Abstract: Demineralized bone particles are obtained by demineralizing whole bone and thereafter subdividing the demineralized bone to provide the demineralized bone particles.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions having reduced amounts of calories and high amounts of protein and methods of making and using the nutritional compositions are provided. The nutritional compositions may include a processed whole food component, a high amount of protein, and a reduced amount of calories in order to provide a patient with a pH-balanced formulation that includes the benefits of food bioactives beyond essential macro- and micronutrients without providing excessive energy. Methods of administering such nutritional compositions to patients in need of improved bone, muscle, neurological, immune, and/or overall health are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a three-dimensional culture containing human articular chondrocytes with induced terminal differentiation changes, as well as a process for preparing the same. The three-dimensional culture, which was found to mimic the biological characteristics of articular chondrocytes that undergo terminal differentiation in vivo, can be used as a tool in the studies of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of osteoarthritis, and in the screening of candidate drugs for use in treatment of a disorder associated with articular chondrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides splice variants of myostatin that promote muscle growth, and include polynucleotides and polypeptide sequences, constructs comprising the sequences and compositions for regulating muscle growth and treating diseases associated with muscle tissue. The splice variants include the consensus sequence X1 I F L E X2 X3 X4 Q X5 C S I L X6 X7 X8 X9 X10 wherein X1 is I or L, X2 is V or L, X3 is Y, C, G or S, X4 is I or F, X5 is F or L, X6 is G or E, X7 is E or V, X8 is A or T, X9 is A or V and X10 is absent, F or L. The present invention also provides for the use of the present sequences in identifying animals with altered muscle mass, and for use in selective breeding programs to produce animals with altered muscle mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition comprising an implant, scaffold or construct bound to a biological or chemical moiety. The bound moiety has the ability to bind to a component of the extracellular matrix of biological tissue, allowing the implant to be bound to the biological tissue in a short period of time after implantation. The invention also relates to the use and manufacture of this novel composition, as well as a novel use for the protein CNA.

Abstract: A cartilage-like biomaterial is bioengineered by using a self-aggregating suspension cell culture with hydrostatic mechanical force without the use of a scaffold or foreign matrix for cell attachment during culture. The cells in suspension culture may be preconditioned prior to application of the hydrostatic mechanical force, such as hydrostatic pressure, for a period of time in the range of about 1 week to about 10 weeks. The cartilage-like biomaterial shares critical structural, phenotype, and functional characteristics with native, intact cartilage tissue.

Abstract: A method for producing sterile, decellurized bioprosthetic tissue comprising: (a) contacting a human tissue with a hypotonic solution to produce a lysed tissue, (b) contacting the lysed tissue with a first surfactant to produce a surfactant-treated tissue, (c) contacting the surfactant-treated tissue with a nuclease enzyme solution to produce an enzyme-treated tissue, (d) contacting the enzyme-treated tissue with a cleaning solution comprising a second surfactant, a chaotropic agent or a mixture thereof to produce a decellurized tissue and (e) contacting the decellurized tissue with a bioburden reducing agent to produce the final bioprosthetic tissue. Kits to be used in conjunction with said method, as well as, the bioprosthetic tissue produced via said method are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the degradation of prion proteins are described. Items that may be contaminated with prions are treated with earthworm-derived extracts to degrade prion proteins and reduce their infectivity in animals. Methods of using an earthworm-derived protein extract for treating foodstuffs and surfaces to inhibit or disable prion infectivity are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating medical instruments, tools used to butcher animals, and laboratory equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for regenerating articular cartilage in an animal comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a non-demineralized particulate articular cartilage having a distribution of particle sizes within the range of from about 60 microns to about 500 microns.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an evaluation method and a screening method capable of eliminating a substance that disturbs in vivo kinetics in an individual and capable of simply and easily searching a substance having an action of activating/suppressing an innate immune mechanism without being affected by LPS derived from bacteria, which can be contaminated during the search, as well as a drug and a food for activating/suppressing the innate immune mechanism, and methods of producing the same. The present invention provides a method of evaluating or screening the substance having the action of activating/suppressing the innate immune mechanism using a muscular contraction of an organism having the innate immune mechanism as an indicator, and methods of producing the drug and the food for activating/suppressing the innate immune mechanism.

