Abstract: A method for promoting bone formation is provided. More specifically, a method for promoting bone formation by promoting osteoclast formation is provided. In one embodiment, an implant comprising an implantable material and an osteoclast stimulating substance is provided.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods for improving the level and/or sustainability of expression for a target nucleic acid in a eukaryotic cell comprising: (a) modifying the target nucleic acid to introduce or to comprise signals that limit or constrain the positions of nucleosome cores, and (b) introducing the modified target nucleic acid into the eukaryotic cell, wherein the modified target nucleic acid has improved levels and/or sustainability of expression compared to original unmodified nucleic acid.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for producing reduced cholesterol animal foodstuffs and products by feeding livestock and other food-producing animals with feed supplemented with microbial cultures containing hypocholesterolemic compounds produced by microorganisms comprising said microbial cultures. The invention provides low cholesterol poultry, eggs, meat, whole milk, and dairy products.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for delivery of a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest, typically an antigen, to a dendritic cell (DC). The virus envelope comprises a DC-SIGN specific targeting molecule. The methods and related compositions can be used to treat patients suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV/AIDS, and various types of cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amoebae (slime molds) and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of amoebae or their environmentally stable spores to treat microbial infections and other uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacteriology. In particular, the invention relates to compositions of probiotic microbes and methods for making and using such compositions, e.g. in the treatment and prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for decreasing borborygmi in a subject by administering a probiotic, preferably a bacteria of the Bifidobacterium genus, said method being on one aspect of the invention a non therapeutic method.

Abstract: Disclosed are composites comprising water-soluble polymeric fibers dispersed in a biodegradable polymer matrix, as well as methods of making and using such composites.

Abstract: The invention features the production of an amine-reactive proteoglycan, specifically chondroitin sulfate or hyaluronic acid. This material can be provided in powder (solid) or liquid form and combined with blood derivatives including serum, platelets, platelet rich plasma, bone marrow, or with other tissue products to form hydrogels. The properties (physical and biological) are different for each of these hydrogels and can be further manipulated by controlling the conditions under which the hydrogels are formed. Such properties include the biodegradability of the hydrogel, the compressibility, the adhesive strength, the presence of pharmaceutical agents or therapeutic cells, and resiliency.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions comprising a visible light-curable mixture capable of forming a biocompatible hydrogel, hydrogels prepared from the hydrogel precursor mixtures, and a biocompatible delivery system comprising a hydrogel. The disclosure also provides a process for preparing a multi layer hydrogel delivery system.

Abstract: The invention, in some aspects, relates to the selective killing of cancer stem cells by oncolytic Herpes virus mediated oncolysis. In some aspects, the invention relates to methods for treating a subject having a cancer stem cell by administering to the subject an oncolytic Herpes virus. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for evaluating the efficacy of an oncolytic Herpes virus for killing cancer stem cells.

Abstract: A process for making cross-linked polysaccharide gels, particularly cross-linked hyaluronic acid gels, under basic conditions. The resulting gels possess improved degradation characteristics, and are useful in a variety of medical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides for silk fibroin-based compositions comprising one or more antibiotic agents for prevention or treatment of microbial contamination, methods of making antibiotic-containing silk scaffold, methods of stabilizing antibiotics in silk scaffolds, and methods for preventing or treating microbial contamination using the antibiotic-containing compositions. Various methods may be used to embed the antibiotic(s) into the silk fibroin-based compositions. The antibiotic-containing compositions of the invention are particular useful for stabilizing antibiotics, preventing bacterial infections, and for medical implants, tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, or other pharmaceutical or medical applications.

Abstract: A flowable biomedical implant for application to a bone defect to promote bone growth is provided. The flowable biomedical implant comprises a carrier matrix including a biodegradable polysaccharide and ceramic material. An impermeable membrane can be integrally formed at the surface of the carrier matrix by applying a crosslinking agent to the biodegradable polysaccharide mixed with ceramic materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a patient by administering to the patient autologous, ex vivo-expanded CD4+CD25+Foxp3+CD127low T reg cells when the patient is in remission. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting the activity of autoimmune, autologous cytotoxic T and B cells in a patient suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of autologous CD4+CD25+Foxp3+CD127low T reg cells to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of self-assembling peptide amphiphiles to prevent tumor formation by transplanted stem cells. The present invention further relates to the use of self-assembling peptide amphiphiles to treat cancers.

Abstract: The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one strain of probiotic bacteria selected from Lactobacillus for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of a virus infection.

