Abstract: In various embodiments, provided herein are methods, devices and systems to optimize annular orientation of transcatheter valves and thereby facilitate transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the setting of challenging cardiovascular anatomy. These methods, devices and systems are used to treat patients with valvular diseases. To solve these problems, described herein is a Device to Optimize aNnUlar orientation of Transcathether valves (DONUT). DONUT can correct large differences between a native valve's anatomical dimensions and the external dimensions of a transcatheter valve stent frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for percutaneously retrieving an embolized or malpositioned heart valve or foreign bodies from a patient's body. Several of these devices may include a catheter system with expandable and retractable baskets attached to a catheter and guidewire system. The guidewire may be inserted through the lumen of the embolized or malpositioned heart valve, capturing the valve in the baskets, and deploying a mechanism to crush the valve within the baskets. Then the crushed baskets and valve may be retrieved either from the body or to a safer location such as but not limited to the descending aorta. This system is advantageous because it does not require open surgery to retrieve the valve or embolized material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, in part, methods and compositions for the treatment of methanogen-associated disorders such as, for example, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Particularly, modified-release formulations comprising at least one antimethanogenic statin are provided which release the antimethanogenic statin in the intestines.

Abstract: A method of determining an exchange rate between a solute material and a solvent material in chemical exchange with each other in a sample comprises performing a plurality of CEST scans on the sample to determine a reference data signal and a label data signal; simulating a plurality of CEST scans on the sample to obtain a reference dictionary signal and a plurality of label dictionary signals, each label dictionary signal corresponding to a candidate exchange rate; correcting the reference dictionary signal and each label dictionary signal for a magnetization transfer effect; determining a final data signal based on the reference data signal and the label data signal; determining a plurality of final dictionary signals based on the reference dictionary signal and the plurality of label dictionary signals; and determining the exchange rate by matching the final data signal to one of the plurality of final dictionary signals.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions related to generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Improved techniques for establishing highly efficient, reproducible reprogramming using non-integrating episomal plasmid vectors. Using the described reprogramming protocol, one is able to consistently reprogram non-T cells with close to 100% success from non-T cell or non-B cell sources. Further advantages include use of a defined reprogramming media E7 and using defined clinically compatible substrate recombinant human L-521. Generation of iPSCs from these blood cell sources allows for recapitulation of the entire genomic repertoire, preservation of genomic fidelity and enhanced genomic stability.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of diagnosing constipation and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome by screening for the presence of abnormally high levels of methane and/or methanogenic organisms in a subject.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides for methods and systems for determining, selecting, and/or treating diseases and conditions caused by or associated with high quantities of methanogens in a subject, or diseases and conditions caused by or associated with low quantities of methanogens in a subject. In various embodiments, a therapy to inhibit the growth of methanogens or to promote the growth of methanogens are selected and/or administered to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention describes compounds that inhibit both HDAC and GSK3? (i.e., HDAC/GSK3? dual inhibitors). The invention further describes compositions containing these HDAC/GSK3? dual inhibitors, as well as methods and kits using these HDAC/GSK3? dual inhibitors to treat various medical conditions. The invention also provides methods and kits using a HDAC inhibitor and a GSK3? to treat various medical conditions, and compositions containing a HDAC inhibitor and a GSK3?. Medical conditions treatable with various embodiments of the invention include but are not limited to cancers and tumors.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the progress of post-operative ambulation is disclosed. A patient after a surgical procedure such as an operation is provided with an ambulatory routine. The ambulatory routine is monitored using a wearable biosensor device operable to track steps of the patient. The steps of the patient in following the ambulatory routine are recorded. The ambulation data is displayed on a periodic basis to provide feedback to both the patient and health care professionals.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a system for delivering UV-A/B light with a catheter to treat infectious or inflammatory disorders in a patient. While UV light in the UV-C range has traditionally been used to treat skin disorders and for focused ablation of plaques in the arteries and other targeted internal uses, it has not been developed for broader infection, inflammation or neoplasia treatment inside the human body. Here, the inventor(s) developed a system for emission of therapeutic doses of UV light via a catheter, capsule, endoscope, tube or port that can be used to manage internal infections and inflammatory conditions inside a patient.

