Abstract: Methods of treating a cancer, comprising administering to a subject: (i) a virus comprising nucleic acid encoding an antigen-binding molecule comprising: (a) an antigen-binding moiety specific for an immune cell surface molecule, and (b) an antigen-binding moiety specific for a cancer cell antigen; and (ii) an oncolytic virus, and/or (iii) at least one cell comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for a cancer cell antigen are disclosed. Also disclosed are articles and compositions for use in such methods.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern systems, methods, and/or compositions for cultivation of mammalian viruses, including at least human noroviruses and sapoviruses within the Caliciviridae family of viruses. The ex vivo culture systems include intestinal enteroids in combination with bile or a functionally active fraction or component thereof. In specific embodiments, the culture system is utilized to test inactivation compounds for therapeutic or environmental efficacy and to test contaminated comestibles and/or environmental entities for determination of the presence of infectious virus. Furthermore, antiviral compositions may be tested using systems of the disclosure, including drugs, small molecule inhibitors, and biologics such as neutralizing monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods of preventing and/or reducing the risk or severity of an allergic reaction in an individual. In some embodiments, particular small molecules are employed for prevention and/or reduction in the risk or severity of anaphylaxis. In at least particular cases, the small molecules are inhibitors of STAT3. In some cases, the small molecule comprises N-(1?,2-dihydroxy-1,2?-binaphthalen-4?-yl)-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern methods and compositions for delivering therapeutic, diagnostic or interventional moieties, such as complex and simple entities such as biologies, including at least cells, for example. The methods employ targeted delivery by employing at least one ALCAM-binding moiety on the therapeutic, diagnostic or interventional moiety to be delivered. In specific cases, the ALCAM-binding moiety is present on or with the therapeutic moiety in multiple iterations. In certain embodiments, the ALCAM-binding moiety comprises at least one SRCR domain from CD6 and a stalk, such as from CD6, of the secretable or molecular form thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating and improving the symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a binding agent that binds to transforming growth factor beta (TGF?).

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a trocar including: a central cylinder defining a central channel and having a distal end adapted and configured for insertion within a subject; one or more gas outlets located within the central cylinder proximate to the distal end of the trocar; and one or more liquid outlets located within the central cylinder on a proximal side of the one or more gas outlets. The one or more liquid outlets are adapted and configured to dispense a liquid when an endoscope is withdrawn from a fully extended position within the central channel of the trocar to a position proximate to the one or more liquid outlets. Distal advancement of the endoscope to a position adjacent to the one or more gas outlets removes liquid from a distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure encompass methods and compositions for maintaining a healthy fibrin network in an individual. The disclosure includes methods of targeting fibrin in an individual for the purpose of restoring fibrin that is subject to a level of fibrinolysis that is deleterious, such as excessive or reduced with respect to the general population. Such modifications of fibrin in an individual may include direct targeting of fibrin with the A2 domain of von Willebrand factor or a functional derivative or fragment thereof. In specific embodiments, the methods restore to a normal level any imbalance between coagulation and inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brachytherapy applicator device having: an elongate body defining a plurality of brachytherapy needle channels, each adapted and configured to receive a brachytherapy needle; a proximal end defining a plurality of proximal openings, each in communication with one of the plurality of brachytherapy needle channels; and a distal end defining a plurality of distal openings, each in communication with one of the plurality of brachytherapy needle channels, wherein at least some of the plurality of brachytherapy needle channels are curved away from a central axis of the elongate body at the distal end such that a brachytherapy needle inserted therethrough will engage with tissue lateral to a cross-sectional profile of the distal end of the elongate body.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating infantile spasms in a subject in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering to the subject both vigabatrin (VGB) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a biologically active fragment thereof, or any derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns inhibitors of Norovirus protease that are suitable for use against any genotype of Norovirus, including at least GII.4 Norovirus proteases. In particular embodiments, specific compositions are encompassed, including their use for prevention or treatment of Norovirus infection in an individual.

