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: Small molecule compounds and methods for stem cell differentiation are provided herein. An example of a class of compounds that may be used to practice the methods disclosed herein is represented by enantiomerically pure isomers of compounds of Formula I: or a chirally pure stereoisomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R5?, R6, R6?, R7, R7? are as described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, methods and systems for delivering treatments and for medications to the site of an aneurysm (SOA). One embodiment of a method comprises delivering a neural growth stimulating factor (NGSF) to the site of the aneurysm to grow new nerve cells and/or stimulate the regeneration of damaged nerve cells. The NGSF may be delivered in a carrier such as a gel which can be selected to allow for long term delivery of the NGSF to the SOA. In many embodiments, the NGSF may be delivered to the SOA using a micro-catheter based system which includes a microcatheter that can be advanced in the cerebral vasculature. The microcatheter may also be used to delivery occlusive element to the SOA such as occlusive coils or balloon which promote clotting and reduce bleeding at the SOA and together with the carrier allow for long term release of NGSF.

Abstract: Provided are novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of leiomyomas, in particular uterine leiomyoma (UL). In addition, methods of identifying anti-tumor agents are described. Furthermore, novel methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of diseases characterized by an aberrant growth of mesenchymal stem cells and their descendants and for the treatment of obesity are disclosed.

Abstract: Therapeutic and cosmetic uses and applications of calreticulin are provided. In particular, the invention relates to therapeutic and cosmetic uses and applications of calreticulin to a patient in need of such treatment including in tissue repair, wound healing, ulcers, reducing scar formation, and reducing or eliminating wrinkles.

Abstract: Systems and methods of tissue remodeling or altering a surface of a skin of a patient are provided. A method includes increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue. Methods can include increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue in addition to various tissue remodeling techniques, including cryogenic cooling of target tissue for tissue remodeling.

Abstract: Provided is a new anti-inflammatory drug that produces an anti-inflammatory effect by modulating macrophage function. Specifically, a new anti-inflammatory drug that produces an anti-inflammatory effect through induction of M2 macrophages using activin species is provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for an intra-articular injection for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The methods and compositions comprising combinations of hyaluronic acid and a bone morphogenetic protein, like rhGDF-5, can be useful for any synovial joint, including the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, hands, spinal facet, or temporomandibular joint, both for the relief of pain and for slowing disease progression.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel peptide amphiphile molecules and compositions composed of a peptide sequence that non-covalently binds the growth factor TGF-?1. Also disclosed are methods of using these peptide amphiphiles to create a gel scaffold in situ that enhances articular cartilage regeneration when used in combination with microfracture. Significant improvement in tissue quality and overall O'Driscoll histological scores were observed in rabbits with full thickness articular cartilage defects treated with the TGF-binding peptide amphiphile. The gel can further serve as a delivery vehicle for recombinant TGF-?1 protein growth factor. Scaffolds that localize and retain chondrogenic growth factors may synergistically enhance cartilage repair when combined with microfracture, by inducing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrogenic differentiation. This invention represents a promising new biomimetic approach to enhance current techniques of articular cartilage regeneration in the clinical setting.

Abstract: A cell-based vehicle driving control system includes a local server for obtaining road environment information on roads within a cell and target vehicle information on a target vehicle within the cell and generating local waypoints based on the road environment information and the target vehicle information; a global server for monitoring the target vehicle information, the road environment information and local server information on the local server received from the local server; and a vehicle control terminal, mounted in the target vehicle, for receiving the local waypoints from the local server and controlling the target vehicle based on the local waypoints. The road environment information is obtained by using at least one sensor installed on the roads.

