Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for resuscitating, storing, and preserving functional integrity of organs and tissues. Metabolic function is maintained by sustaining ATP levels, mitochondrial function, cardiomyocyte contractility, prevention of acidosis, inhibition of induction of apoptosis, maintaining ionontrophy and lusiotrophy by regulating calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride ions.

Abstract: Provided herein are tissue protective peptides derived from or sharing consensus sequences with portions of cytokine receptor ligands, including Erythropoietin (EPO), that are generally located on or within the region of the cytokine receptor ligand that faces away from a receptor complex while the ligand is bound to the receptor. Also provide herein are fragments, chimeras, as well as peptides designed to mimic the spatial localization of key amino acid residues within the tissue protective receptor ligands, e.g., EPO; methods for treating or preventing a disease or disorder using tissue protective peptides; and methods for enhancing excitable tissue function using tissue protective peptides.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preserving biological materials (e.g., organs, tissues, and cells) under cold or cryo conditions while reducing or minimizing damage to the materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pancreatic islet isolation method comprising the steps of (1) injecting a protection solution containing a protease inhibitor into the pancreatic duct of an procured pancreas; (3) digesting the pancreas into which the protection solution has been injected; and (4) purifying the digested pancreatic tissue using a purification solution containing a density gradient reagent. The present invention also provides a protection solution for injection into the pancreatic duct, a pancreas preservation solution for the two-layer method, and an islet purification solution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for a substantially protein-free media (PFM) optimized for stem cell research.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving viability and/or stress tolerance of viable biological material and using the said material comprising applying hydrostatic pressure to said biological material; keeping the said viable biological material at the hydrostatic pressure for a predetermined time period; releasing the hydrostatic pressure; and using the said material for any desired purpose in accordance with any useful protocol. The usage of the said biological material incorporates any techniques, protocols that are applicable in the field of assisted reproductive techniques, biotechnical and/or biotechnological manipulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing oxidative damage to an organ during cold storage.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods involving incubating biological materials under hypoxic or anoxic conditions to induce stasis or suspended animation. Methods of screening for compounds that induce stasis or compounds that increase the ability to undergo stasis are included. Such methods have ramifications for preserving biological materials as well as reducing or preventing trauma to biological materials. Also contemplated are methods for screening compounds that are active or more active under hypoxic conditions than normoxic conditions. Such methods can be used to identify antitumor compounds that would operate under hypoxic conditions in which tumor cells survive.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for measuring the contractility of intestinal tissue upon treatment with GLP-2 or a GLP-2 ligand. Also disclosed is an assay which directly measures the activity of GLP-2 or GLP-2 ligands ex vivo and permits the screening of putative GLP-2 ligands in native tissue.

Abstract: Artificial insemination of female animals and in vitro fertilization of oocytes with fresh or frozen-thawed semen have been applied to the reproduction of animals. According to the traditional theory and conventional procedures, a great number of sperm cells are needed to ensure a successful fertilization.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emulsifier comprising, as an active ingredient, a polyfluoroalkylphosphonic acid salt represented by the general formula: CnF2n+1(CH2CF2)a(CF2CF2)b(CH2CH2)cP(O)(OM1)(OM2), wherein M? is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an ammonium base, or an organic amine base, M2 is an alkali metal, an ammonium base, or an organic amine base, n is an integer of 1 to 6, a is an integer of 1 to 4, b is an integer of 1 to 3, and c is an integer of 1 to 3. An aqueous solution or organic solvent solution of the emulsifier can be effectively used to emulsify a perfluoropolyether oil or a perfluorocarbon compound. The resulting emulsion exhibits excellent emulsification stability, and thus can be effectively used as a mold-releasing agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of enhancing liver repair after injury, resection or transplantation using antagonists of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway in the liver.

Abstract: A body part is preserved using nitric oxide and/or a nitric oxide donor that does not directly release nitric oxide or a red blood cell nitrosylating agent, preferably ethyl nitrite to facilitate oxygen supply. A subject at risk for developing high altitude illness is administered a red blood nitrosylating agent in gaseous form that does not directly release nitric oxide, preferably ethyl nitrite.

