Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a method for improving maternal and/or offspring health, comprising administering an effective amount of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) precursor to a female mammal (e.g., pregnant or lactating female mammal).

Abstract: Provided is an UFB generating apparatus and an UFB generating method capable of efficiently generating an UFB-containing liquid with high purity. The ultrafine bubble generating apparatus includes a generating unit that generates ultrafine bubbles in a liquid and a post-processing unit that performs predetermined post-processing on the ultrafine bubble-containing liquid generated by the generating unit. The generating unit generates the ultrafine bubbles by causing a heating element, which is provided in the liquid on which the pre-processing is performed, to generate heat to generate film boiling on an interface between the liquid and the heating element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culture medium and more particularly, to a safe, stable, and effective cell culture medium for cell therapy products.

Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium and methods for preparing the conditioned medium are provided. The methods comprise culturing MSCs in a medium comprising nicotinamide or nicotinamide and fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) and collecting the conditioned medium. Compositions comprising the mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium and uses thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of making a biologically active three-dimensional scaffold capable of supporting growth and differentiation of a cell are described. Biologically active three-dimensional scaffold made by the methods of the invention and an engineered tissue made from the scaffolds are described. Fibers of desired porosity can be obtained from non-structural ECM by lyophilization and/or electrospinning which can be useful for numerous tissue engineering applications requiring complex scaffolds, such as wound healing, artificial skin (burns), soft tissue replacement/repair and spinal cord injury.

Abstract: Disclosed is a basic culture medium for mesenchymal stem cells, and a cell therapeutic agent cultured and differentiated using same. The basic culture medium reduces the time taken from collection to mass culturing by increasing the proliferation rate of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells derived from an adult tissue such as human marrow and adipose tissue, and also is capable of various differentiations into treating agents for bone-forming cells, for cartilage cells, or for fat cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for directing adipose-derived stromal cells cultivated in vitro to differentiate into cells of the chondrocyte lineage are disclosed. The invention further provides a variety of chondroinductive agents which can be used singly or in combination with other nutrient components to induce chondrogenesis in adipose-derived stromal cells either in cultivating monolayers or in a biocompatible lattice or matrix in a three-dimensional configuration. Use of the differentiated chondrocytes for the therapeutic treatment of a number of human conditions and diseases including repair of cartilage in vivo is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for effectively extracting useful ingredients from an umbilical cord. The present invention provides an umbilical cord extract including the useful ingredients. The umbilical cord extract, according to the present invention, can be used as a serum substitute for cultivating ordinary cells and stem cells from an animal. Also, the umbilical cord extract, according to the present invention, can be used for a filler and a dressing for tissue restoration, and for a cosmetic composition for improving the skin. In addition, the present invention relates to a composition for a medium for separating and stem cells derived from tissue, such as an umbilical cord and fatty tissue, and to a method for separating and cultivating stem cells derived from the tissue using the same.

Abstract: A blood component such as platelets is concentrated. The concentrate, such as platelet-rich plasma, is used in a cell culture medium to grow and proliferate cells. The cells may be from the same person from which the blood concentrate is obtained. The cells grown in the culture medium may be used to treat a patient which may be the same patient from which the blood was extracted and/or the cells were obtained.

Abstract: A cell culture comprising human foreskin cells, the human foreskin cells being capable of maintaining stem cells in an undifferentiated state when co-cultured therewith.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for the treatment of wounds. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to amnion-derived multipotent cells (herein referred to as AMP cells), conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine suspension or ACCS), cell lysates derived therefrom, cell products derived therefrom, each alone or in combination.

Abstract: A method of alleviating pain associated with tissue damage includes applying salmon thrombin at a tissue damage site, as a single substance in liquid form, or as a powder, a foam, and/or a gel that includes salmon thrombin. A pain relief substance includes a salmon thrombin preparation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to substantially purified amnion-derived cell populations, compositions comprising the substantially purified amnion-derived cell populations, and to methods of creating such substantially purified amnion-derived cell populations, as well as methods of use. The invention is further directed to antibodies, in particular, monoclonal antibodies, that bind to amnion-derived cells or, alternatively, to one or more amnion-derived cell surface protein markers. The invention is further directed to methods for producing the antibodies, methods for using the antibodies, and kits comprising the antibodies.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, this disclosure describes compositions comprising platelet lysates depleted of fibrinogen. In a further embodiment, the composition further comprises a cell culture medium component. This disclosure also provides a method for preparing the composition, comprising the steps of (a) lysing platelets providing a lysate; (b) removing cell debris; and (c) depleting fibrinogen by forming a removable mass by adding a metal salt such as calcium chloride. Furthermore, the disclosure also describes the product produced using said method.