Abstract: Methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases, disorders or injuries are provided. In particular, methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases of the gingival (gums) and bone are provided. Such methods utilize novel compositions including, but not limited to, extraembryonic cytokine-secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution or ACCS), and Physiologic Cytokine Solution (herein referred to as PCS), each alone or in combination with each other and/or other agents.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for stimulating the growth and repair of bone and cartilage using synthetic triterpenoids and tricyclic-bis-enones. Examples of suitable triterpenoids include CDDO, CDDO-Me, CDDO-Im, and CDDO-Ethylamide. Examples of tricyclic-bis-enones include TBE-31 and TBE-34.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using a pheromone, a luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or a human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The method can be practiced in vivo to obtain more neural stem cells in situ, which can in turn produce more neurons or glial cells to compensate for lost or dysfunctional neural cells. The method can also be practiced in vitro to produce a large number of neural stem cells in culture. The cultured stem cells can be used, for example, for transplantation treatment of patients or animals suffering from or suspected of having neurodegenerative diseases or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to stabilizing Bone Morphogenetic Protein in various lyophilized formulations and compositions. The present invention comprises formulations primarily including trehalose as an excipient for lyophilized compositions and their subsequent storage and reconstitution, and can also optionally include other excipients, including buffers and surfactants.

Abstract: The candidates are screened and then employed by administering to patients in need thereof of a drug candidate that affects heterotypic intercellular mechanotransduction. At least two types of cells are labeled with distinct intracellular fluorescent marker labels and combined to form a cell suspension and cultured to form a microtissue, such as spheroids. The cells or the spheroids are combined with a drug candidate, either before, during or after forming the spheroids. The distribution of the different cell types is compared to that of essentially the same suspension culture in the absence of the drug candidate. Alternatively, the cell power of cells cultured in a non-adherent mold that determines at least in part, the shape of microtissue formed is measured and compared with essentially the same cell suspension cultured in the same manner in the absence of a drug candidate. A patient in need thereof can be administered a drug identified as affecting heterotypic intercellular mechanotransduction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide represented by formula (I) of X1-Leu-X2-Leu-X3 wherein X1 represents Glu or Asp, X2 represents His, Lys or Arg, X3 represents Asp or Glu, with Glu, Asp, Leu, His, Lys and Arg being respectively glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, histidine, lysine and arginine; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a composition for the treatment or prevention of at least one selected from cartilage damage and arthritis, containing the same peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient; and a composition containing the same peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and TGF?1.

Abstract: A cyclized peptide designated BMP Binding Peptide (BBP) is a synthetic peptide that avidly binds rhBMP-2, as do endogenous forms of BBP, and sequence conservation between species results in a variety of useful BBP compositions. BBP increases the over-all osteogenic activity of rhBMP-2, increases the rate at which rhBMP-2 induces bone formation, and BBP induces calcification alone. Compositions and substrates including BBP, and methods of using BBP are useful in therapeutic, diagnostic and clinical applications requiring calcification and osteogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for promoting arteriogenesis, and preparation method and applications of the same, wherein said pharmaceutical composition comprises an effective amount of a drug, and a peptide hydrogel, and it forms a microenvironment for autologous cell recruitment and tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel expression cassettes and vectors for efficiently producing authentic recombinant human proteins from stable cultures of novel human cell lines, the authentic recombinant proteins produced therefrom, and antibodies raised against those authentic recombinant proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the clinical application of BBP, alone or in combination with other growth factors, for use in bone healing applications, such as spinal surgery. Additional applications include use in orthopedic implantable prostheses and implantation into other surgical sites (e.g., surgical reconstruction, regional osteopenia, etc.) where bone is desired.

Abstract: Metallo-proteins including but not limited to lactoferrin (LF), transferrin (TF) and ovotransferrin (OTF) (all members of transferrin family), ceruloplasmin (CP) and metallo-thionein (MT) were found to stabilize and enhance the bio-functional activity of tocotrienol (T3), T3 mixtures or derivates. The synergism between MP and T3 also promote the intestinal transfer and the ultimate bio-availability of T3 and T3-derivatives for physiological functions. Such functional synergism includes hypocholesterolemic, anti-thrombotic, antioxidant, anti-athermogenic, anti-inflammatory and immuno-regulatory activities of T3 agents. Addition of a non-protein-type metal chelator provided further improvement in the action of the bio-functional activity of T3. These T3 compositions are useful as pharmaceuticals, in cosmetics, in foods and as nutritional supplements.

