Abstract: Methods for obtaining genetic material from plant embryos while preserving their viability are provided. In the methods, preservation of viability may be maintained by suspending the embryos in an aqueous solution surrounded by an oil matrix. Genetic material may be obtained from an aliquot of the aqueous solution and may be used directly for molecular analysis, or whole genome amplification may be performed prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to rotating bioreactors and articles and methods that are useful for adapting a rotating bioreactor for use with tissues or scaffolds of different sizes. In some embodiments, bioreactors comprising a reservoir and an arbor assembly are provided herein, in which the arbor assembly comprises a rotatable support to which a tissue or tissue scaffold can be attached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous solution for organ preservation, in particular for the myocardium, the solution comprising: 100 mM to 130 mM of Na+; 12 mM to 15 mM of K+; 0.25 mM to 1.3 mM of Ca++; 0.5 ?M to 1.5 ?M of cyclosporin A; and 0.5 ?M to 1.5 ?M of taxol, and it also relates to the joint use of cyclosporin A and taxol in a solution for in vitro preservation of an organ, in particular the myocardium.

Abstract: Blood and platelet storage and rejuvenating compositions that include triciribine, triciribine metabolites, triciribine analogs, and mixtures of the same are disclosed. Such compositions can be useful in methods for treating (e.g., storing and rejuvenating) red blood cells and platelets.

Abstract: A method for preparing placenta membrane tissue grafts for medical use, includes obtaining a placenta from a subject, cleaning the placenta, separating the chorion tissue from the amniotic membrane, mounting a selected layer of either the chorion tissue or the amniotic membrane onto a drying fixture, dehydrating the selected layer on the drying fixture, and cutting the selected layer into a plurality of tissue grafts. Preferably, the drying fixture includes grooves or raised edges that define the outer contours of each desired tissue graft, after they are cut, and further includes raised or indented logos that emboss the middle area of the tissue grafts during dehydration and that enables an end user to distinguish the top from the bottom side of the graft. The grafts are comprised of single layers of amnion or chorion, multiple layers of amnion or chorion, or multiple layers of a combination of amnion and chorion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing bioengineered heart muscle (BHM) from pluripotent stem cells, generally comprising the steps of inducing mesoderm differentiation, cardiac differentiation, and cardiac maturation by directed tissue formation. The method is a robust, serum-free and reproducible way to produce BHM for multiple applications, and is applicable to multiple pluripotent stem cell lines. The present invention is also directed to the BHM produced by the method disclosed herein, as well as to uses of said BHM in pharmacologic and toxicity screenings, and its use in medicine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating damage inflicted by use of a cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) machine, particularly excessive bleeding and multi organ failure, by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT).

Abstract: An organ protectant solution which is intravenously administered includes at least one oncotic agent and optionally a high concentration of cell-impermeant molecules. Together, they promote transfer of water from cells to interstitium and into the capillaries, thereby preventing or reducing cell swelling, maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation of tissues, and extending the “Golden Hour” for traumatic and/or hemorrhagic shock patients. In addition, compositions comprising PEG-20k and methods of their use for preserving and/or reanimating harvested organs ex vivo for lengthy periods of time (e.g. at least about 8-24 hours) are also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a plurality of synthetic polymeric leaflets. Each leaflet has a base polymer and a polymer coating at least partially disposed over the base polymer, wherein the polymer coating includes polymerized units of a monomer comprising a zwitterionic group when the polymer coating is exposed to an aqueous environment at a pH of about 7.4.

Abstract: A method of preparing adipose tissue for transplantation, from lobular fat extracted, for instance, by liposuction, said fat consisting of a fluid component comprising an oily component, a blood component and/or sterile solutions and of a solid component comprising cell fragments, cells and one or more cell macroagglomerates of heterogeneous size, characterized in that it includes at least one step of washing the cell aggregates carried out at the same time as a step of separating the fluid component, in emulsion form, from the solid component.

Abstract: A device for preparing adipose tissue for transplantation from lobular fat extracted, for instance by liposuction, said fat consisting of a fluid component comprising an oily component, a blood component and/or sterile solutions and a solid component comprising cell fragments, cells and one or more cell macroagglomerates of heterogeneous size, comprising at least one washing and separating container (1) having a washing chamber (101) for washing the liposuctioned material, which container (1) has an inlet (102) and an outlet (103) for the liposuctioned material to enter the washing chamber (101) through the inlet (102) and for at least part of said material, particularly the fluid component, to exit said chamber (101) through the outlet (103), said washing chamber (101) including means for forming an emulsion of fluid components, by mechanical stirring.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell composition for treatment of uterine tissue that heals damage occurring in uterine tissue, including intrauterine adhesion, to a state that enables pregnancy. In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing this cell composition for treatment of uterine tissue, and a cell composition for treatment of uterine tissue produced according to that method. The cell composition, which has a first cell layer containing epithelial cells and a second cell layer containing stromal cells, and the first cell layer is laminated on the second cell layer, has the ability to heal damage occurring in uterine tissue, including intrauterine adhesion, and restore it to a state that enables pregnancy.

