Abstract: Methods of treating disorders mediated by ?-catenin comprising administration of Nefopam compounds are provided In particular, the treatment of disorders arising from excessive or undesired expression of ?-catenin is contemplated Said compounds include Nefopam, analogues thereof, prodaigs thereof, and salts and solvates of Nefopam The ?-catenin mediated disorders are preferably selected from the group consisting of fibroproliferative disorders (such as scars, aggressive fibramtoses, and fibroses) and cancer (such as colon cancer, melanoma, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, medullobalstoma pilomatricomas, and prostate cancer)

Abstract: The present invention provides a leveling platform for an i LA®/external lung device which can be patient adjusted. The platform includes upper and lower planar support members pivotally attached to each other along one side of each member and the opposed side includes an adjustment mechanism for pivoting the top support member with respect to the bottom support members to provide a level adjustment. The top support member includes a retaining mechanism for holding an i LA® ECLS device and level indicators to indicate whether or not the top support member is level. The bottom support member rests on a surface such as a bed or chair to which the platform can be secured. Once the ECLS device is connected to the patient and supported in the ECLS device is mounted on the top surface of the leveling platform and if required, the adjustment mechanism is engaged by the clinician or patient to level the ECLS device.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions and methods for treatment of late-onset Gaucher disease are described herein. The compositions comprise compounds having activity as pharmacological chaperones for mutant forms of the beta-glucocerebrosidase. Methods of treatment involve providing therapeutically effective amounts of such compositions to subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions and methods for treatment of late-onset Gaucher disease are described herein. The compositions comprise compounds having activity as pharmacological chaperones for mutant forms of the beta-glucocerebrosidase. Methods of treatment involve providing therapeutically effective amounts of such compositions to subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of blocking endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation of functional but misfolded proteins.

Abstract: Herein is provided an anastomosis device which includes a cylindrical support housing having a tapered section being formed of a plurality of compliant fingers integrally formed around the circumference of an end of the cylindrical section which can flex at their connection point to the cylindrical section. Each compliant finger holds a suture needle. The device includes a push rod having a cam head at one end of the rod section. The cam head is located adjacent to the tapered portion. In operation the anastomosis device is aligned with the anatomical tubular structure undergoing an anastomosis process. When a back end of the push rod is pushed towards the tapered section of the support housing, the cam head section bears against an inner surface causing each compliant finger to flex radially outwards forcing the suture needles to simultaneously pierce the wall of the anatomical tubular structure.

Abstract: The present invention describes therapeutic compositions comprising fibroblasts that have been stimulated to increase expression of extracellular matrix components or elastin, or to produce enhanced elastogenesis or the appearance thereof at a site of administration. The therapeutic fibroblast formulations can be prepared using a variety of elastogenic agents, including digests of mammalian elastin, chemically digested plant extracts comprising elastin-like peptides, and synthetic elastogenic peptides. The invention further comprises cosmetic and pharmaceutical treatment methods using the therapeutic fibroblast compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for ameliorating inflammatory and/or neuropathic pain in a subject by modifying the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in cells of the subject by inhibition of the interaction of the unique domain of the tyrosine kinase Src enzyme and the NMDA receptor complex.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions and methods for treatment of late-onset Gaucher disease are described herein. The compositions comprise compounds having activity as pharmacological chaperones for mutant forms of the beta-glucocerebrosidase. Methods of treatment involve providing therapeutically effective amounts of such compositions to subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions and methods for treatment of late-onset Gaucher disease are described herein. The compositions comprise compounds having activity as pharmacological chaperones for mutant forms of the beta-glucocerebrosidase. Methods of treatment involve providing therapeutically effective amounts of such compositions to subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: We have discovered that p63 inhibition results in increased cellular proliferation. We have also performed a screen for agents capable of increasing cellular proliferation, (e.g., of stem cells such as skin-derived precursors (SKPs)). The invention therefore invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing proliferation of cells, using compounds that decrease p63 expression or activity or using the compounds described herein. The invention also features methods of using these compounds for increasing hair growth, improving skin health, or promoting skin repair in a subject.

Abstract: Water soluble porphyrin compounds useful in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as contrast agents. Particular compounds include manganese.

Abstract: A system for remote ischemic preconditioning that includes a cuff, and actuator, and a controller that operates the actuator according to a treatment protocol. The treatment protocol includes a plurality of treatment cycles that each comprise cuff actuation, an ischemic duration, cuff release, and a reperfusion duration.

Abstract: The invention is a novel MECP2E1 splice variant and its corresponding polypeptide. The invention also includes methods of using these nucleic acid sequences and proteins in medical diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders or development disorders.

Abstract: We have discovered that p63 inhibition results in increased cellular proliferation. We have also performed a screen for agents capable of increasing cellular proliferation, (e.g., of stem cells such as skin-derived precursors (SKPs)). The invention therefore invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing proliferation of cells, using compounds that decrease p63 expression or activity or using the compounds described herein. The invention also features methods of using these compounds for increasing hair growth, improving skin health, or promoting skin repair in a subject.

Abstract: Dermal fibroblasts permanently loose their ability to synthesize elastin, the major component of elastic fibers, shortly after puberty. This progressive loss of elastic fibers cannot be replaced, resulting in the physical signs of aging. The present invention provides methods and compositions containing the polyphenols ellagic acid and/or tannic acid for protection against degradation of cutaneous elastic fibers by the elastolytic enzymes. The use of ellagic acid and/or tannic acid increased the overall deposition of elastic fibers in healthy and damaged skin cells. The protection of both intra-tropoelastin and extra-cellular mature elastic fibers from proteolytic enzymes by ellagic acid and tannic acid caused an increase in the net deposition of elastic fibers. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and composition for the treatment of skin and prevention and treatment of degradation of dermal elastic fibers.

Abstract: Folding endoscope with incorporated optical sensors and light sources includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis and a channel extending between the first and second ends and associated ports at the first and second ends for inserting surgical instruments through the housing into a surgical site. At least two elongate arms having proximal and distal ends are pivotally connected at the distal ends thereof to the first end of the housing. A camera and light source are mounted on each of the elongate arms and when the elongate arms are deployed the cameras have a field of view in a generally forward direction. A linkage mechanism is connected to the arms, and an actuator is connected to the linkage mechanism so that upon activation by the actuator the at least two elongate arms are pivotally deployed from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel plant derived elastin-like peptides and peptidomimetics that may serve as functional ligands for elastin receptors and stimulate elastogenesis. The novel plant derived peptides provide an alternative (non-animal derived) source of GXXPG (SEQ ID NO. 2) containing peptides. The present invention also describes therapeutic compositions containing novel plant derived peptides or peptidomimetics useful in stimulating elastogenensis and capillary dilatation. The therapeutic compositions of the present invention that comprise novel plant derived peptides or peptidomimetics may be combined with other therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and uses of Slit proteins and nucleic acids for inhibiting platelet coagulation and related disorders. Further provided is a vascular device coated with Slit protein or a cell expressing a Slit protein.

Abstract: A novel gene (EPM2B) that is mutated in humans and dogs with Lafora's disease is described.