Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods particularly useful in the medical arts. The compositions and methods may be used in connection with the preservation of a portion of a mammal, for example, tissues, organs, appendages, limbs, extremities, stem cells, myocytes, bone marrow, skeletal muscle as well as an array of other medical procedures, such as cardiac surgery, transplantation and/or preservation. In various embodiments, the inventive composition may be hyperoxygenated and be formulated to resemble the biochemistries of natural intracellular fluids. The inventive composition includes active ingredients to reduce ischemic, hypothermic and reperfusion injury during transplantation, thereby resulting in improved post-transplant graft function and quality, when used in connection with organ transplantation and storage procedures, for example cardiac transplantation.

Abstract: A perfusion apparatus for perfusing an organ includes a pump for pumping perfusion liquid though a perfusion liquid conduit, the conduit having an outlet. A pressure sensor senses the pressure of the perfusion liquid downstream of the pump and upstream of the outlet. A controller controls the output of the pump responsive to the pressure, so as to keep the pressure of the liquid reaching the organ substantially constant.

Abstract: The question is to increase the quality and safety of the media used in embryo and cell manipulations by means of supplementation, in the manipulation medium, by one or several of the following compounds: synthetic hyaluronan ( sHA), phospholipids or unsaturated fatty acids obtained from soybean seeds (PLFA), replacing others which are habitually added to embryo manipulation media and which produce potential damage and/or contamination by viruses, prions, endotoxins, etc., this being important with regard to the quality of the embryos or cells which it is desired to generate, both for the production of transgenic animals, for animal production, and for cell therapy or assisted reproduction; achieving a reduction in adhesiveness and an increase in viscosity, without losing the fluidity of the medium; this is essential in micro-manipulations such as ICSI, nuclear transfer, embryo biopsies, the micro-injection of cells into embryos in pre-implantational stages, or cell fusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, a genetic construct, siRNA molecules and a composition which comprises the nucleic acid molecule and/or the genetic construct and/or the siRNA molecules and can be used for inhibition of the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules. The invention also relates to a device, which is coated with the aforementioned molecules, the composition or the construct, or contains them. The present invention further relates to a corresponding use of the nucleic acid molecule, of the genetic construct or of the siRNA molecules and a method of inhibition of the expression of adhesion molecules and a method of vessel grafting, lung transplantation, treatment of lung transplants, and a method of treatment of the open heart within the scope of cardioplegia.

Abstract: An animal model for pigment spots in which the formation of pigment spots in human skin is faithfully simulated is provided. An animal model for pigment spots, wherein a black person's skin is grafted onto a non-human animal, is provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the treatment of type I insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and other conditions using newly identified stem cells that are capable of differentiation into a variety of pancreatic islet cells, including insulin-producing beta cells, as well as hepatocytes. Nestin has been identified as a molecular marker for pancreatic stem cells, while cytokeratin-19 serves as a marker for a distinct class of islet ductal cells. Methods are described whereby nestin-positive stem cells can be isolated from pancreatic islets and cultured to obtain further stem cells or pseudo-islet like structures. Methods for ex vivo differentiation of the pancreatic stem cells are disclosed. Methods are described whereby pancreatic stem cells can be isolated, expanded, and transplanted into a patient in need thereof, either allogeneically, isogeneically or xenogenically, to provide replacement for lost or damaged insulin-secreting cells or other cells.

