Abstract: A device and method for use thereof to illuminate a visual system of a subject includes a light-transforming optical element configured to transform a substantially collimated beam of light into light having a diverging spatial distribution. Optionally, light having such spatial distribution includes a plurality of diverging beams of light. An imaging system mechanically cooperated with the light-transforming optical element is configured such as to form an image of the light-transforming optical element at an image surface associated with the eye that is distant from the retina. The irradiance level at the image surface exceeds that at the retina. Optionally, the image surface adjoins or includes the cornea. The imaging system may include an optical system containing refractive and/or reflective optical elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising energy (e.g., light) absorbing submicron particles (e.g., nanoparticles comprising a silica core and a gold shell) and methods for delivering such particles via topical application. This delivery is facilitated by application of mechanical agitation (e.g. massage), acoustic vibration in the range of 10 Hz-20 kHz, ultrasound, alternating suction and pressure, and microjets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and reagents for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting treatment. The detection of these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising energy (e.g., light) absorbing submicron particles (e.g., nanoparticles comprising a silica core and a gold shell) and methods for delivering such particles via topical application. This delivery is facilitated by application of mechanical agitation (e.g. massage), acoustic vibration in the range of 10 Hz-20 kHz, ultrasound, alternating suction and pressure, and microjets.

Abstract: The present application provides compositions and methods using bioorthogonal inverse electron demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction for rapid and specific covalent delivery of a “payload” to a ligand bound to a biological target.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving the delivery and/or efficacy of a therapy (e.g., a cancer therapy) are disclosed. In one embodiment, methods and compositions for treating or preventing a cancer (e.g., a solid tumor such as a desmoplastic tumor) by administering to a subject an anti-hypertensive agent, as a single agent or in combination with a microenvironment modulator and/or a therapy, e.g., a cancer therapy (for example, a therapeutic agent or therapy, including immunotherapy (e.g., antibodies, vaccine, cell-based), nanotherapeutics, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, low molecular weight chemotherapeutics, molecularly targeted therapeutics and/or oxygen radical) are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for manipulating hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial stem cells, neural stem cells and related products through activation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor in neighboring cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are generally provided for treating metabolic disorders, e.g., obesity. One aspect discloses methods and compositions for obtaining a biological sample from the subject, evaluating the sample for the presence or absence of a genetic indicator, wherein the genetic indicator is selected from a single nucleotide polymorphism and a level of gene expression, and performing a first metabolic procedure if the genetic indicator is present, or performing an alternative second metabolic procedure if the genetic indicator is absent. One aspect discloses methods and compositions for obtaining a sample including deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) from the subject, evaluating the DNA for an absence or presence of one or more genetic indicators and performing a first metabolic procedure or an alternative second metabolic procedure based on the absence or presence of the genetic indicator(s). Other aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for modulating hematopoetic stem cell populations by using HCS modulators, which are agents that either increase HSC numbers or decrease HSC numbers as desired by a particular indication. For example, HSC modulators found to increase HSC numbers include prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and agents that stimulate the PGE2 pathway. Conversely, HSC modulators that prevent PGE2 synthesis decrease HSC numbers. HCS modulators may be used in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging using a double-clad fiber is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for modulating hematopoetic stem cell populations by using HCS modulators, which are agents that either increase HSC numbers or decrease HSC numbers as desired by a particular indication. For example, HSC modulators found to increase HSC numbers include prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and agents that stimulate the PGE2 pathway. Conversely, HSC modulators that prevent PGE2 synthesis decrease HSC numbers. HCS modulators may be used in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for preventing, reducing, or treating a traumatic, metabolic, or toxic peripheral nerve lesion or pain including neuropathic pain, inflammatory, and nociceptive pain by administering to a mammal a compound that reduces expression or activity of BH4. This reduction may be achieved by reducing activity of a BH4 synthetic enzyme, including GTP cyclohydrolase, sepiapterin reductase, or dihydropteridine reductase; antagonizing the cofactor function of BH4 or BH4-dependent enzymes; or blocking BH4 binding to membrane bound receptors. The invention provides methods for diagnosing pain or a peripheral nerve lesion in a mammal by measuring levels of BH4 or its metabolites in biological sample or the levels or activity of any one of the BH4 synthetic enzyme in tissue samples of a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for modulating hematopoetic stem cell populations by using HCS modulators, which are agents that either increase HSC numbers or decrease HSC numbers as desired by a particular indication. For example, HSC modulators found to increase HSC numbers include prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and agents that stimulate the PGE2 pathway. Conversely, HSC modulators that prevent PGE2 synthesis decrease HSC numbers. HCS modulators may be used in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to populations of microvesicles containing or otherwise associated with viral particles, methods of producing these purified populations, and methods of using these purified populations in a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic and/or prophylactic indications.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on assays we conducted that revealed compounds that may be used to treat or prevent diseases characterized by an abnormal or undesirable association of one protein with another.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds and composition for the treatment and prevention of cancer. The invention also covers all diseases that may be treated by selective modulation of levels of reactive oxygen species in diseased cells versus normal cells. Methods for the preparation and administration of such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant homogenized polymeric materials and medical implants that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and annealing the anti-oxidant doped UHMWPE in a super critical fluid, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked and not cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making additive-doped highly crystalline polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject comprising modulating nitric oxide production in the tumor to normalize tumor vasculature and administering an anti-tumor therapy to the subject. The invention further provides methods of treating a solid tumor in a subject comprising selectively increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) or cGMP dependent protein kinase G production in the tumor vasculature to an amount effective to normalize tumor vasculature and administering an anti-tumor therapy to the subject.