Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating an ocular disease in a subject. In a first step, a nucleic acid is introduced into cells or a tissue. The nucleic acid is introduced by electron avalanche transfection. With this technique, a high electric field induces a vapor bubble and plasma discharge between an electrode and the surrounding medium. The formation of a vapor bubble generates mechanical stress. Plasma discharge through the ionized vapor in the bubble enables connectivity between the electrode and the surrounding medium, so that mechanical stress and electric field are applied simultaneously, which results in permeabilization of the cells or tissue. This permeabilization in turn allows the nucleic acid to enter the cell or tissue. Cells or tissue containing the nucleic acid are then transplanted into an ocular region of the subject.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for directly stimulating tissues, particularly muscle tissues, to modulate muscle contractions (i.e. provide reanimation of the muscle or to suppress undesired muscle contractions). Reanimation of muscles may be desired when damage to the brain, nervous system or neuromuscular junctions have occurred, causing a muscle tissue to lack sufficient motor control. Suppression of muscle contractions may be desired in situations of pathologically hyperactive muscles, such as in conditions of muscle spasm (e.g. blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm) or muscle dystonia. Direct stimulation is achieved by delivering a chemical agent directly to the muscle tissue, particularly the motor end plate, bypassing the nerves and neuromuscular junctions which may be damaged or diseased. Implanted hybrid chemical and electromagnetic stimulation devices can modulate muscle contraction in response to signals from a controller.