Populations of cells enriched in fetal cells from a biological sample obtained from a pregnant subject are prepared using microbubbles, resulting in a sufficient number of fetal cells having a quality suitable for sequencing and providing non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders.

Disclosed are means, compositions of matter and protocols useful for treatment of COVID-19 and/or other inflammatory pathologies through stimulation of T regulatory cells and/or T cells expressing CD73 using administration of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells such as JadiCells. In one embodiment dosage of JadiCells needed to treat a patient is determined by the increase of T regulatory cells and/or CD73 expressing cells that are increased in number and/or activity subsequent to a test dose of JadiCells. In another embodiment stimulators of T regulatory cells and/or CD73 expressing T cells are utilized together with JadiCells in order to augment therapeutic activity. In some embodiments administration of JadiCell is performed with low dose interleukin-2 as a treatment for COVID-19 or other inflammatory related pathologies.

Novel isolated stem cells derived from pre-term placental tissue and compositions comprising the stem cells are provided as well as use of the compositions for therapy, research and diagnosis. The cells and compositions are useful in treating Myelomeningocele (MCC), spina bifida (SB) or spinal cord injury or paralysis.

Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising dorsal and/or ventral PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells and methods of producing the same. Also disclosed herein are cell populations comprising substantially purified dorsal and/or ventral PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells as well as methods for enriching, isolating and purifying dorsal and/or ventral PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells from other cell types. Methods of identifying differentiation factors capable of promoting the differentiation of dorsal and/or ventral PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells, are also disclosed.

Embodiments of the present invention provide plant-derived extracts as a replacement for traditional cryoprotectants used to freeze tissue and cells providing a method to decrease post-thaw damage as created by the cryoprotectant. For example, extracts from the genus Hippophae or other plant sources or compositions may be used as a cryoprotectant or may even be used to replace at least some of a traditional cryoprotectant.

The present invention relates to automated methods for isolating fetal cells from a sample, such as a blood sample, derived from a pregnant woman. The isolated fetal cells can be used for identifying genetic abnormalities in the fetal DNA.

Disclosed herein is a pharmaceutical composition containing a neprilysin-overexpressing stem cell, a conditioned medium thereof, and an exosome isolated therefrom as an active ingredient for prevention or treatment of cognitive impairment. Having the functions of protecting nerve cells, inhibiting the accumulation of amyloid beta, known as a cause of cognitive impairment-related disease in animal models, increasing an expression level of acetyl choline, and improving cognitive functions in animal models, the neprilysin-overexpressing stem cells, the conditioned medium thereof, or the exosomes isolated therefrom according to the present disclosure can find advantageous applications in treating cognitive impairment.

Methods for non-invasive retrieval of viable (i.e., able to be fertilized) oocytes from the uterus via a combination of unique ovarian stimulation and uterine lavage technology. These methods may eliminate the need for an invasive surgical procedure. Embodiments include the use of a novel hormonal protocol, including the use of injectable gonadotropins, to induce the release of immature oocytes from the ovaries of a patient. The immature oocytes mature as they transit the fallopian tubes such that mature, viable oocytes may be collected from the uterus via a uterine lavage procedure. Further embodiments include the use of a novel hormonal protocol, including the administration of Prostaglandins, Estradiol, and/or Progesterone Blockers, to accelerate transport of oocytes through the fallopian tubes. Further embodiments include kits for uterine lavage, compositions suitable for triggering and inducing superovulation, and compositions suitable for accelerating tubal transport of mature oocytes in a female patient.

The present method relates to methods of expanding or increasing stem cell production obtained from donor samples. The methods preferably including the steps of harvesting cells from minimally manipulated tissue using multiply harvesting cycles to increase the number of obtained stem cells.

Provided is a novel means of inhibiting fertilized egg fragmentation. The present invention provides an inhibitor of fertilized egg fragmentation, said inhibitor comprising selenoneine or ergothioneine, a tautomer or dimer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the same as an active agent.