Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for the production of a medical device for use as a nerve guide. The system and method provide for coating a polymer layer with particles, wherein the particles can comprise active agents for the repair or regeneration of nerve defects. The present invention further provides an implantable device for repairing or regenerating a nerve defect prepared by the system and method set forth above, and methods of treatment using said device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of determining effectiveness of corneal stromal stem cell therapy through evaluation of stem cell markers, inflammation markers, and assessing a scarring index.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for increasing TFEB polypeptide levels. For example, compounds (e.g., organic compounds) having the ability to increase TFEB polypeptide levels within cells and/or within a nucleus of cells, formulations containing compounds having the ability to increase TFEB polypeptide levels within cells and/or within a nucleus of cells, methods for making compounds having the ability to increase TFEB polypeptide levels within cells and/or within a nucleus of cells, methods for making formulations containing compounds having the ability to increase TFEB polypeptide levels within cells and/or within a nucleus of cells, methods for increasing TFEB polypeptide levels within cells and/or within a nucleus of cells, and methods for treating mammals (e.g., humans) having a condition responsive to an increase in TFEB polypeptide levels are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to Chevrel-phase materials and methods of preparing these materials utilizing a precursor approach. The Chevrel-phase materials are useful in assembling electrodes, e.g., cathodes, for use in electrochemical cells, such as rechargeable batteries. The Chevrel-phase materials have a general formula of Mo6Z8 (Z=sulfur) or Mo6Z18-yZ2y (Z1=sulfur; Z2=selenium), and partially cuprated Cu1Mo6S8 as well as partially de-cuprated Cu1-xMgxMo6S8 and the precursors have a general formula of MxMo6Z8 or MxMo6Z18-yZ2y, M=Cu. The cathode containing the Chevrel-phase material in accordance with the invention can be combined with a magnesium-containing anode and an electrolyte.

Abstract: In an example, a computer system receives first data regarding a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for obtaining image information regarding a subject, and determines a plurality of parameter sets for performing the MRI protocol. Each of the parameter sets includes an indication of one or more parameters associated with the MRI protocol, and for each of the one more parameters, an indication of a respective parameter value. The computer system determines, for each of the parameter sets, a respective first quality metric, and selects a particular one of the parameter sets based on the first quality metrics. The computer system provides instructions for performing the MRI protocol to a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. The instructions include an indication of the selected parameter set.

Abstract: A fiber optic based sensing system and method includes a. functionalized optical fiber based sensor including an engineered sensing layer, a light source structured to generate light and couple the light into an input of the functionalized optical fiber based sensor, and an interrogator including a photodetector coupled to the functionalized optical fiber based sensor to receive transmitted or reflected tight, a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) circuit coupled to an output of the photodetector, a controller coupled to an output of the TIA circuit, and a transmitter (e.g., a wired or wireless transmitter) coupled to the controller.

Abstract: Corneal stromal scars are the leading cause of corneal blindness. The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful in therapies for this pathological condition. The invention provides corneal stromal stem cells and certain other stem cells and as well as exosome polynucleotides produced by such cells, and methods for making and using these cells and compositions. The invention is based upon the discovery that exosomes and their associate active components obtained from these cells comprise agents having the same capacity as corneal stromal stem cells to reduce scarring and prevent scar formation in patients having corneal damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable iron alloy-containing compositions for use in preparing medical devices. In addition, biodegradable crystalline and amorphous compositions of the invention exhibit properties that make them suitable for use as medical devices for implantation into a body of a patient. The compositions include elemental iron, and one or more elements selected from manganese, magnesium, zirconium, zinc and calcium. The compositions can be prepared using a high energy milling technique. The resulting compositions and the devices formed therefrom are useful in various surgical procedures, such as but not limited to orthopedic, craniofacial, tracheal, and cardiovascular.

Abstract: A method of treating retinal degeneration in a subject includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I).

