Abstract: The impact of plastid size change in both monocot and dicot plants has been examined. In both, when plastid size is increased there is an increase in biomass relative to the parental lines. Thus, provided herein are methods for increasing the biomass of a plant, comprising decreasing the expression of at least one plastid division protein in a plant. Optionally, the level of chlorophyll in the plant is also reduced.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a multifunctional assessment system that can include a seating platform (e.g., chair, bench, or the like) for a subject, an image-capturing device, and one or more sensors directly or indirectly coupled to the seating platform. The image-capturing device (e.g., camera or motion sensor) records ambulatory motion of the subject, and the one or more sensors can detect at least one of a force or a motion of the subject, such as a seating motion, posture, weight distribution, and motions or forces associated with the subjects overall health. For example, motions or forces detected can be associated with a subject's ability to get up off the seating platform, sit upright, grip strength, and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for providing creatine to an animal, which includes receiving a creatine ester by the animal. The creatine ester is suitable for being modified by the animal to form creatine.

Abstract: The present application includes a sheath that is suitable for use in a variety of medical procedures. In one or more implementations, the sheath includes a shunt member, and a curvable portion. The curvable portion may be configured in various orientations to facilitate an intervention, such as a hemodialysis intervention, or the like, by an operator. The curvable portion may be configured to bend between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration. In implementations, the sheath may be configured to have detachable and/or interchangeable components (e.g., shunt member, curvable portion, etc.).

Abstract: Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated glucocorticoid prodrugs, methods of preparation, and use for the treatment of diseases and disorders are disclosed. In particular, PEG-conjugated dexamethasone compounds and methods of using them for treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including but not limited to lupus, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating an individual infected with a retrovirus that comprise administering to the individual effective amounts of a mixed lineage kinase inhibitor and antiretroviral drug. In further aspects, disclosed are methods for treating an individual infected with a retrovirus that comprises administering an antiretroviral drug formulated into a crystalline nanoparticle comprising a surfactant, and a MLK inhibitor. Still further disclosed are methods for treating an individual infected with a retrovirus that comprises administering a composition comprising both an antiretroviral and MLK inhibitor formulated into a crystalline nanoparticle, which comprises a surfactant. Still further disclosed are compositions that comprise an antiretroviral drug, a MLK inhibitor, and a surfactant, wherein the composition is a crystalline nanoparticle. Compostions comprising MLK inhibitors with other drugs in nanoparticulate form, and methods of there use, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The various robotic medical devices include robotic devices that are disposed within a body cavity and positioned using a support component disposed through an orifice or opening in the body cavity. Additional embodiments relate to devices having arms coupled to a device body wherein the device has a minimal profile such that the device can be easily inserted through smaller incisions in comparison to other devices without such a small profile. Further embodiments relate to methods of operating the above devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oral supplement including creatine hydrochloride, which has an aqueous solubility that is at least 15 times greater than creatine monohydrate, where the oral supplement drives significant improvements in muscle development and recovery due to its enhanced bio-availability, while causing fewer negative side effects compared to previous forms of creatine.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to intrapleural air leak detection and monitoring. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an air leak may be detected utilizing at least one sensor to determine whether fluid extracted from a pleural cavity of a patient includes carbon dioxide and/or a second substance. The second substance may be a foreign substance inhaled by the patient to confirm presence of the air leak. The air leak may be further monitored over a period of time by collecting temporally successive measurements associated with detected concentrations of carbon dioxide. Therefore, tissue damage and recovery may be assessed according to objectively collected criteria.

Abstract: There is described a platform device for use in forming an anastomosis and maintaining a desired curvature of a lumen in a desired shape during an anastomosis assistance period. The platform is formed from one or more bioabsorbable or biodegradable polymer filaments. There is also described a method for inserting a platform device for use in creation of an arteriovenous fistula by identifying a candidate artery and a candidate vein and dissecting the candidate vein. Next, inserting a platform device into the vein and creating a breach in the candidate artery at a desired angle and location. Next, introducing the platform device and vein into the candidate artery and forming the platform device into a curvature angle selected to minimize turbulent blood flow in an anastomosis formed by the vein and the artery. The platform may also be used to maintain potency of supply blood vessels and/or organ blood vessels or the lumens during an organ transplant procedure.

Abstract: Provided herein are pyrrolomycin derivatives, which can be used to modulate Mcl-1, inhibit proliferation of bacteria and pathogens, as well as to treat infectious diseases and cancers.

Abstract: Medical wound irrigation systems are described that may be used in environments such as hospitals and first aid stations, and for military applications, e.g., for medics and along transport routes for the wounded. The irrigation systems can provide continuous variable pressure for irrigating a wound. For example, in some embodiments, a medical irrigation system can be used to provide a steady pressure level while irrigating about one liter of solution in less than about one minute, e.g., to assist during wound irrigation and debridement. The medical irrigation system may include an air-powered irrigation device, which pressurizes an irrigation solution, such as a cleansing fluid, to create an ejection force. In some embodiments, the medical irrigation system can include a replaceable bottle cap with an inlet for connecting to a source of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas, such as pressurized air) and an outlet for the irrigation solution/cleansing fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a creatine ester anti-inflammatory compound which may be received by animals and then metabolized into a biologically active form of creatine. The biologically active creatine inhibits the production of chemical mediators, released during an inflammatory response, which are important components in the inflammatory response and the inflammation and pain resulting from physical or chemical trauma to cells and tissue.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular medical devices, including various devices with detachable modular components and various devices with pivotally attached modular components. Additional embodiments relate to procedures in which various of the devices are used cooperatively. Certain embodiments of the medical devices are robotic in vivo devices.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various robotic and/or in vivo medical devices having compact joint configurations. Other embodiments relate to various medical device components, including forearms having grasper or cautery end effectors, that can be incorporated into certain robotic and/or in vivo medical devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are examples of user-paced exercise equipment, as well as related circuitry, methods, and computer-readable media. For example, disclosed herein is a user-paced treadmill, including a belt, a motor coupled to the belt, and control circuitry communicatively coupled to the motor. The control circuitry may be configured to change a velocity of the belt based at least in part on a body velocity and a leg swing velocity of a user of the user-paced treadmill.

Abstract: Materials and methods for treating an infection or disease, activating an immune cell at a site of infection or disease, and for directly killing microorganisms, using response-selective carboxy-terminal C5a analogs, are provided.

Abstract: Antiferromagnetic magneto-electric spin-orbit read (AFSOR) logic devices are presented. The devices include a voltage-controlled magnetoelectric (ME) layer that switches polarization in response to an electric field from the applied voltage and a narrow channel conductor of a spin-orbit coupling (SOC) material on the ME layer. One or more sources and one or more drains, each optionally formed of ferromagnetic material, are provided on the SOC material.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter is disclosed for deploying in an artery or vein, comprising various means for disrupting, mechanically and/or chemo-mechanically, a fibrous sheath forming naturally outside of the catheter; optionally the disrupted fibrin sheath and/or thrombus is captured.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various robotic surgical devices and systems that include first and second elongate bodies, first and second driveshafts disposed through the second elongate body, and an in-line shoulder joint with a robotic arm coupled thereto. In certain implementations, the in-line shoulder joint has a differential yoke and a dual shaft disposed within the yoke lumen.