Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods for generating skeletal muscle by targeting the Hippo pathway. In particular embodiments, an individual with a need for skeletal muscle generation is provided an effective amount of a shRNA molecule that targets the SAV1 gene. Particular shRNA sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a plurality of liposomes having an average diameter of less than 400 nanometers, wherein the plurality of liposomes comprise: a first lipid or phospholipid; a second lipid or phospholipid which is derivatized with a polymer; and a sterically bulky excipient capable of stabilizing the liposomes; a third lipid or phospholipid derivatized with a polymer terminated with an integrin targeting component; DSPE or a fourth lipid or phospholipid derivatized with a group binding a contrast enhancing agent wherein the plurality of liposomes optionally encapsulates a payload component consisting of one or more bioactive agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a plurality of liposomes having an average diameter of less than 400 nanometers, wherein the plurality of liposomes comprise: a first lipid or phospholipid; a second lipid or phospholipid which is derivatized with a polymer; and a sterically bulky excipient capable of stabilizing the liposomes; a third lipid or phospholipid derivatized with a polymer terminated with an integrin targeting component; DSPE or a fourth lipid or phospholipid derivatized with a group binding a contrast enhancing agent wherein the plurality of liposomes optionally encapsulates a payload component consisting of one or more bioactive agents.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of detecting and identifying the source of abnormal electrical currents in the heart to assist in ablating these currents, comprising the use of contact or non-contact temperature measurement devices. In an embodiment, source of abnormal electrical activity of the heart and its attached arteries and veins show different temperature patterns from normal segments. In an embodiment, the method further comprises analyzing the temperature of the chamber of interest, and determining regions of low or high temperature by extension metabolic activity. In an embodiment, the method comprises measuring myocardial temperature comprising placing an array of thermocouples imbedded on a basket in the cardiac chamber. In an embodiment, the thermocouples are placed in contact with the myocardial tissue.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of detecting and identifying the source of abnormal electrical currents in the heart to assist in ablating these currents, comprising the use of contact or non-contact temperature measurement devices. In an embodiment, source of abnormal electrical activity of the heart and its attached arteries and veins show different temperature patterns from normal segments. In an embodiment, the method further comprises analyzing the temperature of the chamber of interest, and determining regions of low or high temperature by extension metabolic activity. In an embodiment, the method comprises measuring myocardial temperature comprising placing an array of thermocouples imbedded on a basket in the cardiac chamber. In an embodiment, the thermocouples are placed in contact with the myocardial tissue.

Abstract: A major risk factor for ischemic heart disease is advanced age. In adult bone marrow and other tissues, the number and function of stem cells decline with aging. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a nuclear protein that decreases senescence. Myocardin (MYOCD) is a transcription factor for myogenesis. Thus a method is provided for the simultaneous delivery of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and myocardin MYOCD genes that resuscitates mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from aged adipose and bone marrow tissues by increasing their capacity for survival, proliferation, and differentiation. TERT+/MYOCD+ MSCs restores a capacity for repairing ischemic tissues via improved blood flow and revascularization.

Abstract: A major risk factor for ischemic heart disease is advanced age. In adult bone marrow and other tissues, the number and function of stem cells decline with aging. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a nuclear protein that decreases senescence. Myocardin (MYOCD) is a transcription factor for myogenesis. Thus a method is provided for the simultaneous delivery of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and myocardin MYOCD genes that resuscitates mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from aged adipose and bone marrow tissues by increasing their capacity for survival, proliferation, and differentiation. TERT+/MYOCD+ MSCs restores a capacity for repairing ischemic tissues via improved blood flow and revascularization.

Abstract: Compositions containing an effective amount of mesodermal-like multipotent mammalian mononuclear cells that express both CD34 and M-cadherin cell surface markers are used for preventing, treating or reducing the severity of tissue ischemia or an ischemia associated disorder in a mammal. Such uses may include repopulating an in vivo site with new myocytes and/or vascularizing an ischemic or adjacent tissue. Detection of the level and/or distribution of CD34+/M-cadherin+ mesodermal-like precursor cells in a mammalian tissue sample is used to diagnose, among other things, whether transplantation of autologous CD34+/M-cadherin+ mesodermal-like precursor cells to an ischemic site is indicated.

