Abstract: Cognitive orthotics. More specifically, assistive ambulation systems and methods, including systems that can detect a person who uses an assistive ambulation device (such as a walker) and produce a signal in response to the detection, which signal is designed to encourage or motivate the person to use the device. They system may also stop the signal when the person engages the device and/or produce an additional signal or a different signal when the person engages the device.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods, compositions, and devices for treating an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal. The invention includes polypeptides that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immune modulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties, and their application in the treatment of eye disease, particularly diseases of the retina. In particular aspects, the invention includes administration of a therapeutic polypeptide such as a stanniocalcin family member protein for the treatment of an eye disease. Also included are fusion proteins and cells stimulated or modified to express the therapeutic polypeptides as set forth herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system using software and associated equipment to automatically identify two or more preselected anatomical features by examining pixels within images such as computerized tomography (CT) scanned images, determining appropriate measurements between such identified features based on dimensions and scaling available within the image file, comparing these measurements to normative data, and providing output of the results to a user, such as medical personnel. In at least one embodiment, system can measure the basion-dens interval (BDI), which has been shown to be an effective indicator of ligament injury within the occipito-cervical complex (“OCC”) that may not present with other symptoms, is not revealed with standard CT imaging, and is of mortal danger to the patient if untreated. The system can automate interpreting CT scanned images and alert medical personnel about the risk of OCC ligament damage.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for treating an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal. The invention includes a population of mesenchymal stromal cells that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immune modulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties. The invention includes administration of TSG-6, STC-1, or a combination thereof to the ocular as a treatment for an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal.

Abstract: Tissue suspension (e.g., bladder neck, urethral, etc.) devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods, such as those, for example, configured to suspend tissue at a target area (e.g., near a urethra, within a vagina, etc.) without tissue at the target area having been incised prior to using the devices, apparatuses, kits and/or methods.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing secretion of oils from oil producing cells are described herein. In particular, secretion of oils is enhanced by treating the cells with herbicides. The oils generated according to the invention may be useful, for example, in the production of biofuels.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to a bispecific immunoglobulin that is capable of binding cell surface molecules on a target cell, such as cancer cells, and cell surface molecules on immune effector cell, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, resulting in the targeted killing of target cells. In certain aspects a Bif is a polypeptide comprising a first target binding domain that specifically binds a cancer cell, a second effector binding domain that specifically binds an immunologic effector, and an immunoglobulin constant region linker operatively coupling the first and second binding domain.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems and methods utilizing flow of a medically safe inert gas to prevent fires in operating rooms during electrosurgical procedures. A device is disposed around or proximate to or integrated into the tip of an electrosurgical instrument or tool and is in fluid contact with a source of a medically safe inert gas. The gas is flowed around or envolopes the tip as the electrosurgical instrument or tool is utilized. The presence of the medically safe inert gas displaces oxygen, thereby preventing or suppressing fires that may be ignited by sparks generated during use of the tool.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for treating disorders of the mucosal tract such as the gastrointestinal system by targeting CLIP molecules. The methods are based on that CLIP in the groove of MHC class I or II molecules of the cells lining the mucosal surfaces of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, provides protection from MHC Class II or MHC class I mediated cell death, and therefore are useful for treating, inhibiting the development of a multitude of illnesses and conditions of the mucosal tract, including autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods, compositions, and devices for treating an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal. The invention includes polypeptides that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immune modulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties, and their application in the treatment of eye disease, particularly diseases of the retina. In particular aspects, the invention includes administration of a therapeutic polypeptide such as a stanniocalcin family member protein for the treatment of an eye disease. Also included are fusion proteins and cells stimulated or modified to express the therapeutic polypeptides as set forth herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and related products for preventing and treating disease, based on the use of plant viral vaccines and plant viral defense strategies. The methods also involve the identification of appropriate therapeutic strategies for diseases such as cancers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating disorders by targeting CLIP molecules and MHC. The methods are useful for treating, inhibiting the development of, or otherwise dealing with diseases such as HIV, blood vessel proliferative disorder, cancer and fibrosis.

Abstract: Cognitive orthotics. More specifically, assistive ambulation systems and methods, including systems that can detect a person who uses an assistive ambulation device (such as a walker) and produce a signal in response to the detection, which signal is designed to encourage or motivate the person to use the device. They system may also stop the signal when the person engages the device and/or produce an additional signal or a different signal when the person engages the device.

Abstract: Novel isoforms of apolipoprotein C-I (apoC-I), namely apolipoprotein C-I1 (apoC-I1) and apolipoprotein C-I1? (apoC-I1?), both of which have a molecular weight of approximately 90 daltons greater than native apolipoprotein C-I (SEQ ID NO:6) and native apolipoprotein C-I? (SEQ ID NO:7), are shown to be both biomarkers for diagnosing atherosclerotic disease as well as risk factors for subjects having increased risk of developing an atherosclerotic disease.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods, compositions, and devices for treating an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal. The invention includes polypeptides that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immune modulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties, and their application in the treatment of eye disease, particularly diseases of the retina. In particular aspects, the invention includes administration of a therapeutic polypeptide such as a stanniocalcin family member protein for the treatment of an eye disease. Also included are fusion proteins and cells stimulated or modified to express the therapeutic polypeptides as set forth herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system using software and associated equipment to automatically identify two or more preselected anatomical features by examining pixels within images such as computerized tomography (CT) scanned images, determining appropriate measurements between such identified features based on dimensions and scaling available within the image file, comparing these measurements to normative data, and providing output of the results to a user, such as medical personnel. In at least one embodiment, system can measure the basion-dens interval (BDI), which has been shown to be an effective indicator of ligament injury within the occipito-cervical complex (“OCC”) that may not present with other symptoms, is not revealed with standard CT imaging, and is of mortal danger to the patient if untreated. The system can automate interpreting CT scanned images and alert medical personnel about the risk of OCC ligament damage.

Abstract: Methods and composition for a melatonin signaling modulator-based diagnosis and therapy are described. For example, in certain aspects methods for administering an anti-tumor therapy using a melatonin signaling modulator are described. Furthermore, the invention provides compositions and methods for detecting biliary tract disease such as cholangiocarcinoma.

Abstract: A microscope slide separation device and method of storing microscope slides are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the microscope slide separation device can be placed a folded position that forms a cavity between at least first and second members configured to receive a microscope slide to which both a sample and a slip cover have been coupled. In particular embodiments, the first member may have at least one side configured not to stick to cover slip mounting media.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for treating disorders of the mucosal tract such as the gastrointestinal system by targeting CLIP molecules. The methods are based on that CLIP in the groove of MHC class I or II molecules of the cells lining the mucosal surfaces of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, provides protection from MHC Class II or MHC class I mediated cell death, and therefore are useful for treating, inhibiting the development of a multitude of illnesses and conditions of the mucosal tract, including autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Known or suspected traumatic brain injuries may be treated therapeutically by administering a therapeutically effective dose of resibufogenin. A preferred method for determining if a patient has a traumatic brain injury includes obtaining a body specimen from the patient, determining the concentration of marinobufagenin in the body specimen, comparing the concentration of marinobufagenin to the concentration in such body specimens in normal patients, and if the marinobufagenin concentration is substantially above the concentration of a normal patient, concluding traumatic brain injury exists. In a preferred embodiment, a substantial elevation is deemed to be an increase of about 30 percent above the marinobufagenin concentration of a normal patient. The body specimen may be blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.