Abstract: Fetal blood multi-lineage progenitor cells that are capable of a wide spectrum of transdifferentiation are described.

Abstract: Modified red blood cells are described. In an embodiment, the modified red blood cell includes a target-binding agent. Targeted delivery of imaging agents, drugs, and peptide and protein pharmaceuticals using modified red blood cells are described. Processes for preparing the modified red blood cells, pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions containing the same and methods of diagnosis and treatment involving the modified red blood cells are described.

Abstract: Modified red blood cells are described. In an embodiment, the modified red blood cell includes a target-binding agent. Targeted delivery of imaging agents, drugs, and peptide and protein pharmaceuticals using modified red blood cells are described. Processes for preparing the modified red blood cells, pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions containing the same and methods of diagnosis and treatment involving the modified red blood cells are described.

Abstract: The present inventors discovered that the administration of an agonistic minibody (VB22B sc(Fv)2) against the TPO receptor resulted in not only the induction of human megakaryocyte-specific differentiation (increase in platelet precursor cells), but also the engraftment of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells derived from human cord blood (CD34-positive cells) and significant increase in multi-lineage hematopoietic precursor cells. TPO and TPO receptor agonists can be used as agents for promoting the growth of CD34-positive hematopoietic cells or agents for promoting the engraftment of transplanted cells in the bone marrow, which can be effective when administered alone (without using G-CSF and erythropoietin in combination) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (in particular, cord blood transplantation).

Abstract: A method of reducing extracellular brain glutamate levels is provided. The method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an agent capable of modulating stress hormone activity thereby reducing blood glutamate levels, thereby reducing extracellular brain glutamate levels.

Abstract: Materials and methods for obtaining populations of lymphocytes and administering the population of lymphocytes to a subject are disclosed herein. In particular, disclosed herein are materials and methods for obtaining lymphocyte populations that contain at least about 0.5×109 NK cells per kilogram weight of the subject from which the cells are harvested.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and systems for expanding CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for increasing the blood flow to an ischemic tissue in a subject in need thereof, such as to ischemic myocardium. The invention further provides methods and systems for directing differentiation of expanded CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for treating a subject with differentiated cells in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The bone repair material comprises the following components: A) a first granular component with a diameter larger than 20 ?m chosen from the group of: calcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, or calcium sulfate dihydrate; B) a second component chosen from the group of apatite powder with a particle diameter smaller than 1 ?m, (preferably smaller than 100 nm); and B) a third component comprising water or an aqueous solution, whereby C) the volume fraction of the second and third component represents at least 35 volume-% of the total bone repair material.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating a subject afflicted with a disease, comprising withdrawing blood from the subject, treating the withdrawn blood so as to remove sILT3 from the blood, and returning the treated blood to the subject, thereby treating the subject afflicted with the disease. This invention also provides the above method, further comprising administering an anti-ILT3 antibody to the subject. The invention also provides a method of treating a subject afflicted with a disease, comprising administering to the subject an anti-ILT3 antibody, thereby treating the subject. In one embodiment, the disease is chronic viral disease. In another embodiment, the disease is cancer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and devices for selectively removing anti-PEG antibodies from a patient's blood prior to administration of a PEG-conjugated therapeutic agent so as to prevent immune reactions against the PEG-conjugated therapeutic agents when the agents are administered as a therapeutic regimen. Removal of anti-PEG antibodies may be physical, in which anti-PEG antibodies are physically removed from the blood through an extracorporeal blood circuit connected to an anti-PEG antibody removal device, or functional, in which an anti-PEG inactivating agent is infused into the patient's blood stream prior to administration of the PEG-conjugated therapeutic agent. Also disclosed is a device for selectively removing anti-PEG antibodies from a blood stream and system incorporating the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an environmentally closed cell processing device, for the aseptic processing of blood cells. The device includes a continuous flow centrifuge, fluid reservoirs and fluid handling systems. Blood cells are processed by the present device, to remove their immunodominant antigens. Seroconverted cells and methods of treating subjects with these cells are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating one or more complications of premature birth suffered by premature infants, comprising administering to the premature infant umbilical cord blood stem cells and, optionally, placental stem cells. The present invention also provides methods of combining and administering, and compositions comprising, umbilical cord blood stem cells, particularly autologous cord blood cells, and placental stem cells for the treatment of premature infants.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the use of sickle cells or sickle cell precursors loaded with a therapeutic agent that localize in tumors and induce a tumoricidal response.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an improved formable bone composition for application to a bone defect site to promote new bone growth at the site which comprises a new bone growth inducing compound of demineralized lyophilized allograft bone particles ranging from about 100 to 850 microns. The bone particles are mixed in an excipient carrier combination containing carboxymethylcellulose, sodium hyaluronate, and a sodium phosphate saline buffer, the carboxymethylcellulose component of the carrier ranging from about 5.0 to about 11.0% of the composition and the sodium hyaluronate component of the carrier ranging from about 0.3 to about 0.7% of the composition, the composition having a pH between 6.5-7.5.

