Abstract: Non-centrifugal methods for generating a solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist from a tissue comprising cytokine-producing cells. The solution rich in IL-1ra can also include at least one of sTNF-RI, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1 RII.

Abstract: Synthetic, bioactive ultra-porous bone graft materials having an engineered porosity, and implants formed from such materials are provided. In particular, these implants comprise bioactive glass and incorporate allograft material for osteoinduction. The implants are suitable for bone tissue regeneration and/or repair.

Abstract: Methods of treating peripheral vascular disease comprising administering a protein solution site of a defect at least two proteins from the group IL-1ra, sTNF-RI, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1RII. The solution may also comprise white blood cells, platelets, concentrated bone marrow aspirate, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and compound for treating cancer and tumors. The invention treats cancer by encapsulating certain cancer fighting drugs in a liposome. Peptides attached to the compound then guide the compound towards its target. During its journey, DSPE-PEG is used to stabilize the compound, to allow more time in the blood stream before losing effectiveness.

Abstract: Acellular compositions for treating inflammation, comprising two or more of IL1-ra, sTNF-R1, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1RII. Components of the acellular compositions may be derived from biologic materials, such as blood clots and urine. Components may also be obtained from cell cultures.

Abstract: Methods for treating pain using a protein solution comprising two or more of IL1-ra, sTNF-R1, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1RII, Compositions may also contain white blood cells and platelets.

Abstract: Compositions provided by contacting a biotin-containing component and an avidin-containing component are useful as drug delivery devices. Bioactive agents may be covalently bound to the biotin-containing component, the avidin-containing component, or both, mixed therewith, or combinations of the foregoing.

Abstract: Isolated peptides, compositions and methods of use for treating tumors infiltrated with macrophages, such as glioblastomas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alpha-alkoxysilane-terminated prepolymer preparable by reaction of at least one polyether polyol, of a polyisocyanate and of an alpha-alkoxysilane having at least one isocyanate-reactive group, said polyether polyol having a weight average of 500 to 7000 g/mol and having ethylene oxide and propylene oxide units, the proportion of ethylene oxide units being up to 50% by weight based on the polyether polyol. The invention further provides a process for preparing an inventive alpha-alkoxysilane-terminated prepolymer, a composition, a multicomponent system and a spray can comprising an inventive alpha-alkoxysilane-terminated prepolymer, and also a moulding obtainable by polymerization from an inventive alpha-alkoxysilane-terminated prepolymer.

Abstract: Provided are methods of delivering at least one pharmaceutical agent to the central nervous system (CNS) of a subject, methods of treating a neurological disorder or pain in a subject that include administering at least one pharmaceutical agent onto a SEM graft in the skull base of the subject. Also provided are methods of treating a neurological disorder or pain in a subject that include forming a SEM graft in the skull base of the subject and administering at least one pharmaceutical agent onto the SEM graft in the skull base of the subject. Also provided are methods of forming a SEM graft in the skull base of a subject, compositions for administration onto a SEM graft in the skull base or into an endonasal reservoir or endonasal reservoir device in a subject, and devices for administering such compositions onto a SEM graft in the skull base of a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to methods of using the secretory protein SCGB3A2 for promoting lung development and treating lung disease. Some embodiments are, for example, methods for treating and inhibiting the development of neonatal respiratory distress. Other embodiments are methods of promoting lung development in damaged or diseased lungs. Also disclosed are methods for inhibiting lung damage due to anti-cancer agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for a combination therapy with a cytokine antagonist and a corticosteroid. By means of the combination therapy diseases such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries and/or degenerative spinal diseases can be treated.

