Abstract: Methods for testing the effects of therapeutic compound candidates on a phenotypic organoid model is provided. Such a method includes steps of generating the phenotypic organoid model on a high throughput screening platform, treating the organoid with a therapeutic compound candidate, and testing one or more effects resulting from treatment with each of the therapeutic compound candidates. The testing method that has led to identification of a method for treating or preventing cysts is provided. That method may include contacting a population of cells with an inotrope, wherein the inotrope prevents cyst formation, shrinks existing cysts, or both. That method may be used to treat cystogenic diseases or conditions such as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).

Abstract: Systems and method for optical imaging of an animal include a body conforming animal mold, which is shaped and sized to hold an animal in an immobilized and geometrically defined position and a gantry, which can include multiple optical mirrors to provide for simultaneous imaging of multiple different views of an animal within a body conforming animal mold.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and computer accessible mediums which can determine quantitative information of a tissue(s) can be provided, which can include receiving optical information regarding the tissue(s), and determining the quantitative information of the tissue(s), in real time and during the receipt of the optical information, using an atlas. The tissue(s) can be part of a mouse, and the quantitative information can be an in-vivo count of cells or bacteria in the tissue(s). The quantitative information can be determined by co-registering the in-vivo count to the atlas. The optical information can be generated using a mirror gantry(s) so as to simultaneously image at least two opposing views of the tissue(s).

Abstract: Systems and method for optical imaging of an animal include a body conforming animal mold, which is shaped and sized to hold an animal in an immobilized and geometrically defined position and a gantry, which can include multiple optical mirrors to provide for simultaneous imaging of multiple different views of an animal within a body conforming animal mold.

Abstract: Systems and method for optical imaging of an animal include a body conforming animal mold, which is shaped and sized to hold an animal in an immobilized and geometrically defined position and a gantry, which can include multiple optical mirrors to provide for simultaneous imaging of multiple different views of an animal within a body conforming animal mold.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urosepsis. In some embodiments, the methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that stimulates genito-urinary tract epithelial cells to produce NGAL, and/or an NGAL protein or a functional derivative thereof, and optionally also administering to the subject an additional agent useful for treating or preventing UTI or urosepsis. In other embodiments, the present invention also provides methods of screening for agents that stimulate urinary tract epithelial cells to produce NGAL.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and computer accessible mediums which can determine quantitative information of a tissue(s) can be provided, which can include receiving optical information regarding the tissue(s), and determining the quantitative information of the tissue(s), in real time and during the receipt of the optical information, using an atlas. The tissue(s) can be part of a mouse, and the quantitative information can be an in-vivo count of cells or bacteria in the tissue(s). The quantitative information can be determined by co-registering the in-vivo count to the atlas. The optical information can be generated using a mirror gantry(s) so as to simultaneously image at least two opposing views of the tissue(s).

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urosepsis. In some embodiments, the methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that stimulates genito-urinary tract epithelial cells to produce NGAL, and/or an NGAL protein or a functional derivative thereof, and optionally also administering to the subject an additional agent useful for treating or preventing UTI or urosepsis. In other embodiments, the present invention also provides methods of screening for agents that stimulate urinary tract epithelial cells to produce NGAL.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosis of and distinguishing between, urosepsis, sepsis, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are disclosed The diagnostic methods are based on determining the level of NGAL protein in a bodily fluid sample, such as urine sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for diagnosis of HIVAN, and to methods for distinguishing between HIVAN and other kidney diseases, based on the presence in a bodily fluid, such as urine, of a level of NGAL protein that exceeds a threshold level. The present invention is also directed to methods for diagnosis of HIVAN based on the differential expression of NGAL and one or more other markers, such as uL-FABP or KIM-1, and to methods of diagnosis based on a specific localization of NGAL in microcysts or microcystic tubules of the kidney.

Abstract: A transgenic mammal, including a transgenic mouse, whose genome comprises a transgene, said transgene comprises a neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) promoter gene operably linked to at least one sequence encoding at least one of a fluorescent or bioluminescent protein, wherein the NGAL promoter gene expression in the mouse can be assayed by bioluminescence or fluorescence imaging.

Abstract: A transgenic mammal, including a transgenic mouse, whose genome comprises a transgene, said transgene comprises a neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) promoter gene operably linked to at least one sequence encoding at least one of a fluorescent or bioluminescent protein, wherein the NGAL promoter gene expression in the mouse can be assayed by bioluminescence or fluorescence imaging.