Abstract: Implantable shunt devices and methods for draining cerebrospinal fluid from a patient's subarachnoid space include a shunt having opposed first and second ends, the second end being constructed to penetrate a wall of a sigmoid, transverse, straight, or sagittal sinus of the patient, a one-way valve, a hollow passageway extending between the second end and the one-way valve such that cerebrospinal fluid can be drained through the second end and out through the valve, and a mechanism coupled to the shunt and configured to anchor the shunt at a desired location proximal to the subarachnoid space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for targeting immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells. In particular, the present invention provides nucleic acid based compounds for targeting immunoglobulins for research, screening, and therapeutic applications.

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-PAR1 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: Systems and methods and devices are provided for arresting or reversing the effects of myocardial remodeling and degeneration after cardiac injury, without the potential drawbacks associated with previously existing systems and methods, by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava over multiple cardiac cycles, and more preferably, by adjusting the interval or degree of occlusion responsive to a sensed level of patient activity. In some embodiments, a controller is provided that actuates a drive mechanism responsive to a sensed level of patient activity to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, while a data transfer circuit of the controller provides bi-directional transfer of physiologic data to the patient's smartphone or tablet to permit display and review of such data.

Abstract: Endoglin has now been shown to be an important target of therapy to reduce disease symptoms associated with heart failure, particularly cardiac fibrosis. Soluble Endoglin is identified as an anatogonist to TGF?1 activity, while membrane-bound Endoglin is identified as a necessary component to promote TGF?1 activity in heart failure. The present invention therefore features methods and kits for treatment of subject having heart failure or a related disorder by administering a composition that decreases TGF?1 signaling through either direct inhibition of membrane-bound Endoglin or promoting expression of soluble Endoglin.

Abstract: Systems and methods and devices are provided for arresting or reversing the effects of myocardial remodeling and degeneration after cardiac injury, without the potential drawbacks associated with previously existing systems and methods, by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava over multiple cardiac cycles, and more preferably, by adjusting the interval or degree of occlusion responsive to a sensed level of patient activity. In some embodiments, a controller is provided that actuates a drive mechanism responsive to a sensed level of patient activity to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, while a data transfer circuit of the controller provides bi-directional transfer of physiologic data to the patient's smartphone or tablet to permit display and review of such data.

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-PAR1 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: Disclosed herein are novel compositions and methods for the inhibition of Plexin B2-mediated Angiogenin activity. Such compositions and methods are useful, for example, for the treatment of cancer, the treatment of wet AMD and the inhibition of angiogenesis. Also disclosed herein are methods of determining whether a test agent is a modulator of Plexin B2 activity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for activating MK2, augmenting permeability barriers, such as epithelial and/or endothelial barriers, and treating diseases, conditions, disorders, and/or injuries associated therewith, such as pulmonary edema and other lung diseases and injuries are provided herein.

Abstract: An endovascular implantable shunt device for draining cerebrospinal fluid from a patient's subarachnoid space includes a shunt having opposed first and second ends, a one-way valve is located at the first end of the shunt, a helical tip is disposed at the second end, and a hollow passageway extends between the helical tip and one-way valve. The helical tip is constructed to penetrate a patient's sinus wall. Cerebrospinal fluid drains through the helical tip and out through the valve.

Abstract: An intravascular stent is provided for treatment of an aneurysm in a vessel wall of a cranial blood vessel. The stent includes at least one a flow-shaping member including a flow-facing surface that protrudes from an inner surface of the stent and is configured to control at least one of the direction, velocity and secondary flow characteristics of the blood flow within the aneurysm.

Abstract: An oral airway includes a curved body having a front wall which includes a concave portion of the body, and a rear wall which includes a convex portion of the body. The front wall is configured to translate relative to the rear wall, while remaining engaged with the rear wall. In addition, the rear wall is formed of a first material, and at least a portion of the front wall is formed of a second material, the second material being relatively flexible as compared to the first material.

Abstract: An implantable shunt device for draining cerebrospinal fluid from a patient's subarachnoid space. The device includes a shunt having opposed first and second ends. A one-way valve is located at the first end of the shunt. A helical tip is disposed at the second end. The helical tip is constructed to penetrate a sinus wall of the patient. Upon implantation, a hollow passageway extends between the helical tip and one-way valve such that fluid can be drained through the helical tip and out through the valve. The endovascular cerebrospinal fluid shunt of the present invention can be placed into a patient percutaneously via a catheter inserted into the venous system of the body through a needle hole, without the need for open surgery and the skin incisions required with current shunt devices. The device also allows for more physiologic drainage of cerebrospinal fluid since the device is shunting cerebrospinal fluid into the same cerebral venous system that occurs naturally in normal people.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions, kits and methods for diagnosing and tracking the progression of AMD in a subject by detecting the presence or absence of particular lipid metabolism markers associated with AMD. Predictive computer models of disease risk are also disclosed.

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: Compositions and methods for activating MK2, augmenting permeability barriers, such as epithelial and/or endothelial barriers, and treating diseases, conditions, disorders, and/or injuries associated therewith, such as pulmonary edema and other lung diseases and injuries are provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating a muscle disease and improving normal muscle function by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an isoprenoid antibiotic. Also disclosed are methods of upregulating hnRNP L and hnRNP L targets by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an isoprenoid antibiotic. Methods of screening compounds for use in treating muscle disease and improving muscle function are also described.

Abstract: Endoglin has now been shown to be an important target of therapy to reduce disease symptoms associated with heart failure, particularly cardiac fibrosis. Soluble Endoglin is identified as an anatogonist to TGF?1 activity, while membrane-bound Endoglin is identified as a necessary component to promote TGF?1 activity in heart failure. The present invention therefore features methods and kits for treatment of subject having heart failure or a related disorder by administering a composition that decreases TGF?1 signaling through either direct inhibition of membrane-bound Endoglin or promoting expression of soluble Endoglin.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first rod, a second rod, and connector. The first rod has a first end configured to be connected to a first bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a longitudinal axis that passes through the first and second ends. The second rod has a first end configured to be connected to the second bone, a second end opposed to the first end. The second rod is parallel to the longitudinal axis and non-coaxial with the first rod, and at least a portion of the second end of the second rod overlaps the second end of the first rod. The connector connects the second end of the first rod to the second end of the second rod, and is configured to urge the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

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.