Abstract: Osteogenic sponge compositions having enhanced osteoinductive properties for use in bone repair are described. The compositions include a quickly resorbable porous carrier, a more slowly resorbed mineral scaffold and an osteogenic factor, preferably a bone morphogenetic protein. The compositions enable increased osteoinductive activity while retaining a reliable scaffold for the formation of new bone at an implant site. Methods for therapeutic use of the compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel synthetic myostatin antagonists, comprising a synthetic mature myostatin peptide, wherein the peptide comprises at least two cysteine residues at positions 281 and 282 which are forced to bond and form a disulfide bond or a functional variant or fragment thereof and are useful in the treatment of myostatin related disorders.

Abstract: A nutritional composition comprising a partially hydrolysed milk protein having a degree of hydrolysis between 15 and 25% and 50 to 1000 nanograms of TGF-? per 100 ml of ready to consume composition and methods for the primary prevention of allergic reactions to newly introduced dietary protein at weaning and the prevention of development of atopic diseases in a young mammal at weaning comprising feeding to the young mammal a therapeutic amount of the composition are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating soft tissue defects are provided. The composition, which is injectable directly into the tissue adjacent to the defect, comprises a fibrosis inducing factor in a carrier. The method includes preparing the composition comprising a fibrosis inducing factor in a carrier and delivering the composition into the tissue adjacent to the defect. Alternatively, a carrier matrix may be disposed in or near the defect, a pump capable of delivering an effective amount of a fibrosis inducing factor may be provided, and the pump is fluidly connected to the carrier matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating chronic wounds using calreticulin. In particular, the invention relates to the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds using topical application of calreticulin to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The application discloses LTBP2 as a new biomarker for renal dysfunction; methods for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring said dysfunction based on measuring said biomarker; and kits and devices for measuring said biomarker and/or performing said methods. LTBP2 is also involved in glomerular filtration rate, dyspnea, acute heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, preeclampsia, pregnancy- associated proteinuria.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production and use of pharmaceutical growth factor compositions with novel characteristics, e.g., improved solubility and controlled release characteristics under physiological conditions. Compositions of one or more precursor proteins of growth factors of the GDF family provoke morphogenic effects, such as growth, differentiation, protection and regeneration of a variety of tissues and organs, e.g., bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, nerves and skin. These compositions can be advantageously used for the healing of tissue-destructive injuries and for the prevention or therapy of degenerative disorders.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for inducing the formation of functional replacement nonarticular cartilage tissues and ligament tissues. These methods and devices involve the use of osteogenic proteins, and are useful in repairing defects in the larynx, trachea, interarticular menisci, intervertebral discs, ear, nose, ribs and other fibrocartilaginous tissues in a mammal.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating pain and for reducing the excitability of nociceptors, comprising administering a TGF-? antagonist. In some embodiments, a TGF-? antagonist is a monoclonal TGF-? neutralizing antibody or a fusion product comprising a monoclonal TGF-? neutralizing antibody, a soluble receptor, an antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), a ribozymes, a small inhibitory RNA (siRNA), Smad 6, Smad7, or a small molecule that blocks TGF-? signaling.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides that home to a joint of an animal, wherein said peptide comprises an amino acid motif selected from the group consisting of NQR and ADK. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having an arthritic joint, comprising the step of administering to said subject a pharmacologically effective dose of a composition provided herein.

Abstract: Described herein is a cell tissue gel cross-linked with a cross-linking agent, and a quenching agent bound to a reactive group of the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Connective tissue regenerative compositions and methods of repairing and regenerating connective tissue using such compositions are provided. The compositions generally comprise a bioactive hydrogel matrix comprising a polypeptide, such as gelatin, and a long chain carbohydrate, such as dextran. The hydrogel matrix may further include polar amino acids, as well as additional beneficial additives. Advantageously, the compositions include further components, such as osteoinductive or osteoconductive materials, medicaments, stem or progenitor cells, and three-dimensional structural frameworks. The compositions are useful for regenerating connective tissue, and can be administered to an area having injury to, or a loss of, connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament.