Abstract: Motion data collected by a sensing device attached to a patient's arm may be used to determine whether the arm is subject to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) Motion data regarding motion of an arm of a patient may be received from a sensing device. One or more extremity performance parameters for the arm may be determined based, at least in part, on the motion data. A determination may be made based, at least in part, on the one or more extremity performance parameters whether the arm is subject to TOS.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of measuring brain state. The method includes: receiving a first plurality of electrical signals from a contact lens placed on a surface of a subject's eye, the first plurality of electrical signals associated with a first plurality of electrodes lying adjacent to an iris dilator muscle of the subject's eye. Another aspect of the invention provides a contact lens including: an optically transparent or translucent substrate; and one or more pairs of electromyography electrodes arranged on or within the optically transparent or translucent substrate. At least one of the one or more pairs electromyography electrodes are arranged to lie adjacent to an iris dilator muscle of a subject's eye when the contact lens is placed on the eye.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to methods for serially expanding an artificial heart valve within a pediatric patient. For example, the artificial heart valve can be implanted into the pediatric patient during a first procedure, and then expanded during a second procedure to accommodate for the pediatric patient's growth. Some embodiments include introducing an expander into the implanted valve when the frame is expanded to a first working diameter, and then actuating the expander to expand the frame to a second working diameter greater than the first working diameter, to accommodate for the pediatric patient's growth.

Abstract: Small molecule stimulators of steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) family proteins are provided, as well as methods for their use in treating or preventing cancer. Also provided are methods for stimulating SRC family proteins in a cell.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a transcatheter and serially-expandable artificial heart valve, e.g., to be minimally-invasively implanted into a pediatric patient during a first procedure, and then expanded during a second procedure to accommodate for the pediatric patient's growth. Some embodiments include an expandable frame having a compressed, delivery configuration, and an expanded, deployed configuration, in which the valve is implantable within the patient. The valve can have a first working condition when the frame is expanded to a first diameter and a second working condition when the frame is expanded to a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The valve can include a plurality of leaflets configured to accommodate the expansion of the frame and growth of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is an in situ method for detecting spatial proximity relationships between nucleic acid sequences, such as DNA, in a cell. The method includes: providing a sample of one or more cells comprising nucleic acids; fragmenting the nucleic acids present in the cells that leaves 5? overhanging ends; filling in the overhanging ends with at least one labeled nucleotide; joining the filled in end of the fragmented nucleic acids that are in close physical proximity to create one or more end joined nucleic acid fragments having a junction; isolating the one or more end joined nucleic acid fragments using the labeled nucleotide; and determining the sequence at the junction of the one or more end joined nucleic acid fragments.

Abstract: Recombinant adenoviruses expressing the extracellular (EC) and transmembrane (TM) domains of human HER2 (HER2ECTM) are described. The recombinant adenoviruses express a chimeric fiber protein having the adenovirus type 35 (Ad5) shaft and knob domains, which facilitates transduction of human dendritic cells by the recombinant HER2ECTM expressing adenovirus. Compositions that include dendritic cells transduced by the recombinant adenovirus and their use for treating HER-positive tumors is described.

Abstract: An improved method of culturing cells for cell therapy applications that includes growing desired cells in the presence of antigen-presenting cells and/or feeder cells and with medium volume to surface area ratio of up to 1 ml/cm2 if the growth surface is not comprised of gas permeable material and up to 2 ml/cm2 if the growth surface is comprised of gas permeable material. The desired cells are at a surface density of less than 0.5×106 cells/cm2 at the onset of a production cycle, and the surface density of the desired cells plus the surface density of the antigen presenting cells and/or feeder cells are at least about 1.25×105 cells/cm2.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for producing NKT cells effective for immunotherapy and also methods and compositions for providing an effective amount of NKT cells to an individual in need of immunotherapy. In specific embodiments, the NKT cells are CD62L+ and have been exposed to one or more costimulatory agents to maintain CD62L expression. The NKT cells may be modified to incorporate a chimeric antigen receptor, in some cases.

Abstract: An approximating anchor device, corresponding kits, and methods for implementing the device are described herein. In one embodiment, the approximating anchor device includes a first cylindrical fastener defining a first set of cross lumens, each of the first set of cross lumens extending substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the first cylindrical fastener, a second cylindrical fastener defining a second set of cross lumens, each of the second set of cross lumens extending substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the second cylindrical fastener, and a string running through the first set of cross lumens of the first cylindrical fastener and the second set of cross lumens of the second cylindrical fastener. Tightening of the string will draw the first cylindrical fastener and the second cylindrical fastener towards each other.