Abstract: An inkjet printing method, system, and computer-usable tangible storage device to print cells and biomaterials for three-dimensional cellular scaffolds and engineered skin grafts are disclosed. The process simultaneously deposits living cells, nutrients, growth factors, therapeutic drugs along with biomaterial scaffolds at the right time and location. This technology can also be used for the microvasculature fabrication using appropriate human microvascular endothelial cells and fibrin to form the microvasculature. When printing human microvascular endothelial cells in conjunction with the fibrin, the cells aligned themselves inside the channels and proliferated to form confluent linings. The 3D tubular structure was also found in the printed patterns. Simultaneously printing biological materials to form a three-dimensional cellular scaffold promotes human microvascular endothelial cell proliferation and microvasculature formation.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum placenta and methods for their isolation are provided by the invention. The invention further provides cultures and compositions of the placenta-derived cells. The placenta-derived cells of the invention have a plethora of uses, including but not limited to research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to cellular-based therapies for increasing the level of regulatory T cells (Treg) and/or decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory T cells (Th17) to induce anergy or immune tolerance. To provide these therapeutic effects, a non-proliferative allogeneic leukocyte population is contacted with another leukocyte population. The non-proliferative allogeneic leukocyte population is modified to bear on its surface a low-immunogenic biocompatible polymer so as to prevent pro-inflammatory allo-recognition with the latter leukocyte population. Cellular-based preparations and processes for achieving cellular therapy are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of generating induced sensory neurons (iSNs) from non-neuronal cells such as fibroblasts. The invention also provides methods of using iSNs in various therapeutic or non-therapeutic applications, e.g., methods to identify agents or cellular modulations that enhance iSN formation from non-neuronal cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus (oHSV) comprising a non-HSV ligand specific for a molecule (protein, lipid, or carbohydrate determinant) present on the surface of a cell (such as a cancer cell) and one or more copies of one or more microRNA target sequences inserted into one or more HSV gene loci, preferably one or more HSV gene(s) required for replication of HSV in normal (i.e., non-cancerous) cells. The invention further provides stocks and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive oHSV and methods for killing tumor cells employing the inventive oHSV.

Abstract: Compositions of matter, uses, and formulations of food supplements/nutrients capable of eliciting mobilization of various stem/progenitor cells, including hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells are disclosed. In one embodiment a formulation contains a mixture of ellagic acid, vitamin D3, beta 1,3 glucan and a ferment of the bacterium, Lactobacillus fermentum, with an extract of green tea, extract of goji berries, and extract of the root of astragalus added prior to fermentation. Said formulation, originally developed as an antioxidant/immune stimulator was found to have the unexpected property of eliciting stem/progenitor cell mobilization.

Abstract: Provided is a method including providing a population of cells including a target type of differentiated cells having a pre-identified cytoskeletal profile and at least one cell selected from undifferentiated cells, differentiating cells and differentiated cells being different from the target type of differentiated cells; and incubating the population of cells with a cytotoxic agent, in an amount and for a time period effective to form a modified population of cells including predominantly or consisting essentially of the target type of differentiated cells. The pre-identified cytoskeletal profile can include the presence of class III ?-tubulin on neuronal cells and the population of cells includes neural cells and neuronal cells.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of personal care compositions; in particular skin lightening compositions. A more effective way to reduce melanin content in melanocytes remains to be desired. It has been found that 4-hexylresorcinol in combination with MMP inhibitor galardin synergistically reduces melanin content in melanocytes. The invention thus relates to a composition comprising a synergistic combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and galardin for use in skin lightening. Thus the composition, when applied topically over an appropriate length of time in-vivo, may be used to lighten the skin, or to reduce age spots or freckles.

