Abstract: A training device for the preparation, execution and maintenance of central venous catheters comprising a central block including a cavern traversing through the block, a tube running through the cavern, a reservoir containing a liquid with a distal end of the tube engaged with the reservoir, a covering material secured over the central block, a guidewire extended through the covering material and within the tube, a hydraulic or pneumatic device operationally associated with the reservoir and allowing the reservoir and the tube to be filled and pressurized with the liquid, a scalpel or similar instrument for making a small incision in the covering material at the site where the guide wire extends through the covering material, a dilator to expand the incision opening and then remove from the incision and guidewire and a catheter to feed over the guidewire and into the incision.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions involving epigenetic and gene expression signatures and their association with Sjögren's syndrome.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for treating a mitral valve defect. The device described includes features that allow the device to conform to the actual pathology of the valve, rather than attempting to replicate a healthy valve (which the patient does not have). In this way, the device allows the patient's actual value to work as well as possible, given the valve's diseased condition. The actual pathology of the valve is accommodated by providing for multiple dimensions of adjustability of the device, including adjustability of the size (e.g., diameter) of the device as well as adjustability of the elevation or inclination of one portion of the device (e.g., the portion supporting the posterior leaflet) with respect to another portion of the device.

Abstract: A system for use in TFL lithotripsy procedures uses a silica trunk fiber semi-permanently mounted in an endoscope and includes a detachable and replaceable wave guide treatment tip, including hollow wave guides and fiber tips. The system provides for ready removal and replacement of wave guides damaged during lithotripsy. The trunk fiber in the endoscope tube is of diameter ?200 ?m, suitable for use in the lower pole of the kidney, and should be useful over-and-over with only the detachable wave guide removed and replaced, whether during a single procedure or for multiple procedures on different patients in which the endoscope tube and trunk fiber are sterilized between patients. Multiple connector assemblies are provided for optical coupling contact between the detachable wave guide and trunk fiber and include a gap for dissipation of heat between the trunk fiber and the wave guide when in optically coupling contact.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for longitudinal closure of a dissected sternum are provided. The system includes first and second reinforcing members, fasteners, and closure members. Each reinforcing member is configured to be placed on an outer surface of a respective sternum portion, such that each reinforcing member is longitudinally disposed on an opposite side of a sternum opening with respect to the other reinforcing member. Fasteners may be placed in holes defined in the reinforcing members to secure a respective reinforcing member to a corresponding sternum portion. The closure members, which may be sternal closing wires, may then be wrapped around the sternum portions and the reinforcing members transversely to close the sternum opening. Because the reinforcing members include extended regions having lateral edges that extend away from a midline of the respective reinforcing member, the closure members are moved away from the edges of the bone.

Abstract: Medical devices are described for performing mapping, ablating, and/or pacing procedures on one or more layers of the cardiac wall via an epicardial approach in a minimally invasive (e.g., orthoscopic) surgical procedure. One of the medical devices described includes a main support member and one or more secondary support members extending outwardly from the main support member having electrodes configured to receive electrical impulses. The secondary support member may include a support pad configured to be removably attached to a corresponding area of the epicardium for holding the medical device in place during a procedure, such as through application of vacuum pressure via a containment dome provided on each secondary support member. Further, an ablating electrode may be slidably disposed along the main support member for transmitting energy to a target site proximate the electrode. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating or preventing portal hypertension comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment or prevention at least one Rev-erb modulating agent (REMA) in an amount effective to treat or prevent said portal hypertension. The REMA can be SR6452 or a related compound, such as SR9009 or SR9011. The amount of the REMA administered can comprises a quantity sufficient to modulate Rev-erb? expression, activity, and/or subcellular location and/or to inhibit or reverse hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and contractility.

Abstract: A passively flexible ureteroscope having a diameter of less than about 2.5 millimeters is provided. The ureteroscope may help overcome many of the problems associated with the prior art devices and methods for removing kidney stones. The ureteroscope includes an elongate member having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and an inner conduit that extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal portions. The elongate member is made from a passively flexible material that is capable of being inserted and directed through a patient's body cavity, such as the ureter, by manual direction and pressure so that minimal, if any, additional mechanical or steering mechanisms are present. An imaging device and light source are provided at the distal portion of the elongate member to allow for positioning the device with respect to the stone. A laser fiber can be directed through the conduit to destroy a targeted stone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and associated methods for treatment, prevention, amelioration, and/or delaying the onset of hepatic fibrosis and/or associated diseases. The methods preferably involve regulating at least one of Rev-erb? expression, activity, and subcellular localization. In particular, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions and methods of using a Rev-erb-modulating agent (REMA) for the treatment or prevention of hepatic fibrosis and/or associated diseases. Preferably, the amount of a REMA administered comprises a quantity sufficient to modulate at least one of Rev-erb? expression, activity, and subcellular localization and reduce the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of Formula I or Formula II: wherein: T, V, W, Y and Z are each independently selected from the group of substituents described herein, and X is a linker as further described herein. The present invention further provides compositions and conjugates including the compounds as well as methods of using these compounds including, but not limited to, methods of preventing, treating and/or diagnosing genetic disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, or non-genetic disorders as described herein.