Abstract: A method for preserving viral particles comprising: (a) providing an aqueous solution of (i) viral particles, (ii) optionally one or more sugars, and (iii) a compound of formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or ester thereof and/or a compound of formula (II) or a physiologically acceptable salt or ester thereof; and (b) drying the solution to form a composition incorporating said viral particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition capable of improving storage stability of stem cells. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composition which contains a serum or a plasma for improving cold storage stability of stem cells. The composition for improving storage stability of stem cells according to the present invention can maintain a survival rate of over 90% for at least 9 days without changes in the properties, the number or the size of the stem cells, and thus is useful in the long-term transport of stem cells for cell therapy and the preparation of cell therapeutics injection products having an excellent effect.

Abstract: The present disclosure related to isolated laminin-521, methods for making recombinant laminin-521, host cells that express recombinant laminin-521, and compositions containing laminin-521. Laminin-521 can maintain stem cells in vitro pluripotency, enable self-renewal, and enable single cell survival of human embryonic stem cells. When pluripotent human embryonic stem cells are cultured on plates coated with recombinant laminin-521 (laminin-11), in the absence of differentiation inhibitors or feeder cells, the embryonic stem cells proliferate and maintain their pluripotency. It has also been discovered that human recombinant laminin-521 (laminin-11) provides single cell survival of stem cells after complete dissociation into a single cell suspension. Useful cell culture mediums containing at most 3.9 ng/ml of beta fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are also described herein.

Abstract: Blood and platelet storage and rejuvenating compositions that include triciribine, triciribine metabolites, triciribine analogs, and mixtures of the same are disclosed. Such compositions can be useful in methods for treating (e.g., storing and rejuvenating) red blood cells and platelets.

Abstract: A method of preventing or treating xenotransplant rejection in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-CD8 antibody or an antigen binding fragment thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and articles for wound healing that contain proteovesicles, comprising a syndecan polypeptide embedded in a lipid vesicle, and a PDGF polypeptide. Also disclosed is the use of these compositions to enhance wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting a disease characterized by an expansion of genomic hexanucleotide repeats as well as polypeptides of said hexanucleotide repeats, ligands specifically binding to the polypeptides, and to methods of identifying an inhibitor preventing the expression and/or aggregation of said polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides a corneal endothelial composition comprising a transparent hydrogel scaffold and a single layer of cultured corneal endothelial cells on the surface of the scaffold. The hydrogel scaffold I comprised of at least one biopolymer, preferably gelatin. Also provided are methods of making a corneal endothelial scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for tissue, such as an allograft, storage and preservation for extended periods of time at room temperature in a sterile tissue culture chamber. The invention further provides a process for maintaining the sterility of tissue using the apparatus as described.

Abstract: Subpopulations of spore-like cells expressing specific cell surface and gene expression markers are provided. In one embodiment, the cells express at least one cell surface or gene expression marker selected from the group consisting of Oct4, nanog, Zfp296, cripto, Gdf3, UtF1, Ecat1, Esg1, Sox2, Pax6, nestin, SCA-1, CD29, CD34, CD90, B1 integrin, cKit, SP-C, CC10, SF1, DAX1, and SCG10. Also provided are methods for purifying a subpopulation of spore-like cells of interest from a population of spore-like cells, and methods for inducing differentiation of the isolated spore-like cells into cells of endodermal, mesodermal or ectodermal origin. The spore-like cells can be used to generate cells originating from all three germ layers and can be used to treat a patient who has a deficiency of functional cells in any of a wide variety of tissues, including the retina, intestine, bladder, kidney, liver, lung, nervous system, or endocrine system.

Abstract: There is provided an ex vivo method for reducing the immunogenicity of a tissue or organ prior to transplantation, comprising: (a) establishing the tissue or organ in a warm perfusion system capable of supporting oxidative metabolism of the tissue or organ; (b) perfusing the tissue or organ with a warm non-blood perfusion solution for at least 1 hour to allow passenger leukocytes within the tissue or organ to migrate from the tissue or organ into the recirculating perfusion solution; (c) isolating the passenger leukocytes from the recirculating perfusion solution to prevent the passenger leukocytes from re-entering the tissue or organ.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for decellularizing an organ or tissue comprising conditioning the organ or tissue to be decellularized by exposing the organ or tissue to electricity, as well as methods of using such decellularized organs or tissues.

