Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods to inhibit inflammation or pathogen infection by administering at least one anionic lipid or compositions comprising at least one anionic lipid to an individual. The invention also relates to methods to prevent or inhibit respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection by administering at least one anionic lipid or compositions comprising at least one anionic lipid to an individual. The invention further relates to compositions comprising randomly mixed surfactant lipids and methods to produce the compositions.

Abstract: Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a member of the collectin family of collagenous lectin domain-containing proteins that is expressed in epithelial cells of the lung. Described herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of disorders associated with lung injury, including methods and compositions for the treatment of bronchopulmonary disorder (BPD).

Abstract: An antibiotic composition for the treatment of bacterial infections, especially in the respiratory tract is provided. The antibiotic composition may include a mixture of gentamicin as active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), and a micronized poloxamer composition as excipient. Micronized poloxamer composition may be produced by mixing poloxamer 188 and poloxamer 407 in a suitable apparatus where a low-frequency acoustic field may be applied to facilitate mixing. Antibiotic composition may be obtained in powder form, or in solution, and may be administered by inhalation or irrigation. In other embodiments, a topical formulation of the antibiotic inhalation or irrigation composition may be produced. In some embodiments, other suitable poloxamers, or sugar alcohols may be employed as excipients. Due to the synergistic effect of micronized poloxamer composition, antibiotic composition may provide improved solubility and bioavailability of gentamicin, thus decreasing side effects and time of treatment.

Abstract: Lyophilized pulmonary surfactants having an increased specific surface area and porosity are described. Methods of making the lyophilized pulmonary surfactants are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for accurately determining the alleles present at a locus that is broadly applicable to any locus, including highly polymorphic loci such as HLA loci, BGA loci and HV loci. Embodiments of the disclosed methods are useful in a wide range of applications, including, for example, organ transplantation, personalized medicine, diagnostics, forensics and anthropology.

Abstract: Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a 43-kDa member of the collectin family of collagenous lectin domain-containing proteins that is expressed in epithelial cells of the lung. Described herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of disorders associated with lung injury, including methods and compositions for the treatment of bronchopulmonary disorder (BPD) using recombinant human surfactant protein D and surfactant formulations.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for treating a respiratory distress in a infant in need of such treatment, the method comprising intratracheal administration of a pulmonary surfactant by a thin tube. The invention also concerns a kit for performing said method.

Abstract: A method of inducing or promoting hair growth on the scalp of a subject, comprising the steps of (i) providing an ECM composition including at least one ECM material, (ii) administering inciting event means to a target skin location on the subject to induce an inciting event, and (iii) administering a therapeutically effective amount of said ECM composition to the target skin location. In some embodiments, the ECM composition includes at least one additional biologically active agent.

Abstract: A conditioned cell culture medium of cells derived from Spalax or naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and methods for preparing it are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the conditioned cell culture medium and its use in the treatment of cancer as well as methods for identifying anti-cancer agents are also provided.

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: Provided herein are tissue protective peptides derived from or sharing consensus sequences with portions of cytokine receptor ligands, including Erythropoietin (EPO), that are generally located on or within the region of the cytokine receptor ligand that faces away from a receptor complex while the ligand is bound to the receptor. Also provide herein are fragments, chimeras, as well as peptides designed to mimic the spatial localization of key amino acid residues within the tissue protective receptor ligands, e.g., EPO; methods for treating or preventing a disease or disorder using tissue protective peptides; and methods for enhancing excitable tissue function using tissue protective peptides.

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 disclosure relates to, inter alia, compositions containing an inhibitor of human complement and use of the compositions in methods for treating or preventing complement-associated disorders. In some embodiments, the inhibitor is chronically administered to patients. In some embodiments, the inhibitor is administered to a patient in an amount and with a frequency to maintain systemic complement inhibition and prevent breakthrough. In some embodiments, the compositions contain an antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that binds to a human complement component C5 protein or a fragment of the protein such as C5a or C5b.

Abstract: Extracellular matrix material is disclosed which is created by subjecting a target area to non-thermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE) with a pulsed electrical field to kill cells in the absence of thermal damage. The dead cellular material may be removed and the remaining non-cellular matrix material may be implanted into a repair site to be treated medically or cosmetically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a decellularized tissue. The present invention also provides an engineered three dimensional lung tissue exhibiting characteristics of a natural lung tissue. The engineered tissue is useful for the study of lung developmental biology and pathology as well as drug discovery.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for treating a respiratory distress in a infant in need of such treatment, the method comprising intratracheal administration of a pulmonary surfactant by a thin tube. The invention also concerns a kit for performing said method.

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: Methods of producing lung surfactant formulations through solvent dissolution and lyophilization are described as well as surfactant formulations derived therefrom. Methods of treating respiratory distress dysfunction are also provided.

