Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and assay that assists in the diagnosis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis by analyzing drug-responsiveness of an interferon signal in a hematological sample (e.g., blood) obtained from a human subject. The assay involves comparing the interferon signal in a control aliquot of the sample with the same interferon sample in an aliquot that has been exposed to a therapeutic modality (e.g., combined with a drug) that is known to be efficacious to treat the disorder. A significant difference between the interferon signals of the control and treated aliquots that corresponds to a characteristic interferon signature for the disorder indicates that the subject is afflicted with, or is likely to develop, the disorder.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and assay that assists in the diagnosis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis by analyzing drug-responsiveness of an interferon signal in a hematological sample (e.g., blood) obtained from a human subject. The assay involves comparing the interferon signal in a control aliquot of the sample with the same interferon sample in an aliquot that has been exposed to a therapeutic modality (e.g., combined with a drug) that is known to be efficacious to treat the disorder. A significant difference between the interferon signals of the control and treated aliquots that corresponds to a characteristic interferon signature for the disorder indicates that the subject is afflicted with, or is likely to develop, the disorder.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reducing the formation and migration of blood clots from an atrial appendage, such as the left atrial appendage, to the blood vessel system of a patient. The apparatus comprises an atrial pacer to treat non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation (NRAF) of an atrial appendage so that the formation blood clots within the atrial appendage is decreased or eliminated. In addition, the apparatus includes a blood clot filter supported by the atrial pacer proximate the atrial appendage and the atrium to reduce the migration of blood clots from the atrial appendage into the blood vessel system of a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reducing the formation and migration of blood clots from an atrial appendage, such as the left atrial appendage, to the blood vessel system of a patient. The apparatus comprises an atrial pacer to treat non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation (NRAF) of an atrial appendage so that the formation blood clots within the atrial appendage is decreased or eliminated. In addition, the apparatus includes a blood clot filter supported by the atrial pacer proximate the atrial appendage and the atrium to reduce the migration of blood clots from the atrial appendage into the blood vessel system of a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reducing the formation and migration of blood clots from an atrial appendage, such as the left atrial appendage, to the blood vessel system of a patient. The apparatus comprises an atrial pacer to treat non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation (NRAF) of an atrial appendage so that the formation blood clots within the atrial appendage is decreased or eliminated. In addition, the apparatus includes a blood clot filter supported by the atrial pacer proximate the atrial appendage and the atrium to reduce the migration of blood clots from the atrial appendage into the blood vessel system of a patient.