Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided for classifying a soft tissue condition within a region of interest of a subject. The diagnostic system comprises a spectrometer system configured to irradiate a soft tissue within a region of interest of a subject, and configured to generate spectral data by acquiring at least a portion of the reflected or emitted light from the region of interest. The diagnostic system further comprises a thermal detection system including at least one thermal sensor that is configured to acquire thermal detection data from the region of interest. A computer system is then used to build a classification model based on input thermal detection and spectral data. The classification model is then applied to an unknown soft tissue condition to classify the condition (e.g., classifying cellulitis from pseudocellulitis).

Abstract: Immunoassay devices, systems, and methods described herein measure the presence of analytes of interest in a sample, as well as the presence of sample adequacy markers in a sample. The sample adequacy markers allow for the assessment of the quality, quantity, and composition of the sample. In one aspect, the sample adequacy marker in the sample includes human albumin. In another aspect, the sample adequacy marker in the sample includes lactotransferrin. The immunoassay devices, systems, and methods are able to distinguish between samples that do not contain an analyte of interest, and samples that are of insufficient adequacy to obtain an accurate result. The immunoassay devices, systems, and methods described herein can be implemented as part of a clinical, laboratory, or at-home testing system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to antisense oligonucleotides, which target ANGPTL2 mRNA in a cell, leading to reduced expression of ANGPTL2 protein. Reduction of ANGPTL2 protein expression is beneficial for the treatment of certain medical disorders, such as those associated with abnormal ANGPTL2 expression and/or activity e.g., cardiovascular-related diseases or disorders.

Abstract: Lateral flow assay (LFA) devices for detecting whether SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein is present in a sample are provided. Aspects of the LFA devices include: a sample receiving region; a conjugate region downstream from the sample receiving region that includes test particulate labels made up of label particles conjugated to first and second specific binding members that specifically bind to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein; and a detection region downstream from the conjugate region which includes an immobilized capture specific binding member that specifically binds to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Also provided are methods of using the LFA devices, as well as readers, systems and kits for use in the same.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems can be provided for resurfacing of skin that include formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths greater than about 0.2 mm and less than about 0.7 mm or 0.5 mm, using a mechanical apparatus. Compressive and/or tensile forces can then be applied to the treated region of skin as the damage heals to facilitate hole closure, and provide enhanced and/or directional shrinkage of the treated skin area.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus for harvesting, handling and implanting small tissue grafts obtained from a donor site. In some embodiments the apparatus includes hollow needles and base that can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials that are biodegradable and/or dissolvable.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided for classifying a soft tissue condition within a region of interest of a subject. The diagnostic system comprises a spectrometer system configured to irradiate a soft tissue within a region of interest of a subject, and configured to generate spectral data by acquiring at least a portion of the reflected or emitted light from the region of interest. The diagnostic system further comprises a thermal detection system including at least one thermal sensor that is configured to acquire thermal detection data from the region of interest. A computer system is then used to build a classification model based on input thermal detection and spectral data. The classification model is then applied to an unknown soft tissue condition to classify the condition (e.g., classifying cellulitis from pseudocellulitis).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for affecting an appearance of skin by harvesting small portions of tissue from a donor (first) site and applying them at a recipient (second) site. A plurality of micrografts can be formed from a piece of graft tissue and attached to a dressing material. The dressing material can then be expanded to increase a separation distance between the micrografts, and the dressing material having spaced-apart micrografts attached thereto can be applied to a prepared recipient site. An apparatus can be provided that expands the dressing material using a pressurized fluid. A further method can include providing a suspension of small portions of graft tissue in a solution. The solution can be injected into blisters formed at a recipient (second) site and the tissue portions allowed to attach and proliferate. A method and apparatus can also be provided for forming corresponding blisters at a donor site and at a recipient site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for affecting an appearance of skin by harvesting small portions of tissue from a donor (first) site and applying them at a recipient (second) site. A plurality of micrografts can be formed from a piece of graft tissue and attached to a dressing material. The dressing material can then be expanded to increase a separation distance between the micrografts, and the dressing material having spaced-apart micrografts attached thereto can be applied to a prepared recipient site. An apparatus can be provided that expands the dressing material using a pressurized fluid. A further method can include providing a suspension of small portions of graft tissue in a solution. The solution can be injected into blisters formed at a recipient (second) site and the tissue portions allowed to attach and proliferate. A method and apparatus can also be provided for forming corresponding blisters at a donor site and at a recipient site.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for use in the selective disruption of visceral fat tissue by controlled cooling.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems can be provided for resurfacing of skin that include formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths greater than about 0.2 mm and less than about 0.7 mm or 0.5 mm, using a mechanical apparatus. Compressive and/or tensile forces can then be applied to the treated region of skin as the damage heals to facilitate hole closure, and provide enhanced and/or directional shrinkage of the treated skin area.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for harvesting small portions of tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts can be provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, where a distal end of the hollow tube can have two or more points or extensions to facilitate separation of the micrografts from the surrounding tissue. The exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of such tubes for simultaneous harvesting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, or less than about 0.3 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue. The micrografts can be approximately cylindrical or strip-shaped, and can be placed in a biocompatible matrix to form a graft or directly into tissue at the recipient site. Such exemplary micrografts can be obtained from skin or other types of tissue, e.g., various internal organs.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for affecting an appearance of skin by harvesting small portions of tissue from a donor (first) site and applying them at a recipient (second) site. A plurality of micrografts can be formed from a piece of graft tissue and attached to a dressing material. The dressing material can then be expanded to increase a separation distance between the micrografts, and the dressing material having spaced-apart micrografts attached thereto can be applied to a prepared recipient site. An apparatus can be provided that expands the dressing material using a pressurized fluid. A further method can include providing a suspension of small portions of graft tissue in a solution. The solution can be injected into blisters formed at a recipient (second) site and the tissue portions allowed to attach and proliferate. A method and apparatus can also be provided for forming corresponding blisters at a donor site and at a recipient site.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for affecting an appearance of skin by harvesting small portions of tissue from a donor (first) site and applying them at a recipient (second) site. A plurality of micrografts can be formed from a piece of graft tissue and attached to a dressing material. The dressing material can then be expanded to increase a separation distance between the micrografts, and the dressing material having spaced-apart micrografts attached thereto can be applied to a prepared recipient site. An apparatus can be provided that expands the dressing material using a pressurized fluid. A further method can include providing a suspension of small portions of graft tissue in a solution. The solution can be injected into blisters formed at a recipient (second) site and the tissue portions allowed to attach and proliferate. A method and apparatus can also be provided for forming corresponding blisters at a donor site and at a recipient site.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.