Abstract: The invention provides methods relating to the diagnosis and treatment of diastolic heart failure, kits for diagnosing diastolic heart failure or diastolic dysfunction, and related systems, computer readable storage media, and methods implemented by a processor in a computer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring or testing the hearing of a user using a portable unit include presenting a plurality of test frequencies for selection by a user and storing data about those frequencies, and the user's response to stimuli presented at those frequencies, and comparing the stored data to previously acquired hearing data. Using mathematical prediction algorithms, changes in baseline hearing values can be used to identify potential hearing issues, especially hearing issues associated with ototoxicity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for delivery of one or more molecules (such as a drug, for example, a small molecule, polypeptide, and/or nucleic acid) to a subject, for example to a targeted location in the subject. In some embodiments, the delivery system includes an encapsulated inducing agent or repressing agent and a plurality of cells. In some examples, the inducing agent or repressing agent and the cells are each separately encapsulated. In other examples, the encapsulated inducing agent or repressing agent and the cells are co-encapsulated. The cells include one or more genes which are operably linked to an inducible promoter or a repressible promoter which is inducible or repressible by the encapsulated inducing agent or repressing agent, respectively. Methods of use of the delivery systems, for example to treat or inhibit a disease or disorder in a subject, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of determining a subject's need for an implanted cardiac defibrillator, methods of determining a subject's risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD), arrhythmias, or heart failure, methods of determining a subject's need for an anti-arrhythmic agent, e.g., a sodium channel blocker, and methods of reducing risk of SCD in a subject. In exemplary embodiments, each of the methods comprise the step of determining a ratio, RS, which compares a level of a truncated SCN5A Exon 28 transcript of a biological sample obtained from the subject to (i) a level of a full length SCN5A Exon 28 transcript of the biological sample or (ii) a level of all SCN5A Exon 28 transcripts of the biological sample or (iii) a level of a full length SCN5A Exon 28 transcript and a level or one or more truncated SCN5A Exon 28 transcripts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lift to assist in standing and/or walking for persons who have insufficient strength or movement in their legs. The inventive lift walker includes a frame assembly having a lower an upper and lower portion that wheels are provided beneath the lower frame so as to enable the lift to be propelled and maneuvered. A bracing assembly is provided at the upper portion and comprises a supporting platform which is adapted to fit under the forearms of a person, and optional handles for gripping by the user's left and right hands. An elevator assembly is provided which includes lift and stabilization tracks for raising and lowering the supporting assembly in a coordinated, purely vertical fashion, and further includes gas lift means for effectuating the same via use of a remotely switched activation mechanism. There are also anti-tip means for maintaining the stability of the device when contacting uneven ground surface during movement.

Abstract: A probe system includes a finger-mountable housing having a distal end and a proximal receptacle end. The proximal receptacle end defines an opening to receive a finger. The probe system also includes a probe assembly disposed on or within the finger-mountable housing and having at least a first sensor. The first sensor is positioned to measure a physical characteristic of a first tissue when the finger-mountable housing and probe assembly are inserted in a rectum of the patient.