Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining an acceleration at a location of interest within one of a user's head and neck. At least one of linear acceleration data, angular acceleration data, angular velocity data, and orientation data is produced using at least one sensing device substantially rigidly attached to an ambient-accessible surface of the user's head. The location of interest is represented relative to a position of the at least one sensing device as a time-varying function. An acceleration at the location of interest is calculated as a function of the data produced at the sensing device and the time-varying function representing the location of interest. The calculated acceleration at the location of interest is provided to at least one of the user and an observer in a human-perceptible form.

Abstract: A device for support of an organ ex vivo comprises a chamber with a first engagement feature. A support structure includes a second engagement feature. The first and second engagement features may be engaged so that the chamber body is carried by the support structure for rotation. The chamber body comprises first and second chamber components. In a first orientation of the chamber body, the first chamber component provides support for a first surface of the organ, and the second chamber component is removable so that a second surface of the organ is exposed to manipulation from outside the chamber body. In a second orientation of the chamber body, the second chamber component provides support for the second surface of the organ, and the first chamber component is removable so that the first surface of the organ is exposed to manipulation from outside the chamber body.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes a system comprising prosthetic chordae, at least one attachment member including a channel, a female securing member, and a papillary penetration member configured to pass through the channel, the chordae, and the securing member when implanted in a patient's heart. The penetration member includes an axis.

Abstract: Provided herein non-human transgenic animals comprising a genome that: i) under-expresses, or is inducible to under-express, Hu Antigen R (HuR) in at least some neurons of said transgenic animal; ii) does not express HuR, or is inducible to not express HuR, in at least some neurons of said transgenic animal; or iii) does not express functional HuR, or is inducible to not express functional HuR in at least some neurons of said transgenic animal, as well as methods of screening drugs and therapies (e.g., useful in treating ALS) using such animals.

Abstract: A catheter assembly 10 comprises a catheter 12 including a longitudinally extending wall 16 with inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the wall defines a bore 22 extending longitudinally through the catheter defining a first lumen 52 and a second lumen 54. At least one of the first and second lumens communicates with an opening in the outer surface of the wall at a distal end of the catheter. An elongated separator 14 includes a longitudinally extending surface that at least partially defines the second lumen. The longitudinally extending surface of the separator is disposed asymmetrically relative to the bore when viewed in cross-section taken transverse to the longitudinal extent of the separator adjacent to a distal end of the separator. At least a portion of the separator is movable relative to the bore and the inner surface of the catheter wall.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating cancer in a subject in need thereof are described that includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of an oligonucleotide that specifically hybridizes to MALAT1.

Abstract: Embodiments generate an early stage NSCLC recurrence prognosis, and predict added benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. Embodiments include processors configured to access a radiological image of a region of tissue demonstrating early stage NSCLC; segment a tumor represented in the radiological image; define a peritumoral region based on a morphological dilation of a boundary of the tumor; extract a radiomic signature that includes a set of tumoral radiomic features extracted from the tumoral region, and a set of peritumoral radiomic features extracted from the peritumoral region, based on a continuous time to event data; compute a radiomic score based on the radiomic signature; compute a probability of added benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy based on the radiomic score; and generate an NSCLC recurrence prognosis based on the radiomic score. Embodiments may display the radiomic score, or generate a personalized treatment plan based on the radiomic score.

Abstract: An intra-oral appliance to power and/or communicate with a neurostimulator is provided. The intra-oral appliance can include a teeth covering configured to fit over mandibular incisor, canine and/or premolar teeth of a human being and a remote controller in the form of a housing extending posteriorly from and operably connected to the teeth covering. The housing can include a power source, a coupling coil configured to transmit power to the neurostimulator and configured to receive power from an external charger, and electrical circuitry operably connected to the coupling coil and the power source.

Abstract: A bone fragment and osteomedullary tissue harvesting system that includes a harvesting device, a collection vessel and tubing. The harvesting device includes a needle portion and a handle portion. The needle portion that has a needle bore that extends through at least part of the needle portion. The handle portion is operably attached to the needle portion. The handle portion includes a connection port and a vacuum control mechanism that are in communication with a handle bore that extends through the handle portion. The needle bore is in communication with the handle bore. The vacuum control mechanism includes a vacuum aperture that extends through a surface of the handle portion and is in communication with the handle bore. The collection vessel is capable of receiving aspirated bone fragments and tissue. The tubing operably connects the connection port and the collection vessel.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for treating obstructive sleep apnea in a subject. The system can include a power source and a neuromuscular stimulator in electrical communications with the power source. The neuromuscular stimulator can include a controller and at least one electrode. The controller can be configured to receive certain power and stimulation parameters associated with a therapy signal from the power source. The at least one electrode can be configured to deliver the therapy signal to a target tissue associated with control of a posterior base of the tongue of the subject.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the conversion of choline to trimethylamine (TMA) and lowering TMAO in an individual by providing a composition comprising (2-hydroxyethyl) dimethylsulfonium with a counterion wherein the counterion is selected from chloride, bromide or iodide.

