Abstract: This invention relates to stem cell microparticles, their use and production, in particular neural stem cell microparticles and their use in therapy. The stem cell microparticle is typically an exosome or microvesicle and may be derived from a neural stem cell line. The neural stem cell line may be a conditionally-immortalised stem cell line such as CTX0E03 (deposited at the ECACC with Accession No. 04091601).

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and devices suitable for producing a transplantable cellular suspension of living tissue suitable for promoting tissue regeneration in an epithelium-related procedure, as well as compositions produced therefrom. The cellular suspension can include viable and functioning cells at various stages of differentiation, including undifferentiated/progenitor cells and differentiated cells, as well as those in between. In certain embodiments, the cellular suspension can be subjected to a stress to induce a heat shock response therein, or be exposed to an exogenously supplied agent such as heat shock protein or a fragment thereof, hyaluronic acid, platelet-enriched plasma, and/or growth factors. The cellular suspension can be applied directly to a patient's recipient site for in vivo regeneration, or be cultured or seeded to a matrix for in vitro growth/regeneration.

Abstract: Identification of a group of novel particle termed “non-platelet RNA-containing particles (NPRCP)” provides novel compositions, downstream products and therapeutic tools. In addition a group of mixed NPRCPs were identified that contain RNAs and proteins. NPRCPs do not have a nucleus and their membrane is not the typical eukaryotic cell membrane. Methods for isolation and enrichment are also provided.

Abstract: A method for in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro regeneration of cartilage and collagen. In vivo, ex vivo and in vitro regeneration and de novo formation of articular cartilage and collagen by intermittently applied hydrostatic pressure. The application of external interval loading consisting of repeated periods of applied hydrostatic pressure followed and interrupted by periods of recovery. The application of the intermittent hydrostatic pressure at physiological levels 5-10 MPA for an interval of 4 hours followed by a recovery period up to about 20 hours, said pressure applied to the cartilage cells in vitro, explants of cartilage ex vivo and in vivo to cartilage that remains intact within to joint space of diarthrotic joints.

Abstract: A scaffold to form tissue membranes, comprising: at least one layer of mesh having a first side and a second side, the layer of mesh being either a woven wire metal mesh or a flat metal sheet that is acid-etched such that the layer of mesh includes a network of holes passing directly through the mesh from the first side to the second side; and at least one layer of cells at each side of the mesh enclosing the layer of mesh, such that the at least one layer of cells on the first side interacts with the at least one layer of cells on the second side through the network of holes to provide for structure integration.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating a condition in which growth hormone administration is beneficial, for treating osteoarthritis, for increasing chondrocyte, proteoglycan or collagen production or quality or repair or promoting cartilage tissue formation or repair, for promoting or improving muscle, ligament or tendon mass, repair, form or function, or for treating inflammatory, traumatic or genetic diseases of muscle or connective tissue, comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of a peptide comprising a carboxyl-terminal sequence from a growth hormone and not the IGF-1 domain of growth hormone. It also provides a method of treating a condition involving insufficient functional chondrocytes or insufficient functional cartilage tissue, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a peptide comprising a carboxyl-terminal sequence from a growth hormone and not the domain of growth hormone responsible for IGF-1 production.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic composition comprising human embryonic stem cell-derived micro vesicles, and methods of their use, including treatment of eye pathologies and of obtaining retinal neural cells and retinal stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to control of plant pathogens, particularly fungi or oomycetes, by inhibiting one or more biological functions, particularly by inhibiting saccharopine dehydrogenase gene(s) using RNA interference. The invention provides methods and compositions using RNA interference of plant pathogens target genes for such control. The invention is also directed to methods for making transgenic plants tolerant to said plant pathogens, and to transgenic plants and seeds generated thereof.

Abstract: The invention features an “inverse patterning” or “Intaglio-Void/Embed-Relief Topographic (In VERT) molding” manufacturing process for generating high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) multi-cellular microstructures in distinct cellular compartments of a single hydrogel. The platform has general utility in the development of engineered tissues for human therapies, drug testing, and disease models. Additionally, the platform can serve as a model system for studying 3D cell-cell interactions in fields as diverse as stem cell biology to the development of cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating cancer in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide derived from the EphA2 protein and/or the IL-13R?2 protein and monitoring the amount of cancer stem cells in said subject. Also provided herein are methods for monitoring the efficacy of an EphA2 peptide-based cancer treatment or an IL-13R?2 peptide-based cancer treatment in a patient with cancer, comprising monitoring the amount of cancer stem cells in said subject prior to, during, and/or following cancer treatment of a patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for treating hemorrhoids. The invention is also directed to methods for preventing hemorrhoids. The invention is further directed to reducing inflammation associated with hemorrhoids. The invention is further directed to methods for preventing hemorrhoids and/or treating hemorrhoids and/or reducing inflammation associated with hemorrhoids by administering to a subject suffering from such conditions, or at risk of developing such conditions, novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions).

