Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inactivating a microbe, the methods comprising contacting the microbe with UV light in the presence of riboflavin. In some embodiments, the microbe is a Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Vaccine compositions comprising inactivated microbes, and methods of use thereof, are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inactivating a viral particle, the methods comprising contacting the viral particle with UV light in the presence of riboflavin. In some embodiments, the viral particle is a SARS-CoV-2 particle. Vaccine compositions comprising inactivated viral particles (e.g., inactivated SARS-CoV-2 particles) are also provided. In some embodiments, the vaccine compositions comprise an adjuvant capable of promoting a Th1-type immune response.

Abstract: A method for determination of mechanical integrity of bone includes embedding a threaded rod into the bone, extracting the threaded rod out of the bone, and measuring the force required to extract the threaded rod from the bone, wherein the force required to extract the threaded rod is indicative of the mechanical integrity of the bone. A device for determining the mechanical integrity of bone includes a housing, a rod holder mounted to the housing and configured to hold a threaded rod which is embedded in the bone, a pulling force applicator which applies a pulling force to the rod holder to extract the threaded rod from the bone, and a pulling force measuring instrument which measures the pulling force applied to the rod holder by the pulling force applicator as the threaded rod is extracted from the bone.

Abstract: An orthodontic compliance monitor includes a sensor that senses when an orthodontic appliance is properly positioned and a processor that processes an output of the sensor and generates compliance data. A memory device stores compliance data and the processor generates the compliance data based on a compliance protocol. System and methods for orthodontic compliance are also disclosed.

Abstract: The art for this invention is combining the previous arts of (1) dry erase boards and (2) bullet resistant materials into one art resulting in a bullet-resistant dry erase board that has a dual purpose of both academic learning and physical safety from a gunman's bullets.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted wound healing device is provided comprising an airtight hollow conical member surrounding a skin-breaching bone stabilization device, and a port for attaching a suction tube. The conical member has an opening at one end conforming to the circumference of the shaft of a bone stabilization device, and a opening at the other end to enclose a wound in a patient's skin surrounding the bone stabilization device. The device may be used to provide controlled reduced pressure to the wound site, reducing healing time and risk of infection.

Abstract: A method for determination of mechanical integrity of bone includes embedding a threaded rod into the bone, extracting the threaded rod out of the bone, and measuring the force required to extract the threaded rod from the bone, wherein the force required to extract the threaded rod is indicative of the mechanical integrity of the bone. A device for determining the mechanical integrity of bone includes a housing, a rod holder mounted to the housing and configured to hold a threaded rod which is embedded in the bone, a pulling force applicator which applies a pulling force to the rod holder to extract the threaded rod from the bone, and a pulling force measuring instrument which measures the pulling force applied to the rod holder by the pulling force applicator as the threaded rod is extracted from the bone.

Abstract: A brace compliance monitor is disclosed that includes a compliance sensor, a signal processor, and a display. Compliance data displayed on the display to provide the patient or subject with immediate compliance information on whether they have been wearing the brace for the specified period and in the specified manner. The brace compliance monitor may also include a secondary sensor such as a tilt sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a velocity sensor. The secondary sensors may provide additional compliance data to the patient and health care provider.

Abstract: A method and device the may be employed for inhibiting bone growth, including inducing epiphysiodesis or hemiepiphysiodesis, by applying electrical current to a desired region. The device includes a power source and one or a series of electrodes for applying a current sufficient to reduce or stop the growth of a bone to selected regions of the bone. The method and device may be used to correct growth discrepancies in extremities such as the arms or legs, as well as correct the curvature of the spine in scoliosis patients.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted wound healing device is provided comprising an airtight hollow conical member surrounding a skin-breaching bone stabilization device, and a port for attaching a suction tube. The conical member has an opening at one end conforming to the circumference of the shaft of a bone stabilization device, and a opening at the other end to enclose a wound in a patient's skin surrounding the bone stabilization device. The device may be used to provide controlled reduced pressure to the wound site, reducing healing time and risk of infection.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating prostate cancer, preventing or slowing proliferation of cells of prostate origin, preventing prostate cancer in a patient at risk of contracting prostate cancer, preventing or inhibiting an upregulation of the cell cycle in prostate-derived cells in a patient, and decreasing the level of prostate-specific antigen in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for slowing, preventing or delaying senescence or treating or preventing a disease associated with senescence by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one physiological agent that decreases or regulates the blood level, production, function or activity of LH or FSH, or that decreases or regulates the production or activity of activin, or that increases or regulates the blood level, production, function, or activity of inhibin or follistatin.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for inhibiting bone growth, including inducing epiphysiodesis or hemiepiphysiodesis, using electrical current. The device includes a power source and one or a series of electrodes for applying a current sufficient to reduce or stop the growth of a bone to selected regions of the bone. The method and device may be used to correct growth discrepancies in extremities such as the arms or legs, as well as correct the curvature of the spine in scoliosis patients.

Abstract: A rotary mill is configured to cut fibrous insulation material into tufts of loosefil insulation. A housing of the mill has a rotary cutter assembly mounted therein having a plurality of radially outwardly extending vanes extending to the housing and being configured to sweep along the housing in a machine direction. A screen having a plurality of screen openings is positioned in the housing, each screen opening having an effective opening size. The screen comprises an inner plate having a plurality of inner openings formed therethrough and an outer plate having a plurality of outer openings formed therethrough. The inner openings correspond with the outer openings to define the screen openings, and the screen openings have an effective cutting edge oriented transversely to the machine direction. The inner and outer plates are mounted for movement relative to each other so the effective opening size of the screen openings can be changed.

Abstract: A brace compliance monitor is disclosed that includes a compliance sensor, a signal processor, and a display. Compliance data is displayed on the display to provide the patient or subject with immediate compliance information on whether they have been wearing the brace for the specified period and in the specified manner. The brace compliance monitor may also include a secondary sensor such as a tilt sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a velocity sensor. The secondary sensors may provide additional compliance data to the patient and health car provider.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating prostate cancer, preventing or slowing proliferation of cells of prostate origin, preventing prostate cancer in a patient at risk of contracting prostate cancer, preventing or inhibiting an upregulation of the cell cycle in prostate-derived cells in a patient, and decreasing the level of prostate-specific antigen in a patient.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating brain cancer, preventing or slowing proliferation of cells of prostate origin, preventing brain cancer in a patient at risk of contracting brain cancer, preventing or inhibiting an upregulation of the cell cycle in brain-derived cells in a patient, and decreasing the level of brain cancer-specific antigen in a patient.

Abstract: Methods of treating premature infants include administering, to an infant, an agent that increases the blood or tissue levels, production, function, or activity of hCG, LH, FSH, GnRH, or activin or that decreases the blood or tissue levels, production, function, or activity of follistatin and inhibin.

Abstract: Methods for treating Parkinson's disease include administration of agents that increase or regulate blood or tissue levels, production, function, or activity of inhibins or follistatin, or that decrease or regulate blood or tissue levels, production, function, or activity of activins.

Abstract: A brace compliance monitor is disclosed that includes a compliance sensor, a signal processor, and a display. Compliance data is displayed on the display to provide the patient or subject with immediate compliance information on whether they have been wearing the brace for the specified period and in the specified manner. The brace compliance monitor may also include a secondary sensor such as a tilt sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a velocity sensor. The secondary sensors may provide additional compliance data to the patient and health car provider.