Abstract: Methods and compositions for diagnosis and/or analysis of a condition in a mammal are disclosed in which RNA from microvesicles is enriched and differentiated to so obtain a result that is indicative of the condition of tissue or organ from which the microvesicle originated. In especially preferred embodiments, the condition is a neoplastic disease of a human and can be identified and staged by differential analysis of one or more distinct RNAs, optionally together with identification and analysis of a non-RNA component of the microvesicle.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for diagnosis and/or analysis of a condition in a mammal are disclosed in which RNA from microvesicles is enriched and differentiated to so obtain a result that is indicative of the condition of tissue or organ from which the microvesicle originated. In especially preferred embodiments, the condition is a neoplastic disease of a human and can be identified and staged by differential analysis of one or more distinct RNAs, optionally together with identification and analysis of a non-RNA component of the microvesicle.

Abstract: A resuscitation apparatus includes a fluid pathway in fluid communication with a source of medical fluid, an interface unit for attaching the fluid pathway to the cardiovascular system of a mammal suffering from impaired blood flow in order to establish an artificial circulation in the mammal utilizing the medical fluid, and heat exchange apparatus that provides intense cooling to quickly chill the medical fluid a sufficient amount to slow a metabolic rate of an organ of a mammal into which the medical fluid is introduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method are provided for treating or preventing at least one of brain, brain-stem and associated nervous tissue injuries in a mammal suffering from decreased or compromised blood flow to the brain. The apparatus includes a helmet configured to rest unsupported on the head of a mammal. The helmet includes outer and inner shells with at least one cavity intermediate the outer and inner shells for holding a coolant fluid within the at least one cavity, and a coolant source in communication with the helmet, the coolant source instantaneously providing a coolant fluid chilled to a temperature sufficient to slow the metabolism of the brain. When the coolant source is activated, the helmet becomes instantly chilled rapidly cooling the brain to a temperature sufficient to slow the metabolism of the brain a sufficient amount so that the mammal remains neurologically intact while efforts are made to restore regular blood flow to the brain of the mammal.

Abstract: A customized pump, filtration, oxygenation and/or debubbler apparatus includes a first pump module, a filtration module, an oxygenation module, a debubbler module and/or a second pump module. Each module is formed of stackable support members with filtration, oxygenation and/or degassing membranes interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus that utilizes the heat transfer ability of cryogenic materials to maintain its contents at low temperatures includes a container having inner and outer shells. The inner and outer shells have a chamber formed therebetween. An insulation layer is disposed within the chamber. The inner shell is disposed within the outer shell to form a chamber for receiving therein a material for storage and/or transport therebetween. A phase change material is disposed within the storage chamber and includes cut-outs for receiving therein a cryogenic material. Alternatively, a pre-charged phase change material insert is provided in the storage chamber and/or the storage chamber is packed with a filler material pre-chilled in a cryogenic material. A lid seals the container.

Abstract: A coupling device can connect two cryogenic fluid conduits in fluid communication without creating a temperature change. The coupling device includes a fluid flow path extending therethrough having a substantially constant cross-sectional area. The coupling device is designed to be easy to connect and disconnect and to provide a secure connection, in particular at low temperature.

Abstract: A portable apparatus and corresponding method is provided for treating or preventing at least one of brain, brain-stem and associated nervous tissue injuries in a mammal suffering from decreased blood flow to the brain. The apparatus includes a flexible enveloping member for enveloping a head, neck and upper back of a mammal. The enveloping member includes outer and inner shells with at least one cavity intermediate the outer and inner shells for holding a coolant fluid within the at least one cavity. A coolant source is provided in communication with the enveloping member.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for implementing the method, utilize cryogenic fluids to cool a fluid. The method includes receiving and allowing expansion of a first compressed cryogenic fluid within a chamber; flowing a second fluid past said chamber; and allowing the transfer of heat between the chamber and the second fluid. The method may further include maintaining the second fluid at a predetermined temperature by controlling the transfer of heat between the chamber and the second fluid. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving therein and allowing expansion of a compressed cryogenic fluid. The chamber includes at least one wall formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and high resistivity to low temperature. The chamber may include an insert for receiving cryogenic fluid therein and dispersing the cryogenic fluid through a plurality of holes into the chamber. The apparatus may also include a fluid path component for circulating therethrough the second fluid.

Abstract: This invention discloses a device and a method for resuscitating the brain as result of ischemic and anoxic injuries whereby the patient survives neurologically intact. The device includes a head enveloping helmet and neck supporting back plate with interconnected hollow cavities to allow chilled fluid from an activated coolant source to pass therethrough and subsequently chill the brain and upper spinal column. Once chilled, the brain's metabolism is slowed whereby resuscitation efforts can continue while neurologic damage is minimized. The method includes placing and adjusting the helmet on the patient's head, placing the back plate under the patient's neck and into abutment with the helmet, connecting the helmet to the coolant source and activating the coolant source.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for providing circulation, usually when it has substantially decreased or ceased, such as during cardiac arrest. The method includes the steps of intubating the airway of a patient, to provide access to the lungs. The air and other material in the lungs is then evacuated. A liquid breathing solution is then infused into the lungs, expanding the lungs such that the lungs compress the heart and great vessels, to generate cardiac outflow and ultimately circulation. A device that performs this method is also disclosed.