Abstract: Automated islet measurement systems (AIMS) in combination with tissue volume analysis (TVA) software effectively gauges volumetric and size-based data to generate heretofore unavailable information regarding, for example, populations of islet cells, stem cells and related desiderata.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to novel methods and compositions for using engineered reprogramming factor(s) for the creation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through a kinetically controlled process. Specifically, this disclosure relates to establishing combinations of reprogramming factors, including fusions between conventional reprogramming factors with transactivation domains, optimized for reprogramming various types of cells. More specifically, the exemplary methods disclosed herein can be used for creating induced pluripotent stem cells from various mammalian cell types, including human fibroblasts. Exemplary methods of feeder-free derivation of human induced pluripotent stem cells using synthetic messenger RNA are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for culturing mesenchymal stem cells. The method includes isolating mesenchymal stem cells having a size of 8 ?m or less and culturing the mesenchymal stem cells in a medium containing calcium and magnesium and under a low oxygen condition. The method can significantly improve the proliferative capacity and differentiation potential of the mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for isolating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). More particularly, the present invention discloses methods for isolating endothelial progenitor cells that exhibit self-renewal and differentiation capacity. The isolated cellular population of the present invention is useful in a wide range of clinical and research setting including inter alia, the in vitro or in vivo generation of endothelial cells and the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a range of conditions via the administration of these cells. Also facilitated is the isolation of endothelial progenitor cells for research purposes such as in vitro based screening systems for testing the therapeutic impact and/or toxicity of potential treatment or culture regimes to which these cells may be exposed to. The present invention also discloses methods for isolating mesenchymal stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells of fetal and/or maternal origin.

Abstract: Methods are provided for distinguishing a cardiomyocyte subset in a heterogeneous cellular sample. Aspects of the methods include contacting the heterogeneous cellular sample with a cell surface marker specific binding member, and then distinguishing a cardiomyocyte subset of the cellular sample based on binding to the cell surface marker specific binding member. Also provided are devices, compositions and kits that find use in performing the subject methods.

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 structures, mesh constructs, encasement structures, coated structures and multi-sheet laminate structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fields of clinical application of nerve defect repair and the medical three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, and provides an integrated visualization method for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of internal structure of human peripheral nerves. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining human peripheral nerves, preparing nerve specimens ex vivo by staining with an iodine preparation in combination with a freeze-drying method; scanning the pretreated peripheral nerves using Micro CT to acquire lossless two-dimensional images, and performing binarization processing to the two-dimensional images, then conducting image segmentation based on textural features to acquire images of nerve fascicles; finally, reconstructing the segmented images into a visualization model by using a supercomputer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, methods and systems for delivering treatments and for medications to the site of an aneurysm (SOA). One embodiment of a method comprises delivering a neural growth stimulating factor (NGSF) to the site of the aneurysm to grow new nerve cells and/or stimulate the regeneration of damaged nerve cells. The NGSF may be delivered in a carrier such as a gel which can be selected to allow for long term delivery of the NGSF to the SOA. In many embodiments, the NGSF may be delivered to the SOA using a micro-catheter based system which includes a microcatheter that can be advanced in the cerebral vasculature. The microcatheter may also be used to delivery occlusive element to the SOA such as occlusive coils or balloon which promote clotting and reduce bleeding at the SOA and together with the carrier allow for long term release of NGSF.

Abstract: A bioreactor is provided which contains cells capable of producing cytokine inhibitors in response to cytokines, in a manner regulated by the local or systemic milieu of an individual patient and predicted by mechanistic computational simulations. The bioreactor transfers the cytokine inhibitors to a patient in need of control of the inflammation process as part of a disease or condition in the patient, such as sepsis, trauma, traumatic brain injury, or wound healing. Related methods also are provided.

Abstract: An in vitro human neural multipotent, unipotent, or somatic cell possessing all of the following characteristics: is derived from the reprogramming of a somatic cell, a progenitor cell or a stem cell that exhibits at least a transient increase in intracellular levels of at least one reprogramming agent; is not differentiated from a pluripotent cell; expresses one or more markers of a multipotent, unipotent or somatic cell not characteristic of a neural stem cell, neural precursor cell, neural progenitor cell, neuroblast, or neuron; is not a cancerous cell; is stable and not artificially maintained by forced gene expression and may be maintained in standard neural stem cell media or neural media; and does not exhibit uncontrolled growth, teratoma formation, and tumor formation in vivo; wherein the cell comprises at least one polypeptide or an expression vector encoding at least one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: Musashi1 (Msi1); Ngn2; Msi1 and Ngn2; Msi1 and methyl-CpG binding domain protei

Abstract: An industrial preparation of natural killer cells (NKs) is produced by: using umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood from legitimate sources as raw materials, obtaining stem cells by a method for extracting and separating karyocytes, or using FICOLL® or PERCOLL® density gradient media centrifugation to isolate and screen out karyocytes; diluting the above-mentioned karyocytes with cell culture medium, adding interferon, interleukin, CD3 antibody, and human albumin, loading them together into a bioreactor for perfusion culture, and then performing multiplication culture; the passage number of natural killer cells from multiplication culture is no less than 8, and the culture time is no less than 4 weeks; the markers of the natural killer cells obtained after the multiplication culture are CD3?\CD56+, CD16+, CD57+, and CD8+, wherein CD16+/CD56+?15%, CD3?/CD56+?50%, and CD8+/CD57+?8%; then preparing an injection with a certain concentration using the cell suspension obtained by above-mentioned method.

