Abstract: This application is in the field of sialic acid chemistry, metabolism, antigenicity, and the production of transgenic non-human mammals with altered sialic acid production. More particularly, this application relates to N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) being an immunogen in humans, and the production of Neu5Gc-free mammalian products for laboratory and human use.

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: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a chemotactic hematopoietic stem cell product comprising an enriched population of CD34+ cells containing a subpopulation of cells having chemotactic activity, methods of preparing these compositions and use of these compositions to treat or repair vascular injury, including infarcted myocardium.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the protection against malaria. More particularly, the invention is based on the characterization of a novel liver and sporozoite-stage P. falciparum antigen, referred to as LSA-5. This antigen is highly antigenic and the prevalence of antibodies in subjects living in endemic areas is extremely high (ca. 90%). The invention concerns antigenic peptides, mixtures thereof, or polypeptides, mixotopes and conjugates comprising part of the sequence of LSA-5, as well as immunogenic compositions, vaccines and kits comprising these.

Abstract: A low thyroid hormone serum supplemented culture medium is provided comprising serum prepared from non-mammalian vertebrates having a developmental stage with low endogenous thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) levels; and a culture medium. The culture medium is for the study of cellular responses to thyroid hormones or chemicals that induce or inhibit a cellular response. Methods of preparation and use are also provided.

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: Compositions including topical formulations comprising secreted products obtained from the culture medium of human umbilical cord stem cells and particular combinations of components therefrom are provided for treatment of various dermatological conditions, such as adverse consequences of aging, wrinkling, altered pigmentation, altered viscoelasticity, and altered thickness, among others. Methods for using the compositions and topical formulations for treating adverse or undesirable dermatological conditions are also provided, as well as preventing the appearance of undesirable dermatological conditions.

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: 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: 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: The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating in a subject a disorder characterized in a reduced GABA receptor function by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmacologically active blood serum product obtainable 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a biological active fraction of blood serum, the biological active fraction (S-1-10) and a pharmaceutical composition comprising said fraction as well as uses thereof in the treatment of various diseases and conditions, in particular seizures, cardiovascular diseases and proliferative diseases.

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 discloses a composition that contains (1) an effective amount of an analgesically and/or anti-inflammatory active fraction separated from a mixture of plasma and/or serum, and (2) at least one metal, metal ion or metal salt, in which the mixture has been denatured. Also disclosed are methods of producing the composition for treating a subject afflicted with inflammation and/or pain.

Abstract: We disclose methods for measuring vitamin D metabolite in plasma or serum samples. The methods comprise a step of adding to the plasma or serum samples a non-competitive displacement agent comprising 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt, 3-(acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin and a water miscible solvent. The non-competitive displacement agent separates vitamin D metabolite from binding proteins in the sample, such that the displaced vitamin D metabolite is available for capture and detection in subsequent binding assays. Thus, our invention finds use in methods of separating and detecting vitamin D metabolites otherwise tightly bound to plasma or serum binding proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical agent for treating Avellino corneal dystrophy, and more particularly, to a pharmaceutical composition for treating Avellino corneal dystrophy comprising pharmaceutically effective amount of blood plasma or serum as an active ingredient. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention has an effect of improving symptoms by dissolving away hyaline granules in the cornea of a patient with severe Avellino corneal dystrophy due to LASIK surgery.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cell-free graft, comprising (i) a cohesive, structure-forming matrix with open porosity made from a biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable material and (ii) serum. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the matrix additionally contains a gel. By virtue of a second aspect, a method of producing such a cell-free graft is proposed, whereby the matrix and the gel, if one is provided, is placed in contact with the serum. The graft may optionally be dried with serum. Alternatively, the matrix and the gel, if one is provided, are in the dried state before being placed in contact with the serum. By virtue of a third aspect, finally, the invention proposes the use of the cell-free graft for regenerating tissue and in particular for regenerating cartilage and/or bone.

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: An embodiment of the invention includes methods for the long-term augmentation and/or repair of skin defects (scars, skin laxness, skin thinning, and skin augmentation), cellulite, breast tissue, wounds and burns, urological and gastroesophageal sphincter structures, hernias, periodontal disease and disorders, tendon and ligament tears and baldness, by the injection or direct surgical placement/implantation of autologous cultured cells and/or cultured cell-produced extracellular matrix that is derived from connective tissue, dermis, fascia, lamina propria, stroma, adipose tissue, muscle, tendon, ligament or the hair follicle. The corrective application is done on tissue proximal or within the area of the defect. The method involves retrieving viable cells from the subject, a neonate or human fetus.

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 related to a method for producing motif-specific, context-independent antibodies which are specific to at least one modified amino acid residue in the context of variable surrounding amino acid or peptide sequences. The method is particularly useful in producing antibodies which recognize phosphorylated serine, threonine, and tyrosine, or acetylated lysine, as well as other modified amino acids-containing motifs of one or more amino acids.

