Abstract: Described herein is a method for removing deposits off a surface of a chamber component. The method includes receiving a chamber component, and fixing the chamber component in a fixture. A slurry is then applied to a surface of the chamber component, where the slurry has a pH of about 5 to about 9. The surface is then polished using a polish pad and the slurry. The surface roughness of the surface after polishing is within about 10% of the surface roughness before polishing, and wherein deposits on the surface of the chamber component are removed by polishing. An alternative method for removing deposits is also presented, wherein the chamber component is heated to a temperature of about 500° C. to about 1500° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetic markers for identifying engraftable human cardiac ventricular progenitor cells. The engraftment markers of the invention include angiogenic markers and extracellular matrix markers. Human ventricular progenitor cells expressing these markers are capable of forming ventricular tissue in vivo that is vascularized and supported by an extracellular matrix. Methods of engrafting human cardiac ventricular progenitor cells by transplanting into a subject progenitor cells that express the engraftment markers are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for delivery of mRNA agents to subjects are provided in which the mRNA agents are encapsulated in exosomes prepared from human stem cells or progenitor cells, such as human mesenchymal stem cells, human embryonic stem cells or human cardiac progenitor cells. The compositions and methods can be used for delivery of mRNA agents encoding therapeutics, such as enzymes (e.g., metabolic enzymes), cytokines, growth factors, antigens, antibodies or immunomodulatory agents, by administering the compositions to the subject. Methods of preparing compositions comprising exosomes encapsulating mRNA agents are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of delivering cells and other therapeutic agents to organs and extravascular sites using an endoluminal delivery device are provided that allow for retention of the cells or agents at the delivery site at significantly improved levels as compared to needle delivery. Optimal delivery rates using the endoluminal delivery device are also provided. The methods allow for delivery of a variety of therapeutic agents to organs including heart, kidney and pancreas.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating insulin resistance or type II diabetes. Disrupting CAP in the macrophage can alter the inflammatory response associated with impaired insulin action and ultimately result in improved insulin action in target tissues. One aspect of the invention involves administering a CAP antagonist to a patient afflicted with insulin resistance or type II diabetes in an amount sufficient to improve insulin action in target tissues.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods to identify and isolate atrial progenitors, and in some embodiments to the atrial progenitors are positive for both Islet 1 (Isl1) and sarcolipin (SLN). One aspect of the present invention relates to methods to differentiate progenitors into Isl1+/SLN+ atrial progenitors. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods to differentiate Isl1+/SLN+ atrial progenitors to smooth muscle and cardiomyocyte phenotypes. A further aspect of the invention relates to reprogramming postnatal and mature atrial myocytes to atrial progenitors positive for Isl1+/SLN+, and the subsequent differentiation of Isl1+/SLN+ atrial progenitors to smooth muscle and cardiomyocyte phenotypes. Another aspect of the invention relates to a composition comprising an isolated population of Islet1+, SLN+ atrial progenitor cells, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided involving abatement of effluents. Aspects of the invention may include starting an abatement system at a high level setting; receiving an effluent having an undesirable material at the abatement system; abating the undesirable material using the abatement system at the high level setting; receiving information about the effluent; analyzing the information to determine an optimal setting; adjusting the high level setting to the optimal setting; and receiving more of the effluent having more of the undesirable material, which then may be attenuated. The optimal setting corresponds to a selected setting efficiency. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of heart failure through the use of small peptide complexes and recombinant proteins which function to enhance contractility in failing hearts and reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension by inhibiting the interaction between phospholamban and sacroplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) within cardiomyocytes. In addition, a means is provided for the transport of such therapeutic agents into the cytoplasm and nucleus of cardiomyocytes.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating insulin resistance or type II diabetes. Disrupting CAP in the macrophage can alter the inflammatory response associated with impaired insulin action and ultimately result in improved insulin action in target tissues. One aspect of the invention involves administering a CAP antagonist to a patient afflicted with insulin resistance or type II diabetes in an amount sufficient to improve insulin action in target tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel promoter sequences derived from a portion upstream of the coding sequence of the gene for the CARP protein (Cardiac Ankyrin Repeat Protein), and which are capable of controlling the level and the specificity of expression of a transgene in vivo in cardiac muscle cells. The invention thus describes novel compositions, constructs, vectors and their uses in vivo for the transfer and expression of a nucleic acid in vivo in cardiac muscle cells. The subject of the present invention is also the use of the promoter sequences for generating transgenic animals which constitute models for studying certain cardiac pathologies.

