Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing CRT are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes receiving, during at least two time periods of a cardiac cycle, electrical signals communicated by two or more electrodes of a CRT device positioned one or more of on a surface of a body, within a thorax of the body, a heart of the body, a surrounding venous structure of the body, and a surrounding subcutaneous structure of the body. The method also includes calculating, based on the received electrical signals, spacing between the two or more electrodes during the at least two time periods of the cardiac cycle. Further, the method includes controlling output of the CRT device to the electrodes based on the calculated spacing between the two or more electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for analyzing data. An example method can comprise receiving volume data representative of an object. A first graph can be generated based on the volume data. The first graph can comprise nodes arranged in a Euclidean space. A deformation field can be determined based on the volume data. The deformation field can be applied to the first graph to form a second graph. The second graph can comprise nodes arranged in a non-Euclidean space. The second graph can be segmented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for identifying and targeting brain regions and brain structures. In one embodiment, a method of identifying a brain structure in a patient comprises imaging a brain region using Diffusion Tensor Imaging MRI to identify a nerve tract, following the nerve tract to a first brain structure, and identifying the first brain structure based on the location and orientation of the nerve tract.

Abstract: An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings.

Abstract: An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings.

Abstract: A novel gene (EPM2A) that is deleted or mutated in people with Lafora's disease is described. The EPM2A gene encodes a protein having an active catalytic site of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. Many different sequence mutations as well as several microdeletions in EPM2A have been found that co-segregate with Lafora's disease.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating, preventing or ameliorating heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, and/or myocardial dysfunction includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a HDAC inhibitor, such as phenylbutyrate, in combination with an ACE inhibitor, such as captopril.

Abstract: Nutraceutical formulations that improve cognitive function in adults diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease are provided, which comprise a combination of fisetin and DHA.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating, preventing or ameliorating heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, and/or myocardial dysfunction includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a HDAC inhibitor, such as phenylbutyrate, in combination with an ACE inhibitor, such as captopril.

Abstract: A method for reducing arrhythmic risk associated with cardiomyopathy includes administering a composition containing NAD+ or a mitochondrial targeted antioxidant to an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: A method for reducing arrhythmic risk associated with cardiomyopathy by improving conduction velocity, includes administering a composition containing NAD+ or a mitochondrial targeted antioxidant to an individual or person in need thereof.

Abstract: A synthesized siRNA molecule having the sense strand with one or more uridine bases replaced by one or more respective nucleoside analogs, such as 5-fluoro-2?-deoxyuridine (FdU).

Abstract: A method of detecting mutation in blood cell-free DNA, includes providing a serum sample, isolating DNA from the serum sample, amplifying the DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), subjecting the PCR product to primer extension (PE), and separating the PE reaction product and identifying the mutation by gel electrophoresis. In order to improve accuracy and sensitivity, the PE reaction can be carried out by using a primer that blocks the extension of the wild or non-mutated sequence.

Abstract: A method of modulating or controlling connexin 43 (Cx43) level of a cell includes inducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the cell.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing reliable blood oxygen (Sa02) and heart rate measurements includes a chemical energy heating source in conjunction with a harness that is adapted to secure the chemical energy heating source and a pulse oximeter probe proximate to a region of the body which is to be warmed prior to measurement. Preferably, the chemical energy heating source is in the form a mixture including a metal powder, which releases heat at a predetermined rate via oxidation of the metal powder when exposed to the atmosphere. The apparatus may be designed to be reusable or disposable and can be used in a transmission or reflectance mode, or both.

Abstract: An in vivo method of inhibiting tumor growth, specifically pancreatic cancer, includes administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound, composition, and/or a pharmaceutical formulation including crocetinic acid.

Abstract: A method of classifying an item to one of a plurality of groups includes providing a plurality of predictors associated with the item. For each predictor, the item is assigned to one of the groups. An assignment number is determined for each group. The item is classified to one of the groups based on the assignment number for each group.

Abstract: The invention relates to cyclic peptide agonists that bind to the mu (morphine) opioid receptor and their use in the treatment of acute and/or chronic pain. Embodiments of the invention are directed to cyclic pentapeptide and hexapeptide analogs of endomorphin that have (i) a carboxy-terminal extension with an amidated hydrophilic amino acid and (ii) a substitution in amino acid position 2. These peptide analogs exhibit decreased tolerance relative to morphine, increased solubility compared to similar tetrapeptide analogs, while maintaining favorable or improved therapeutic ratios of analgesia to side effects.

Abstract: A method of detecting mutation in blood cell-free DNA, includes providing a serum sample, isolating DNA from the serum sample, amplifying the DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), subjecting the PCR product to primer extension (PE), and separating the PE reaction product and identifying the mutation by gel electrophoresis. In order to improve accuracy and sensitivity, the PE reaction can be carried out by using a primer that blocks the extension of the wild or non-mutated sequence.

Abstract: A synthesized siRNA molecule having the sense strand with one or more uridine bases replaced by one or more respective nucleoside analogs, such as 5-fluoro-2?-deoxyuridine (FdU).