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

Abstract: Personal care composition comprising at least one hair growth regulating compound selected from the group consisting of glyceryl dilaurate, apigenin, tetrahydrocurcumin, oleanolic acid, azelaic acid, sulforaphane, canavanine, pyridoxal 5-phosphate, phytic acid, tannic acid, grape seed extract, NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester, benzamidine, sodium butyrate, betulinic acid, polyornithine, polyarginine, fisetin, jasmonates, methyl-jasmonate, cis-jasmone, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, delphinidin, ethyl abietate, esculetin, sorbic acid methyl ester, canaline, N-formyl-methionine, N-formyl-alanine, taurine, palmitoyl carnitine, undecanol, undecylenic acid, rutin, fusidic acid, phenyl pyruvic acid, L-isoleucine, phenyl glycine, silibinin, silymarin, L-ascorbic acid-6-palmitate, N-undecylenoyl-L-phenylalanine, and salts, derivatives and mixtures of any of the foregoing; and a dermatologically-acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a skin equivalent and a method for producing the same, wherein the skin equivalent comprises a scaffold and stem/progenitor cells isolated from the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord. These stem/progenitor cells may be mesenchymal (UCMC) and/or epithelial (UCEC) stem cells, which may then be further differentiated to fibroblast and keratinocytes. Further described is a method for isolating stem/progenitor cells from the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord, wherein the method comprises separating the amniotic membrane from the other components of the umbilical cord in vitro, culturing the amniotic membrane tissue under conditions allowing cell proliferation, and isolating the stem/progenitor cells from the tissue cultures. The invention also refers to therapeutic uses of these skin equivalents.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel compositions and methods for for the protection of organs and cells from damage caused by activated lymphocytes, NK-cells and NK-like cells, more particularly compositions and methods for the protection of vascular endothelial cells from immune system-mediated damage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for reconstructing artificial female reproductive organs. The constructs and methods of the invention can be used for ameliorating congenital malformations and disorders of female reproductive tract using tissue engineered female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, vagina, cervix, and fallopian tubes. These tissue engineered female reproductive organs can be generated by perfusing cultured cell populations derived from cells of the female reproductive tissues, such as uterine, vaginal, cervical, fallopian tube epithelial cells as well as smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: The nerve growth factor (NGF) is used for the storage of corneas in culture, for the production and the storage in vitro of single cell populations of the corneal morphological and functional unit (i.e. epithelium, stroma/keratocytes and endothelium) and of the conjunctival epithelium, and for the production and the storage of corneal and conjunctival tissues, in particular for transplantation purposes. The NGF is also proposed for use in the therapy and/or the prophylaxis of diseases of the corneal surface, wherein a lack of integrity of the corneal and conjunctival morphological and functional unit occurs, in particular for pathologies having a dystrophic or neurodystrophic basis, both congenital and acquired.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of cross-linking amnion to be an improved biomedical material. The present invention adopts the amnion cross-linked by EDC (N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N?-ethyl-carbodiimide HCI) or NHS (N-hydroxysuccinimide), and the cross-linked amnion not only has more resistance to protease, but also binds specific extracellular matrix (ECM) such as heparin by using cross-linked functional group. Further, by using the affinity of the ECM with specific growth factors, the amnion can be an efficient carrier for specific growth factor. Hence, some specific diseases may be treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides inhibitors of viral replication, and methods related thereto. In general, such compounds can be classified as peptidyl fluoromethylketones (PFMKs). The PFMK compounds may be used to partially or completely inhibit viral infection. In certain embodiments, Z-FA-FMK may be used to inhibit replication of a reovirus, such as a wild-type or attenuated reovirus, or a leporipoxvirus, such as myxoma virus. These compounds may be useful for controlling viral infectivity in vivo and/or in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery of methods useful in the modulation, e.g., inhibition, of gene expression or protein activity, e.g., apoptosis-related gene expression, e.g., Fas gene expression or cytokine expression, e.g., proinflammatory cytokine expression. In particular, the present invention is based on novel RNA interfering agents, e.g., siRNA in reduction, e.g., prolonged reduction, of apoptosis-related gene expression or cytokine expression in cells. Inhibition of apoptosis-related gene expression or protein activity or cytokine gene expression or protein activity, e.g. by the siRNAs used in the methods of the invention, inhibits ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract: Artificial plasma-like solutions and methods for their use are provided. The subject solutions include: electrolytes and an oncotic agent. The subject solutions find use in a variety of applications, particularly in those applications where at least a portion of a host's blood volume is replaced with a blood substitute.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions comprising substantially purified pyrroloquinoline quinone, that are useful in methods for the treatment and prevention of cardiac injury caused by hypoxia or ischemia. The invention also includes methods for the treatment and prevention of cardiac injury comprising contacting a composition of the invention with a human patient.

