Abstract: This disclosure relates to pectin-based polymer compositions and methods of use thereof to cover, protect, and seal injuries, e.g., surgical wounds, in a mesothelial tissue. The methods include obtaining a bioadhesive pectin-based polymer composition including a complex of high-methoxyl pectin (HMP) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a ratio from about 10 to 1 to 1 to 10 by weight; applying the composition to an injured mesothelial tissue; and applying pressure for at least one minute to enable the composition to bind to the mesothelial tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for the preparation and use of free fatty acids as crystals and in solution, optionally in array format, for assay of lipotoxicity and related effects (in certain cases, indicators of diseases or disorders, such as type II diabetes) in contacted cells. Identification and therapeutic targeting of high-value gene targets discovered via joint assessment of lipotoxicity/transcriptome data and genetic association study data are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue culture system for primary cells (e.g. normal mammalian primary epithelial progenitors). This system includes: a) a serum-free, chemically defined cell culture media; and, b) methods for isolation and in vitro long-term propagation of primary cells (e.g. primary epithelial cells). Primary cells so isolated and cultured can be kept undifferentiated and proliferate for many weeks (>15 weeks) or population doubling (>35 PD) without senescence, or any detectable genetic alterations. Upon changing media/culture conditions, these cells can be induced to differentiate. The invention also provides methods to transform normal primary cells so cultured into “cancer stem cells.” The genetically defined cancer stem cell tumor model mimics the behavior of the disease closely, e.g., the cells are invasive, hormone responsive and metastatic when injected into mice. The tumor cells express genes that are specific to cancer stem cells identified in patient samples.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds that interrupt the function of SALL4. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medical uses of these compounds.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compositions including formulated sucralfate or other aluminum-crosslinked sulfated agents for the modulation of nutrient absorption through the intestinal lining as well as methods for the manufacture of and the use of these compounds for treating disorders requiring a modulation of certain nutrients to the body including diabetes type II and clinical obesity.

Abstract: A method to determine the severity of a disease of chronic inflammation in a patient, comprising the steps of (1) collection or preparation of a bodily fluid, tissue or lavage and (2) measurement of ALX receptor ligands or ALX receptor expression in the fluid, tissue, or lavage, wherein the level of ALX receptor ligands predicts a clinical outcome or choice of treatment modality, is disclosed.

Abstract: Sequences that enhance permeation of agents into cells and/or across the blood brain barrier, compositions comprising the sequences, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Transient molecules in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide, are important signals and mediators of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because these molecules may be short-lived in the body, they are difficult to detect. To track these reactive molecules in the GI tract, a miniaturized device has been developed that integrates genetically engineered probiotic biosensors with a custom-designed photodetector and readout chip. Leveraging the molecular specificity of living sensors, bacteria were genetically encoded to respond to IBD-associated molecules by luminescing. Low-power electronic readout circuits (e.g., using nanowatt power) integrated into the device convert the light from just 1 ?L of bacterial culture into a wireless signal. Biosensor monitoring was demonstrated in the GI tract of small and large animal models and integration of all components into a sub-1.4 cm3 ingestible form factor capable of supporting wireless communication.

Abstract: Described herein are methods relating to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of airway dysfunction, e.g., bronchiectasis by detecting gene expression in a sample obtained from a subject. Exemplary samples include a bronchial brushing, nasal brushing, sputum, or peripheral blood sample.

Abstract: A dental tissue regenerative composition. The composition includes a combination of (1) human dental pulp stem cells and (2) at least one of human umbilical vein endothelial cells or vascular endothelial growth factor. The combination is encapsulated in a light-activated gelatin methacrylate hydrogel.

Abstract: The disclosure of this application relates generally to medical devices and in particular to a steerable medical instrument applicable to guide interventional tools and instruments, such as percutaneous biopsy and ablations tools and endoscopes. The steerable medical instrument has an outer and an inner tube where the inner tube is movable at the proximal end and fixed at the distal end. At least one of the outer tube and inner tube has a plurality of openings, which creates deformable portions so that the outer and the inner tubes can bend by moving the inner tube at the proximal end.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for increasing sensitivity and/or reversing resistance to chemotherapy, methods for treating or preventing a cancer in a subject, methods for treating clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential in a subject, and methods of identifying resistance or sensitivity to chemotherapy in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods contain the step of administering an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of a Protein phosphatase 1D (PPM1D) polypeptide or polynucleotide. The present invention also features compositions for increasing sensitivity and/or reversing resistance to chemotherapy.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a length of suture, a screw, a tensioning tab, and an anchor. The length of suture has a first end and a second end. The screw comprises an elongated shaft having a threaded external surface, wherein the screw has a distal end, a proximal end, and an internal surface defining a passageway within the screw extending between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the passageway is configured to receive the length of suture. The tensioning tab is affixed to a section of the length of suture. The anchor is configured to secure the first end of the length of suture adjacent to the proximal end of the screw.

Abstract: Provided herein are genetically engineered Vibrio cholerae bacterial strains, compositions including the bacterial strains, and methods of using the same for the prevention of Vibrio cholerae infection in a subject.

Abstract: A system and method for promoting angiogenesis and adipogenesis in soft tissue using a tissue enlargement apparatus. The tissue enlargement apparatus includes an interface configured for affixation to the soft tissue. A force generating device is coupled to the interface by a connecting tube for applying mechanical forces to the soft tissue. A processor is coupled to the force generating device and is configured to apply intermittent cyclical patterns of the mechanical forces to the soft tissue to promote angiogenesis and adipogenesis in soft tissue. The intermittent cyclical patterns are based on at least one of duration, frequency, and intensity of the mechanical forces.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating cancer that include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a tumor suppressor mRNA complexed with a delivery vehicle as described herein, e.g., a nanoparticle.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention features method of identifying a cell resistant to a modulator of Cereblon (CRBN). In another aspect, the present invention features a method of characterizing sensitivity of a subject to a modulator of CRBN. In yet another aspect, the present invention features a method of monitoring sensitivity of a subject to a modulator of CRBN.

Abstract: This invention discloses drug-delivery compositions, methods of making prodrugs, and methods of drug delivery using a self-assembled gelator. The backbone of the gelator can contain a drug or prodrug, such as acetaminophen or salicin. Additional drugs or agents can be encapsulated in the gelator. Enzymatic or hydrolytic cleavage can be used to release the drugs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to wound healing scaffolds cografted with a population of stem cells, wherein the population of stem cells are ABCB5+ stem cells. The scaffolds are, for instance, collagen glycosaminoglycan scaffolds.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides branched poly(?-amino esters) (PBAEs) of Formula (I) made by reacting primary amines with diacrylates. Further provided herein are compositions comprising the polymers of Formula (I), and methods of using the compositions and polymers as described herein for the treatment of disease.