Abstract: Methods for increasing lipolysis in a cell are described herein. Such methods comprise the application of an electrical current to a cell. In an embodiment, the application of the electrical current does not substantially alter the viability of such cell and/or preserves the viability of such cell. In an embodiment, such cell is an adipocyte. Corresponding uses and packages are also described.

Abstract: A tissue harvesting method and device for obtaining micrograft tissue particles within the size range of 50-1500 microns, and more preferably 500-1000 microns, and most preferably 600 microns. The particles may be processed after a piece of donor tissue has been excised from the donor site, or processed into the desired size directly at the donor site, and thereafter excised. Cutters having blades or cutting edges spaced in the range of 50-1500 microns are utilized to obtain particles within the desired size range. An elastomer is positioned between the cutting edges to push the excised particles out of the blades for ease of use.

Abstract: A debulking catheter comprising a tissue debulking assembly for removing a continuous strand of material from a body lumen. Catheters of the present invention generally include a catheter body having proximal and distal portions and a tissue debulking assembly disposed at least partially within the distal portion. The tissue debulking assembly is radially movable to expose at least a portion of the assembly through a window on the catheter body. The catheter is advanced transluminally through the body lumen to contact material in the body lumen and remove a plane of continuous material that has a length that is typically longer than a length of the window on the catheter. The continuous material may be directed into a collection chamber. Thereafter, the material may be removed from the collection chamber and preserved or tested.

Abstract: A skin dressing comprises a first dressing component (16) carrying oxidoreductase enzyme in dried condition; and a second dressing component (18) carrying a source of water, such that when the first and second dressing components are placed in fluid communication with each other, water migrates from the second component towards the first comportent and acts to hydrate enzyme carried by the first component, at least at the surface of the first component. The dressing components are kept separate before use, e.g. being sealed in separate sterile, water-impervious packages such as laminated aluminum foil pouches. In use of the dressing, the second dressing component is located on the skin of a human or animal, e.g. over a wound to be treated or on a region of skin to be treated for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes such as for treatment of acne or other skin conditions. The first dressing component is placed on top of the second component in fluid communication therewith.

Abstract: A method of uncoupling mitochondria in a subject including administering nanotubes to the subject in a therapeutically effective amount, wherein the nanotubes are self-rectifying is provided. A method of decreasing reactive oxygen species and decreasing detrimental loading of Ca2+ into mitochondria is provided, including administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of nanotubes into the subject. A method of reducing weight, treating cancer, reducing the effects of traumatic brain injury, or reducing the effects of ageing, in a subject including administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of nanotubes into the subject is also provided.

Abstract: Biocompatible synthetic or natural scaffolds are provided for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The scaffolds are shaped to conform to at least a part of the organ or tissue structure and may be seeded with one or more cell populations. Inserts, receptacles and ports are also provided for the attachment of tubular vessels to the neo-organ scaffolds. The seeded scaffolds are implanted into the patient at the site in need of treatment to form an organized organ or tissue structure. The scaffolds may be used to form organs or tissues, such as bladders, urethras, valves, and blood vessels.

Abstract: A device for receiving implanted biological material includes a porous outer wall defining an inner space, a fluid manifold assembly for selectively infusing at least one of immunosuppressive and growth factor media to said space, and a pump structure operatively coupled to the manifold assembly. The device may comprise an additional plunger body for being disposed in said space and so as to define a peripheral gap between the plunger and the perforated wall of the device.

Abstract: A cell lysis device for lysing cells or viruses, comprising a cell lysis tube having a sample inlet; a pump connected to the cell lysis tube for transferring a sample into the tube; a sealing unit for reversibly sealing a specific region of the tube; and a laser source for generating a laser is provide. Further, a method of lysing cells or viruses using the cell lysis device is provide. The method comprises introducing a sample containing cells or viruses and optionally magnetic beads to the cell lysis tube through the sample inlet; transferring the sample to a specific region in the cell lysis tube by means of the pump; temporarily sealing the region of the cell lysis tube where the sample is placed with the sealing unit; irradiating the sample with the laser; removing the sealing unit from the cell lysis tube; and discharging the sample from the cell lysis tube by means of the pump.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing an immobilized enzyme, which comprises the steps of immobilizing an enzyme used for decomposing oil & fat on a carrier, by adsorption, without drying, bringing the immobilized enzyme into contact with a fatty acid triglyceride or fatty acid partial glyceride, or mixtures thereof, and adjusting the moisture content of the enzyme to 5% to 50% by weight based on the weight of the carrier, wherein the enzyme is used for esterification.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor is provided. The diagnostic kit utilizes reactive complexes to facilitate the detection of the enzyme or enzyme inhibitor. The reactive complexes include a substrate joined (e.g., covalently bonded, physically adsorbed, etc.) to a reporter and specific binding member. In one embodiment, for example, a peptide, protein, or glycoprotein substrate is joined to a reporter (e.g., dyed latex particle) and specific binding member (e.g., biotinylated compound). In this embodiment, the substrate provides a cleavage target for a proteolytic enzyme. Specifically, upon contacting the reactive complexes, the proteolytic enzyme cleaves the substrate and releases the reporter and/or specific binding member. The signal exhibited by the released reporters may then be used to indicate the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor within the test sample.

