Abstract: The present invention provides systems for assessing neonatal development and/or conditions by analyzing neonatal saliva RNA. Methods of identifying genes involved in neonatal development and/or conditions affecting neonates, are provided. Methods of determining a diagnosis of a neonate comprising detection of one or more differentially expressed genes are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an embolic coil including a mechanically flexible tubular member having a central lumen and a plurality of expandable sheaths spaced along the axial length of the tubular member, each expandable sheath enveloping and corresponding to the plurality of apertures, the expandable sheaths configured to have an initial low profile arrangement and upon introduction of an expansion medium to the central lumen of the tubular member radially expands to a high profile arrangement. Methods for making and using the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: High resolution time sequences of 3D images that show the dynamics of a time varying changes are provided. The 3D time series of images representing an object that include time varying changes may be produced from lower dimensional image time sequences, such as 2D images. The 2D images may be generated using angiography and may include fluid flow information (e.g., arrival times). The fluid flow information may be provided, for example, by injecting a chemical into the fluid and analyzing its position in the object or body over time. A varying contrast model may be applied to determine the location of the chemical at different points in time which may assist in detecting an ailment.

Abstract: Methods and kits for evaluating invasive potential and metastatic potential of cancers by assessing Tiam1 expression levels in fibroblasts in the microenvironments surrounding tumors are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and in particular to GPCR agonists and antagonists, use of these compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions, e.g., in the treatment, modulation and/or prevention of physiological conditions associated with GPCRs, such as in treating conditions in which chemokine receptors play a role, e.g., sepsis, arthritis, inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Methods for screening compounds to treat an oncological disorder regulated through a tumor-inducing pathway are provided. The compounds are administered to non-human animal subjects having a disease model, so that the subjects display pathology symptoms that correspond to the oncological disorder in humans. The subjects carry a regulatable transgene expression, of which is associated with tumor formation, and further carry regulatable genes for suppression of tumor formation. The disease-pathology symptoms are induced using a site-specific recombination system to induce expression of the transgene associated with tumor formation and negatively regulate or eliminate the genes for suppression of the tumor formation. The methods further involve analyzing tumor formation in subjects administered the compound and comparing appearance and amount of tumors in the subjects administered the compound with control subjects not administered the compound.

Abstract: High resolution time sequences of 3D images that show the dynamics of a time varying changes are provided. The 3D time series of images representing an object that include time varying changes may be produced from lower dimensional image time sequences, such as 2D images. The 2D images may be generated using angiography and may include fluid flow information (e.g., arrival times). The fluid flow information may be provided, for example, by injecting a chemical into the fluid and analyzing its position in the object or body over time. A varying contrast model may be applied to determine the location of the chemical at different points in time which may assist in detecting an ailment.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors and in particular to agonists and antagonists of G protein receptors and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for identifying a subject with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) by detecting one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in one or more BAV-associated chromosomal regions (e.g., chromosomal regions containing the AXIN1-PDIA2, ENG, BAT2/3, or ZNF385D gene(s)).

Abstract: A fiberoptic intubating device is provided which permits visualization of the vocal cords and automatic deployment of an endotracheal tube into the trachea upon visualization. The device includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing, and an extendable and retractable stylet extending from the distal end generally in parallel with the longitudinal axis. The device also includes a support member disposed on the housing that is configured to support the endotracheal tube with respect to the housing and to be selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing. The device is configured to automatically move the stylet relative to the housing upon actuation of a trigger. Once the stylet is positioned relative to the vocal cords, the device is configured to deploy the endotracheal tube into the trachea upon further actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: The present invention provides for certain polynucleotide sequences that have been correlated to AMD. These polynucleotides are useful as diagnostics, and are preferably used to fabricate an array, useful for screening patient samples. The array is used as part of a laboratory information management system, to store and process additional patient information in addition to the patient's genomic profile. As described herein, the system provides an assessment of the patient's risk for developing AMD, risk for disease progression, and the likelihood of disease prevention based on patient controllable factors.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors and in particular to agonists and antagonists of G protein receptors and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A catheter device for facilitating release of a structure lodged within a body cavity includes a flexible catheter and carrier configured to mount the catheter to a finger. The catheter includes a leading end having an opening configured to permit fluids within the catheter to exit the catheter, and a proximal end configured to connect to a fluid source. A method using the catheter device to release a fetal head from a maternal pelvis during cesarean delivery of the fetus is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors and in particular to agonists and antagonists of G protein receptors and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a heart includes a lead wire having a first end and a second end, the second end in contact with tissue of the heart; a first sensor disposed along the length of the lead wire; and a second sensor disposed at the second end of the lead wire. The first sensor is configured to measure an oxygen content of blood in the heart and the second sensor is configured to measure a fluid pressure in the heart. The device further includes a control module connected to the first end of the lead wire and configured to receive signals related to the measured fluid pressure and the measured oxygen content from the first and second sensors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and method for predicting risk of AMD or a susceptibility to AMD in a patient by detecting elevated serum or plasma levels of C3, CFB or CFH and other complement factor polypeptides, wherein devated levels certain complement factors, genetic risk factors, medical risk factors, behavioral and environmental risk factors are associated with are indicative of susceptibility for or an increased risk of developing AMD, or an increased risk of progression of AMD in the patient.

Abstract: Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) play many important roles in normal and pathological remodeling processes including atherothrombotic disease, inflammation, angiogenesis and cancer. This invention relates to the activation of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) by endogenous platelet MMP-1 collagenase on the surface of platelets. Exposure of platelets to fibrillar collagen converts the surface-bound pro-MMP-1 zymogen to active MMP-1, which promotes aggregation through PAR-1, MMP-1 is shown to cleave the PAR-1 extracellular domain at a novel site, which then strongly activates Rho-GTP signaling pathways, cell shape change and motility, and MAPK signaling. Blockade of MMP-PAR 1 suppresses thrombogenesis under arterial flow conditions and inhibited thrombosis in animals. These studies provide a link between matrix-dependent activation of metalloproteases and platelet-G protein signaling and identify MMP-1/PAR-1 as a new target for the treatment and prevention of arterial thrombosis and other thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of diagnosing elevated left or right ventricular filling pressure and cardiovascular dysfunction in a subject by detecting increased levels of sEng in a biological sample from the subject.

Abstract: Polypeptide agents useful in the treatment of IgA1 deposition diseases and methods of using such polypeptide agents. Methods of screening for inhibitors of IgA1 proteases and agents that inhibit IgA1 proteases are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for fetal monitoring includes acquiring electrical signals from a set of electrodes, for example, a set of surface electrodes applied to a maternal abdominal region. The electrical signals are analyzed, including by performing a morphological analysis of fetal electrocardiogram signals. A clinical indicator is then determined from a result of performing the morphological analysis.