Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting pathologic angiogenesis and/or cell proliferative disorder. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises an effective amount of LECT2 protein or analogue thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device consisting of cross-linked nanofibrillary fibrin supported on and rooted to a microporous nonwoven fabric consisting of a biocompatible synthetic polymer material. An active ingredient is advantageously dispersed in the fibrin layer. The fibrin layer does not have a haemostatic function, but is suitable for retaining the active ingredient and releasing it with controlled kinetics. The device forming the object of the invention, preferably in the form of patches, is useful for in vitro cell cultures or for treating tissues damaged by wounds or necrosis, such as cardiac walls bearing the sequelae of infarction, or a tissue damaged by a diabetic ulcer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to increase oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells through administration of prolactin or a prolactin inducing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, of assessing whether a subject is affected with or at risk for developing a dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, the method comprising determining the concentration of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in a biological sample from the subject, and comparing it to the concentration of FGF21 in a biological sample from at least one normal control, wherein an increase in the concentration of FGF21 in the biological sample from the subject when compared to the concentration of FGF21 in the biological sample from at least one normal control is indicative of occurrence of the dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in said subject, or of risk for developing said dysfunction.

Abstract: Disclosed are variant RTEF-1 polypeptides having an RTEF-1 amino acid sequence with one or more internal deletions, wherein the polypeptides reduce VEGF promoter activity. Some of the RTEF-1 polypeptides include an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the contiguous amino acids of 1) amino acids 24 to 47 of SEQ ID NO:15 and 2) each of SEQ ID NOs:16 and 17, but does not comprise the contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NOs:8, 9, 11, or 12. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the variant RTEF-1 polypeptides of the present invention. Pharmaceutical compositions that include the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the present invention are also disclosed. Methods of inducing cell contact inhibition, regulating organ size, and reducing intracellular YAP activity are also set forth, as well as methods of treating hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer using the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing large amounts of human growth factors from human adipose-derived stem cells. More specifically, the invention provides a method capable of synthesizing human growth factors in significantly large amounts by culturing adipose-derived stem cells extracted from human adipose cells in suitable media and conditions. Also, stem cell culture media produced according to the method of the invention, and human growth factors isolated from the culture media, can be advantageously used as raw materials for drugs and cosmetics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioactive hydrogel as a hybrid material of heparin and star-branched polyethylene glycol with functionalized end groups, wherein the heparin is bound directly by reaction of the carboxyl groups activated with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimides/N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (EDC/s-NHS) with the terminal amino groups of the polyethylene glycol covalently by amide bonds.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant polypeptides, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A multiphasic microfiber for a three-dimensional tissue scaffold and/or cellular support is provided in one aspect that includes at least one biocompatible material. The multiphasic microfiber optionally has a first phase and at least one distinct additional phase and is formed by electrohydrodynamic jetting. Further, such microfibers optionally have one or more biofunctional agents, which may be surface-bound moieties provided in spatial patterns. Multiphasic microfibers formed in accordance with the disclosure may form, in some cases, three-dimensional fiber scaffolds with precisely engineered, micrometer-scaled patterns for cellular contact guidance, which may thus support and/or promote cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation, repair, and/or regeneration for tissue and bioengineering applications.

Abstract: Mutants of human FGF-1 are disclosed having increased stability and mitogenic potency. In the FGF-1 polypeptide, primarily residue 12 is substituted with valine and residue 134 is substituted cysteine or threonine to render the polypeptide more stable and/or to increase its mitogenecity.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described to regenerate cartilage in a partial thickness defect or area of reduced volume of articular cartilage comprising an infiltration suppressor agent and a columnar growth promoting agent.

Abstract: Acridine containing cisplatin compounds are disclosed that show greater efficacy against cancer than other cisplatin compounds.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using the compositions are provided for forming an embolus within a region of an anatomical lumen for a transitory period in order to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Derivatives of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 which have improved properties for treating diabetes can be prepared by a recombinant process.

