Abstract: The present disclosure provides a ureteral stent, having an elongated tube configured to be inserted into a ureter; a first end having a retainer portion configured to be inserted into a kidney; and a second end configured to be inserted into a bladder, the second end having an anchor portion fluidicly coupled with the first end, the second end having a collapsible wall expandable to a cross-sectional size greater than the cross-sectional size of the ureter; a tube port fluidicly coupled with the first end; and a flapper valve having at least two valve ends coupled to the anchor portion over the port; and a flexible middle portion between the at least two valve ends configured to flex toward the port to cover the port with a predetermined amount of ambient pressure in the bladder and flex away from the port when ambient pressure is lower than the predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for a fiber-coupled, metal-tip chemical imaging spectroscopy. The system couples the electromagnetic radiation (EMR), such as laser light, through an optical fiber to a conductive tip for both EMR excitation to the sample through the conductive tip and EMR signal collection from the sample through the conductive tip. The system and method effectively eliminates the need for an optical alignment between the EMR source and the tip, and still offers the customary spatial resolution of a non-coupled system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to compositions with compounds that inhibit Separase activity. In additional embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of treating a tumor in a subject by administering one or more compositions of the present disclosure to the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds that are useful for inhibiting the STAT6 pathway. Also provided are related pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the compounds. In some embodiments, the compounds may be used to treat a disease such as, e.g., an allergic lung disease, allergic rhinitis, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, or a cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for using oral sensory stimulation with models for educating visually impaired students. The oral senses through the mouth using a three-dimensional model of a structure offer an improved approach to educating such students. A student can insert a 3-D model in the mouth and use oral senses to feel the model and learn the shape that a non-visually impaired student can see on a computer. The model can have a reference guide for orientation that can also be used to hold the model. Further, model indicia, such as Braille, can be printed on the reference guide or model to help guide the student. The student can use other senses, such as tactile or hearing senses, to understand supplemental educational information related to the model using the oral senses to feel the model and relate such feel to the educational information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide methods and/or compositions useful for an individual in need of treatment of a cardiac-related medical condition. In particular cases, GLP-1 is employed in a ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) system for delivery to cardiac tissue, thereby stimulating myocardial regeneration and, in at least some cases, reversal of cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and/or compositions for the detection of viral infection, including at least Norovirus infection. In particular embodiments, there are methods and/or compositions employing particular peptides and/or phage useful for detecting Norovirus in a sample. The sample may be from an environment or from an individual. The individual may be a mammal, including a human, cow, horse, dog, cat, pig, and so forth. Certain exemplary peptides and phage that express the peptides are identified as useful for binding to Norovirus. Such peptides and phage are provided to one or more samples in order to identify whether or not Norovirus is present in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for treatment of breast cancer. Disclosed methods and compositions include dendritic cells loaded with cyclin B1 and WT-1 peptide antigens for immunotherapy. These dendritic cell vaccines are administered alone or in combination with other cancer therapies to improve outcomes. Disclosed methods also involve the use of therapeutic agents, such as anakinra, that block the IL-1 inflammation pathway. These agents are used in combination with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy in treating breast cancer.

Abstract: A hearing device may provide hearing-to-touch sensory substitution as a therapeutic approach to deafness. Through use of signal processing on received signals, the hearing device may provide better accuracy with the hearing-to-touch sensory substitution by extending beyond the simple filtering of an incoming audio stream as found in previous tactile hearing aids. The signal processing may include low bitrate audio compression algorithms, such as linear predictive coding, mathematical transforms, such as Fourier transforms, and/or wavelet algorithms. The processed signals may activate tactile interface devices that provide touch sensation to a user. For example, the tactile interface devices may be vibrating devices attached to a vest, which is worn by the user. The vest may also provide other types of information to the user.

Abstract: A composition of chlorine-free poly-oxygenated aluminum hydroxide that comprises a clathrate containing oxygen gas molecules. In one embodiment, the poly-oxygenated aluminum hydroxide has particles having a diameter of 212 microns or less. The composition may be homogeneous.

