Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of gingival fibroblast-derived products to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth. Specifically, the invention relates to a product derived from gingival fibroblasts to be used in the treatment or prevention of alopecia, as well as in the promotion of natural hair growth and/or in the control of natural hair loss.

Abstract: Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a microbiota restoration therapy composition may include collecting a human fecal sample and adding a diluent to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample. The diluent may include a cryoprotectant. The method may also include mixing the diluted sample with a mixing apparatus and filtering the diluted sample. Filtering may form a filtrate. The method may also include transferring the filtrate to a sample bag and sealing the sample bag.

Abstract: A system for obtaining plasma enriched in platelets is disclosed which is closed to the atmosphere. The system includes: a collection tube containing an anticoagulant portion and a separation gel; a first collection syringe adapted to collect a portion of fluid relatively depleted in platelets from said collection tube after centrifugation; and a second collection syringe adapted to collect plasma enriched in platelets from said collection tube after centrifugation, said second collection syringe further comprising a filter unit adapted to filter cells included in said plasma enriched in platelets.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions comprising multipotent cells or microvascular tissue, wherein the cells or tissue has been sterilized and/or treated to inactivated viruses, and related methods of using these compositions to treat or prevent tissue injury or disease in an allogeneic subject.

Abstract: The example systems, methods, and/or computer-readable media described herein help with design of highly accurate models of un-erupted or partially erupted teeth and help fabricate of aligners for un-erupted or partially erupted teeth. Automated agents that use machine learning models to parametrically represent three-dimensional (3d) virtual representations of teeth as 3D descriptors in a 3D descriptor space are provided herein. In some implementations, the automated agents described herein provide instructions to fabricate aligners for at least partially un-erupted teeth using representative 3D descriptor(s) of a tooth type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for protecting against damage caused by radiation and/or chemotherapy, and methods for treating bone marrow damage by reducing/inhibiting Latexin expression and/or Latexin activity. The methods comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antagonist that reduces expression and/or activity of latexin, wherein latexin is a latexin polynucleotide variant and/or a latexin polypeptide variant that binds to the antagonist.

Abstract: Methods of developing and using cell lines, such as stem cell lines, for therapeutic or cosmetic use. In one embodiment the cell lines are used to treat a wide range of degenerative and metabolic disorders including, but not limited to, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac deficiency. Also described are methods of using such cell lines to screen for compounds that play a role in regulating a variety of processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides Jagged 1 and Frizzled 4 as cell surface markers for isolating human cardiomyogenic ventricular progenitor cells, in particular progenitor cells that preferentially differentiate into cardiac ventricular muscle cells. Thus, the invention provides human ventricular progenitor (HVP) cells. The invention provides in vitro methods of the separation of Islet 1+ Jagged 1+ ventricular progenitor cells and/or Islet 1+/Frizzled 4+ ventricular progenitor cells and/or Islet 1+/Jagged 1+/Frizzled 4+ ventricular progenitor cells, and the large scale expansion and propagation thereof. Large clonal populations of isolated Jagged 1+ and/or Frizzled 4+ventricular progenitor cells are also provided. Methods of in vivo use of Jagged 1+ and/or Frizzled 4+ ventricular progenitor cells for cardiac repair or to improve cardiac function are also provided. Methods of using the Jagged 1+ and/or Frizzled 4+ ventricular progenitor cells for cardiac toxicity screening of test compounds are also provided.

Abstract: To obtain a novel therapeutic drug for a malignant tumor or fibrosis. Used is a compound represented by formula (1), a salt thereof, or a solvate thereof. Also used is a therapeutic drug for a malignant tumor or a therapeutic drug for fibrosis, comprising a compound represented by formula (1), a salt thereof, or a solvate thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions and methods for the collection of stem cells from an organ, e.g., placenta. The invention provides a stem cell collection composition comprising an apoptosis inhibitor and, optionally, an enzyme such as a protease or mucolytic enzyme, vasodilator, necrosis inhibitor, oxygen-carrying perfluorocarbon, or an organ preserving compound. The invention provides methods of using the stem cell collection composition to collect stem cells and to preserve populations of stem cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated CD133+ cells, such as human CD133+ cells, that have been expanded in culture and populations of isolated CD133+ cells that have been expanded in culture. The cells express transcription factors, growth factors, or a combination thereof, at altered levels compared to a naturally occurring CD133+ cell. Also provided are methods, including methods for expanding CD133+ cells and methods for using CD133+ cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses immune function development promoters and growth promoters comprising CCL25. The development of immune functions in a subject can be promoted by ingesting an immune function development promoter according to the present invention. Moreover, growth of a subject can be promoted by ingesting a growth promoter according to the present invention.

