Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the identification, isolation and/or enrichment of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs). In some embodiments, the method comprises a positive selection process in which a cell population containing human corneal cells is contacted with a positive affinity reagent that selectively binds to HCECs relative to cells other than HCECs (e.g., corneal keratocytes, etc.) in the population and/or a negative selection process in which a cell population containing HCECs is contacted with a negative affinity reagent that selectively binds to cells other than HCECs in the population relative to HCECs. The present invention also provides reagents and kits for the identification, isolation and/or enrichment of HCECs as well as compositions that are enriched in HCECs.

Abstract: A method of inserting and securing a corneal implant in engaging and fluid-flow limiting relation to the posterior cornea, such as to treat edema. The method includes securing a corneal implant in fluid flow limiting relation to the posterior cornea through an incision in the eye and securing it in place by a variety of steps such as corneal insertion or laser bonding, and preferably by inserting a removable corneal implant including a central region and a plurality of retention member(s) disposed on the periphery thereof into the eye so as to releaseably and removably engage a portion of the eye and thereby retain the corneal implant in abutting and engaging relation with the posterior cornea. The retention members of the corneal implant may also comprise haptic leg(s) extending from the central region and having a biasing configuration structured to be disposed in contacting relation with the iris and/or iridocorneal angle in biasing relation of the central region against the posterior cornea.

Abstract: Normal or genetically modified cell(s) having magnetic nanoparticle(s) bound (affixed) to their surfaces and methods of delivery to target tissues, e.g. For treatment of disease and/or injury.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention is directed to a device selected from (a) an operating microscope with an attached or attachable magnet and (b) a magnet that is configured for attachment to an operating microscope. In either case, the magnet is configured to allow a patient's tissue to be viewed through the operating microscope while at the same time permitting the creation of a magnetic field of sufficient magnitude and direction to move a magnetic therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent lying within the tissue to a preferred location in the tissue.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention is directed to magnetic contact lenses that comprise one or more magnets. When worn by a patient, the magnetic contact lenses are configured to generate an intraocular magnetic field of sufficient magnitude and direction to move a magnetic therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent positioned inside the eye to target tissue within the eye. Other aspects of the invention pertain to kits which comprise such magnetic contact lenses as well as one or more additional components, for example, one or more containers of a magnetic diagnostic and/or or therapeutic agent. Further aspects of the invention pertain to methods of treatment, which comprise intraocularly introducing a magnetic therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent into an eye of a patient and fitting a magnetic contact lens to the head of the patient, wherein the magnetic therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent may be introduced to the patient before or after fitting the magnetic contact lens to the head of the patient.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention is directed to magnetic eye shields that comprise a magnet. When worn by a patient, the magnetic eye shields are configured to generate an intraocular magnetic field of sufficient magnitude and direction to move a magnetic therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent positioned inside the eye to target tissue within the eye. Other aspects of the invention pertain to kits which comprise such magnetic eye shields as well as one or more additional components, for example, one or more containers of a magnetic diagnostic and/or or therapeutic agent. Further aspects of the invention pertain to methods of treatment, which comprise intraocularly introducing a magnetic therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent into an eye of a patient and fitting a magnetic eye shield to the head of the patient, wherein the magnetic therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent may be introduced to the patient before or after fitting the magnetic eye shield to the head of the patient.

Abstract: Normal or genetically modified cell(s) having magnetic nanoparticle(s) bound (affixed) to their surfaces and methods of delivery to target tissues, e.g. for treatment of disease and or injury.

Abstract: A method of inserting and securing a corneal implant in engaging and fluid-flow limiting relation to the posterior cornea, such as to treat edema. The method includes securing a corneal implant in fluid flow limiting relation to the posterior cornea through an incision in the eye and securing it in place by a variety of steps such as corneal insertion or laser bonding, and preferably by inserting a removable corneal implant including a central region and a plurality of retention member(s) disposed on the periphery thereof into the eye so as to releaseably and removably engage a portion of the eye and thereby retain the corneal implant in abutting and engaging relation with the posterior cornea. The retention members of the corneal implant may also comprise haptic leg(s) extending from the central region and having a biasing configuration structured to be disposed in contacting relation with the iris and/or iridocorneal angle in biasing relation of the central region against the posterior cornea.

Abstract: This invention relates, to a method for promoting CNS axon regeneration, comprising (1) inhibiting the expression or activity in a neuron of one or more of the members of the Krüppel-like transcription factor (KLF) family that suppress axon growth (e.g., KLF 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9,12, 13, 14, 15 and/or 16), and/or (2) stimulating the expression or activity in a neuron of one or more of the members of the KLF family that promote axon growth (e.g., KLF 6 and/or 7).

Abstract: A voice prosthesis comprising a tubular body portion, a valve and a valve seat disposed within the body portion. The valve seat is further comprised of a medical grade elastomer containing a dispersion of an antimicrobial agent. This valve seat extends the life of the prosthesis by retarding the growth of microorganisms. The body portion of the prosthesis may also contain an antimicrobial agent at a concentration that is non-toxic to the tissue it contacts.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for promoting CNS axon regeneration, comprising (1) inhibiting the expression or activity in a neuron of one or more of the members of the Krüppel-like transcription factor (KLF) family that suppress axon growth (e.g., KLF 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15 and/or 16), and/or (2) stimulating the expression or activity in a neuron of one or more of the members of the KLF family that promote axon growth (e.g., KLF 6 and/or 7).

Abstract: Normal or genetically modified cell(s) having magnetic nanoparticle(s) bound (affixed) to their surfaces and methods of delivery to target tissues, e.g. for treatment of disease and or injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic injector having a drive assembly with an actuator extending from the rearward end portion of the housing and a removal resistant cover for preventing unintended operation of the actuator. The present invention also relates to a sealing arrangement wherein the needle is sealed within a sterilized needle chamber by at least three sealing members which cooperate to form the chamber. Also, the present invention relates to an injector in which the cartridge is mounted to a tubular cartridge mounting portion of the needle carrier with an annular sealing member disposed therebetween. The cartridge mounting portion has at least one generally axially extending groove which allows air to escape from the cartridge mounting portion as the cartridge is being moved forwardly to a medicament supplying position.