Abstract: This invention is directed towards a method of using visible light at wavelengths of at least 500 nm and above in combination with a sensitizer having a flavin moiety to reduce any pathogens that may be contained in blood and blood components. By exposing the blood and blood components to light of 500 nm and higher, only the sensitizer that is bound to nucleic acids of the pathogens will be activated, thus destroying the sensitizer-pathogenic nucleic acid complex. Because unbound sensitizer is not activated at this wavelength, damage to blood and blood components caused by photolysis of unbound sensitizer may be avoided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production of conditioned blood compositions which comprise induced factors, and to conditioned blood compositions preparable by the method and to the use thereof for the treatment or prevention of a disorder of the human or animal body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing carbon dioxide from whole blood. Hydrogen ions are generated from water in the blood, resulting in the formation and release of carbon dioxide from the blood.

Abstract: Disclosed are tissue sealants that include whole blood and an effective amount of an exogenous protein cross-linker to cross-link the whole blood. Also disclosed are methods for forming a tissue sealant. Such methods include, providing whole blood and mixing the whole blood with an effective amount of an exogenous protein cross-linker to cross-link the whole blood into an adherent mass, thereby forming the tissue sealant. The disclosed tissue sealants can be used for any application, for example to achieve hemostasis, bond tissue of a subject and/or or seal a fluid or gas leak in a tissue of a subject.

Abstract: The invention features methods for treating a patient suffering from muscular dystrophy by administration of umbilical cord blood cells, e.g., by IV infusion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for collecting a live placenta cord stem cell, in which the live placenta cord stem cells are required to be healthy and plenty of endocrine. The cord is first picked with a proper length, then dipped in the sodium citrate solution of a specific concentration as an anticoagulant and then preserved in a refrigerator to maintain natural activity thereof. The collected stem cells can be implanted into human bodies without synthetic chemicals, side effects and rejection, and therefore are suitable for treating many diseases.

Abstract: Methods for treating a cartilage defect comprising fractioning blood to produce a blood component, shaping the cartilage defect to expose subchondral bone, microfracturing the subchondral bone, and applying the blood component to the microfractured subchondral bone. The blood component can comprise platelet-poor plasma.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-liquid biomaterial that may be used as a surgical sealant, a suture support, a blood flow controller, an adhesion reducing agent, an adhesion preventing agent, a tissue support, a tissue filler, a wound dressing or a combination thereof. The non-liquid biomaterial may comprise a blood derived material such as plasma, platelet poor plasma, platelet rich plasma or a material derived from blood containing tissue aspirate, such as bone marrow aspirate, a protein binding agent and a polymerizing agent. Methods for making and using the non-liquid biomaterial are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition of proteins, peptides and/or peptide components, a pharmaceutical agent comprising said composition, a method for the production of said composition and the use thereof in the prophylaxis or therapy of persons, animals and/or patients with pathogenic modifications and/or cellular immunodeficiencies, especially cancer, septicemia or allergic reactions, in connection with a cytostatic agent therapy, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to long lasting natriuretic peptide (NP) derivatives. The NP derivative has a NP peptide and a reactive entity coupled to the NP peptide. The reactive entity is able to covalently bond with a functionality on a blood component. In particular, this invention relates to NP derivatives having an extended in vivo half-life, and method for the treatment of cardio-vascular diseases and disorders such as acute decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic CHF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for treating alopecia or promoting hair growth, which contains the blood plasma or serum as an active ingredient. The inventive composition is effective in hair growth, hair growth promotion and hair loss prevention.

Abstract: A substantially tetramer free hemoglobin solution and a method for producing a substantially tetramer free hemoglobin solution. The method includes polymerizing a solution of hemoglobin, treating the polymerized hemoglobin solution to partially degrade the polymer to tetramer and removing tetramer from the hemoglobin solution.

