Abstract: A method of treating a wound in a diabetic patient is provided. The method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) to a wound site. In another aspect, a method of treating a wound in a diabetic patient is provided. The method includes assaying a level of CCL2 in the diabetic patient relative to a level of CCL2 in a normal subject and administering a therapeutically effective amount of CCL2 to the diabetic patient.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a system for radiation treatment of a tumor allowing for imaging of the tumor and a surrounding region during radiation therapy and to methods of using such a system. In one embodiment, the system includes a number of radiation detectors positioned in an array to detect radiation scattered from the tumor and the surrounding region. A 3-dimensional image of the tumor is reconstructed from the 2-dimensional scattered radiation projections.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions useful for inhibiting the progression of urea cycle disorders and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The pharmaceutical compositions may include glyceryl tribenzoate and glyceryl dibenzoate. The pharmaceutical compositions may be orally administered to the patient one time per day.

Abstract: Methods for measuring a panel of biomarkers in a subject suspected of having breast cancer are provided. The methods include obtaining a biological sample from the subject and determining a measurement for a panel of biomarkers in the biological sample, the panel comprising at least 5 biomarkers selected from the group comprising LPC(18:3), LPC(20:2), LPC(20:1), LPC(20:0), PC(32:1), PC(34:4), PC(38:3), PC(40:5), PC(40:3), PC(44:11), ePC(32:2), ePC(38:3), C19:1 CE, C19:0 CE, and C20:0 CE, wherein the measurement comprises measuring a level of each of the at least 5 biomarkers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed to identify plasma and vitreous microRNA (miRNA) signatures of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and then as diagnostic biomarkers for the onset and progression of DR.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a sample chamber for use in the dynamic imaging of cells. In one embodiment, the chamber includes a holding mechanism for positioning the cells against a viewing window in the chamber. A housing is positioned against the viewing window to define the closed chamber. The housing may include access ports allowing for the perfusion of fluid through the chamber, the control of the internal temperature of the chamber and the micromanipulation and electrical stimulation of the cells.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus and a method of removing an orthopedic implant from a patient. In one embodiment, the method includes cycling the temperature of at least a portion of the orthopedic implant between a first temperature and a second temperature that differs from the first temperature. In one embodiment, the first temperature is above 0° C. and the second temperature is below 0° C. The temperature cycling causes a thermal expansion differential between at least a portion of the orthopedic implant and material in a region contacting the orthopedic implant. In one embodiment, the thermal expansion differential is of an extent sufficient to cause physical separation of at least a portion of the surface of the orthopedic implant from material contacting the surface of the orthopedic implant.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention provide a system and a method for treating an epileptic condition or a tumor of the brain. In one embodiment, the method of treating the epileptic condition includes acquiring inter- and post-ictal imaging profiles and from the brain of the patient and determining an ictal propagation pathway based on the profiles. A volume of cortical activation is determined for each of a plurality of virtual electrode placement positions based on the ictal propagation pathway and the virtual electrode placement position. An electrode is implanted at a position selected from the plurality of virtual electrode placement positions, based on the volume of cortical activation at the implantation position. An electrical pulse is delivered from the electrode, where the electrical pulse is of a magnitude and duration effective to at least reduce the epileptic seizure.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for treatment of a lysosomal storage disorder. The method may include administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition including a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that mediates upregulation of Transcription Factor EB. In one embodiment, the composition includes a fibrate, such as gemfibrozil or fenofibrate. In another embodiment, the composition also includes all-trans retinoic acid or vitamin A.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for collecting samples for assessment of circadian timing in a non-clinical environment. The methods include monitoring light exposure of a subject and placing a first biological sample in a first sample vial, wherein the first biological sample is obtained in the non-clinical environment in dim light comprising light less than about 50 lux and monitoring the use of the first sample vial with a monitoring device. The methods include placing a second biological sample from the subject in a second sample vial, the second biological sample being taking at a time interval after the first biological sample and monitoring the use of the second sample vial with the monitoring device. Kits include a photosensor, a plurality of sample vials free from labels, a label system for labeling the plurality of sample vials, and a monitoring device for monitoring use of the plurality of sample vials.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, such as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis including administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that mediates upregulation of TPP1.