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the use of des-aspartate-angiotensin I and/or its derivatives in medicine. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of des-aspartate-angiotensin I and/or its derivatives for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of inflammatory diseases or pathologies, for inducing anti-inflammatory actions and/or reducing inflammation, and/or for treatment of inflammation-related conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides a polymer composition comprising at least one thermal gelling polymer and at least one anionic polymer for cell delivery applications. These injectable polymer compositions are shear-thinning, thixotropic and resorbable. More specifically there is described a hyaluronan (HA) and methylcellulose (MC) based thermogelling cell delivery system (HAMC) that promotes cell survival both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, HAMC (relative to media alone) enhances survival of transplanted stem/progenitor cells in the injured CNS. HAMC provides a minimally-invasive cell delivery strategy where the microenvironment can be further defined and the differentiation and regenerative capacity further explored. This hydrogel system has applications for minimally-invasive cell delivery to other tissues/organs in the body as well.

Abstract: A blood product (10), a method for preparing the blood product, a blood product obtainable by the method and a blood product preparing container means. The blood product comprises components from whole blood, especially fibrin, thrombocytes and leukocytes. The blood product (10) comprises a first layer (21), a second layer (22) and a third layer (23). The second layer (22) is adjacent to the first layer (21) and the third layer (23). The first layer (21) defines a first outer surface (24) of the blood product (10) and the third layer (23) defining a second outer surface (25) of the blood product (10). The first layer (21) comprises a majority of fibrin, the second layer (22) comprises a majority of thrombocytes and the third layer (23) comprises a majority of leukocytes.

Abstract: Agonists of growth hormone releasing hormone promote islet graft growth and proliferation in patients. Methods of treating patients comprise the use of these agonists.

Abstract: The invention relates to progenitor cells of mesodermal lineage and their use in therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions, and kits for high efficiency, site-specific genomic editing of cells.

Abstract: Methods of encapsulating cargo in a microgel droplet, microgel droplets prepared according the provided methods, and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The methods of preparing cargo-encapsulated microgels generally include flowing through a flow-focusing nozzle of a microfluidic device a macromer phase, an oil phase, and a crosslinker phase to form microgel droplets by oil-water emulsion. The phases are pumped, injected, or flowed through the microfluidic device such that as the macromer phase approaches the flow focusing nozzle, the co-flowing oil phase shields the macromer from contact with the crosslinker phase until flow instability occurs and macromer phase droplets form. After flow instability occurs, the crosslinker diffuses from the crosslinker phase into the droplets in an effective amount to covalently crosslink the macromer into a microgel network encapsulating the cargo in the crosslinked macromer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising shape memory polymer (SMP) materials and uses thereof. Particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to biocompatible shape memory polymer (SMP) materials and uses thereof in the medical field.

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: The invention is directed to a pouch-like construct comprising mammalian tissue which can be used for preventing distension and/or resisting dilation of the heart in a mammal. Preferably, the pouch-like tissue construct has contractile properties. The invention further relates to a method for the preparation of a pouch-like construct comprising mammalian tissue which can be used for the above purposes.

Abstract: Surgical devices, kits and methods of using thereof are described. Generally, the surgical kit includes an osteotomy guide device and/or a bone spacer guide device. The surgical kit can be used in a surgical method for correcting a malalignment of the knee joint that involves performing a fibular osteotomy and/or a tibial osteotomy, and/or administering stem cells. Generally, the osteotomy guide device is configured to allow drilling to occur around the tibia and across a horizontal cross-sectional plane of the tibia so that a direction of each of the drill holes that are formed in the tibia is substantially parallel to or on the same horizontal cross-sectional plane of the tibia. The osteotomy guide device allows drilling to be conducted efficiently and accurately.

Abstract: A hemostatic device, method of making, and method of using for internal and external applications to wounds in the body of a patient to induce hemostasis at an anatomical site.

