Abstract: To characterize the urinary exosome miRNome, microarrays were used to identify the miRNA spectrum present within urinary exosomes from ten individuals that were previously classified for their salt sensitivity status. The present application discloses distinct patterns of selected exosomal miRNA expression that were different between salt-sensitive (SS), salt-resistant (SR), and inverse salt-sensitive (ISS) individuals. These miRNAs can be useful as biomarkers either individually or as panels comprising multiple miRNAs. The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying, diagnosing, monitoring, and treating subjects with salt sensitivity of blood pressure. The applications discloses panels of miRNAs useful for comparing profiles, and in some cases one or more of the miRNAs in a panel can be used. The miRNAs useful for distinguishing SS and SR or ISS and SR subjects. One or more of the 45 miRNAs can be used. Some of the miRNAs have not been previously reported to be circulating.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cell culture, which is a laboratory process used primarily for the growth, propagation, and production of cells for analysis and the production and harvesting of cell products. The present invention comprises functionalized and/or engineered hydrogel microcarriers that exhibit any or all of the following properties: controllable buoyancy, ferro- or paramagnetism, molecular or fabricated reporting elements, and optical clarity. The microcarriers are used in a bioreactor that employs external forces to control said microcarrier kinetic energy and translational or positional orientation in order to facilitate cell growth and/or cellular analysis. The bioreactor can be part of an automated system that employs any or all of the following; a microcarrier manufacturing method, a monitoring method, a cell culture method, and an analytical method.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure for restraining a patient to an area about a bed comprises a frame having a horizontal eave portion, a horizontal base portion opposing the horizontal eave portion, and at least two vertical members upstanding from the horizontal base portion for supporting the horizontal eave portion. The frame collapses as an integral unit for storage and transfer. A canopy secured to the frame defines an area about a bed such that a patient is allowed to move freely within the area. The canopy includes see-through portions defined by dark colored mesh to enhance visibility therethrough and prevent glare. In one embodiment, the canopy includes a hermetically sealable chamber defining the patient area for quarantining the patient therein.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure for restraining a patient to an area about a bed comprises a frame having a horizontal eave portion, a horizontal base portion opposing the horizontal eave portion, and at least two vertical members upstanding from the horizontal base portion for supporting the horizontal eave portion. The frame collapses as an integral unit for storage and transfer. A net assembly secured to the frame defines an area about a bed such that a patient is allowed to move freely within the area.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure for restraining a patient to an area about a bed comprises a frame having a horizontal eave portion, a horizontal base portion opposing the horizontal cave portion, and at least two vertical members upstanding from the horizontal base portion for supporting the horizontal cave portion. The frame collapses as an integral unit for storage and transfer. A net assembly secured to the frame defines an area about a bed such that a patient is allowed to move freely within the area.