Abstract: There is provided a spray base material that can be safely used with a sense of security, that prevents leakage of liquid from a spray container, that is sprayable under any condition (when inverted, for example), that is sprayable to achieve uniform coating of the surface of an object (surface to be sprayed) without scattering, that causes no dripping from a sprayed surface, and that is safe when sprayed on a skin surface and the like; and a spray base material with an excellent sprayability that can include both hydrophilic and hydrophobic low-molecular compounds such as physiologically active compounds and perfume components to be used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and cosmetics, and that has a sustained release property.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia includes an adhesion-resistant biodegradable region and an opposing tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region. When the prosthesis is implanted into the patient, the adhesion-resistant biodegradable region covers a fascial defect of the hernia, and the tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region is located above the adhesion-resistant biodegradable region while being exposed substantially only to the hoses subcutaneous tissue layer. This orientation allows the tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region to become firmly incorporated with the host's body tissue. The adhesion-resistant biodegradable region faces the internal organs and decreases the incidence of adhesions and/or bowel obstruction.

Abstract: A discovery process beginning with an in vivo screening of proteins, peptides, natural products, classical medicinal compound or other substances. The administration of compounds to the animal can be either direct or indirect, such as by the administration and expression of cDNA-containing plasmids. Since the discovery process of the invention is based on a non-preconceived hypothesis and whole organism multi-organ analysis, a compound can be selected for testing in the absence of any biological selection criteria. The resulting organism-wide pattern of the gene expression changes in the transcriptome provides an overview of the activities at the molecular and organism-wide levels. The discovery process of the invention then integrates in vivo profiling and internal and external genomic databases to elucidate the function of unknown proteins.

Abstract: An osteogenic enhancer composition for bone and cartilage repair and methods of using the same are described.

Abstract: Implantable pliable bone blocks comprising a solid block of cortical bone characterized by a length, width and thickness, having a first and a second face on opposite sides of the block. The first and second faces have a plurality slot features. The angle of incidence of the slot features of the first face and the x-axis and the angle of incidence of the slot features of the second face and the x-axis (a2) are such that the slots would intersect if they were in the same plane. Methods are provided for making implantable pliable bone blocks.

Abstract: Improvements on the basic method used for BEAMing increase sensitivity and increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The improvements have permitted the determination of intrinsic error rates of various DNA polymerases and have permitted the detection of rare and subtle mutations in DNA isolated from plasma of cancer patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of functionalized nanoparticles for drug delivery, comprising a type of polymer nanoparticles, a polymer stabilizer coating, and a drug, wherein said polymer stabilizer coating is coated on the surface of said type of polymer nanoparticles, and said drug is conjugated to said polymer stabilizer coating. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the nanoparticles; and provides a method for treating an ischemic or degenerative disease, comprising administrating an effective amount of the type of functionalized nanoparticles to a subject.

Abstract: Thermal responsive compositions for treating bone diseases are provided. The thermal responsive composition for treating bone diseases includes a bone growth factor and a biodegradable copolymer. The biodegradable copolymer has a structure of Formula (I) or Formula (II): A-B-BOX-B-A??(Formula I) and B-A-B-(BOX-B-A-B)n-BOX-B-A-B??Formula (II), wherein, A includes a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol polymer, B includes a hydrophobic polyester polymer, BOX is a bifunctional group monomer of 2,2?-Bis(2-oxazoline) and used for coupling the blocks A-B or B-A-B, and n is an integer and the same or more than 0.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining a kinase activity of ERK for CDCA5 and methods of screening for modulators of this kinase activity. Also disclosed are methods and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing and/or treating lung cancer or esophageal cancer that use or include such modulators.

Abstract: It is to provide a method for treating skin aging, or a method for treating skin scar that can exert a sufficient effect. A composition for treating skin aging comprising bFGF for treating aging of the skin that is administered intradermally or subcutaneously, or a composition for treating skin scar comprising bFGF for treating scar of skin that is administered intradermally or subcutaneously is utilized. Preferred examples of aging of skin include skin wrinkle, pigmented spot, sagging skin, rough skin, skin thinning, decrease of skin viscoelasticity, etc., and preferred examples of scar include keloid, hypertrophic scar, scar contracture, etc.

Abstract: Described are packaged, sterile medical graft products containing controlled levels of a growth factor such as Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2). Also described are methods of manufacturing medical graft products wherein processing, including sterilization, is controlled and monitored to provide medical graft products having modulated, known levels of a extracellular matrix factor, such as a growth factor, e.g. FGF-2. Preferred graft materials are extracellular matrix materials isolated from human or animal donors, particularly submucosa-containing extracellular matrix materials. Further described are ECM compositions that are or are useful for preparing gels, and related methods for preparation and use.

