Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern methods of identifying whether or not antigens from a particular pathogen are immunogenic, including the order of their immunogenicity. Other embodiments concern correlations between attributes of T cells and their clinical efficacy, such as mathematical representations thereof.

Abstract: Described in embodiments herein are thiol-ene polymeric compositions that exhibit photo-induced, reversible switching between a solid (e.g., elastomeric) state and a liquid (e.g., flowable) state. The thiol-ene polymeric compositions may comprise a vinyl oligomer comprising at least two vinyl groups, a thiol oligomer comprising at least two thiol groups, and a Type I photoinitiator. In some embodiments, the composition comprises an excess of thiol groups relative to vinyl groups (e.g., a ratio of thiol groups to vinyl groups in the composition is at least 3:1). Reversible switching between the solid state and the liquid state may be induced through exposure of the composition to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., ultraviolet (UV) radiation). In some cases, reversible switching may be induced by a relatively low amount of energy (e.g., about 1 J/cm2 or less).

Abstract: The specification provides programmable base editors that are capable of introducing a nucleotide change and/or which could alter or modify the nucleotide sequence at a target site in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) with high specificity and efficiency. Moreover, the disclosure provides fusion proteins and compositions comprising a programmable DNA binding protein (e.g., a mitoTALE, a mitoZFP, or a CRISPR/Casp) and double-stranded DNA deaminase that is capable of being delivered to the mitochondria and carrying out precise installation of nucleotide changes in the mtDNA. The fusion proteins and compositions are not limited for use with mtDNA, but also may be used for base editing of any double-stranded target DNA.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to droplets and/or emulsions, such as multiple emulsions. In some cases, the droplets and/or emulsions may be used in assays, and in certain embodiments, the droplet or emulsion may be hardened to form a gel. In some aspects, a heterogeneous assay can be performed using a gel. For example, a droplet may be hardened to form a gel, where the droplet contains a cell, DNA, or other suitable species. The gel may be exposed to a reactant, and the reactant may interact with the gel and/or with the cell, DNA, etc., in some fashion. For example, the reactant may diffuse through the gel, or the hardened particle may liquefy to form a liquid state, allowing the reactant to interact with the cell. As a specific example, DNA contained within a gel particle may be subjected to PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification, e.g., by using PCR primers able to bind to the gel as it forms. As the DNA is amplified using PCR, some of the DNA will be bound to the gel via the PCR primer.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating diabetes and/or obesity in a subject in need thereof, and methods of increasing the amount of cholic acid-7-sulfate (CA7S) in a subject. Further provided herein are methods of administering CA7S to a subject. Also provided are compositions and kits comprising cholic acid-7-sulfate, or a salt thereof for use in the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with expression of mesothelin comprising administering a cell that expresses a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific to mesothelin in combination with a PD-L1 inhibitor.

Abstract: A multi-segment reinforced actuator includes (a) a soft actuator body that defines a chamber and (b) a plurality of distinct reinforcement structures on or in respective segments of the soft actuator body. First and second reinforcement structures are respectively configured to produce a first and second actuation motions, respectively, in first and second segments of the soft actuator body when fluid flows into or out of the chamber. The actuation motions are selected bending, extending, expansion, contraction, twisting, and combinations thereof; and the first actuation motion differs from the second actuation motion. The actuator can be used, e.g., to facilitate bending of the thumb with corresponding bending, extending, expansion, contraction, and twisting actuation motions.

Abstract: Compositions of glycan strands and oligosaccharides derived from gram-positive bacteria and methods of use thereof are provided. The disclosed compositions have inhibitory activity toward both early and late stages of viral infection and transmission. The disclosed compositions may be used to treat and/or prevent infection and transmission of viruses, such as HIV, to upregulate one or both of AG3 and MX2, to enhance immune function, and/or to inhibit replication of a virus.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a dielectric elastomer device may include at least first and second dielectric elastomer layers, and a first layer of conductive particles disposed between the first and second dielectric elastomer layers and forming a first electrode of the device, wherein portions of the second dielectric elastomer layer are directly bonded with portions of the first dielectric elastomer layer through the first layer of the conductive particles. The dielectric elastomer layer may, for example, comprise a cured acrylic elastomer precursor with an additive including urethane, polybutadiene, or silicone. Electrodes in different layers may be interconnected by infusing a liquid or semi-liquid conductive material in contact with each of a plurality of the electrodes of the actuator or sensor device, and solidifying the conductive material to form a conductive path that interconnects the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A device for simulating a function of a tissue includes a first structure, a second structure, and a membrane. The first structure defines a first chamber. The first chamber includes a matrix disposed therein and an opened region. The second structure defines a second chamber. The membrane is located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber. The membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.