Abstract: Bioactive agents are delivered to a body site in need of the same by providing a first aliquot portion of a reaction mixture which includes an aldehydic polymer solution, and a second aliquot portion of a reaction which includes a cross-linking hydrazide and a bioactive agent. The first and second aliquot portions may be mixed (e.g., by expelling such portions from respective syringe barrels) to form the reaction mixture thereof. The thus formed reaction mixture may then be installed at the body site whereby the reaction mixture is allowed to solidify in situ within about 1 to 10 minutes into a reaction product comprised of a hydrazide cross-linked oxidized aldehydic polymer matrix with the bioactive agent entrapped therein.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other aspects, compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of collagen VI; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); and disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved Lyophilized platelet rich plasma used to make a platelet gel wound healant, and methods of preparation and use thereof for healing wounds are disclosed. The improved wound healant comprises therapeutically effective amounts of activated growth factors, platelet ghost, plasma (know as the plasma back bone), white blood cells with optional none, one or more additional anti-oxidant such as vitamin A and/or C and/or E, and/or none one or more antibiotics and/or GHK-Cu (produced by ProCyte Inc.

Abstract: Polypeptides are identified through an assay based on inhibiting AP-I signalling activity and others to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and clinical disorders associated with the development of ARDS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Meteorin for the treatment of allodynia, hyperalgesia, spontaneous pain and phantom pain. In a preferred embodiment the disorder to be treated is allodynia, and hyperalgesia, more preferably allodynia including thermal and tactile allodynia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of manufacturing bioactive gels from ECM material, i.e., gels which retain bioactivity, and can serve as scaffolds for preclinical and clinical tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches to tissue reconstruction. The manufacturing methods take advantage of a new recognition that bioactive gels from ECM material can be created by digesting particularized ECM material in an alkaline environment and neutralizing to provide bioactive gels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and related methods for treating fistulas such as anal or recto-vaginal fistulas, in particular by the use of a seton to secure a tissue growth promoter such as a growth factor and/or fibrin. The various devices are particularly suitable for positioning tissue growth promoters securely within a fistula. Thus, one device comprises a seton and a tissue growth promoter. Further related aspects of the invention included devices comprising an enclosure provided in between portions of a seton, devices comprising a seton and a plurality of holes for enabling the device to be sutured to tissue, devices comprising a probe and a seton that are releasably connectable end-to-end, devices comprising an attachment device to secure the ends of a seton, and devices comprising a fistula plug adapted to be secured to a section.

Abstract: Modified and stabilized propeptides of Growth Differentiation Factor proteins, such as GDF-8 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-11, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the modified propeptides to prevent or treat human or animal disorders in which an increase in muscle tissue would be therapeutically beneficial. Such disorders include muscle or neuromuscular disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle wasting syndrome, sarcopenia, or cachexia), metabolic diseases or disorders (such as such as type 2 diabetes, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, or obesity), adipose tissue disorders (such as obesity), and bone degenerative diseases (such as osteoporosis).

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

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: Compositions and methods are provided for promoting organ development in warm blooded animals, and in particular in certain aspects a premature infant or foetus. Compositions and methods are also provided for the administration of at least one colony stimulating factor-1 protein (CSF-1), precursor, variant, analogue, derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, or otherwise, at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding colony stimulating factor-1 protein (CSF-1), precursor, variant, analogue, derivative thereof, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of tissue engineering and more specifically to amphiphilic peptides and peptide matrices thereof useful in vitro and in situ biomineralization and inducing bone repair. The present invention provides peptides, which are useful in hydrogels and other pharmaceutical compositions, and methods and kits of use for bone repair and promotion of biomineralization. Certain hydrogels according to the invention comprise cells within or adhered to the peptide matrix.

