Abstract: The invention is related to compounds for prevention of cell injury or protection of cells. The compounds are involved in the maintenance or the increase of hydrogen sulphide in cells, which results in a protection of the cells or the prevention of cell injury. The compounds of the invention can be used in cell culture and tissue culture techniques. They can also be used in several medical conditions such as ischemia, reperfusion and hypothermia, or for preserving organs which are used for transplantation.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a multiwell test plate having a plurality of wells having an opening and a base surface, an insert plate having a plurality of inserts positioned to align with a corresponding one of the wells whereby the insert plate can be nested with the multiwell plate. Each of the inserts includes a supply port arranged for flow communication with a supply source, an exhaust port, a bottom portion having a plurality of channels extending between the supply port and the exhaust port, and a gas permeable membrane covering the bottom portion. Each of the inserts is sized to position the gas permeable membrane a desired distance from the base surface of the multiwell test plate when the multiwell test plate and the insert plate are coupled to one another.

Abstract: Cell lines, compositions comprising them for the treatment of melanomas, procedures to prepare the compositions, and treatment methods. More particularly, the invention relates to diverse human melanoma cell lines for the treatment of malignant diseases, wherein the cell lines are: (a) Mel-XY1 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2830), (b) Mel-XY2 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2831), (c) Mel-XY3 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2832), (d) Mel-XX4 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2829), or (e) sub-populations thereof. The cell lines may be irradiated, thus obtaining populations with apoptotic phenotype, and populations with necrotic phenotype of such lines.

Abstract: The production of high quality retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells is necessary for research and potential therapeutic uses. Especially desirable are methods for the production of RPE cells using xeno-free culture conditions. Disclosed herein are novel methods for the production of RPE cells from pluripotent cells with high yields, including xeno-free production methods. Also provided are methods of efficiently isolating RPE cells from cultures containing heterogeneous cell types, allowing for substantially pure RPE cell cultures to be established. Additionally, novel methods for the cryopreservation of RPE cells are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure provides the first description of hESC-derived cells transplanted into human patients. Results are reported for one patient with each of Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy (SMD) and Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Controlled hESC differentiation resulted in near-100% pure RPE populations. Immediately after surgery, hyperpigmentation was visible at the transplant site in both patients, with subsequent evidence the cells had attached and integrated into the native RPE layer. No signs of inflammation or hyperproliferation were observed. The hESC-derived RPE cells have shown no signs of rejection or tumorigenicity at the time of this report. Visual measurements suggest improvement in both patients.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A method is provided, including obtaining a population of isolated immature antigen-presenting cells; enriching a population of isolated stem/progenitor cells within a larger population of cells; activating the population of immature antigen-presenting cells; and following the activating, inducing at least one process selected from the group consisting of: differentiation, expansion, activation, secretion of a molecule, and expression of a marker, by exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of activated antigen-presenting cells. Inducing the at least one process includes generating a lineage specific precursor/progenitor population (LSP) from the enriched stem/progenitor cell population.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cell culture, which is a laboratory process used primarily for the growth, propagation, and production of cells for analysis and the production and harvesting of cell products. The present invention comprises functionalized and/or engineered hydrogel microcarriers that exhibit any or all of the following properties: controllable buoyancy, ferro- or paramagnetism, molecular or fabricated reporting elements, and optical clarity. The microcarriers are used in a bioreactor that employs external forces to control said microcarrier kinetic energy and translational or positional orientation in order to facilitate cell growth and/or cellular analysis. The bioreactor can be part of an automated system that employs any or all of the following; a microcarrier manufacturing method, a monitoring method, a cell culture method, and an analytical method.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for generating and cryopreserving dendritic cells with superior functionality in producing stronger signals to T cells, resulting in a more potent DC-based anti-tumor vaccine. The present invention includes mature, antigen loaded DCs activated by Toll-like receptor agonists that induce clinically effective immune responses, preferably when used earlier in the disease process. The DCs of the present invention produce desirable levels of cytokines and chemokines, and further have the capacity to induce apoptosis of tumor cells. The cells can be cryopreserved and thawed for later use, thereby reducing the need for repeated pheresis and elutriation processes during vaccine production. These methods can also be utilized to directly target molecules involved in carcinogenetic signaling pathways and cancer stem cells.

