Abstract: The use of a neutral protease (NP) together with a collagenase consists in that a neutral protease which is not contained in a collagenase enzyme preparation and which is not produced by a recombinant production is mixed before the beginning of a tissue dissociation with a collagenase or a collagenase enzyme preparation with an individual dosage of the quantitative proportions of neutral protease and collagenase for improving the isolation results with respect to yield, viability and integrity of the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating diabetes in a human subject comprising the use of pancreatic islets or of embryonic pancreatic tissue of a transgenic animal, wherein said transgenic animal contains a polynucleotide sequence encoding a CTLA4 peptide-immunoglobulin fusion, preferably LEA29Y, and expresses said CTLA4 peptide-immunoglobulin fusion in a tissue-specific manner in pancreatic islets.

Abstract: Methods for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising concomitant administration of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) based compositions directly to damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue associated with the cardiovascular disorder, and provision of ventricular assistance. In a preferred embodiment, the ECM based compositions include an ECM material derived from a mammalian source.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating or preventing acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in a subject using miR-155 specific inhibitors are described.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the discovery that serpina3n, a secreted protein, binds to and inhibits granzyme B activity. The invention thus provides cells that include a polynucleotide encoding a granzyme B inhibitory serpin, pharmaceutical compositions including a granzyme B inhibitory serpin or a polynucleotide encoding a granzyme B inhibitory serpin, methods for treating a patient in need of immunosuppression by administration of a granzyme B inhibitory serpin, and methods of transplanting cells (e.g., islet cells) expressing a granzyme B inhibitory serpin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for treating a tissue or organ in a subject by directly administering an effective amount of an exogenous, decellularized extracellular matrix or a mixture of extracellular matrix and mesenchymal stem cells into the intended site of activity, such as bone marrow cavity. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods of treating bone marrow to increase the number of circulating progenitor and stem cells. In some other embodiments of the invention, the decellularized extracellular matrix to be directly administered is configured to be a time released therapeutic.

Abstract: The invention is compositions of extracellular matrix that comprise mammalian extracellular matrix from two or more tissue sources in a mammal. The invention also includes methods of using these compositions to regenerate tissue or generate new tissue at sites of defects or wounds in mammals.

Abstract: The invention relates to cytotrophoblast stem cells derived from embryonic stem cells; their differentiation into endovascular cytotrophoblast cells; and uses thereof.

Abstract: An endocrine cell microdisk or macrodisk containing pancreatic cells for transplantation into an animal body is formed with a lateral extent much greater than its thickness to thereby enhance its diffusional capability. One or more concavities may also be formed therein to further enhance the diffusion of cellular products across the microdisk walls.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods that rely on the use of one or more assays that assess cellular activation are provided. The assays are performed on whole blood or leukocytes, and indicate individually or in combination the level of cardiovascular cell activation, which is pivotal in many chronic and acute disease states. These results of the assays are used within a clinical framework to support therapeutic decisions such as: further testing for infectious agents, anti-oxidant or anti-adhesion therapy, postponement and optimal re-scheduling of high-risk surgeries, classifying susceptibility to and progression rates of chronic disease such as diabetes, atherogenesis, and venous insufficiency; extreme interventions in trauma cases of particularly high risk and activation-lowering therapies. Also provided is as composition derived from a pancreatic homogenate that contains circulating cell activating factors, which can serve as targets for drug screening to identify drug candidates for use in activation lowering therapies.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the status of an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)-associated autoimmune response in a mammal are provided. Specifically, the ratio of the frequency of T helper 1 cells to T helper 2 cells specific for a pancreatic &bgr;-cell associated antigen is indicative of the status of the autoimmune response. The methods may be employed prior to the onset of the clinical symptoms of the disease, thereby allowing identification of those at risk for developing clinical symptoms of IDDM, or subsequent to pancreatic tissue transplantation, for example, to measure the efficacy of treatment directed to enhancing the lifetime of the tissue transplant. Methods for prolonging the survival of tissue transplants are also provided. Specifically, a tissue-associated antigen is administered to the mammal which serves to shift the pathogenic Th1 response associated with pathological immunity toward a protective Th2 response.

Abstract: A biocompatible cell device having an internal foam scaffold to provide a growth surface for encapsulated cells which produce a biologically active molecule.

Abstract: The use of complex lipids, especially lecithin, as additives to stabilize water-soluble pharmaceutical preparations of digestive enzyme mixtures containing lipases and proteases, especially pancreatin-containing digestive enzyme mixtures, which are suitable for preparing aqueous solutions for continuous introduction into the gastrointestinal tract by means of a tube, against a decrease in lipolytic activity under the influence of moisture.

Abstract: A multi-agent tri-daily comestible of vitamin, mineral, plant extracts, aminos, neurochemical precursors, enzymes, and Ph regulating agents which supply key elements necessary for proper metabolization and function of the human body delivered at specific times of the daily biocycle when the need for such specific agents exists in order to maximize the body's extra- and intra-cellular matrix to cellular and biochemical protective and repair mechanisms utilized to deter the effects of otherwise normal aging.