Abstract: Described here are three-dimensional microenvironment niches prepared from biomaterial compositions that support growth and self renewal of stem cells. The invention also provides methods for inducing pluripotency in a somatic cell using chemical compounds, as well as methods for screening for compounds that can induce pluripotency in a somatic cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for generating mature insulin-producing ?-like cells comprising the steps: (a) isolating, purifying and/or enriching ?-cell progenitor cells from a population of cells; (b) differentiation of the ?-cell progenitor cells into immature insulin-producing ?-like cells; and (c) maturation of the immature insulin-producing ?-like cells into mature insulin-producing ?-like cells, comprising exposing the immature insulin-producing ?-like cells to calcitriol or an analogue thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for generating mature insulin-producing ?-like cells for use in treating diabetes.

Abstract: Provided are a method of preparing retinal ganglion cells by differentiation of stem into retinal ganglion cells, retinal ganglion cells differentiated by the method, a method of screening for a death inhibitor or a proliferation promoter of retinal ganglion cells using the retinal ganglion cells differentiated by the method, a kit of screening for the death inhibitor or the proliferation promoter of retinal ganglion cells including the retinal ganglion cells differentiated by the method, a pharmaceutical composition for treating glaucoma or optic neuropathy including the retinal ganglion cells, a method of treating glaucoma or optic neuropathy including the step of administering the retinal ganglion cells to a subject suspected of having glaucoma or optic neuropathy, and a method of preparing a mature retinal ganglion cell line.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods and compositions useful in cell and tissue biology and therapeutics. In particular, an in vitro method for differentiating pluripotent cells into endothelial colony forming cell-like cells (ECFC-like cells) is provided. A purified human cell population of NRP-1+CD31+ ECFC-like cells is provided, wherein at least some of the cells in the population have a high proliferation potential. Therapeutic and test agent screening methods for using the cell populations of the present disclosure are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a cellular-based therapies for modulating the level of regulatory T cells (Treg) and/or the level of pro-inflammatory T cells (Th17/Th1). To provide these therapeutic effects, a combination comprising at least one a cellular pro-tolerogenic preparation and at least one a cellular pro-inflammatory preparation are administered sequentially.

Abstract: Described herein are nanoparticle-based compositions, kits and methods and platforms for delivering one or more nucleic acids to a myeloid cell.