Abstract: The present invention provides in vitro methods of expansion and propagation of undifferentiated progenitor cells and more specifically undifferentiated progenitor cells containing Islet1, a marker apparently unique to proliferating cardiac stem cells. Methods are described for isolation of stem cell populations as well as for provoking expansion and propagation of undifferentiated progenitor cells without differentiation, to provide cardiac repair or improve cardiac function, for example.

Abstract: A method for delivering a polynucleotide to cardiac tissue, including substantially isolating the coronary venous circulation from systemic circulation, and introducing a polynucleotide into the isolated coronary venous circulation to effect localized transfection of cardiac tissue. The polynucleotide advantageously produces a therapeutic effect, such as increasing or decreasing the expression level of a protein in the cardiac tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel promoter sequences derived from a portion upstream of the coding sequence of the gene for the CARP protein (Cardiac Ankyrin Repeat Protein), and which are capable of controlling the level and the specificity of expression of a transgene in vivo in cardiac muscle cells. The invention thus describes novel compositions, constructs, vectors and their uses in vivo for the transfer and expression of a nucleic acid in vivo in cardiac muscle cells. The subject of the present invention is also the use of the promoter sequences for generating transgenic animals which constitute models for studying certain cardiac pathologies.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel promoter sequences derived from a portion upstream of the coding sequence of the gene for the CARP protein (Cardiac Ankyrin Repeat Protein), and which are capable of controlling the level and the specificity of expression of a transgene in vivo in cardiac muscle cells. The invention thus describes novel compositions, constructs, vectors and their uses in vivo for the transfer and expression of a nucleic acid in vivo in cardiac muscle cells. The subject of the present invention is also the use of the promoter sequences for generating transgenic animals which constitute models for studying certain cardiac pathologies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of heart failure through the use of small peptide complexes and recombinant proteins which function to enhance contractility in failing hearts and reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension by inhibiting the interaction between phospholamban and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) within cardiomyocytes. In addition, a means is provided for the transport of such therapeutic agents into the cytoplasm and nucleus of cardiomyocytes.

Abstract: Isolated CHF, isolated DNA encoding CHF, and recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing CHF are disclosed. These CHF molecules are shown to influence hypertrophic activity and neurological activity. Accordingly, these compounds or their antagonists may be used for treatment of heart failure, arrhythmic disorders, inotropic disorders, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: Isolated CT-1, isolated DNA encoding CT-1, and recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing CT-1 are disclosed. CT-1 is shown to bind to and activate the receptor, LIFR&bgr;. These CT-1 molecules are shown to influence hypertrophic activity, neurological activity, and other activities associated with receptor LIFR&bgr;. Accordingly, these compounds or their antagonists may be used for treatment of heart failure, arrhythmic disorders, inotropic disorders, neurological disorders, and other disorders associated with the LIFR&bgr;.

Abstract: The invention is a non-viral vesicle vector for the delivery of nucleic acid to various cardiac cell types. The vesicle vector contains the hepatitis B envelope protein wherein at least part of the liver targeting sequence is deleted and replaced with a specific cardiac cell targeting sequence. The targeting sequence may be derived from viruses that have the natural tropism desired (e.g. adenovirus type 5 knob protein for cardiomyocyte delivery) or mammalian sequences (e.g. endothelin-1 for vascular endothelial cell delivery). The vesicle vector contains an expression construct for the expression of therapeutic genes in cardiac tissues.

Abstract: Isolated CHF, isolated DNA encoding CHF, and recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing CHF are disclosed. These CHF molecules are shown to influence hypertrophic activity and neurological activity. Accordingly, these compounds or their antagonists may be used for treatment of heart failure, arrhythmic disorders, inotropic disorders, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: Hemophilia is one of the most common genetic disorders. Standard therapies include transfusions with plasma products to provide clotting factors. The invention is a non-viral vesicle vector and method for the treatment of hemophilia. The vesicle vector contains the hepatitis B envelope protein to target the vesicle to the liver for delivery of an expression construct containing the coding sequence for factor VIII or IX driven by an appropriate promoter or factor VIII or IX protein.