Abstract: A liquid plasma expander or resuscitation fluid composition for use in a subject in need thereof, comprising, consisting of; or consisting essentially of: (a) a keratin derivative (preferably alpha keratose, gamma keratose, or combinations thereof, and with basic alpha keratose preferred over acidic alpha keratose); and (b) an electrolyte solution, with the keratin derivative solubilized in the electrolyte solution to form a homogeneous liquid composition. Blood substitutes formed therefrom and methods of making and using the same are also described.

Abstract: A chemically patterned modified hydrogel formed from a modified hydrogel is provided. The hydrogel is conjugated with a multiphoton photocleavable molecule. The molecule has a multiphoton-labile protective group and a protected group. The protective group is cleavable upon multiphoton excitation to deprotect the protected group, without substantial polymerization of the hydrogel. The chemically patterned modified hydrogel is formed by exposing the modified hydrogel to multiphoton excitation to deprotect a portion of the protected groups.

Abstract: Described are methods and associated means for treating a subject, such as a mammal, experiencing or thought to be at risk for hemorrhagic shock. Such methods include administering to the subject in a medically acceptable manner, a short oligopeptide such as AQGV (SEQ ID NO:1) and/or LQGV (SEQ ID NO:2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-liquid biomaterial that may be used as a surgical sealant, a suture support, a blood flow controller, an adhesion reducing agent, an adhesion preventing agent, a tissue support, a tissue filler, a wound dressing or a combination thereof. The non-liquid biomaterial may comprise a blood derived material such as plasma, platelet poor plasma, platelet rich plasma or a material derived from blood containing tissue aspirate, such as bone marrow aspirate, a protein binding agent and a polymerizing agent. Methods for making and using the non-liquid biomaterial are also provided.

Abstract: A promoter of ATP release from red blood cells, comprising a substance capable of stabilizing the structure of hemoglobin in red blood cells in its T-state; and a method of releasing ATP from red blood cells with the use of the promoter. There are further provided an inhibitor of ATP release from red blood cells, comprising a substance capable of stabilizing the structure of hemoglobin in red blood cells in its R-state; and a method of inhibiting ATP release from red blood cells with the use of the inhibitor.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to delivering a nucleic acid to the central nervous system.

Abstract: Methods for cell therapy of peripheral vascular disease by local administration of ex-vivo cultured hematopoietic cells are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for the diagnosis of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) or prion disease in an animal which comprises assaying a sample obtained from said animal to determine the number of hematopoietic cells of the erythroid, megakaryocyte or platelet cell lineages in the sample or an expression product thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting interleukin-3 receptor-expressing cells, and, in particular, inhibiting the growth of such cells by using a diphtheria toxin-human interleukin-3 conjugate (DT-IL3) that is toxic to cells expressing the interleukin-3 receptor. In preferred embodiments, the DT-IL3 conjugate is a fusion protein comprising amino acids 1-388 of diphtheria toxin fused via a peptide linker to full-length, human interleukin-3. In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention relate to the administration of a DT-IL3 conjugate to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and/or cancer stem cells in humans, which cells express one or more subunits of the interleukin-3 receptor. Exemplary cells include myeloid leukemia cancer stem cells.