Abstract: Holographic video microscopy yields fast and accurate measurements of the size and refractive index of individual colloidal particles. Particle-resolved characterization offers useful insights into the progress of colloidal synthesis without relying on models for the distributions of particle sizes and properties, and can be performed rapidly enough to provide feedback for process control. The measured increase in the most probable radius over the course of the reaction is consistent with the LaMer model for colloidal growth. Uniformity in the measured refractive index suggests that the spheres grow with uniform density. The joint distribution of size and refractive index provides evidence for a low rate of nucleation proceeding after the initial nucleation event. The same analysis reveals that these PDMS particles shrink by compactification in the first few days after their synthesis.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating a pathology associated with neural damage, the method comprising administering non-antigen specific polyclonal activated T cells and/or genetically modified T cells into the brain in a manner which prevents meningoencephalitis in the subject, thereby treating the pathology associated with neural damage. Also provided are devices for intrabrain and intrathecal administration of T cells, which comprise the brain-specific or non-antigen specific polyclonal activated T cells and/or genetically modified T cells and a catheter for intrabrain administration in a manner which prevents meningoencephalitis in a subject.

Abstract: Certain invert emulsion treatment fluids and methods for use in subterranean formations Certain of those methods herein include: providing an invert emulsion treatment fluid that comprises an oleaginous external phase, and an internal phase that comprises one or more alcohols and one or more polar organic compounds that are soluble in the internal phase; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to novel methods and compositions for using engineered reprogramming factor(s) for the creation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through a kinetically controlled process. Specifically, this disclosure relates to establishing combinations of reprogramming factors, including fusions between conventional reprogramming factors with transactivation domains, optimized for reprogramming various types of cells. More specifically, the exemplary methods disclosed herein can be used for creating induced pluripotent stem cells from various mammalian cell types, including human fibroblasts. Exemplary methods of feeder-free derivation of human induced pluripotent stem cells using synthetic messenger RNA are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that are used to separate cells from a wide variety of tissues. In particular, automated systems and methods are described that separate regenerative cells, e.g., stem and/or progenitor cells, from adipose tissue. The systems and methods described herein provide rapid and reliable methods of separating and concentrating regenerative cells suitable for re-infusion into a subject.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods of treating a cardiac condition using modified placental tissue or an extract of a placental tissue, capable of recruiting stem cells or promoting healing in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising (i) adipose tissue-derived cell secretions or (ii) an adipose tissue-derived cell suspension, optionally comprising adipocytes, or (iii) a combination of adipose tissue-derived cell secretions and an adipose tissue-derived cell suspension, optionally comprising adipocytes, and to their use in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treatment of various conditions. The invention also relates to improved methods, agents and compositions for cryopreservation of cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isolated renal cells, including tubular and erythropoietin (EPO)-producing kidney cell populations, and methods of isolating and culturing the same, as well as methods of treating a subject in need with the cell populations.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing chondrocytes from pluripotent stem cells, the method comprising the steps of: (i) inducing pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into mesodermal cells in adherent culture, (ii) culturing the cells obtained by step (i) in adherent culture in a medium containing one or more substances selected from the group consisting of BMP2, TGF? and GDF5, and (iii) culturing the cells obtained by step (ii) in suspension culture in a medium containing one or more substances selected from the group consisting of BMP2, TGF? and GDF5. Also provided is a pharmaceutical product comprising the chondrocytes obtained by the method.

Abstract: A matrix, including epithelial basement membrane, for inducing repair of mammalian tissue defects and in vitro cell propagation derived from epithelial tissues of a warm-blooded vertebrate.

Abstract: Vascular scaffolds and methods of fabricating the same are disclosed for tissue engineering of vascular constructs. By combining electrospun matrices with cell sheet technologies, vascular constructs with more mature cell layers can be obtained for reconstruction of blood vessels, heart valves and the like. A engineered smooth muscle cell sheet, wrapped around an electrospun vascular scaffold, is able to provide a mature SMC layer that expresses strong cell-to-cell junction markers and contractile proteins. In addition, preconditioning of the cell sheet covered vascular scaffold maintained cell viability and infiltration into the scaffold.