Abstract: Compositions containing an effective amount of mesodermal-like multipotent mammalian mononuclear cells that express both CD34 and M-cadherin cell surface markers are used for preventing, treating or reducing the severity of tissue ischemia or an ischemia associated disorder in a mammal. Such uses may include repopulating an in vivo site with new myocytes and/or vascularizing an ischemic or adjacent tissue. Detection of the level and/or distribution of CD34+/M-cadherin+ mesodermal-like precursor cells in a mammalian tissue sample is used to diagnose, among other things, whether transplantation of autologous CD34+/M-cadherin+ mesodermal-like precursor cells to an ischemic site is indicated.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of inflammation associated with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque to prevent heart attack and stroke are disclosed. The methods are also applicable to detection of infection, cancer, wounds or auto-immune disease in the body. Certain embodiments of the new methods provide a way of predicting the level of vulnerability of an atherosclerotic plaque to rupture or thrombus formation by assessing via fiber optic NIR spectrophotometry the status of two or more parameters associated with inflamed atherosclerotic plaque in a vessel of a living patient. From these measurements such conditions as low pH, hypoxia, low glucose, oxidative stress or compounds abundant in vulnerable plaque such as oxidized LDL cholesterol and oxidized metabolites of NO, significant active macrophage population, thin plaque cap, as well as senescence and/or apoptosis of smooth muscle or endothelial cells are determined with the assistance of a suitably programmed microprocessor.

Abstract: A system for detecting vulnerable arterial plaque formed on the vessel wall in vivo is disclosed. The system comprises a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, one or more thermal sensors at said distal end of said catheter, and a detector coupled to the proximal end of the catheter and in communication with one or more of the thermal sensors. The detector is capable of receiving thermal information from one or more thermal sensors and differentiating the different types of plaque based upon the thermal information received.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, or plaque at risk of reducing blood flow in a vessel, by identifying a region of elevated temperature along a living vessel wall. The disclosure that human atherosclerotic plaque with measurable temperature heterogeneity has the morphological characteristics of plaque that is likely to ulcerate provides a new and sensitive technique for detecting and treating these dangerous plaques before myocardial infarction and its consequences occur. The disclosed methods are advantageous over conventional plaque detection techniques because they are capable of differentiating between those plaques that are at great risk of rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery, and those that are not presently at risk. Infrared heat-sensing catheters useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating inflammation in body tissues. More specifically, certain disclosed methods relate to selectively inducing apoptosis in inflammatory immune cells. The methods are particularly suitable for treating inflamed atherosclerotic plaques. The techniques generally involve heating the cells with a catheter that is equipped to produce infrared radiation. The cells are heated for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to induce programmed cell death.

Abstract: A method of detecting vulnerable arterial plaque formed on the vessel wall in vivo is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining an image of the arterial plaque, measuring the temperature of the arterial plaque, and determining whether the plaque exhibits an elevated temperature compared to the temperature of at least one adjacent vessel wall site. The method may include determining whether the plaque exhibits an elevated temperature of between 0.4 to 4° C. above at least one adjacent vessel wall site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intraluminal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe which may be used for intraluminal MRI. The present invention is sized sufficiently small to be inserted into a patient intraluminally. The probe of the present invention comprises a substrate having a dielectric constant in the range of 1-1000, and first and second conducting layers on each side of the dielectric. The present invention is configured to result in a distributed capacitance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for use in treating cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory disorders that are augmented by C-reactive protein. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for screening for modulators that inhibit C-reactive protein and the use of these modulators to inhibit C-reactive protein induced vascular inflammation.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, or plaque at risk of reducing blood flow in a vessel, by a identifying a region of elevated temperature along a living vessel wall. The disclosure that human atherosclerotic plaque with measurable temperature heterogeneity has the morphological characteristics of plaque that is likely to ulcerate provides a new and sensitive technique for detecting and treating these dangerous plaques before myocardial infarction and its consequences occur. The disclosed methods are advantageous over conventional plaque detection techniques because they are capable of differentiating between those plaques that are at great risk of rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery and those that are not presently at risk. Infrared heat-sensing catheters useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for using an analysis of data generated during a scan of a patient to aid in assessment of coronary risk based upon coronary calcification. In an embodiment, a region of interest in a patient is scanned using computed tomography (CT). CT generated data resulting from the scanning are stored where the data comprise calcification data. The data are analyzed to determine a distribution of calcification in the patient and the patient's risk of cardiovascular disease based upon the analysis is assessed. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of inflammation associated with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque to prevent heart attack and stroke are disclosed. The methods are also applicable to detection of infection, cancer, wounds or auto-immune disease in the body. Certain embodiments of the new methods provide a way of predicting the level of vulnerability of an atherosclerotic plaque to rupture or thrombus formation by assessing via fiber optic NIR spectrophotometry the status of two or more parameters associated with inflamed atherosclerotic plaque in a vessel of a living patient. From these measurements such conditions as low pH, hypoxia, low glucose, oxidative stress or compounds abundant in vulnerable plaque such as oxidized LDL cholesterol and oxidized metabolites of NO, significant active macrophage population, thin plaque cap, as well as senescence and/or apoptosis of smooth muscle or endothelial cells are determined with the assistance of a suitably programmed microprocessor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intraluminal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe which may be used for intraluminal MRI. The present invention is sized sufficiently small to be inserted into a patient intraluminally. The probe of the present invention comprises a substrate having a dielectric constant in the range of 1-1000, and first and second conducting layers on each side of the dielectric. The present invention is configured to result in a distributed capacitance.