Abstract: A tissue processing chamber is disclosed. The tissue processing chamber includes at least one rotary blade housed within a tissue chamber and a drive shaft coupled to the rotary blades. Rotation of the drive shaft rotates the rotary blades and presses a tissue sample through a screen adjacent to the at least one rotary blade, wherein rotation of the at least one rotary blade presses processed tissue through the screen. The tissue processing device also includes a collection chamber coupled to the tissue chamber configured to collect the processed tissue.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for generating islet-like cell clusters. The methods include culturing a whole non-islet pancreatic cell discard or cells sorted therefrom with an effective amount of a molecule having Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) activity (e.g., a BMP polypeptide). The effective amount of said molecule having BMP activity (e.g., BMP polypeptide) is sufficient to induce the formation of islet-like cell clusters. The methods further include treating or attenuating insulin-deficiency disorders, including type 1 diabetes. In one non-limiting embodiment, an insulin-deficiency disorder in a subject is treated or attenuated by culturing a whole non-islet pancreatic cell discard or cells sorted therefrom with an effective amount of a molecule having BMP activity (e.g., a BMP polypeptide) such that tho formation of islet-like cell clusters occurs.

Abstract: Methods of implanting therapeutic cells in a subject and methods of preparing pancreatic islet cells for implantation into a subject, prior to implantation into a subject, are provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating/and or preventing diabetes using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function. Also disclosed are methods of promoting organ and/or cell, e.g., pancreatic islet cell, survival after transplantation using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for cancer treatment and prevention, specifically, a method of targeting and delivering therapeutic agents and/or imaging reagent to cells expressing Purinergic Receptor P2Y G-Protein Coupled 1 (P2RY1).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating/and or preventing diabetes using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function. Also disclosed are methods of promoting organ and/or cell, e.g., pancreatic islet cell, survival after transplantation using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating/and or preventing diabetes using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function. Also disclosed are methods of promoting organ and/or cell, e.g., pancreatic islet cell, survival after transplantation using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating/and or preventing diabetes using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function. Also disclosed are methods of promoting organ and/or cell, e.g., pancreatic islet cell, survival after transplantation using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function.

Abstract: A stable liquid nanoemulsion of a volatile gas anesthetic, such as, isoflurane or sevoflurane, is disclosed which is effective in inducing and maintaining a state of anesthesia and/or general anesthesia in a patent. A method of preparation of stable liquid formulations of volatile gas anesthetics is presented, as well as a method for directly testing the concentration of a volatile gas anesthetic in a stable liquid formulation. A kit comprising an amount of a stable liquid formulation of a volatile gas anesthetic, and the non-specialized equipment for administration of the same to a patient, either in an operating room environment or in the field, is also described herein.

Abstract: A stable liquid nanoemulsion of a volatile gas anesthetic, such as, isoflurane or sevoflurane, is disclosed which is effective in inducing and maintaining a state of anesthesia and/or general anesthesia in a patent. A method of preparation of stable liquid formulations of volatile gas anesthetics is presented, as well as a method for directly testing the concentration of a volatile gas anesthetic in a stable liquid formulation. A kit comprising an amount of a stable liquid formulation of a volatile gas anesthetic, and the non-specialized equipment for administration of the same to a patient, either in an operating room environment or in the field, is also described herein.

Abstract: A stable liquid nanoemulsion of a volatile gas anesthetic, such as, isoflurane or sevoflurane, is disclosed which is effective in inducing and maintaining a state of anesthesia and/or general anesthesia in a patent. A method of preparation of stable liquid formulations of volatile gas anesthetics is presented, as well as a method for directly testing the concentration of a volatile gas anesthetic in a stable liquid formulation. A kit comprising an amount of a stable liquid formulation of a volatile gas anesthetic, and the non-specialized equipment for administration of the same to a patient, either in an operating room environment or in the field, is also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating/and or preventing diabetes using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function. Also disclosed are methods of promoting organ and/or cell, e.g., pancreatic islet cell, survival after transplantation using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons or fluorocarbon derivatives (e.g., fluorinated silane, partially fluorinated silane) in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.

Abstract: A composite for delivering extended-release of oxygen is disclosed. The composite can include a biocompatible polymeric support having a plurality of solid peroxide particles suspended therein. The polymer support can exhibit an oxygen tension value of at least 40 mmHg for a period of 14 days. The weight ratio of biocompatible polymeric support to solid peroxide particles can range from 1:1 to 99:1. Also disclosed is a method of using the composite to deliver oxygen to cells in both in vivo and in vitro environments.

Abstract: A perifusion device includes at least one sample container for cells, the sample container having an inlet and an outlet. The container receives test liquid through the inlet and discharges the liquid through the outlet. A manifold having a plurality of liquid inlets, control valves, and liquid outlets can be provided. A receptacle housing has a plurality of receptacles. A drive is connected to the receptacle housing for moving the receptacle housing. A programmable controller can be provided to control movement of the receptacle housing. The test liquid includes at least one stimuli for the cells. The liquid collected in the receptacles is analyzed to determine the response of the cells to the stimuli.

Abstract: A stable liquid nanoemulsion of a volatile gas anesthetic, such as, isoflurane or sevoflurane, is disclosed which is effective in inducing and maintaining a state of anesthesia and/or general anesthesia in a patent. A method of preparation of stable liquid formulations of volatile gas anesthetics is presented, as well as a method for directly testing the concentration of a volatile gas anesthetic in a stable liquid formulation. A kit comprising an amount of a stable liquid formulation of a volatile gas anesthetic, and the non-specialized equipment for administration of the same to a patient, either in an operating room environment or in the field, is also described herein.

Abstract: A perifusion device includes at least one sample container for cells, the sample container having an inlet and an outlet. The container receives test liquid through the inlet and discharges the liquid through the outlet. A receptacle housing has a plurality of receptacles for receiving fluid from the outlet of the sample container. A drive is connected to the receptacle housing for moving the receptacle housing such that liquid samples are collected sequentially from the outlet of the sample containers. A computer can be provided to control movement of the receptacle housing at predetermined times, and to record data identifying liquid samples in the receptacles. The test liquid includes at least one stimuli for the cells, which can be the presence, absence, or concentration of a compound in the liquid, or a physical property of the liquid such as temperature. The liquid collected in the receptacles is analyzed to determine the response of the cells to the stimuli.

Abstract: A biocompatible capsule comprising a biological material encapsulated by a covalently stabilized coating and a method of making the same are disclosed. The biological material can be a material selected from the group consisting of cells, such as islets of Langerhans, pharmaceuticals, and biological agents. The coating can be formed by reacting an alginate-[polyalkylene glycol (PAG)-X1]n, and a multi-functional PAG-X2, to form covalent bonds, wherein n is an integer greater than 0, a first one of X1 and X2 is N3, and a second one of X1 and X2 is selected from the group consisting of: wherein R1=CH3, CH2CH3, CH(CH3)2, R2=N(CH3)2, OCH3, OH, CH3, H, F, Cl, Br or NO2, and R3=OCH3, CH3, H, F, Cl or NO2.

Abstract: A device (10) for receiving implanted biological material includes a mechanoprotective surface (16) defining an adjacent space, an assembly (26, 28) for locally delivering media to said space, and a pump or slow/sustained release reservoir structure (14) operatively coupled to the assembly. The device may comprise an additional plunger body for being disposed in said space. The implanted biological material may be encapsulated or non-encapsulated.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons or fluorocarbon derivatives (e.g., fluorinated silane, partially fluorinated silane) in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.