Abstract: This application describes novel therapeutic strategies for treating patients with hypertriglyceridemia and/or chylomicronemia based on the presence of GPIHBP1 autoantibodies. It was unexpectedly found that autoantibodies to GPIHBP1, a GPI anchored protein of capillary endothelial cells that shuttles lipoprotein lipase to its site of action in the capillary lumen, were found to be present in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, and that the autoantibodies blocked the binding of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) to GPIHBP1. Patients having hypertriglyceridemia and/or chylomicronemia and also having GPIHBP1 autoantibodies may be treated with a therapeutically effective amount of an immunosuppressive treatment and/or GPIHBP1 activator.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with hypertriglyceridemia and/or chylomicronemia, wherein the patient is determined to have autoantibodies to GPIHBP1. It was unexpectedly found that autoantibodies to GPIHBP1, a GPI anchored protein of capillary endothelial cells that shuttles lipoprotein lipase to its site of action in the capillary lumen, were found to be present in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, and that the autoantibodies blocked the binding of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) to GPIHBP1. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for treating hypertriglyceridemia and/or chylomicronemia in a patient comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an immunosuppressive treatment and/or GPIHBP1 activator to the patient; wherein the patient has been determined to have GPIHBP1 autoantibodies.

Abstract: Devices and methods that measure one or more properties of a living cell culture that is contained in liquid media within a vessel, and typically analyzes plural cell cultures contained in plural vessels such as the wells of a multiwell microplate substantially in parallel. The devices incorporate a sensor that remains in equilibrium with, e.g., remains submerged within, the liquid cell media during the performance of a measurement and during addition of one or more cell affecting fluids such as solutions of potential drug compounds.

Abstract: Devices and methods that measure one or more properties of a living cell culture that is contained in liquid media within a vessel, and typically analyzes plural cell cultures contained in plural vessels such as the wells of a multiwell microplate substantially in parallel. The devices incorporate a sensor that remains in equilibrium with, e.g., remains submerged within, the liquid cell media during the performance of a measurement and during addition of one or more cell affecting fluids such as solutions of potential drug compounds.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus having a plurality of sample wells comprises an upper plate comprising a plurality of upper wells, a lower plate comprising a plurality of lower wells disposed in flexible communication with each other, and a ratcheting mechanism disposed at interfaces of the upper wells and the lower wells. A method for assembling the filtration apparatus comprises supporting the lower plate, disposing a filter medium in the lower well, disposing the upper plate at the lower plate such that the lower wells substantially register with the upper wells, and compressing the upper plate onto the lower plate to form an interference fit between the lower well and the upper well.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus having a plurality of sample wells comprises an upper plate comprising a plurality of upper wells, a lower plate comprising a plurality of lower wells disposed in flexible communication with each other, and a ratcheting mechanism disposed at interfaces of the upper wells and the lower wells. A method for assembling the filtration apparatus comprises supporting the lower plate, disposing a filter medium in the lower well, disposing the upper plate at the lower plate such that the lower wells substantially register with the upper wells, and compressing the upper plate onto the lower plate to form an interference fit between the lower well and the upper well.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for determining the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in plasma. Native apoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) present in LDL particles is immunologically mimicked by a polypeptide of the invention. A polypeptide includes an amino acid residue sequence corresponding to a pan epitope region of the target apoprotein. A preferred polypeptide is a fusion protein that simultaneously mimics native apo B-100 and native apo A-I. Improved assay systems and methods for determining HDL and LDL levels in a body fluid sample are also described.

Abstract: Ion implantation apparatus has an implant wheel in a vacuum chamber. The implant wheel has a number of circumferentially distributed wafer holding positions and is arranged to spin so that the wafers successively intercept an ion beam. The implant wheel is mounted at the free end of a scanning arm which itself is mounted for reciprocating movement on a wall of the vacuum chamber by means of a rotary vacuum seal. A wheel drive motor is mounted in the vacuum chamber on the rotational axis of the implant wheel and the wheel and drive motor combination can be tilted at the end of the scanning arm to adjust the angle of implantation. The tilt actuator is inside the vacuum chamber mounted on the scanning arm and the tilt axis is such that the axis of rotation of the implant wheel remains always in the same plane as the axis of scan of the scanning arm.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for determining the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in plasma. Native apoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) present in LDL particles is immunologically mimicked by a polypeptide of the invention. A polypeptide includes an amino acid residue sequence corresponding to a pan epitope region of the target apoprotein. A preferred polypeptide is a fusion protein that simultaneously mimics native apo B-100 and native apo A-I. Improved assay systems and methods for determining HDL and LDL levels in a body fluid sample are also described.