Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture enriched for sphingolipid enhances neural stem cells (SENSe), particularly oligodendrocyte precursor cells (ODPCs), that do not form teratomas after transplanted in vivo. Methods for producing and use of the invention ODPCs or the cell culture enriched with these ODPCs for stem cell therapy are also provided. The invention method comprises culturing a stem cell culture with a cell culture medium comprising a ceramide compound and a S1P receptor agonist in sequence, overlapping intervals or concurrent manners. The present invention further provides a cellular or gene therapy using a composition comprising a ceramide compound in conjunction with a S1P1 agonist to proliferate or differentiate endogeneous neural stem cells to ODPCs and further to oligodendrocytes.

Abstract: Provided is a preservation solution for preserving biological material at low temperature including one or more polyphenols and a method for preservation of biological material, the method includes adding the preservation solution to biological material, cooling the biological material and storing it under appropriate storing conditions. The present method may be used for hypothermic preservation or for cryopreservation, including freezing and lyophilization, and may be used with any biological material, including cells selected from RBC, WBC, MNC, UCB MNC and bacteria. In the case of RBC, also disclosed is a method for its freezing such that upon thawing, the material has less than 2% free hemoglobin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine (ASSNAC) and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates, which are useful for up-regulation of cellular glutathione levels and expression of phase II detoxifying enzymes. The invention further provides methods of use thereof in the prevention, alleviation or treatment of oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for the preservation of tissues and organs ex vivo and in situ. In addition, the present invention provides for kits that may be used in the preparation of the solutions of the present invention.

Abstract: Three-dimensional physiological matrices, methods, apparatus and kits for the expedited design, testing and evaluation of oncological remedies are provided. Key aspects of the inventions include matrices, and especially gel matrices, comprising one or more physiological fibers, which are adapted and arranged to provide conditions which permit behaviors, such as the movement of cells away from the margins of samples of target tissue through the matrix, to be evaluated in a manner that produces data useful for evaluating the oncological status and characteristics of the cells. In a further key aspect, the invention permits the in vitro testing and analyses of one or more conventional, experimental or theoretical therapies with respect to specific target tissues or cells. Among such therapies are therapeutic compounds and combinations thereof, radiation therapies, combinations of therapeutic compound and radiation and numerous other possible therapies.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, systems, and methods for preserving and/or stabilizing a cell (e.g., a whole cell). A cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition may include a chelator, a chelator enhancing component, and optionally a base (e.g., a purine base or a pyrimidine base). A cell stabilizing method may include contacting a cell with a cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition. A cell stabilizing system may include a container suitable for receiving a sample containing a cell and a cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition. A cell may be preserved and/or stabilized under ambient conditions (e.g., without refrigeration). A cell may include a protein, a nucleic acid, and/or another biomolecule marker of cell preservation and/or stabilization. A composition may be configured to preserve and/or stabilize one or more cells for analysis by flow cytometry and simultaneously preserve and/or stabilize one or more intracellular nucleic acids for molecular analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preserving biological material comprising the steps of: providing a vitrification solution comprised of the biological material and a vitrification agent where the solution has a temperature in the range from 0.1° C. to 17.9° C.; microwaving the vitrification solution for a first period of time; allowing the vitrification solution to rest for a second period of time; repeating steps b and c until the vitrification solution enters into a glassy state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for performing assays directed to monitoring activity and function of intracellular components, such as proteins associated with organelles and other intracellular structures. In particular, the invention relates to permeabilised cell preparations and their use in studying activity of intracellular components, in particular for studying sarcoplasmic reticulum function.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing a cell culture is disclosed. The method includes culturing a multicellular tissue explant in the presence of growth medium that is substantially free of enzymes capable of digesting the explant and, subsequently, removing the explant at a predetermined time.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for cryoprotection of recombinant live cancer cells. Specifically, an improved cryoprotective medium is provided which includes a hydroxyethyl starch and/or derivative thereof alone or in combination with either DMSO or glycerol.

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: Solutions and suspensions comprising polymerized hemoglobin derived from human blood are disclosed. The solutions and suspensions may comprise cell culture medium, an enzyme (such as a protease), and/or a buffer. Processes of preparing the solutions and suspensions are also disclosed. The solutions and suspensions may be employed in methods of isolating mammalian cells, such as pancreatic islets, methods of preserving mammalian tissue and organs, methods of aiding the recovery of mammalian cells following their isolation, methods of maintaining mammalian cells, methods of propagating mammalian cells, and methods of treating a mammal with diabetes.

