Abstract: The present invention is directed to ligand binding molecules and uses thereof to modulate angiogenesis and/or lymphangiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a growth-factors containing platelet releasate from a fluid mammalian platelet concentrate, comprising the consecutive steps of subjecting the platelet concentrate to a pathogen reduction step to disrupt non-enveloped viruses; subjecting the platelet concentrate to an activation step to cause the platelets to release growth factors; recovering a fibrinogen depleted fluid platelet releasate; subjecting the fibrinogen depleted fluid platelet releasate to a second pathogen concentration reduction step to disrupt enveloped viruses; subjecting the platelet releasate to sterile filtering and recovering a filtrate liquid containing the growth factors. The platelet releasate obtained with the method of the present invention may be used as a therapeutic agent to enhance the proliferation of multi lineage cells in regenerative medicine and in the management of non healing wounds and resistant ulcers.

Abstract: Provided herein are materials and methods for the preparation of blood products. In one aspect, provided herein is a composition including platelets or platelet derivatives and an aqueous medium, wherein the aqueous medium has a protein concentration less than 50% of the protein concentration of donor apheresis plasma.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for treating or preventing heart failure in subjects with elevated left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV). In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods for treating or preventing heart failure in subjects with a LVESV of greater than 70 ml (>70 ml).

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for administration of a formulation of resiniferatoxin (RTX) to provide cardiac sympathetic afferent denervation when applied in an amount and concentration sufficient to chemically denervate vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1)-expressing CSAR (cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex) afferents. There is further disclosed a method for treating heart failure or hypertension and its related indications selected from the group consisting of increased sympatho-excitation, cardiac hypertrophy, increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), lung edema, and combinations thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of RTX directly to a tissue site selected from the group consisting of epicardium, a T1-T4 dorsal root ganglion and intrathecally to the T1-T4 region of the spinal column.

Abstract: A human amniotic fluid formulation has been developed for topical application to the eye, which is useful for the treatment of ocular diseases and injuries including dry eyes, Sjogren's Syndrome, cataracts, burns and injuries to the eye tissues. The formulation is a sterile de-cellularized human amniotic fluid (D-HAF), devoid of amniotic stem cells and elements of micronized membrane or chorion particles. Methods for treating, or preventing various ocular diseases, injuries and disorders using the formulation, optionally in combination with one or more therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the formation of renal tubules by embedding individual renal cells into a synthetic hydrogel, which is based on polyethylene glycol as a component, and the culturing of the cells until tubule structures are formed. The culturing can be continued until the obtained tubule structures correspond in terms of size, structure, morphology and functionality to adult human renal tubules or are at least similar thereto.

Abstract: A smart tourniquet for self-administering a medication is provided. When a patient needs to inject themselves with a medication, intravenously, called an “infusion,” the patient wears the smart tourniquet around their arm and tightens the device. While the patient is using the smart tourniquet, the device automatically records the date and time of the infusion, called a “timestamp”. The patient can also use the device to record the dosage or “number of units” taken at the time of the infusion. The smart tourniquet can store the timestamp as well as other related information as a record. At a later time, the patient can recall prior records on the smart tourniquet itself. The smart tourniquet can also be synchronized with an application and the records can be downloaded for review by the patient, nurse or doctor to render accurate and timely care.

