Abstract:
A computer-based method for determining a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis in a human subject, comprises the steps of: (a) inputting the level of at least one cholesteryl ester measured in a blood sample collected from said subject; and then (b) inputting the age and gender of said subject; and then (c) generating in said computer from said cholesteryl ester level input, said age input and said gender input a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis in said subject. Systems and methods are also described.
Abstract:
Methods of generating tubular, bioengineered, smooth muscle structures are disclosed as well as bioengineered tissue for tubular organ repair or replacement. The methods can include the steps of obtaining smooth muscle cells; culturing the muscle cells to form a smooth muscle cell construct of directionally oriented smooth muscle cells; disposing the smooth muscle cell construct around a tubular scaffold; and culturing construct and scaffold in a growth media until a smooth muscle cell structure is achieved. The step of obtain smooth muscle cells can further include obtaining autologous smooth muscle cells from a subject. In one preferred embodiment, the muscle cells can first be on a fibrin substrate to form a muscle construct, which is then disposed around a tubular scaffold, for example, a chitosan scaffold. The methods of the present invention can further include connecting two or more tubular structures together to form an elongate composite structure.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method of sensing pressure in a region of interest by providing a plurality of metallic particles operatively associated with one another in the region of interest (for example, wherein the metallic particles sustain a plasmon upon excitation), and with the metallic particles configured or positioned in relationship to one another so that a physical property of the particles (for example, the energy of the plasmon) varies in response to pressure; measuring the physical property of the metallic particles that varies in response to pressure; and then determining the pressure in the region of interest from the detected physical property (e.g., resistance, energy of the plasmon). Compositions, articles and formulations for carrying out the method in industrial and biomedical applications are also described.
Abstract:
Provided herein are methods and apparatuses for transfecting a cell with a compound of interest by stressing the cell, e.g. with shear stress. The compound of interest may be nucleic acids, proteins, molecules, nanoparticles, drugs, etc., or any combination thereof. Methods of printing cells with an inkjet printing device are also provided, wherein at least a portion of viable cells (preferably at least 1%) are transfected with a compound of interest. Preferably, at least 25% of the cells are viable after printing. In addition, methods of forming an array of viable cells are provided wherein at least a portion of the viable printed cells (preferably at least 1%) are transfected with at least one compound of interest.
Abstract:
Provided herein is a tissue stretching device including a tissue clamping member defining an area in a Z plane, wherein the tissue clamping member is configured to hold tissue parallel to the Z plane. Methods of use of the tissue stretching device to stretch a tissue as well as for culturing organized tissues are also provided. Stretched and/or cultured tissues produced by these processes are also provided, as well as methods of treatment making use of the same.
Abstract:
Provided herein are isolated populations of kidney cells harvested from differentiated cells of the kidney, wherein cells have been expanded in vitro, and methods of use thereof. The cells may be provided in a three dimensional matrix for culturing in vitro and/or implanting in vivo. Methods of seeding cells onto the matrix are also provided.
Abstract:
Provided herein are primers comprising a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene. Also provided herein are methods of determining a RhD zygosity in a subject. Also provided are methods of detecting a weak D allele in a subject. Further provided are kits for determining an RhD zygosity.
Abstract:
A pharmaceutical composition for treating low testosterone comprises microcapsules the microcapsules containing live mammalian ovary cells. The ovary cells comprise ovarian theca cells in a treatment-effective amount, but not granulosa cells or without granulosa cells in amounts detrimental to the administration of testosterone. Methods of treating male subjects afflicted with low testosterone by administration of such ovary cell-containing microcapsules are also described.
Abstract:
An isolated protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of Bordetella colonization factor A (BcfA) protein and antigenic fragments thereof is described, along with an isolated nucleic acid encoding the same, antibodies that bind to the same, methods of producing an immune response in a mammalian subject in need thereof by administering the proteins, peptides or antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.