Abstract: The present invention discloses a solid bio-material for the detection of a bio-electromagnetic signal, which senses an information signal generated from living organisms and changes thereof by using fish scale, feathers of fowl and carapaces of tortoises among epidermal tissues of animals having the function of detecting, memorizing and transferring a weak information signal (bio-signal) of an electromagnetic field generated from bio-tissues, and a method for producing the same. The method for producing a solid bio-material for the detection of a bio-electromagnetic signal by using epidermal tissues of living organisms comprises the steps of: immersing the carcass of an animal with a developed epidermis such as fish, fowl, tortoises, etc.

Abstract: A method and device for processing mammalian adipose tissue such that the vascular rich fraction is separated from the vascular poor fraction, Mammalian adipose tissue in the form of morselated surgical biopsies and/or lipoaspirate from liposuction is placed within a novel syringe attached to a detection device measuring either color, light saturation, infra-red light, heme, iron or oxygen saturation. This process involves no label and minimal manipulation and handling of the tissue. This process and device may also be used intra-operatively under sterile conditions for immediate use within the same individual receiving liposuction or surgery.

Abstract: Bone graft compositions comprising demineralized bone matrix, calcium phosphate, collagen and bioinductive cellular solution. Methods to repair and heal defective and missing bone using the bone graft compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention is directed compositions containing growth agents synthesized from cultured cells from skin. Skin cells such as keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts are cultured in vitro in cell medium and in the course of culture the cultured cells synthesize and secrete agents into the cell medium. The medium containing agents are collected and incorporated into pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations to treat an individual. The preparation is applied and has a rejuvenating effect on the cells and tissue.

Abstract: A tissue transfer method for reconstruction and augmentation of soft tissue. The method includes harvesting adipose tissue from a patient. The harvested tissue is processed via centrifugation to isolate a purified subset of the adipose tissue including separating and removing a substantial amount of triglycerides from the harvested adipose tissue. The centrifugation may be performed to cause separation of water from the purified adipose tissue and to cause separation of oil from mature adipocytes. Specifically, the spin rates may be selected to be high enough to cause lesions in the mature adipocytes that results in the release of the oil. The method continues with implanting the purified adipose tissue into the patient at a breast or other area identified for reconstruction or augmentation. The implanting is performed based on an injection pathway model that defines injection point locations and a number of injection pathway directions from each point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissues and tissue sheets assembled from adipose-derived stromal cells. Particularly, it relates to reconstructed adipose tissues which comprise adipocytes as well as reconstructed conjunctive tissues which comprise adipose-derived stromal cells. The reconstructed tissues and sheets can be used, for example, in cosmetic applications for the replacement or addition of soft tissues, in pharmacological and toxicological applications for the in vitro testing of small molecules or cosmetic products as well as in therapeutic applications for the delivery of agents.

Abstract: A device and method for regenerating adipose tissue has developed comprising: a washing container filled with an sterile solution for washing the adipose tissues; a syringe container holding syringes for washing and separating adipose tissues; injecting the wash solution and mixing the Bio-Gel, respectively; a second syringe container containing Bio-Gel syringes filled with materials to induce adipogenesis; and connector containers holding connectors for injection of the wash solution, and mixing of washed tissues and Bio-Gel. These containers are restrained in the kit by grooves in the bottom of the box. The box top holds needle containers for transplantation needles; and a protocol for fat transplantation, restrained by grooves. The kit minimizes risk of infection in fat transplantations using the patient's own tissues.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: Methods for applying injectable fillers are provided. In some embodiments, the methods can extend effectiveness of the injectable filler. In some embodiments, the methods can provide for an elevated level of effectiveness of the injectable filler. In some embodiments, the methods can prolong the effectiveness of the injectable filler.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising isolated human collagen, isolated human elastin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier wherein the human elastin is substantially insoluble in water with a molecular weight greater than 100 kDa. The present invention further provides methods and kits for soft tissue augmentation.

