Abstract: Embodiments of the technology described herein are based upon the discoveries that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) provide a stimulus for thrombus formation and that NETs are present in stored blood products. Accordingly, some embodiments relate to methods of treating and preventing toxicity of NETs and thrombosis caused by NETs. Additional embodiments are directed towards methods of treating stored blood products to prevent transfusion-related injuries.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of prolonging or reactivating organogenesis in a subject in need thereof (e.g., a subject that has impaired organ function such as a prematurely born infant). The methods comprise increasing the expression or activity of Lin28A or Lin28B proteins, inhibiting the expression or activity of let-7 family microRNAs, and/or inhibiting the expression or activity of Dis3L2 exonuclease.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for using Raman Resonance Spectroscopy to evaluate metabolic and oxygenation status of the eye are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, metabolic mapping of the eye may be performed by aligning a Raman spectrum and a recorded spatial image of the eye.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide for an S. aureus (SA) Multiple Antigen Presenting System (MAPS) immunogenic composition comprising an immunogenic polysaccharide which induces an immune response, where at least one S. aureus (SA) peptide or polypeptide antigen is associated to the immunogenic polysaccharide by complementary affinity molecules. In some embodiments, the immunogenic polysaccharide can be an antigenic capsular polysaccharide of a Type 5 or Type 8 from S. aureus, or alternatively, a different immunogenic capsular or noncapsular polysaccharide, and where the protein or peptide SA antigens are indirectly linked via an affinity binding pair. The present SA-MAPS immunogenic compositions can elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses to the immunogenic polysaccharide and one or multiple SA antigens at the same time.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a system and method of use for delivering an interventional instrument, such as an artificial chordae tendineae (ACT) delivery instrument, into a beating heart. By delivering interventional instruments in a beating heart via the system described here, complex and invasive open heart procedures as well as cardiopulmonary bypass can be avoided, significantly reducing patient trauma and recovery time as well as operation time and complexity. The system disclosed includes an optical imaging system to provide the practitioner with visual imagery from the end of the system, and allow for real-time or near real-time imaging of tissue inside the beating heart (e.g., leaflet tissue). This provides for accurate verification of placement of the interventional instrument. In addition, the system includes a grasping mechanism, which allows the practitioner to hold tissue in position prior to placing the interventional instrument.

Abstract: A suturing apparatus and method thereof using autotransfer are provided. The suturing apparatus includes a tube that has a rod movable there within and a needle that has an insertion portion. A suture engages with a tip of the needle or the tube. The insertion portion of the needle is inserted through a material prior to engagement with the suture and is withdrawn with the suture back through the material. The suturing system allows for single hand operation, thus simplifying a suturing process.

Abstract: Filtration apparatuses, kits, and methods for rapid isolation of intact, viable mitochondria from tissues are described with mitochondria isolated by differential filtration through nylon mesh filters. Mitochondria can be isolated in less than 30 minutes using the filtration apparatuses, kits, and methods described.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes compounds of the formula: (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V). The compounds described herein may be cyclooxygenase (COX) (e.g., cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)) inhibitors. The compounds may be radiolabeled. The compounds (e.g., radiolabeled compounds) may be useful (e.g., as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents) for diagnosing a disease. The compounds may also be useful for treating or preventing a disease. The present disclosure also describes pharmaceutical compositions and kits including the compounds; and methods of using the compounds.

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: The present disclosure features methods and compositions for expressing transgenes in microglia. The disclosed compositions comprise isolated fragments of human and murine translocator protein (TSPO) promoters and expression cassettes comprising the same. The methods involve using these promoters and/or expression cassettes to express transgenes in a cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides biomaterials and methods for preventing and minimizing progression of cartilage and/or connective tissue damage. Also provided herein are biomaterials and methods for alleviating and/or reducing the risk for developing arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis) associated with joint injury and/or joint surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for promoting neuronal outgrowth in a subject with a neuronal lesion in their CNS by administering effective amounts of a pro-regenerative OPN fragment, optionally with IGF1 and/or BDNF. A voltage gated potassium channel blocker can also be administered. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices for administration, and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for treating and/or preventing graft rejection with A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin type 1 motif, member-13 (ADAMTS13). The disclosure provides a method for increasing ADAMTS13-mediated von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleavage in a subject that received a graft by administering ADAMTS13. The disclosure also provides a method of determining the likelihood that a subject will rejection a graft.

Abstract: The technology described herein is directed to improved chimeric molecules for, e.g, the treatment of cancer. As described herein, the inventors have developed novel chimeric aptamer-siRNA molecules (AsiCs) which demonstrate improved efficacy over existing AsiCs and which can successfully synergize in treating cancer. These AsiC's target cancer cell markers to direct therapeutic siRNA molecules specifically to cancer cells, increasing delivery efficacy and therapeutic effectiveness while reducing the potential for side effects.

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: The present disclosure features CX3CR1 hemizygous and/or homozygous defective cells and methods of using such cells for the treatment of a metabolic or neurological disorder. The disclosed methods include methods for making and modifying CX3CR1 hemizygous and/or homozygous defective cells, such as hematopoietic stem progenitor cells. Other disclosed methods include methods of treating a subject having or suspected of having a metabolic or neurological disease comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising a hemizygous and/or homozygous defective CX3CR1 cell. The CX3CR1 hemizygous and/or homozygous defective cell may be modified to have a nucleic acid molecule encoding a therapeutic polypeptide or polynucleotide.

Abstract: Provided herein are agents that hind to binding domain I of LRP1 and mimic the activity of prosaposin in stimulating Tsp-1. Further provided herein are agents that inhibit the function (e.g., the ability to repress Tsp-1) of Protease, Serine 2 (PRSS2) by inhibiting the binding of PRSS2 to LRP1. Methods of using these agents in treating cancer are also provided.

Abstract: The methods and compositions described herein relate to methods of immunization or stimulating an immune response, e.g., using agonists of TLR7 and/or TLR8 as antigens. The methods and compositions described herein have particular relevance to use in infants.

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: Described herein are methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing a microbial infection. Aspects of the invention relate to administering to a subject an agent that inhibits CGRP release and CGRP receptors. In some embodiments of any of the aspects, a subject has been diagnosed with having, or is at risk of having, a microbial infection.