Abstract: In alternative embodiments, provided are compositions, including products of manufacture and kits, and methods, for inhibiting the ability of neutrophils, or polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), to release reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus also inhibiting or ameliorating neutrophil (PMN) contribution to an inflammatory response, thus also treating, ameliorating or preventing neutrophil (PMN)-meditated inflammatory-related pathologies such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), including ARDS caused by a viral infection such as COVID-19.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and system of screening for ligands which specifically bind to receptors. The method comprises expressing at least one receptor. The at least one receptor is contacted with a sample comprising at least one ligand. Whether the ligand selectively binds to the receptor is determined.

Abstract: In a method for diagnosing or helping to diagnose a bone tissue condition of a patient, a portion of bone tissue of the patient is irradiated using a light source. The bone tissue may be irradiated in vivo through the skin or via an incision, for example. Alternatively, a biopsy of the bone tissue may be irradiated. Then, spectral content information for light scattered, reflected, or transmitted by the bone tissue is determined, and is used, at least in part, to determine whether the patient has a bone tissue condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vivo method for specific targeting and transfer of DNA into mammalian repair cells. The transferred DNA may include any DNA encoding a therapeutic protein of interest. The invention is based on the discovery that mammalian repair cells proliferate and migrate into a wound site where they actively take up and express DNA. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions that may be used in the practice of the invention to transfer the DNA of interest. Such compositions include any suitable matrix in combination with the DNA of interest.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and system of screening for ligands which specifically bind to receptors. The method comprises expressing at least one receptor. The at least one receptor is contacted with a sample comprising at least one ligand. Whether the ligand selectively binds to the receptor is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vivo method for specific targeting and transfer of DNA into mammalian repair cells. The transferred DNA may include any DNA encoding a therapeutic protein of interest. The invention is based on the discovery that mammalian repair cells proliferate and migrate into a wound site where they actively take up and express DNA. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions that may be used in the practice of the invention to transfer the DNA of interest. Such compositions include any suitable matrix in combination with the DNA of interest.

Abstract: A percutaneous biomedical device comprising a body having a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through the body, an implantable interface region disposed on the body, the implantable interface region having a plurality of radially extending conduits through the body, each of the conduits are in fluid communication with the lumen and in fluid communication with an exit port. The exit ports extrude a skin-interface composition between the subject's skin and the percutaneous biomedical device. Methods for implanting a percutaneous biomedical device includes implanting a percutaneous biomedical device percutaneously in a subject and aligning the exit ports of the implantable interface region between the epidermis and the hypodermis skin layers of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vivo method for specific targeting and transfer of DNA into mammalian repair cells. The transferred DNA may include any DNA encoding a therapeutic protein of interest. The invention is based on the discovery that mammalian repair cells proliferate and migrate into a wound site where they actively take up and express DNA. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions that may be used in the practice of the invention to transfer the DNA of interest. Such compositions include any suitable matrix in combination with the DNA of interest.

Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus and cannulated scalpel for use therein are provided. In particular, the cannulated scalpel is used during surgical procedures to make an incision through intervening tissue about a guide pin having an end for engaging a target tissue, such as bone. The scalpel includes a hollow, elongated shaft adapted to slide over the guide pin and a head mounted at one end of the shaft. The head has at least one leading cutting edge that is adapted to cut along a plane through the intervening tissue as the shaft slides over the guide pin toward the target tissue engaging end of the guide pin. The scalpel can then be removed from the incision along the plane, preferably with the aid of a trailing guide edge. Following removal of the scalpel, a driving tool, such as a power surgical drill, can be introduced to drive a cannulated fastener along the guide pin and through the incision to embed the fastener in the target tissue and provide fixation of the target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vivo method for specific targeting and transfer of DNA into mammalian repair cells. The transferred DNA may include any DNA encoding a therapeutic protein of interest. The invention is based on the discovery that mammalian repair cells proliferate and migrate into a wound site where they actively take up and express DNA. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions that may be used in the practice of the invention to transfer the DNA of interest. Such compositions include any suitable matrix in combination with the DNA of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, kits and devices for use in transferring nucleic acids into bone cells in situ and/or for stimulating bone progenitor cells. Type II collagen and, particularly, osteotropic genes, are shown to stimulate bone progenitor cells and to promote bone growth, repair and regeneration in vivo. Gene transfer protocols are disclosed for use in transferring various nucleic acid materials into bone, as may be used in treating various bone-related diseases and defects including fractures, osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta and in connection with bone implants.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions and devices for use in transferring nucleic acids into bone cells in situ. The transfer of an osteotropic gene into bone progenitor cells is described, which event is shown to stimulate the progenitor cells and to promote bone growth, repair and regeneration in vivo. These gene transfer protocols are suitable for use in transferring various nucleic acid materials into bone, and have many uses, for example, in treating various bone-related diseases and defects, such as, in promoting fracture repair, use in connection with implants, and in treating osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta.

