Abstract: In a method of determining insulin sensitivity in a patient, glucose level is sensed continuously. A first area under the curve representing the glucose level over time is calculated. An amount of insulin that has been administered to the patient is sensed. An estimation of insulin on board the patient is calculated based on the glucose level and the amount of insulin administered to the patient. A second area under the curve representing the insulin on board over time is calculated. Patient data indicative of at least one patient physical parameter is received. Information indicative of amount of glucose ingested by the patient during a meal is received. An insulin sensitivity output indicative of ability of insulin to stimulate glucose utilization and inhibit glucose production in the patient based on the first and second area under the curve, the patient data and the meal information is generated.

Abstract: This document provides diuretic and natriuretic polypeptides. For example, this document provides polypeptides having diuretic and/or natriuretic activities. In some cases, a polypeptide provided herein can have diuretic and natriuretic activities, while lacking the ability to lower blood pressure. This document also provides methods and materials for inducing diuretic and/or natriuretic activities within a mammal.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials that can be used to replace a circumferential segment of an esophagus. For example, methods and materials that can be used to provide a tubular connection from one stump end of an esophagus to another stump end of the esophagus are provided.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for reducing the risk of infection after a shoulder surgery or medical procedure. For example, this document relates to methods and materials for using a topical composition containing clindamycin or erythromycin to reduce the risk of or to prevent infection associated with shoulder surgeries or medical procedures.

Abstract: An electronically based utility rating system and/or method measures the appropriateness of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) requests for medical imaging examinations. The so-called “imaging utility score” or simply, “u-score” may provide comparative data to help combat inappropriate medical imaging examinations, review resource utilization, and provide opportunities for medical education and research.

Abstract: An electronically based utility rating system and/or method measures the appropriateness of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) requests for medical imaging examinations. The so-called “imaging utility score” or simply, “u-score” may provide comparative data to help combat inappropriate medical imaging examinations, review resource utilization, and provide opportunities for medical education.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to assessing prostate cancer in mammals. For example, this document provides nucleic acids and polypeptides that can be analyzed to determine whether a male mammal having prostate cancer is susceptible to a good or poor outcome.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a mapping device may be capable of passing through cerebral veins and other cerebrovascular spaces to provide electrophysiological mapping of the brain. These embodiments of the device may also be capable of providing, simultaneously or separately, ablation energy or other treatments to targeted brain tissue. In such circumstances, a user may be enabled to analyze an electrophysiological map of a patient's brain and, at the same time or within a short time period before or after the mapping process, may be enabled to apply ablation energy for treatment of a central nervous system disorder. Such treatment may be accomplished without the use of invasive surgery in which the brain is accessed through an opening in the patient's cranium.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for making and using vaccines. For example, vaccine preparations (e.g., whole cell vaccines and cell lysate vaccines) that can be used to treat cancer (e.g., human ovarian cancer) are provided.

Abstract: Methods for determining the amount of vitamin D compounds in a sample are provided. The methods can employ LC-MS/MS techniques and optionally the use of deuterated internal standards. Methods for diagnosing vitamin D deficiencies are also provided.