Abstract: A method and system to induce bone growth by locally delivering bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to the target location for a prolonged period without invasive procedures are disclosed. The new bone growth is induced by delivering cells producing BMPs from transduced viral vectors to the target cite. In various embodiments, the cells are encapsulated in hydrogel microspheres that are non-degradable or degradable by enzymes produced during the bone formation process. Various embodiments may be used to induce spinal fusion or repair critical bone defects.

Abstract: Provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing an inducible pattern recognition receptor adapter, or adapter fragment, and CD40 activity. Also provided are nucleic acid compositions comprising sequences coding for chimeric proteins that include an inducible CD40 peptide and an inducible pattern recognition receptor adapter or adapter fragment.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a sensor and method for the measurement of fluid properties, such as steam energy and steam quality, and/or multiphase and multicomponent fluids and their flow regime profiles in a single instrument, and in some embodiments can include the mass flow rate. The invention can incorporate an orifice function that permits the measurement of fluid energy and a flow profile across at least a portion of the flow path with an electromagnetic sensing method combined with a standard mass flow rate measurement using an orifice differential pressure measurement system.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for the generation and use of cytotoxic T lymphocytes that target multiple viruses or that are specific for multiple tumor antigens. In specific embodiments, the generation methods employ use of certain cytokines to promote proliferation and reduce cell death in an activated T cell population and/or that employ a particular bioreactor having a gas permeable membrane.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods useful for removing microorganisms and/or biofilm-embedded microorganisms from the surface of a medical device or subject's body. The present invention further includes compositions and methods useful for coating medical devices. The present invention further includes compositions and methods useful for preventing or reducing the growth or proliferation of microorganisms and/or biofilm-embedded microorganisms on the surface of a medical device or subject's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of biomarkers to detect colorectal cancer. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for qualifying colorectal cancer status including, but not limited to, diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification, in patients. In one embodiment, a method for diagnosing colorectal cancer (CRC) in a patient comprises the steps of (a) collecting a sample from the patient; (b) measuring the methylation levels of one or more biomarkers in the sample collected from the patient; and (c) comparing the methylation levels of the one or more biomarkers with predefined methylation levels of the same biomarkers that correlate to a patient having CRC and predefined methylation levels of the same biomarkers that correlate to a patient not having CRC, wherein a correlation to one of the predefined methylation levels provides the diagnosis.

Abstract: A composition of chlorine-free poly-oxygenated aluminum hydroxide that comprises a clathrate containing oxygen gas molecules and a nutraceutical. In one embodiment, the poly-oxygenated aluminum hydroxide has particles having a diameter of 212 ?m or less. The nutraceutical may include one or more of a protein, vitamin, fiber, mineral and electrolytes. The composition may be in a powder or fluid form.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to compositions for nucleic acid delivery into cells. In some embodiments, the composition comprises: (1) a cationic polymer unit comprising a plurality of polymeric arms, where the plurality of polymeric arms comprise poly(aspartic acid) derivatives; and (2) a nucleic acid associated with the cationic polymer unit. In some embodiments, the cationic polymer unit comprises a linker covalently associated with the plurality of polymeric arms. In some embodiments, the cationic polymer unit has a dendritic shape. In some embodiments, the cationic polymer unit has a star-like shape. In some embodiments, the cationic polymer unit is biodegradable. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of delivering a nucleic acid into cells by introducing into the cells one or more of the compositions of the present disclosure.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a vaginal stent system including: an inflatable vaginal stent and a removable handle. The inflatable vaginal stent include includes: an elastomeric exterior wall and a first fitting located at a base of the inflatable vaginal stent. The removable handle is adapted and configured for insertion, inflation, and removal of the inflatable vaginal stent from a subject's vagina. The removable handle includes a second fitting complementary to the first fitting and adapted and configure to form substantially fluid tight coupling when the handle is coupled to the inflatable vaginal stent. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of fabricating a customized vaginal stent or dilator. The method includes: generating a 3D model of a vaginal stent or dilator; and controlling a 3D printer to fabricate a vaginal stent or dilator according to the 3D model.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for Ureaplasma infection prevention and/or treatment. In specific cases, the invention concerns vaccines for Ureaplasma, including DNA vaccines. In certain embodiments, the invention regards vaccines directed towards the multiple-banded antigen(s) of Ureaplasma.