Abstract: Treatment and/or prophylaxis, in mammalian patients, of neurodegenerative and other neurological medical disorders is effected by administering to the patient effective amounts of apoptotic bodies and/or apoptotic cells, preferably those derived from the patient's own white blood cells, e.g. by extracorporeal treatment of the patient's blood cells to induce apoptosis and administration of the apoptotic bodies and/or cells so formed to the patient.

Abstract: Fixed-dried red blood cells (RBCs), and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The red blood cells, upon reconstitution with distilled water or appropriate buffer: bind oxygen with native affinities, have partial deformability, present minimal thrombogenicity to platelets, and have oblated blood group antigens. The RBCs are preferably fixed by means of cross-linkers with aldehyde functions such as paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde either alone or in combination. Native oxygen kinetics are achieved by preparing the red blood cells with 1,6-diphosphofructose. Blood group antigens and chemical functions that render the lyophilized RBCs thrombogenic are occluded by chemically attaching polyoxyethylene glycol polymers to the surface membrane of the red blood cells. The cross-linked red blood cells are preferably died by lyophilization.

Abstract: A method of producing blood products in vitro and a method of treatment are provided. The methods include culturing isolated non-SV40 transformed mesenchymal stem cells with growth factors for a time sufficient to produce at least one type of blood products. A method of differentiating mesenchymal cells is also provided. The method of differentiating mesenchymal cells includes culturing isolated non-SV40 transformed mesenchymal stem cells in vitro with growth factors and producing at least one blood cell product.

Abstract: Methods are provided for quenching undesired side reactions of pathogen inactivating compounds in biological materials comprising red blood cells. In a particular embodiment, methods are provided for quenching undesired side reactions of a pathogen inactivating compound that includes a functional group which is, or which is capable of forming, an electrophilic group. In this embodiment, the material is treated with the pathogen inactivating compound and a quencher, wherein the quencher comprises a nucleophilic functional group that is capable of covalently reacting with the electrophilic group. The electrophilic group on the pathogen inactivating compound is preferably a non-radical cationic group. In one embodiment, the pathogen inactivating compound includes a nucleic acid binding ligand and a mustard group, wherein the mustard group is capable of reacting in situ to form the electrophilic group. Preferred quenchers are thiols, such as glutathione.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a patient includes administering to the patient stored red blood cells and a hemoglobin solution. The stored red blood cells and the hemoglobin solution can be administered to the patient simultaneously. Alternatively, the hemoglobin solution can be administered to the patient prior to administrating the stored red blood cells or the stored red blood cells can be administered to the patient prior to administering the hemoglobin solution. A composition of the invention includes stored red blood cells and a hemoglobin solution.

Abstract: There is provided a combination treatment for slowing or arresting the progression and/or effecting the regression of atherosclerotic plaque deposits in a mammalian patient, said combination treatment including the administration to the patient of a cholesterol lowering drug such as a statin, and the administration to the patient of an aliquot of a patient's own blood which has been treated ex vivo with one or more stressors selected from an oxidative environment, thermal stress and UV light.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of delivering an antigen to an Class I or Class II MHC receptors to induce immunity against the antigen in a subject having a disease. This invention also provides methods of delivering an antigen to an Class II or class I MHC receptor to supress immunity against the antigen in a subject having a disease.

Abstract: A method is provided for the diagnosis of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) or prion disease in an animal which comprises assaying a sample obtained from said animal to determine the number of hematopoietic cells of the erythroid, megakaryocyte or platelet cell lineages in the sample or an expression product thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified red blood cells which function as deployment platforms for important biomolecules. Such modified red blood cells can confer, for example, in vivo protection against exposure to an otherwise lethal nerve agent.

Abstract: Living cells modified at their surface with specially selected polymers are disclosed. A simple method to covalently attach specially selected PEG derivatives to the surface of RBC in aqueous media under mild conditions is a preferred example. The selected PEG-modification dramatically reduced aggregation and low shear viscosity of RBC resuspended in autologous plasma, and inhibited RBC agglutination by blood group-specific antibodies. The morphology and deformability of the PEG-treated cells were unaltered. The PEG coating of the RBC surface is applicable to the treatment of a variety of diseases characterized by vaso-occlusion or impaired blood flow, e.g., myocardial infarction, shock, and sickle cell disease.