Abstract: A method for the production of retinal cells, useful in transplantation therapy, comprises: (i) obtaining one or more mammalian adult Müller cells; and (ii) culturing the cells in the presence of an extracellular matrix protein and a growth factor to thereby induce dedifferentiation of the Müller cells into a progenitor phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amphiphilic linear peptide and/or peptoid as well as a hydrogel that includes the amphiphilic linear peptide/peptoid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising bacteriophages are provided. In particular, the present invention includes novel and customized T4 bacteriophages uniquely designed for effective antigen and foreign particle presentation. The present invention also provides in vitro methods for the making of customized T4 bacteriophages. The compositions and methods of the present invention may be used for effective vaccine delivery systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for purifying immunogenic, prophylactically and therapeutically effective complexes of modified heat shock proteins noncovalently associated with antigenic peptides of cancer or infected cells. The claimed methods comprise the constructing of a nucleotide sequence encoding a secretable modified heat shock protein, expressing the sequence in an appropriate host cell, recovering the immunogenic complexes from the cell culture and the cells, and purifying the immunogenic complexes by affinity chromatography. Large amounts of such immunogenic complexes can be obtained by large-scale culturing of host cells containing the genetic sequence. The complexes can be used as a vaccine to elicit specific immune responses against cancer or infected cells, and to treat or prevent cancer or infectious diseases.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include methods and compositions related to the production, identification and use of embryonic progenitor cell lines that are capable of undergoing chondrogenesis. A number of exemplary chondrogenic cell lines derived from primordial stem cells are disclosed. The chondrogenic cell lines described herein are robust, can expand for >40 passages, and have site-specific purity, thus providing for compositions and methods of producing diverse cartilage types with unique molecular compositions for use in research and therapy.

Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem and currently, the only licensed TB vaccine is Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (M. bovis BCG). In the present invention, mutation of mycobacterial components reportedly involved in phagosome maturation inhibition was evaluated for vaccine purposes, as such mutations should result in better vaccine antigen processing and presentation. Thus, BCG mutants in genes coding for ManLAM capping ?-1,2-mannosyltransferases and the PI3P phosphatase SapM were evaluated as TB vaccines in a stringent mouse model. Vaccination with both ManLAM capping mutants and the SapM mutant resulted in significantly longer survival as compared to non-vaccinated mice, whereas vaccination with the parental BCG did not. Moreover, mice vaccinated with the SapM mutant survived significantly longer than mice vaccinated with the parental BCG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the prevention, treatment and reduction of gastro-intestinal inflammation in a subject by administering a specific Bifidobacterium bacteria, in particular a fermented dairy product comprising said specific Bifidobacterium bacteria for the prevention, treatment and reduction of gastro-intestinal inflammation, in particular for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and/or Crohn's Disease (CD) and for the prevention and treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Abstract: The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration for dermatological conditions, gastroesophageal reflux, vesico-ureteral reflux, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, heart failure, and myocardial infarction.

Abstract: A method for making a biomaterial comprising providing at least one polypeptide fraction chymotryptically isolated and extracted from fibroin, and adding the at least one extracted polypeptide fraction to a hydrogel precursor before gelling, wherein the at least one isolated and extracted polypeptide fraction is selected from a soluble fraction Cs, and a precipitated fraction Cp. A biomaterial comprising at least one of the isolated and extracted polypeptide fractions incorporated in a hydrogel or a hydrogel precursor. Use of the biomaterial for constructing, regenerating, repairing, replacing or augmenting soft or hard tissue; as an in vitro or in vivo construct; as a coating material; or as a cell, molecule or particle delivery medium. Use of the isolated and extracted polypeptide fraction Cs for promoting osteoinduction, osteoconduction or osteogenesis. Use of the isolated and extracted polypeptide fraction Cp for enhancing a mechanical compressive modulus of a material into which it is incorporated.

Abstract: A method of treating a cellular proliferative disorder with cancer antigen-activated dendritic cells that are derived from a population of somatic stem cells. Also disclosed are methods of treating tissue damages and degenerative diseases with a population of somatic stem cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to an non-pathogenic and/or attenuated bacterium which is capable of inducing apoptosis in macrophages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating the presence and/or activity of regulatory T cells in a subject.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed that includes a first component comprising alginate, wherein the first component is comprised in a first sterile vial, and a second component comprising cells comprising keratinocytes or fibroblasts, or mixtures thereof, that secrete one or more biologically active molecules selected from the group consisting of GM-CSF, VEGF, KGF, bFGF, TGF?, angiopoietin, EGF, IL-I?, IL-6, IL-8, TGF?, and TNF?, wherein the cells are allogeneic and mitotically inactive, a buffered solution, and human serum albumin or a cryoprotectant, wherein the second component is comprised in a second sterile vial.

Abstract: The invention relates to plasmids operably encoding HCMV antigens, in which the naturally-occurring coding regions for the HCMV antigens have been modified for improved translation in human or other mammalian cells through codon optimization. HCMV antigens, which are useful in the invention include, but are not limited to pp65, glycoprotein B (gB), IE1, and fragments, variants or derivatives of any of these antigens. In certain embodiments, sequences have been deleted, e.g., the Arg435-Lys438 putative kinase in pp65 and the membrane anchor and endocellular domains in gB. The invention is further directed to methods of inducing an immune response to HCMV in a mammal, for example, a human, comprising delivering a plasmid encoding a codon-optimized HCMV antigen as described above. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising plasmids encoding a codon-optimized HCMV antigen as described above, and further comprising adjuvants, excipients, or immune modulators.

