Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods involving the use of PRG4 protein, also known as lubricin, to mechanically inhibit biological processes involving cell motility and adhesion. The methods and compositions may be used to develop a variety of specific therapies and compositions, often exploited through surgical procedures, where development of the pathology involves one or more of the following modes of action: 1) the passage of cells from one body compartment to another, 2) adherence of macrophages to substrates such as fibrin or exposed extra cellular matrix, 3) binding of platelets to fibrin, or 4) failure of function of the glycocalyx on exposed epithelial cell surfaces, e.g., within the vasculature.

Abstract: Disclosed are new recombinant isoforms of human-like lubricin or PRG4 glycoprotein having outstanding lubrication properties and a novel glycosylation pattern, and methods for their manufacture at high levels enabling commercial production.

Abstract: The invention relates to topical compositions comprising a fluorescent dye that absorbs UVA and UVB radiation and converts it into a healing light, in combination with a dermatologically acceptable excipient. The compositions of the invention are useful for repairing photo-damaged skin cells and reducing or preventing future skin damage as a result of exposure to UV light.

Abstract: The invention features a tribonectin and a method of tribosupplementation carried out by administering tribonectins directly to an injured or arthritic joint.

Abstract: The invention features a tribonectin and a method of tribosupplementation carried out by administering tribonectins directly to an injured or arthritic joint.

Abstract: The present invention features biocompatible devices having a surface thereof coated with a composition that includes a tribonectin, and methods of making the devices. The tribonectin may, e.g., reduce microbial growth on or attachment to the surface of the biocompatible device.

Abstract: The invention features a tribonectin and a method of tribosupplementation carried out by administering tribonectins directly to an injured or arthritic joint.

Abstract: Active cutaneous technology to emulate the cutaneous characteristics of skin in medical training and other applications. Skin color changes are implemented with paint-on, electrically tunable, reflecting material that can conform to a mold, such as a manikin body or consumer product, and will enable the device to simulate skin. For example, skin colors associated with bruises, blue skin or cyanosis, redness from carbon monoxide poisoning or over radiation, and yellow skin from jaundice. Skin texture changes (e.g., goosebumps, rashes, and poxes) are established using tunable topological polymer films that grow in predetermined directions. Hair-raising, or piloerections, are accomplished with polymer-MEMS with varying thermal expansion coefficients on either side of a hair fiber due to ansiotropic molecular alignment. These technologies are integrated, addressable and programmable through a control system.

Abstract: The invention features a tribonectin and a method of tribosupplementation carried out by administering tribonectins directly to an injured or arthritic joint.

Abstract: The invention features a tribonectin and a method of tribosupplementation carried out by administering tribonectins directly to an injured or arthritic joint.

Abstract: A method of estimating an amount of a substance in a bodily fluid from the color of a tissue surface of a subject includes capturing an image including at least a portion-of-interest of the subject and at least a reference portion of a color reference, the image being a digital image of pixels of at least one color, the image including a component value for each pixel for each of the at least one color, obtaining a first value associated with at least one component value corresponding to the portion-of-interest of the subject, obtaining a second value associated with at least one component value corresponding to the reference portion, and calculating an estimated amount of the substance using the first and second values.

Abstract: The invention features a tribonectin and a method of tribosupplementation carried out by administering tribonectins directly to an injured or arthritic joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to topical compositions comprising a fluorescent dye that absorbs UVA and UVB radiation and converts it into a healing light, in combination with a dermatologically acceptable excipient. The compositions of the invention are useful for repairing photo-damaged skin cells and reducing or preventing future skin damage as a result of exposure to UV light.

Abstract: The invention features a tribonectin and a method of tribosupplementation carried out by administering tribonectins directly to an injured or arthritic joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of promoting cartilage healing or integration that include reducing the effective concentration of lubricin found in the extracellular matrix that is in contact with cartilaginous tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for preserving, prolonging, or augmenting joint lubrication by contacting a tissue of a joint such as a knee, elbow, or other articulating joint, with a tribonectin and an inhibitor of a proinflammatory mediator.

Abstract: The present invention features biocompatible devices having a surface thereof coated with a composition that includes a tribonectin, and methods of making the devices. The tribonectin may, e.g., reduce microbial growth on or attachment to the surface of the biocompatible device.

Abstract: Active cutaneous technology to emulate the cutaneous characteristics of skin in medical training and other applications. Skin color changes are implemented with paint-on, electrically tunable, reflecting material that can conform to a mold, such as a manikin body or consumer product, and will enable the device to simulate skin. For example, skin colors associated with bruises, blue skin or cyanosis, redness from carbon monoxide poisoning or over radiation, and yellow skin from jaundice. Skin texture changes (e.g., goosebumps, rashes, and poxes) are established using tunable topological polymer films that grow in predetermined directions. Hair-raising, or piloerections, are accomplished with polymer-MEMS with varying thermal expansion coefficients on either side of a hair fiber due to anisotropic molecular alignment. These technologies are integrated, addressable and programmable through a control system.

Abstract: The invention provides viscosupplementation compositions that include hyaluronic acid, or a polymer thereof and tribonectin. Such compositions are useful for the lubrication and chondroprotection of mammalian joints.

Abstract: A system for determining an indication of animal joint mobility includes a mounting apparatus configured to hold a first condyle of the joint stationary in a position such that a second condyle of the joint can pivot about the joint, a pendulum configured to be coupled to the second condyle and configured such that a portion of a weight of the pendulum is disposed below a pivot axis of the joint such that the pendulum and second condyle can oscillate about the pivot axis, an angular displacement indicator associated with the pendulum, an angular displacement recorder configured to store indicia of the angular displacement, as indicated by the angular displacement indicator; of the pendulum over time, and a processor coupled to the angular displacement recorder and configured to use the angular displacement indicia to determine a first value associated with momentum decay of oscillations of the pendulum and to use the at least one value to determine a second value associated with a coefficient of friction of t