Abstract: A system for characterization of a brain tissue sample includes a laser having an excitation fiber and a probe coupled to the excitation fiber for irradiating the brain tissue sample with light at an excitation wavelength. The probe further includes a plurality of return fibers for receiving light scattered from the brain tissue sample, wherein each return fiber includes a microfilter that permits light to pass for a different, spaced apart marker region. A Raman spectrometer is in communication with the plurality of return fibers, and a processor is in communication with the Raman spectrometer for analyzing Raman spectra within the marker regions to identify a tissue type of the brain tissue sample as one of normal white matter brain tissue, normal grey matter brain tissue, brain tumor tissue, infiltrating tumor tissue, and necrotic tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions and methods to promote wound healing. The compositions and methods include an interleukin-1 beta (IL-1?) receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), such as anakinra. The IL-1Ra can be administered topically to a chronic wound including a diabetic ulcer.

Abstract: An imaging module (114) of an imaging system comprises a porous silicon membrane (116) with a first side (208), a contact side (210) opposite the first side, columns of silicon (212) configured to extend from the first side to the contact side, and columnar holes (214, 502) interlaced with the columns of silicon and configured to extend from the first side to the contact side. The imaging module further includes quantum dots (118) in the columnar holes. The imaging module further includes a metal pad (120) electrically coupled to the columns of silicon of the porous silicon membrane. The quantum dots in the columnar holes are electrically insulated from the metal pad. The imaging module further includes a substrate (122) with an electrically conductive pad (204) in electrical communication with the metal pad that defines a pixel.

Abstract: An optical proximity sensor assembly includes an optical proximity sensor with an IR LED emitting light having an infrared wavelength, an IR photo detector sensitive to the infrared wavelength, an optical barrier blocking direct light rays from the LED to the IR photo detector and permitting reflected light rays to reach the at least one photo detector; and an electronic integrated circuit with an amplifier for amplifying a signal detected by the photo detector, an analog to digital converter, LED drivers, noise reduction and ambient light cancellation circuitry, and a digital interface for communication with a microcontroller. The optical proximity sensor is accommodated on a wearable carrier. A single sensor may include a plurality of identical or different LEDs, a plurality of photodiodes, or both. Also, several sensors may be placed on a person's skin along a vascular path to obtain data relating to blood flow and artery stiffness.

Abstract: The use of genes or biomarkers to more accurately diagnose aggressive prostate cancer in men of African descent or European descent is provided. More specifically, the genes or biomarkers of the present invention can be used in diagnostic tests and methods to determine, qualify, and/or assess aggressive prostate cancer or status, for example, to diagnose or identify aggressive prostate cancer, in an individual, subject, or patient, such as men of African descent or men of European descent.

Abstract: A Distributed sensing and control network includes multiple sensing/control nodes, each of which includes a controller. Each sensing/control node determines signal transmission/receipt scheduling based on a physical-ratio-k-scheduling (PRKS) protocol stored within the controller.

Abstract: A process including bringing a solid substrate in contact with a compound of general formula (I), (II), (III), or (IV) in the gaseous state where A is NR2 or OR with R being an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a silyl group, E is NR or O, n is 0, 1 or 2, m is 0, 1 or 2, and R? is hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a silyl group.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a cardiac condition in a human subject are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include providing an immunological reagent characterized by specific binding to: an N-terminal fragment of human cardiac troponin T (HcTnT-N69) or a neoepitope of human cardiac troponin T generated by removal of HcTnT-N69 from HcTnT (HcTnT-neo); contacting the immunological reagent with a biological sample of the human subject under binding conditions; and detecting binding of the immunological reagent with HcTnT-N69 or HcTnT-neo, wherein detection of HcTnT-N69 or HcTnT-neo in the biological sample is indicative of a cardiac condition in the subject. Antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof characterized by specific binding to HcTnT-N69 or HcTnT-neo, or a variant of either thereof, are provided according to aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: Biomarkers tests which can be used to predict a positive or negative risk of preeclampsia are described. More specifically, a panel of biomarkers including MMP-7 and gpIIbIIIa, described. The test is useful to predict preeclampsia when a biological sample is obtained between the 16th and 22nd week of pregnancy. Prediction later in pregnancy can be achieved by a combination of Siglec-6, Activin A, ALCAM, and/or FCN2.