Abstract: A novel group of gastrokines called Gastric Antrum Mucosal Protein is characterized. A member of the group is designated AMP-18. AMP-18 genomic DNA, cDNA and the AMP-18 protein are sequenced for human, mouse and pig. The AMP-18 protein and active peptides derived from it are cellular growth factors. Surprisingly, peptides capable of inhibiting the effects of the complete protein, are also derived from the AMP-18 protein. Cytoprotection and control of mammalian gastro-intestinal tissue growth and repair (restitution) is facilitated by the use of the proteins, making the proteins candidates for therapies in inflammatory bowel disease and gastric ulcers.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing or ameliorating tissue damage caused by an inflammatory disorder or pathogenic infections are described. In one aspect, a method for preventing or ameliorating tissue damage caused by an inflammatory disorder or pathogenic infection comprises administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a neuregulin. In another aspect, the composition comprises one or more active agents that: (a) increase expression or activity of a neuregulin; (b) inhibit the expression or activity of CXCL10, STAT3 or HEME; or (c) both (a) and (b).

Abstract: Foam-formed collagen strands and methods for forming strands involve depositing a dispersed solution of an isolated cleaned, de-fatted, enzymatically-treated (or non-enzyme treated) human-derived collagen product having a preserved amount of its natural constituents into grooves of a grooved plate, and processing the dispersed collagen product to provide a foam-formed collagen strand. Foam-formed collagen strands may be processed into threads having a matrix of reticulated pores to conduct biological materials in and through the strand, the collagen of the collagen strand comprising isolated, enzymatically-treated human derived collagen having a preserved amount of its natural collagen constituents.

Abstract: It has been identified in accordance with the present invention that Nell1 is essential for normal cardiovascular development by promoting proper formation of the heart and blood vessels. The present invention therefore provides therapeutic methods for treating cardiovascular disorders by employing a Nell1 protein or nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant G-CSF fusion protein. The mutant G-CSF fusion protein is a fusion protein having the activity of stimulating the proliferation of neutrophilic granulocytes, and having a basic structure of G-CSF/carrier protein or carrier protein/G-CSF; wherein the G-CSF moiety comprises multipoint substitutions thus resulting in changes in biological activity and binding affinity. Compared with existing products, the mutant G-CSF fusion protein in the present invention has longer half-life and higher biological activity. Administration of the pharmaceutical preparation containing this mutant G-CSF fusion protein could be used in the treating neutropenia.

Abstract: Wnt compositions and methods for their use are provided. Compositions of the invention comprise fragments of wnt polypeptides having a desired biological activity, which fragments are referred to herein as “mini-wnts”. These compositions and methods find particular use in determining bind to Wnt receptors; inhibiting Wnt signaling in a cell that expresses a Wnt receptor; in delivering a functional moiety to a cell that expresses a Wnt receptor; and as an immunogen for producing Wnt-specific antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid formulation comprising an active substance and protamine, wherein the liquid formulation differs from a suspension.

Abstract: The specification describes a substance comprising a plurality of microparticles. The microparticles comprise a core comprising a first polymer and a shell surrounding said core and comprising the first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is less rapidly degradable than the first polymer. A process for making the microparticles and uses of the microparticles are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating subjects having conditions related to angiogenesis including administering an effective amount of a polymeric Nanoparticle form of thyroid hormone agonist, partial agonist or an antagonist thereof, to promote or inhibit angiogenesis in the subject. Compositions of the polymeric forms of thyroid hormone, or thyroid hormone analogs, are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for detection and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the invention relates to polypeptides that can protect against neuron degeneration, nucleic acid molecules that encode such polypeptides, and antibodies that recognize said polypeptides.