Abstract: A cyclized peptide designated BMP Binding Peptide (BBP) is a synthetic peptide that avidly binds rhBMP-2, as do endogenous forms of BBP, and sequence conservation between species results in a variety of useful BBP compositions. BBP increases the over-all osteogenic activity of rhBMP-2, increases the rate at which rhBMP-2 induces bone formation, and BBP induces calcification alone. Compositions and substrates including BBP, and methods of using BBP are useful in therapeutic, diagnostic and clinical applications requiring calcification and osteogenesis.

Abstract: A method of providing a pancreatic, lymphoid/hematopietic or pulmonary organ and/or tissue function to a mammalian subject is provided. The method comprises transplanting into the subject a developing mammalian pancreatic, lymphoid/hematopietic or pulmonary organ/tissue graft, respectively, thereby generating a functional pancreatic, lymphoid/hematopietic or pulmonary organ and/or tissue, respectively, for providing the pancreatic, lymphoid/hematopietic or pulmonary organ and/or tissue function, respectively, to the subject.

Abstract: A tissue graft composition is described herein that includes a segment of small intestinal submucosa having at least one nanoparticle incorporated therein such that the permeability of the segment of small intestinal submucosa is altered, thereby providing the segment of small intestinal submucosa with a more substantially uniform structure for cell migration and proliferation. The tissue graft composition may further comprise at least one macromolecule incorporated into the nanoparticle. The tissue graft composition may be utilized in seeded or unseeded methods of tissue repair.

Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ionically cross-linkable alginate-grafted hyaluronate compound containing alginate and hyaluronate, the alginate and the hyaluronate forming a covalent linkage. The use of the compound can easily provide a cross-linked hyaluronate by adding a divalent cation without using a chemical cross-linking agent. The present invention also provides a method for cell transplantation that includes preparing a composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and cells for transplantation, and administering to a subject in need thereof the composition.

Abstract: Methods and uses of biological tissues for various stent and other medical applications. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of processing a tissue of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of acquiring a mammalian tissue comprising at least a portion of a pulmonary region tissue, selecting a sample of pulmonary region tissue from the at least a portion of a pulmonary region tissue, and fixing the sample of pulmonary region tissue using a fixative, resulting in a fixed sample. In at least one embodiment, the step of selecting a sample of pulmonary region tissue comprises selecting a sample of pulmonary ligament tissue from the mammalian tissue.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating and/or reducing the severity of multiple sclerosis in a human, by administering autologous mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural precursors. Also described is an in vitro method for differentiating mesenchymal stem-cell derived neural precursor oligodengroglial and neuronal cell types.

Abstract: The invention provides cell potency assays for measuring, determining, identifying, confirming, or validating the therapeutic potential of a cell population. Cell potency assays may be performed with various types of cells, including stem or progenitor cells, such as, for example, hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells. Cell potency assays may also be performed on stem or progenitor cells that have been treated with one or more agents to enhance therapeutic potential. Hematopoietic cells having therapeutic potential are useful in downstream clinical applications for increasing engraftment, reconstitution, homing, and proliferation in vivo.

Abstract: According to some aspects, tissue scaffolds are provided that comprise one or more types of nanofibers. In some embodiments, one or more design features are incorporated into a tissue scaffold (e.g.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel methods and composition utilizing adipose tissue-derived stromal stem cells for treating fistulae.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel drug discovery platforms and methods for treating type I diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention suppresses the strength reduction or degeneration of a tissue after the tissue is dried and/or sterilized, for the tissue comprising biological components and the like. Specifically, biological tissue is immersed in a trehalose solution and shaken, thereby impregnating the biological tissue with the trehalose solution. The trehalose solution used here is one obtained by dissolving trehalose in a phosphate buffered saline, the concentration of trehalose being preferably in the range of 20 wt % to 35 wt %. Thereafter, the biological tissue is dried to remove moisture in the biological tissue, and sterilized with ethylene oxide gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving pancreatic function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject STRO-1+ cells and/or progeny cells thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom. The method of the invention is useful for treating and/or preventing and/or delaying the onset or progression of a disorder resulting from or associated with pancreatic dysfunction, e.g., resulting from abnormal endocrine or exocrine function of the pancreas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are three types of skin-derived cells. One type of the cells is mesenchymal stem cells characterized by expression of the cell surface biomarker cluster of differentiation (CD) 146, the second type expresses CD271. The third type of cells is regeneration-associated cells characterized by expression of the cell surface biomarkers stage-specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA3) and CD 105 (clone 35). Also disclosed are methods of isolating, purifying, culturing, storing, and using these cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating diseased or damaged bone, preferably ischemic and/or necrotic bone, include the use of a combination of endothelial progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells, desirably also in conjunction with a collagenous extracellular matrix tissue. Methods for preparation of such compositions are also described.

Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.

Abstract: The invention provides a genipin cross-linked fibrin gel. The ratio of genipin to fibrin in the gel ranges from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 (genipin:fibrin). The gel can be hydrogel. Also provided is method for repairing tissue defects by administering the gel to site of tissue defect.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of viral inactivated-plasma cryoprecipitate concentrate (VIPCC) comprising a suitable fibronectin/fibrinogen ratio for treating a spine disease, disorder or condition such as intervertebral disc degeneration.

Abstract: The present description relates to an isolated population of human placental pluripotent stem cells or an isolated human placental pluripotent stem cell, positive for human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a migration marker and at least one pluripotent stem cell marker. The present description further provides a method for isolating human placental pluripotent stem cells. The method comprising: extracting cells from a human placenta; and isolating cells positive for human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a migration marker and at least one pluripotent stem cell marker and use thereof. On the other hand, it is likely that this present description is applicable to primates and other animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogel matrix comprising cartilage-forming cells wherein alginate, chitosan and cartilage-forming cells are mixed and subsequently polymerised into beads.

Abstract: Provided are methods of predicting the outcome of a chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in a subject. The methods comprise performing a polymerase chain reaction assay for an IGH locus on a nucleic acid from a biological sample from a subject with CLL, wherein the PCR assay amplifies a non-coding region of the IGH locus, sequencing a product from the PCR assay, and determining a level of mutation in the non-coding region of the IGH locus. An increased level of mutation in the non-coding region as compared to a control indicates a positive outcome for the subject with CLL. A decreased level or no mutation in the non-coding region as compared to a control indicates a poor outcome for the subject with CLL.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of spider silk filament for use as a thread or composition in the manufacture of cosmetic, medical, textile, and industrial applications, wherein the spider silk filament, derived from genetically modified organisms, is treated with at least one component selected from the group consisting of vitamins, hormones, antioxidants, chelating agents, antibiotics, preserving agents, fragrances, dyes, pigments, magnetic nanoparticles, nanocrystals, cell adhesion enhancers, thermal insulators, shrinkage agents and cosmetic, medical or dermatological active substances. Textile fabrics obtained by this method are stronger, bio-compatible, bio-degradable and have a higher thermal conductivity. Treated spider silk filament can also be applied in an oil-in-water or water-in-oil protective cream that is hypoallergenic and ensures a firmer skin.

Abstract: In an aspect, the invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing cardiac tissue and/or cell regeneration. In an aspect, the invention relates to compositions and methods for attenuating adverse cardiac tissue and/or cell remodeling. In an aspect, the invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting apoptosis. In an aspect, the invention relates to compositions and methods for identifying a myocardial injury. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention includes methods that can be used to increase ? cell populations in vivo and in vitro, useful in the treatment of diabetes and related disorders.

Abstract: A therapeutic or diagnostic delivery vehicle is provided. The delivery vehicle may include one or more particles, such as microparticles, nanoparticles and stimuli-responsive particles, conjugated to a tropic cell that targets at least one pathological entity or site. In addition, a pharmaceutical composition is provided. The pharmaceutical composition may include, among other things, a particle conjugated to a tropic cell such as those discussed above and at least one diagnostic or therapeutic agent, such as those described herein. In some aspects, the tropic cell may target at least one pathological entity or site. Further, methods for diagnosing, monitoring or treating a pathological condition in a subject are provided. Such methods may include administering a therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition to a subject.

Abstract: This invention provides coral-based scaffolds for cartilage repair, and instruments for insertion and utilization of same within a site of cartilage repair.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating a disorder of a subject's heart involving loss of cardiomyocytes which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising an amount of a human stromal derived factor-1 and an amount of a human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, the composition being administered in an amount effective to cause proliferation of cardiomyocytes within the subject's heart so as to thereby treat the disorder. This invention also provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a disorder of a tissue involving loss and/or apoptosis of cells of the tissue which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising an amount of an agent which induces phosphorylation and/or activation of protein kinase B, or an agent which induces phosphorylation and/or activation of an extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, or an agent which induces activation of CXCR4.