Abstract: The detection and diagnosis of a variety of cardiovascular disorders and levels of heart condition, using a novel method and system, according to a comprehensive analysis of cardiac electrical signal via the frequency domain, time domain, spatial domain.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a number of formulations (including some that comprise Lunasin and reduce the visible signs of ageing by reducing skin wrinkles) that can be used as body-wash and related skin and hair treatments that can be manufactured using high quality ingredients at a reasonable cost, lower than comparable available products.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for the renewal of cardiomyocytes by targeting the Hippo pathway. In particular embodiments, an individual with a need for cardiomyocyte renewal is provided an effective amount of a shRNA molecule that targets the Sav1 gene. Particular shRNA sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: New designed ankyrin repeat proteins with binding specificity for HGF are described, as well as nucleic acids encoding such HGF binding proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such proteins and the use of such proteins in the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides viral microparticles comprising genetically-engineered baculoviruses (at least partially) embedded in a polymeric matrix for the local delivery of therapeutic nucleic acid molecules to the cells of a vertebrate individual (optionally in combination with a medical implant such as vascular stent platform). The viral microparticles are especially useful for promoting the healing of a wound as well as the repair of a blood vessel and prevent pathological scarring. Also provided herein are processes for making the viral microparticles, pharmaceutical compositions comprising viral microparticles as well as supports comprising the viral microparticles for the locating the viral microparticles in a wound or in the vicinity of a wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of plasminogen in the prevention and/or treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain and neurohypersensitivity, and in the repair of nerve tissue injury. Therefore, plasminogen may become a new strategy for preventing and treating diabetic neuropathic pain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating or ameliorating a neurodegenerative disease in a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a neurodegenerative disease drug, wherein the drug is a substrate of an ABC transporter inhibitor, wherein the mammal is further administered a therapeutically effective amount of an ABC transporter inhibitor, whereby the neurodegenerative disease is treated in the mammal. In certain embodiments, the neurodegenerative disease comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, prion disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a tauopathy, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of suppressing valvulogenesis (VG) in a lymphatic vessel in an inflamed or transplanted tissue or organ in a mammal in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of an anti-integrin alpha 9 (Itga-9) therapeutic agent to the mammal, and optionally by administering anti-VEGFR-3 agent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for a polymer hydrogel created by a cycloaddition reaction between an azide and an alkyne that proceeds rapidly without catalyst to produce the polymer hydrogel in less than ninety seconds. The polymer hydrogel can be used in in vivo applications for the localized delivery of therapeutic agent in aqueous solutions. An example of therapeutic delivery of a protein in a mouse model is demonstrated.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention relates to an in vitro method for the screening of anti-cancer compounds based on the capacity for these compound to interact with netrin-1 receptor and/or to inhibit the dimerization of the intracellular domain of the netrin-1 receptor expressed in tumor cells. The invention also relates to a method for predicting the presence of metastatic or aggressive cancer, or for determining the efficiency of an anti-cancer treatment based on the measuring of the expression level of netrin-1. The invention further comprises kits and compounds as a medicament for the treatment of cancer such as metastatic breast cancer, related to the overexpression of netrin-1 by the tumor cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are peptide amphiphiles with binding affinity for the bone promoting growth factor BMP-2, and methods of use thereof. In particular nanofibers and gel scaffolds of BMP-2-binding peptide amphiphiles are provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to a single monolithic IC to perform simultaneous optogenetic neural inhibition and extracellular electrophysiological recording in-vivo. Some embodiments include a low input capacitance (e.g., 9.7 pF) amplifier particularly tailored for the use of high-impedance electrodes to conduct single neuron extracellular recording integrated with programmable high current drivers for optogenetic stimulation or inhibition on the same IC chip. Some embodiments use a noise model to guide the IC design process to obtain parameters for optimal signal-to-noise ratio. The performance of the IC chip was demonstrated on an anesthetized gerbil expressed with inhibitory optogenetic protein (Halorhodopsin). Spontaneous action potentials from the fifth nerve of the brainstem were recorded by the amplifier and were subsequently inhibited by laser illumination.

Abstract: The invention provides cell potency assays for measuring, determining, identifying, confirming, or validating the therapeutic potential of a cell population. Cell potency assays may be performed with various types of cells, including stem or progenitor cells, such as, for example, hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells. Cell potency assays may also be performed on stem or progenitor cells that have been treated with one or more agents to enhance therapeutic potential. Hematopoietic cells having therapeutic potential are useful in downstream clinical applications for increasing engraftment, reconstitution, homing, and proliferation in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates including a residualizing linker, methods for their production, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The embodiments herein disclose a method for synthesizing antagonistic peptide VEGF and bFGF. The method comprises synthesizing the antagonistic peptide for VEGF and bFGF and analyzing the purity of peptides. The quality of antagonistic peptide for VEGF and bFGF is analyzed by HPLC chromatogram and Mass spectrometry analysis. The biochemical activity of the antagonistic peptide for VEGF and bFGF is analyzed by competitive binding assay, cell proliferation assay, Matrigel assay for anti-angiogenic activity analysis, histopathological staining and Western blot analysis. The competitive binding assay of antagonistic peptide for VEGF and bFGF illustrate that peptides binds with cell receptors at a concentration of 2000 ng/ml. The cell proliferation assay illustrates that cell growth is arrested when antagonistic peptide for VEGF and bFGF are at a concentration of 2000 ng/ml.