Abstract: An improved prosthesis interface surface is incorporated on any implantable component where stable long lasting bone fixation is needed. The surface achieves immediate stabilization of the prosthetic component and promotes bony tissue ingrowth by either making the surface of a porous metal or ceramic or coating the surface of the interface surface with a porous metal or ceramic. In the preferred embodiment, the surface includes a large number of conical protrusions which are specifically designed to resist shear and torsional disruptive forces while accommodating the compression loads that occur during motion of a joint prosthesis. By utilizing a series of conical protrusions, the surface contact area of the interface surface is much greater than interface surfaces now in use and this large surface contact area improves stability and provides a large area for secure bony ingrowth fixation.

Abstract: This invention provides a means of measuring tissue pressure in muscle compartments and other regions in humans and other animals. An appropriate length, for example, 6 to 12 inches of thin plastic tubing, typically less than 3 mm outside diameters, is prepared as a working part of the tissue pressure transducer. A portion of the plastic tubing including the thin wall section such as a bubble is inserted into the muscle tissue for which pressure measurement is desired to be made. A fluid is circulated through the tubing at a constant flow rate. When the internal pressure of the tubing is greater than the external pressure, the bubble expands and there is no increase in the flow resistance of the system. When the pressure on the outside exceeds the normal system operating pressure, the thin wall section or bubble contacts, resistance to flow increases, and the system pressure increases. This increase in system pressure is directly proportional to tissue pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides a means of measurement tissue pressure in muscle compartments and other regions in humans and other animals. An appropriate length, for example, 6 to 12 inches of thin plastic tubing, typically less than 3 mm outside diameters, is prepared as a working part of the tissue pressure transducer. A portion of the plastic tubing including the thin wall section such as a bubble is inserted into the muscle tissue for which pressure measurement is desired to be made. A fluid is circulated through the tubing at a constant flow rate. When the internal pressure of the tubing is greater than the external pressure, the bubble expands and there is no increase in the flow resistance of the system. When the pressure on the outside exceeds the normal system operating pressure, the thin wall section or bubble contracts, resistance to flow increases, and the system pressure increases. This increase in system pressure is directly proportional to tissue pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a flexible connecting shaft for an intramedullary reamer. In each embodiment, several short segments or links are attached together to form an elongated flexible shaft which shaft is designed, due to the specific attachment means for the links, to bend along its longitudinal axis while transmitting torque without any lag in such transmission. A link at one end of the flexible shaft as made by a plurality of the links includes means provided for attachment to a torque providing device such as an electric motor. At the opposite end of the shaft, the last link includes structure thereon enabling connection to a drill bit. The various embodiments disclose different ways of interconnecting the links.

Abstract: An improved prosthesis interface surface is incorporated on any implantable component where stable long lasting bone fixation is needed. The surface achieves immediate stabilization of the prosthetic component and promotes bony tissue ingrowth by either making the surface of a porous metal or ceramic or coating the surface of the interface surface with a porous metal or ceramic. In the preferred embodiment, the surface includes a large number of conical protrusions which are specifically designed to resist shear and torsional disruptive forces while accommodating the compression loads that occur during motion of a joint prosthesis. By utilizing a series of conical protrusions, the surface contact area of the interface surface is much greater than interface surfaces now in use and this large surface contact area improves stability and provides a large area for secure bony ingrowth fixation.

Abstract: An intramedullary reamer comprising a tapered cylindrical body member, a groove extending along the opposite sides and across the small end of the body member, a plurality of longitudinally disposed valleys disposed in advance of the groove to facilitate removal of cutting chips and a replaceable blade adapted to fit into the groove in the body member, the cutting edge of the blade being exposed above said groove, the open end of the blade being provided with locking means to secure the blade to the body member.