Abstract: A controlled release multidrug formulation for improving locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury comprising: (a) a first composition comprising a first bioactive agent, encapsulated within a first polymeric particle; (b) a second composition comprising a second bioactive agent, encapsulated within a second polymeric particle, wherein the second polymeric particle is encapsulated within the first polymeric particle; and (c) a third composition comprising a third bioactive agent, encapsulated within either the first or the second polymeric particle, wherein the second composition is released subsequently to the release of the first composition, and wherein the first bioactive agent is a neurotrophic factor, the second bioactive agent is a collagen synthesis inhibitor, and the third bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of cyclic AMP (cAMP), an adenylate cyclase activator and a Rho inhibitor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to stimulate endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation in a subject which method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of one or more of the following compounds prazosin, quinacrine, emetine, apomorphine, and debrisoquine, whereby endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation is stimulated in said subject. The endogenous BMP-2 up-regulation may enhance bone formation and/or cartilage formation.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for treatment of a body tissue which includes an aqueous solution of a cross-linked polymer being capable of: (i) maintaining a liquid state in storage at room temperature for at least 24 hours; and (ii) assuming a gel state following deposition within the body tissue. The therapeutic composition can be effectively administered into a damaged body tissue via injection or catheterization, thereby treating the damaged body tissue.

Abstract: Methods for sterilizing and decellularizing extracellular matrix materials are disclosed. Extracellular matrix compositions produced using the disclosed methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a human or veterinary pharmaceutical composition (B) for the stimulation of stem cells, comprising at least two stem-cells-stimulating-agents and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

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: The invention is directed to a novel wound healing device. In particular, the invention is directed to a novel wound healing device comprising a suture or knitted mesh that has adsorbed onto it novel cellular factor-containing compositions (referred to herein as CFC), including Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution (referred to herein as ACCS) or Physiologic Cytokine Solutions (herein referred to as PCS), as well as methods of making and uses thereof.

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: The invention is directed to a wound healing device. Such wound healing device utilizes novel wound healing compositions embedded onto or into a natural plant-derived cloth-based matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analysis methylation patterns in DNA and identifying aberrantly methylated genes in disease tissue. The invention also provides a method of identifying novel targets for therapeutic intervention and disease markers. Novel cancer targets are provided.

Abstract: Bioactive molecules are entrapped within a matrix for the controlled delivery of these compounds for therapeutic healing applications. The matrix may be formed of natural or synthetic compounds. The primary method of entrapment of the bioactive molecule is through precipitation of the bioactive molecule during gelation of the matrix, either in vitro or in vivo. The bioactive molecule may be modified to reduce its effective solubility in the matrix to retain it more effectively within the matrix, such as through the deglycosylation of members within the cystine knot growth factor superfamily and particularly within the TGF? superfamily. The matrix may be modified to include sites with binding affinity for different bioactive molecules, for example, for heparin binding.

Abstract: The invention relates to composition comprising a dextran-tyramine conjugate and a conjugate selected from the group consisting of chondroitin sulphate-tyramine, collagen-tyramine, chitosan-tyramine, chitosan-phloretic acid, gelatine-tyramine, heparan sulphate-tyramine, keratin sulphate-tyramine, hyaluronic acid-tyramine and heparin-tyramine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating cancer, which contains one or more selected from the group consisting of human adult stem cells and their secretory products, and to a method of preventing or treating cancer using the same. Particularly, the invention relates to the use of adult stem cells that exhibit the effect of preventing or treating cancer by activating the immune system. The human adult stem cells of the invention are administered by a simple method such as intravenous injection and are highly valuable as a cell therapeutic agent for treating various cancer (tumor) diseases. Thus, the adult stem cells will be highly useful in anticancer studies.

Abstract: Cellulose and sulfated cellulose fibrous meshes exhibiting robust structural and mechanical integrity in water were fabricated using a combination of electrospinning, thermal-mechanical annealing and chemical modifications. The sulfated fibrous mesh exhibited higher retention capacity for human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 than the cellulose mesh, and the retained proteins remained biologically active for at least 7 days. The sulfated fibrous mesh also more readily supported the attachment and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells in the absence of osteogenic growth factors. These properties combined make the sulfated cellulose fibrous mesh a promising bone tissue engineering scaffold.

Abstract: Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants.

Abstract: Dermatological and cosmetic compositions and methods are provided to reduce the appearance of biological and/or environmentally-caused aging.