Abstract: A method of producing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells in vitro comprises: (a) providing precursor muscle cells on a support in a tissue media; then (b) cyclically stretching and relaxing the support at least twice along a first axis during a first time period; and then (c) optionally but preferably maintaining the support in a substantially static position during a second time period; and then (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for a number of times sufficient to enhance the functionality of the tissue formed on the support and/or produce organized skeletal muscle tissue on the solid support from the precursor muscle cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of screening a subject for increased likelihood or risk of certain diseases or disorders. This method comprises detecting the presence or absence of at least one mutation in the MSR1 gene wherein the presence or absence of such mutation indicates an increased risk for certain diseases, such as cancer asthma and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for printing cells which includes an electrospinning device and an inkjet printing device operatively associated therewith. Methods of making a biodegradable scaffold having cells seeded therein are also provided. Methods of forming microparticles containing one or more cells encapsulated by a substrate are also provided, as are methods of forming an array of said microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for isolating cells from a subject by circulating the subject's body fluid over an affinity moeity coupled matrix to isolate isolate cells from a subject either ex vivo or in vivo. One aspect of the invention is directed to connecting a subject to a system capable of circulating the subject's body fluid through an affinity moiety coupled matrix, such that the affinity moiety coupled matrix is capable of binding to and extracting target cells from the body fluid, and then eluting the target cells from the affinity moiety. Another aspect of the invention is directed to the apparatus for isolating cells from a subject, comprising a blood circulation system with an arterial side blood circuit for extracting blood and flowing the blood over an affinity moiety coupled matrix that binds to and extracts target cells and a venous side blood circuit for returning the blood to the patient.

Abstract: A method of treating an autoimmune disease (for example, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) comprises administering to the subject a treatment effective amount of a histone hyperacetylating agent, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods of screening compounds useful for the treatment of autoimmune disease are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for preparing matrices for controlled delivery of at least one therapeutic or biological agent to a target site in a subject. This is accomplished using nanoparticles coupled to the therapeutic or biological agent that are incorporated within the matrix or reacted on the surface of the matrix.

Abstract: A method of carrying out an autologous tissue implant in a subject in need thereof is carried out by: (a) forming an autologous tissue implant from autologous cells collected from a subject (e.g., by ink-jet printing, the autologous cells and the scaffold, separately or together), and then (b) implanting the autologous tissue implant in said subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are cell culture substrates and microcarriers that include a keratin, e.g., in porous particulate form. The substrate may be provided in or further includes a liquid carrier and/or viable cells. The keratin may be alpha kerateines, gamma kerateines, and combinations thereof, and may be in the form of a meta keratin. In some embodiments, the keratin is acidic or basic. Methods of administering cultured cells are also provided, including administering the cell culture substrates or microcarriers to a subject in need thereof. Kits are further provided, and may include a suitable container; a plurality of cell culture substrates or microcarriers as described herein packaged into said container; and optionally, instructions for use.

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: 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: A liquid plasma expander or resuscitation fluid composition for use in a subject in need thereof, comprising, consisting of; or consisting essentially of: (a) a keratin derivative (preferably alpha keratose, gamma keratose, or combinations thereof, and with basic alpha keratose preferred over acidic alpha keratose); and (b) an electrolyte solution, with the keratin derivative solubilized in the electrolyte solution to form a homogeneous liquid composition. Blood substitutes formed therefrom and methods of making and using the same are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating a hypertonic condition in a movable extremity are described. The apparatus includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a force sensor and a data communication device for transmitting data signals to a data processor. The method includes moving a limb through a range of motion about an axis of rotation while measuring parameters such as acceleration, velocity, the force on the limb, and the time to move it through the range of motion. The measured parameters are transmitted to a data processor which generates and displays information that characterizes the hypertonic condition for immediate feedback to the examiner or storage in a database for monitoring of the patient's condition. An apparatus and a method for simulating movement of a limb that has a hypertonic condition based on characterizing information from a real limb are also described.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to methods, kits, and compositions for detecting enzyme activity in a biological sample. In particular, the inventive subject matter relates to methods, kits, and compositions for detecting von Willebrand factor degrading enzyme activity in a biological sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated populations of kidney cells harvested from differentiated cells of the kidney, wherein cells have been expanded in vitro. The kidney cells may include peritubular interstitial cells of the kidney, and preferably produce erythropoietin (EPO). The kidney cells may also be selected based upon EPO production. Methods of producing an isolated population of EPO producing cells are also provided, and methods of treating a kidney disease resulting in decreased EPO production in a patient in need thereof are provided, including administering the population to the patient, whereby the cells produce EPO in vivo.

Abstract: Cardiac information of a patient is displayed by obtaining a plurality of MRI cine loops of the heart of the patient at a plurality of heart rates, the plurality of cine loops including both wall motion cine loops and at least one perfusion cine loops and simultaneously displaying both the wall motion cine loops and the at least one perfusion cine loop.

Abstract: A neural event electrode interface is configured to communicate with electrodes that capture electrical signals that are associated with at least one neuron. A neural event waveform processor is configured to extract neural events from the electrical signals. A wireless transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the neural events that are extracted from the electrical signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating viral infections, and in particular hepatitis B virus. The method comprises administering to a subject in need of such treatment an infection-controlling amount of a phospholipid or phospholipid derivative to inhibit the activity of the viral infection.

Abstract: A liquid plasma expander or resuscitation fluid composition for use in a subject in need thereof, comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of: (a) a keratin derivative (preferably alpha keratose, gamma keratose, or combinations thereof, and with basic alpha keratose preferred over acidic alpha keratose); and (b) an electrolyte solution, with the keratin derivative solubilized in the electrolyte solution to form a homogeneous liquid composition. Blood substitutes formed therefrom and methods of making and using the same are also described.