Abstract: A composition including a C terminal region having residues corresponding to a peptide identified by PDB ID: 1RG3; an N terminal region having residues corresponding to a peptide identified by PDB ID: 1RG4; and a disulfide linkage between the residues near the C terminal region and the N terminal region. A composition including an exogenous peptide comprising amino acid residues comprising a C terminal region; amino acid residues comprising an N terminal region; a helix-loop-helix conformation between the residues comprising the C terminal region and the residues including the N terminal region; and at least one disulfide linkage between the residues comprising the C terminal region and the residues including N terminal region, wherein the residues including the C terminal region and the residues comprising the N terminal region have an amphiphatic property, and wherein the peptide has an a biological activity comparable to native surfactant protein SP-B.

Abstract: Methods for therapy of cystic fibrosis and other conditions are provided. The methods comprise one or more agents capable of increasing thiol-containing compound transport via a transporter system (i.e. ABC transporters such as MDR-1 or MRP-2) in cells. Other embodiments include the use of agents to modulate transport of thiol-containing compounds within the cell. Therapeutic methods involve the administration of such agents to a patient afflicted with cystic fibrosis and/or another condition responsive to stimulation of thiol-containing compound transport.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for treating a respiratory distress in a infant in need of such treatment, the method comprising intratracheal administration of a pulmonary surfactant by a thin tube. The invention also concerns a kit for performing said method.

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 present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, a genetic construct, siRNA molecules and a composition which comprises the nucleic acid molecule and/or the genetic construct and/or the siRNA molecules and can be used for inhibition of the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules. The invention also relates to a device, which is coated with the aforementioned molecules, the composition or the construct, or contains them. The present invention further relates to a corresponding use of the nucleic acid molecule, of the genetic construct or of the siRNA molecules and a method of inhibition of the expression of adhesion molecules and a method of vessel grafting, lung transplantation, treatment of lung transplants, and a method of treatment of the open heart within the scope of cardioplegia.

Abstract: The equilibrium between G actin and F actin is shifted towards the F actin confirmation with compounds such as the ionic form of magnesium or potassium. The higher amount of F actin decreases the inhibition of nucleases such as DNAse I by monomeric G actin. The increased performance of the nuclease results in better treatment of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis or other diseases with viscous mucus.

Abstract: Novel compositions for the treatment of IRDS and ARDS are indicated which contain a compound of formula (I), in which R1 is hydrogen or 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl and/or a pharmacologically tolerable salt of this compound and lung surfactant

Abstract: A process for the utilization of the methane contained within ruminant animal exhalation, specifically to a process that utilizes the methane contained within ruminant animal exhalation as a source of carbon and/or energy for the production of methane-utilizing microorganisms in a microorganism growth-and-harvest apparatus.

Abstract: A composition comprising a combination of a compound of formula I in which R1 is hydrogen or 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl and/or a pharmacologically tolerable salt thereof, and lung surfactant is useful for treating patients afflicted with IRDS or ARDS.

Abstract: Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a 43-kDa member of the collectin family of collagenous lectin domain-containing proteins that is expressed in epithelial cells of the lung. The SP-D gene was targeted by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells that were used to produce SP-D (?/?) mice. The SP-D (?/?) deficiency caused inflammation, increased oxidant production by isolated alveolar macrophages, abnormal surfactant structure and levels, and decreased SP-A expression. Therefore, disclosed is the SP-D (?/?) mouse as an excellent model for emphysema. Also included are models for testing emphysema therapies in the mouse model, methods for using SP-D protein or DNA as a treatment for emphysema and pulmonary infections, and diagnosis.

Abstract: Lung surfactant compositions are provided which can form a swelling phase when dispersed in a medium containing electrolytes. Hereby, a more active spreading of the lung surfactant into the alveoli can be obtained after administration to the lungs. Further provided are a pharmaceutical composition and a pharmaceutical kit comprising a lung surfactant composition as well as to a method for the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome or other pulmonary diseases that are associated with a deficiency of a lung surfactant.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of preventing or reducing the severity of asthma or the risk of development of same in an individual. The method relies on administration to the airways of the individual of an immunologically effective dose of a mycobacterium based vaccine. The mycobacteria are effective in inducing a Thl type immune response in the individual.

Abstract: A method of using peracid/acid compositions, where the mole ratio of acid to peracid is less than about 3:1, to treat field or greenhouse grown plant tissue, seeds, fruits, and growing media and containers is described. The peracid/acid system can lower the natural, plant pathogen and human pathogenic microbial load resulting in less waste to molding, spoilage, and destruction because of pathogenic poisons.

Abstract: A pulmonary surfactant formulation for instillation and oral application, containing at least 0.1% by weight of 2,3 -dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone in addition to an effective amount of pulmonary surfactant and usual excipients.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of manufacturing implantable biocompatible cell encapsulation devices, wherein the cell encapsulation devices have a jacket made of a permeable, biocompatible material that is loaded with a core made of a reticulate foam scaffold having interconnected pores, with cells that are dispersed in the interconnected pores.

Abstract: 2,3-Dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone can be used for the topical and oral treatment of diseases of the skin and the mucosae of the mouth, the stomach, the bowels, the vagina and the lung.