Abstract: An acellular soft tissue-derived matrix includes a collagenous tissue that has been delipidated and decellularized. Adipose tissue is among the soft tissues suitable for manufacturing an acellular soft tissue-derived matrix. Exogenous tissuegenic cells and other biologically-active factors may be added to the acellular matrix. The acellular matrix may be provided as particles, a slurry, a paste, a gel, or in some other form. The acellular matrix may be provided as a three-dimensional scaffold that has been reconstituted from particles of the three-dimensional tissue. The three-dimensional scaffold may have the shape of an anatomical feature and serve as a template for tissue repair or replacement. A method of making an acellular soft tissue-derived matrix includes steps of removing lipid from the soft tissue by solvent extraction and chemical decellularization of the soft tissue.

Abstract: Provided are methods for treating or preventing vasculopathy in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a prostacyclin and a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) or a MSC-conditioned culture medium or administering to the subject a MSC or a MSC-conditioned culture medium that has treated with prostacyclin. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for such treatments are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of removing or reducing undifferentiated cells from a differentiated cell population contaminated or having a risk of contamination with undifferentiated cells by contacting a pigment epithelium-derived factor with the differentiated cell population to induce apoptosis of the undifferentiated cells. The invention also provides an agent for cell transplantation therapy, containing a differentiated cell population substantially free of an undifferentiated cell, which is obtained by the method, as well as an agent for inducing apoptosis of an undifferentiated cell, containing a pigment epithelium-derived factor, and combined use of the aforementioned agent for cell transplantation therapy and the aforementioned agent for inducing apoptosis.

Abstract: The application is directed to a method for treating or preventing vasculopathy comprising administrating to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) and a prostacyclin. Also provided a method for treating or preventing vasculopathy in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a prostacyclin and a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) or a MSC-conditioned culture medium or administering to the subject a MSC or a MSC-conditioned culture medium that has treated with prostacyclin. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for such treatments are also provided.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, provided are chimeric cells, which in alternative embodiments are the so-called “cardiochimeras”, and methods for making and using them. In alternative embodiments, exemplary chimeric cells as provided herein comprise a cardiac stem cell of cardiac origin or a cardiac progenitor cell fused to either a mesenchymal progenitor cell or mesenchymal stem cell, an endothelial progenitor cell or endothelial stem cell, or a cardiac stem cell or a cardiac progenitor cell. In alternative embodiments, the chimeric cells as provided herein comprise an endothelial progenitor cell, which may or may not be of cardiac origin, fused to either a mesenchymal progenitor cell or mesenchymal stem cell, an endothelial progenitor cell or endothelial stem cell, or a cardiac stem cell or a cardiac progenitor cell. In alternative embodiments, methods for making chimeric cells as provided herein further comprise selecting a cell fusion product comprising a viable chimera of the fused cells.

Abstract: This disclosure provides isolated cells and compositions comprising one or more isolated cell(s) as described herein. In one aspect, the isolated cell is a pre-term placenta-derived stem cell (also referred to placenta-derived multi potent stem cells (pmSCs). As used herein, the term “pre-term placenta-derived multipotent stem cell or placenta-derived stem cells” intends a cell isolated from placental tissue prior to delivery of the fetus by surgery or birth. In another aspect, the isolated cell is a chorionic villus (CV)-derived multipotent placental stem cells (C-mpSCs). Also provided are compositions comprising these cells, wherein the composition comprises an effective amount of the isolated cells as described herein.

Abstract: An sortase-mediated intercellular labeling method allowing for tracking ligand-receptor interaction both in vitro and in vivo; and uses thereof for tracking molecule interactions both in vitro and in vivo, identifying modulators of ligand-receptor interaction, identifying potential binding partners of a protein of interest, identifying B cells expressing high affinity B cell receptors to antigens, and identifying the antigen to which a T cell of interest binds.

