Abstract: A system for controlling a hemostasis valve includes a hemostasis valve having a body portion having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The hemostasis value further includes at least one valve positioned in the proximal end of the body portion and an engagement member operatively coupled to the at least one valve. The system further includes a first drive member coupled to the engagement member and a controller coupled to the first drive member. The controller is configured to control the first drive member to impart movement to the engagement member to open and close the at least one valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for determining whether a subject possesses altered pain sensitivity an altered risk of developing acute or chronic pain, or diagnosing a tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-related disorder or a propensity thereto. These methods are based on the discovery of GCH1 and KCNS1 allelic variants that are associated with altered pain sensitivity and altered risk of developing acute or chronic pain, and the discovery that a GCH1 “pain protective haplotype” is associated with decreased upregulation of BH4 synthesis in treated leukocytes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for inducing natriuresis, diuresis and vasodilatation in mammalian hosts by administering atrial natriuretic/vasodilator polypeptides to said host. Also provided are methods for producing such polypeptides, and antibodies which are capable of recognizing and specifically binding to them.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for inducing natriuresis, diuresis and vasodilatation in mammalian hosts by administering auriculin or a synthetic analog of auriculin to said host.