Abstract: Compositions and methods are described herein for transdifferentiation of multipotent stromal cells into cells that can express insulin.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for injecting viable transplant tissues into a subject. The device includes a fluid exchange chamber having a funneled portion connected to a pre-injection tube. The chamber includes fluid transfer holes and is disposed in an outer shell having a central bore connecting a top inlet and a bottom outlet from which the pre-injection tube exits the shell. A plunger having a central channel and a tapered bottom is disposed in the central bore such that the tapered bottom mates the funneled bottom when depressed and a stylet plunger is disposed in the central channel of the plunger.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described herein for transdifferentiation of multipotent stromal cells into cells that can express insulin.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described herein for transdifferentiation of multipotent stromal cells into cells that can express insulin.

Abstract: An improved device provides a cost-effective, time-effective way to stably and reliably affix soft tissues (e.g., tendon or ligament) to the surface of anatomical structures with comparable or greater strength and stiffness (e.g., bone). The device does not require specialized procedures or tools. A single device applies both incremental tensioning and compression to the soft tissue being affixed. The device allows the user, typically a physician or veterinarian, to reliably manipulate, control, and maintain tissue tension. The device is versatile, and can accommodate attachment of soft tissues of different sizes and mechanical properties to bone or to other soft tissues. These features provide flexibility to human and veterinary health practitioners in a variety of specialized areas including orthopedics, joint stabilization, soft tissue repair, spinal surgery, and plastic surgery.

Abstract: An improved device provides a cost-effective, time-effective way to stably and reliably affix soft tissues (e.g., tendon or ligament) to the surface of anatomical structures with comparable or greater strength and stiffness (e.g., bone). The device does not require specialized procedures or tools. A single device applies both incremental tensioning and compression to the soft tissue being affixed. The device allows the user, typically a physician or veterinarian, to reliably manipulate, control, and maintain tissue tension. The device is versatile, and can accommodate attachment of soft tissues of different sizes and mechanical properties to bone or to other soft tissues. These features provide flexibility to human and veterinary health practitioners in a variety of specialized areas including orthopedics, joint stabilization, soft tissue repair, spinal surgery, and plastic surgery.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation device for use in ACL or CrCL reconstruction has a base member provided with a passageway extending perpendicularly from its top surface through its bottom surface. The passageway is sized to allow soft tissue to be inserted through the passageway. The fixation device also includes an affixing member attachable to the base member. The base member has a notched section in the top surface extending from the passageway to a first perimeter section of the base member sized to accommodate at least a portion of the graft. Either surgical grade tissue glue or at least one perpendicularly extending spike is used to secure the base member to the bone. The base member is also provided with a sleeve whose interior wall surfaces form a part of the passageway and is sized to be inserted into the bone opening. The affixing member is provided with a series of teeth members extending downward from its lower surface.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation device for use in ACL or CrCL reconstruction has a base member provided with a passageway extending perpendicularly from its top surface through its bottom surface. The passageway is sized to allow soft tissue to be inserted through the passageway. The fixation device also includes an affixing member attachable to the base member. The base member has a notched section in the top surface extending from the passageway to a first perimeter section of the base member sized to accommodate at least a portion of the graft. Either surgical grade tissue glue or at least one perpendicularly extending spike is used to secure the base member to the bone. The base member is also provided with a sleeve whose interior wall surfaces form a part of the passageway and is sized to be inserted into the bone opening. The affixing member is provided with a series of teeth members extending downward from its lower surface.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation device for use in ACL or CrCL, reconstruction has a base member provided with a passageway extending perpendicularly from its top surface through its bottom surface. The passageway is sized to allow soft tissue to be inserted through the passageway. The fixation device also includes an affixing member attachable to the base member. The base member has a notched section in the top surface extending from the passageway to a first perimeter section of the base member sized to accommodate at least a portion of the graft. Either surgical grade tissue glue or at least one perpendicularly extending spike is used to secure the base member to the bone. The base member is also provided with a sleeve whose interior wall surfaces form a part of the passageway and is sized to be inserted into the bone opening. The affixing member is provided with a series of teeth members extending downward from its lower surface.

Abstract: A goniometer (also sometimes referred to as an arthrometer, fleximeter, or pronometer) for measuring the range of motion of an animal knee includes an anchor platform to which an animal's upper leg (femur) may be affixed, and a mobile platform to which the animal's lower leg (shin and tibia) may be affixed so that the upper and lower leg are situated along a common axis. The mobile platform is preferably movable in two degrees of freedom (translational and rotational) about the anchor platform so that the relative motion of the platforms causes the upper and lower leg to move about the intermediate knee joint. A force transducer (such as a spring scale) and/or a torque transducer (such as a common torque wrench) may be used to obtain measurements of the laxity of the knee joint.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation device for use in ACL or CrCL, reconstruction has a base member provided with a passageway extending perpendicularly from its top surface through its bottom surface. The passageway is sized to allow soft tissue to be inserted through the passageway. The fixation device also includes an affixing member attachable to the base member. The base member has a notched section in the top surface extending from the passageway to a first perimeter section of the base member sized to accommodate at least a portion of the graft. Either surgical grade tissue glue or at least one perpendicularly extending spike is used to secure the base member to the bone. The base member is also provided with a sleeve whose interior wall surfaces form a part of the passageway and is sized to be inserted into the bone opening. The affixing member is provided with a series of teeth members extending downward from its lower surface.