Abstract: Synthetic storage media are disclosed for use in the processing and the storing of platelets. The storage media includes a platelet storage solution and less than 20 percent plasma to preserve platelet function after at least 7 days of storage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of expanding myeloid progenitor cells by culturing an initial population of cells in a medium comprising a mixture of cytokines and growth factors that promote growth and expansion of the myeloid progenitor cells. The expanded cell population provides a source of cells as therapeutic treatments for neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia arising in patients subjected to myeloablative therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for protecting a subject, tissues and/or organs from a subject against oxidative stress-induced damage, such as but not limited to, oxidative stress-induced tissue damage. The method comprises administering an effective amount of unacylated ghrelin, a fragment thereof, an analog thereof and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof to the subject.

Abstract: There is provided a method for stably preserving cells and valuable materials included in the cells at room temperature by lyophilizing the cells. When the cells are lyophilized using a lyoprotectant, damage to the structure of the cells which may otherwise occur during a freezing process can be prevented, the lyophilized cells can be stored at room temperature, and the valuable material included in the cells may maintain the functions thereof at room temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing unit for dispensing fluid into an external container. The dispensing unit comprises: a connector, a reagent cylinder for storing the fluid, and a locking ring. The connector comprises an upper fastener, and a bottom wall with at least one passage therethrough. The reagent cylinder comprises at least one compartment for storing the fluid, which compartment comprises at least one opening through a cylinder bottom. The at least one opening is located so that for at least one mutual orientation of the reagent cylinder and the connector, fluid can flow from the compartment to the external container via the at least one opening and the at least one passage. The locking ring comprises a second fastener which fastens to the upper fastener of the connector, so that when the locking ring is tightened, the reagent cylinder is pressed towards the interior bottom of the connector.

Abstract: A method of producing extremely stable leukocytes from human blood samples which are stable for long period of time under extraordinary temperature conditions. The method also relates to producing and stabilizing the leukocytes with formaldehyde release agents. The method is directed at the use of the stabilized leukocytes as a control in assays for determining CD4+ and HIV diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for the isolation, processing and cryopreservation of mesenchymal cells from the Wharton's Jelly and vascular progenitor cells from umbilical cord tissue. Also provided are isolated mesenchymal cells or vascular progenitor cells obtained by the invention methods, and compositions thereof.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to a method whereby a humoral immune response is induced more efficiently in producing an antibody against an antigen protein by gene immunization. A fusion gene composed of a gene encoding the full-length of a part of the antigen protein or a gene encoding a chaperonin subunit or a chaperonin subunit linkage linked thereto is administered to express the fusion gene in the animal, thereby inducing a humoral immune response to an antigen protein by administering. An example of the chaperonin includes Escherichia coli GroEL. There is also provided with a composition for immunization, a method for producing an antibody, a method for producing a hybridoma, and a method for producing a monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The described invention provides a composition comprising mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPC) and processes for isolating or enriching the mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) having a cell surface antigenic profile of CD34(?)/CD133(?)/CD45(?)/CD73(+)/CD90(+)/CD105(+)/CD44(?). The described invention also provides methods for differentiating the mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) into various cell types.

Abstract: Embodiments herein report compositions of alpha-1 antitrypsin fusion polypeptides or peptide derivatives thereof. In certain embodiments, compositions and methods relate to generating a construct of use in pharmaceutically acceptable compositions to treat a subject in need of alpha-1 antitrypsin therapy or treatment. In other embodiments, compositions and methods disclosed herein concern linking alpha-1 antitrypsin or derivative thereof to an immune fragment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, methods, systems and kits adapted for vitrification and/or reanimation of oocytes, embryos or blastocysts. The device includes a straw and a filter, wherein the straw comprises a lumen traversing through the straw and has a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section and wherein the filter is affixed in the straw and comprises a plurality of pores having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said oocytes, embryos or blastocysts but large enough to allow the passage of a fluid composition therethrough.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising a platelet lysate and its use to treat a wound, an anal fissure, vaginal atrophy or a wrinkle.

Abstract: Improved methods for cryopreservation of cells result when cells are cooled at controlled rates in devices that ensure a constant rate of cooling of less than 10° C.

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: This invention relates to a method for repair and reconstitution of invertebral discs in a subject which involves administration of STRO-1+ multipotent cells. The method of the invention is useful in the treatment of spinal conditions characterized by degeneration of the invertebral disc.