Abstract: Red blood cells can be loaded with low molecular weight nitrosylating agents, such as S-nitrosothiols, to act as a delivery system for NO+ groups to tissues. Loaded red blood cells can be used in methods of therapy for conditions which are characterized by abnormal O2 metabolism of tissues, oxygen-related toxicity, abnormal vascular tone, abnormal red blood cell adhesion, or abnormal O2 delivery by red blood cells. Such treatment of red blood cells can be extended to in vivo therapies, with the object to achieve an increase in the ratio of red blood cell S-nitrosothiol to hemoglobin.

Abstract: Fixed-dried red blood cells (RBCs), and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The red blood cells, upon reconstitution with distilled water or appropriate buffer: bind oxygen with native affinities, have partial deformability, present minimal thrombogenicity to platelets, and have oblated blood group antigens. The RBCs are preferably fixed by means of cross-linkers with aldehyde functions such as paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde either alone or in combination. Native oxygen kinetics are achieved by preparing the red blood cells with 1,6-diphosphofructose. Blood group antigens and chemical functions that render the lyophilized RBCs thrombogenic are occluded by chemically attaching polyoxyethylene glycol polymers to the surface membrane of the red blood cells. The cross-linked red blood cells are preferably died by lyophilization.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are RBC preparations and methods of making and using thereof for treating, preventing or inhibiting ETEC infections. In particular, bovine red blood cell (RBC) preparations are shown to reduce enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) adhesion when administered orally. Also disclosed are kits comprising RBC preparations for the treatment of ETEC infections.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing hematopoiesis. The method includes transplanting at least a therapeutically effective portion of an isolated vascular tissue into a subject, wherein the vascular tissue enhances hematopoiesis. A method is also provided for detecting an agent that affects hematopoiesis. The method includes transplanting a portion of an isolated vascular tissue into a subject, wherein the portion of the isolated vascular tissue is sufficient to enhance hematopoiesis. The vascular tissue is treated with an agent, and hematopoiesis is detected in the subject. Hematopoiesis in the subject is compared with hematopoietic in a control. A change in hematopoiesis in the subject as compared to the control indicatives that the agent affects hematopoiesis. A method is provided for isolating a hematopoiesis growth factor using the method of the invention. In addition, a method is provided for isolating a hematopoietic stem cell using the method of the invention.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a patient includes administering to the patient stored red blood cells and a hemoglobin solution. The stored red blood cells and the hemoglobin solution can be administered to the patient simultaneously. Alternatively, the hemoglobin solution can be administered to the patient prior to administrating the stored red blood cells or the stored red blood cells can be administered to the patient prior to administering the hemoglobin solution. A composition of the invention includes stored red blood cells and a hemoglobin solution.

Abstract: The invention refers to medical science and deals with insulin-containing medicine for peroral use and its derivation method. Insulin-containing medicine for peroral use containing insulin and auxiliary substance, wherein it contains insulin immobilized on erythrocytes of fresh mammal blood in the presence of stitching agent in proportion, in mass %: insulin 5-10 erythrocytes execreted 100 from fresh mammal blood and represents a lyophilized form with the content 1250-2000E of insulin on 1 g of dry mass.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are RBC preparations and methods of making and using thereof for treating, preventing or inhibiting ETEC infections. In particular, bovine RBC preparations are shown to reduce ETEC adhesion. Also disclosed are kits comprising RBC preparations for the treatment of ETEC infections.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for prevention and treatment of uncontrolled formation of intravascular fibrin clots are provided wherein fibrinolytic or anticoagulant drugs are biocompatibly coupled to red blood cell carriers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions prolonging the storage life and/or increasing the safety of a blood product, such as whole blood, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, serum and aqueous additive solutions for storage of such blood products are provided. Storage solutions of this invention comprise a composition selected from the group consisting of garlic extract, allicin, other microorganism-growth-inhibiting compounds derived from garlic, and analogs and derivatives of allicin and said other compounds, in an amount effective to inhibit growth of at least one selected microorganism which is a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite. The storage additive solutions of this invention can increase platelet storage life by at least about 20%, preferably at least about 40%.