Abstract: The present invention describes blood cells chemically coupled with immunodominant myelin peptides and their use in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant replication-defective adenoviral vectors derived from chimpanzee adenoviruses and methods for generating recombinant adenoviruses in human E1-expressing cell lines. The invention also provides compositions and methods suitable for use for the delivery and expression of transgenes encoding immunogens against which a boosted immune response is desired. The invention further provides methods of generating clinical grade vector stocks suitable for use in humans. In a particular embodiment the invention contemplates the use of vectors comprising transgenes which encode tumor associated antigens in vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Uracil auxotroph mutants of apicomplexans are provided which lack a functional carbamoyl phosphate synthase II (CPSII) enzyme. Also provided are T. gondii autoxtroph mutants which express exogenous antigens, and methods of protecting an animal against a T. gondii and non-T. gondii disease.

Abstract: Novel strains and methods for their use are provided. Particularly, foods and other oral products or treatments containing sporulation-deficient Brevibacillus strain when administered to a subject can inhibit or reduce the number of pathogens in the subject and improve the health of the subject.

Abstract: This invention provides, inter alia, commensal organisms engineered to express antibody fragments, which inhibit sperm motility or fertilization and compositions comprising the same. The present invention provides for the use of the engineered commensal organisms or compositions comprising the same as effective contraceptive means in females.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal care product comprising a protein matrix wherein said protein matrix comprises at least one protein, at least one probiotic and a carrier fluid. The present invention also relates to the personal care product being a feminine care product particularly aimed at female urogenital health to treat or prevent vaginal infections. Oral and sinus infections, however, may also be benefited by the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for eliminating a biofilm of microorganism preexisting on an inert surface, characterized in that one subjects said biofilm to a cocktail of microorganisms comprising at least strains said to be “swimming” able to cross said biofilm in the plane and in the thickness, and one subjects said biofilm to at least one antimicrobial product directed against at least one microorganism of the biofilm to be eliminated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions capable of augmenting the immunogenicity of a vaccine. The composition, or adjuvant, is administered to a mammal in need thereof in sequential or concurrent combination with a vaccine antigen. In one preferred aspect, the adjuvant is provided in the form of a recombinant poxvirus vector, such as a vaccinia virus vector, which comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding IL-15.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that SPANX-B is uniquely expressed in a number of human tumors and that SPANX-B is an immunogenic antigen that is recognized by human T cells inducing helper CD4+ and cytolytic CD8+ T cell responses. Specific SPANX-B polypeptides and polynucleotides are disclosed that can be used to generate an immune response. In several embodiments, these polypeptides can be used for the treatment of a variety of cancers, including melanoma, colon carcinoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, myeloma, lung carcinoma and renal cancer.

Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions with altered capsid protein, where the AAV virions exhibit greater infectivity of retinal cells compared to wild-type AAV. The present disclosure further provides methods of delivering a gene product to a retinal cell in an individual, and methods of treating ocular disease.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for promoting weight loss by an animal, promoting weight loss by an animal while preventing or minimizing loss of lean body mass by the animal preventing a reduction in energy metabolism by an animal reducing the risk of regaining weight by an animal after weight loss, and ameliorating undesirable animal behaviors associated with reduced caloric intake by intermittently feeding an animal a first diet containing calories that meet the animal's maintenance energy requirements and a second diet containing calories that do not meet the animal's maintenance energy requirements. In preferred embodiments, the described feeding pattern and diets are ted in conjunction with one or more weight loss agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Dictyostelids myxamoebae of phylum Mycetozoa and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of amoebae, slugs, or their environmentally stable spores to treat microbial infections and other uses.

Abstract: Disclosed are polypeptides and fusion proteins. Also disclosed are related immunotherapeutic compositions and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising expanded definitive endoderm cells as well as methods for expanding definitive endoderm cells in culture.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum umbilicus and placenta are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices and methods for the regeneration or repair of neural tissue using the postpartum-derived cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the sensitivity of neoplastic cells to chemotherapeutic agents by using a virus, a method of treating proliferative disorders with a virus and chemotherapeutic agents, and a method for preventing a neoplasm from developing drug resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. The virus is preferably a reovirus.

Abstract: A graft containing a scaffold that includes a matrix in which are positioned mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) has the capacity to substantially improve wound healing, including wounds resulting from injury to nerve, bone and vascular tissue. MPCs can be harvested from debrided muscle tissue following orthopaedic trauma. The traumatized muscle-derived progenitor cells are a readily available autologous cell source that can be utilized to effect or improve wound healing in a variety of therapeutic settings and vehicles.