Abstract: This invention provides caspase inhibitors of formula I: wherein Z is oxygen or sulfur; R1 is hydrogen, —CHN2, R, CH2OR, CH2SR, or —CH2Y; between R3 and R4 represents a single or double bond; Y is an electronegative leaving group; R2 is CO2H, CH2CO2H, or esters, amides or isosteres thereof; R3 is a group capable of fitting into the S2 subsite of a caspase enzyme; R4 is a hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl or R3 and R4 taken together form a ring; Ring A and Ring B are each heterocyclic rings, and R and R5 are as described in the specification. The compounds are effective inhibitors of apoptosis and IL-1? secretion.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the preservation and storage of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. Also disclosed are compositions and methods to permit biological samples (including e.g., cells, cell cultures, tissues, and organs) to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods under refrigerated, cryogenic, or near-freezing, and then transported and implanted into a site within the body of a selected recipient animal, all without significant loss of cellular viability, tissue integrity, and/or biochemical function of the stored biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing a clonal population of cells involving: a) obtaining a population of pluripotent or multipotent cells that have been expanded in vitro and maintained in an undifferentiated or essentially undifferentiated state; b) expanding individualized cells of the population into clonal populations of cells; and c) selecting one or more clonal population of cells determined to have the ability to differentiate into a population that is at least about 50% homogeneous for either neural cell types, hepatocytes, or cardiomyocytes. Also disclosed are clonal populations of cells produced by the methods of the present invention, and methods of treating disease in subjects involving administration of clonal cells of the present invention to a subject. Methods of screening test compounds that involve contacting a test compound with a clonal population of cells produced by the methods of the present invention are also set forth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage agent for preservation of an animal cell, animal tissue or organ and a method of preserving an animal cell, animal tissue, animal blood or an organ. The storage agent has polyphenol as an effective ingredient. The storage agent stabilizes protein or is added to blood, corpuscles or platelets. Also, the storage agent prevents or treats an organ injury caused by a transplant operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of extracorporeal liver perfusion and, more particularly, to the design of a chamber in which a biological component can be housed to form e.g. a bio-artificial liver (BAL). It also relates to a bio-artificial liver per se, it's components and methodological steps associated with its development and use. The chamber (10) for the biological component (100) of a bio-artificial liver (200) is configured to allow: • Proliferation of the biological component, in situ; • Cryopreservation of the biological component, in situ, and • Perfusion of the biological component, in situ.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the vitrification of human oocytes, which comprises: (a) placing human oocytes on a transfer instrument; and (b) placing the transfer instrument and the human oocytes directly into a slushed nitrogen (N2 slush), wherein the human oocytes are directly exposed to the N2 slush thereby undergoing vitrification, and wherein the human oocytes are able to live for a period of time after the human oocytes are devitrified.

Abstract: Synthetic aqueous storage solutions are disclosed for use in the processing and the storing of red blood cells prepared from whole blood including cells derived from whole blood held for an extended period at room temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides cryopreserved compositions of cells, wherein the compositions are advantageously in the form of self-sustaining bodies that can be individually handled and combined independently of a container, allowing for easy customization of the eventual pooled preparation. The invention also provides pre-pooled stacks of the self-sustaining cryopreserved compositions for eventual thawing to produce pooled preparations of cells. A mold and methods for forming the self-sustaining bodies are also provided. The invention is also concerned with methods of forming pooled preparations of cells using single-cryopreserved compositions of cells.

Abstract: A preservation solution for preserving a biological material at a low temperature including one or more polyphenols, and a method for preserving a biological material are provided. The method includes adding the preservation solution to a biological material, cooling the biological material and storing it under appropriate storing conditions. The method can be used for hypothermic preservation or for cryopreservation, including freezing and lyophilization, of any biological material, including cells selected from RBC, WBC, MNC, UCB, HSC and bacteria. A method is also provided for freezing RBCs such that upon thawing, the RBCs include less than 2% free hemoglobin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for freezing and storing cells in a container, and relates to frozen cells in freezing medium in a container.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising desiccated biologics comprising a cell, protein, virus, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, or lipid, or any combination thereof, along with at least one membrane penetrable sugar, and at least one membrane impenetrable sugar, wherein the moisture content is from 5% to 95%, and to methods of preparing the same, and to methods of treating animals using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, kits, and compositions for medical imaging relating to fluorescent dyes entrapped in erythrocytes. Also disclosed therein are methods, and compositions further comprising erythrocytes entrapping at least one therapeutically active agent, as well as methods for releasing the entrapped therapeutically active agent(s). Disclosed herein also are methods for preparation of the cells entrapping dye and therapeutically active agent(s) in a freeze-dried form that makes them readily available and easy to use in a clinical environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for the analysis of a sample from a mammal in connection with cardiovascular diseases, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) isolating of bone marrow-precursor cells (BMPs) and/or blood-derived circulating precursor cells (BDPs) by means of cell specific surface markers, and b) detecting the cardiovascular functionality of the isolated BMPs and/or BDPs by means of a suitable migration assay. The method according to the invention can be employed as a kit in the context of the diagnosis and/or the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases, for the monitoring of their therapies and/or for a stratification for a prospective cell therapy with stem- and/or precursor cells in order to increase the perfusion of ischemic tissue or for a regeneration of tissue losses (e.g. heart insufficiency), respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medium for handling, including storing, cultivating, coating, impregnating and/or preserving musculoskeletal tissues such as bone, cartilage, tendon, muscle, nerve, ligament, blood vessel, skin, fascia, bursa and joint capsule tissue or cells, wherein the medium is an aqueous solution comprising hyaluronan and a first saccharide, polyol, or combination thereof. Further disclosed are methods of handling musculoskeletal tissue or cells or preserving the viability of these tissues or cells using this medium as well as the preserved tissues or cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the preservation, storage, and transport of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. In particular, the disclosed compositions and processes permit mammalian cells, tissues, and organs to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods, and transported to the site of recipient implantation, all without significant loss of cell viability, biological activity, and/or tissue integrity.