Abstract: Methods for producing new neurons in the brain in vivo are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include introducing NeuroD1 into a glial cell, particularly into a reactive astrocyte or NG2 cell, thereby “converting” the reactive glial cell to a neuron. Methods of producing a neuronal phenotype in a glial cell are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include expressing exogenous NeuroD1 in the glial cell, wherein expressing exogenous NeuroD1 includes delivering an expression vector, such as a viral expression vector, including a nucleic acid encoding the exogenous NeuroD1 to the glial cell.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using cells derived from umbilical cord tissue to stimulate and support lung tissue angiogenesis, to improve blood flow to lung tissue, to regenerate, repair, and improve lung tissue damaged by lung disease, disorder and/or injury, and to protect lung tissue from damage caused by lung disease, disorder and/or injury in a patient.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein generally relates to methods and systems for converting stem cells into specific tissue(s) or organ(s) through directed differentiation. In particular, the invention disclosed herein relates to methods and systems for promoting definitive endoderm formation from pluripotent stem cells. The invention disclosed herein further relates to methods and systems for promoting ventral-anterior foregut spheroid tissue formation, 3-dimensional lung tissue formation, and lung organoid tissue formation produced in vitro from the described methods.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to antigen recognizing constructs against COL6A3 antigens. The invention in particular provides novel T cell receptor (TCR) based molecules which are selective and specific for the tumor expressed antigen COL6A3. The TCR of the invention, and COL6A3 antigen binding fragments derived therefrom, are of use for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of COL6A3 expressing cancerous diseases. Further provided are nucleic acids encoding the antigen recognizing constructs of the invention, vectors comprising these nucleic acids, recombinant cells expressing the antigen recognizing constructs and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides preparations of MSCs with important therapeutic potential. The MSC cells are non-primary cells with an antigen profile comprising less than about 1.25% CD45+ cells (or less than about 0.75% CD45+), at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least 95% CD166+ cells. Optionally, MSCs of the present preparations are isogenic and can be expanded ex vivo and cryopreserved and thawed, yet maintain a stable and uniform phenotype. Methods are taught here of expanding these MSCs to produce a clinical scale therapeutic preparations and medical uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell preparations useful for modulating various peripheral immune functions, methods for making said cell preparations, and methods for their use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ?7?1 integrin modulatory agents and methods of using such to treat conditions associated with decreased ?7?1 integrin expression or activity, including muscular dystrophy. In one example, methods for treating a subject with muscular dystrophy are disclosed. The methods include administering an effective amount of an ?7?1 integrin modulatory agent to the subject with muscular dystrophy, wherein the ?7?1 integrin modulatory agent increases ?7?1 integrin expression or activity as compared to ?7?1 integrin expression or activity prior to treatment, thereby treating the subject with muscular dystrophy. Also disclosed are methods of enhancing muscle regeneration, repair, or maintenance in a subject and methods of enhancing ?7?1 integrin expression by use of the disclosed ?7?1 integrin modulatory agents. Methods of prospectively preventing or reducing muscle injury or damage in a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing compositions including embryonic proteins. The method includes culturing cells under hypoxic conditions on a biocompatible surface in vitro. The culturing method produces both soluble and non-soluble fractions, which may be used separately or in combination to obtain physiologically acceptable compositions useful in a variety of medical and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a chimeric receptor comprising NKG2D, DAP10 and CD3 zeta. Also disclosed is a composition comprising this chimeric receptor and methods for making and using it to enhance the cytotoxicity and antitumor capacity of NK cells. The invention also encompansses methods for use of NKG2D-DAP10-CD3 zeta polypeptides, vectors and cells in methods for treating cancer and other proliferative disorders, as well as infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new generation of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), under single-chain or multi-chain forms, the specificity of which, to a desired antigen, is conferred by a VNAR polypeptide derived from monomeric antibodies from cartilaginous fish. Such CARs, which aim to redirect immune cell specificity toward selected undesired malignant cells, are compact and thus particularly adapted to target hollow antigens such as ions channels of efflux pumps present at the surface of drug-resistant cells. The invention encompasses the polynucleotides, vectors encoding said multi-chain CAR and the isolated cells expressing them at their surface, in particularly for their use in immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to endogenous cardiac stem-progenitor cells (eCSCs). Provided herein are c-kitpos CD166pos eCSCs that are negative for the hematopoietic marker, CD45 and the mast cell marker, Tryptase. These single cell derived eCSCs can differentiate into a variety of specific cell types corresponding to the derivatives of the three germ layers. Also provided herein is a stage-specific TGF-P-Family/Wnt-Inhibitor cocktail for modulating in vitro myogenic specification and maturation of c-kitpos eCSCs. Also provided herein are methods of modulating eCSCs clonal expansion and differentiation. Also provided herein are screening assays for small organic molecules that modulate early cardiomyogenic progenitor cells. The invention further relates to the use of these modulated cells in prophylactic and therapeutic methods, including in pharmaceutical compositions of such cells, growth factors and/or small organic compounds.

Abstract: A method for assessment of neural function by establishing an analysis module is revealed. The first step of the method is to capture images of the cultured cells with a plurality of fluorescence labeling by a fluorescence microscopy system for image analysis. The cultured cells include neurons and non-neuronal cells. Then select neurons with neurites having fluorescence labeling and exclude non-neuronal cells according to an area and a fluorescence intensity of nucleus. Also calculate an area of the neuronal cell body, a length of the neurites and a number of processes and branches to verify outgrowth of the neurites of the neurons. Next calculate a number of synaptic puncta having fluorescence labeling on the area of the neurites having fluorescence labeling defined in Step 2 to verify formation of the synaptic puncta of the neurons for assessment of neural function.

Abstract: Cardiovascular prostheses for treating, reconstructing and replacing damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue that are formed from acellular extracellular matrix (ECM). The cardiovascular prostheses comprise various compositions, such as ECM based compositions, and structures, such as particulate and sheet structures.

Abstract: A method of increasing beta-islet cells from pancreases of rabbits and a composition for transplantation of beta-islet cells isolated and cultured from rabbit pancreases to promote natural insulin production among diabetic patients.

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.