Abstract: The invention provides double knockout transgenic pigs (GT/CMAH-KO pigs) lacking expression of any functional ?GAL and CMAH. Double knockout GT/CMAH-KO transgenic organs, tissues and cells are also provided. Methods of making and using the GT/CMAH-KO pigs and tissue are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of isolating and expanding a plurality of multipotent cells (e.g., MSCs and ASCs) using a first culture in a suitable 2-dimensional substrate and a second culture in a suitable 3-dimensional substrate containing the basement membrane component and ROCK inhibitors. Also described are multipotent cell cultures made by the methods. Multipotent cell cultures as described may be used for transplantation or as niche cells for supporting other types of stem cells.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a serum which contains a large amount of growth factors capable of efficiently promoting the growth of stem cells. A human serum for cell culture which shows a residual ratio of platelets remaining within 20 minutes after blood collection in relation to the whole amount of the platelets is 0% to 20%, and a release ratio of cell growth factors is 20% to 100%.

Abstract: Prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases isolated from Mimivirus are described. These are able to hydroxylate collagen. Isolated nucleic acids coding for the mentioned hydroxylases are incorporated into suitable vectors and used to express these hydroxylases in host cells, e.g. E. coli. Furthermore a method of manufacturing hydroxylated collagen in a host cell is described. The hydroxylases and the recombinantly expressed hydroxylated collagen are useful in clinical settings and biotechnology applications.

Abstract: Dendritic cells containing tumor lysate loaded particles are prepared. The dendritic cells present tumor antigens to elicit the Major Histocompatibility Complex class I pathway and can be used as a vaccine to treat cancer, including ocular melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention is generally in the field of neurological diseases and disorders, particular in the field of neurodegenerative diseases in which the myelin cover of nerves is lost. IL6R/IL6 chimera is used to promote the formation of oligodendrocytes from embryonic stem cells for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or posttraumatic nerve damage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition that contains (1) an effective amount of an analgesically and/or anti-inflammatory active fraction separated from a mixture of plasma and/or serum, and (2) at least one metal, metal ion or metal salt, in which the mixture has been denatured. Also disclosed are methods of producing the composition for treating a subject afflicted with inflammation and/or pain.

Abstract: A method for preparing serum and a serum preparation apparatus is provided that can give a large amount of serum with high culture efficiency regardless of freshness of blood used. In a method for preparing serum from blood containing at least platelets, a platelet processing step is provided in which platelet membrane in the blood is destroyed. After the platelet processing step, a deposition step for depositing thermolabile protein in blood and a removal step for removing the thermolabile protein, which has been deposited in the deposition step, are preferably provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cell culturing formulation and a culturing and quantification method of CD140b+ cells thereof. The cell culturing formulation is applicable for inducing the growth of the CD140b+ cells in peripheral blood. The cell culturing formulation comprises a culturing medium, a serum, a mixed additive and a defined factor. Wherein, concentrations of the culturing medium, the serum, the mixed additive and the defined factor are 59˜98% (v/v), 0.1˜20% (v/v), 1˜10% (v/v) and 10?7˜10% (v/v) respectively.

Abstract: A very safe and useful agent for inhibiting fungal growth and the like are provided by the present invention. Specifically, the present invention provides (1) an agent for inhibiting fungal growth comprising hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof excluding a heavy metal salt as the active ingredient, and a method for inhibiting fungal growth, which comprises at least a step of allowing hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof excluding a heavy metal salt to contact with a fungus, (2) an agent for reinforcing activity of inhibiting fungal growth possessed by a cell, which comprises a DNA encoding a hyaluronic acid synthase as the active ingredient, (3) a method for reinforcing activity of inhibiting fungal growth of a cell, which comprises at least a step of transfecting a DNA encoding a hyaluronic acid synthase into the cell, and (4) a method for inhibiting fungal growth, which comprises at least a step of allowing a cell transfected with a DNA encoding a hyaluronic acid synthase to contact with a fungus.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the differentiation of stromal cells from adipose tissue into hematopoietic supporting stromal cells and myocytes of both the skeletal and smooth muscle type. The cells produced by the methods are useful in providing a source of fully differentiated and functional cells for research, transplantation and development of tissue engineering products for the treatment of human diseases and traumatic tissue injury repair.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising bioenergetic agents for restoring the quality of aged oocytes, enhancing oogonial stem cells or improving derivatives thereof (e.g., cytoplasm or isolated mitochondria) for use in fertility-enhancing procedures, are described.