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: The present invention includes methods of identifying and/or isolating stem cells based on expression of BCRP. The present invention also describes methods of obtaining and/or using cell populations enriched for stem cells. In addition, methods are provided for diagnosing and/or prognosing leukemia, particularly human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), through assaying for BCRP expression in leukemic cells.

Abstract: Methods of treatment, diagnosis and screening related to GAPR-1 are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to kits that provide reagent mixes and instructions for the use thereof, in performing high-throughput assay methods that determine the proliferative status of isolated target cell populations. The methods measure the luminescent output derived from the intracellular ATP content of incubated target cells, and correlate the luminescence with the proliferative status of the cells. The present invention further relates to kits that provide reagent mixes and instructions for high-throughput assays methods for screening compounds that may modulate the proliferative status of a target cell population. The kits of the present invention and methods therein described may be used for determining the proliferative status of any isolated cell line or type. The kits and methods of the present invention address the need for rapid assays that determine the proliferative status of isolated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and of subpopulations of differentiated cells thereof.

Abstract: Three-dimensional physiological matrices, methods, apparatus and kits for the expedited design, testing and evaluation of oncological remedies are provided. Key aspects of the inventions include matrices, and especially gel matrices, comprising one or more physiological fibers, which are adapted and arranged to provide conditions which permit behaviors, such as the movement of cells away from the margins of samples of target tissue through the matrix, to be evaluated in a manner that produces data useful for evaluating the oncological status and characteristics of the cells. In a further key aspect, the invention permits the in vitro testing and analyses of one or more conventional, experimental or theoretical therapies with respect to specific target tissues or cells. Among such therapies are therapeutic compounds and combinations thereof, radiation therapies, combinations of therapeutic compound and radiation and numerous other possible therapies.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising desiccated biologics comprising a cell, protein, virus, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, or lipid, or any combination thereof, along with at least one membrane penetrable sugar, and at least one membrane impenetrable sugar, wherein the moisture content is from 5% to 95%, and to methods of preparing the same, and to methods of treating animals using the same.

Abstract: Fragile cells have value for use in diagnosing many types of conditions. There is a need for compositions that stabilize fragile cells. The stabilization compositions of the provided invention allow for the stabilization, enrichment, and analysis of fragile cells, including fetal cells, circulating tumor cells, and stem cells.

Abstract: A kit for collecting blood, preferably peripheral blood, for the production of pluripotent stem cells comprises at least a first container, able to contain the blood taken, which contains an anticoagulant and the substance MCSF (Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor).

Abstract: A cell or tissue sample from a donor is stored in bank wherein the donor can initially determine the sample status to (a) exclusively retain, (b) make public, or (c) optionally make public his cells or tissue. Where the donor opts for optional public storage, the donor may in response to a third party request convert the optional public storage status to public status or private status top thereby share or exclusively retain his cells or tissue. Most preferably, depending on the initial and/or subsequent choice by the donor, an incentive or disincentive is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polysulfated polysaccharides in combination with progenitor cells to improve the viability of the progenitor cells including improving the cryopreservation of the progenitor cells and provides novel compositions, methods and uses. The present invention also relates to the use of polysulfated polysaccharides to regulate the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells.

Abstract: A method of producing a population of differentiated cells comprising: a) inducing differentiation in a first population of cells by applying an inducer to said cells, b) harvesting microvesicles produced from first population of cells, and c) inducing differentiation in a second population of cells by applying said microvesicles or a derivative thereof to said second population of cells wherein, said first population of cells is autologous to said second population of cells and wherein the inducer applied to said first population of cells is not present in said second population of cells or is only present in trace amounts. Also related methods of producing microvesicles, methods of medical and/or cosmetic treatment and related products and uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for the cryopreservation of adipose tissue with the intention to use this tissue in the culturing of stem and/or progenitor cells. The method uses a specific cryoprotection medium to prevent damage of the original tissue during the cryopreservation while still maintaining a high viability of the stem and/or progenitor cells obtained from the cryopreserved adipose tissue. Furthermore the cryoprotection medium of the present invention does not contain any kind of xenogeneic sera, a critical factor since it is the intention of that the cryopreserved tissue is used for obtaining stem and/or progenitor cells that can be used in medicine. The cryoprotection medium is characterized in that it is a solution of physiological water comprising glycerol and sucrose and/or trehalose and optionally serum albumin.