Abstract: C-natriuretic peptide (CNP) has been shown to regulate proliferation of mouse and rat osteoblasts. Genetic deletion of CNP results in dwarfism. CNP effects on bone growth involve inhibition of MEK 1 and ERK 1/2 kinases mediated via the intracellular messenger cyclic GMP. Vessel dilator is another natriuretic peptide synthesized by the atrial natriuretic peptide gene whose biologic half-life is 12 times longer than CNP. Vessel dilator's biologic effects on proliferating cells are mediated via inhibiting MEK 1/2 and ERK 1/2 kinases via cyclic GMP. Vessel dilator was not studied previously on osteoblasts. CNP and vessel dilator were tested in dose-response studies enhanced human osteoblasts' proliferation, showing that vessel dilator has identical mechanisms of action to CNP but much longer biologic half-life and effects at lower concentrations. Vessel dilator exhibited therapeutic effect for use in human achondroplasia, short stature and osteoporosis by stimulating osteoblast proliferation.

Abstract: Cryopreserved stem cells with high cell viability after thawing were obtained by slow freezing using a DMSO-free cryopreservation medium. Stem cells and/or progenitor cells thereof are contacted with a DMSO-free cryopreservation medium, comprising between 4 v/v % and 25 v/v % of propylene glycol and between 1.0 w % and 10 w % of a sugar; and are subsequently subject to a slow-freezing process. Optionally, the cryopreservation medium may comprise serum albumin and/or hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preserving detached tissues, especially digits and limbs, which are detached as a result of traumatic amputation. By using the methods and apparatus, detached tissues can be preserved for greater lengths of time and are ultimately in a better condition for replantation surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, are methods of preparing sterilized amniotic tissues. Further disclosed herein, are methods of using the sterilized amniotic tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to N-phenyl carbamate derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of the N-formyl peptide 2 receptor.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a dialysate comprising a polyglycerol. The polyglycerol may be of a molecular weight between about 0.15 kDa and about 60 kDa. Also provided herein is the use of the dialysate as a diffusion agent and as an osmotic agent.

Abstract: Methods for treating blood. The methods comprise obtaining whole blood from a donor, mixing the whole blood with a red blood cell enhancement composition, and incubating the mixture of whole blood and red blood cell enhancement composition. The method can be performed at a time proximate to the time of obtaining blood from the donor, or after the blood has been stored for a period of time. The method rejuvenates red blood cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for promoting graft survival which can suppress rejection without use of existing immunosuppressants, an organ preservation solution capable of maintaining the freshness of an organ excised from a donor, and the like. An agent for promoting graft survival or an organ preservation solution is prepared, which comprises 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or a derivative thereof, or a salt of ALA or the derivative and an iron compound as active ingredients. Preferable examples of the ALAs can include ALA and various esters such as methyl ester, ethyl ester, propyl ester, butyl ester, and pentyl ester of ALA, and their hydrochlorides, phosphates, and sulfates. Preferable examples of the iron compound can include sodium ferrous citrate.

Abstract: To monitor an extracorporeal blood circuit during extracorporeal blood treatment, the arterial pressure and venous pressure in the arterial branch and venous branch of the extracorporeal circuit are measured by pressure sensors, and the sum Ps and the difference ?P of the arterial pressure and/or venous pressure measured at the same time are calculated. A possible error state is indicated when the sum Ps and/or difference ?P lie outside predetermined limit value windows A and B. To reduce the susceptibility to error, a check is preferably also made to ascertain whether the two above conditions are satisfied for n successive measurements.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and an apparatus for transporting a starter culture of living cells including fungi, bacteria, animal and plant cells. The methods and apparatus enable on-demand feeding and on-demand supply of nutrient gas resulting in increased cell viability and improved fermentations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preserving an organ in a donation after brain death donor or a donation after cardiac death donor comprising administering to the donor a composition comprising at least one globin, one globin protomer or one extracellular hemoglobin of Annelida, a stabilizing solution and/or a solution for conserving organs, said composition having a temperature of between 0° C. and 37° C. Also disclosed is a method for conserving an organ in situ in a donation after brain death donor or a donation after cardiac death donor using normothermic ECMO or double-balloon triple-lumen catheter techniques or any other similar technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of diseases or disorders of the nervous system. In particular, the invention relates to the treatment of diseases or disorders of the nervous system by stem cell therapy, in particular therapy with neural precursor cells. In preferred aspects of the invention, inhibitors of chemoattraction are administered prior to, concomitantly with, or subsequently to the administration of neural precursor cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue collection apparatus. The tissue collection apparatus comprises a housing defining an inlet and an outlet, a first filter disposed within the housing, a second filter disposed within the housing, the second filter configured to isolate tissue particles of a desired size that pass through the first filter under the application of an aspiration force applied through the housing. A method of harvesting tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology may involve a method of processing the human donor tissue for administration to a recipient. This method may include the step of contacting the human donor tissue with a backing layer, where the human donor tissue and the backing layer contain a saline solution. This saline solution may include a solvent and a disassociated salt. The method may further include evaporating a portion of the solvent from a surface of the backing layer. The evaporation of the solvent may move a portion of the disassociated salt from the donor tissue to the backing layer. This process may then result in a tissue that is mostly dry and free of salt crystals.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an energy efficient thermal protection assembly. The thermal protection assembly can comprise three or more thermoelectric unit layers capable of active use of the Peltier effect; and at least one capacitance spacer block suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly. The capacitance spacer block is thermally connected between the thermoelectric unit layers. The present disclosure further relates to a thermoelectric transport and storage devices for transporting or storing temperature sensitive goods, for example, vaccines, chemicals, biologicals, and other temperature sensitive goods. The transport or storage device can be configured and provide on-board energy storage for sustaining, for multiple days, at a constant-temperature, with an acceptable temperature variation band.