Abstract: A medical device, said medical device, comprises: a first component having a non-biological material; a second component having a cloned biological material, said second component being attached to said first component, wherein said first component and said second component are operatively associated in a non-living medical device for at least one of treatment, diagnosis, cure, mitigation and prevention of disease, injury, handicap or condition in a living organism. In another aspect, a method comprises: preparing a cloned biological material from a tissue or an organ; attaching said biological material to a medical device; interfacing said biological material with the non-biological material; providing treatment, diagnosis, cure, mitigation and prevention of disease, injury, handicap or condition in a living organism.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved media for the cultivation of Clostridium histolyticum and culture supernatants for the biotechnological production of collagenase enzymes. The nutrient media according to the invention comprise one or more peptones from a non-mammalian source, preferably plant-derived peptones. The media can additionally comprise fish gelatin. The invention provides media, culture supernatants comprising Clostridium histolyticum collagenase, and methods to produce said collagenase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an oral composition comprising meat extract and peptones, separately or in combination, in the manufacture of an oral composition to treat the effects of infection by pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium difficile. Such effects may include the failure of the integrity of the gut epithelial cells and diarrhoea as well as other COX-2 mediated effects.

Abstract: A conformable tissue implant is provided for use in repairing or augmenting a tissue defect or injury site. The tissue implant contains a tissue carrier matrix comprising a plurality of biocompatible, bioresorbable granules and at least one tissue fragment in association with the granules. The tissue fragment contains one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the tissue carrier matrix. Also provided is a method for injectably delivering the tissue implant.

Abstract: A composition for treating damaged tissue and promoting healthy tissue growth, healing and tissue regeneration, wherein said composition comprises an extracellular matrix compound, a surface-active lipid, one or more enantiomerically pure L-amino acids or glycine, a hydrophilic surfactant with a high HLB, as well as vitamins, minerals or trace elements. Not only does it maintain good health, but the components are non-intrusive, bio-safe, non-coalescent and can mimic normally occurring stem-cells within a body. When applied to diseased tissues, the subject compositions can stimulate, facilitate, and accelerate protein synthesis for the regeneration of diseased organs and tissues. The healing efficacy of these tissue components gives us further appreciation of the protective action of human tissue over and above and other than the immune protective system or perhaps an integral component part of the immune system.

Abstract: A nasal bridge implant is made according to a method that includes the steps of collecting animal material from a bovine or porcine source, the animal material being either a tendon or a ligament, removing cells from the animal material, shaping the animal material to provide a desired shape for the nasal bridge implant, crosslinking the animal material, removing antigens from the animal material, subjecting the animal material to an alkaline treatment, coupling into the animal material active substances which are capable of adhering growth factor and stem cell, and packing the animal material in a container that contains a sterilization solution.

Abstract: A plasma coating device for treating a wound comprises a plasma chamber having: one or more electrodes, a gas supply inlet, a plasma outlet exposed to ambient pressure, and an ignition system operatively connected to the electrodes for providing a non-thermal equilibrium plasma within the plasma chamber. An aerosol delivery system is operable to introduce a bioresorbable material as an aerosol into the plasma, to produce a coating on the wound surface.

Abstract: This application generally relates to an isoform Nell-1 peptide, compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Use of a composition comprising cartilage or chondroitin sulphate and absorbable zinc for the preparation of a food supplement or a drug suitable for promoting iron absorption in patients suffering from lack of iron.

Abstract: An implant includes a support material, cartilage cells and/or precursor cells thereof, and a cartilage-specific collagen type. A method for preparing the implant, to a therapeutic composition, includes cartilage cells and/or precursor cells thereof and a cartilage-specific collagen type. The implant and the therapeutic composition are suitable in particular for treating damage and/or diseases relating to the human and/or animal musculoskeletal system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and uses thereof for treatment of damaged tissue comprising at least one essential amino acid in L form and at least one essential lipid; wherein the composition is administered to a mammal suffering from severe tissue damage. The invention further relates to a composition and uses thereof comprising the mixture of one or more free L-amino acids in which the molar ratio of the free L-amino acids corresponds to the molar ratio of amino components in a mammalian tissue protein; and at least one essential lipid.

Abstract: Phytoceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of circulatory disorders, feminine endocrine disorders, and dermal disorders. A specific combination of extracts of plants is taught, as well as principles for varying the formulations based on categorizing plants into one of three groups, Energy, Bio-Intelligence, and Organization and selecting several plants from each group. Such combinations have synergistic effects, with minimal side effects.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions having at least one neocartilage particle, juvenile cartilage particle or a combination thereof and a matrix, and methods and devices that include the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions having at least one neocartilage particle, juvenile cartilage particle or a combination thereof and a matrix, and methods and devices that include the compositions.