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: This invention provides novel caspase inhibitors of formula I: wherein R1 is hydrogen, CHN2, R, or —CH2Y; R is an aliphatic group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a heterocyclyl group, or a heterocyclylalkyl group; Y is an electronegative leaving group; R2 is CO2H, CH2CO2H, or esters, amides or isosteres thereof; X2-X1 is N(R3)—C(R3), C(R3)2—C(R3), C(R3)2—N, N?C, C(R3)?C, C(?O)—N, or C(?O)—C(R3); each R3 is independently selected from hydrogen or C1-6 aliphatic; Ring C is a fused aryl ring; n is 0, 1 or 2; and each methylene carbon in Ring A is optionally and independently substituted by ?O, or one or more halogen, C1-4 alkyl, or C1-4 alkoxy. The compounds are useful for treating caspase-mediated diseases.

Abstract: Methods of forming ex vivo cell cultures comprising differentiated mesenchymal lineage cells are disclosed. These methods comprise a) providing a cell culture comprising a plurality of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); b) subjecting the MSCs to hypoxic conditions; and c) subsequent to b), subjecting the MSCs to normoxic conditions. Enhanced differentiation of various mesenchymal lineage cells can be achieved for mammalian cells such as murine cells or human cells.

Abstract: A method of collection and preservation of a fluid and/or a material comprises a step of determining a sampling volume that is closed and/or separated from the external environment, a step of taking a predetermined amount of fluid and/or material from the sampling volume and a step of confining the fluid and/or material into a collection volume; the step of taking the fluid and/or material and the step of confining the fluid and/or material are simultaneous with each other and contemporaneous with a step of maintaining the hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or microbiological isolation between the sampling volume and the collection volume.

Abstract: The present invention embraces compositions and methods for establishing and maintaining stem cells and inhibiting stem cell differentiation using a selective Protein Kinase C (PKC) inhibitor.

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: The claimed subject matter comprises a device to collect and preserve cells comprising of: (1) a collection container comprised of a tube having an open end and a closed end, a closure in the open end of the tube, a vacuum drawn to a predetermined level inside the container; and (2) compounds including an anticoagulant agent and a fixative agent, wherein the compounds are in a sufficient amount to preserve said cells” original morphology and antigenic sites without significant dilution of said cells, and thereby allowing said cells to be directly analyzed by a flow cytometer without further treatment.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for cryopreserving a cell is described. The method includes encapsulating a cell in a microcapsule, the microcapsule having a diameter of less than about 100 ?M. The method further includes vitrifying the encapsulated cell in a vitrifying solution comprising a cryoprotectant, wherein the cell is cooled at a rate of equal to or greater than 30,000° C./min and the cryoprotectant is present at a concentration of less than or equal to 1.5 M.

Abstract: An arrangement for collecting a tissue or stool sample has a sample vial and a source of preservative fluid. A fluid valve controls a flow of the preservative fluid from the source of preservative fluid to the sample vial. An air equalization vent tube is coupled to the source of preservative fluid and an air valve controls a flow of air through the air equalization vent tube, the air valve and the fluid valve being actuated simultaneously. A scoop for collecting the sample is coupled to the sample vial coupler and extends into the sample vial. The preservative fluid flows from the source of preservative fluid to the sample vial by force of gravity upon actuation of the fluid valve. The air equalization vent tube transfers air from the sample vial to the source of preservative fluid upon actuation of the air valve.

Abstract: The embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system for sorting biological particles in a liquid flow, such as a cell sorter, which comprises an optical mechanism emitting laser beam onto each of the biological particles to detect light therefrom, a controller determining a moving speed of each of the biological particles in the liquid flow in accordance with the light detected therefrom, and an electric charger charging each of the biological particles based upon the moving speed thereof. Therefore, the cell sorter according to the embodiment of the present invention can improve recovery rate and purity of the desired cell particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stem cells, embryonic stem cells in particular. It has been found that, when these stem cells are entrapped such that their proliferation is inhibited, they produce material which inhibits the proliferation of other, non-entrapped cells, including stem cells and neoplastic and/or hyperproliferative, but otherwise normal cells. It has also been found that entrapped cancer cells will produce material which inhibits the proliferation of stem cells. Further, it has been found that the entrapment of the stem cells inhibits their differentiation and thus the entrapment process can serve as a long-term storage device for maintaining the undifferentiated state of at least a portion of the entrapped cells.