Abstract: Nonionic hydrophilic polymers or carbohydrates are administered either individually or in conjunction with therapeutically active pulmonary surfactants for the treatment of a variety of lung ailments. Included among the activities of these agents is their ability to reduce the inactivation of the surfactants by endogenous substances present in the lung.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method of using a composition of matter that maintains the biophysical and physiological characteristics of natural surfactant, including the rapid and spontaneous adsorption of dilute suspensions to an air-liquid interface; the generation of low surface tension (<2.1 mN/m) at a surface area compression of 50% by the pulsating bubble method of Enhorning; and the restoration of greater than 75% of the lost volume of a surfactant deficient lung as determined by the method of Bermel. The material is produced by adding disaturated phospholipid to the extract of surface active material obtained by lavage of the air space of the lungs of animals. The material contains 90-96% phospholipid, 0-6% cholesterol, and 1-3% protein. Greater than 99% of the protein is lung surfactant apoproteins B & C. A sterile pharmaceutical preparation of the surface active material can be used for treating diseases caused by deficiency or dysfunction or natural lung surfactant.

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: An improved solid pharmaceutical composition comprising a lyophilized liposomal KL4 pulmonary surfactant composition comprising:(a) about 1 to about 10 percent weight KL4 polypeptide; and(b) 50 to about 100 weight percent phospholipid comprised of about 3 parts DPPC to about 1 part POPG.A facile process for the production of the lyophilized solid composition is also provided.

Abstract: A method of faciltating the obtaining of a mucus sample from at least one lung of a subject comprises administering a physiologically acceptable salt to at least one lung of the subject in an amount effective to hydrate lung mucus secretions therein, and concurrently administering to said at least one lung of the subject, in an amount effective to hydrate lung mucous secretions therein, uridine triphosphate, an active analog thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of either thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions useful for carrying out the method comprise, in combination, a physiologically acceptable salt, and uridine triphosphate, an active analog thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of either thereof. The composition may be a liquid composition or a dry powder composition.

Abstract: A process for purifying natural pulmonary surfactant by dispersing animal lung tissue on an inert carrier and extracting with a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A non-human animal characterized by a human airway, the human airway being open-ended. The human airway is characterized by cells derived from the human respiratory system. The non-human animal and the human airway it carries are useful as models of human airways, particularly diseased human airways, for example, human CF airways. They are also useful to predict the efficacy or toxicity of agents and therapies on human airways, particularly on diseased human airways, for example, human CF airways.

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: The present invention provides a physiologically active substance which inhibits plasma kallikrein production, improves peripheral blood flow, and exhibits analgesic, antiinflammatory and antiallergic action. The physiologically active substance of the present invention is prepared by activating various animals or animal tissues by means of inoculation with virus or tumor cells which act as a stressor, and then extracting the effective factor from the activated tissues. The substance exhibits a pharmacological action of inhibiting activity for production of plasma kallikrein and recovering and normalizing abnormal functions which are associated with the diseased state. The physiologically active substance and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention exhibit excellent regulating activity for biofunctions. They provide recovery and normalization of abnormal functions in living organisms in various diseased states.

Abstract: Low viscosity, highly concentrated surfactant suspensions for replacement therapy In diseases of the respiratory tract are described. The suspensions are characterised in that they contain calcium and/or magnesium ions bound to the surfactant and unbound in the suspension agent, as well as containing a certain amount of common salt.

Abstract: Primordial tissue is introduced into immunodeficient hosts, where the primordial tissue develops and differentiates. The chimeric host allows for investigation of the processes and development of the xenogeneic tissue, testing for the effects of various agents on the growth and differentiation of the tissue, as well as identification of agents involved with the growth and differentiation.

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: A composition for enhancing the performance of animals, such as horses or dogs, is composed of adrenal and pituitary raw tissue concentrates, vitamin C, bioflavonoid complex, pantothenic acid, methionine, choline, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacinamide, magnesium, vitamin B12, folic acid and organic iodine. The composition is adapted to be orally administered to an animal, is composed of all natural substances, and the relative proportions of the components are approximately:at least 40 parts adrenal raw tissue concentrate toat least 2 parts pituitary raw tissue concentrate to30-60 parts vitamin C to20-30 parts magnesium to10-20 parts of each of pantothenic acid, methionine and choline to8-15 parts of each of niacinamide and bioflavonoid complex to1-5 parts of each of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 to0.1-1 parts organic iodine to0.05-0.5 parts folic acid.

Abstract: A physiologically active substance is extracted from infected tissues inoculated with a poxvirus. The novel substance of the present invention has inhibitory action against the formation of kallikrein, thus is useful as drugs such as antiinflammatory, analgesic and antiallergic agents.

Abstract: A pulmonary surfactant of animal origin made up of a high percentage of phospholipids (.perspectiveto.99%), by a protein fraction and characterized by the absence of carbohydrates and cholesterol.The surfactant of the invention, obtained through filtration, centrifugation and extraction and by chromatography in inverse phase, allows better therapeutic results in the treatment of infant and adult respiratory distress syndromes (IRDS and ARDS).

Abstract: A nude mouse model for human neoplastic diseases 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.