Abstract: NMEG-?CGRP, a biologically active molecule, and systems and methods of use therefore, subcutaneous administration of NMEG-?CGRP, a non-toxic peptoid-peptide hybrid that possesses hypotensive action, employed as a therapeutic agent to treat and prevent various cardiovascular diseases, including, heart failure (pressure. as well as volume, overload), myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a very potent vasodilator that has the ability to treat and prevent heart failure including delivering microcapsules containing ?-CGRP, which show no toxicity and lowers blood pressure similar to the native peptide, where this new compound could greatly enhance the lifespan of patients suffering from heart failure.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit is described. The kit includes primed living cells joined to and at least partially within a three-dimensional hydrogel structure and an isolated polypeptide having the carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha Connexin, or a conservative variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide does not include the full length alpha Connexin protein.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit is described. The kit includes primed living cells joined to and at least partially within a three-dimensional hydrogel structure and an isolated polypeptide having the carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha Connexin, or a conservative variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide does not include the full length alpha Connexin protein.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit is described. The kit includes primed living cells joined to and at least partially within a three-dimensional hydrogel structure and an isolated polypeptide having the carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha Connexin, or a conservative variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide does not include the full length alpha Connexin protein.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit is described. The kit includes primed living cells joined to and at least partially within a three-dimensional hydrogel structure and an isolated polypeptide having the carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha Connexin, or a conservative variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide does not include the full length alpha Connexin protein.

Abstract: A plate platform having a visual indicator that allows the user to track his or her progress in loading the platform wells is generally disclosed. The plate platform is constructed from a substantially transparent base having a plurality of elongated bore-holes internally from the side surface in the substantially transparent base. The substantially transparent base defines a non-transparent portion on the top surface extending from the side surface to an area configured to receive the well plate. A slide bar is positioned slideably positioned within each elongated bore-hole of the substantially transparent base. Each slide bar defines a marked surface that is visible through the substantially transparent base but not through the non-transparent portion. The marked surface comprises a row label, a column label, and a well marker.

Abstract: A cone-shaped adapter for attachment to a muzzle of a gene gun is generally provided. The cone-shaped adapter comprises sidewalls that taper from a base plane at one end and to an apex aperture at an opposite end and a fitting. The sidewalls form a base angle of from about 85° to about 45° with the base plane. The fitting is attached to the sidewalls at the base plane and is configured to connect the cone-shaped adapter to the muzzle of the gene gun. Methods of using the cone-shaped adapter with a gene gun are also provided.

Abstract: A plate platform having a visual indicator that allows the user to track his or her progress in loading the platform wells is generally disclosed. The plate platform is constructed from a substantially transparent base having a plurality of elongated bore-holes internally from the side surface in the substantially transparent base. The substantially transparent base defines a non-transparent portion on the top surface extending from the side surface to an area configured to receive the well plate. A slide bar is positioned slideably positioned within each elongated bore-hole of the substantially transparent base. Each slide bar defines a marked surface that is visible through the substantially transparent base but not through the non-transparent portion. The marked surface comprises a row label, a column label, and a well marker.