Abstract: A composition for treating a mammal having a condition characterized by bone or joint inflammation comprises:2,250 mg soluble bovine cartilage,250 mg soluble shark cartilage,1,000 mg glucosamine sulfate,350 mg mucopolysaccharide concentrate,225 mg proteolytic enzymes from hog pancreatic extract,500 mg standardized extract of ashwagandha,470 mg extract of Boswellia serrata comprising 150 mg boswellic acid1,000 mg chondroitin polysulfate,100 mg extract of sea cucumber,300 mg black currant seed oil,3,500 mg ascorbic acid (vitamin C),150 mg pyridoxine HCl (vitamin B6),1,000 mg devil's claw powder.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions of controlling cell distribution within a bioartificial organ by exposing the cells to a treatment that inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell differentiation, or affects cell attachment to a growth surface within the bioartificial organ. Such treatments include (1) genetically manipulating cells, (2) exposing the cells to a proliferation-inhibiting compound or a differentiation-inducing compound or removing the cells from exposure to a proliferation-stimulating compound or a differentiation-inhibiting compound; exposing the cells to irradiation, and (3) modifying a growth surface of the BAO with ECM molecules, molecules affecting cell proliferation or adhesion, or an inert scaffold, or a combination thereof. These treatments may be used in combination.

Abstract: The invention provides fragments of GAD.sub.65 that are specifically reactive with at least one class of GAD.sub.65 autoantibody. Most fragments are substantially free of N-terminal amino acids that would otherwise limit solubility. Different fragment contain epitopes for different classes of GAD.sub.65 autoantibodies. The fragments are used in methods of diagnosing and treating insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and stiff man syndrome.

Abstract: A method of increasing the number of adult pancreatic islet cells available for transplantation by contacting the cells with laminin 5 extracellular matrix. When contacted with the deposited matrix produced by 804G rat bladder carcinoma cells, a 1,500 fold increase in cell number is observed after three passages in culture. Islet cell expansion also occurs when cells are contacted with 804G soluble matrix. The expanded islet cells contain insulin and respond to glucose challenge.

Abstract: A method of expanding the number of pancreatic islet cells for transplantation. Fetal islet cells are cultured in the presence of laminin 5 extracellular matrix, resulting in a significant increase in cell number after passaging in culture. The expanded islet cells contain insulin and respond to glucose challenge.

Abstract: An electrostatic process for coating a biological material with a uniform, continuous polymer layer by discharging a suspension of the biological material in a gellable coating polymer solution in a continuous stream through an orifice. The stream is attenuated to form droplets by maintaining an electrostatic voltage between the needle and the gelling solution which is sufficient to maintain an attraction of at least 1.times.10.sup.6 newtons on the stream of liquid leaving the needle, and the droplets are collected in a gelling solution. A preferred product is pancreatic islets having a continuous, smooth coating of high polymannuronate non-fibrogenic alginate having a thickness of at least 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: A nude mouse model for human neoplastic disease having histologically intact human neoplastic tissue transplanted onto an organ of the mouse which corresponds to the human organ from which the tissue is obtained.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed which utilize implanted glucose sensitive living cells to monitor blood glucose levels. The implanted cells produce a detectable electrical or optical signal in response to changes in glucose concentration in surrounding tissue. The signal is then detected and interpreted to give a reading indicative of blood glucose levels. Capsules containing glucose sensitive cells and electrodes for detecting electrical activity are also disclosed. Method of monitoring blood glucose are also described utilizing the systems and capsules disclosed.

Abstract: A method for creating a propagatable, new combinant cell with differentiated function to replenish dwindling number of similar cells in diseased subjects. The new combinant cell is obtained by 1) removing a nucleated cell, which is of the same differentiative phenotype as the diseased cells, from a subject and isolating therefrom a karyoplast, 2) isolating from a source other than said subject a proliferation-prone cell which is of the same differentiative phenotype or which is predestined to become the same phenotype as the diseased cells and isolating therefrom a cytoplast, 3) fusing the cytoplast and karyoplast to form a propagatable, new combinant cell, 4) propagating the combinant cell in culture, and 5) transplanting the combinant cells into said subject. In another embodiment the karyoplast donor is histocompatible to said subject. In yet another embodiment a whole cell is used in lieu of a karyoplast for fusion with the cytoplast.

Abstract: A topical emollient for the treatment of circulation induced lesions comprises a source of glucose and insulin. The topical emollient is utilized in a process wherein the emollient is applied to the affected surface for nourishment thereof and promotion of healing. The emollient also enhances the therapeutic benefits of other medicinal drugs which may be topically applied in conjunction with the insulin and glucose mixture.

Abstract: Method of enhancing the survival of neuronal cells, more preferably non-mitotic neuronal cells and/or cholinergic cells in a mammal, which cells are at risk of dying, which method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount of a functional derivative of Insulin-like Growth Factor I or Insulin-like Growth Factor II.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition of skin disorders, such as cellulites or striae, comprisingan oily fraction of paraffinic oils,an emulsifier, predominantly consisting ofa) mono- and/or diglycerides of higher unsaturated natural fatty acids, andb) ethoxylated glycerides esterified with fatty acids,pancreas extract and/or thymus extract derived from pancreas and/or thymus tissue as such or from previously partially hydrolized pancreased and/or thymus tissue,stabilizer consisting of montmorillonites, the free oxygen sites of which have been covered with quaternary groups,a preservative consisting of esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and/or substituted imidazolidinyl urea derivatives, andwater.