Abstract: The present invention is a feed supplement consisting of a blood product from at least one Crocodylian species such as the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). The blood product is whole blood, hemolyzed blood, serum or plasma. The feed supplement is a liquid or solid. The feed supplement may be combined with a high nutrient feed or starter diet. The feed composition may contain 0.1% or more by weight of the feed supplement. The feed supplement is fed to weanling pigs or poultry hatchlings to increase their weight and feed intake. It is also expected to promote gut health.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to medical devices including blood storage and handling products that comprise a specific polyphosphazene and the capability of releasing nitric oxide or other smooth muscle relaxant compounds in vivo or into stored or transient flowing blood to achieve vascular dilatation, reduced adverse reactions, reduced thrombosis, reduced incidence of post-transfusion acute myocardial infarctions, and/or to improve blood storage capabilities.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods reduce levels of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators in blood by selective adsorption. The devices, systems, and methods are useful in situations where abnormal levels of or unregulated or excessive interaction among pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators occur, or during events that do induce or have the potential for inducing abnormal production of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators. The devices, systems, and methods serve to prevent, control, reduce, or alleviate the severity of the inflammatory response and disease states that are associated with abnormal levels of or unregulated or excessive interaction among pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for prophylaxis or treatment of an acute inflammatory disorder, comprising administering to a patient an aliquot of the patient's blood extracted from the patient and treated ex vivo with at least two stressors selected from the group consisting of an oxidizing agent, an electromagnetic emission and elevated temperature.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular (CV) events associated with the administration of artificial blood. The methods involve the administration of a composition comprising artificial blood and one or more preventative pharmaceutical agents for reducing the risk of adverse CV events. In specific embodiments, an agent is selected from the group consisting of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, aspirin, corticosteroids, PPAR agents, and vasodilators. Kits for administering artificial blood together with one or more pharmaceutical agents that reduce the risk of adverse CV events are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the diagnosis and treatment of iron misregulation diseases, including HFE polypeptides, agonists, and antagonists, and transferrin receptor agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: Proposed is a novel soluble trauma-healing and hemostatic cellulose fiber capable of absorbing and readily dissolving hemorrhaging trauma loci when applied thereto and of promoting the hemostatic action of blood platelets and fibrin and cell adhesion to the trauma site. The coagulation protein-containing soluble trauma-healing and hemostatic cellulose fiber is produced in that after treatment of a natural or regenerated cellulose fiber with an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, said fiber is carboxymethylated by reaction with a monochloro acetic acid solution for a given time (hours) in such a manner that the degree of partial substitution of the glucose units constituting the cellulose molecule (etherification degree) is 0.5-less than 1.0% and that, furthermore, the coagulation proteins fibrinogen, thrombin, and coagulation factor XIII are imparted by surface application or chemical bonding.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fibrin membrane from blood plasma that was partially depleted and subjected to coagulation by adding a solution of a physiological coagulating agent, leaving the mixture to stay until forming a gelatinous blood clot, and then dehydrating said blood clot to obtain a fibrous membrane, which is subjected to washing with softening agents and then to drying until obtaining a flexible and mouldable membrane. The membrane so obtained is capable to provide an immediate and complete haemostasis, followed by a whole reabsorption, without risk of adhesions with the neighboring tissues, up to the cicatrisation of the injured tissue. The membrane is mouldable and elastic, and is provided with high mechanical properties. It may be soaked with disinfectant agents, drugs or tissue growth factors.

Abstract: The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.

Abstract: Methods for treating a mammal suffering from massive blood loss comprising administering to the mammal a polymerized hemoglobin solution.

Abstract: Endothelin-related disorders in mammals can be alleviated by administration to such patients of one or more aliquots of mammalian blood subjected to two or more stressors selected from temperature stressors, electromagnetic emissions and oxidative environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of extracting and recovering embryonic-like stem cells, including, but not limited to pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, from an exsanguinated human placenta. A placenta is treated to remove residual umbilical cord blood by perfusing an exsanguinated placenta, preferably with an anticoagulant solution, to flush out residual cells. The residual cells and perfusion liquid from the exsanguinated placenta are collected, and the embryonic-like stem cells are separated from the residual cells and perfusion liquid. The invention also provides a method of utilizing the isolated and perfused placenta as a bioreactor in which to propagate endogenous cells, including, but not limited to, embryonic-like stem cells. The invention also provides methods for propagation of exogenous cells in a placental bioreactor and collecting the propagated exogenous cells and bioactive molecules therefrom.