Abstract: A multiple-use blotting device for blotting blood from a fingertip includes a substrate, and a blood absorbing pad secured to the substrate. The blood absorbing pad has a plurality of blood absorbing sections that are evenly spaced from one another. The blotting device includes a protective cover overlying the blood absorbing pad, the protective cover having a window formed therein for exposing the blood absorbing pad. The cover is coupled with the substrate and is adapted to rotate relative to the substrate and the blood absorbing pad for sequentially aligning the window of the cover with each of the blood absorbing sections for exposing, one at a time, each of the blood absorbing sections. After one section of the pad has been used to blot blood, the cover is rotated for exposing a clean, unused section of the pad, while covering the used, blood-soaked section of the pad.

Abstract: The method involves placing an oocyte cell in a cell holder (1), securing the cell holder in a treatment station, applying a treatment solution to the cell by washing the cell with the solution, and rapidly cooling the cell holder and cell to a predetermined cryopreservation temperature for cryopreservation of the cell. The cell is cooled at a high rate sufficient to permit vitrification of the cell and any surrounding treatment solution to occur. The cell is then maintained at or below a predetermined storage temperature for storage. The method allows multiple cells to be treated simultaneously each secured within a respective cell holder.

Abstract: Maintenance of quiescent hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) in culture without the addition of exogenous growth factors is an important aspect in clinical hematology. A recent report described the ability of Flt3 receptor-interacting lectin (FRIL) in the maintenance of cord blood (CB) derived progenitors in vitro. Since FRIL is a mannose binding lectin, the effectiveness of four such lectins of well-characterized specificities on the preservation of HSPC of CB origin have been examined. The HSPC preservation activity of lectins was assessed by in vitro colony forming unit (CFU) and long-term culture initiating cell (LTC-IC) assays. It was found that all four lectins had a HSPC preservation activity at least up to 30 days in culture without addition of exogenous growth factors. The results indicate that use of such lectins may provide a cost effective method of HSPC maintenance for clinical use.

Abstract: A film-shaped tissue storage transport container and storage transport method. The storage transport container includes: an external container; a coupling mechanism which couples a container main body and a lid member of the external container; an internal container which is positioned within the external container; an interposed unit having elasticity and which is sandwiched between the internal container and the lid member; and a storage fluid with which the internal container is filled. A film-shaped tissue is present in a floating state in the storage fluid with which the internal container is filled.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating neoplastic disorders, such as pancreatic cancer, using tocotrienols; namely, gamma-tocotrienol and delta tocotrienol. The antitumorogenic effects of these compounds are shown both in vitro and in vivo using several human pancreatic cancer cell lines and MIA-PACA2 human pancreatic cancer cells xenografted in nude mice. Also disclosed are methods of testing the efficacy of potential chemotherapeutic agents by measuring their effect on surrogate endpoint biomarkers, such as Ki-67 and p27. Associated compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that allows the preparation of a cell concentrate in a short time without loss of cells and great damage on cells by simple operations. The present invention provides a method for producing a cell concentrate using an inside-out filtration system for processing a cell suspension, the system including: a cell suspension inlet port; a filtrate outlet port; a cell suspension outlet port; and a hollow fiber separation membrane interposed between the cell suspension inlet port and the cell suspension outlet port, wherein the hollow fiber separation membrane is provided with inner pores with an average pore size of 0.1 ?m to 10 ?m, and the quotient of the division of an initial filtrate flow rate by a linear velocity of the cell suspension flowing through the hollow fibers is 2.5 or less.

Abstract: This invention provides disc stem cells, processes for obtaining and culturing disc stem cells, and methods for repairing damaged or diseased disc tissue comprising the use of the disc stem cells of the invention.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides a method for the creation of a high-density cryopreserved cell bank using perfusion culture techniques and non-centrifugal concentration of cells. Methods of production using this high-density cryopreserved cell bank are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for continuous stabilization of pH of cell culture medium notwithstanding change from one distinct environment to another environment. The methods include providing a buffering system that includes a sodium bicarbonate buffer and at least two zwitterionic buffers having concentrations significantly reduced as compared to conventionally used media buffers utilizing a single zwitterionic buffer.

