Abstract: Described herein are techniques to aid clinicians and researchers in determining a condition of connective tissue as it relates to tissue development, growth and maturation, tissue remodeling and healing following injury, and risk of injury based on a magnetic resonance (MR) image of the tissue. Such techniques may be useful to clinicians by providing insights on factors that influence the growth and maturation of convective tissues as well as those that impact the risk of connective tissue injury and response to treatment. These insights can be used to guide or develop patient specific risk assessment and prevention strategies, treatment plans, and postoperative care plans for individuals at risk of connective tissue injuries and those with injured connective tissues, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the administration of active agents are generally described. In some embodiments, compositions comprising peptide moieties are described. The peptide moieties may comprise sodium channel peptide sequences, such as TQDYWEN (SEQ ID NO: 1) and/or CGEWIET (SEQ ID NO: 2). According to certain embodiments, the peptide moieties are connected to a hydrophobic domain. The presence of both the peptide moiety and the hydrophobic domain may drive self-assembly (e.g., to form a supramolecular nanostructure). The supramolecular nanostructure may facilitate cooperative interaction between distinct peptide sequences. In some embodiments, the peptide sequences bind to the active agents. Binding between the active agent and the peptide sequences may advantageously facilitate controlled release of the active agent. In the context of the present disclosure, it has been inventively recognized that drug delivery may be improved through the use of compositions and methods described herein below.

Abstract: Provided herein are anti-CD21 antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof and their use in the treatment of autoimmune diseases or disorders.

Abstract: A suturing system and a method thereof are provided. The suturing system includes a tube that has a first rod moveable therein and a second rod that is coupled to an outer surface of the tube. A needle is coupled to an end of the tube and includes an insertion portion. In addition, a suture lock is inserted onto the second rod and a first end of a suture engages with a tip of the needle or the tube. A second end of the suture is fixed within the suture lock. The insertion portion is engaged with the first end of the suture prior to insertion through the material. The suturing system allows for single handed operation, thus simplifying a suturing process while improving accuracy.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the device includes a frame coupled to one or more leaflets that are moveable between open and closed configurations. In some embodiments, the frame comprises at least two frame sections that join at a pair of commissural posts. In some embodiments, the device may be geometrically accommodating to adapt to different vasculature shapes and sizes and/or to be able to change size while implanted within a growing patient.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions relating to the provision and/or differentiation of certain fully differentiated lung cell types, including surfactant producing cells (e.g. club secretory cells), mucus producing (Goblet) cells, mucus-producing goblet like cells, and beating ciliated cells. In some embodiments, one or more of the differentiated lung cell types is present in an organoid. Differentiation of these lung cell types can be induced by contacting lung stem and/or progenitor cells with one or more inhibitors of H3K9me1/2 methyltransferase, e.g., an inhibitor of G9a and/or G1p (EMHT2 and/or EHMT1).

Abstract: Described herein are compositions (e.g. cells and transgenic animals) and methods relating to engineered Ig loci that permit expression of particular antibodies or antibody segments while still permitting recombination and/or maturation process for antibody optimization.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques to estimate motion of a subject during a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan. The estimation may be based on one or more slices acquired during the MRI scan, permitting automated estimation of motion of the subject during the MRI scan. Some such techniques may be performed during the MRI scan, before the completion of the MRI scan, or after the MRI scan before or after magnetic resonance data (MR data) resulting from the MRI scan has been processed to generate an image from the MR data.

Abstract: A device for performing surgical procedures, such as intracardiac procedures or neurosurgical procedures, includes a solid optical window formed of a transparent, compliant material, wherein the solid optical window includes a proximal side and a distal side, wherein a distal face of the solid optical window is configured to approach tissue during a surgical procedure; an imaging system embedded into the solid optical window and positioned to obtain an image through at least a portion of the distal face of the solid optical window; and a tool channel formed through the solid optical window from the proximal side to the distal side of the solid optical window, wherein the tool channel is configured to receive a tool for performing the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, are improved methods for detecting analytes, including proteins and nucleic acids. In some instances, the analytes are detected in complex matrices such as serum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for treatment of ribosomal disorders and ribosomopathies, e.g. Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA). In some embodiments, the invention relates to the use of novel classes of compounds, i.e. inhibitors of RSK (p90S6K); inhibitors of p70S6K; and inhibitors of rps6, to treat ribosomal disorders and ribosomopathies. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the use of specific Chk2 inhibitors and to the use of specific phenothiazine derivatives to treat ribosomal disorders and ribosomopathies, e.g. DBA.

Abstract: An electrocautery device with a retractable suction tube is described. The electrocautery device includes a suction tube assembly that can move between an extended or retracted position using vacuum force generated by a suction source. In some embodiments, the suction tube assembly automatically locks into the extended position when extended such that axial force cannot cause the suction tube assembly to retract. The device may be suitable for use in laparoscopic procedures. The suction tube may be coaxially aligned with the electrocautery tip.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated peptides and chimeric polypeptides derived from Saposin A that have anti-angiogenic activity. These peptides are small, consisting essentially of at least 10 consecutive amino acid residues from the 31st-50th amino acid residue of Saposin A. The invention also relates to the use of these isolated peptides and chimeric polypeptides in compositions for the treatment, prevention, and inhibition of angiogenesis-related diseases and disorders such as cancer and cancer metastasis.

Abstract: This document features method related to variants in the Inverted Formin 2 (INF2) gene that are associated with susceptibility to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). For example, methods of using such variants for risk assessment and for diagnosing and optimizing treatment of FSGS are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are materials and methods for efficiently delivering nucleic acids to cochlear and vestibular cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: Embodiments herein disclose methods relating to diabetic nephropathy (DN); methods for preventing the onset and also for preventing the progressing of DN, as well as the treatment of DN in diabetic subjects comprising administering reparixin and/or ladarixin which are inhibitors of CXCL8 receptor CXCR1 and CXCR2 activation.

Abstract: Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for coating of any material where reduced fibrosis is desired, such as encapsulated cells for transplantation and medical devices implanted or used in the body.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for increasing fetal hemoglobin levels in a cell by disrupting BCL11A expression at the genomic level. Also provided herein are methods and compositions relating to the treatment of hemoglobinopathies by reinduction of fetal hemoglobin levels.

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel homolog of Clostridial botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) identified in the bacterial species Enterococcus faecium (BoNT/EN). BoNT/EN variants and chimeric toxins comprising domains from BoNT/EN and other BoNTs are also provided. Further provided herein are methods of producing BoNT/EN and its use, e.g., in therapeutic applications.