Abstract:
A method of repairing diseased or dysfunctional organs or of establishing a model system of a disease state is provided. For repairing diseased organs, the method involves engraftment of cells from healthy tissue of the diseased or dysfunctional organ admixed with gel-forming biomaterials and nutrient medium, signaling molecules and extracellular matrix components that can be made insoluble rapidly upon transplantation to form a graft. In this way, the graft mimics the complexity of the native microenvironment with a minimum number of components that allow transplantation of cells to successfully engraft, expand and then rebuild part or the entirety of the diseased or dysfunctional organ. In the case of using grafting methods for establishing a disease model, diseased cells may be transplanted in the biomaterials and into experimental hosts.
Abstract:
An apparatus for pneumatically conveying particulate material from a container to an application site includes a mill that is operative to reduce the particle size of the material. The apparatus further includes a blower. Pneumatic lines are configured to connect the blower pneumatically with the application site through the container to convey material-laden air from the container to the application site. The pneumatic lines are configured for connection in alternative milling and non-milling arrangements.
Abstract:
An apparatus for pneumatically conveying particulate material to an application site includes a mill that is operative to reduce the particle size of the material. The mill has a specified air flow capacity. The apparatus further includes a container for the particulate material, an air lock that discharges the particulate material from the container, and a blower. The blower has a specified air flow output greater than the air flow capacity of the mill.
Abstract:
A system for performing a less invasive surgical procedure and, in particular, devices and methods for spinal fixation. The system comprises dilation tool(s), at least one working/insertion cannula, a plurality of screws, at least one fixation rod for connecting the screws, and a rod inserter. The dilation tool(s) may be used to dilate an incision made in a patient to form an opening. Thereafter, a drill may be used to form holes in the vertebrae. An insertion cannula may be attached to a screw and inserted into the opening. The screws may be polyaxial screws and may be inserted into the vertebrae using a screwdriver. An operator may then move the insertion cannula to manipulate a head portions of the screws such that the head portions may be aligned to receive a fixation rod. A rod inserter may be used to insert a fixation rod into the head portions. After the fixation rod is in place, it may be locked to the screws, thereby fixing the system in place on the spine.
Abstract:
The present invention provides targets, methods, and reagents for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia and related conditions. The invention provides methods for the diagnosis of schizophrenia and susceptibility to schizophrenia by detection of polymorphisms, mutations, variations, alterations in expression, etc., in genes encoding an EGR molecule or an EGR interacting molecule, or polymorphisms linked to such genes. The invention provides oligonucleotides, arrays, and antibodies for detection of polymorphisms and variants. The invention provides transgenic mice having alterations in such genes. The invention also provides methods of treating schizophrenia by administering compounds that target these genes. The invention further provides screening methods for identifying such compounds and compounds obtained by performing the screens.
Abstract:
A retractor (100) with multiple blade for use in surgery. The retractor may comprise first (110R) and second (110L) elongated portions which are pivotally connected to each other. A first blade (113R) may be connected to the first eleongated portion (110R) and a second blade (113L) may be connected to the second elongated portion (110L). The retractor (100) may also comprise a sliding bar (130) having a third blade (134). The sliding bar (130) may be associated with the first and second elongated portions (110R, 110L) such that movement of the elongated portions relative to each other may result in movement of the sliding bar (130) and, consequently, movement of the third blade (134) relative to the first and second blades (113R, 113L). In one embodiment, the retractor (100) may comprise a tension limiting device (5322) so that the third blade (134) amy remain relatively staionary as the first and second blades (110R, 110L) are moved. The retractor (100) may also comprise a fourth blade (690) operatively connected to the first ands second elongated portions (110R, 110L). The fourth blade (690) may moved independently of the other blades or many move with the other blades.
Abstract:
Systems, methods and computer program products for producing dental restorations that can include the use of a computer integrated manufacturing system. Using this system, physical properties of a tooth are collected, for the automated manufacturing of a dental restoration. The invention, in one embodiment, includes creating a color map comprising at least one color value, a computer program product for producing a dental restoration layer, as well as a method for producing a dental restoration using a computerized system.
Abstract:
A cell support system useful for the implantation of living cells in a subject comprises a solid substrate, typically formed from a biologically inert material. The substrate has a textured surface portion, with the textured surface portion defining a plurality of recessed cavities therein. A plurality of live cells to be implanted are deposited on the textured surface portion so that the cells (or progeny thereof) are protected from mechanical dislodgment.
Abstract:
A system for performing a less invasive surgical procedure and, in particular, devices and methods for spinal fixation. The system comprises dilation tool(s), at least one working/insertion cannula, a plurality of screws, at least one fixation rod for connecting the screws, and a rod inserter. The dilation tool(s) may be used to dilate an incision made in a patient to form an opening. Thereafter, a drill may be used to form holes in the vertebrae. An insertion cannula may be attached to a screw and inserted into the opening. The screws may be polyaxial screws and may be inserted into the vertebrae using a screwdriver. An operator may then move the insertion cannula to manipulate a head portions of the screws such that the head portions may be aligned to receive a fixation rod. A rod inserter may be used to insert a fixation rod into the head portions. After the fixation rod is in place, it may be locked to the screws, thereby fixing the system in place on the spine.