Abstract: Noncultured Wharton's Jelly stem cells and methods of their purification, storage and use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the handling of processed sperm including samples that are freshly collected, those transported as fresh samples, samples that are frozen and thawed, those sorted into one or more subpopulations, and those that are otherwise processed or handled that impose trauma on the cell. Trauma can reduce the motility, fertility, viability and overall integrity of the sperm and reduce the ability to fertilize, produce an embryo and a healthy offspring. The present invention relates to novel compounds that can be added to the sperm cell sample to reduce the traumatic effects of physical stress during mild as well as extensive sperm cell processing, methods of using the compounds in standard sperm processing procedures, the end products made from these methods including sperm and embryos, as well as methods of using those end products in assisted reproductive biology techniques in animals.

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: Substantially homogenous cells populations which co-express CD49c, CD90 and telomerase are made. In one embodiment, humans suffering from a degenerative, traumatic, acute injury, cardiac or neurological condition are treated with the substantially homogenous cells populations which co-express CD49c, CD90 and telomerase. In another embodiment, committed progenitor cells are made are made by selecting from a cultured source of a cell population which co-express CD49c and CD90 and modifying the cell population. The committed progenitor cells can be employed to treat a human suffering from a degenerative, traumatic, acute injury, cardiac or neurological condition and formulate pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a tautomer, a stereoisomer or a mixture of stereoisomers in any proportion, in particular a mixture of enantiomers, and particularly a racemate mixture, as well as to their process of preparation, their use in the peptide synthesis, said peptide and the use of said peptide.

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 to methods for expanding a stem cell population. More particularly, the invention relates, inter alia, to methods and compositions for expanding a stem cell population, particularly a hematopoietic stem cell population.

Abstract: A method of liquid nitrogen surface vitrification requiring an embryo washed in a rinsing medium, then incubated in a base medium and incubated in a hold medium before being washed in a vitrification medium and produced into a vitrification droplet (270). For forming the droplet, vitrification medium (210), an intermediary fluid such as air, followed by vitrification medium containing at least one embryo (250) are aspirated into the channel. The vitrification droplet consequently can contain an air bubble (220). The vitrification droplet can be produced from an instrument with a channel and dropped directly into liquid phase nitrogen producing a vitrified droplet. The vitrified droplet can be stored in cryo-vessels, and warmed for revitalization of biological function of vitrified biological cell mass or tissues, such as oocytes and/or embryos.

Abstract: Semen and sperm cell processing and preservation systems, and methods of producing a mammal and methods of producing mammalian embryos are disclosed. The present invention is directed to sperm cell preservation, fertilization, and insemination, maintaining or enhancing sperm quality and addressing one or more sperm cell characteristics, such as viability, motility, functionality, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates. Further, sperm cell characteristics may be addressed within the context of various collection, handling, separation, storage, transportation, usage, fertilization, or insemination techniques.

Abstract: To provide an aqueous solution for cell preservation which is free of a natural animal-derived component such as a basal medium or serum. An aqueous preservation solution showing a high cell survival rate was obtained by removing a natural animal-derived component such as a basal medium or serum and controlling other components and their concentrations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-step chemical composition that preserves animal tissue, cells, and biomolecules, such as human tissue, human cells, and biomolecules therein. It improves the fidelity and morphologic structure of cells, organelles, and nuclear chromatin, and maintains and enhances the cellular antigenicity for immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, while preserving proteins, post-translational modifications of proteins, and nucleic acids. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a) a non-aldehyde precipitating fixative at a concentration below 25% (volume/volume), b) a reversible/cleavable protein cross-linker that targets lipid-associated molecules, and c) a c reversible/cleavable protein cross-linker that targets water soluble molecules. In another embodiment, the composition further includes a kinase inhibitor, a phosphatase inhibitor, and a permeation enhancer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of biomaterials with variable stiffness by subjecting a gel which varies in at least one dimension to plastic compaction. These biomaterials may be useful, for example, for the directional control or guidance of cells within tissue equivalent implants.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of compositions, methods, devices, systems, kits, or products regarding rejuvenation or preservation of germ cells or gametes. Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods of modifying germ cells or gametes, or methods of administering modified germ cells or gametes to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: Noncultured Wharton's Jelly stem cells and methods of their purification, storage and use are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a silanised hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or silanised hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) hydrogel, self-crosslinking as a function of pH, for the three-dimensional ex vivo culture of chondrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blood products, and more particularly to compositions comprising a modified oxygenated hemoglobin having a high affinity for oxygen and methods for making such compositions. Such compositions according to the present invention have better stability to auto oxidation and superior oxygen carrying characteristics.

