Abstract: Methods for diagnosing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and NASH with or without advanced liver fibrosis in a subject are provided, such methods including the detection of levels of a variety of biomarkers diagnostic of NASH versus simple steatosis and NASH with advanced liver fibrosis versus NASH without advanced liver fibrosis. The invention also provides methods treating NASH (e.g., NASH with or without advanced liver fibrosis) by administering a biomarker or an agent that modulates a biomarker of NASH or fibrosis. Compositions in the form of kits and panels of reagents for detecting the biomarkers of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to improved robotic surgical systems, including robotic surgical devices having improved arm components and/or biometric sensors, contact detection systems for robotic surgical devices, gross positioning systems and devices for use in robotic surgical systems, and improved external controllers and consoles.

Abstract: A passive exosuit for asymmetry rehabilitation includes: a first article of apparel configured to be worn on at least a portion of the first leg of the user; a second article of apparel configured to be worn on at least a portion of the second leg of the user; a third article of apparel configured to be worn on at least a portion of a torso of the user; and a plurality of clastic bands asymmetrically connecting the third article of apparel to the first and second articles of apparel. The elastic bands include at least one anterior band configured to impede hip extension of the first leg of the user and at least one posterior band configured to impede hip flexion of the second leg of the user.

Abstract: Various medical devices and related systems, including robotic and/or in vivo medical devices, and various robotic surgical devices for in vivo medical procedures. Included herein, for example, is a robotic surgical system having a support beam positionable through an incision, and a robotic device having a device body, first and second rotating shoulder components coupled to the device body, and first and second robotic arms coupled to the first and second shoulder components, respectively.

Abstract: Wettable structures that retain liquid layers are defined at surfaces of substrates. The wettable structures include grooves or ridges that are spaced apart by between 10 nm and 10 ?m and can be defined in substrate or in a layer formed on a surface of the substrate. In typical examples, wettable structures are defined with hydrophobic materials or at hydrophobic surfaces and produce hydrophilic surfaces.

Abstract: There is described a platform device for use in forming an anastomosis and maintaining a desired curvature of a lumen in a desired shape during an anastomosis assistance period. The platform is formed from one or more bioabsorbable or biodegradable polymer filaments. There is also described a method for inserting a platform device for use in creation of an arteriovenous fistula by identifying a candidate artery and a candidate vein and dissecting the candidate vein. Next, inserting a platform device into the vein and creating a breach in the candidate artery at a desired angle and location. Next, introducing the platform device and vein into the candidate artery and forming the platform device into a curvature angle selected to minimize turbulent blood flow in an anastomosis formed by the vein and the artery. The platform may also be used to maintain potency of supply blood vessels and/or organ blood vessels or the lumens during an organ transplant procedure.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various robotic and/or in vivo medical devices having compact joint configurations and at least three degrees of freedom. Other embodiments relate to various medical device components, including forearms having grasper or cautery end effectors, that can be incorporated into certain robotic and/or in vivo medical devices.

Abstract: The present application includes a sheath that is suitable for use in a variety of medical procedures. In one or more implementations, the sheath includes a shunt member, and a curvable portion. The curvable portion may be configured in various orientations to facilitate an intervention, such as a hemodialysis intervention, or the like, by an operator. The curvable portion may be configured to bend between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration. In implementations, the sheath may be configured to have detachable and/or interchangeable components (e.g., shunt member, curvable portion, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention provides prodrugs and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present application provides methods for treating cardiovascular conditions. The methods can include administering a Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor agonist to an epidural space. The methods can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as hypertension, prehypertension, mild hypertension, severe hypertension, refractory hypertension, congestive heart failure and myocardial scarring.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition containing a synergistic combination of an imidazole antifungal agent and activated creatinine is provided, wherein the imidazole antifungal agent represents in the range of about 0.5 mol % to about 30 mol % of the combination of the antifungal agent and the activated creatinine in the composition. Methods for treating bacterial infections, fungal infections, viral infections, and wounds are also provided, as are other methods of use, including methods for disinfecting inert surfaces, methods for preserving food products, and methods for treating plants. In addition, the invention provides a method for enhancing the antifungal effect of an imidazole antifungal agent as well as a method for enhancing the antibacterial effect of activated creatinine. Compositions and methods involving use of activated 2-amino-imidazol-4-one analogs other than activated creatinine are also provided.

Abstract: An intravascular cutting device described herein uses high-pressure water, saline, or other fluid to cut tissue and other materials including but not limited to calcified tissue, stents, stent grafts, and other devices. In some embodiments, the cutting device includes a working end that has a nozzle with a hole to allow the release of a high-pressure fluid jet. Opposite of the nozzle is a catch plate or deflector anvil that prevents the fluid jet from cutting healthy tissue. The device user will place the item to be cut between the nozzle and catch plate and then advance the device along the item to be cut as the fluid jet is activated, thus cutting the object as it advances.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Also disclosed are various medical devices for in vivo medical procedures. Included herein, for example, is a surgical robotic device having an elongate device body, a right robotic arm coupled to a right shoulder assembly, and a left robotic arm coupled to a left shoulder assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides prodrugs and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating central nervous system diseases and disorders are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, compositions comprising a nitrated alpha synuclein peptide are provided. The composition may further comprise an adjuvant that stimulates regulatory T cells and/or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrist and catheter stabilization during radial artery access includes a wrist support member and a catheter support member connected by an adjustable coupler. The wrist support member comprises a first platform with a curved surface configured to cradle a wrist in a supine or neutral position and an inclined portion to motivate extension or ulnar flexion of the wrist. The catheter support member comprises a second platform with a curved sidewall extending along at least one side of the second platform. The curved sidewall may be configured to direct a catheter toward a radial access point of the wrist when the catheter is extended across the platform portion of the catheter support member. The adjustable coupler is reconfigurable to control a height of the catheter support member from the wrist support member, as well as orientation and other height/distance parameters in some embodiments.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for surgical training with low cost, reusable materials and a highly customizable virtual environment for skill-building. According to various embodiments, a surgical training tool is usable in conjunction with a support structure configured to at least partially constrain the tool movement. Meanwhile, the tool is tracked in real-time with off-tool detectors to generate a tool path driving a virtual rendering of the surgical training tool in an operative environment. The virtual rendering may be visually observable via a display device and may include a customizable and/or selectable operative environment with one or more structures that can be operated on by the virtual surgical training tool. By tracking the virtual tool interaction with the virtual structures, a task path may be established for documenting and/or objectively assessing the performance of one or more operative tasks.

Abstract: This document describes devices, systems, and methods for automatically deploying intravascular devices. For example, this document describes devices, systems, and methods for automatically deploying and controlling intravascular catheter-based devices for treating catastrophic bleeding from large and medium size vessels such as, but not limited to, the aorta or iliac arteries. In some embodiments, an operator/care giver will simply press the system against the patient's body proximate to a desired site of insertion, or will attach the system to the patient proximate to the desired site of insertion. The operator will then activate the system. Thereafter, the system will use built in imaging (e.g., ultrasound) to locate a proper insertion point and then deploy an access needle to attain vascular access. With that, the system will then automatically insert the intravascular device into the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are gross positioning systems for use with robotic surgical devices to provide gross positioning of the robotic surgical devices. The gross positioning systems have a base, a first arm link operably coupled to the base, a second arm link operably coupled to the first arm link, a third arm link operably coupled to the second arm link, and a slidable coupling component slidably coupled to the third arm link.