Abstract: A composition including an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) coupled to a therapeutic agent is provided. The ELP comprises at least about 5 repeats of the amino acid sequence VPGXG. Further provided is a method of using the composition for therapeutic agent delivery during pregnancy to reduce the amount of the therapeutic agent crossing a placenta in a pregnant subject. The method includes administering to the pregnant subject an effective amount of the composition comprising the ELP coupled to the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for a polymer hydrogel created by a cycloaddition reaction between an azide and an alkyne that proceeds rapidly without catalyst to produce the polymer hydrogel in less than ninety seconds. The polymer hydrogel can be used in in vivo applications for the localized delivery of therapeutic agent in aqueous solutions. An example of therapeutic delivery of a protein in a mouse model is demonstrated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to skin care compositions, including cosmeceuticals, for topical application, and more particularly, a skin cream, comprising exosomes and cell culture medium conditioned by cells grown in two-dimensional culture. Also included are methods of making and using such compositions and kits comprising the skin cream therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel composite bone graft system utilizing a porous collagen scaffold having a matrix impregnated with calcium phosphate particles and more than one bioactive agent, one of which is conjugated to the matrix. The graft system exhibits increased mechanical strength and osteogenic properties by providing sites for tissue attachment and propagation. The bioactive agents are delivered to the scaffold via different mechanisms to enable sequential and sustained release of the bioactive agents over time.

Abstract: The present invention provides variant VEGF polypeptides which have been altered in their C-terminal heparin binding region to lower their heparin binding affinity. These variants have been found to act as receptor antagonists for VEGF receptors and antagonize angiogenesis. These variants are useful to treat diseases characterized by pathological angiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions, methods, and devices for delivering angiogenic factors and signaling molecules to a target tissue, and controlling the release of these factors and signaling molecules to spatially and temporally restrict their release and dissemination, for the purpose of promoting angiogenesis in target tissues.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using TSPAN12 and Norrin antagonists to inhibit ocular vascular development and to treat related disorders.

Abstract: Provided are systems for controlled release of proteins from decomposable thin films constructed by layer-by-layer deposition. Such films generally comprise alternating layers of polymers and proteins, and may further comprise additional layers of polyions. In some embodiments, decomposable thin films and methods of using such films allow proteins to be released over an extended period of time and/or retention of as much as 100% of function of released protein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are heretofore undescribed preparations of highly concentrated, solubilized proteins, such as but not limited to, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins. Such protein preparations can be formulated in an aqueous carrier at protein concentrations in excess of 10 mg/ml when using the methods of manufacture taught herein. Such methods yield stable protein preparations in either solubilized or lyophilized form. The protein preparations of the present invention are particularly beneficial when administered either locally or systemically, in part, because low administration volumes can be accomplished. This is especially important for local treatment of certain anatomic locations such as, for example, the synovial fluid of a joint when treating osteoarthritis with BMP-7 or the intradiscal space when treating degenerative disc disease with BMP-7.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an in situ-forming, bioadhesive hydrogel and the medical uses thereof. Being formed by in situ crosslinking through an enzymatic reaction, the hydrogel has an advantage over conventional bioadhesive hydrogels in terms of biocompatibility. In addition, the in situ-forming bioadhesive hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength and has excellent tissue adhesiveness thanks to modification with/without dopa derivatives. The hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field, including bioadhesives or hemostats, implant substances for tissue regeneration and augmentation, carriers for delivering biologically active materials or drugs, etc.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating a disorder of a subject's heart involving loss of cardiomyocytes which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising an amount of a human stromal derived factor-1 and an amount of a human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, the composition being administered in an amount effective to cause proliferation of cardiomyocytes within the subject's heart so as to thereby treat the disorder. This invention also provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a disorder of a tissue involving loss and/or apoptosis of cells of the tissue which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising an amount of an agent which induces phosphorylation and/or activation of protein kinase B, or an agent which induces phosphorylation and/or activation of an extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, or an agent which induces activation of CXCR4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new homodimeric form of recombinant PlGF-1, to a process for its preparation and to compositions containing it.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention describes materials and methods for the local reprogramming of cells in a location where the treatment is applied. The invention can be used to replace lost cells or to restore function to tissue damaged due to disease, injury or genetic defect. In various embodiments, the treatment includes a semisolid hydrogel embedded with liposomes. The liposomes can contain an effector molecule or molecules. When phagocytic cells such as monocytes infiltrate the hydrogel, they encounter the liposomes and incorporate the liposomes carrying the effector molecules into the cells. In some embodiments, the effector molecules can be genetic material encoding the expression of specific proteins such as transcription factors, the expression of which can initiate the reprogramming of the cells. In other embodiments, the effector molecules can induce angiogenesis. In other embodiments, the effector molecules are tumor antigens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a stable composition comprising growth factors, which may include platelet derived growth factors and transforming growth factors. The method comprises providing human umbilical cord blood plasma containing platelets, but substantially free of whole blood cells, and lysing the platelets to extrude growth factors into the plasma. The plasma may be obtained from multiple donors and pooled to form a homologous plasma mixture. In another embodiment, the growth factors are encapsulated in a liposome formed by a lipid bilayer, wherein the resulting composition remains stable and viable for at least 30 months. The present invention is also directed to the composition produced by the methods of the present invention and the process of applying the composition to a skin defect or wound.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Specifically, the invention is directed to treating and reducing inflammation associated Hidradenitis Suppurativa by administering to a subject suffering from this condition novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions).