Abstract: Methods for modulating immune responses are provided. The methods involve contacting an immune cell with an agent that modulates interaction of a compound comprising a Lewis antigen with the immune cell such that production by the immune cell of at least one cytokine that regulates development of a T helper type 1 or T helper type 2 response is modulated. Stimulatory forms of the agent can comprise multivalent conjugates containing a Lewis antigen, such as a Lewisy, Lewisx or Lewisa-containing oligosaccharide, or a derivative thereof. Inhibitory forms of the agent can comprise non-crosslinked forms of a Lewis antigen, such as a Lewisy, Lewisx or Lewisa-containing oligosaccharide, or a derivative thereof. Stimulatory forms of the agent can be used in methods for stimulating a specific immune response to an antigen in vivo. Inhibitory forms of the agent can be used in methods for inhibiting allergic responses in vivo.

Abstract: Fixed-dried red blood cells (RBCs), and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The red blood cells, upon reconstitution with distilled water or appropriate buffer: bind oxygen with native affinities, have partial deformability, present minimal thrombogenicity to platelets, and have oblated blood group antigens. The RBCs are preferably fixed by means of cross-linkers with aldehyde functions such as paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde either alone or in combination. Native oxygen kinetics are achieved by preparing the red blood cells with 1,6-diphosphofructose. Blood group antigens and chemical functions that render the lyophilized RBCs thrombogenic are occluded by chemically attaching polyoxyethylene glycol polymers to the surface membrane of the red blood cells. The cross-linked red blood cells are preferably died by lyophilization.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified red blood cells which function as deployment platforms for important biomolecules. Such modified red blood cells can confer, for example, in vivo protection against exposure to an otherwise lethal nerve agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified red blood cells which function as deployment platforms for important biomolecules. Such modified red blood cells can confer, for example, in vivo protection against exposure to an otherwise lethal nerve agent.

Abstract: A universally applicable blood plasma obtainable by a process comprising the steps of mixing blood or blood plasma of blood groups A and B optionally blood or blood plasma of blood group AB without admixing substantial amounts of blood or blood plasma derived from blood group 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a transfusable, oxygenating composition of human red blood cells by the ex vivo culturing, expansion and differentiation of human primitive hematopoietic cells. The process involves expansion of primitive hematopoietic cells in a first bioreactor containing one or more growth factors, differentiating the cells into erythroid progenitor cells in a second bioreactor containing one or more differentiation factors and effecting maturation of the erythroid progenitor cells into mature erythrocytes in a third bioreactor containing one or more maturation factors. The invention also provides a process for producing a transfusable, oxygenating composition of red blood cells by expansion and differentiation of primitive hematopoietic cells in a bioreactor containing a nutrient medium which includes perfluorocarbons which improve the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the cells and the nutrient media.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of transplanting hemopoietic stem cells which Comprises subjecting a recipient to a radiation treatment using an effective exposure dose for hemopoietic stem cell transplantation in advance and administering hemopoietic stem cells from a donor from the portal vein. By this method the graft failure/rejection of donor cells can be avoided to thereby maintain the transplant in satisfactory condition.

Abstract: Living cells are modified at their surface with specially selected polymers. Covalently attaching specially selected polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives to the surface of red blood cells (RBC) in aqueous media under mild conditions is a preferred example. The selected PEG derivatives dramatically reduced aggregation and low shear viscosity of RBC resuspended in autologous plasma, and inhibited RBC agglutination by blood group-specific antibodies. The morphology and deformability of the PEG-treated cells were unaltered. PEG coating of the RBC surface is applicable to the treatment of a variety of diseases characterized by vaso-occlusion or impaired blood flow, e.g., myocardial infarction, shock, and sickle cell disease. An infusion solution is prepared containing red blood cells covalently bound to a PEG derivative having a molecular weight of between 2,000 and 5,000 Daltons and a PEG derivative having a molecular weight between 10,000 and 35,000 Daltons.