Abstract: Methods and kits for characterizing liver damage in an individual are provided. The methods employ the use of immune analytes as biomarkers for detecting liver damage and predicting the likelihood that an individual suffering from liver damage will experience life-threatening liver failure. Concentration values for serum albumin and other identified immune analytes are obtained or determined from a blood sample taken from the individual. The obtained concentration values are then compared to corresponding concentrations from individuals having a healthy liver. By comparing the concentrations, an individual's likelihood of developing life-threatening liver failure and needing a liver transplant within a given time period (e.g., 6 months) can be identified.

Abstract: Methods for treating urinary (kidney) stones in patients using a small outer diameter ureteroscope may help overcome problems associated with conventional methods for removing kidney stones and may minimize patient discomfort, avoid hospitalization and reduce costs associated with more conventional surgical treatments of kidney stones. The methods can be carried out in an outpatient environment such as a urologists' office without requiring general anesthesia.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition and associated method for the treatment of musculoskeletal related disorders and diseases. In particular, the present invention provides a class of citrate compounds that can be used to for the treatment of diseases/disorders characterized by the degeneration of musculoskeletal tissues including menisci, bone, articular cartilage, and soft tissues. Examples of suitable citrate and citrate analog compounds include citrates having the following base formula (I): where X may be one of the following: wherein Y, Y?, and Y? are independently a citrate moiety, O, O—Y, OH, NH, NH—Y, R and R—Y, with R being an alkyl, alkyene, ester, aryl, or phenyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for longitudinal closure of a dissected sternum are provided. The system includes first and second reinforcing members, fasteners, and closure members. Each reinforcing member is configured to be placed on an outer surface of a respective sternum portion, such that each reinforcing member is longitudinally disposed on an opposite side of a sternum opening with respect to the other reinforcing member. Fasteners may be placed in holes defined in the reinforcing members to secure a respective reinforcing member to a corresponding sternum portion. The closure members, which may be sternal closing wires, may then be wrapped around the sternum portions and the reinforcing members transversely to close the sternum opening. Because the reinforcing members include extended regions having lateral edges that extend away from a midline of the respective reinforcing member, the closure members are moved away from the edges of the bone.

Abstract: Alkyl nitrate ester compounds are provided for the delivery of nitric oxide to targeted muscle tissues, and in particular, to normal and dystrophic muscles. In one aspect, nitrate ester compounds are provided having the following formula: wherein, R1 is ONO2, CH2ONO2, CnH2n+1OH, CnH2n+1OH, CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3, or H; R2 is ONO2, CH2ONO2, Cn?H2n?+1OH, Cn?H2n?+1OH, CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3, or H; R3 is ONO2, CH2ONO2, Cn??H2n?+1OH, Cn?H2n?+1OH, CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3, or H; and R4 is ONO2, CH2ONO2, Cn??H2n?+1OH, Cn?H2n?+1OH, CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3, or H; wherein n is an integer from 0 to 9, n? is an integer from 0 to 9, and n? is an integer from 0 to 9, and n+n?+n??9, and wherein at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is an ester nitrate selected from the group consisting of ONO2, CH2ONO2, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the preparation, stabilization, and/or storage of active agents, particularly therapeutic proteins and polypeptides such as Interleukin-2.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for treating a mitral valve defect. The device described includes features that allow the device to conform to the actual pathology of the valve, rather than attempting to replicate a healthy valve (which the patient does not have). In this way, the device allows the patient's actual value to work as well as possible, given the valve's diseased condition. The actual pathology of the valve is accommodated by providing for multiple dimensions of adjustability of the device, including adjustability of the size (e.g., diameter) of the device as well as adjustability of the elevation or inclination of one portion of the device (e.g., the portion supporting the posterior leaflet) with respect to another portion of the device.

Abstract: Medical devices are described for performing mapping, ablating, pacing, and/or defibrillating procedures on one or more layers of the cardiac wall via an epicardial or extra-pericardial approach in a minimally invasive (e.g., orthoscopic) surgical procedure. One of the medical devices described includes a main support member and one or more secondary support members extending outwardly from the main support member having electrodes configured to receive electrical impulses. The secondary support member may include a support pad configured to be removably attached to a corresponding area of the epicardium for holding the medical device in place during a procedure, such as through application of vacuum pressure via a containment dome provided on each secondary support member. Further, an ablating electrode may be slidably disposed along the main support member for transmitting energy to a target site proximate the electrode. Other devices and associated methods are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed generally to antisense compounds and compositions for the treatment of muscular dystrophy, and in particular, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In one embodiment, the invention is directed to antisense oligonucleotide molecules, pharmaceutical compositions and formulations comprising antisense oligonucleotide molecules, and methods of treating muscular dystrophy related diseases and disorders wherein the antisense oligonucleotide molecules comprises a base sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 5-8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 24, 27, 28, 34, 35, 37, 40, 42, 44-46, 79, 97, 100, 101, and 116, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Assemblies, devices, and methods for positioning the same proximate a target site within a body lumen are provided. The assembly includes first and second components that can function independently of one another to address a patient's vascular abnormalities or can cooperate to form an assembly. The assembly is designed to address aortic pathologies near clusters of arterial branches in a way that allows blood to continue flowing to the arterial branches during the procedure while providing an adequate landing zone for the adjoining component. One of the components may include a tapered portion near one end that can be received by a corresponding end of the other component. Alternatively, one of the components may include an invaginated end that is able to receive a corresponding end of the other component such that the position of each component is substantially fixed with respect to the other.