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and medical device systems relating to treating exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) and nasopharyngeal cicatrix (NC) in a mammal. For example, one method comprises administering through inhalation a composition comprising a physiologically acceptable carrier and an effective amount of each of one or more stem cell derived factors. Exemplary stem cell derived factors include, but are not limited to, growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines. The mammal may be a horse, dog, camel, or Homo sapiens.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: A bone implant primer is provided. A biodegradable hydrogel component is provided. A plurality of biomolecule release depots are dispersed within the biodegradable hydrogel component wherein the plurality of biomolecule release depots comprise biomolecules for aiding implant osseointegration or biomolecules for mitigation of foreign body response. Different biomolecules may be released by the microspheres at different times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro or ex vivo method of preparing a cell-free composition, said method comprising or consisting of (a) subjecting cells to stress; and (b) collecting factors produced, preferably secreted by said cells when subjected to said stress, thereby obtaining said cell-free composition; wherein said cells are comprised in or form at least one first carrier and said collecting is effected by means of at least one second carrier which second carrier(s) is/are cell-free and concomitantly present with and spatially distinct from said first carrier; and said collecting is effected using a device comprising or consisting of (i) said first carrier(s) which first carrier(s) comprise(s) said cells or is/are suitable to hold said cells; (ii) said second carrier(s) which is cell-free; and (iii) means of subjecting said cells in said first carrier to stress; wherein first carrier(s) and second carrier(s) are positioned such that factors secreted by said cells when subjected to stress are

Abstract: A structure of, and a method of producing, a biocompatible structure for bone and tissue regeneration are disclosed. The method includes dissolving a polyurethane polymer in methanol, adding hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles to form a uniformly distributed mixture, applying the mixture to a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface to form a polymer film, cutting the polymer film into strips, stacking the strips with layers of bone particles disposed therebetween, coating the stacked strips and layers by the mixture and allowing it to dry, adding bone particles to the coating, and plasma treating the structure to form the biocompatible structure. A weight percentage of the HAP nanoparticles to the polymer is about 5-50% such that a resorption rate of the biocompatible structure substantially matches a rate of tissue generation in the biocompatible structure.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of promoting bone healing by locally administering a vanadium-based insulin mimetic agent to a patient in need thereof. The invention also provides a new use of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds for manufacture of medicaments for accelerating bone-healing processes. In addition, the invention also encompasses a bone injury treatment kit suitable for localized administration of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds or compositions thereof to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: As the percentage of senior citizens increases at the present time, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic which can maintain the skin in a healthy state by preventing damage to the skin that accompanies aging, more specifically, discoloration and wrinkling, is very safe, does not pose ethical problems, and can be supplied in a sufficient amount. The present invention provides a cosmetic that comprises as the main component a powder of the supernatant produced by culturing the bone marrow or dental pulp stem cells of a nonhuman mammal. Moreover, provided is a method for ion introduction for protein by which the cosmetic is introduced by ion introduction.

Abstract: The present application describes an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide capable of synchronously binding VEGF polypeptide and TNF polypeptide comprising: (a) a nucleotide sequence encoding a TNFR2 component and VEGFR1 component operatively linked to (b) a nucleotide sequence encoding a multimerizing component, wherein the TNFR2 component consists essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequences of cystein rich domain 1, cystein rich domain 2, cystein rich domain 3, and cystein rich domain 4 of the extracellular domain of TNFR2, and wherein the VEGFR1 component consists essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequences of Ig-like domain 2 of the extracellular domain of VEGFR1.

Abstract: Provided herein are soft tissue implants, methods of making, use, and administration thereof. The soft tissue implants can be prepared by harvesting cells or tissue from a donor and selectively lysing the cells or tissue to obtain the intracellular content. Also provided herein are delivery devices for delivering the soft tissue implants described herein and kits that include the soft tissue implants described herein.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising variant vascular endothelial growth factor sequences are provided. The polypeptides are useful in cancer imaging, cancer diagnosis, monitoring and treatment as well as treatment of diseases characterized by excessive neovascularization.

Abstract: Formulations of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist are provided including a pre-lyophilized formulation, a reconstituted lyophilized formulation, and a stable liquid formulation. Preferably, the fusion protein has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.

Abstract: The present invention provides human vascular endothelial cell growth factor (hVEGF) antagonists, including monoclonal antibodies, hVEGF receptors, and hVEGF variants that are useful for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, and other diseases and disorders characterized by undesirable or excessive neovascularization.