Abstract: A composition having tissue repair activity, which is capable of promoting reactions associated with tissue repair, contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a first component that is a protein having a monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) activity, a second component that is a protein having the extracellular domain activity of sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectin-9 (Siglec-9), and a third component that is at least one of chondroitin sulfate and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present invention generally relate to compositions and methods for treating a bone disease, for example a genetic bone disease. In one embodiment the bone disease is fibular hemimelia, proximal femoral focal deficiency, tarsal coalition or humeroradial synostosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polynucleotides that encode VEGFR-3 ligand binding molecules and uses thereof to modulate angiogenesis and/or lymphangiogenesis. A glycosylation sequon of wildtype VEGFR-3 has been modified to eliminate glycosylation in the encoded ligand binding molecules.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for remolding bone marrow microenvironment in a subject having an impaired bone marrow microenvironment, which comprises implanting a composition comprising isolated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) into the bone marrow cavity of the subject. The method of the present invention successfully remolds the bone marrow microenvironment, recovers the normal hematopoiesis of bone marrow, inhibits/delays the pathological process of leukemia and significantly prolongs the survival period. In addition, the method according to the present invention can be used for the treatment of hematologic tumors such as leukemia and aplastic anemia (AA), which is safe and effective but has no side effects.

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

Abstract: An unmanned ground vehicle includes a main body, a drive system supported by the main body, and a manipulator arm pivotally coupled to the main body. The drive system comprising right and left driven track assemblies mounted on right and left sides of the main body. The manipulator arm includes a gripper, a wrist motor configured for rotating the gripper, and an inline camera in a palm of the gripper. The inline camera is mechanically configured to remain stationary with respect to the manipulator arm while the wrist motor rotates the gripper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition including: an isolated in vitro pre-conditioned population of adult bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), wherein the BMSCs express neuronal markers, and wherein the neuronal markers are PGP9.5, NSE, Tuj1, HuC/D and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Methods of preparing the BMSCs are also provided. In addition, the present disclosure is directed to a method of treating an enteric nervous system-related disorder including: administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition including the in vitro pre-conditioned BMSC population and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The invention is directed to osteochondroreticular stem cells and methods of using osteochondroreticular stem cells. In another aspect the invention is directed to a method of treating osteoarthritis or skeletal fractures using osteochondroreticular stem cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern compositions and methods for genetic engineering related to hypermethylation of sequences. In particular embodiments, there are methods and compositions to induce DNA methylation in a manner that leads to transcriptional suppression of a target gene that allows characterization of the gene and/or its expression.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a culture medium and method for inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into neuroepithelial cells. The culture medium comprises at least two agents for neural induction, wherein the agents includes a Wnt signal agonist and a Smad2/3 inhibitor and the culture medium is a feeder free culture. The method is to culture pluripotent stem cells in the culture medium to differentiate into neuroepithelial cells. The neuroepithelial cells can further differentiate into mature neurons for practical applications, including regeneration medicine and drug discovery for neural disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein expression in plants, particularly the large-scale production of recombinant polypeptides in whole Nicotiana tabacum plants. The use of preselected combination of N. tabacum varieties and Agrobacterium strains, optionally including one or more improvements to the transient expression-based methods of the invention, enables the production of large quantities of a heterologous polypeptides economically and in a short period of time.

Abstract: Variant peptides of calcitonin gene-related peptide alpha (?CGRP), calcitonin gene-related peptide beta (?CGRP), and adrenomedullin (AM) are disclosed, wherein the variant peptides have high binding affinity and agonistic or antagonistic activity for at least one receptor complex of CLR:RAMP1, CLR:RAMP2, and CLR:RAMP3. Also disclosed are methods of use of the variant peptides in therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cosmetic use of dedifferentiated plant cells of a plant of the Rosa sp. genus, or of an extract or a lyophilizate of said cells, as an active agent for caring for aged skin or aged hair. It also relates to rose dedifferentiated cells, in particular Lancôme rose dedifferentiated cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for improving the healing of surgical wounds, and specifically for improving the survival rate, color retention rate, density, and scarring rate of a hair follicular graft following a hair transplantation surgery. The composition may be a suspension for injection proximal to the surgical graft recipient site, with the suspension comprising 0.4-0.5 mL of a suspension of an autologous platelet solution of at least 1 billion platelets at a concentration exceeding 1.5 billion platelets per mL, about 20 mg of granulated extracellular matrix, and about 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a long term cell culturing method and a cell culturing apparatus and kit that employ a porous polyimide film. The invention further relates to a cell cryopreservation method and kit employing the porous polyimide film.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are medical products, including a surgical mesh, with a layer of dehydrated modified basement membrane preparation formed thereon. The basement membrane has been modified before dehydration of remove low molecular weight components. In some embodiments, the basement membrane is crosslinked. Methods of making and using the products also are disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cell-containing composition capable of suppressing the outflow of the cells after transplantation and improving the survival rate of the cells. The present invention provides a composition which comprises any of bone marrow stromal cell-derived neural precursor cells, bone marrow stromal cell-derived Schwann cells, or bone marrow stromal cell-derived skeletal muscle cells; and a biocompatible polymer.