Abstract: A retractor for use in lingual frenotomy has a tapered hollow shield, having a closed distal end and an open proximal rim, a groove opening through the distal end to seat over the lingual frenulum, and a handle extending from the proximal rim in line with the groove.

Abstract: The presence of phosphorylated Cdc27 in cancer cells is utilized to identify patients likely to benefit from treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent that binds to, or binds to and crosslinks, phosphorylated Cdc27, e.g., curcumin, or to determine whether patients undergoing such treatment will continue to respond effectively. Candidate compounds are screened for anticancer effect by testing the ability to bind to or crosslink phosphorylated Cdc27.

Abstract: An orthodontic compliance monitor includes a sensor that senses when an orthodontic appliance is properly positioned and a processor that processes an output of the sensor and generates compliance data. A memory device stores compliance data and the processor generates the compliance data based on a compliance protocol. System and methods for orthodontic compliance are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted wound healing device is provided comprising an airtight hollow conical member surrounding a skin-breaching bone stabilization device, and a port for attaching a suction tube. The conical member has an opening at one end conforming to the circumference of the shaft of a bone stabilization device, and a opening at the other end to enclose a wound in a patient's skin surrounding the bone stabilization device. The device may be used to provide controlled reduced pressure to the wound site, reducing healing time and risk of infection.

Abstract: The presence of phosphorylated Cdc27 in cancer cells is utilized to identify patients likely to benefit from treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent that binds to, or binds to and crosslinks, phosphorylated Cdc27, e.g., curcumin, or to determine whether patients undergoing such treatment will continue to respond effectively. Candidate compounds are screened for anticancer effect by testing the ability to bind to or crosslink phosphorylated Cdc27.

Abstract: A system for unilateral lung ventilation includes an endotracheal tube and a blocking device for blocking the bronchus of a non-ventilated lung to prevent a ventilation medium from entering the lung. The blocking device includes an inflatable member supported by a catheter having an inflation lumen for inflating the inflatable member. The catheter includes at least one lung treatment lumen for delivering a therapeutic agent to the non-ventilated lung. An inner channel within the main channel and a side branch provide a guideway for the blocking device within the tube. A valve may be included to close the side branch when the blocking device is removed from the inner channel for parallel flow of ventilating gas in the main and inner channels. A method of using the system provides for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) matching by respectively delivering cooled air and nitric oxide to the non-ventilated and ventilated lungs.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to materials and methods for diagnosing and/or determining the prognosis and likelihood of developing asthma. In one embodiment, methods of the invention comprise the use of single nucleotide polymorphic markers of asthma. Markers of the invention are present in the atria natriuretic peptide (NPPA) gene, and serve as a marker for genetic susceptibility of a person or animal in developing asthma.

Abstract: Force-controlled autodistraction for lengthening a bone is disclosed. A distractor is coupled to first and second fixators that are coupled to first and second portions of the bone, respectively, on opposite sides of an osteotomy of the bone. A motor produces a motion of the first fixator relative to the second fixator such that the first portion of the bone is distracted from the second portion of the bone. A force sensor measures a resistant force to the motion, and a distractor displacement sensor measures a distractor displacement. A controller is operably coupled to the force sensor, the distractor displacement sensor, and the motor. The controller is configured to determine a variable limb stiffness using the resistant force, the distractor displacement, and a known distractor stiffness of the distractor, and to adjust a gain of the motor such that the variable limb stiffness matches a desired limb stiffness.

Abstract: Apparatus, computer readable medium, and a method for clinician decision support for behavior modification of a patient, the method including in response to receiving information identifying the patient, retrieving stored patient data from a database, and displaying portions of the retrieved patient data for a clinician to update during a clinical session; and, in response to receiving a selection for finding a new target behavior to achieve the goals of the patient, displaying a plurality of target behaviors for the patient to achieve the goals of the patient; and, in response to receiving a selection of one of the plurality of displayed target behaviors as the new target behavior, adding the selected one of the plurality of displayed target behaviors to the target behaviors of the patient. The method may facilitate the conduct of behavioral modification counseling by eliciting patient feedback and recording patient progress in negotiated tasks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting respiration extrathoracically, particularly useful for augmenting respiration in neonatal patients, including providing a positive pressure to a torso area of a patient. The positive pressure may be delivered to the torso area of the patient while the torso area is exposed to an ambient pressure, such as by providing positive pressure with high frequency gas jets that are positioned in proximity to the torso area. The positive pressure may be delivered to different parts of the torso area of the patient at different times, such as by controlling gas jets independently. The positive pressure may also be controlled in coordination with a gas flow and concentration to the patient's airway, such as by increasing the positive pressure as a gas flow pressure delivered to the patient's airway is reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing risk of low BMD and risk of osteoporosis based on the detection of SNP identity for human chromosome 1p36 polymorphisms designated in the NCBI SNP database (dbSNP) as rs2794328, rs446529, rs397559 and rs1802353.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to materials and methods for diagnosing and/or determining the prognosis and likelihood of developing asthma. In one embodiment, methods of the invention comprise the use of single nucleotide polymorphic markers of asthma. Markers of the invention are present in the atria natriuretic peptide (NPPA) gene, and serve as a marker for genetic susceptibility of a person or animal in developing asthma.

