Abstract: An approach to automatically detecting, classifying and/or highlighting abnormal structures such as brain aneurysms is based on three-dimensional studies of the brain vessels. The approach is applicable to effectively all currently available modalities of acquisition of the cerebral vessels, including magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and conventional catheter-based three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preventing and treating periodontitis and other conditions. In particular, the present invention relates to oral bacteria for use in treating and preventing diseases and conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, compositions, and methods for quantification of joint cartilage from magnetic resonance imaging. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of a universal coordinate to identify informative locations in joints that reflect cartilage loss throughout the joint, reduce the burden of measuring joint cartilage, and allow for the calculation of a more sensitive measure of cartilage loss than traditional cartilage segmentation methods.

Abstract: Needle-stick injuries are associated with considerable risk of morbidity for healthcare workers and patients. The present invention of a handheld surgical suturing device allows tor visualization of surgical field and better control of the suture needle with possible one-hand operation. The device also provides active safety features that protect the surgeon from needle-stick injury.

Abstract: Disclosed here is the rational design and use of potent and specific GPCR antagonist pepducins based on GPCR regions such as the third intracellular loop and adjacent regions.

Abstract: An implantable shunt device for draining cerebrospinal fluid from a patient's subarachnoid space includes a shunt having opposed first and second ends and a one-way valve located at the first end of the shunt. A hollow passageway extends between the tip and one-way valve such that fluid can be drained through the 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. The device allows for more physiologic drainage of cerebrospinal fluid since the device shunts cerebrospinal fluid into the same cerebral venous system that occurs naturally in normal people.

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: MicroRNA (miRNA) profiling of cells showed unique miRNA signatures for each of three Akt isoforms. Among differentially regulated miRNA species, the miR-200 family was downregulated in Akt2-expressing cells. Akt1 knockdown inhibited expression of miR-200 and promoted TGF?-induced epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) and a stem cell like phenotype. Carcinomas developing in MMTV-cErb2/Akt1?/? mice exhibited increased invasiveness because of EMT induced by miR-200 downregulation. EMT was found to be controlled by miRNA species that are regulated by the balance between Akt1 and Akt2, rather than overall Akt levels.

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: A cardiac assist device includes a cannula that terminates in a flexible tip. The tip is generally Y-shaped and includes a proximal end that extends from the end of the cannula, and a bifurcated distal end opposed to the proximal end. The bifurcated distal end includes a first portion detached from a second portion, and the tip further includes a pair of through channels extending from the proximal end to the bifurcated distal end. The tip is configured so that one channel of the pair of channels extends through the first portion, and the other channel of the pair of channels extends through the second portion.

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 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: Needle-stick injuries are associated with considerable risk of morbidity for healthcare workers and patients. The present invention of a handheld surgical suturing device allows for visualization of surgical field and better control of the suture needle with possible one-hand operation The device also provides active safety features that protect the surgeon from needle-stick injury.

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: The present invention relates to proteins which specifically bind to IgA1 and which have been modified to comprise either O- or N-linked glycans. The invention encompasses methods for decreasing IgA1, preferably abnormally glycosylated IgA1, in an individual by administering to the individual a glycan-modified IgA1 binding protein of the invention. The invention also encompasses a method for the treatment of a disease characterized by IgA1 deposition wherein a glycan-modified IgA1 binding protein is administered to an individual in need thereof.

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.