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 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: Microcapsules are described that comprise (a) a liquid aqueous or hydrogel core; (b) a semipermeable membrane surrounding said core; (c) live animal cells (e.g., pancreatic cells) in the core; and (d) oxygen-generating particles in said core, said oxygen-generating particles included in said microcapsules in an amount sufficient to lengthen the duration of viability of said animal cells in said microcapsules. Compositions comprising such microcapsules and uses thereof, such as in treating diabetes, are also described.

Abstract: A compound comprising, in combination: a cell surface binding ligand or internalizing factor, such as an IL-13R?2 binding ligand; at least one effector molecule (e.g., one, two, three or more effector molecules); optionally but preferably, a cytosol localization element covalently coupled between said binding ligand and said at least one effector molecule; and a subcellular compartment localization signal element covalently coupled between said binding ligand and said at least one effector molecule (and preferably with said cytosol localization element between said binding ligand and said subcellular compartment localization signal element). Methods of using such compounds and formulations containing the same are also described.

Abstract: Nanofiber-based biomaterials containing fibroin for wound repair and tissue replacement and, more particularly, heart valve replacement.

Abstract: Described are methods of detecting modified nucleotide bases in a DNA sample using specific DNA glycosylases to excise target modified bases. DNA molecules are then labeled using a DNA polymerase lacking 3??5? exo-nuclease activity and strand displacement activity. The methods can be used to detect epigenetic changes and DNA damage. Provided are methods for diagnosing a disease or condition, determining risk of a disease or condition, identifying appropriate treatment, monitoring effectiveness of treatment, and monitoring side effects of treatment in subjects based on detection of modified bases. Also provided are methods for determining environmental exposure, or an environmental exposure time, of a biological sample containing DNA. Also provided are kits, systems, and devices for performing the described methods.

Abstract: Methods are provided to produce optimal fractionations of charged keratins that have superior biomedical activity. Also provided are medical implants coated with these keratin preparations. Further provided are methods of treating blood coagulation in a patient in need thereof.

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: Provided herein is a delivery system, including: (a) an optical sensor configured to detect data to create a map of a patient bodily surface; and (b) a dispenser operatively associated with the optical sensor and configured to deliver compositions (optionally including cells) to the patient bodily surface based upon the data or map. Methods of forming a tissue on a patient bodily surface of a patient in need thereof are also provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products useful for processing patient bodily surface data.

Abstract: Provided herein are aptamers and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same. In some embodiments, the aptamer selectively binds a protein of interest such as an extracellular receptor protein of interest (e.g., a cancer cell extracellular receptor protein, which may be differentially expressed in some embodiments). In some embodiments, the aptamer is directly linked by covalent bonding (e.g., via a geminal diamine linkage) to from 2 to 10 toxin compounds. Also provided herein is a method of selecting an aptamer that specifically binds to a protein expressed by a cell of interest, wherein in some embodiments the aptamer comprises at least one binding site for one or more active compounds. In some embodiments, primer regions flanking the variable region of the aptamers in the pool contains from 1 to 10 mismatches with respect to said forward or reverse primer.

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: A method and apparatus are provided for treating cardiac tissue to modulate ischemic heart tissue with topical sub-atmospheric pressure to minimize cell death and damage.

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 invention provides a corneal endothelial composition comprising a transparent hydrogel scaffold and a single layer of cultured corneal endothelial cells on the surface of the scaffold. The hydrogel scaffold I comprised of at least one biopolymer, preferably gelatin. Also provided are methods of making a corneal endothelial scaffold.

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: 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.