Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods of treating subjects having cancer which involve administering to the subject an anti-PD-L1 or an anti-PD-1 antibody and an inhibitor of cyclin D kinase (CDK)4/6 to treat the cancer. Combining CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment with anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1 immunotherapy enhanced tumor regression and dramatically improved overall survival rates in tumor models.

Abstract: Methods and kits for GPP-targeting, e.g., for the treatment of oncogenic Kras-associated cancers, and methods for determining the efficacy of those methods are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a functional mapping of a brain lesion in a patient's brain. The method comprises determining using a computer processor, based on human connectome data stored on at least one computer datastore in communication with the computer processor, at least one functional network associated with a location of a brain lesion identified in an image of a patient's brain. The at least one functional network includes a plurality of brain areas functionally connected to the location of the brain lesion and a plurality of correlation measures. Each of the correlation measures indicates a strength of functional connection between the location of the brain lesion and a respective brain area of the plurality of brain areas in the at least one functional network. The method further comprises determining, based at least one functional network, a likelihood that the brain lesion is causing one or more patient symptoms.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing narrow-band radiation in the green region of the visible spectrum are described. The narrow-band radiation may be used to aid subjects experiencing photophobia. In some cases, subjects may experience a reduction in pain (e.g., migraine photophobia) when using the narrow-band radiation.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for generating human hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) and methods of using such cells for the treatment of diseases associated with a loss in liver cell number or function.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided that is controlled by a computer. The computer is programmed to control a plurality of gradient coils and radio frequency (RF) system of the MRI system to perform at least one pulse sequence that includes applying RF energy at least at two frequencies to manipulate exchangeable magnetization from protons in a subject. The computer is also programmed to control the plurality of gradient coils and RF system to acquire imaging data including magnetization transfer information from the exchangeable magnetization from protons in the subject in response to the pulse sequence. The computer is further programmed to, using frequency information associated with the imaging data, generate a report pertaining to inhomogeneous magnetization transfer occurring in the subject in response to the pulse sequence.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of methods and apparatus for diagnosing neuromuscular diseases using an impedance-EMG needle, and for generating electrical impedance images using an impedance needle. Some embodiments provide an apparatus including an impedance-EMG needle, including both EMG electrodes and impedance electrodes, to measure both active and passive electrical properties of muscle. Other embodiments provide an apparatus including an impedance needle, including a plurality of impedance electrodes to measure impedance in tissue surrounding the impedance needle to generate an electrical impedance image. Use of such methods and apparatus may be advantageous in improving the accuracy of assessing and diagnosing neuromuscular disease.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of an approach to diagnosing pancreatic cystic lesions using light scattering spectroscopy. In some embodiments, the approach includes an apparatus including a spatial gating probe to isolate light reflected by the epithelial tissue of the internal cyst surface using spatial gating. In some further embodiments, the apparatus includes a scanning fiber probe that is capable of rotational and linear motion in order to scan the entire internal surface of the cyst. Use of such an approach may be advantageous to improve the accuracy of diagnosing pancreatic cystic lesions as cancerous, precancerous, or benign.

Abstract: The specification provides compositions comprising chimeric proteins comprising AAT conjugated to an Fc region of an immunoglobulin. Methods for treating autoimmune disease, e.g., diabetes, e.g., Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant adenoviruses and vectors thereof. In particular, the adenoviruses are novel simian adenoviruses having a low seroprevalence and high immunogenicity relative to other adenoviruses and vectors thereof. The invention also provides methods for production of the adenoviruses and for the treatment of diseases by administering the adenoviral vector(s) to a subject (e.g., a human).

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a CITED4 polypeptide and/or a microRNA-222 or precursor (e.g., pre-miR-222) or mimic thereof, for treating a cardiovascular disease or pathological condition, such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, and for promoting post-myocardial infarction cardiac remodeling in heart tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for the treatment or prevention of viral infections. The polyvalent (e.g., 2-valent) vaccines described herein incorporate computationally-optimized viral polypeptides that can increase the diversity or breadth and depth of cellular immune response in vaccinated subjects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for selecting a headache patient responsive to treatment with an anti-CGRP antibody and to methods for reducing headache frequency in the selected patient comprising administering an anti-CGRP antibody.

Abstract: This present invention relates to compounds (e.g., TM4SF1 binding proteins, e.g., anti-TM4SF1 antibodies) that specifically bind to a polypeptide at an epitope including an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In particular, the compounds of the invention are capable of being internalized into a TM4SF1-expressing cell (e.g., a tumor cell or an angiogenic vasculature endothelial cell) following binding to the epitope of including the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention also provides methods of treating a subject having a disorder associated with pathological angiogenesis with the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosis and treatment of cancers by use of exosomes comprising miRNAs and precursors thereof. For example, in some aspects, a cancer may be diagnosed or evaluated by determining the miRNA content of exosomes in a sample from a subject or by detecting miRNA processing in exosomes.

Abstract: A pipetting device includes a housing, a valve assembly, and an actuator assembly. The housing includes a tip for receiving a capillary tube. The valve assembly includes a shuttle valve having a filling position and a dispensing position and a valve rod. The actuator assembly includes an actuator, a valve trigger, a piston mount, and an indexing mechanism. The actuator extends from the housing and has a push button coupled to a push rod. The valve trigger being configured to engage the valve assembly and includes an aperture configured to receive the piston mount therein. The indexing mechanism is configured to index a rotated position of the push button to a predefined volume of dispensed fluid.

Abstract: A system and methods for improved homogeneous and inhomegeneous magnetic transfer imaging are provided. In some aspects, a plurality of gradient coils and an RF system of a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system are controlled, using a computer, to perform, at least one pulse sequence that includes a preparation module followed by an imaging module, wherein the preparation module comprises a plurality of radio frequency (“RF”) saturation pulses applied according to a concentrated pulse cycle to manipulate exchangeable magnetization from protons in the subject, and the imaging module is configured to acquire image data. The computer is also configured to analyze the image data acquired to generate frequency information indicative of the exchangeable magnetization from protons in the subject, and generate a report, using the frequency information, pertaining to inhomogeneous or homogeneous magnetization transfer occurring in the subject.

Abstract: The invention features stabilized human immunodeficiency virus (H IV) clade C envelope (Env) trimers. The invention also features vaccines, nucleic acids, and vectors to deliver and/or facilitate production of the stabilized HIV clade C Env trimers. In addition, the invention features methods of making and using the stabilized HIV clade C Env trimers of the invention.

Abstract: As described below, the present invention provides quantitative homologous recombination assays developed to characterize the pathogenicity DNA repair polypeptides (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, Rad51) and provide urgently needed functional information on the significance of DNA repair variants of uncertain significance (VUS) alleles. The invention also provides a method of generating site-specific recombination at a genomic locus or site-specific genome editing by inhibiting replication at the genomic locus, e.g., involving contacting the genomic locus with polypeptides that specifically bind target sequences at the genomic locus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds of Formula (I). The compounds described herein may be useful in treating and/or preventing proliferative diseases (e.g., cancer). Also provided in the present disclosure are pharmaceutical compositions, kits, methods, and uses including or using a compound described herein.