Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for detecting microbial cell-free nucleic acids for use in a wide variety of contexts. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides methods of monitoring a response to treatment. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides methods applicable for detecting bacterial infections (e.g., Bartonella spp. infections) and/or fungal infections. In some embodiments, the microbial cell-free nucleic acids are detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing.

Abstract: A medical testing device is disclosed herein. The robotic unit of the medical testing device contains a hand and arm for handling a plurality of biological samples. The hand can move the plurality of biological samples in the x, y, z directions and rotate 360 degrees. The medical testing herein allows for uniform testing of the plurality of biological samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomarkers associated with preterm delivery. More specifically, the invention provides methods of measuring biomarkers including but not limited to cytokines, cytokine receptors, cytokine receptor antagonists, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and/or chemokine receptor antagonists found in women that are at risk for preterm delivery. The diagnostic methods may be performed on whole blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomarkers associated with preterm delivery. More specifically, the invention provides methods of measuring biomarkers found in women that are at risk for preterm delivery.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomarkers associated with preterm delivery. More specifically, the invention provides methods of measuring biomarkers including but not limited to cytokines, cytokine receptors, cytokine receptor antagonists, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and/or chemokine receptor antagonists found in women that are at risk for preterm delivery. The diagnostic methods may be performed on whole blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomarkers associated with preterm delivery. More specifically, the invention provides methods of measuring biomarkers found in women that are at risk for preterm delivery.

Abstract: Apoptotic processes induced by infection of, or injury to, fetal and placental tissues have been implicated in preterm delivery. Thus, modulation of apoptotis constitutes a strategy for improving pregnancy outcome in women with intrauterine infections. Caspase inhibitors, including the pancaspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, can be used to prevent apoptosis and, thus, prevent preterm delivery. Accordingly, compositions and methods comprising caspase inhibitors for prevention of preterm delivery are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomarkers associated with preterm delivery. More specifically, the invention provides methods of measuring biomarkers including but not limited to cytokines, cytokine receptors, cytokine receptor antagonists, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and/or chemokine receptor antagonists found in women that are at risk for preterm delivery. The diagnostic methods may be performed on whole blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomarkers associated with preterm delivery. More specifically, the invention provides methods of measuring biomarkers found in women that are at risk for preterm delivery.

Abstract: The inventors demonstrate herein that measuring the level of protein phosphatase 2A activity (PP2A) is useful for assessing immune modulation and susceptibility to infection in an individual. This invention is especially useful when applied to septic individuals, and individuals with chronic infections. The invention also teaches a method of prevention and treatment of secondary infections, as well as prevention and treatment of cancerous conditions.

Abstract: Apoptotic processes induced by infection of, or injury to, fetal and placental tissues have been implicated in preterm delivery. Thus, modulation of apoptotis constitutes a strategy for improving pregnancy outcome in women with intrauterine infections. Caspase inhibitors, including the pancaspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, can be used to prevent apoptosis and, thus, prevent preterm delivery. Accordingly, compositions and methods comprising caspase inhibitors for prevention of preterm delivery are provided.

Abstract: A teething device incorporating a vibratory unit and a brush unit is disclosed for use by an infant during the teething process or as a toothbrush. The teething device includes a body generally formed from two interlocking pieces, with the brush unit disposed on the top of the teething device. An interior chamber of the teething device holds a motor configured to generate vibratory forces which resonate through the brush unit to massage the gums of the infant. The brush unit is angled relative to a base of the teething device to facilitate use by the infant. The brush unit may further include one or more holes in communication with a reservoir disposed in the body, the holes being dimensioned to dispense a liquid during use of the teething device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating inflammation by administering to a patient an HIV-protease inhibitor. While protease inhibitors are known for their capacity to prevent or significantly hinder the cleavage of proteins that would otherwise become smaller viral particles, certain of these inhibitors may also be employed in the treatment of inflammation and diseases in which an inflammatory response is evident. Further methods are directed to the treatment of disease conditions in which it may be advantageous to down-modulate NF-&kgr;B cell signal transduction.