Abstract: Flush preservation solution for the preservation of cells in the absence of a blood supply comprising: v) water for injection; and vi) at least one saccharide such as a monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, or polysaccharide and vii) at least one component with pH buffer properties; and viii) at least one component with calcium transport blocking properties or an anti-calcium action activity; method for the preparation thereof; use thereof in transplantation including organs from heart beating or non heart beating donors, in surgery including any situation of warm or cold ischaemia, cardioplegia or open heart surgery, whole limb or whole body preservation in experimentation on living tissues or in culturing and preserving engineered cells, tissues and organs, limbs or the whole body; method for flushing, preserving or flush preservation of cells; and a kit of parts comprising the solution components.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of preserving an organ for transplantation. Specifically, the present invention is directed towards treating an organ with a hemoglobin-carbon monoxide complex to preserve the organ before transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for controlling viability of a tissue including a potassium channel opener or adenosine receptor agonist, a compound for inducing local anaesthesia and a compound for reducing the uptake of water by a cell in the tissue. The present invention also relates to the use of the composition according to the invention for controlling viability of a tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vivo and in vitro methods, agents and compound screening assays for inducing anabolic stimulation of chondrocytes, including cartilage formation enhancing pharmaceutical compositions, and the use thereof in treating and/or preventing a disease involving a systemic or local decrease in mean cartilage thickness in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emulsion formed using, as an emulsifier, 0.01 to 30 parts by weight of a perfluoroalkylethyl phosphonic acid salt represented by the general formula: CnF2n+1CH2CH2P(O)(OM1)(OM2) [III] (M1: a hydrogen atom, ammonium salt, or organic amine salt, M2: an ammonium salt or organic amine salt, n: 1 to 6), based on 100 parts by weight of a perfluoropolyether oil represented by the general formula: RfO(C3F6O)p(C2F4O)q(CF2O)rRf? [I] (Rf and Rf?: C1-C5 perfluoroalkyl groups, p+q+r: 2 to 200) or the general formula: F(CF2CF2CF2O)nCF2CF3 [II] (n: 2 to 100), or a perfluorocarbon compound. In spite of using, as an emulsifier, a compound having a perfluoroalkyl group containing 6 or less carbon atoms, which is said to have low bioaccumulation potential, the emulsion exhibits excellent emulsification stability, and therefore can be effectively used as a surface-treating agent, such as a mold-releasing agent.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for resuscitating, storing, and preserving functional integrity of organs and tissues. Metabolic function is maintained by sustaining ATP levels, mitochondrial function, cardiomyocyte contractility, prevention of acidosis, inhibition of induction of apoptosis, maintaining ionontrophy and lusiotrophy by regulating calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride ions.

Abstract: A method is described and disclosed for harvesting and preparing porcine hearts that may be used, among other things, as an improved analog of the human heart in cardiac simulator systems for training surgical personnel for performing beating heart surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating or preventing an infection or infectious disease in a mammal, or sanitizing mammalian tissue, or treating or preventing psoriasis in a mammal, comprising topically administering to said mammal an electrolytic acid water comprising free chlorine, wherein: a) from 90% to 99.9% of said free chlorine is present in the form of hypochlorous acid; b) said water has a pH of from 0.5 to 5.0; and c) said water has oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of greater than 1100 mV. The present invention also relates to methods of healing, repair or regeneration of a tissue in a mammal comprising topically administering to said tissue said electrolytic acid water.

Abstract: A nerve graft includes a lyophobic substrate, a carbon nanotube film structure, a protein layer, and a nerve network. The carbon nanotube film structure is located on a surface of the lyophobic substrate. The protein layer is located on a surface of the carbon nanotube film structure away from the lyophobic substrate. The nerve network is positioned on a surface of the protein layer away from the lyophobic substrate.

Abstract: An organotypic slice and a method of preparing an organotypic slice from a central nervous system tissue, wherein the organotypic slice comprises a brain slice obtained from a brain wherein mature synapses have not been established and the organotypic slice is seeded with a population of stem cells; wherein the organotypic slice has enhanced viability as compared to an organotypic slice comprising a similar brain slice not seeded with a population of stem cells.