Abstract: A storage solution to maintain and perfuse organs awaiting transplantation comprising (a) an isotonic balanced solution comprising a physiologically acceptable amount of potassium, mono acidic phosphate, biacidic phosphate, chloride, sodium and bicarbonate ions; (b) 50-250 mM glucose; (c) 0.2-20 mM of an alkanoyl L-carnitine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof; (d) 1-100 mM of L-carnitine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof; (e) water is described. The storage solution can also include other components such as anti-oxidants and/or chelating agents.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating cardiovascular tissue. For example, stem cells, compositions containing stem cells, methods for obtaining stem cells, compositions for generating stem cells expressing particular markers, and methods for repairing cardiovascular tissue are provided.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a reversibly closable vessel suitable for the cultivation of cells and/or tissues can be provided. The exemplary vessel can comprise at least one reversibly closable aperture in the vessel wall, a convection arrangement inside the vessel which can comprise at least one blade. The arrangement can be configured to generate and/or modulate a convection in a fluid within the vessel when the vessel and/or the blade is agitated The convection arrangement and/or the blade can be at least particularly made from a porous material.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a reversibly closable vessel suitable for the cultivation of cells and/or tissues can be provided. The exemplary vessel can comprise at least one reversibly closable aperture in the vessel wall, at least one wall provided in the interior of the vessel, with the wall being an integral part of the vessel. The interior can be divided into at least two compartments, whereas the wall comprises at least one of a hole, tube-like hole, opening, or a partially porous structure, which facilitates the flow of fluids from one compartment to another. At least one of the compartments can comprise at least one filler.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a culture vessel suitable is provided for a cultivation of cells and/or tissues. The exemplary vessel comprising at least one reversibly closable aperture in the vessel wall, and at least one surface-increasing substrate within the vessel, with the substrate being made of a single mold. According to another exemplary embodiment, a system can be provided comprising at least two vessels being interconnected via at least one aperture in their vessel wall, and a cultivation process using such a vessel or system, in which at least one type of cells, tissue, tissue-like cell cultures, organs, organ-like cell cultures, or multicellular organisms may be cultivated in the presence of at least one fluid or solid medium, e.g., provided for growing and/or cultivating the culture.

Abstract: With respect to a method for differentially inducing embryo-stem cells into hepatocytes, in order to obtain safe hepatocytes that are adequately functionable and able to supply in large quantity, a method for differentially inducing embryo-stem cell into hepatocyte, wherein the embryo-stem cells are cultured in the presence of deletion type hepatocyte growth factor is provided. Further, a method for differentially inducing embryo-stem cells into hepatocytes comprising (a) a step of forming the embryoid body of the embryo-stem cells and (b) a step of culturing the embryoid body in the presence of deletion type hepatocyte growth factor is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula I which are prodrugs of caspase inhibitors and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention further relates to the release of caspase inhibitors from these compounds through selective bond cleavage. This invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, which are particularly well-suited for treatment of caspase-mediated diseases, including inflammatory and degenerative diseases. This invention further relates to methods for preparing compounds of this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bioartificial heart tissue graft, which leads to excellent biomechanical properties on the product and guarantees a high cell freedom with optimal preservation of the matrix. During the method, biological cells of a heart tissue preparation, particularly a heart valve or a heart vessel adhering in and/or to an extracellular matrix, are removed in-vitro. The method comprises that following steps carried out in this sequence: a) providing the heart tissue preparation of natural origin; b) removing cells, which are located in the tissue, from the extracellular matrix with the aid of an acellularization solution consisting of an aqueous solution of at least one strong anionic detergent and at least containing sodium deoxycholate; c) osmotically treating the tissue with distilled or deionized water, and; d) treating the tissue with a physiological saline solution with continuous flow or exchanging of the rinsing solution three times.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or blocking molecular generating and/or inducing functions of molecules using an inhibitory or blocking agent of the formula: wherein R1-6 are as defined herein.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a skeletal muscle construct include primary muscle cells provided on a substrate without disposing the cells within an exogenous scaffold, the cells cultured in vitro such that the cells form a confluent monolayer; at least two anchors secured to the monolayer in spaced relationship; and at least one secondary tissue, such as neural or tendon tissue, provided in contact with the monolayer such that the monolayer detaches from the substrate and self-organizes to at least partially surround the at least one secondary tissue, thereby forming a three-dimensional skeletal muscle construct having a functional interface with the secondary tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing three-dimensional multicellular tissue and organ culture systems using multicellular mammalian cell aggregates, these systems themselves and their use for various medical purposes, in particular implantations.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of processing amniotic membrane to generate a substantially ‘growth factor free’ membrane (GFF-membrane), and to methods of processing GFF-membrane to generate membrane enriched with specific and quantified levels of growth factors or other desirable membrane enriching molecules or compounds (E-membrane). The invention extends to GFF-membrane per se and E-membrane enriched with specific and quantified membrane-enriching compounds per se. The method also includes first and second medical uses of GFF-membrane and E-membrane. The method also extends to clinical uses of the amniotic membrane spongy layer or components thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents for use in an automated environment for removing or etching embedding media by exposing a biological sample to be stained in histochemical or cytochemical procedures without the dependence on organic solvents. The reagents comprise components optimized to facilitate removal or etching of the embedding media from the biological sample. The present invention also provides reagents for use in an automated environment for cell conditioning biological samples wherein the cells are predisposed for access by reagent molecules for histochemical and cytochemical staining procedures. The reagents comprise components optimized to facilitate molecular access to cells and cell constituents within the biological sample.