Abstract: A kit and/or method for use during surgery is configured to decrease the risk of accidental retention of foreign objects, such as surgical items or medical devices, used in surgery inside of a patient after the surgery is completed. Specifically, illustrative kits may include, but not be limited to, a combination of one or more foreign objects, an anchoring member attached to a point outside of the patient or surgical field, and at least one or more connection members connecting the foreign objects to the anchoring member. Illustrative methods may include, but not be limited to, anchoring one or more foreign object by one or more connection members, wherein a first end of each connection member is attached to the foreign object, and a second end of each connection member is attached to a junction member; attaching the junction member to an anchoring member; and attaching the anchoring member to a structure that is outside the patient or surgical field.

Abstract: An energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder comprising a nanocapacitor connected to at least one carbon nanotube and method of using same are described. An adjustable amount of electric energy is stored within the nanocapacitor so that the energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder delivers either a biologically destructive or a biologically non-destructive electrical charge to target cells in response to biological, chemical or electrical stimuli. An optional biocompatible coating onto the outer surface of the carbon nanotube transponder improves cellular targeting, cellular binding or body tolerance towards the carbon nanotube transponder. Optionally, a molecular label attached to at least one carbon nanotube allows for in vivo tracking of the carbon nanotube transponder.

Abstract: Methods of selecting a subject for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and methods of treatment for subjects having ALS or at risk of developing ALS are provided. The method of selecting subjects for treatment includes obtaining a biological sample from the subject, where the sample is obtained from the subject's gastrointestinal tract or skeletal muscle. The method further includes measuring a biomarker in the subject's sample and selecting the subject for treatment of ALS when the biomarker measurement in the subject's sample is lower or higher relative to a control measurement.

Abstract: A kit and/or method for use during surgery is configured to decrease the risk of accidental retention of foreign objects, such as surgical items or medical devices, used in surgery inside of a patient after the surgery is completed. Specifically, illustrative kits may include, but not be limited to, a combination of one or more foreign objects, an anchoring member attached to a point outside of the patient or surgical field, and at least one or more connection members connecting the foreign objects to the anchoring member. Illustrative methods may include, but not be limited to, anchoring one or more foreign object by one or more connection members, wherein a first end of each connection member is attached to the foreign object, and a second end of each connection member is attached to a junction member; attaching the junction member to an anchoring member; and attaching the anchoring member to a structure that is outside the patient or surgical field.

Abstract: Methods of treating kidney disease and protecting podocytes from injury are provided. Methods of screening agents for the treatment of kidney disease are also provided. In addition, methods of identifying structural or functional defects in a patient's podocytes and methods of identifying kidney disease causing agents in a patient's biological sample are also provided.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for treating or preventing the development of osteoarthritis by administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition including a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-fibrotic agent. In various embodiments, the anti-fibrotic agent is 5-methyl-1-phenylpyridin-2-one, tranilast, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase inhibitor, fasudil, CC-930, T-5524, rosiglitazone, tocilizumab, E5564, TAK-242, GKT136901 or bosentan.

Abstract: A method and system for encouraging the selection of healthy products with a vending machine are provided. The method includes providing a vending machine that displays an inventory of products. Each product of the inventory of products includes a dispensing countdown time displayed on the vending machine. The method also includes receiving a first customer selection of a first product from the inventory of products, where the first product has a first dispensing countdown time. Additionally, the method includes actuating a countdown timer to count down to zero seconds from the first dispensing countdown time. The method also includes dispensing the first product once the countdown timer reaches zero seconds. The first product is only dispensed if a customer does not select a second product having a second dispensing countdown time before the first dispensing countdown time counts down to zero seconds.

Abstract: A method and a kit for assessing risk of lung cancer versus benign disease in a subject are provided. The method includes obtaining a biological sample from the subject and determining a measurement for a panel of biomarkers in the biological sample. The panel includes at least two biomarkers selected from the group consisting of IL-6, IL-1ra, IL-10, SDF-1?+?, TNF-?, MIP-1?, sIL-2R?, CA-125, sE-Selectin, Eotaxin, sEGFR, MMP-2, OPN, MCP-1, CRP, sICAM-1 and CYFRA 21.1. The method further includes comparing the measurement to a reference profile for the panel of biomarkers, sorting the subject into a group and determining whether the subject is at risk for lung cancer based on the group.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, such as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis including administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that mediates upregulation of TPP 1.