Abstract: Described are tissue graft constructs that include submucosa and other extracellular matrix materials that incorporate a number of exogenous proteins. Further described are methods for making tissue graft constructs that include stripping endogenous heparin binding proteins from a porcine graft material and thereafter binding one or more human growth factors to the native heparin molecules that are retained within the graft material. Such graft materials may be used in methods for the treatment of wounds in patients.

Abstract: The invention is to a method of recruiting stem cells to a site of malignancy by contacting the site with exogenous mammalian extracellular matrix in the form of a sheet article, or a composition comprising particulate extracellular matrix, or emulsion or gel extracellular matrix.

Abstract: A method for producing stem cell conditioned media for treatment of neurological insults is provided herein. By providing for the culture of adipose stem cells, and collecting the supernatants thereof, the supernatants have been shown to effect biological activity in preventing neural death when the supernatants are administered to a patient that has or is about to be subjected to a neural insult.

Abstract: A method of processing an organ is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) placing an organ in a sealable container; (b) disrupting the structure of said organ to yield a cell suspension; and (c) transferring said cell suspension to a sealable cell-suspension storage container, thereby isolating cells of said organ, wherein said sealable container, wherein said disrupting and said transferring are all performed substantially in a continuous vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to green tea and sea cucumber extracts, compositions thereof, and methods of treating or preventing a cardiovascular disease, a peripheral vascular disease, or an aneurysm in a subject, the methods comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a green tea extract, a sea cucumber extract, or a compound derived from a green tea extract or a sea cucumber extract.

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 relates to new classes of anti-cancer agents. In particular, the present invention provides materials derived from natural sources as anti-cancer agents, alone, or in combination with other anti-cancer agents or therapies.

Abstract: The invention encompasses isolation, culture and characterization of goblet cells in vitro from mammalian conjuctiva. Goblet cells can be cultured from conjunctiva of such mammals as, e.g., humans, rats, mice, rabbits and the like. In another aspect of the invention, the culture of goblet cells has a concentration of pure goblet cells of 10% or greater. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises an immortalized goblet cell line.

Abstract: A composition contains an inorganic substance obtained as a residue after incinerating skins of marine organisms, and chitin/chitosan. The composition is obtained by incinerating the skins of the marine organisms at a temperature within a range between 600° C. and 1000° C. to obtain the inorganic substance as a residue, obtaining a powdered inorganic substance from the inorganic substance, and kneading the powdered inorganic substance with chitin/chitosan powder.

Abstract: The invention encompasses isolation, culture and characterization of goblet cells in vitro form mammalian conjuctiva. Goblet cells can be cultured from conjunctiva of such mammals as, e.g., humans, rats, mice, rabbits and the like. In another aspect of the invention, the culture of goblet cells has a concentration of pure goblet cells of 10% or greater.

Abstract: Methods and products relating the preservation of cultured mammalian epithelial or mesenchymal cells are provided. The methods involve the pre-treatment of epithelial cells with a solution containing a cryoprotectant amount of monosaccharides and/or disaccharides. The treated cells then are frozen, dried or freeze-dried in a minimum volume of solution and stored for later use. The invention avoids the use of materials that must be washed away from the preserved tissue prior to application of the tissue to a wound bed. The invention also permits the storage of epithelial tissue in a dry state.

Abstract: The instant invention provides for the identification, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of invasive cells using the laminin 5 gamma-2 chain protein or nucleic acid sequence, or antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting angiogenesis within a tissue by providing exogenous PEDF to cells associated with the tissue. The presence of exogenous PEDF inhibits angiogenesis within the tissue, in part by interfering with the ability of vascular endothelia to expand within the tissue. The invention also provides a method for determining the severity of a tumor by assaying for the presence of PEDF within the tumor. The invention further provides a method of inhibiting endothelial cell migration, a method of stimulating the growth of hair in a mammal, a method for inhibiting the growth of a tumor, a method of inducing differentiation of a neuroblastoma cell, a method of slowing the growth of a neuroblastoma cell, and method of treating ischemic retinopathy in a mammal. To facilitate the inventive methods, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions including sources of PEDF.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing laminae of human epithelium corneae in vitro to be used in grafts from cultures of limbar stem cells as well as a method of selecting and transferring such cells to fibrin substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the process of extraction, purification and characterization of a fluorescent dye from a marine echinoderm Holothuria scabra, compositions containing the dye and various applications of the dye.