Abstract: A method for the expansion of tumor-specific T-cells includes obtaining an enriched population of T-cells from a subject with cancer; and contacting the enriched population of T-cells ex-vivo with: (i) an anti-CD3 antibody, an anti-CD28 antibody, and/or functional fragments thereof, and (ii) a VEGF inhibitor, to activate and expand the T-cells.

Abstract: An isolated antibody that has a specific binding affinity to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence HTEGKP (SEQ ID NO: 2) phosphorylated at threonine is provided. The antibody may be used as biomarker for mitotic cells. A method for using the antibody in accordance with the invention comprises contacting a cell with the antibody and detecting antibody bound to the cell as an indicator of the cell being in the mitotic state. A reagent kit comprising the antibody is also provided.

Abstract: A composition for cryopreservation of cells and tissues of human and other animals in a safe manner without using toxic substances such as DMSO, as well as for freeze preserving or freeze-drying of foods and pharmaceuticals. In embodiments, ?-poly-L-lysine is reacted with succinic anhydride so that 60% or more of amino groups are blocked; and, thus obtained polymer compound is added to Dulbecco-modified eagle MEM culture medium (DMEM) on market sale to form a cryopreservation liquid. In embodiments for foods or pharmaceuticals, the ?-poly-L-lysine derivative was added by 0.5-10 wt % to curb freeze concentration.

Abstract: A method of sex sorting sperm is disclosed. The sperm may be stained with a DNA selective fluorescent dye, which fluoresces when excited, a dead quenching dye, which selectively quenches fluorescence emitted by the DNA selective fluorescent dye within the membrane of compromised sperm, and a split enhancing dye. The stained sperm may then sorted into one or more gender enriched subpopulations of viable sperm.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preventing or reducing the growth of crystals in a substance which is susceptible to crystal growth in which colloidal particles having an amphiphilic structure, e.g. Janus particles, are contacted with the substance. Colloidal particles suitable for use in the invention include cross-linked, colloidal materials formed from hydrophobic monomers such as acrylates or methacrylates and hydrophilic monomers such as those derived from acrylic and/or methacrylic acid. The colloidal particles find particular use in methods of cryopreservation of biological samples (e.g. cells, tissues or organs), as a texture modifier in frozen food products, in the inhibition of gas hydrate formation, and as scale inhibitors.

Abstract: An integral digital memory storage device having a standard form factor to be received by and communicating with a computing device and having memory capability for storage of digital data. An integral multiwell DNA sample tray is carried in a body of the memory storage device for protection and exposed by manipulation of the case for receiving DNA samples.

Abstract: The protein NM23 is disclosed as an agent for the maintenance of undifferentiated biological cells in culture. The NM23 protein may act as a survival factor for such cultured cells, or to prevent the differentiation and maturation of the cultured cells. The use of NM23 protein is applicable to culture of stem and/or progenitor cells, and particularly to such cells cultured and adapted for therapeutic use. The invention provides methods, media and media supplements for use in the culture of biological cells, and further provides methods of preparing biological cells for therapeutic use, as well as methods of therapy utilising biological cells and medicaments comprising biological cells adapted for therapeutic use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising oxygen-releasing microcapsules containing hydrogen peroxide for protection of cells at room temperature. The oxygen-releasing microcapsules containing hydrogen peroxide according to the present invention has an excellent effect of improving the viability of cells at room temperature and thus can be effectively used as a composition for protection of cells in manipulating, storing, or transporting cells at room temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for cryopreserving cells and tissues under clinical conditions, allowing production of viable cell products suitable for transplantation.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method of obtaining multi-lineage stem cells or progenitor cells by allowing a sample of cells to settle in a container; transferring supernatant from the container to another container; and eventually isolating a colony from the supernatant after several transfer/settle processes and expanding further, and optionally freezing the cells thus obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanically elongated neurons and provides useful compositions, devices and methods for treating a nerve lesion using such mechanically elongated neurons.

Abstract: Viable progenitor cells are extracted from frozen umbilical cord tissue. In embodiments, the umbilical cord tissue is a blood vessel bearing perivascular Wharton's jelly, and the extracted progenitor cells are HUCPVCs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dendritic cell-based vaccine by fusing a canine tumor cell and an allogeneic dendritic cell, and a method for preparing the same. The fusion cells expressing canine tumor antigens are generated by fusing canine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and canine tumor cells. The canine immune system can be induced to produce tumor specific T lymphocytes and natural killer cells when the fusion cells used as a vaccine is injected into a canine body.