Abstract: An improved method for treating or preventing a pathological condition in a mammalian subject in which modified mammalian blood is administered to the subject. The method comprises administering to the subject from two to four aliquots of modified mammalian blood, with the administration of any pair of consecutive treatments either being on consecutive days or being separated by a rest period of 1 to 21 days. The treatment is useful for treating or preventing a wide range of pathological conditions in which modified mammalian blood is effective, including preconditioning a mammalian subject to better withstand the adverse effects of ischemic stress, atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: This invention provides supplemented and unsupplemented tissue sealants as well as methods for their production and use thereof. Disclosed are tissue sealants supplemented with at least one oligonucleotide. The composition may be further supplemented with, for example, one or more analgesics, antimicrobial compositions, anticoagulants, antiproliferatives, anti-inflammatory compounds, cytokines, cytotoxins, drugs, growth factors, interferons, hormones, lipids, demineralized bone or bone morphogenetic proteins, cartilage inducing factors, oligonucleotides polymers, polysaccharides, polypeptides, protease inhibitors, vasoconstrictors or vasodilators, vitamins, minerals, stabilizers and the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for treating a vascular structure having a defect, for example, a cerebral artery having a weakened wall that has formed an aneurysm. The methods include substantially entrapping a quantity of blood within a vascular defect, and introducing a quantity of a crosslinking agent, for example as a liquid solution, into the entrapped blood. The crosslinking agent is a compound in which each molecule of the compound has at least two nucleophilic-reactive functional groups. The crosslinking agent is allowed to combine with and react with the substantially entrapped blood, and a substantially solid mass made of crosslinked blood is formed within the defect.

Abstract: An irritant or polymer is dispensed to the inner surface area of an aneurysm to exert a contractile force on the inner surface area of the aneurysm, thereby shrinking the aneurysm. As a result, the artery wall at the aneurysm site is strengthened, the risk of rupture is decreased, and at least a partial cure for the expansion of the arterial wall at the aneurysm site is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for the treatment, inhibition or prevention of diseases or disorders, including cancer, immune diseases or disorders, and infectious diseases, comprising interferon-producing cells (IPCs) and methods of administering the IPCs. The present invention also provides compositions for the treatment, inhibition or prevention of diseases or disorders, including cancer, immune diseases or disorders, and infectious disease, comprising purified interferon (IFN) from IPCs and methods of administering the IFN. The present invention further provides methods for monitoring the progression of a disease or a disorder such as HIV infection or cancer, comprising measuring the abundance of IPCs in lymphoid organs or blood samples from a subject suffering from a disease or disorder.

Abstract: A substantially tetramer free hemoglobin solution and a method for producing a substantially tetramer free hemoglobin solution. The method includes polymerizing a solution of hemoglobin, treating the polymerized hemoglobin solution to partially degrade the polymer to tetramer and removing tetramer from the hemoglobin solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating and preventing neurological disorders which have a significant inflammatory component. The methods of the present invention involve extracting blood from a patient, subjecting the blood ex vivo to at least one stressor selected from the group consisting of an oxidative environment, thermal stress and UV light, and then re-administering the blood to the patient, thereby reducing inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) and, in particular, to methods of screening compounds for their ability to act as CaMKIV agonists or antagonists. The invention further relates to compounds identified using such methods and to therapeutic methodologies based on same.

Abstract: Compositions, and methods of use thereof, for use as blood substitute products comprise aqueous mixtures of oxygen-carrying and non-oxygen carrying plasma expanders and methods for the use thereof. The oxygen-carrying component may consist of any hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, while the non-oxygen carrying plasma expander my consist of any suitable diluent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating fluids to inactivate microorganisms which may be present therein, said fluid containing one or more components selected from the group consisting of protein, blood and blood constituents are provided. The methods comprise adjusting the percentage of plasma in said fluid to a desired value; mixing an inactivation-effective, substantially non-toxic amount of an endogenous photosensitizer or endogenously-based derivative photosensitizer to said fluid; exposing said fluid to photoradiation of sufficient wavelength and energy to activate the photosensitizer, whereby said microorganisms are inactivated.

Abstract: Product R, a novel therapeutic composition for treating viral infections and stimulating the immune system, comprises a unique peptide having 31 amino acids and another unique peptide having 21 amino acids and connected with an oligo-nucleotide through a diphosphodiester or diphosphodithioate ester linkage. The composition has a light absorption spectrum with typical absorption ratios of 1.998 at 260 nm/280 nm and 1.359 at 260 nm/230 nm.

Abstract: A method of treating patients having rheumatoid arthritis by administering Product R, a peptide-nucleic acid preparation, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of collecting embryonic-like stem cells from a placenta which has been treated to remove residual cord blood by perfusing the drained placenta with an anticoagulant solution to flush out residual cells, collecting the residual cells and perfusion liquid from the drained placenta, and separating the embryonic-like cells from the residual cells and perfusion liquid. Exogenous cells can be propagated in the placental bioreactor and bioactive molecules collected therefrom.

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.

