Abstract: A computer-implemented platform (1000) for conducting an electronic payment transaction between a user (104) and a merchant (102, 103) is provided. The platform (104) includes a computer system (100) configured for the generation of a data structure containing payment data; a mobile device (106, 800) associated with a user (104) configured to use the data structure generated by the computer system (100) to communicate an electronic message reflecting payment instructions; and a merchant or processing terminal (102, 103, 108) configured for communication with the mobile device (106) to receive the electronic message, and formulate a request to process the electronic payment transaction. Corresponding methods and computer-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented platform (1000) for conducting an electronic payment transaction between a user (104) and a merchant (102, 103) is provided. The platform (104) includes a computer system (100) configured for the generation of a data structure containing payment data; a mobile device (106, 800) associated with a user (104) configured to use the data structure generated by the computer system (100) to communicate an electronic message reflecting payment instructions; and a merchant or processing terminal (102, 103, 108) configured for communication with the mobile device (106) to receive the electronic message, and formulate a request to process the electronic payment transaction. Corresponding methods and computer-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the foreign body reaction against a structure implanted within an animal body. The methods include the step of providing an amount of an MMP-9 antagonist at the site of the implanted structure that is sufficient to reduce the foreign body response against the structure. The invention also provides implantable medical devices that include a surface layer that includes an amount of an MMP-9 antagonist sufficient to reduce the foreign body response against the device.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods for enhancing the biocompatibility of a medical device implanted within a portion of a living body. The methods comprise the step of contacting the portion of a living body that is in contact with an implanted medical device with an amount of a monocyte chemoattractant protein antagonist effective to inhibit chronic inflammation at the site of implantation or encapsulation of the device. In another aspect, the invention provides implantable medical devices comprising: (a) a device body; and (b) a surface layer attached to the device body, said surface layer comprising an amount of an antagonist of monocyte chemoattractant protein antagonist sufficient to reduce a foreign body response against the device, wherein the device is adapted to be implanted within a portion of a living body.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods of modulating the amount and/or biological activity of thrombospondin 2 or osteopontin in an animal. The methods comprise the step of introducing into the animal an amount of osteopontin, and/or a thrombospondin 2 antagonist, effective to modulate the amount or biological activity of thrombospondin 2 or osteopontin in the animal. In another aspect, the invention provides medical devices comprising (a) a device body; and (b) a surface layer attached to the device body, the surface layer including an amount of an agonist or antagonist of a matricellular protein sufficient to reduce the foreign body response against the medical device, wherein the medical device is adapted to be affixed to, or implanted within, the soft tissue of an animal.