Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of acquired and genetic heart conditions in a subject by the inhibition of SGK1, including Long QT syndrome and cardiovascular disease, including dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiovascular diseases treatable by SGK1 inhibition include heart failure, arrhythmia, ischemic injury, ischemic infarction, cardiac fibrosis, vascular proliferation, restenosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and stent failure. The present invention also identifies selective inhibitors of SGK1. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of SG.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate in vitro methods of stem cell differentiation into thyroid hormone producing cells and tissues, and methods of use of these cells.

Abstract: System and methods for determining placement of a transducer array relative to a subject's head, which may be used in treating cancer in the subject, are provided. These techniques may include constructing, based on one or more images, a representation of the subject's head that includes information for a plurality of structures including one or more tumors positioned within the subject's brain. The representation of the subject's head may be used to calculate electric field propagation for one or more arrangements of a transducer array on a surface of the subject's head. These techniques may further include determining one or more rate of energy absorption distributions and/or one or more electric field distributions using the calculated electric field propagation for multiple arrangements of the transducer array. A rate of energy absorption distribution may indicate a rate of energy absorbed at the one or more tumors.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to selectin inhibitors, compositions, and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to glycopeptides that contain one or more modified amino acids conjugated to a saccharide or polysaccharide. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to uses of the glycopeptides as anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, or anti-metastatic agents.

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 animal models that expresses SR-BI?CT knockin. The present invention further includes animal models that express SR-BI?CT and also have reduced expression or activity of ApoE and/or LDLR, wherein the latter can be accomplished by use of a compound or genetic manipulation of the gene. The present invention relates to mouse models crossed with SR-BI?CT knockin mice. Specifically, the present invention relates to SR-BI?CT knockin mice crossed with apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout mice (SR-BI?CT/apoE KO), a hypoE mouse (also referred to as ApoeR61h/h which expresses an impaired ApoE protein (SR-BI?CT/ApoeR61h/h)), or a LDLR knockout mouse (SR-BI?CT/LDLR KO). Screening methods and compounds using these mouse models are also encompassed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting cell-bound and soluble antigens in a biological sample are described. The method comprises forming complexes of at least one antibody-coated bead and at least one antigen in a solution, placing the solution in a magnetic field such that the formed complexes levitate in the solution at a particular height, and determining at least one characteristic of the antigen in the complexes based, at least in part, on an image of the complexes showing the magnetic levitation height.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for inhibiting the Pin1 protein, and the treatment of disorders characterized by elevated Pin1 levels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing a pregnancy related hypertensive disorder or a predisposition to a pregnancy related hypertensive disorder by measuring the level or biological activity of soluble endoglin. Also disclosed herein are methods for treating a pregnancy related hypertensive disorder, such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, using compounds that alter soluble endoglin levels or biological activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a medical image of a subject that includes functional information. First, two medical images are acquired. One is weighted based on functional information reflecting physiological functions of the subject and the other weighted based on anatomic information of the subject. A difference image between the two images are generated. By subjecting the difference image and the second image to a localized kernel, a local similarity image is generated. Using the local similarity image, an improved difference image is generated. Lastly, by subtracting the improved difference image from the first image, an enhanced medical image that retains the functional information reflecting physiological functions of the subject is generated.

Abstract: The invention provides a solution to the drawbacks associated with conventional alginate dressings. This invention features improved alginate dressings or bandages as well as a fabrication process that results in an alginate sheet that is preloaded with drug, can be stored in a freeze-dried state, and is compliant and ready to use at the time of administration.

Abstract: This invention relates to antibody therapies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In particular, the invention provides methods of curing subjects infected with HIV and blocking HIV infections in subjects at risk of HIV transmission using a N332 glycan-dependent antibody (e.g., PGT121).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter that has adjustable stiffness that enables a user to select the stiffness of at least one region of the catheter during insertion and navigation through a body lumen. A preferred embodiment of the invention works in combination with a guidewire to enable placement of the catheter at a position within the vascular system, for example, to enable treatment of a variety of medical conditions. The catheter can include segments that undergo relative movement in response to actuation by the user to adjust the flexibility of the at least one region, preferably located at or near the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention includes 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenylboronic esters, which react with hydrogen peroxide to form 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, which is an anti-inflammatory and/or anti-oxidant compound, as well as microparticles and compositions thereof. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the invention may be used to treat or prevent oxidative stress and/or inflammation, including ischemic disease.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of modulating autophagic targeting of ferritin in a cell, wherein the method comprises modulating the level and/or activity of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) in the cell. Also provided are related methods of treatment.

Abstract: Biomarkers and driver mutations for diagnosis and prognosis of Pin 1-associated diseases are disclosed. In one embodiment, the methods for diagnosis of Pin 1-associated diseases may include detecting the level of Pin1 to stage abnormal cell growth, such as breast or prostate cancer. In another embodiment, the methods include evaluating the efficacy of a treatment of abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, by monitoring the levels of Pin1. In another embodiment, the methods include using driver mutations to determine the pharmacogenetics of abnormal cell growth, such as cancer. In the present disclosure, elevated active monomeric Pin1 levels may be detected by Pin1 biomarkers, which may include Pin1 Q33K or E100D driver mutations, Pin1 protein or transcript overexpression, dephosphorylation of Pin1 on Ser71, dephosphorylation of S16, phosphorylation of S65, phosphorylation of S138, deacetylation of Pin1 on K13 and deacetylation of K46, and/or desumoylation of Pin1 on K6 and desumolation of K63, among others.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus includes: a data processor configured to acquire a first set of T2-weighted imaging data and a second set of T2-weighted imaging data; a pulse sequence controller configured to generate a pulse sequence and apply the generated pulse sequence to a gradient coil assembly and RF coil assembly, the generated pulse sequence including: T2-preparation modules and associated imaging modules to acquire the first set of T2-weighted imaging data, and a saturation pulse sequence and an associated saturation imaging module to acquire the second set of T2-weighted imaging data; a curve fitter configured to apply the first and second sets of T2-weighted imaging data to a three-parameter model for T2 decay, to determine a T2 value at a plurality of locations; and an image processor configured to generate a T2 map of the object based on the T2 value determined at the plurality of locations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a formulation that can take the form of an emulsion which contains total enteral or parenteral nutrition for a recipient subject. The formulation includes as the sole fat components: (i) medium chain triglycerides; and (ii) very long chain fatty acids selected from (a) very long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; and (b) docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid in a ratio of about 10:1 (v/v or w/w) to about 2000:1 (v/v or w/w). The sole fat components provide about 10% to about 90% total calories of the formulation, and the medium chain triglycerides provide about 25%-95% total fat calories of the formulation. Methods and kits for utilizing the formulation and for treating various disorders and diseases that involve an inflammatory response are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are, inter alia, methods for diagnosing and treating arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) by detecting cardiac intercalated disk proteins, e.g., desmosomal proteins, mechanical and gap junction proteins, in buccal cells. Exemplary desmosomal and gap junction proteins that can be evaluated in the methods described herein include plakoglobin, plakophilin 1, desmoplakin, and Cx43. The methods can also include selecting and/or administering a treatment for ACM to the subject.

Abstract: Stabilized trimers of a clade A strain and a clade C strain of HIV-1 are provided. Broadly neutralizing antisera against HIV-1, methods of making broadly neutralizing antisera against HIV-1, broadly neutralizing vaccines against HIV-1, as well as methods of treating subjects infected with HIV, preventing HIV infection, and inhibiting HIV-mediated activities are also provided.