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: Disclosed are methods of modulating the expression of genes linked to adipocytokine signaling, carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, PPAR signaling, insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, or combinations thereof, methods of treating hyperlipidemia, obesity, excessive cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, diabetes, or combinations thereof, and methods of stimulating glucose uptake in an animal in need thereof, comprising administering a composition comprising at least one isolated glyceollin to said animal.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing hearing loss in a subject. The method comprises administering to the subject in need thereof, at least Myc or an agent that increases the expression of Myc in an inner ear organ, or associated neural structures, of the subject so as to treat or prevent the hearing loss.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for the selective expression of a target gene in a subset of cells. In certain embodiments, the present invention includes a construct comprising a first nucleic acid sequence comprising an episomal maintenance element and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a target gene wherein the expression of the episomal maintenance element is regulated by a constitutive promoter and the expression of the target gene is regulated by a non-constitutive promoter. The construct is able to maintain episomal state, no matter whether the target gene is expressed in the cell.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating hemolysis by administering an active compound in an amount sufficient to treat said hemolysis. It has been found that nitroxyl donors or similar compounds preferentially react with cell-free OxyHb, as compared to OxyHb encapsulated in a red blood cell, and reacts with MetHb to form iron-nitrosyl Hb or nitrite bound MetHb. It has also been found that such compounds reduce cell-free Hb and hemolysis. Active compounds are also contemplated for use in combination therapies, for example, in combination with the administration of red blood cells and/or an agent that promotes hematopoiesis, or in combination with the administration of a nitric oxide donor.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating a myopathy. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for treating, improving muscle function, and prolonging survival in a subject with X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM). The present invention provides a method comprising systemic administration of a composition that induces the increased expression of myotubularin in the muscle of a subject. The invention provides sustained regional and global increases in muscle function.

Abstract: A biphasic material and devices comprising the same are provided for the development of conductive conduits that may be used for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. These devices or conduits are designed such that repeated electric field gradients can be initiated to promote neurite and axonal outgrowth. Conducting conduits using doped synthetic and/or natural polymers create specifically patterned high and low conducting segmented materials, which are mechanically used to produce the electrical properties needed for nerve conduits. These electrical properties stimulate neurite outgrowth and axonal repair following a peripheral nerve transection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions of engineered cells for use in the continuous or transient delivery of growth factors and angiogenesis modulating agents, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in conjunction with constructs for replacing or augmenting organ functions. In one aspect of the invention, the genetically engineered cells can be immature cells that are capable of differentiating and assimilating into the target region. The methods of the present invention can be used to enhance vascularization locally at a target site in need of repair, growth, or implantation through the incorporation of autologous cells which have been genetically engineered to secrete a growth factor or angiogenesis modulating agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of generating a nucleic acid, which specifically binds to an extracellular surface protein expressed by a cell of interest, and which nucleic acid comprises a compound of interest to be delivered to the cell of interest.

Abstract: Surgical devices configured to apply and hold a defined pre-set or pre-load tension to target tissue, such as, for example, a blood vessel, tendon or ligament during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A malleable bone graft composition is described. The composition comprises: (a) keratose; (b) particulate filler; (c) antibiotic; and (f) water. The invention may be provided in sterile form in an container, and optionally lyophilized. Methods of treating a fracture with such compositions are also described.

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: Methods of generating tubular, bioengineered, smooth muscle structures are disclosed as well as bioengineered tissue for tubular organ repair or replacement. The methods can include the steps of obtaining smooth muscle cells; culturing the muscle cells to form a smooth muscle cell construct of directionally oriented smooth muscle cells; disposing the smooth muscle cell construct around a tubular scaffold; and culturing construct and scaffold in a growth media until a smooth muscle cell structure is achieved. The step of obtain smooth muscle cells can further include obtaining autologous smooth muscle cells from a subject. In one preferred embodiment, the muscle cells can first be on a fibrin substrate to form a muscle construct, which is then disposed around a tubular scaffold, for example, a chitosan scaffold. The methods of the present invention can further include connecting two or more tubular structures together to form an elongate composite structure.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of producing artificial composite tissue constructs that permit coordinated motion. Biocompatable structural matrices having sufficient rigidity to provide structural support for cartilage-forming cells and bone-forming cells are used. Biocompatable flexible matrices seeded with muscle cells are joined to the structural matrices to produce artificial composite tissue constructs that are capable of coordinated motion.

Abstract: MEX3C deficiency impairs the development of white and brown adipose tissue. Hence the present invention provides, among other things, a method of screening a candidate compound for activity in inhibiting fat deposition in a subject in need thereof and/or treating a condition in a subject in need thereof, comprising: (a) contacting a candidate compound to a cell that expresses MEX3C protein; and then (b) detecting a quantity of expression of the MEX3C protein in the cell; a depression in the expression of MEX3C protein when the candidate compound is contacted thereto as compared to that expressed when the candidate compound is not contacted thereto indicating the compound is active in inhibiting fat deposition and/or treating a condition in a subject in need thereof. Methods of treatment and screening subjects are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing a meniscus scaffold to remove material and increase the pore size and porosity therein. In some embodiments, methods include seeding the tissue with allogeneic or autogeneic cells. Bioscaffolds produced by the processes described herein are also provided, as are methods of treating a subject in need of a bioscaffold implant.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable or insertable biomedical devices comprising a substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in said substrate, and methods of treatment using the same. In some embodiments, the device is an absorbable esophageal or tracheal stent. In some embodiments, the device is a vascular stent. Wound closure devices are also provided herein, including a substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in the substrate. Also provided are surgical packings, including a substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in the substrate. A barrier material for preventing adhesions in a subject is further provided, including a preformed or in situ formable barrier substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in the substrate. An ointment comprising a collagen inhibitor is further provided. Kits comprising the coated substrates are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable or insertable biomedical devices comprising a substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in said substrate, and methods of treatment using the same. In some embodiments, the device is a urethral, ureteral, or nephroureteral catheter or stent. Kits comprising the same are also provided.

Abstract: An isolated protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of Bordetella colonization factor A (BcfA) protein and antigenic fragments thereof is described, along with an isolated nucleic acid encoding the same, antibodies that bind to the same, methods of producing an immune response in a mammalian subject in need thereof by administering the proteins, peptides or antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.