Abstract: The disclosure is directed to methods for preventing or treating cardiovascular disease and kidney dysfunction in certain patient populations which involve determining the level of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) protein in a sample obtained from a subject, and performing various therapeutic interventions based on the suPAR level in the sample.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating acute kidney injury in a subject are provided. The methods include measuring or having measured a level of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in a biological sample from the subject, determining or having determined the level of suPAR in the sample compared to a control suPAR level, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that antagonizes soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) to the subject having an elevated level of suPAR relative to the control suPAR level.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to methods for preventing or treating cardiovascular disease and kidney dysfunction in certain patient populations which involve determining the level of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) protein in a sample obtained from a subject, and performing various therapeutic interventions based on the suPAR level in the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion between a medical tube and a body tissue opening includes a balloon having inner and outer balloon surfaces separated circumferentially by top and bottom balloon surfaces. The top and bottom balloon surfaces are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis. The inner balloon surface defines a longitudinally extending balloon lumen adapted to receive the medical tube. The outer balloon surface is adapted to selectively contact the body tissue opening. Balloon inflation means are operable to selectively inflate the balloon. The balloon exerts positive pressure on the body tissue opening in response to at least partial inflation. A method of use of the apparatus is also described.