Abstract: A composition to treat hair loss and enhance hair growth and condition. The composition comprises: i) one or more of VEGF, a VEGF biomimetic peptide, and/or a VEGFR2 receptor agonist; ii) ciclopirox olamine; and iii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel immunotherapeutic compositions and methods useful for treating or preventing microbial infections, weakened immune systems, diseases in which cells have become obligately anerobic and cellular proliferative disorders including cancer. The immunotherapeutics herein use benzaldehyde derivatives, precursors and intermediaries alone or in combination with additional therapeutic agents to stimulate the immune system and inhibit cellular proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel immunotherapeutic compositions and methods useful for treating or preventing microbial infections, weakened immune systems, diseases in which cells have become obligately anaerobic and cellular proliferative disorders including cancer. The immunotherapeutics herein use benzaldehyde derivatives, precursors and intermediaries alone or in combination with additional therapeutic agents to stimulate the immune system and inhibit cellular proliferation.

Abstract: Compositions comprising vitamin E, vitamin C, and white tea extract for treating cutaneous signs of aging are disclosed. The compositions reduce signs of wrinkles and improve other skin conditions, such as increased skin elasticity and skin softness. Moreover, the prevention or treatment of unhealthy skin, such as aged skin or skin overexposed to sunlight, may advantageously be accomplished by the administration of the compositions of the present invention. The compositions includes the combination of a number of different components, which interact to provide the desired improvements to the skin. Further advantageous ingredients of the compositions may comprise, naturally occurring antioxidants extracted from e.g. grape seeds and tomato, an extract comprising glycosaminoglycans, a transition metal component in an amount effective to bind collagen and elastic fibers and thicken skin, and a catechin-based component present in an amount sufficient to inhibit the presence of anti-collagen enzyme in the skin.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating or repairing a tissue or organ defect or injury are provided. The devices can include tissue scaffolds produced from acellular tissue matrices and polymers, which have a stable three-dimensional shape and elicit a limited immunologic or inflammatory response.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions containing one or more antimicrobial peptide sequestering compounds and methods for topical application of such compositions to the skin to treat skin diseases and disorders such as rosacea in humans.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a synthetic biopharmaceutical non-invasive medical therapy, administered locally or systemically and compositions for treating aged, diseased or abnormal tissues and organs. The composition and methods of the invention may also be used to augment the treatment of multiple diseases and disorders of the body. The present invention involves administering to a patient a therapeutic formulation comprising a free L-amino acid non-chiral glycine profile, simulating or replicating the proteins normally present in healthy tissue that is now diseased or transplanted tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a proprietary compositions and systems to modulate genetic and metabolomic contributing factors affecting disease diagnosis, stratification, and prognosis, as well as the metabolism, efficacy and/or toxicity associated with specific vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, homeopathic ingredients, and other ingredients for the purposes of customizing a subject's nutritional supplement formulation to optimize specific health outcomes. Specific to this invention the utilization of certain known polymorphic genes associated with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are analyzed to target certain genetic anomalies that lead to a high risk and predisposition to SUD. The genotypic patterns are then utilized to provide certain nutritional customized solutions especially related to the attenuation of aberrant abuse of physician prescribed narcotic pain medication across all pain conditions.

Abstract: The present invention comprises cosmetic compositions and methods for retarding hair growth comprising a combination of an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, an anti-angiogenic active and an anti-inflammatory.

Abstract: Cartilage materials such as cartilage fluff and a cartilage composition comprising a particulate material are disclosed. These are suitable for stimulating chondrogenesis and/or producing cartilage regeneration. Also disclosed are processes for their preparation. Methods for regenerating articular cartilage are also disclosed, which involve, for example, placing the cartilage fluff or cartilage composition into a cartilage defect.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a corresponding pharmaceutical composition for treating damaged cartilage and subchondral bone. Neurogenic compounds in general and neuropeptides in particular have been found to be highly effective in stimulated repair of cartilage and bone damaged due to traumatic injury, ligament disease, and disuse. Preferred active ingredients for use in the method and corresponding pharmaceutical composition include calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cholecystokinin (CCK), dynorphin, enkephalin, galanin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), neurotensin, somatostatin, substance P (SP), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).

Abstract: An acellular matrix glue and a method of making is disclosed. Specifically, an acellular matrix glue that is useful in preparing a reinforced acellular matrix for medical applications including tissue engineering and hernia repair.

Abstract: Constructs that are at least partially constructed of allograft cancellous bone are disclosed, along with cartilage particles that may be used with the constructs for repairing articular cartilage defects. A multi-piece construct includes a base member, a cap member and at least one pin that secures the cap member to the base member. The base member may be constructed of mineralized cancellous bone, and is used to replace the subchondral bone removed when a surgeon cuts a bore in the area of an adjacent cartilage defect. The base member includes a blind bore and first and second through-going transverse bores in opposite sides of a wall of the base member. The cap member includes an upper section that has a thickness that is similar to that of a patient's surrounding articular cartilage layer and a stem depending from the upper section that is dimensioned to be received in and by the blind bore of the base member.