Abstract: A composition to stop hair-loss and a method of making said composition with a base of paraffin oil, pure alcohol and fur of otters or minks. This composition is oily and is applied on the part of the head which suffers from hair falling. The remaining on the head is 2-3 days without hair washing with shampoos but only with tap water. The hair washing should be done every 7-14 days. The minimum duration of therapy is 2 months.

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: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for use as inhibitors in hemostasis and immune function. Such inhibitors are members of the family of proteins bearing a collagen-like domain and a globular domain. The inhibitors are useful for promoting blood flow in the vasculature by reducing thrombogenic and complement activity. The inhibitors are also useful for pacifying collagenous surfaces and modulating wound healing.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for prevention and/or treatment of diseases in which 5- and 12-lipoxygenase activity contributes to the pathological condition, by administration of 12-methyletradecanoic acids alone and in conjunction with other therapeutic compounds. Methods to inhibit lipoxygenase-mediated inflammations are disclosed.

Abstract: Inhibition of eucaryotic pathogens and neoplasms and stimulation of lymphocytes and fibroblasts with lytic peptides such as cecropins and sarcotoxins. Eucaryotic cells are contacted with cecropin or sarcotoxin, or a synergistic combination of cecropins or sarcotoxin with lysozyme, in an amount effective to lyse or inhibit the cells. Target cells include eucaryotic microorganisms such as protozoa, e.g. T. cruzi and P. falciparum, mammalian lymphomas and leukemias, and cells infected with intracellular pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Also disclosed is a method for stimulating proliferation of lymphocytes and fibroblasts by contacting such cells with an effective amount of cecropin or sarcotoxin. The methods may be in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for processing and dispersing animal tissues that involve exposing processed (e.g., decellularized) tissue to an acylating agent, wherein the ratio of acylating agent to wet tissue weight is about 0.003:1 or less. The disclosed methods result in a dispersed tissue matrix that has a high degree of resistance to digestion by non-collagenase proteases, such as trypsin. In order to produce sufficiently high yields of these trypsin-resistant compositions, the processed tissue is preferably cryomilled to increase its surface area prior to acylation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting angiogenesis within a tissue by providing exogenous SLED to cells associated with the tissue. The presence of exogenous SLED inhibits angiogenesis within the tissue, in part by interfering with the ability of vascular endothelia to expand within the tissue. The invention also provides a method for determining the severity of a tumor be assaying for the presence of SLED within the tumor. To facilitate the inventive methods, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions including sources of SLED.

Abstract: This invention provides organism-compatible materials with combined extracellular matrices, which have high affinity with cells of organisms and are capable of hastening cell differentiation, and their production methods. An organism-compatible material with combined extracellular matrices is produced by letting cells of a region of an organism, to which the material is to be applied, form extracellular matrices on a calcification layer formed on a base. When it is applied to the region of the organism, it causes the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of necessary cells to reproduce a necessary tissue quickly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting angiogenesis within a tissue by providing exogenous SLED to cells associated with the tissue. The presence of exogenous SLED inhibits angiogenesis within the tissue, in part by interfering with the ability of vascular endothelia to expand within the tissue. The invention also provides a method for determining the severity of a tumor be assaying for the presence of SLED within the tumor. To facilitate the inventive methods, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions including sources of SLED.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that substances which release ZAG proteins from lymphocytes also cause accelerated weight loss in humans. By administering an amount of the substance which is effective to cause the weight loss but is beneath an amount which causes side effects, a very desirable “dieter's aid” is provided. A dilute mixture of alfa interferon and gamma interferon in an aqueous medium is highly suitable for this purpose. It is administered at a much lower dosage than is generally employed for antibiotic purposes, thereby avoiding generally universal side effects. For periods of time extending at least for a few days, the weight loss composition of the invention causes weight loss at a greater weight than would be expected from fasting, at least for seriously overweight individuals.

