Abstract: Disclosed are cell culture scaffolds comprising a scaffold composition comprising chitosan and alginate, hyaluronic acid, or chondroitin sulfate, wherein the scaffold is formed from an aqueous solution comprising greater than 4 wt % chitosan. These scaffolds can be contacted with cells, e.g., patient-derived cancer cells. The scaffolds provide 3D structure allowing appropriate cell function to occur. A scaffold of chitosan and chondroitin sulfate are also disclosed. Scaffold compositions comprising chitosan and alginate, hyaluronic acid, or chondroitin sulfate are also disclosed. Methods of making these scaffolds, e.g., by freeze casting or 3D printing, and using them to evaluate a patient's cancer cell and personalize treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole tool mechanism for applying a driving force, such as a cutter tool for cutting a line captured within the tool, comprises a resiliently compressible member for storing a compressive force; a retaining device for maintaining storage of the compressive force until released; a trigger mechanism for releasing the compressive force when the trigger mechanism is activated. In one form the resiliently compressible member comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged spring washers each having a radial slot therein for receiving a line along the length of the resiliently compressible member. In the cutter form, there is a cutter arranged to cut the line when the trigger mechanism is activated, and the trigger mechanism is activated when the tool receives a shock force to one or both ends.

Abstract: A yard waste bag device is provided having a rectangularly tubular structure with rounded lower edges, adapted to maintain a bag opening while loading contents therein. The device comprises two open ends, a hollow interior and rotating corners adapted to allow a condensed, folded configuration for storage. A user may slide this assisting device into a yard waste bag in order to maintain the bag opening, whether in a vertical or horizontal position. Once the yard waste bag is full, the assisting device may be removed and stored. There is a designated marker within the device to identify the fill mark for the bag to prevent overfilling. A handle may be provided in the top edges of the device to facilitate removal of the device once the bag has been filled. The lower edges of the device are rounded to facilitate smooth entry into a yard waste bag.

Abstract: A yard waste bag device is provided having a rectangularly tubular structure with rounded lower edges, adapted to maintain a bag opening while loading contents therein. The device comprises two open ends, a hollow interior and rotating corners adapted to allow a condensed, folded configuration for storage. A user may slide this assisting device into a yard waste bag in order to maintain the bag opening, whether in a vertical or horizontal position. Once the yard waste bag is full, the assisting device may be removed and stored. There is a designated marker within the device to identify the fill mark for the bag to prevent overfilling. A handle may be provided in the top edges of the device to facilitate removal of the device once the bag has been filled. The lower edges of the device are rounded to facilitate smooth entry into a yard waste bag.

Abstract: The proliferation of uterine fibroid leiomyoma cells is inhibited by certain Fibroid Cell Growth Inhibitor (FGI) agents. Pharmacological doses of FGI agents can be made high enough to not only inhibit proliferation, but to cause cell death. Non-invasive or minimally invasive, non-systemic delivery methods deliver the FGI agent to the target fibroid leiomyoma cell population, thereby avoiding the disadvantages and side effects of surgical and systemic hormonal therapy interventions for treatment of uterine fibroids. The FGI agents are substrates normally present and well tolerated in humans. The efficacy of the FGI agents relates to their ability to moderate Protein Kinase C and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase pathways. Specific FGI agents shown to be useful to inhibit growth of uterine fibroid cells include: ?-tocopherol, ?-tocopherol succinate, and troglitazone. Delivery of FGI agents to the target uterine fibroid cells may be accomplished by intra-vaginal and in situ injection techniques.

Abstract: The present invention includes the selection and isolation of thioaptamers that target the signaling protein TGF-?1, compositions of such thioaptamers and the use of such thioaptamers to either block or enhance signal transduction of the TGF-?1 protein and thus function as, e.g., immunomodulatory agents. Thioaptamers may also be targeted alone or in combination with other thioaptamers against the ligand, the receptors, the ligand trap protein(s) and/or the co-receptors to modulate TGF-? signaling pathway.

Abstract: Gene expression profiling and hierarchical clustering analysis readily identify differential gene expressions in normal renal epithelial cells and renal cell carcinomas. Genes identified by this analysis would be useful for diagnosis, prognosis and development of targeted therapy for the prevention and treatment of conventional renal cell carcinoma.