Abstract: The current invention provides a new organ preservation solution, suitable for machine perfusion, for maintaining viability of organs, parts of organs and tissues. This solution has been designed to overcome a number of problems associated with hypothermic machine perfusion of donor organs, in particular organs obtained from non-heart-beating donors. The solution prevents or minimizes the adverse affects caused by ischemia, hypoxia, energy and nutrient depletion, acidification, hypothermia and reperfusion injury. The preservation solutions according to the current invention are superior to current state of the art preservation solutions, in particular for preservation and perfusion of organs obtained from non-heart-bearing donors, by supplying increased concentrations and an optimized balance of amino acids, vitamins, anti-oxidants, high molecular weight additives and enhanced buffering capacity.

Abstract: The invention relates to tissue filler compositions that are alterable or removable on demand. Also provided are methods for filling or augmenting tissue using the tissue fillers described herein, and correcting such tissue implants as required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-human primate (nhp) pluripotential embryonic stem (ES) cell, which can be used in several ways as described herein, including to generate chimeric primate embryos. The invention further provides methods to determine the differentiation status of an embryonic cell by comparing its transcriptional patterns with those of ES cells at particular stages of differentiation. The invention further provides a non-human primate embryonic germ (EG) cell which can also be used in several ways, including administering the differentiated EG cell line to a patient to treat a number of diseases. Also provided are methods of generating nhp ES cell+primate embryo chimeras, and methods of deriving EG cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the preservation of cells using glucosaminoglycans and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The substrate for culturing a cardiovascular tissue of the present invention is a substrate for culturing a cardiovascular tissue, which is tubular, and comprises a foam comprising a bioabsorbable material reinforced with a reinforcing material comprising a bioabsorbable material, the foam comprising lactide (D, L, DL isomer)-?-caprolactone copolymer containing lactide (D, L, DL isomer) in a content of 50 to 54 mole % and ?-caprolactone in a content of 50 to 46 mole %, and the reinforcing material being covered with the foam.

Abstract: A purified paracrine factor of a mesenchymal stem cell, such as a Secreted frizzled related protein (Sfrp) is useful to reduce cell death an/or tissue injury associated with ischemic condtions.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, which are useful for modulating channel activating proteases, and methods for, using such compounds to treat, ameliorate or prevent a condition associated with a channel activating protease, including but not limited to prostasin, PRSS22, TMPRSS11 (e.g., TMPRSS11B, TMPRSS11E), TMPRSS2, TMPRSS3, TMPRSS4 (MTSP-2), matriptase (MTSP-1), CAP2, CAP3, trypsin, cathepsin A, or neutrophil elastase.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method of treating inflammation and associated diseases and disorders by administering an agent that inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3 activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for preserving cell, tissue, or organ transplants and cultures by increasing the concentration of an intracellular metabolite of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway. Also described herein are methods of reducing pathogenic effects in a subject by increasing the concentration of an intracellular metabolite of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway.