Abstract: Tissue ligation devices and methods are provides to mechanically strangulate abnormal or undesirable tissue. Tissue ligation devices include a catheter having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of a standard endoscope channel such that the catheter can be inserted into the endoscope. Tissue ligation devices also include a ligation system with an expandable hood disposed located at the distal end of the catheter. A suture extends through a lumen of the catheter and has a distal loop portion exposed outside of the expandable hood.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for delivering fluid internally of a body comprises a hollow needle and an implantable access port. The needle has a tip with a predetermined shape. The access port includes (a) a housing that includes at least two fluid outlets, (b) a septum received in the housing, and (c) a valve member rotatable in the housing. The valve member includes valve fluid inlet and outlet openings and a valve inlet passage extending from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The valve inlet passage has a shape complementary to the shape of the needle tip. The valve member is rotatable into (i) a first position in which the valve fluid outlet opening communicates with a first housing fluid outlet and (ii) a second position in which the valve fluid outlet opening communicates with a second housing fluid outlet.

Abstract: An example system includes a distortion reference sensor (DRS) device attachable to a surface adjacent a region of interest within the patient. The DRS device includes at least two sensor coils arranged at a predetermined angle relative to each other and at a predetermined spatial position in a three-dimensional space relative to each other. The system also includes a computing device to determine a sensed angle and a sensed spatial position of the at least two sensor coils in the three-dimensional coordinate system in response to application of an electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic field distortion is indicated based on a difference between the predetermined angle and the sensed angle and/or the predetermined spatial position and the sensed spatial position exceeding an expected difference value.

Abstract: A stent graft (2) for placement in the thoracic arch of a patient has a first tubular body portion (6) with a first lumen therein for placement in the ascending aorta of a patient and a second tubular body portion (8) to extend along the thoracic arch and down the descending aorta. The second tubular body portion is of a lesser diameter than the first tubular body portion. There is a step portion (10) between the first body portion and the second body portion. The step portion is joined to and continuous with the first portion and the second portion. A first side of each of the first body portion, the step portion and the second body portion are substantially aligned so that there is a step (18) defined on a second side opposite to the first side of the body portion. There is an aperture (30) in the step portion and an internal tube (32) extending from the aperture towards the first body portion.

Abstract: A method for replacing a native atrioventricular heart valve includes inserting a delivery catheter into the heart with a prosthetic apparatus retained in a compressed state inside of the delivery catheter. The prosthetic apparatus includes an annular anchoring member having a mesh structure made of Nitinol and defining a plurality of circumferentially extending rows of cells. A fabric layer is attached to an inner surface of the anchoring member. An annular support member made of Nitinol is disposed within the anchoring member. The support member is attached to the anchoring member with sutures. A prosthetic valve made of biological tissue is disposed within and secured to the support member. The method further includes allowing the prosthetic apparatus to self-expand to a radially expanded state in which the anchoring member contacts tissue of the native atrioventricular valve.

Abstract: A fullerene-metal nanocomposite is described that comprises a metal nanoparticle bonded to a functionalized fullerene compound. A useful method of making a fullerene-metal nanocomposite is also described. The method consists essentially of the steps of mixing a solution of metal salt or metal ion with a functionalized fullerene compound, and purifying the fullerene-metal nanocomposite from the solution. Also described are antimicrobial surfaces, comprising a substrate surface and a coating on the substrate surface comprising a fullerene-metal nanocomposite that includes a metal nanoparticle bonded to a functionalized fullerene compound.

Abstract: Holographic image-guidance can be used to track an interventional device during a non-vascular percutaneous procedure. The holographic image guidance can be provided by a head-mounted device by transforming tracking data and body image data to a common coordinate system and creating a holographic display relative to a patient's body to track the interventional device during the non-vascular percutaneous procedure. The holographic display can also include graphics to provide guidance for the physical interventional device as it travels through the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an endoscope for facilitating a medical procedure by creating an anatomic space in or adjacent a target bodily tissue to be imaged. The endoscope can comprise a flexible, elongate tubular member defining a central lumen and an expandable dissecting member coupled to a distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member can further include at least one imaging channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The at least one imaging channel can include a visualization system for conveying an image from the distal end of the tubular member to a user. The expandable dissecting member can define a channel in fluid communication with the central lumen of the tubular member. The expandable dissecting member can extend beyond the distal end of the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention to provides methods, kits, and compositions for: i) detecting the level of 3-bromotyrosine in a sample that has been treated to liberate 3-bromotyrosine from 4-O-glucuronide-3-bromotyrosine, and/or ii) detecting the level of 4-O-glucuronide-3-bromotyrosine, and/or the combined level of both 4-O-glucuronide-3-bromotyrosine and 3-bromotyrosine, in a sample that has not been treated to liberate 3-bromotyrosine from 4-O-glucuronide-3-bromotyrosine. In certain embodiments, such detected levels are used to: i) identify the presence, severity, or risk of an eosinophilic disorder (e.g., asthma or a TH2-high eosinophilic disorder); ii) identify therapy effective for treating asthma or an eosinophilic disorder; or iii) identify patients suitable for treatment with therapeutic agents targeted to asthma or an eosinophilic disorder.