Abstract: Dermis tissue cell aggregation, which comprises isolated dermis tissue cells with biological activity, is provided. The isolated dermis tissue cells are preserved in a mixed solution consisting of an isotonic saline solution for medical use, an anticoagulant, a nutrient for cells and a cell growth promoter, and a non-fluidity dermis tissue cell aggregation with adhesion is formed after several processes. A method for preparing the dermis tissue cell aggregation and the use thereof in preparing medicines for repairing scars are provided.

Abstract: Investigation on the frequency of FLT3/ITD found in various blood cancers has revealed that the frequency is high in acute myeloblastic leukemia in particular. Studies on the effects of FLT3/ITD in the blood cell lines revealed that the tyrosine residues in FLT3/ITD is constitutively phosphorylated in these cell lines and that blood cells into which FLT3/ITD is introduced show IL-3 independent proliferation. Moreover, the blood cells into which FLT3/ITD is introduced are found to be capable of forming tumors and inhibit cell differentiation. The inventors have found that it is possible to screen for pharmaceutical compounds against tumors by using inhibition of these FLT3/ITD functions as an index.

Abstract: A method of screening an organic salt for potential toxicity if used as a stabilizing agent for live cells or viruses, the method comprising: (a) providing a composition of unilamellar vesicles; then (b) contacting an organic salt to the unilamellar vesicles; and then (c) detecting a change in at least one thermal parameter of the unilamellar vesicles caused by the organic salt at said known concentration. A change in the at least one thermal parameter indicates the organic salt is potentially toxic for use as a stabilizing agent for live cells or viruses. Compositions of organic salts identified by such methods, along with methods of using the same in stabilizing live cells or viruses, are also described.

Abstract: An auto-nucleating device includes a tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends of the tube are closed by a membrane impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. The cryopreservation vessel can be a flexible vial having a closed port adapted to be pierced by a needle, and an opposite end that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel includes an adaptor mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch closed by a needle septum and another tubular branch provided with a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube that terminates in a needle septum. Alternatively, the vessel includes an inlet and vent branch at the top of the container and an outlet septum at a bottom opening.

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: 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 present invention provides compositions (i.e., preservation solutions) for preserving biologies comprising at least one membrane penetrable sugar, at least one membrane impenetrable sugar, at least one anti-microbial agent, at least one anti-oxidant, adenosine, albumin, a salt, a buffer, and a chelating agent, and to methods of using such preservation solutions to preserve biologies.

Abstract: The invention provides a solution for non-programmed cell cryopreservation, which comprises 1.0-28 w/v % of cell membrane protectant, 1.0-18 w/v % of permeable intracellular protectant, 3.0-28 w/v % of cell sedimentation stabilizer, and the balance of solvent. The cell cryopreservation solution provided by the invention is good for protecting cells. After the cryopreservation solution is added to cells, the cells can be cryopreserved in a refrigerator of ?80 DEG C. directly without complicated programmed cryopreservation, thus, the time for cell cryopreservation is shortened greatly and the efficiency of cryopreservation is improved. Therefore, the cryopreservation solution is suitable for cryopreserving a large number of cells. The recovery rate of the cells cryopreserved is high, the growth and differentiation of the recovered cells is normal. The components of the cryopreservation solution are stable, thus the cryopreservation solution can be preserved with good property for a long time.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed that includes a first component comprising alginate, wherein the first component is comprised in a first sterile vial, and a second component comprising cells comprising keratinocytes or fibroblasts, or mixtures thereof, that secrete one or more biologically active molecules selected from the group consisting of GM-CSF, VEGF, KGF, bFGF, TGF?, angiopoietin, EGF, IL-I?, IL-6, IL-8, TGF?, and TNF?, wherein the cells are allogeneic and mitotically inactive, a buffered solution, and human serum albumin or a cryoprotectant, wherein the second component is comprised in a second sterile vial.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cryogenic preservation of cells.