Abstract: FGF18 is known to stimulate the proliferation of chondrocytes, bone, and nervous tissue, resulting in repair of diseased tissue. When an IL-1 antagonist is administered in addition to FGF18, the effects on the IL-1 mediated disease and also, the effect on cartilage, bone, and nervous cell proliferation, are found to be greater than administration of FGF18 or the IL-1 antagonist alone. The present invention encompasses a pharmaceutical composition that combines FGF18 with IL-1 antagonist and methods of treating IL-1 mediated disease using this pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II) pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pro-drugs, biologically active metabolites, stereoisomers and isomers thereof wherein the variable are defined herein. The compounds of the invention are useful for treating immunological and oncological conditions.

Abstract: A lipid vesicle comprising a phospholipid which is a stable vesicle former and at least one unstable vesicle forming member, wherein the unstable vesicle forming member is selected from the group consisting of a polar lipid which is not a stable vesicle former, a PEG, a raft former and a fusion protein is provided. The vesicle can further comprise a biomolecule, such as for example ATP. Methods of using the vesicle for delivery of biomolecules are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody-like protein based on the tenth fibronectin type III domain (10Fn3) that binds to serum albumin. The invention further relates to fusion molecules comprising a serum albumin-binding 10Fn3 joined to a heterologous protein for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a polysaccharide which is excreted by the Vibrio diabolicus species for the regeneration and protection of the non-mineralised connective tissue of the periodontium.

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: FGF2-binding peptides are here described, which have been designed starting from the N-terminal region of PTX3, in particular spanning the PTX3(82-11O) region. Synthetic peptides related to this sequence are able to bind FGF2 and to inhibit its pro-angiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo with no anticipated impact on innate immunity.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition for treating, preventing or ameliorating a bone or cartilage condition and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound comprising the third Immunoglobulin (Ig3) module, and/or the fourth Immunoglobulin (Ig4) module, and/or the fifth immunoglobulin (Ig5) module, and/or the first Fibronectin III (Fn3,1) module, and/or the second Fibronectin III (Fn3,2) module of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), or a fragment, or a variant thereof, capable of interacting with an Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) receptor and/or Adenosine-Tri-Phosphate (ATP) and/or L1, and thereby the compounds are capable of inducing differentiation, modulating proliferation, stimulate regeneration, neuronal plasticity and/or survival of cells. Further, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said compound, a process of producing a pharmaceutical composition and the use of said compound.

Abstract: The invention provides for the use of carbonic anhydrase activators; protein kinase C activators and FGF-18 to treat depressive disorders. The invention also relates to improved animal models and methods for screening and identifying compounds the treatment of depressive disorders.

Abstract: Methods are presented for the therapeutic administration of angiocidin in the treatment of cancers such as glioma, breast cancer, and leukemia. Methods are also presented for inducing growth arrest and/or apoptosis of tumor cells, as well as inducing differentiation of tumor cells to inhibit tumorigenicity and to confer a non-tumor or healthy phenotype.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel compositions comprising an electroprocessed material and a substance, their formation and use. The electroprocessed material can, for example, be one or more natural materials, one or more synthetic materials, or a combination thereof. The substance can be one or more therapeutic or cosmetic substances or other compounds, molecules, cells, vesicles. The compositions can be used in substance delivery, including drug delivery within an organism by, for example, releasing substances or containing cells that release substances. The compositions can be used for other purposes, such as prostheses or similar implants.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating hair loss, treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a degenerative skin disorder, treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), generating new hair follicles (HF), and increasing the size of existing HF. The methods comprise epidermal disruption or administration of wnt, and administration of a fibroblast growth factor-9 polypeptide or another compound that upregulates sonic hedgehog gene signaling.