Abstract: In various embodiments, provided herein are methods, devices and systems for transcatheter mitral valve replacement in a double-orifice mitral valve. These methods, devices and systems are used to treat patients with mitral valve disease, particularly those who have had failed edge-to-edge leaflet repair, or patients presently considered anatomically unsuitable for edge-to-edge leaflet repair alone.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium for assessing a disease condition of a cancer of a subject, including: receiving a blood sample from the subject; isolating a plurality of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood sample; measuring at least one of cell or cell nucleus sizes of each of the plurality of CTCs; determining a measured CTC size distribution of the plurality of CTCs based on the measuring; comparing the measured CTC size distribution to a reference CTC size distribution using a computer; and assigning the disease condition of the cancer of the subject based on the comparing.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for diagnosing late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), treating LOAD and assessing efficacy of therapeutic agents used to treat LOAD.

Abstract: Described herein are reprogramming techniques allowing for production of mammary-derived iPSCs (“m-iPSCs”). The m-iPSCs described herein exhibit all the hallmarks of stem cell identity including round cluster, bright colony morphology, clonal expansion, and pluripotent marker expression (alkaline phosphatase expression, Oct-4, nanog, etc.) Further refined techniques allow for generation of m-iPSCs under essentially defined conditions.

Abstract: Described herein are kits and methods for identifying the likelihood of having a food sensitivity or intolerance, and determining dietary modifications accordingly. For example, the likelihood of having sensitivities, intolerances or allergies to gluten, lactose, FODMAPs and others tested and calculated. Additionally, diet modifications can be determined according to the likelihood of particular sensitivities, and the effectiveness of diet modifications can be evaluated by monitoring of meals and subsequent symptoms, and evaluating the monitoring information. Through application of the methods herein, dietary intake and symptom data may be collected and aggregated to evaluate the effect or desirability of particular foods on a population of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, in part, methods and compositions for the treatment of methanogen-associated disorders such as, for example, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Particularly, modified-release formulations comprising at least one antimethanogenic statin are provided which release the antimethanogenic statin in the intestines.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses and methods are provided for repairing heart valves, particularly mitral valves. The method includes providing a catheter having an elongate, flexible body, with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end can be transluminally advanced from the left atrium through the mitral valve. A distal anchor zone or portion coupled with the proximal end can extend and along the left ventricular outflow tract into the ascending aorta. A valve repair device is deployed to permanently connect leaflets at a mid-section of a mitral valve while permitting medial and lateral portions of the natural leaflets to open and close. The catheter apparatuses may be positionable using a steering device. The valve repair device detachably connects the distal and proximal ends of the catheter. The valve repair device can be detached using low profile devices actuatable from the proximal or distal ends, e.g., at a venous or arterial access site.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for imaging a sample. In various embodiments, the invention provides a system comprising an image sensor, a laser for emitting excitation light for an infrared or near-infrared fluorophore, a visible light source, a notch beam splitter, a notch filter, a synchronization module, an image processing unit, an image displaying unit, and light-conducting channels. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a system comprising an image sensor, a laser for emitting excitation light for an infrared or near-infrared fluorophore, a laser clean-up filter, a notch filter, a white light source, an image processing unit, an image displaying unit, and light-conducting channels. In accordance with the present invention, the image sensor can detect both visible light and infrared light.

Abstract: Modules, devices, systems and methods for measuring or detecting cysteine and/or methionine metabolite levels in a sample from a subject are disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention concern modules, devices, systems and methods for prognosing or diagnosing cancer, for example, prostate, colon, ovarian or breast cancer; predicting the risk or probability of cancer recurrence; and/or for predicting, detecting and/or monitoring cystinuria or cystine stone disease.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of identifying subjects susceptible to fibrosis by targeting bacteria found in intestine-related adipose tissue such as creeping fat, ileal mucosa or related tissue. Based on subject's susceptibility to developing fibrosis, different intervention or treatment options can be used.