Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, and methods of use thereof, for treating ocular boundary deficiency, symptoms associated therewith, or an undesired condition that is associated with or causes discomfort at the ocular surface. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises a human PRG4 protein, or a lubricating fragment thereof, suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable vehicle. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may also comprise one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents selected from the group consisting of an ophthalmically acceptable demulcent, excipient, astringent, vasoconstrictor, emollient, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, and surface active phospholipids, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, and methods of use thereof, for treating ocular boundary deficiency, symptoms associated therewith, or undesired condition that is associated with or causes ocular boundary deficiency at the ocular surface. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises a human PRG4 protein, a lubricant fragment, homolog, or isoform thereof, suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may also comprise one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents selected from the group consisting of an ophthalmically acceptable demulcent, excipient, astringent, vasoconstrictor, emollient, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, and surface active phospholipids, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical administration.

Abstract: Provided herein are ophthalmically acceptable pharmaceutical compositions comprising PRG4 or lubricant fragments and a PRG4 inducing compound. The PRG4 inducing compound in the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention upregulates PRG4 expression and localization in the ocular surface for efficient surface boundary lubrication. In some instances, pharmaceutical compositions described herein are utilized for treating ophthalmic conditions, e.g., ocular boundary deficiency and symptoms associated therewith.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions useful in detecting degradative enzymes and biomolecules in bodily fluid samples.

Abstract: A fluid sample is measured with a tear film measuring system that includes a processing device that receives a sample chip comprising a sample region configured to contain an aliquot volume of sample fluid, the processing device configured to perform analyses of osmolarity and of one or more biomarkers within the sample fluid, wherein the analysis of biomarkers includes normalization of biomarker concentration values.

Abstract: A fluid sample is measured with a tear film measuring system that includes a processing device that receives a sample chip comprising a sample region configured to contain an aliquot volume of sample fluid, the processing device configured to perform analyzes of osmolarity and of one or more biomarkers within the sample fluid, wherein the analysis of biomarkers includes normalization of biomarker concentration values.

Abstract: Provided herein are ophthalmically acceptable pharmaceutical compositions comprising a PRG4 inducing compound in combination with PRG4 (including a lubricant fragments, homologs, or isoforms thereof), and methods of using the same. The PRG4 inducing compound in the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention upregulates PRG4 expression and localization in the ocular surface for efficient surface boundary lubrication. In some instances, pharmaceutical compositions described herein are utilized for treating ophthalmic conditions, e.g., ocular boundary deficiency and symptoms associated therewith.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions useful in detecting degradative enzymes and biomolecules in bodily fluid samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the management of vaginal health. In particular, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use thereof, for treating diseases associated with compromised boundary lubrication at the vaginal epithelium.

Abstract: A fluid collection device comprising a body comprising a capsule interface, and a capsule configured to interface with the body via the capsule interface and configured to hold a sample receiving chip. The sample receiving chip comprises a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid, wherein the substrate is operatively shaped to receive the aliquot volume of sample fluid through capillary action, and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region, whereupon energy properties of the sample fluid can be transduced to produce a sample fluid reading.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ophthalmic device, and method of use thereof, for an individual wearing an ophthalmic lens to increase ocular surface boundary lubrication. The invention device comprises an ophthalmic lens and a sacrificial mechanism disposed on the ophthalmic lens, wherein the sacrificial mechanism comprises a plurality of surface bound receptors, such as PRG4, hyaluronic acid, and DNA aptamers, that reversibly bound to a lubricating composition comprising a gel forming agent, a surfactant, or a combination thereof, effectively inhibiting or preventing protein and lipid adsorption on the surface of the lens, and mitigate shear stress and reduce the friction between the lens and the ocular surface of the individual in need.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions useful in detecting degradative enzymes and biomolecules in bodily fluid samples.

Abstract: Devices and techniques are described that involve a combination of multidimensional electrokinetic, dielectrophoretic, electrophoretic and fluidic forces and effects for separating cells, nanovesicles, nanoparticulates and biomarkers (DNA, RNA, antibodies, proteins) in high conductance (ionic) strength biological samples and buffers. In disclosed embodiments, a combination of continuous and/or pulsed dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces, continuous and/or pulsed field DC electrophoretic forces, microelectrophoresis and controlled fluidics are utilized with arrays of electrodes. In particular, the use of chambered DEP devices and of a properly scaled relatively larger electrode array devices that combines fluid, electrophoretic and DEP forces enables both larger and/or clinically relevant volumes of blood, serum, plasma or other samples to be more directly, rapidly and efficiently analyzed. The invention enables the creation of “seamless” sample-to-answer diagnostic systems and devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, and methods of use thereof, for treating ocular boundary deficiency, symptoms associated therewith, or undesired condition that is associated with or causes ocular boundary deficiency at the ocular surface. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises a human PRG4 protein, a lubricant fragment, homolog, or isoform thereof, suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may also comprise one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents selected from the group consisting of an ophthalmically acceptable demulcent, excipient, astringent, vasoconstrictor, emollient, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, and surface active phospholipids, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical administration.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ophthalmic device, and method of use thereof, for an individual wearing an ophthalmic lens to increase ocular surface boundary lubrication. The invention device comprises an ophthalmic lens and a sacrificial mechanism disposed on the ophthalmic lens, wherein the sacrificial mechanism comprises a plurality of surface bound receptors, such as PRG4, hyaluronic acid, and DNA aptamers, that reversibly bound to a lubricating composition comprising a gel forming agent, a surfactant, or a combination thereof, effectively inhibiting or preventing protein and lipid adsorption on the surface of the lens, and mitigate shear stress and reduce the friction between the lens and the ocular surface of the individual in need.

Abstract: Devices and techniques are described that involve a combination of multidimensional electrokinetic, dielectrophoretic, electrophoretic and fluidic forces and effects for separating cells, nanovesicles, nanoparticulates and biomarkers (DNA, RNA, antibodies, proteins) in high conductance (ionic) strength biological samples and buffers. In disclosed embodiments, a combination of continuous and/or pulsed dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces, continuous and/or pulsed field DC electrophoretic forces, microelectrophoresis and controlled fluidics are utilized with arrays of electrodes. In particular, the use of chambered DEP devices and of a properly scaled relatively larger electrode array devices that combines fluid, electrophoretic and DEP forces enables both larger and/or clinically relevant volumes of blood, serum, plasma or other samples to be more directly, rapidly and efficiently analyzed. The invention enables the creation of “seamless” sample-to-answer diagnostic systems and devices.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.