Abstract: Tissue regeneration or grafting is promoted utilizing a structure including a multi-layer sheet of collagen membrane material which includes a purified collagen barrier sheet material derived from natural collagen-containing tissue, the barrier sheet material including a barrier layer with an outer smooth barrier face and a fibrous face opposite the smooth barrier face. The structure further includes a matrix layer of collagen sponge material adjacent to the fibrous face. The matrix layer of collagen sponge material is resorbed by a body of a subject at a substantially faster rate than the barrier sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing body weight in a mammal using Fibroblast Growth Factor-like (FGF-like) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using prolactin. 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 neurodegenerative diseases or conditions. In addition, since neural stem cells are a source for olfactory neurons, the present invention also provides methods of increasing olfactory neurons and enhancing olfactory functions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a bone implant and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the bone implant comprises a step of coating or mixing type II collagen with at least one porous bone material comprising metals, bio-ceramics, natural biopolymers and synthetic polymers. Another manufacturing method of the bone implant comprises the steps of loading type II collagen with or without at least one porous bone material in a container, and lyophilizing the type II collagen to generate a type II collagen sponge construct with or without the porous bone material as the bone material. The manufactured bone implants are effective, with or without loading cells having differentiation tendency towards osteogenesis, to facilitate bone repair upon introduction of the bone implant into various osseous defects.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of accelerating osteogenic differentiation and a composition thereof. The method comprises a step of adding type II collagen into stem/progenitor cells or osteoblasts to accelerate the osteogenic differentiation of the added cells, and the composition comprises type II collagen, and stem/progenitor cells or osteoblasts. Type II collagen can accelerate osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) much faster than does type I collagen. The said composition is effective to facilitate bone repair upon introduction of the composition into various osseous defects.

Abstract: An injectable, high potency (high capillary force) composite comprised of bioceramic spheres having a smooth porous macroarchitecture and porous microarchitecture with interconnected pores and may be combined with various electrospun polymer fibers, thus achieving a biphasic composite implant device whereby a primary phase stabilizes, reinforces, restricts and constricts the expansion of dysfunctional and diseased cardiac muscle tissue, and a secondary phase providing a matrix structure within the bioceramic composite for the regeneration of dysfunctional and diseased cardiac tissue; an injectable composite implant material containing pharmaceutical agents or may contain stem cells, and other DNA materials; an injectable, high potency, bioceramic composite material providing a specific means to alter cardiac muscle geometry so as to normalize cardiac wall stress, aid in the reduction of local stresses in the border zone or in the actual infarct as well as multiple peri-infarct border zone modifications that h

Abstract: The present invention provides novel Fibroblast Growth Factor-like (FGF-like) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides vectors, host cells, antibodies and methods for producing FGF-like polypeptides. Also provided for are methods for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with FGF-like polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides method of diagnosing a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-hyperfunction-induced disorder or a genetic predisposition therefor in a mammal. The method comprises determining the presence of a nucleic acid encoding a mutated fibroblast growth factor receptor-4 (FGFR-4) protein in a nucleic acid sample from a mammal. The presence of a nucleic acid encoding a mutated FGFR-4 protein is indicative of an RTK-hyperfunction-induced disorder or a genetic predisposition therefor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogel type cell delivery vehicle composition for wound healing and to a preparation method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hydrogel type cell delivery vehicle composition in which non-ionic surfactants, growth factors or substance-P, human-derived cells, and the like are distributed in aqueous media, to a use thereof for wound healing, and to a preparation method thereof. The hydrogel type composition of the present invention appropriately delivers cells and/or substance-P to the wound part, and has moistening effects, effects of preventing contraction of the wound, and effects of protecting cells, and can be used in an easy and convenient manner. The cells in the composition are delivered to the wound part to effectively heal the wound when the composition of the present invention is applied to or injected into the wounded body part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a porous ceramic scaffold having an organic/inorganic hybrid composite coating layer containing a bioactive factor is disclosed. The method includes; forming a porous ceramic scaffold, mixing a silica xerogel and a physiologically active organic substance to prepare an organic/inorganic hybrid composite, adding a bioactive factor to the organic/inorganic hybrid composite, and filling the organic/inorganic composite containing the bioactive factor into a pore structure of the porous ceramic scaffold, thereby coating the porous ceramic scaffold. In accordance with the method, the porous ceramic scaffold may be uniformly coated with the organic/inorganic hybrid composite while maintaining an open pore structure, and stably discharge the bioactive factor over a long period of time.

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 provides methods and kits for purifying a target protein group. The method comprises the steps of contacting a sample comprising at least 95% of the target protein group and at most 5% of contaminating proteins with a library of binding moieties having different binding moieties, binding the contaminating proteins and a minority of the target protein group to the library of binding moieties, separating the unbound target protein group from the proteins bound to the library of binding moieties and collecting the unbound target protein. The collected target protein is more pure than the target protein group in the sample.