Abstract: A method of neutralizing or mitigating a drug-induced mitochondrial dysfunction or impairment for an individual, the method including providing to the individual an effective amount of a composition containing glycine or a functional derivative thereof and N-acetylcysteine or a functional derivative thereof. The drug-induced mitochondrial dysfunction or impairment is from at least one drug consumed by the individual selected from the group consisting of an anticonvulsant; a psychotropic other than an antipsychotic drug; an analgesic/anti-inflammatory drug other than acetaminophen; an antibiotic; an anti-arrhythmic drug; a steroid; a beta-blocker; and an immunization.

Abstract: Provided herein are electrospun or electroblown non-woven fiber membranes, methods of making such membranes and lateral flow diagnostic devices comprising such membranes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include particular amyloglucosidase (AMG) compositions formulated as a nutriceutical or medicinal food, for example. The AMG compositions are formulated at a specific dosage and/or are lacking in one or more toxins or have substantially reduced levels of toxin, such as deoxynivalenol (vomit toxin). The AMG compositions are provided to individuals in need thereof, such as an individual with or at risk for congenital sucrase isomaltase syndrome, functional bowel disorders, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, protein-calorie malnutrition (marasmus), radiochemotherapy-induced mucositis and/or short-gut syndrome.

Abstract: There are provided, inter alia, methods for decreasing mucus elasticity or decreasing mucus viscosity in a subject in need thereof, the methods including administering to the subject an effective amount of a dithiolsaccharide mucolytic agent, and compounds and pharmaceutical compositions useful for the methods.

Abstract: Provided are high affinity anti-alphavirus antibodies or alphavirus-binding fragments thereof, as well as methods of use and devices employing such antibodies and/or fragments. Further provided are complementarity determining region (CDR) sequences of variable domain light chain (VL) and variable domain heavy chain (VH) sequences, and the methods of using the high affinity anti-alphavirus antibodies for treating different types of alphavirus infections.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and program products for acquiring and analyzing images of a sample. An artificial intelligence (AI) module may be trained to identify, within multi-dimensional image data corresponding to images of objects, wavelength patterns corresponding to one or more defects within the objects. An analysis module is configured to detect one or more defects in the sample using the AI module for analyzing the images of the sample. In some embodiments, the samples are food samples and the defects include one or more pathogens.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for enhancing expansion of immune cells for immunotherapy. In particular embodiments, immune cells, such as T-cells, express a constitutively active cytokine receptor in which the transmembrane and endodomains are able to provide an activating signal separately from any input to the corresponding exodomain to which they are operably linked. In specific embodiments, the transmembrane and endodomain from IL-7R? is utilized with the exodomain of CD34.

Abstract: A microRNA sensing platform is disclosed that is sensitive, accurate, easy to use, affordable, and that does not require expensive equipment on the part of the end-user. The sensing system can be used as a sensitive and accurate miRNA profiling platform to monitor the progression of diseases, or treatment regimen, or personalized diagnosis, or personalized prognosis. The entire RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), which holds the mature miRNA, is preserved in the system. The RISC is allowed to perform its native functions. These native functions not only protect the miRNA from degradation during the isolation process, but can also help eliminate false targets. The system sensitively and selectively responds to the presence or absence of RISCs bearing the target miRNA.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic devices and methods for culturing bone marrow cells. Aspects include methods of preparing microfluidic devices and culturing bone marrow cells with the microfluidic devices. In some aspects, a method includes providing a microfluidic device having an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a porous membrane separating the upper chamber from the lower chamber. The method further includes seeding walls of the lower chamber and a bottom surface of the membrane with endothelial cells. The method further includes providing a matrix within the upper chamber. The matrix includes fibrin gel and bone marrow cells. The method further includes filling or perfusing the upper chamber with a media.