Abstract: Presented is an airway organ bioreactor apparatus, and methods of use thereof, as well as bioartificial airway organs produced using the methods, and methods of treating subjects using the bioartificial airway organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution for preservation, perfusion, and/or reperfusion of an organ, especially the heart, for transplantation. The solution contains peptide inhibitor(s) of protein kinase C ?II (PKC ?II) and/or of protein kinase C ? (PKC ?) and/or peptide activator(s) of protein kinase C ? (PKC?). Methods for using the inventive solution are also disclosed, including methods for preserving an organ for transplantation, for protecting an ischemic organ from damage, for attenuating organ dysfunction after ischemia, for maintaining nitric oxide release and/or inhibiting superoxide release in an ischemic organ, and for protecting an organ from damage when isolated from the circulatory system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered blood vessels and methods of making such vessels using matrices comprising endothelial and smooth muscle cells, or cells capable of differentiating into endothelial and smooth muscle cell lineages (e.g., stem cells, or the progenitors thereof).

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are related to methods comprising contacting an endothelial cell in an endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The released angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, the angiogenic growth factor is fibroblast growth factor-2. Preferably, the non-thermal plasma may be an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to methods for treating a disease comprising promoting angiogenesis by contacting an endothelial cell in a endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to reducing, preventing or reversing organ damage, reducing and/or preventing stem cell damage and/or death, enhancing organ preservation and/or survival, or enhancing stem cell preservation and/or survival comprising administering a compound of formula A, a compound of any one of formulae 1-49 or I-III, a lipoxin compound, an oxylipin compound, or a combination of aspirin and an omega-3 fatty acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing allograft skin for transplantation and a cryopreserved allograft skin produced thereby. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method in which a cryoprotectant is prepared by adding sucrose to basic constituents comprising dimethyl sulfoxide, an animal cell culture medium and fetal bovine serum, and then the resulting solution is used to subject skin tissue for transplantation to a freezing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or aspirin), salicylic acid (SA) and related salicylate esters and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, when coadministered in effective amounts with a drug or other bioactive agent which typically (in the absence of the salicylate compound) produces significant hepatotoxicity as a secondary indication, will substantially reduce or even eliminate such hepatotoxicity. Favorable therapeutic intervention results from the use of the present invention having the effect of reducing hepatotoxicity associated with the administration of certain drugs and other bioactive agents and in certain instances of allowing the administration of higher doses of a compound which, without the coadministration, would produce hepatotoxicity which limits or even negates the therapeutic value of the compound.

Abstract: A lettuce cultivar, designated Red Bluff, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds and plants of lettuce cultivar Red Bluff and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar Red Bluff with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Red Bluff, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Red Bluff and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar Red Bluff with another lettuce cultivar.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can coat a hybrid graft with a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells by immobilizing stem cells on a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft, and placing the hybrid graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote the stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft and in an environment to promote the stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adeno-associated viral vector comprising: a U7 type modified snRNA sequence; the native U7 promoter; at least one antisense sequence directed against at least one splice site of at least one exon, the said exon encoding a dispensable domain of dystrophin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assessing the viability of a thawed cell wherein the cell is a gamete, an embryo, a karyoplast, a putative stem cell population, a stem cell precursor population or a stem cell population. The method includes incubating the thawed cell in a culture medium including a plurality of amino acids and determining the change in concentration in the medium of at least one amino acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a cleaning agent that contains surfactants and has a pH value of at least 11 when diluted in an aqueous solution and ready for use. Said cleaning agent is used to destabilize prions during mechanical and manual cleaning and/or disinfection of medical and/or surgical instruments and appliances. It has been recognized that this combination enables a reliable destabilization of prions during the mechanical reconditioning of surgical instruments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: This invention is a novel method for perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant (inactivation of pathogens, microorganisms, cells, viruses and the like and reduction in antigenicity thereof), and the novel implant produced by such treatment. The process presents a system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants for implantation.