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: A bear derived isolate found in denning black bears or black bears from which food has been withheld for at least two weeks when injected into another mammal produces reduced heart rate, reduced respiratory rate, reduced temperature, and a wakeful tranquility not unlike the phenomena of the denning black bear. The isolate is taken from either the serum or urine of such denning bear. The method of the invention involves the steps of fractionating the serum or urine of a denning black bear to produce fractions of varying potency.

Abstract: A mixture or substance having a spheroid-forming activity is obtained by heat treating fetal calf serum at a temperature and for a period sufficient to impart spheroid-forming activity. Introduced into cell culture, the substance or mixture so obtained causes cells to grow in three-dimensional cultures as opposed to mono-layer. Also disclosed are kits for the production of said mixture or substance and further uses of said mixture or substance.

Abstract: A method for examining a disease includes measuring plural opioid peptides or opioid receptors in blood cell, body fluid, or tissue and calculating the ratio thereof. The method can be specifically applied to pruritic diseases. The invented method for examination can determine whether opioids are involved in a pruritic disease and can determine whether therapy with an opioid agonistic and/or antagonistic antipruritus agent is appropriate or not.

Abstract: A system for the production of a blood component composition is provided. The system includes a centrifuge having a blood reservoir for receiving and separating a blood sample into multiple components; a dispenser disposed outside of the centrifuge having a first collection chamber containing an activation agent and a second collection chamber containing one or more medicinal agents; means for removing a first portion at least one separated blood component from the centrifuge to the first container and a second portion to the second collection chamber, wherein the first collection chamber activates the first portion and stores the resulting clot and thrombin; a filter for separating the thrombin from the clot; and a nozzle for entraining and mixing the thrombin with the second portion containing the one or more medicinal components.

Abstract: An albumin preparation that prevents onset of hepatic encephalopathy caused by conventional amino acid preparations and enhances an effect of improving the symptoms is provided. The albumin preparation containing amino acids is characterized in that a content of albumin is 0.01 to 1.0 w/v %, a content of plurality of amino acids containing branched amino acid is 5 to 10 w/v %, a content of the branched amino acids is equal to or more than 30 w/w % on the basis of the content of total amino acids and further, the Fischer ratio (branched amino acid/[phenylalanine+tyrosine] (molar ratio)) is equal to or more than 20.

Abstract: A bear derived isolate found in denning black bears or black bears from which food has been withheld for at least two weeks when injected into another mammal produces reduced heart rate, reduced respiratory rate, reduced temperature, and a wakeful tranquility not unlike the phenomena of the denning black bear. The isolate is taken from either the serum or urine of such denning bear. The method of the invention involves the steps of fractionating the serum or urine of a denning black bear to produce fractions of varying potency.

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: The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of Lyme disease in a patient, comprising serum of deer blood comprising Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria and antibodies thereto, wherein the amount of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria is at a level that does not cause infection of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biologically active serum-derived composition of matter (SDF), having a low molecular weight, being electrically charged at acidic pH and having absorption at 280 nm. The molecular weight of said SDF was determined by electron spray mass spectrometry and is of 316 Da. SDF of the present invention or its complex with ceruloplasmin (CP) have several therapeutic properties. For example, SDF or its complex with CP is capable of inducing terminal cell differentiation of leukemic cells, which as a result, may lose their ability to proliferate and their ability for self cell renewal. Further, SDF or the complex with CP is capable of stimulating the proliferation of early, normal progenitor cells and inhibiting enhanced angiogenesis. In addition, SDF or its complex with CP is capable of ex vivo expanding normal stem and progenitor cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of using Ig compositions to prevent and/or treat humans, livestock and/or domesticated animals suffering from stress induced respiratory disorders. The Ig composition comprises a concentrated amount of one or more immunoglobulins selected from the group consisting of alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Preferably, the Ig composition comprises other antibodies identified as providing an immune response and/or immune factors such as complement and transfer factors. The Ig composition preferably includes immunoglobulins specific to a variety of antigens. In a preferred method, an equine Ig composition is used to treat exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage in horses.

Abstract: A novel method has been developed for screening anti-scarring and anti-fibrotic agents. This method offers simplicity, it is reproducible and could be adopted to screen large numbers of new potential ant-fibrotic agents. This method has characteristics in common with the BAEC/BASMC co-culture system, but is more sensitive and does not require screening large number of clonal lines for developing an effective method. In this system, similar to the co-culture system, activation of L-TGF-&bgr;1 occurs by several independent mechanisms which involve binding of the latent complex to M6P/IGF-II receptors, thrombospondin and/or tissue type II transglutaminase. But, in contrast to the co-culture system, this macrophage-dependent system does not appear to involve plasmin.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and processes utilized to modulate the immune system of mammals. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of low molecular weight substantially immunoglobulin free fractions isolated from mammals to induce a stimulated immune response in mammals.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions utilized to modulate the immune system of non-mammalian vertebrates. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of low molecular weight substantially immunoglobulin free fractions isolated from mammals to induce a stimulated immune response in non-mammalian vertebrates.

