Abstract: Example methods and apparatus are disclosed for diagnosing or assisting a diagnosis of a bone tissue condition. A specimen associated with bone tissue suspected of being infected is irradiated using a monochromatic light source. The specimen may be irradiated in vivo or ex vivo, and/or within a growth medium. Light scattered during the irradiation is gathered and its Raman spectral content is determined to detect one or more pathological calcium phosphate minerals, such as brushite and uncarbonated apatite, resulting from a conversion of carbonated-apatite in the presence of bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composite made of a layer of epithelial cells cultured together with a dermal matrix in a culture medium, which is free of BPE. The dermal matrix is a substantially non-immunogenic human dermis. Also disclosed is an enhanced composite where a biological agent has been introduced into the epithelial cells. The invention also comprises methods of making and implanting both the composite and the enhanced composite in an animal. A method of treating disease or injury through the use of the disclosed composites is also part of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for evaluating an ocular tissue condition of a patient (e.g., a disease, a risk of developing a disease, etc.). For example, an indicator associated with the ocular tissue condition may be generated. A portion of ocular tissue of the patient is irradiated using a light source. Light from the portion of the ocular tissue is received. Raman spectra information associated with the received light is determined. An indicator of an ocular tissue condition is generated based at least on the Raman spectra information. The indicator may, for example, assist a physician in diagnosing or ruling out the ocular tissue condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for evaluating a connective tissue condition of a patient (e.g., a disease, a risk of developing a disease, a risk of developing a fracture, etc.). For example, an indicator associated with the connective tissue condition may be generated. First, tissue at a first location of the body of the patient is irradiated using a light source. The tissue may be irradiated in vivo through the skin or via an incision, for example. Alternatively, a biopsy of the tissue may be irradiated. Then, spectral content information for light scattered, reflected, or transmitted by the irradiated tissue is determined. The spectral content information may be used, at least in part, to generate an indicator associated with a condition of connective tissue at a second location of the body of the patient, the second location remote from the first location. The indicator may, for example, assist a physician in diagnosing or ruling out the connective tissue condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions and methods for delivering substances to target tissues and cells by contacting the targets with delivery systems associated with membranes (e.g., biocompatible or bioerodable membranes). More particularly, the present invention is directed to dendrimer-based methods and compositions for use in disease therapies, wound healing, and generally, improved gene transfection and compound delivery to target cells and tissues in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods involving biocompatible dendrimers. In particular, the present invention provides dendrimeric copolymers with poly(propyleneimine) (POPAM) interiors and poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) exteriors for use in transfection and imaging applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoemulsion formulations and methods for delivering biological agents to cells, and in particular nanoemulsion formulations for parenteral and non-parenteral delivery of biological agents to a subject. The nanoemulsion formulations of the present invention may be employed to permit the permeation of biological agents into the skin of subject or to increase the rate of permeation. Biological agents may be delivered by the nanoemulsion formulations of the present invention for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: This invention provides recombinant adenoviral vectors having an expression control sequence operatively linked to a gene that encodes an anti-inflammatory polypeptide or that produces on transcription an anti-inflammatory ribozyme or antisense RNA molecule. This invention also provides methods of transferring a gene to a synovial cell by transducing the synovial cell in vivo, with a recombinant adenoviral vector. This invention also provides methods of treating an inflammatory condition in the joint of a subject comprising administering to the joint a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant adenoviral vector having an expression control sequence operatively linked to a gene that encodes an anti-inflammatory polypeptide or that produces on transcription an anti-inflammatory ribozyme or antisense RNA molecule.