Abstract: A composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or (II): wherein r and q are independently integers of 1 to 3; Rf is linear or branched chain perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; j is an integer 0 or 1, or a mixture thereof, x is 1 or 2, Z is —O— or —S—, X is hydrogen or M, and M is an ammonium ion, an alkali metal ion, or an alkanolammonium ion is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is described and disclosed for harvesting and preparing porcine hearts that may be used, among other things, as an improved analog of the human heart in cardiac simulator systems for training surgical personnel for performing beating heart surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for treating an ischemic disorder in a subject which comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically acceptable form of a selectin antagonist in a sufficient amount over a sufficient time period to prevent white blood cell accumulation so as to treat the ischemic disorder in the subject. The invention further provides a method for treating an ischemic disorder in a subject which comprises administering to the subject carbon monoxide gas in a sufficient amount over a sufficient period of time thereby treating the ischemic disorder in the subject. The invention further provides a method for treating an ischemic disorder in a subject which comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically acceptable form of inactivated Factor IX in a sufficient amount over a sufficient period of time to inhibit coagulation so as to treat the ischemic disorder in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of oxygen antagonists for inducing stasis in tissue, including all or part of organs. It includes methods and apparatuses for achieving stasis in tissue, so as to preserve and/or protect them. In specific embodiments, preservation methods and apparatuses for preserving tissue for transplantation purposes is provided.

Abstract: A method for hypothermic preservation of biological tissue for later recovery to a viable state includes flushing the biological tissue with a gas mixture of sulfur hexafluoride or xenon and oxygen. The sulfur hexafluoride or xenon is in a concentration in the mixture between about 75 mole percent to 95 mole percent. The method includes pressurizing the biological tissue, preferably isothermically, with the mixture to a pressure that will form clathrates inside the biological tissue at a desired storage temperature in a range of about +1° C. to about +5° C. The method includes a step of cooling the biological tissue, preferably isobarically, to the desired storage temperature. Optional steps for further cooling to no colder than about ?20° C. and for depressurization are provided as well as steps for recovering the hypothermically preserved biological tissue to a viable state, preferably using a recovery gas mixture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions and methods for treatment of subjects in need of or having a bone marrow transplant. Certain embodiments describe compositions and methods for treatment of conditions associated with bone marrow transplantations in a subject, for example, Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) or bone marrow transplantation rejection. Some embodiments concern early or immediate bone marrow transplantation rejection. Certain embodiments relate to compositions and uses of alpha1-antitrypsin (?1-antitrypsin, AAT) and carboxyterminal peptide derivatives thereof and/or compositions and uses of serine protease inhibitors, immunomodulators or anti-inflammatory agent activity similar to that of AAT.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention illustrate methods of treating and preventing transplantation and side effects associated with transplantation. In certain embodiments, compositions and methods relate to inhibition of graft rejection and promotion of graft survival. Thus, the invention relates to modulation of cellular activities, including graft rejection, promotion of graft survival, graft versus host rejection, islet cell preservation and conditions commonly associated with graft rejection. Other embodiments relate to the inhibitory compounds comprising naturally occurring and man-made inhibitors of serine protease and inducers of other alpha1-antitrypsin activities.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for cold storage of cells which includes a population of isolated stem cells, a cell medium, and isolated trophic factors, as well as devices having a plurality of the trophic factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cyclic peptide with antiparasite activity and anticancer activity. The invention also relates to this peptide as an antiparasite agent, for example in the treatment of toxoplasmosis and as an anticancer agent. The invention also relates to the use of this cyclic peptide for treating organs ex vivo before transplantation.

Abstract: A process for preserving tissues is described which comprises transferring the tissues in a container and evacuating the container.

Abstract: A single-use, single or multiple tissue, organ, and graft bioreactor and environmental control system is designed to replicate the necessary conditions for growth of tissues, organs, or grafts, while addressing problems in scaling up the tissue growth; adaptation to a single-use or disposable format; and operation as a stand-alone unit that provides full environmental control of cell culture conditions.

Abstract: Compositions for promoting growth and/or differentiation of a stem cell are disclosed. The composition comprises: a) a diamond film; b) a stem cell cultured on the diamond film; and c) a medium bathing the stem cell. The stem cell may be a mammalian neural stem cell and the diamond film may comprise a hydrogen-terminated or an oxygen-terminated surface. The hydrogen-terminated surface promotes proliferation and differentiation of a neural stem cell into neurons, and the oxygen-terminated surface promotes a neural stem cell to proliferate and differentiate into oligodendrocytes.