Abstract: Human umbilical cord lining stem cells that are capable of differentiating into cells of the mesodermal lineage and ectodermal lineage are described, as well as methods of isolating, expanding, culturing, and cryopreserving such cells.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies generally include at least one assay bar that includes a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar. Each well includes a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end, and at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom surface of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a dispenser bar that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the top side of the assay bar, which includes one or more reservoirs that are configured to provide one or more reagents to the at least one secondary container located in each well of the assay bar.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for producing a stem cell bank and providing stem cell samples for purchase or use. Also, provided herein are embodiments relating to a stem cell bank and stem cell banking system.

Abstract: The invention provides a quiescent stem cell having the capacity to differentiate into ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm, and which does not express cell surface markers including MHC class I, MHC class II, CD44, CD45, CD13, CD34, CD49c, CD73, CD105, CD90, CD66A, CD66E, CXCR4, CD133 or an SSEA. The invention further provides a proliferative stem cell, which expresses genes including Oct-4, Nanog, Sox2, GDF3, P16INK4, BMI, Notch, HDAC4, TERT, Rex-1, TWIST, KLF-4 and Stella but does not express cell surface markers including MHC class I, MHC class II, CD44, CD45, CD13, CF34, CF49c, CD73, CD105, CD90, CD66A, CD66E, CXCR4, CD133 or an SSEA. The cells of the invention can be isolated from adult mammals, have embryonic cell characteristics, and can form embryoid bodies. Methods for obtaining the stem cells, as well as methods of treating diseases and differentiated stem cells, are also provided.

Abstract: A fluid sample vessel includes inlet and vent tube fittings formed at one end of a container with an opposite open end closed by a needle septum. A support cap is removably engaged to the container to support the container and protect terminal ends of inlet and vent tubular branches coupled to the fittings. The support cap includes a pair of opposite legs with outwardly directed tabs for mounting within a centrifuge while supporting the cryopreservation container.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: It is provided an improved aqueous solution for the preservation of tissues and organs comprising carvedilol, tacrolimus, and trimetazidine. A synergistic effect is observed for this preservation solution which is particularly effective in marginal organs, such as steatotic livers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4. The cells thus isolated are also a feature of the invention, as is a method for screening for potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound of Formula I:

Abstract: The instant invention is the storage of Type II collagen containing tissue in carbonated water. Such Type II collagen is useful for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis in mammals as well as the treatment of arthritis in mammals. Such Type II collagen is also useful for the prevention of arthritis in mammals. The instant invention is also a method for the preparation of a nutritional supplement that includes the steps of: (a) separating water-insoluble undenatured Type II collagen containing animal tissue from animal tissue not containing Type II collagen; (b) subdividing and sterilizing said tissue under conditions which do not change the original structure of the Type II collagen to produce a subdivided and sterilized product; (c) packaging the subdivided and sterilized product in carbonated water.

Abstract: Compositions comprising dendritic cells pulsed with tumor lysate and at least one toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand which may be used for eliciting a specific immune response in a mammal in need thereof for treating diseases including a tumor are disclosed. Also disclose are methods of activating dendritic cells, comprising providing at least one toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand; and pulsing a dendentic cell with the at least one TLR ligand. A method further comprises pulsing the dendritic cell with a tumor lysate.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to reducing inflammation by means of cells that secrete factors that reduce leukocyte extravasation. Specifically, the invention is directed to methods using cells that secrete factors that downregulate the expression of cellular adhesion molecules in leukocytes. Downregulating expression of cellular adhesion molecules reduces leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells such that extravasation is reduced. The end result is a reduction of inflammation. The cells are non-embryonic non-germ cells that have pluripotent characteristics. These may include expression of pluripotential markers and broad differentiation potential.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a specimen preserver. A bubble reservoir is used to hold a preserving liquid such as artificial cerebrospinal liquid (aCSF). Oxygen is introduced into the aCSF by a gas diffuser which is attached to the bubble reservoir. The tissue samples are contained in one or more chambers in a holding platform. The platform is suspended well above the bottom of the bubble reservoir. The lower portion of each of the chambers is open toward the bottom of the bubble reservoir, but is covered by a fine mesh. The gas introduced into the aCSF circulates within the bubble reservoir. However, the tissue samples are not directly exposed to the gas bubbles because the fine mesh excludes the bubbles from the chambers in which the tissue samples are housed.