Abstract: Materials for soft tissue augmentation in mammals are prepared by cross-linking blood plasma proteins, preferably with a zero-length cross-linking agent. The cross-linked blood plasma proteins can be dialyzed and autoclaved. Such materials are non-antigenic, exhibit decreased allergic response, and have increased longevity with respect to proteolytic attack from natural proteases. The appearance and/or feel of soft tissue defects and/or imperfections in skin can be improved by injecting such materials into an intradermal compartment of a patient's skin.

Abstract: Red blood cells are purified by separating whole blood, such as by centrifugation, to form a red blood cell fraction and a liquid fraction. The whole blood can be defibrinated or treated to prevent coagulation prior to separation. Preferably, the whole blood is bovine blood. The red blood cell fraction is then diafiltered to purify the red blood cells. The purified red blood cells can then be lysed to form a lysate of purified red blood cells. The purified red blood cells and the lysate of purified red blood cells are suitable for use in producing hemoglobin blood substitute.

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 invention provides a system for preparing an autologous solid-fibrin web suitable for regenerating tissue in a living organism. The system includes a sealed primary container containing a separation medium and a low-density high-viscosity liquid. The separation medium separates red blood cells from plasma when the container contains blood and is centrifuged, and the primary container has a first pressure. The system further includes a sealed secondary container containing a calcium-coagulation activator. The secondary container has a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The system also comprises a transfer device including a cannula having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends puncture the sealed primary and secondary containers in order to provide fluid communication between the first and second containers. The low-density high-viscosity liquid of the primary container blocks flow through the cannula upon entering therein.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for reducing the concentration of low molecular weight compounds in a biological composition, 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 1 ?m to about 200 ?m. The matrix can be fibrous, and the particles can have a surface area greater than 750 m2/g and a pore diameter between about 25 and 800 ?. The device can be used to adsorb and remove a pathogen-inactivating compound that is a nucleic acid-binding compound such as psoralen, an acridine derivative or a dye from a biological composition such as a blood product.

Abstract: A novel cell seeded hollow fiber bioreactor is described as a potential bioartificial kidney. Endothelial cells along with pericyte, vascular smooth muscle, and/or mesangial cells or any mesenchymally derived support cells are seeded along a hollow fiber in a perfused bioreactor to reproduce the ultrafiltration function and transport function of the kidney. Maintenance of tissue specific function and ultrastructure suggest that this bioreactor provides an economical device for treating renal failure.

Abstract: Product R, a novel therapeutic composition for treating viral infections and stimulating the immune system, comprises a unique peptide having 31 amino acids and another unique peptide having 21 amino acids and connected with an oligo-nucleotide through a diphosphodiester or diphosphodithioate ester linkage. The composition has a light absorption spectrum with typical absorption ratios of 1.998 at 260 nm/280 nm and 1.359 at 260 nm/230 nm.

Abstract: An acellular red blood cell substitute which comprises an essentially tetramer-free, substantially stroma-free, cross-linked, polymerized, pyridoxylated hemoglobin and a nontoxic, pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, its use and a process for preparing said acellular red blood cell substitute.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing membrane vesicles from a biological sample, characterised in that it comprises at least one anion exchange and/or gel permeation chromatography treatment of the sample. The invention is used to prepare vesicles of varied origins and types, particularly from antigen presenting cells or tumoral cells. The invention also relates to the vesicles obtained in this way and their uses.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat plasma carrying contaminants and cellular matter that are capable of entraining contaminants. The systems and methods separate cellular matter from the plasma by filtration, thereby removing contaminants entrained within the cellular matter. The system and methods add to the plasma a photoactive material. The systems and methods emit radiation at a selected wavelength into the plasma to activate the photoactive material and thereby eradicate the contaminant that is free of entrainment by cellular matter.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment and follow-up care of tumors that comprises the blood plasma or predetermined blood plasma components of equidae animals with pair number of fingers, preferably cattle being not endangered lethally by leucosis. The predetermined fraction is the material bovin 40 and/or bovin 300 constituting the difference detectable by electrophoresis between the lipid-free fraction taken from a cattle having leucosis and the lipid-free fraction taken from a healthy cattle.

Abstract: This invention provides supplemented tissue sealants, methods for their production and use thereof. Disclosed are tissue sealants supplemented with at least one cytotoxin or cell proliferation inhibiting composition. The composition may be further supplemented with, for example, one or more antibodies, analgesics, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory compounds, antimicrobial compositions, cytokines, drugs, growth factors, interferons, hormones, lipids, deminearlized bone or bone morphogenetic proteins, cartilage inducing factors, oligonucleotides polymers, polysaccharides, polypeptides, protease inhibitors, vasoconstrictors or vasodilators, vitamins, minerals, stabilizers and the like.