Abstract: Shark cartilage extract has been shown to be an antagonist of parathyroid hypertensive factor (PHF). In view of this, shark cartilage extract can be used to treat conditions related to excessive PHF activity. Such diseases include hypertension and some other diseases related to intracellular calcium elevation. Methods for producing the shark cartilage extract and methods for administering the extract are disclosed.

Abstract: A meniscus repair composition for application to a meniscus defect site to promote growth of new tissue at the meniscus defect site is provided. The composition comprises: from about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of allograft meniscus particles having an average particle size of from about 10 ?m to about 500 ?m; a carrier selected from the group consisting of sodium hyaluronate, gelatin, collagen, polyethylene glycol, glycerin, carboxymethylcellulose, dextrose, blood derivatives, aqueous solutions thereof, and mixtures thereof; and a curing agent. The curing agent may be the carrier where the carrier is cross-linkable. When introduced to a defect site in a meniscus and cured, the composition will not flow away from the defect site, and the composition is non-adhering to the defect site after it is cured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a preparation of an active enamel matrix substance, such as an amelogenin, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for modulating an immune response. The composition can be used in preventing and/or treating a condition or disease in a mammal that is characterised by said mammal presenting an imbalance in its native immune response to an internal and/or external stimuli, i.e. wherein at least a part of said mammal's immune system is stimulated non-discriminatingly, reacts hypersensitively to said immunogen, or fails to react to said stimuli. Said condition can typically either be systemic or local, such as a systemic and/or post-traumatic whole-body inflammation or an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A method of modulating inflammation in an organism, which includes administering to an organism a composition including a therapeutic amount of an extract from the plant Biota orientatis. Several key components of the extract of Biota orientalis have been identified that have also been shown to have an effect in dramatically reducing inflammatory responses.

Abstract: A method for in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro regeneration of cartilage, collagen and bone remodeling by intermittently applied hydrostatic pressure consisting of repeated periods of applied hydrostatic pressure followed and interrupted by periods of recovery. The intermittent hydrostatic pressure is applied at physiological levels 5-10 MPA for an interval of 4 hours followed by a recovery period up to about 20 hours. The interval loading results in the selective inhibition of matrix degrading enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that attract inflammatory cells into the joint cavity and in selective decrease of gene expression of growth factors that are inhibitory to type II collagen expression.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic agent to attract a desired cell.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for the prevention and possibly the treatment of chronic diseases, preferably inflammatory associated chronic diseases that may affect an animal including a human, by the administration of a sufficient amount of a (functional) food or feed to the diet of this animal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions having at least one neocartilage particle, juvenile cartilage particle or a combination thereof and a matrix, and methods and devices that include the compositions.

Abstract: A composition for treating damaged tissue and promoting healthy tissue growth, healing and tissue regeneration, wherein said composition comprises an extracellular matrix compound, a surface-active lipid, one or more enantioinerically pure L-amino acids or glycine, a hydrophilic surfactant with a high HLB, as well as vitamins, minerals or trace elements. Not only does it maintain good health, but the components are non-intrusive, bio-safe, non-coalescent and can mimic normally occurring stem-cells within a body. When applied to diseased tissues, the subject compositions can stimulate, facilitate, and accelerate protein synthesis for the regeneration of diseased organs and tissues. The healing efficacy of these tissue components gives us further appreciation of the protective action of human tissue over and above and other than the immune protective system or perhaps an integral component part of the immune system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dehydrated Type II collagen containing cartilage which has retained the collagen in its original crosslinked structure and which contains at least 40% by weight of the Type II collagen of an ionizable edible salt and which has a water content of less than 10%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for regenerating articular cartilage in an animal comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a non-demineralized particulate articular cartilage having a distribution of particle sizes within the range of from about 60 microns to about 500 microns.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a sterile cartilage defect implant material comprising milled lyophilized allograft cartilage pieces ranging from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm in size in a bioabsorbable carrier taken from a group consisting of sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives, gelatin, collagen, chitosan, alginate, buffered PBS, Dextran or polymers with allogenic chondrocytes or bone marrow cells in an amount exceeding the natural occurrence of same in hyaline cartilage and adding a cell growth additive.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a sterile cartilage defect implant material comprising milled lyophilized allograft cartilage pieces ranging from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm in size in a bioabsorbable carrier taken from a group consisting of sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives, gelatin, collagen, chitosan, alginate, buffered PBS, Dextran or polymers with allogenic chondrocytes or bone marrow cells in an amount exceeding the natural occurrence of same in hyaline cartilage and adding a cell growth additive.