Abstract: A method and composition for administering leptin to a subject. The invention includes suspending isolated native leptin-containing milk fat globules in a suitable medium for administering to a subject. The suspended milk fat globules may be administered orally as well as by intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitone41, other enteral routes of administration, and other parenteral routes of administration. The invention includes a method for treating growth or maturational-related disorders in newborns as, well as subjects having conditions that can be treated by the administration of leptin.

Abstract: An adjustable neonatal airway stent for use in the airways of a neonate is provided. The stent may include a flexible mesh member having a generally cylindrical shape and size that is capable of being delivered to a neonatal airway. The mesh member may include overlapping inner and outer portions, where the inner portion is adjacent to an inner edge of the flexible mesh. Further, the stent may include a plurality of locking projections that extend outwardly from the inner portion and are capable of engaging the mesh of the overlapping outer portion to prevent contraction of the stent, while allowing expansion of the stent to at least one diameter when implanted in a neonatal airway. The projections may include angularly extending tips, and the stent may be expandable to a second diameter greater than the first diameter in situ.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing risk of low BMD and risk of osteoporosis based on the detection of SNP identity for human chromosome 1p36 polymorphisms designated in the NCBI SNP database (dbSNP) as rs2794328, rs446529, rs397559 and rs1802353.

Abstract: A method for maintaining homeostasis for a patient in a health care setting includes the steps of monitoring a physiological parameter and comparing the parameter against an expected parameter range. When it is determined that a difference between the monitored physiological parameter and the expected parameter range presents a patient condition requiring a corrective measure, an alarm warning is presented. The alarm warning has a signature characteristic distinguishing it from other alarm warnings. The alarm warning may be musical and distinguishable based on genre, tempo, loudness, or pitch or, alternatively may be visual. The alarm warning may be adapted to distinguish one patient from other patients. Alternatively, the alarm warning may distinguish differing levels of severity associated with a patient condition of a particular patient or to distinguish between multiple conditions suffered by the same patient.

Abstract: A brace compliance monitor is disclosed that includes a compliance sensor, a signal processor, and a display. Compliance data displayed on the display to provide the patient or subject with immediate compliance information on whether they have been wearing the brace for the specified period and in the specified manner. The brace compliance monitor may also include a secondary sensor such as a tilt sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a velocity sensor. The secondary sensors may provide additional compliance data to the patient and health care provider.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing risk of low BMD and risk of osteoporosis based on the detection of SNP identity for human chromosome 1p36 polymorphisms designated in the NCBI SNP database (dbSNP) as rs2794328, rs446529, rs397559 and rs1802353.

Abstract: A system for unilateral lung ventilation includes an endotracheal tube and a blocking device for blocking the bronchus of a non-ventilated lung to prevent a ventilation medium from entering the lung. The blocking device includes an inflatable member supported by a catheter having an inflation lumen for inflating the inflatable member. The catheter includes at least one lung treatment lumen for delivering a therapeutic agent to the non-ventilated lung. An inner channel within the main channel and a side branch provide a guideway for the blocking device within the tube. A valve may be included to close the side branch when the blocking device is removed from the inner channel for parallel flow of ventilating gas in the main and inner channels. A method of using the system provides for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) matching by respectively delivering cooled air and nitric oxide to the non-ventilated and ventilated lungs.

Abstract: A method and composition for administering leptin to a subject. The invention includes suspending isolated native leptin-containing milk fat globules in a suitable medium for administering to a subject. The suspended milk fat globules may be administered orally as well as by intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, other enteral routes of administration, and other parenteral routes of administration. The invention includes a method for treating growth or maturational-related disorders in newborns as well as subjects having conditions that can be treated by the administration of leptin.