Abstract: The application is in the field of transgenic (non-human) organisms, sialic acid chemistry, metabolism and antigenicity. More particularly, the invention is related to a method to produce Neu5Gc-free animals and products therefrom comprising disrupting the CMAH gene and thereby reducing or eliminating Neu5Gc from biological material of non-humans.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for directing adipose-derived stromal cells cultivated in vitro to differentiate into cells of the chondrocyte lineage are disclosed. The invention further provides a variety of chondroinductive agents which can be used singly or in combination with other nutrient components to induce chondrogenesis in adipose-derived stromal cells either in cultivating monolayers or in a biocompatible lattice or matrix in a three-dimensional configuration. Use of the differentiated chondrocytes for the therapeutic treatment of a number of human conditions and diseases including repair of cartilage in vivo is disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to tumor cell lines useful for increasing the proliferation potential of any human or animal cell in culture, thereby providing immortalized or continuous cell lines and cultures. The invention also concerns proliferation factors, and compositions containing the factors, which are capable of increasing the proliferation potential of any human or other animal cell in culture. The subject invention further pertains to a method for proliferating cells in culture by contacting cells with the proliferation factors. The proliferated cells can range in plasticity and can include, for example, blast cells, fertilized ova, non-fertilized gametes, embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, precursor or progenitor cells, and highly specialized cells. Optionally, the cells can be induced to cease proliferation.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a tissue system with conjunctival cells, including conjunctival stem cells. The conjunctival tissue system is derived from isolated tissue comprising conjunctival cells, and is suitable for restoring ocular surface impairments, particularly those that result from damaged or diseased conjunctiva. The tissue system is generated using a simple single medium culture scheme, and a support material, such as human amniotic membrane. The conjunctival tissue system generate is suitable for transplantation to treat the ocular surface of an eye of a subject that is damaged or diseased.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the culture and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells. More particularly, the present invention provides for compositions and methods for culturing, maintaining, growing and stabilizing primate pluripotent stem cells in a feeder-free defined media further comprising human serum, or a soluble attachment component of the human serum, for promoting cell attachment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture medium supplement comprising plasma-free platelet lysate and medium supplemented with this supplement. The present invention further provides a method for preparing the supplement comprising the steps of (a) preparing platelet rich plasma; (b) removing the plasma; and (c) lysing the platelets.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for culturing therapeutic cells are provided herein. According to at least one embodiment, compositions comprising cord blood plasma and lysed platelets and methods for making and using same are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mammalian cell culture media which comprise supernatant from some of the fractions of human plasma fractionation according to the Cohn method, more specifically, the supernatant of fractions I and II+III. When said supernatant is added as a culture medium supplement it provides various nutrients and factors for the effective maintenance and/or proliferation of the cultured mammalian cells. In addition, the present invention relates to the preparation process and use of said medium in the culture of mammalian cells.

Abstract: The present invention is of methods of establishing and propagating human embryonic stem cell lines using feeder cells-free, xeno-free culture systems and stem cells which are capable of being maintained in an undifferentiated, pluripotent and proliferative state in culture which is free of xeno contaminants and feeder cells.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to tumor cell lines useful for increasing the proliferation potential of any human or animal cell in culture, thereby providing immortalized or continuous cell lines and cultures. The invention also concerns proliferation factors, and compositions containing the factors, which are capable of increasing the proliferation potential of any human or other animal cell in culture. The subject invention further pertains to a method for proliferating cells in culture by contacting cells with the proliferation factors. The proliferated cells can range in plasticity and can include, for example, blast cells, fertilized ova, non-fertilized gametes, embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, precursor or progenitor cells, and highly specialized cells. Optionally, the cells can be induced to cease proliferation.

Abstract: A method of preparing a supplement for cell cultivation media, which comprises concentrating porcine blood by centrifugation and obtaining supernatant, adding agonist for activating platelets into the supernatant to obtain activated supernatant, and sterilizing the activated supernatant is presented. A supplement for cell cultivation media, which is made by the above method, a cell cultivation media comprising the supplement, and a use of the cell cultivation media in culturing or treating cells in tissue engineering or regenerative medicine is also presented.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for the treatment of wounds. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to amnion-derived multipotent cells (herein referred to as AMP cells), conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine suspension or ACCS), cell lysates derived therefrom, cell products derived therefrom, each alone or in combination.