Abstract: A stem cell bank is disclosed which stores stem cells collected from individuals throughout their entire life. The stem cell bank stores stem cells of various types, which are obtained from a plurality of sources from a single individual. Also provided are methods of personalized medicine that utilizes cells stored in a bank and compositions of stem cells for the treatment of various types of diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions containing isolated monocyte-derived mature dendritic cells loaded with OFA/iLRP, or a fragment thereof that selectively stimulates T cytotoxic lymphocytes, and a carrier, vaccine compositions containing effective dosage amounts of the dendritic cells, methods of making the vaccines, and methods of cancer treatment or therapy that entail administration of the vaccines to cancer patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery of a selective cell surface marker that permits the selection of a unique subset of pancreatic stem cells having a high propensity to differentiate into insulin-producing cells or into insulin-producing cell aggregates.

Abstract: Disclosed in a method of detecting cancer using IL-27 receptors. IL27R is a cytokine receptor identified as a novel oncogene from an acute myeloid leukemia patient. It induces cancer-like properties when expressed in cells and can activate a protein that causes various myeloid cell disorders. The data show cytokine receptors play unappreciated roles in mediating activation of signaling pathways in circulatory system cancers. Also method of screening for novel oncogenes using a functional, approach is disclosed using cytokine-dependent cells to screen for transforming events.

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 placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. The invention also provides methods of differentiating the placental stem cells. The invention further provides methods of using the placental stem cells in assays and for transplanting.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method for culturing a novel cancer tissue-derived cell mass or a novel aggregated cancer cell mass that can reflect the behavior of cancer cells accurately in vivo. First, a cancer tissue-derived cell mass or an aggregated cancer cell mass is prepared from an individual. The novel cancer tissue-derived cell mass or the novel aggregated cancer cell mass is cultured, and the properties are evaluated using the cultured cell mass. Examples of the evaluation of properties include the evaluation of genes and the evaluation of culture conditions. In addition, the cancer tissue-derived cell mass or the aggregated cancer cell mass can be stored. It is possible to establish an optimal therapeutic method for an individual efficiently by linking the clinical information or the genetic information on the individual to the stored cancer tissue-derived cell mass or the stored aggregated cancer cell mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying the preferential target antigens of antitumoural T-cells of a tumour patient, comprising: a) providing T-cells from the blood of at least one tumour patient, b) providing dendritic cell (DCs) and/or B-lymphocytes (BLCs) that are autologous for said tumour patient, wherein said DCs and BLCs were transfected beforehand with a selection of mRNAs encoding for T-cell-immunogenic tumour-associated antigens (TAA), and express these, c) contacting said T-cells with the DCs and/or BLCs, d) identifying of those T-cells that recognize antigens of the DCs and/or BLCs, and e) identifying of the preferential target antigens of antitumoural T-cells of the at least one tumour patient on the basis of the T-cells that recognize antigens of the DCs and/or BLCs. The method can furthermore comprise the expansion of the T-cells that recognize the antigens of the DCs and/or BLCs.

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 present invention discloses a supercooling promoting agent comprising a tannin for producing practical water which does not freeze. As the tannin, a hydrolyzable tannin such as 2,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-?,?-D-hamamelose, 1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-?-D-glucose, and a vitrification liquid, each of which contains the supercooling promoting agent are useful as a solution or the like for storing a biological material at low temperature.

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 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: Cytotoxic ?? T cells form an essential component in immunity to infections and tumors, and are also implicated in host defense against these challenges. The present disclosure demonstrates the ability of activated ?? T cells to cross-present exogenous antigens to CD8+ ?? T cells, a process previously thought to be mediated best by dendritic cells. In particular, the present disclosure provides a method for cross-presentation of antigen derived from tumor cell or microbial organisms such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, parasites, and the like, or from cells infected with such organisms, to a CD8+ ?? T cell. Still further, the present disclosure provides a method for treatment of a tumor or a chronic or recurrent infectious disease, comprising delivering an antigen-presenting autologous ?? T cell population above into a patient requiring such treatment. Still yet further, a method is described for preparing a peptide-specific effector T cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful for biomolecule storage comprising a water soluble inorganic compound, a stabilizer, or a combination thereof. The present invention also provides methods of using the compositions of the invention to store biomolecules in the dry state and in solution, as well as sample carriers and kits comprising compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid formulation including a liquid solution and at least one gas selected from xenon, argon, hydrogen, H2S, helium, krypton, neon, radon or CO, said gas being dissolved in said liquid solution, for the use thereof as a preservative solution for preserving biological material, in particular cells, tissue and biological organs, in particular an organ selected from the heart, the kidney, the liver, the pancreas and the intestines. The gas is preferably argon.