Abstract: A fluid handling system for applying a plurality of pulses of fluid shear stress to a fluid sample may comprise a first sample chamber; a second sample chamber; a plurality of conduits mounted between and in fluid communication with the first sample chamber and the second sample chamber; and a force delivery system mounted to the first sample chamber and configured to apply a force sufficient to push the fluid sample from the first sample chamber through each of the conduits at a substantially constant flow rate to the second sample chamber. The plurality of conduits may be arranged in series and separated by additional sample chambers or arranged such that the conduits are substantially parallel to one another. The force delivery system may be a gas delivery system or a linear drive assembly.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides the use of microRNA (miR)-200a to inhibit ossification and bone formation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to extracts from chestnut plants and compositions comprising compounds contained therein. In certain embodiments, the extracts are derived from the leaves of a Castanea plant. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating or preventing bacterial infections, acne, and other related uses.

Abstract: Vascular prosthetic assemblies (e.g., heart valves), such as those, for example, configured to be deployed percutaneously.

Abstract: Compositions and methods to prevent, inhibit or treat aveolar or periodontal bone loss, enhance bone regeneration, prevent, inhibit or treat peri-implantitis or periodontitis, e.g., periodontitis or peri-implantitis associated with bone loss, or to prevent, inhibit or treat osteoarthritis are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to genes, gene polymorphisms, and genetic profiles associated with an elevated or a reduced risk of alternative complement cascade deregulation disease such as AMD. The invention provides methods and reagents for determination of risk, diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. In an embodiment, the present invention provides methods and reagents for determining sequence variants in the genome of a patient which facilitate assessment of risk for developing such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid detection of microbial-associated nuclease activity with chemically modified nuclease (e.g., ribonuclease) substrates, and probes and compositions useful in detection assays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions useful in targeting a payload to, or editing a target nucleic acid, where a governing gRNA molecule is used to target, optionally inactivate, a Cas9 molecule or a Cas9 molecule/gRNA complex.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for vaccinating susceptible individuals against infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The disclosed compositions include vaccine compositions comprising an effective amount of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F protein in a pre-fusion stabilized form and/or M protein incorporated into biodegradable polyanhydride polymer particles for inducing an immune response against RSV. The vaccine compositions also may include a suitable adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using optimized aptamers. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for treating a subject having or being disposed to having a histone-induced injury or disease comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and (i) a nucleic acid molecule not more than 90 nucleotides in length comprising an aptamer KU1, KU2, KU3, KU4, KU5, KU6, KU&, KU8, or KU9, wherein the aptamer specifically targets extracellular histones, wherein the nucleotides are RNA; or (ii) a conjugate comprising a nucleic acid molecule not more than 90 nucleotides in length comprising an aptamer KU1, KU2, KU3, KU4, KU5, KU6, KU&, KU8, or KU9, wherein the aptamer specifically targets extracellular histones, wherein the nucleotides are RNA, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is linked to a therapeutic molecule.

Abstract: Systems and methods for low energy radiation x-ray radiation therapy system for use at a target within a cavity of a subject. In an aspect, the system uses an aperture shaping device used to shape the radiation beam from the low energy radiation source. In an aspect, the aperture shaping device includes a plurality of leaf assemblies which include leaves configured to form the aperture and engage the radiation beam. In an aspect, the present invention utilizes a geared mechanics approach to create an aperture using only one dial input. The design ensures that the field size of the collimator remains a constant shape as it is opened and closed. In an aspect, the overall size of the collimator may be scaled to accommodate various radiation therapy requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid detection of microbial-associated nuclease activity with chemically modified nuclease (e.g., endonuclease) substrates, and probes and compositions useful in detection assays.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The floating electrodes can be flexibly mounted to the substrate such that when the electrode array is implanted into the subject, individual electrodes float or move resiliently relative to the substrate to an extent sufficient to accommodate pulsations of the surface of the spinal cord within the dura.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plasmid-based miR inhibitory systems (PMIS), miR inhibitors and methods of use of these systems and inhibitors.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed here relate to systems, methods, and devices for monitoring bladder health. Certain implementations are directed to patients who require daily catheterization. The various embodiments have at least one tube coupled to a catheter, a pressure sensor, a pump, and a processor. Certain embodiments include a digital device with a software application capable of displaying the monitored readings.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and methods of using them include a biodegradable or bioerodible polyanhydride nanoparticle comprising 1,8-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane (CPTEG) and 1,6-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane (CPH) copolymers, an immunogenic protein of an Influenza Virus and an adjuvant entrapped within an interior of the nanoparticle, and an excipient. The immunogenic composition may be administered to a subject to confer both local and systemic immunity to the Influenza Virus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides targeting peptides and vectors containing a sequence that encodes targetting peptides that deliver agents, to the eye. The present inventors have discovered peptides that function to target agents, such as viral vectors, to ocular cells. The present disclosure describes a method to utilize these novel peptides to direct, for example, viral capsids to the cell type of interest. In this instance, ocular cells (such as retinal cells) are targeted by the identified peptides. Vectors harboring capsid proteins modified to include such peptides can be used to provide therapeutic agents to the eye.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing a spine of an animal subject involving a transverse rod installation instrument assembly for inserting a transverse rod on the spine of a subject percutaneously comprising: a first rod clamp extender mounted on a ipsilateral rod clamp and a second rod clamp extender mounted on a contralateral rod clamp wherein the ipsilateral rod clamp and the contralateral rod clamp are secured to a vertebra at the ipsilateral and contralateral pedicle; and a pivoting installation instrument pivotably mounted to the first rod clamp extender and the second rod clamp extender to pass a transverse rod percutaneously through a head portion of the ipsilateral side rod clamp and to the head portion of the contralateral rod clamp after passing through a spinous process of the vertebra through pivot axis “A” such that the transverse rod is secured at the head portion of the ipsilateral rod clamp and the head portion of the contralateral rod clamp.

Abstract: An adjustable cranioplasty plate assembly is provided for use following a craniectomy. The assembly includes a ring which is attached to the skull around the skull opening and a plate adjustably mounted to the ring. The plate is moveable between a raised position spaced above the ring and a lower position substantially flush with the ring. The plurality of extendable and retractable struts extends between the ring and the plate to provide the plate adjustability. The plurality of stay cables extending between the ring and the plate provide lateral stability in the raised position. The assembly replaces the native bone and eliminates the need for subsequent cranioplasty surgery. In one embodiment, the plate includes a rigid central portion, three rigid mounting tabs, and a plurality of malleable tapered perimeter petals which provide a smooth interface between the plate and the skull of the patient.

Abstract: A method of promoting neuroprotection in a subject from axonal degeneration, neuronal cell death, and/or glia cell damage after injury, augmenting neuronal signaling underlying learning and memory, stimulating neuronal regeneration after injury, and/or treating a disease, disorder, and/or condition of the nervous system in a subject in need thereof includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a 15-PGDH inhibitor.