Abstract: Serum-containing and serum-free immunoglobulin inhibitors of steroid hormone responsive cancer cell growth are disclosed, along with their methods of production. Also disclosed are defined cell culture media, assay protocols, and model systems using the inhibitors for demonstrating steroid hormone growth effects of natural and synthetic substances, and other cell culture applications. The disclosed compositions and methods employing the immunoglobulin inhibitors are also useful as reagents in research, and for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mucus epithelial cancers.

Abstract: There is disclosed the use of a composition for promoting neuronal growth of neurons in tissues of the central or peripheral nervous system. There is also disclosed a method for inducing proliferation or differentiation of neuronal cells.

Abstract: The present invention provided cell culture compositions capable of producing fusion polypeptides that bind vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The cell culture compositions of the invention comprise cells which contain an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide that binds VEGF. The fusion polypeptides may comprise a VEGF receptor component having immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domain 2 of a first VEGF receptor, an Ig domain 3 of a second VEGF receptor, and a multimerizing component.

Abstract: In the ex vivo stimulation method of dendritic cells, the stimulation occurs with the lysate of tumor spheres (TS) of the solid tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated haemoglobin from worms belonging to the Nereididae family and its use in cell culture medium, in preservation solutions and as artificial oxygen carrier for transfusion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to liquid crystalline substrates useful in the culture of cells and methods of their use. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods and devices for imaging changes (e.g., reorganization) of extracellular matrix components by living cells.

Abstract: The present application discloses matrix compositions to support the repair of tissue defects such as an injury to tendon tissue, ligament tissue, vascular tissue, dermal tissue, or muscle tissue. A matrix described herein comprises a polyester polymer entangled with a polysaccharide polymer. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a matrix, and methods of using a matrix in the repair of tissue. In certain configurations, a matrix can comprise a polyester cross-linked with a polysaccharide, which can be an oxidized polysaccharide. In some configurations, a matrix can further comprise one or more additional components, such as a growth factor or an anti-infective agent. In some configurations, a matrix can be a viscous fluid or a paste, while in other configurations a matrix can be comprised by a solid such as a plug, a granule or a membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to virus growth media that improve the yield of alpha-herpesviruses (e.g., HSV-2) grown in cell cultures. The growth media of the invention include two additives, a disaccharide and a lipid mixture, that can be added to serum-free or serum-enriched growth media to improve the efficiency of virus production. The invention further provides methods of producing alpha-herpesviruses (e.g., HSV-2) in such growth media.

Abstract: Compositions, and uses thereof, which are beneficial for eukaryotic cells in culture, and methods for their use in promoting cell growth, viability and recombinant protein expression. The methods disclosed in the present application are useful, for example, for improving cell viability and in accelerating the rate of cell growth of cells grown in culture. In one aspect, the supplements of the invention are useful for improving or enhancing the yield of the recombinant proteins from the cell cultures.

Abstract: This invention provides a cell growth medium comprising (a) a human platelet lysate free of solid matter greater than 0.22 ?m in diameter, wherein the lysate constitutes from 2% to 15% of the total volume of the cell growth medium; (b) a human fresh frozen plasma (FFP) filtrate free of solid matter greater than 0.22 ?m in diameter, wherein the FFP filtrate constitutes from 1% to 10% of the total volume of the cell growth medium; (c) heparin at a concentration of from 0 U/ml to 10 U/ml of the cell growth medium; (d) L-glutamine at a concentration of from 0.5 mM to 10 mM; and (e) a serum-free, low glucose medium suitable for mammalian cell growth, wherein the serum-free, low glucose medium constitutes from 75% to 97% of the total volume of the cell growth medium, and may contain the L-glutamine of part (d); wherein the cell growth medium permits the expansion of human CD34? stem cells and wherein the resulting expanded CD34? stem cells retain the ability to differentiate.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials relating to platelet lysates. For example, methods and materials for using platelet lysate compositions to grow adult stem cells, to differentiate adult stem cells, to grow primary cell cultures, to grow tumor stem cells, and to identify effective growth factors are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to liquid crystalline substrates useful in the culture of cells and methods of their use. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods and devices for imaging changes (e.g., reorganization) of extracellular matrix components by living cells.