Abstract: A method of ameliorating or abrogating the effects of a neurodegenerative disorder, such as Huntington's disease, includes administering a formulation including mitochondrial coenzyme Q10 in a subject in need thereof. The formulation includes Hydro-Q Sorb®, which is a complex of coenzyme Q10 and cyclodextrin.

Abstract: Methods for removing a residue of one or more biological materials deposited on the walls of a microfluidic conduit in microscale devices are provided. In an example of the methods, one or more colloidal-size particles, such as colloidal silica particles, are flowed in a fluid within the microfluidic conduit having residues of materials previously deposited on the walls thereof to adsorb to the materials and to remove such deposits from the walls of the microfluidic conduit.

Abstract: An implantable graft, which may be inserted into a fistula tract to occlude the primary opening of the fistula, is provided. To prevent unintentional displacement of the graft or extrusion of the graft from the fistula of a patient, the graft may be provided with a cap that extends laterally from at least one end of the body of the graft, where the cap may be integral with the body of the graft, attachable to at least one end of the body of the graft, and/or moveable along the body of the graft. The graft may also have a tail that extends from one end of the body of the graft to assist in placement of the graft in a fistula tract. The graft may be an integral unit made of a single material, such as a heterograft material, or may include distinct components made of the same or different materials. Methods for closing a fistula tract are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a preparation of an active enamel matrix substance, such as an amelogenin, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for modulating an immune response. The composition can be used in preventing and/or treating a condition or disease in a mammal that is characterised by said mammal presenting an imbalance in its native immune response to an internal and/or external stimuli, i.e. wherein at least a part of said mammal's immune system is stimulated non-discriminatingly, reacts hypersensitively to said immunogen, or fails to react to said stimuli. Said condition can typically either be systemic or local, such as a systemic and/or post-traumatic whole-body inflammation or an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A method for in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro regeneration of cartilage, collagen and bone remodeling by intermittently applied hydrostatic pressure consisting of repeated periods of applied hydrostatic pressure followed and interrupted by periods of recovery. The intermittent hydrostatic pressure is applied at physiological levels 5-10 MPA for an interval of 4 hours followed by a recovery period up to about 20 hours. The interval loading results in the selective inhibition of matrix degrading enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that attract inflammatory cells into the joint cavity and in selective decrease of gene expression of growth factors that are inhibitory to type II collagen expression.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of enumerating the number of cells of a cell type in a cell sample by (a) counting the white blood cells in the cell sample to obtain the white blood cell population of the sample; (b) determining the proportion or percentage of the cells of the cell type in the white blood cell population in the sample; and (c) calculating the number of cells of the cell type in the sample. The cell type may be a lymphocyte sub-set selected from the group comprising CD4+ lymphocytes, CD 45 cells, CD19 cells, CD16 and CD56 positive cells, CD8 cells, CD3 cells or any combination thereof. The method is particularly useful in monitoring the immune status of a patient infected with HIV or other immune deficiency state or disease or condition where CD4+ lymphocytes or CD4+ T cells are monitored or counted. The invention also provides a kit comprising antibodies necessary for carrying out said cell enumeration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remarkably simple method for the in vitro production of three-dimensional, vital and mechanically stable cartilage or bone tissue and to the use thereof as a transplantation material for treating cartilage or bone defects and degenerative diseases such as rheumatism or arthrosis, and to the use thereof in testing active substances and physical factors. The invention is also directed to the cartilage or bone tissue and therapeutical formulations produced thereby, e.g. injection solutions comprising such tissue.

Abstract: A minimally invasive spinal disc defect repair method is disclosed. The method relates to insertion of disc defect repair materials that are substantially two-dimensionally shaped and which allow for insertion and preferably self retention within the disc defect with plugging of the annulus fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid exchange cell culture technique and tissue repair cells (TRCs) made by these methods, as well as methods using these cells. The method includes a new wash step which increases the tissue repair properties of the TRCs of the invention. This wash step allows for the production of TRC populations with greater tissue repair and anti -inflammatory capabilities. Embodiments of the present invention include a post-culture process for cultured cells that preferably includes the steps of: a wash process for removing unwanted residual culture components, a volume reduction process, and a harvesting process to remove cultured cells. Preferably, all these steps are performed within a aseptically closed cell culture chamber by implementing a separation method that minimizes mechanical disruption of the cells and is simple to automate. The harvested cells may then be concentrated to a final volume for the intended use.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a sterile cartilage defect implant material comprising milled lyophilized allograft cartilage pieces ranging from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm in size in a bioabsorbable carrier taken from a group consisting of sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives, gelatin, collagen, chitosan, alginate, buffered PBS, Dextran or polymers with allogenic chondrocytes or bone marrow cells in an amount exceeding the natural occurrence of same in hyaline cartilage and adding a cell growth additive.