Abstract: Methods for the treatment and prevention of laminopathies and diseases characterised by hyperlipidemia through LING complex inhibition are disclosed. In particular, LING complex disruption by expression of dominant-negative LING complex proteins alleviates pathophysiology in Lmna mutation-associated muscular dystrophy, progeria, and dilated cardiomyopathy. In addition, LING complex disruption by expression of dominant-negative LING complex proteins also alleviates pathophysiology in mouse models of atherosclerosis and familial hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of expression vectors and other compounds in methods to disrupt the LInker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, uncoupling the nucleus from its linkage to the cytoskeleton, resulting in amelioration of diseases caused by one or more Lmna mutations, so-called laminopathies. More particularly, the invention relates to the expression of dominant negative SUN domain protein and/or dominant negative KASH domain protein to disrupt, for example, the LINC complex in cardiomyocytes for suppressing disease progression in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sandal, wherein various aspects of said sandal may be customized for a wearer's feet. The aspects can involve one or more of: the toe thong location, the position of the foot strap, and the arch support profile and arch support position. For a particular wearer, the optimal locations/settings of one or more of the foregoing aspects may be determined by applying a computer algorithm, which takes into account the foot data of the wearer, which foot data may be obtained from image/video capture technology. The method then assembles a sandal having the optimal locations/settings, such that the foot strap position, the arch support profile and/or the arch support position, as the case may be, are customized for the wearer. Also disclosed herein is a sandal having a foot strap position and/or an arch support profile and arch support position that is customized for the wearer, and made in accordance with the above-described methods.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sandal, wherein the toe thong location of said sandal is customised for a wearer. For a particular wearer, the optimal location of the toe thong of the sandal may be determined by applying a computer algorithm, which takes into account foot data of the wearer, which foot data may be obtained from image/video capture technology. The method makes use of a custom toe thong insert, which is embedded within the sole of the sandal. The custom toe thong insert is configured to receive and securely engage with a fastener attached to the toe thong and foot strap, such that the toe thong will be positioned at or proximate to the optimal location for the particular wearer. Also disclosed herein is a sandal with a customised toe thong location that is made in accordance with the above-described method.