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: Methods for preserving viability of plant tissues such as plant embryos are provided herein. Also included are methods for storing genomic DNA and/or molecular marker assay materials in an oil bilayer as part of a high-throughput molecular characterization system. Moreover, plant embryos may be treated while in an oil matrix. The treatment may include chromosome doubling, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, or herbicide selection as part of an embryo rescue process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treatment of Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF)-related conditions, and in particular to methods of treatment of HIF-related conditions comprising the administration of a composition comprising transferrins.

Abstract: Subpopulations of spore-like cells expressing specific cell surface and gene expression markers are provided. In one embodiment, the cells express at least one cell surface or gene expression marker selected from the group consisting of Oct4, nanog, Zfp296, cripto, Gdf3, UtF1, Ecat1, Esg1, Sox2, Pax6, nestin, SCA-1, CD29, CD34, CD90, B1 integrin, cKit, SP-C, CC10, SF1, DAX1, and SCG10. Also provided are methods for purifying a subpopulation of spore-like cells of interest from a population of spore-like cells, and methods for inducing differentiation of the isolated spore-like cells into cells of endodermal, mesodermal or ectodermal origin. The spore-like cells can be used to generate cells originating from all three germ layers and can be used to treat a patient who has a deficiency of functional cells in any of a wide variety of tissues, including the retina, intestine, bladder, kidney, liver, lung, nervous system, or endocrine system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of increasing osteoblastic function in a subject, the method comprising systemically administering to the subject a population of stem cells and/or progeny thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in general, to a media, e.g., a serum replacement, media supplement, complete media or cryopreservation media, comprising a base physiological buffer and liposomes comprising cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine and fatty acids. It is contemplated that media provides advantages to improve cell growth in culture compared to cells cultured not using the serum replacement described herein.

Abstract: Biocompatible hydrogel capsules encapsulating mammalian cells having a diameter of greater than 1 mm, and optionally a cell free core, are disclosed which have reduced fibrotic overgrowth after implantation in a subject. Methods of treating a disease in a subject are also disclosed that involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed encapsulated cells to the subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems of maintaining, evaluating, and providing therapy to a lung ex vivo. The methods and systems involve positioning the lung in an ex vivo perfusion circuit; circulating a perfusion fluid through the lung, the fluid entering the lung through a pulmonary artery interface and leaving the lung through a left atrial interface; and ventilating the lung by flowing a ventilation gas through a tracheal interface. Maintaining the lung for extended periods involves causing the lung to rebreath a captive volume of air, and reaching an equilibrium state between the perfusion fluid and the ventilation gas. Evaluating the gas exchange capability of the lung involves deoxygenating the perfusion fluid and measuring a time taken to reoxygenate the perfusion fluid by ventilating the lung with an oxygenation gas.

Abstract: A product comprising a natural acellular xenogenic vascular tissue matrix having at least an 80% reduction in DNA content as compared to an untreated control vascular tissue matrix and being antigenically inert by being substantially free of epitopes capable of reacting with pre-formed human antibodies and also without having the ability to substantially activate complement. The invention also includes methods of preparing such products and uses of the products especially in bypass surgery.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of treating acne in a subject which comprises topically and periodically applying to the subject's acne a composition comprising 3-phenyl-1-benzo[f]chromen-1-one and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the 3-phenyl-1-benzo[f]chromen-1-one is present in an amount effective to treat the subject's acne. The subject invention also provides a method of treating a skin condition associated with abnormal sebum secretion or abnormal sebaceous gland function in a subject, compositions in such methods and a sorting method for identifying agonists of AhR pathway, useful in such methods and compositions.

Abstract: A porous, collagen coated, ferromagnetic cell culture microcarrier, which is suitable for in vitro cell and tissue culture and which facilitates 3D multicellular construct generation. Also provided is a method for creating batches of microcarriers which have inserted within them magnetite (Fe3O4) in the presence of collagen, thus creating a microcarrier which becomes magnetic in nature when placed in a the presence of a magnetic field and which facilitates cellular adherence (via the collagen coating) for 3D construct development.