Abstract: A system for growing tissue based upon layers of an inorganic extracellular matrix, wherein each layer of the inorganic matrix is designed to dissolve at a separate rate and result in sequential growth factor delivery upon its dissolution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive hydrogel composition containing catechol group-coupled chitosan and Pluronic comprising a thiol group coupled to the end thereof, and more specifically, to an adhesive composition which is safe in vivo and in vitro, is temperature sensitive, and has an excellent hemostatic effect and thus can be used as a bioadhesive, and a medical adhesive, an adhesion barrier and a surface adsorption inhibitor comprising the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding BAFF-R polypeptides, as well as antibodies to BAFF-R polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions including the same. Methods of treating tumorigenic and autoimmune conditions using the nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating body weight, in particular, for treating obesity and obesity-associate disorders. The present invention also provides methods of screening compounds that modulate activity of GDF3. The compositions and methods provided herein are also useful in treating diseases associated with abnormal activity of GDF3.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating blood-neural barrier (BNB) for the treatment of CNS conditions such as edema, and for increased drug delivery efficacy across the BNB. The present invention further relates to improved tPA treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular and related diseases in combination with antagonism of the PDGF signaling pathway. The inventive method and composition is particularly suitable for conjunctive therapy of ischemic stroke using tPA and an anti-PDGF-C antagonist or an anti-PDGFR-? antagonist.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer vehicle, including a mesoporous silica core and a lipid bilayer coating thereon. Hydrophobic molecules are formed between the silica core and lipid layer. Additionally, methods and uses of the multilayer vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: A highly compression resistant matrix is provided for implantation at or near a target tissue site beneath the skin. The matrix comprises a polymer and a ceramic skeleton. The compression resistance provides retention of a volume that facilitates bone regeneration.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for labeling proteins with radiohalogen-label reagents. Radiohalogen-labeled proteins may be used for imaging studies, as therapeutics and in diagnostic tests. The [125I] HIP-DOTA label reagent 6 is prepared by an efficient and convenient process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) for the prevention and/or treatment of acute renal injury, specially of acute kidney injury induced by nephrotoxic agents, such as contrast agents, antibiotics, immunosuppressive agents or antineoplastic agents. The invention is also related to compositions comprising said nephrotoxic agents and cardiotrophin-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing by wet spinning a continuous filament based on hyaluronic acid in free acid form, notably soluble in water. The preparation method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) preparing a spinnable aqueous solution of hyaluronic acid or of a hyaluronic acid salt, preferably a sodium hyaluronate solution; b) extruding said solution to an extrusion die; c) forming the filament by passing the extruded solution into a bath of acetic acid, concentrated to more than 80%, drawing and drying. The invention also relates to a filament based on hyaluronic acid in free acid form, said filament having swelling properties in water and physiological liquids and moreover being solubilizable in water under certain conditions.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of open and closed wound spinal cord injuries are disclosed. For example, described herein are devices and methods for mitigating secondary injury to, and promoting recovery of, spinal cord primary injuries. More particularly, certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to polymeric mini-tubes that may be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. In addition, other embodiments are directed to polymeric “fill-in” bandages that may be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. For example, an erodible, or biodegradable, form of biocompatible polymer of the present invention is fabricated for surgical implantation into the site of the spinal cord injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting peritoneal metastasis caused by gastric cancer cells in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), wherein the CTGF binds to an integrin ?3?1 of the gastric cancer cells. The present invention also provides a method for predicting peritoneal metastasis caused by gastric cancer cells in a subject comprising providing a peritoneal tissue from the subject; measuring a first expression amount of a connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) from the peritoneal tissue; and comparing the first expression amount to a reference expression amount of the CTGF from a non-peritoneal metastasis gastric cancer tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic agent to attract a desired cell.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing transport of GDNF across the blood brain barrier while allowing its activity to remain substantially intact. The GDNF is transported across the blood brain barrier via one or more endogenous receptor-mediated transport systems.

Abstract: A novel group of gastrokines called Gastric Antrum Mucosal Protein is characterized. A member of the group is designated AMP-18. AMP-18 genomic DNA, cDNA and the AMP-18 protein are sequenced for human, mouse and pig. The AMP-18 protein and active peptides derived from it are cellular growth factors. Surprisingly, peptides capable of inhibiting the effects of the complete protein, are also derived from the AMP-18 protein. Cytoprotection and control of mammalian gastro-intestinal tissue growth and repair (restitution) is facilitated by the use of the proteins, making the proteins candidates for therapies in inflammatory bowel disease, mucositis, and gastric ulcers.