Abstract: A method is provided for packaging harvested plant tissues, such as agricultural products. Embodiments of the present invention mitigate damage to harvested plant tissues due to excessive ripening and spoilage, by contacting the plant tissues with ozone during transportation and storage. For example, in some embodiments harvested plant tissues are placed in substantially closed modified atmosphere packages, and the packages are surrounded by an atmosphere containing ozone. In alternative embodiments, the packaging may be perforated, and the packages placed in a controlled atmosphere that contains ozone. Harvested plant tissues may be treated with ozone before packaging further to promote their freshness. The present invention thus increases the longevity and value of harvested plant tissues beyond the abilities of currently available packaging methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cell culture comprising providing a pluripotent ES cell encapsulated within a support matrix to form a support matrix structure, maintaining the encapsulated cell in 3-D culture in maintenance medium, and optionally differentiating the encapsulated cell in 3-D culture in differentiation medium. The invention further relates to screening methods incorporating the use of encapsulated cells.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a tissue vaccine that include a mixture of heterogeneous tissue obtained from tumors and connective tissues. Vaccines comprising these compositions are also provided, as well as methods of using the vaccines in the treatment and/or inhibition of tumor growth, and particularly prostate tumor growth and cancers. The preparations may be defined as vaccines comprising tumor cells and connective (stromal) tissues derived from xenogeneic animals. Preparations comprising the tissue vaccines are provided using tissue harvested directly from tumors. Methods for preventing de novo development of cancer are also disclosed. A tissue vaccine comprising glutaraldehyde-(GFT) treated tissue prepared from tumor and connective tissue reduces the incidence of autochthonous prostate cancer. A tissue vaccine comprising a potassium thiocyanate extract (PTE) preparation of a tumor and connective tissue is also provided.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an organ function maintaining or ameliorating solution, which is effective for suppressing the depression of an organ provided for transplantation and an organ preservation method using the organ function maintaining or ameliorating solution. The present invention relates to an organ function maintaining or ameliorating solution for maintaining or ameliorating the functions of an organ provided for organ transplantation, comprising a pharmacologically active substance comprising glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid or a pharmacologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof in an organ preservation solution. The present invention also relates to a method of preserving an organ for organ transplantation comprising perfusing the organ function maintaining or ameliorating solution to the organ isolated from the donor to cause ischemia and immersing the organ in the organ function maintaining or ameliorating solution during the time until the organ is transplanted into a recipient.

Abstract: Described herein are substrates for immobilizing cells and tissues and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of selecting and maintaining a population of pigs having a low copy number of porcine endogenous retrovirus, and the use of such pigs as a source of cells, tissue and/or organs suitable for xenotransplantation. The invention further relates to methods for selecting cells, tissue and/or organs from such pigs for suitability for use in xenotransplantation.

Abstract: Pentafluorosulfanylbenzoylguanidines of formula I wherein R1 to R4 have the meanings stated in the claims, are suitable, for example, as antiarrhythmic medicaments with a cardioprotective component for the prophylaxis of infarction and treatment of infarction and for the treatment of angina pectoris. They also inhibit preventively the pathophysiological processes associated with the development of ischemia-induced damage, especially in the triggering of ischemia-induced cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: Compositions comprising biopolymers such as alginates and cell attachment peptides are disclosed. Compositions may optionally further comprise cells. Methods for repairing or treating a tissues and organs with such compositions and systems for providing such compositions to tissues and organs, and methods for delivering desired proteins to individual with such compositions and systems for providing such compositions are also disclosed. In vitro methods of culturing cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel compounds, compositions comprising compounds, and methods for preparing and using compounds are described herein. Methods of treating or ameliorating various conditions, including insulin resistance, pancreatic beta cell apoptosis, obesity, pro-thrombotic conditions, myocardial infarction, hypertension, dyslipidemia, manifestations of Syndrome X, congestive heart failure, inflammatory disease of the cardiovascular system, atherosclerosis, restenosis, sepsis, type 1 diabetes, liver damage, and cachexia, by administering compounds described herein. Compounds presented herein may be used to modulate serine palmitoyltransferase activity.

Abstract: Novel methods, tissues and compositions for increasing the pancreatic mass of a mammalian recipient including harvesting immature pancreatic tissue from a mammalian donor and transplanting said tissue into the peritoneal cavity of a mammalian recipient under conditions that allow the pancreatic tissue to become vascularized and mature, thereby developing a functioning chimeric, endocrine pancreas that produces at least insulin in the recipient. The invention also includes mammalian immature pancreatic tissue adapted for transplantation into the peritoneal cavity of a mammalian recipient for increasing the pancreatic mass of the mammalian recipient as well as methods and compositions for treatment of the pancreatic tissue, recipient immunosuppression and recipient co-stimulatory blockade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating heart diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and diseases and conditions caused by apoptosis, which contains a conjugate of a heat shock protein (Hsp) and a protein transduction domain (PTD). According to the present invention, PTD-Hsp70 effectively suppresses apoptosis under low-oxygen conditions.