Abstract: Described here are ophthalmic compositions and methods for treatment of dry eye disease. One ophthalmic composition includes an effective amount of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in a free uncomplexed form, or as a complex with a dermatan sulfate. A second ophthalmic composition includes an effective amount of interleukin-13 (IL-13) in a free uncomplexed form, or as a complex with a dermatan sulfate. A third ophthalmic composition includes effective amounts of IL-4 and IL-13 in a free uncomplexed form, or as a complex with a dermatan sulfate. A fourth ophthalmic composition includes at least one activator of interleukin-4 receptor signaling in a free uncomplexed form, or as a complex with a dermatan sulfate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions, and kits for treating traumatic brain injury (TBI) and TBI-associated impairments in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject an interleukin-7 (IL-7) or IL-7 agonist, a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF?) inhibitor, or both. The present disclosure also relates to methods of using biomarkers for identifying a subject that is likely to respond to a treatment for TBI-associated impairments, and monitoring the subject's response to such treatment.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to modified viruses, e.g., oncolytic vaccinia viruses, which have been modified to contain an exogenous nucleic acid that expresses a protein that modulates STAT3 activity. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that vaccinia viruses modified to contain nucleic acid encoding PIAS3 and that express PIAS3 or a fragment thereof can inhibit STAT3 activity and enhance the anti-cancer activity of the vaccinia virus. Accordingly, this disclosure provides for oncolytic vaccinia viruses and methods of using them in the treatment of cancers.

Abstract: A computational systems pathology spatial analysis platform includes: (i) a spatial heterogeneity quantification component configured for generating a global quantification of spatial heterogeneity among cells of varying phenotypes in multi-parameter cellular and subcellular imaging data; (ii) a microdomain identification component configured for identifying a plurality of microdomains for tissue samples based on the global quantification, each microdomain being associated with a a tissue sample; and (iii) a weighted graph component configured for constructing a weighted graph for the multi-parameter cellular and subcellular imaging data, the weighted graph having a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges each being located between a pair of the nodes, wherein in the weighted graph each node is a particular one of the microdomains and the edge between each pair of microdomains in the weighted graph is indicative of a degree of similarity between the pair of the microdomains.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are small molecule compounds capable of disrupting Kv2.1-syntaxin binding. The compounds are useful for treating a variety of neurological disorders, diseases, and injuries.

Abstract: Systems and methods using single conductor guided surface electromagnetic (EM) waves to interrogate distant wireless active or passive sensor devices or media surrounding the conductor. The guided waves may be launched on the conductor over a wide frequency range (e.g., MHz to several GHz) using an RF launcher that is connected to an interrogator. Such guided surface EM waves can travel significantly longer distances as compared to the free space propagation of waves because they travel by waveguiding along the conductor surface. Using these waves, power and/or data can be delivered to sensors located on or near the conductor surface, and data can be received from the sensors.

Abstract: The invention, relates to flexible, thin trim batteries for use in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, flexible electronics, flexible energy storage systems, wearable textile-like energy devices and various other integrated electronic and mobile device-based applications. The flexible, thin, film batteries allow the design and development of weavable, conformable, wearable and flexible components for advanced battery technology. The invention relates to flexible energy storage system that include an electrospun, textile-like, weaved assembly including a flexible cathode, a flexible anode, and an electrolyte. The electrolyte can include a flexible gel-polymer and a nanostractured filler.

Abstract: A method of determining an extent of visual spatial neglect of a patient includes providing a software-based test to the patient via a presentation apparatus positioned on the head of the patient and having a display device positioned close and in front of the eyes of the patient. EEG information is collected from the patient during the test via an EEG apparatus positioned on the head of the patient. Portions of the EEG information collected during the test are used to determine the extent of the visual spatial neglect of the patient. An indication of the extent of the visual spatial neglect of the patient is provided.

Abstract: Various perovskite solar cell embodiments include a flexible metal substrate (e.g., including a metal doped TiO2 layer), a perovskite layer, and a transparent electrode layer (e.g., including a dielectric/metal/dielectric structure), wherein the perovskite layer is provided between the flexible metal substrate and the transparent electrode layer. Also, various tandem solar cell embodiments including a perovskite solar cell and either a quantum dot solar cell, and organic solar cell or a thin film solar cell.

Abstract: A vaccine is disclosed that promotes CD4+ T cell-independent host defense mechanisms to defend against infection by fungi such as Pneumocystis spp. The vaccine may be used to prevent or to treat fungal infections. The novel vaccine can provide protective immunity, even for immunocompromised individuals such as HIV patients having reduced levels of CD4+ T cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for increasing an immune response in a subject, immunizing a subject and/or treating a disease in a subject that relate to keratinocytes. It is a surprising finding of the present invention that modulation of an XBP1 pathway creates a keratinocyte that is itself an immune modulator, or adjuvant. In some embodiments, the concentration of antigen is increased in the vicinity of the keratinocyte, further increasing the immune response by effector cells within that vicinity.