Abstract: An apparatus for use in a cerclage procedure includes a flexible support member and a plurality of compression members disposed along the flexible support member. Each of the compression members has a connecting feature through which a suture used during the cerclage procedure is passed. Each of the compression members transforms a radially-compressive force applied by the suture into a radial pressure applied against the cervix.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, devices and kits for increasing mechanical stiffness of an incompetent or a dilated biological tissue in a subject are provided herein. The methods described herein involve placing (e.g., injecting) a silk fibroin-based composition into at least a portion of an incompetent or dilated tissue of a subject. In some embodiments, the silk fibroin-based composition can further comprise at least two PEG components that will crosslink together upon placement (e.g., injection) into a subject in need thereof. In specific embodiments, the methods, compositions, devices and kits can be used to increase mechanical stiffness of a cervical tissue in a subject, for example, for treatment of cervical insufficiency.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, devices and kits for increasing mechanical stiffness of an incompetent or a dilated biological tissue in a subject are provided herein. The methods described herein involve placing (e.g., injecting) a silk fibroin-based composition into at least a portion of an incompetent or dilated tissue of a subject. In some embodiments, the silk fibroin-based composition can further comprise at least two PEG components that will crosslink together upon placement (e.g., injection) into a subject in need thereof. In specific embodiments, the methods, compositions, devices and kits can be used to increase mechanical stiffness of a cervical tissue in a subject, for example, for treatment of cervical insufficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.