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: The present invention relates to the isolation of cartilage or bone precursor cells from hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells and their use in bone and cartilage regeneration procedures. The precursor cells are used for in vivo bone or cartilage repair by transplanting the cells, with or without a carrier material and without the need for in vitro culturing of the cells, to sites in the body requiring bone or cartilage repair.

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 present invention relates to methods for inhibiting the complement pathway in a mammal comprising administering an effective dose of a composition comprising an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of isolated sea cucumber (Phylum Echinodermata, Class Holothuroidea) body wall, isolated sea cucumber epithelial layer, isolated sea cucumber flower, sea cucumber fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, combinations thereof, active derivatives thereof or combinations of active derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides inhibition of angiogenesis in a warm-blooded animal by the administration of preparations isolated from the echinoderm sea cucumber (Class Holothuroidea). This preparation is useful as a therapeutic agent against malignant tumors and as a preventive or therapeutic drug against various diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, caused by vascular hyperplasia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stimulating the proliferation and appropriate cell maturation of a variety of different cells and tissues in three-dimensional cultures in vitro using TGF-.beta. in the culture medium. In accordance with the invention, stromal cells, including, but not limited to, chondrocytes, chondrocyte-progenitors, fibroblasts, fibroblast-like cells, umbilical cord cells or bone marrow cells from umbilical cord blood are inoculated and grown on a three-dimensional framework in the presence of TGF-.beta.. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a skin model system that can be used as an in vitro test system or which can be used for therapeutic purposes. The skin model system comprises a three-dimensional, cross-linked matrix of insoluble collagen containing fibroblast cells therein, and stratified layers of differentiated epidermal cells supported thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides an epidermal gel secretion of Arabian Gulf catfish which is useful in enhancing wound healing, alleviating muscle spasms and pain, and treating dermatological disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stimulating the proliferation and appropriate cell maturation of a variety of different cells and tissues in three-dimensional cultures in vitro using TGF-.beta. in the culture medium. In accordance with the invention, stromal cells, including, but not limited to, chondrocytes, chondrocyte-progenitors, fibroblasts, fibroblast-like cells, umbilical cord cells or bone marrow cells from umbilical cord blood are inoculated and grown on a three-dimensional framework in the presence of TGF-.beta.. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc.

Abstract: A method of treating animals, particularly rhea and ostrich chicks with adipose depletion, by injection with an oil derived from rhea or ostrich adipose or by injection with an active component of the oil that increases anti-inflammatory capabilities and phospholipid formation.

Abstract: A method for screening a compound as a potential anti-obesity agent by determining whether the compound stimulates micro motion of cells in vitro is described

Abstract: A method of modulating hair growth by contacting selected cells with a selected growth-modulating molecule is provided. A method for hair reconstitution or transplantation by expanding selected cells in vitro and combining them with other cells that regulate hair growth are also provided. Compositions containing a growth-modulating molecule which is synthesized by follicular cells and which undergoes hair-cycle-dependent concentration changes in hair follicles are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a skin substitute that can suitably be used for covering the surface of a damaged skin area which is typically a wound produced by a traumatic local loss of the skin of the human body as a result of a burn or some other cause of damage. It is a skin substitute of a laminate comprising a squid chitin sheet and a fish skin collagen coat layer, which may be a salmon skin collagen coat layer. Such a skin substitute effectively exploits the suppleness and the effect of proving an environment for encouraging the production of lysozyme and defending the wound of squid chitin and, at the same time, compensate the disadvantage of poor adhesion of fibroblast cells that operate for curing the wound.

Abstract: Regulation factors and a method for modulating bone forming cells including the steps of collecting regulation factors from bone stromal cells including marrow adipocytes and treating the bone forming cells with the regulation factors derived from stromal cells to modify the bone forming cells.

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.