Abstract: A composition comprising microcapsules, the microcapsules containing both live mammalian ovarian granulosa cells and live mammalian ovarian theca cells, is described. In some embodiments, the granulosa cells and the theca cells are contained in separate microcapsules in the composition; in some embodiments, the granulosa cells and the theca cells are contained together in the same microcapsules in the composition. The composition is can be used for estrogen, and optionally also progesterone, delivery, and hence is preferably free or essentially free of oocytes. Methods of using the same and pharmaceutical formulations containing the same are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are urine progenitor cells and methods for producing a culture of urine progenitor cells from a urine sample. The cells may be selected based upon the use of a selective cell medium, based upon morphology, and/or by selecting cell-specific markers. Also provided is an isolated urine progenitor cell that is c-kit positive and can differentiate into urothelium, smooth muscle, endothelium or interstitial cells. Methods of use of urine progenitor cells are provided, wherein cell are seeded onto a tissue scaffold are provided. Methods of treating a subject in need thereof are also provided, including providing a bladder tissue substrate that includes differentiated UPCs and transplanting the substrate into the patient. Finally, kits are provided that include a container suitable for the transport of a urine sample; media; one or more antibiotics; a package for holding said container, media, and antibiotics; and optionally, instructions for use.

Abstract: A process for assessing risk that administration of a substance will suppress immune competence in a population of subjects is provided. Such a substance may be a substance related to, contained in or derived from a tobacco product or, more generally, a substance concerning which it is desired to assess risk of administration of the substance.

Abstract: Ultrasound-guided needle procedures require skills that are challenging to master, especially considering the need to manipulate 3-D structures while observing 2-D images (or even 3-D images). A pre-clinical assessment and training apparatus, methods, and systems are described herein. Targeting tasks require participants to contact target models designed to test various skills. Performance is compared between those with experience in ultrasound-guided medical procedures and those without experience, using at least one targeting task likely to be beneficial for assessment.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for identifying autism and autism spectrum disorders in humans. The invention also includes compositions and methods for identifying unique gene expression profiles in children with regressive autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ileocolitis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, compositions and methods comprising nanoparticles (NP) that are based on hyaluronic acid (HLA) that have been modified with hydrophobic moieties that can entrap FASN inhibitor compounds. In one embodiment, the FASN inhibitor compounds include Orlistat. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic moieties comprise 5-?CA, Pba, or ODA, or combinations thereof. In a variation, the present invention relates to a composition comprising NPs based upon HLA, Orlistat, one or more of the hydrophobic moieties comprising 5-?CA, Pba, or ODA, and one or more of members selected from the group consisting of PEG and a dilute solution containing SDS.

Abstract: Medical kits and methods for performing small incision DLEK include a corneal transplantation donor tissue graft formed into an implantable and compact rolled configuration using the flexible substrate.

Abstract: Cell tubes that can be used both for pathology collection and subsequent cell processing include a tube with a cell bed at a lower portion of the tube. The tube can include a base member that can be detachable from the tube body. The tubes can be used to form cell (cytology) blocks that incorporate the cell bed. The cell bed can be an inert cell bed of paraffin.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for predicting, preventing, detecting and/or treating seizures. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods/devices for predicting a seizure prior to its inception, wherein the seizure is predicted based upon neuronal activity in the CA3 region of a patient's hippocampus.

Abstract: Vascular scaffolds and methods of fabricating the same are disclosed for tissue engineering of vascular constructs. By combining electrospun matrices with cell sheet technologies, vascular constructs with more mature cell layers can be obtained for reconstruction of blood vessels, heart valves and the like. A engineered smooth muscle cell sheet, wrapped around an electrospun vascular scaffold, is able to provide a mature SMC layer that expresses strong cell-to-cell junction markers and contractile proteins. In addition, preconditioning of the cell sheet covered vascular scaffold maintained cell viability and infiltration into the scaffold.

Abstract: Active compounds useful for inhibiting fatty acid synthase in a subject in need thereof are described. The active compounds are, in general, a 5-mercapto-1H-Indazole-4,7-dione or an analog thereof. The compounds are useful for treating subjects afflicted with, cancer, obesity, diabetes, a viral infection, a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, or a protozoal infection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for correcting presbyopia using a surgical excimer laser include activating the laser once and transmitting a pre-defined three dimensional ablation profile to treat presbyopia based on the single activating step.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The compositions of the present invention comprise amniotic membrane of the placenta. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises amniotic membrane powder or solubilized amniotic membrane (SAM). In some aspects, the composition is cell-free and rich in cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins, and other components that improve tissue regeneration. In one aspect, the composition is a hydrogel scaffold that comprises amniotic membrane. The present invention reduces contraction and improves blood vessel development in regenerating tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use in the treatment/prevention of chlamydial infection and/or diseases and disorders associated with chlamydial infection in a subject.

Abstract: A subdural drainage system includes: (a) a subdural drainage device having an opening formed therethrough, said subdural drainage device having an upper portion, a body portion, and a lower portion; (b) a housing having an upper portion and lower portion, with said housing connected to said subdural drainage device; said housing movable between (i) a first configuration and (ii) a second configuration; and (c) an elongated element positioned inside said housing, said elongated element having an upper portion, a lower portion and a deformable member connected to the lower portion; said elongated element being configured such that said elongated element is moved between (i) a retracted position with said elongated element inside a portion of said subdural drainage device and said deformable member inside said housing, and (ii) an extended position with said elongated element extending through said subdural drainage device such that said deformable member automatically extends to an extended, deformed position i

Abstract: Methods of generating an innervated muscle structures are disclosed as well as bioengineered structures for tissue repair or regeneration. The methods can include the steps of obtaining populations of smooth muscle cells and neuronal progenitor cells and then seeding the cells together onto a matrix material, followed by culturing the seeded cells to form an innervated smooth muscle cell construct of directionally oriented smooth muscle cells. In one embodiment, the neuronal progenitor cells can be seeded first as neurospheres in a biocompatible solution, e.g., a collagen/laminin solution, and allowed to gel. Next, a second suspension of smooth muscle cells can be deposited as separate layer. Multiple layer structures of alternating muscle or neuron composition can also be formed in this manner. Differentiation of the neuronal progenitor cells can be induced by exposure to a differentiation medium, such as Neurobasal A medium and/or exposure to a differentiating agent, such as B-27 supplement.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, compositions, and methods for detecting, diagnosing and treating cancers such as glioblastoma multiforme.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel matrix serves as an effective acellular scaffold for axonal regeneration and facilitates functional nerve recovery.

Abstract: Provided herein are scaffolds and methods useful to promote the formation of functional clusters on a tissue, for example, motor endplates (MEPs) or a component thereof on skeletal muscle cells or tissue, as well as the use of scaffolds so produced for repairing a tissue injury or defect.