Abstract: Isolated populations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are provided, including mammalian mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) characterized by the lack of CD54 (CD54?) or low cell-surface CD54 (CD54low). Methods of in vitro cell differentiation and methods of treatment using said isolated populations are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the differentiation of human pluripotent cells, including human pluripotent stems cells to produce a self-renewing multipotent neural crest cell population in a single step method without the requirement of isolation of intermediate cells and without appreciable contamination (in certain preferred instances, virtually none) with Pax6+ neural progenitor cells in the population of p75+ Hnk1+ Ap2+ multipotent neural crest-like cells. The multipotent neural crest cell population obtained can be clonally amplified and maintained for >25 passages (>100 days) while retaining the capacity to differentiate into peripheral neurons, smooth muscle cells and mesenchymal precursor cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to pro-tolerogenic preparations capable of increasing the level of regulatory T cells (Treg) and/or decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory T cells (Th17) to induce anergy or immune tolerance. The pro-tolerogenic preparation is enriched in at least one species of miRNAs and is obtained by contacting two allogeneic leukocyte populations wherein at least one of the two populations is modified with a low-immunogenic biocompatible polymer. Therapeutic uses for preventing or limiting graft rejection and GVHD of such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of treating inflammation, pain or both inflammation and pain in a subject are provided. The method includes the step of administering a human birth tissue material composition on or within an affected site of a body. The methods are particularly suitable for treatment of inflammation, pain or both inflammation and pain arising from a viral infection.

Abstract: This invention relates to pro-tolerogenic preparations capable of increasing the level of regulatory T cells (Treg) and/or decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory T cells (Th17) to induce anergy or immune tolerance. The pro-tolerogenic preparation is enriched in at least one species of miRNAs and is obtained by contacting two allogeneic leukocyte populations wherein at least one of the two populations is modified with a low-immunogenic biocompatible polymer. Therapeutic uses intended for the treatment/prevention of auto-immune diseases of such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to pro-tolerogenic preparations capable of increasing the level of regulatory T cells (Treg) and/or decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory T cells (Th17) to induce anergy or immune tolerance. The pro-tolerogenic preparation is enriched in at least one species of miRNAs and is obtained by contacting two allogeneic leukocyte populations wherein at least one of the two populations is modified with a low-immunogenic biocompatible polymer. Acellular pro-tolerogenic compositions, process for making such composition as well as therapeutic uses of such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions, kits, and agents useful for inducing ? cell maturation, and isolated populations of SC-? cells for use in various applications, such as cell therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the modulation of particular microRNAs can be employed to inhibit a mesenchymal transition that, in certain instances, correlates with resistance to therapy and recurrence as the corresponding cells acquire properties of stem cells as they start undergoing this transition, as well as with invasiveness, e.g., invasion of certain cells of primary tumors into adjacent connective tissue during the initial phase of metastasis. Accordingly, the identification inhibitors of this mechanism, such as inhibitors of certain microRNAs, disclosed herein, can be used for inhibiting the mesenchymal transition to reduce the invasive nature of certain cells of primary cancerous tumors and, in certain instances, to prevent the recurrence of cancer by inhibiting the induction of stem cell-like features in certain cancer cells.

Abstract: A kit for treating a human patient with a solid tumor with a desmoplasia associated therewith having: (1) a container of and effective amount of a CCNp37 (SEQ ID No. 37), CCNp38 (SEQ ID No. 38) or a combination of CCNp37 and CCNp38 (SEQ ID Nos. 37 and 38); (2) a container of an effective amount of a chemotherapeutic agent or an immunotherapeutic agent; and (3) instructions for administering these components which can involve a pretreatment with the CCNp37 (SEQ ID No. 37), CCNp38 (SEQ ID No. 38) or a combination of CCNp37 and CCNp38 (SEQ ID Nos. 37 and 38) to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A mesenchymal stem cell extract and its use are provided, wherein the mesenchymal stem cell extract comprises a trophic factor(s), such as bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), C-X-C chemokine receptor type-4 (CXCR4), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and/or interleukin-17 (IL-17), and wherein the extract is especially suitable for repairing skin aging.

Abstract: An implant is configured for repair and regeneration of cartilage lesions. The implant includes a three-dimensional woven textile scaffold and a three-dimensional rigid, porous substrate. The scaffold is bonded to the substrate such that the substrate supports the scaffold. The substrate is configured to be inserted into bone tissue including cartilage lesions such that the substrate and the scaffold replace the bone tissue including the cartilage lesions. The substrate and scaffold are further configured such that after the substrate and the scaffold have replaced the bone tissue including the cartilage lesions, the substrate and scaffold promote growth and integration of new bone tissue into the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heart valve and, more particularly, to a mold and process shaping and securing cells and tissue layers as they are grown in three-dimensions into a heart valve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to purified preparations of dermal mesenchymal stem cells that are characterized by the cell surface expression of the ABCB5 P-glycoprotein. The cells may be used for any purpose that mesenchymal stem cells from other course are used. For instance they may be administered to treat an organ transplant recipient to improve allograft survival or as a treatment to patients with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.