Abstract: A compound having formula I is useful for treating a neurodegenerative disease: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 are each independently hydroxyl, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxyl, C1-8 alkyl, C2-8 alkenyl, C2-8 alkynyl, C4-8, are specified substituents.

Abstract: Kits and methods to distinguish between false and true labor are provided. The kits and methods can utilize differences in abundance and/or differences in the rate of change in abundance of B7-H2, SORC2, TF, C1-Esterase Inhibitor, Ran, IMDH1 and/or PGAM1, as markers of true labor.

Abstract: Systems and methods to assess the health of various microbiomes and to identity species therein are disclosed. Described assessments and identifications can inform treatment decisions if a microbiome is determined to have a less than optimal balance of bacterial species within it; the presence of one or more negative species; and/or the absence of one or more positive species.

Abstract: Biomarkers tests which can be used to predict a positive or negative risk of preeclampsia are described. More specifically, a panel of biomarkers including MMP-7 and gpIIbIIIa, described. The test is useful to predict preeclampsia when a biological sample is obtained between the 16th and 22nd week of pregnancy. Prediction later in pregnancy can be achieved by a combination of Siglec-6, Activin A, ALCAM, and/or FCN2.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopy based system and method for examination and interrogation provides a method for rapid and cost effective screening of various protein-based compounds such as bacteria, virus, drugs, and tissue abnormalities. A hand-held spectroscope includes a laser and optical train for generating a Raman-shifting sample signal, signal processing and identification algorithms for signal conditioning and target detection with combinations of ultra-high resolution micro-filters and an imaging detector array to provide specific analysis of target spectral peaks within discrete spectral bands associated with a target pathogen.

Abstract: IgA-based Fc-folate conjugates as a treatment for cancer are provided. The conjugates utilize only the Fc portion of IgA to target its receptor on neutrophils (Fc?R1) to elicit antibody-dependent cellular-cytotoxicity (ADCC).

Abstract: Kits and methods to distinguish between false and true labor are provided. The kits and methods can utilize differences in abundance and/or differences in the rate of change in abundance of B7-H2, SORC2, TF, C1-Esterase Inhibitor, Ran, IMD-H1 and/or PGAM1, as markers of true labor.

Abstract: There is a continuing need for methods and compositions relating to hormone-receptor-dependent cancers, including pharmaceutical compositions including one or more compounds having activity against steroid hormone-receptor-dependent cancer and methods of treatment of a steroid hormone-receptor-dependent cancer in a subject using said pharmaceutical compositions. ELK1 is a steroid hormone receptor tethering, protein that is implicated in hormone receptor dependent cancers. Compositions and methods according to aspects of the present invention inhibit the association of steroid hormone receptors with ELK1 providing activity against steroid hormone-receptor-dependent cancer.

Abstract: Systems and methods to assess the health of various microbiomes and to identity species therein are disclosed. Described assessments and identifications can inform treatment decisions if a microbiome is determined to have a less than optimal balance of bacterial species within it; the presence of one or more negative species; and/or the absence of one or more positive species.

Abstract: An MRI contrast composition includes a liposome and a europium metal complex disposed within the liposome. The europium metal complex includes a europium metal ion and a multi-dentate ligand selected from the group consisting of cryptands and thiacryptands and one or more counter-ions that balances a charge of the europium metal ion and the multi-dentate ligand, the europium metal ion being switchable between a 2÷ and 3÷ oxidation state. The contrast composition advantageously provides an oxidation-responsive dual-mode contrast agent because it would enhance either T1-weighted images or CEST images depending on the oxidation state of Eu.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that utilize anti-CD11b antibodies, anti-CD18 antibodies, anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies, anti-integrin ?V antibodies, anti-integrin ?1 antibodies, Abciximab, neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF) protein, and/or combinations thereof to treat solid tumors are described.