Abstract: Micron and submicron microparticles prepared with whole, untreated serum as a dispersing agent or surfactant to reduce aggregation and facilitate treatment and administration of localized injury or disease with reduced tendency of adverse immune response. Also disclosed are processes for preparing biodegradable and biocompatible microparticle compositions by emulsifying a solution of polymer dissolved in an organic solvent with a dispersing agent, preferably porcine serum, human serum or a serum autologous to the recipient being treated, in water. The organic solvent is removed, resulting in the formation of solid particles containing active agent. Lyophilized particles can be redispersed using whole, untreated serum according to methods of the invention. The microparticle compositions may be administered to patients for treatment of localized injury or disease.

Abstract: A novel method for producing an autologous platelet rich blood composition is described. The resulting blood composition is useful in procedures for enhancing bone fusion, hemostasis, and repairing soft tissue in animals.

Abstract: A method for predicting animal growth performance, which includes administering a suitable amount of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) to an animal, observing levels of growth hormone (GH) subsequent to GHRH administration and; predicting growth and fat development in an the animal from observed levels of GH.

Abstract: A centrifuge system for the formation of an autologous platelet gel wherein all of the blood components for the gel are derived from a patient to whom the gel is to be applied. First 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. The platelet rich plasma or platelet poor plasma is then automatically drawn out of the centrifuge bag and proportioned into separate chambers in a dispenser. The first portion is activated where a clot is formed and thrombin is obtained. The thrombin is then latter mixed with the second portion to obtain a platelet gel.

Abstract: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is treated by circulating a synthetic cerebrospinal fluid containing an emulsifying agent in the cerebrospinal fluid pathway in the vicinity of hemorrhage. The emulsifying agent scavenges blood products and circulation of the synthetic cerebrospinal fluid clears the blood products form the subarachnoid space to reduce cerebral vasospasm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells of neonatal or fetal blood that are cryopreserved, and the therapeutic uses of such stem and progenitor cells upon thawing. In particular, the present invention relates to the therapeutic use of fetal or neonatal stem cells for hematopoietic (or immune) reconstitution. Hematopoietic reconstitution with the cells of the invention can be valuable in the treatment or prevention of various diseases and disorders such as anemias, malignancies, autoimmune disorders, and various immune dysfunctions and deficiencies. In another embodiment, fetal or neonatal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells which contain a heterologous gene sequence can be used for hematopoietic reconstitution in gene therapy. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, neonatal or fetal blood cells that have been cryopreserved and thawed can be used for autologous (self) reconstitution.

Abstract: Conditioning of the surface of silica-based glass or ceramic by differential immersion in a serum protein-containing solution, and the resultant microporous Ca-P surface layer having serum-protein like organic molecules, as defined herein intermingled throughout, is described.

Abstract: This invention relates to media for culturing human cells that the proliferation speed of human cells is increased and the cell expression type is stably manifested, and to a method for culturing human cells using the same. This invention is characterized in that the media used for culturing human cells comprises human serum.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the removal of psoralens and psoralen photoproducts from blood products are described. The methods include contacting a psoralen- and irradiation-treated blood product with a resin capable of adsorbing psoralens and psoralen photoproducts. The removal process is particularly suitable for use with platelet concentrates and plasma because the process does not have a significant adverse effect on clotting factor function. The methods and devices can be incorporated with apheresis systems and other devices and procedures currently used to process blood products for transfusion.

Abstract: A method is designed to control the working time, setting time and the semi-solidification time of a gypsum composition in a bone restoration operation. The method involves a preparation of the gypsum composition by mixing an orthopedic gypsum and an aqueous solution in a weight ratio to form a semisolid substance which is to be injected into a patient under treatment. The aqueous solution contains serum, blood plasma, or whole blood, which is preferably taken from the patient under treatment.

Abstract: In the vitreous, collagen fibrils and hyaluronan molecules form independent networks that interact to maintain the transparency of the vitreous gel. The discovery of the full length cDNA sequence of human vitrin makes it possible to produce the protein and its separate domains by known biotechnological means. It was found that vitrin is released from the collagen fibrils at high salt concentrations. The protein and expressed domains of the invention may be used to facilitate healing of weakened or injured connective tissue.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to a two-phase method for forming an autologous bioadhesive sealant composition or fibrin glue wherein all of the blood components for the bioadhesive sealant are derived from a patient to whom the bioadhesive sealant will be applied. First, 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. The platelet rich plasma and platelet poor plasma are then divided into two portions. To the first portion, which is used in phase-one, a compound that reverses the effect of the anticoagulant is added, and a clot is allowed to form. The clot is then triturated and the resulting serum, containing autologous thrombin, is collected. The serum obtained from phase-one is then mixed with the second portion of the platelet rich plasma or platelet poor plasma, used in phase-two, to form the bioadhesive sealant of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial bait for marine animals, comprising cell-free hemolymph of a horseshoe crab. The cell-free hemolymph of the horseshoe crab, which is the byproduct from the manufacture of Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), is an excellent attractant to be used in artificial baits for marine animals. The baits according to the invention attract the target marine animals better than the horseshoe crab itself. Further, the baits of the invention seem to attract non-target game less than the target game. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing a bait comprising cell-free hemolymph of a horseshoe crab, and a method of attracting marine animals.