive agent for and a prevention method for HCV infection, a method for treating HCV infection, and a method for screening anti-HCV drug candidates. The HCV diagnostic method of the present invention comprises the detection of HCV proteins present in leukocytes. The preventive agent for HCV infection comprises an antibody against HCV proteins as an active component. The method for treating HCV infection comprises performing leukopheresis or reduction therapy on an HCV-infected patient. Further, the method for screening anti-HCV drug candidates comprises selecting, from test substances, a substance that is able to inhibit HCV infection in monocytes or is able to reduce the amount of HCV antigens to HCV-infected monocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracorporeal removal of a pathogenic microbe, an inflammatory cell or an inflammatory protein from mammalian blood/use of a device comprising a carbohydrate immobilized on a solid substrate, said carbohydrate having a binding affinity for a pathogenic microbe, an inflammatory cell or an inflammatory protein, for extracorporeal removal of said pathogenic microbe, inflammatory cell or inflammatory protein from mammalian blood/use of a carbohydrate having a binding affinity for a pathogenic microbe, an inflammatory cell or an inflammatory protein, wherein said carbohydrate is immobilized on a solid substrate, in the preparation of a device for treatment of a condition caused or aggravated by said pathogenic microbe, inflammatory cell or inflammatory protein/and a method for treatment of a mammalian subject suffering from a condition caused or aggravated by a pathogenic microbe, an inflammatory cell or an inflammatory protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating one or more complications of premature birth suffered by premature infants, comprising administering to the premature infant umbilical cord blood stem cells and, optionally, placental stem cells. The present invention also provides methods of combining and administering, and compositions comprising, umbilical cord blood stem cells, particularly autologous cord blood cells, and placental stem cells for the treatment of premature infants.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of an essentially tetramer-free, substantially stroma-free, polymerized, pyridoxylated hemoglobin. Also disclosed is an essentially tetramer-free, substantially stroma-free, polymerized, pyridoxylated hemoglobin product capable of being infused into human patients in an amount of up to about 5 liters.

Abstract: A method whereby a cure is found for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by rebuilding and stimulating the infected individual's immune system.

Abstract: Infection with obesifying adenoviruses in animals and humans may be used to predict changes in body weight and disease status. More particularly, infection with certain adenoviruses, such as adenovirus type 36 (Ad-36) and adenovirus type 37 (Ad-37) may cause removal of the normal equilibrium factors that control fat cell metabolism and may make individuals more responsive than normal individuals to perturbations, which cause body composition change including weight gain or weight loss.

Abstract: The present invention describes new compounds which are useful for binding to the tail or Fc portion of immunoglobulins and so have utility in those applications which require the non-covalent binding interaction of a molecule with the Fc portion of immunoglobulins. Such applications include the detection and purification of immunoglobulins as well as the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Methods of arthroscopic resurfacing of anatomical tissue utilizing a biological component strengthened with glue or similar material. The biological component is selected from the group consisting of blood, blood components, PRP, bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and autologous conditioned plasma (ACP). The biological component/glue composition may be inserted (by injection and/or by employing a biologic resurfacing mold, for example) into, or in the vicinity of, the anatomical tissue. Upon insertion within, or contact with, the anatomical tissue, the biological component/glue composition is designed to coagulate and solidify (or partially solidify) within minutes, to advance healing or tissue growth of the anatomical tissue. The biological component/glue composition may optionally comprise components such as growth factors, antiseptic chemicals and/or antibiotics and/or electrolytes, or hormones or site-specific hybrid proteins, among others.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering biological products such as bone marrow aspirate (BMA) to different surgical sites during surgery (for example, arthroscopic surgery). The biological product is encapsulated or contained within a containment system comprising a carrier such as collagen carrier. The containment system may be formed of water soluble polymers, either natural, synthetic or semisynthetic, provided into films that may be made or molded into various shapes and sizes, and that may be manipulated to confer specific properties (such as solubility or degradation rates according to a specific environment, for example) of such films. The water soluble films may be processed into capsules, packets or other containers.