Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an intron-modified capsid expression cassette useful for generating adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector particles. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of reducing the immune response in a mammalian subject undergoing treatment with an AAV vector.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticles having a core comprising a magnetic material and having a surface, where the surface may be operatively linked to an antigenic peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) monomer. The antigenic peptide-MHC monomer may then be recognized by a T cell receptor. These nanoparticles may further comprise a signal-generating label, such as a fluorophore. Methods employing nanoparticles of the present invention may involve magnetic resonance imaging and/or fluorescence detection, such that cell imaging and localization are performed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gene expression signature for predicting risk of developing therapy-related myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukemia (t-MDS/AML) after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (aHCT) is provided. In another embodiment, a method for predicting a risk for development of t-MDS/AML after aHCT is provided. Such a method may include providing a biological sample that contains CD34 cells from a subject; detecting a test expression level of a set of two or more genes of a gene expression signature; comparing the test expression level of a set of corresponding training expression levels that include a training case expression level and a training control expression level; and predicting a high risk of developing t-MDS/AML when the test expression level is at or about the training case expression level or predicting a low risk of developing t-MDS/AML when the test expression level is at or about the training control expression level.

Abstract: A sensor device for sensing wetness in an absorbent article worn by a subject includes one or more sensing elements; and a coupling for communicating sensor signals between the one or more sensing elements and a receiver. A change in environmental parameter causes a change in electrical behavior of at least one of the sensing elements, which behavior can be analyzed to determine occurrence of a wetness event in the absorbent article. The changes in electrical behavior are communicated in the sensor signals to the receiver. The analysis may be by the receiver or a processor in communication with the receiver. Ideally, the sensing elements include capacitive elements and preferably, resonance circuits.

Abstract: A system for monitoring incontinence in one or more subjects comprises display means; input means operable by a user; one or more transmitters, each transmitter being associated with one or more subjects being monitored; the one or more transmitters being configured to transmit signals containing continence-related data for the one or more subjects, wherein the continence-related data has been obtained over time from a continence sensor associated with an absorbent article worn by each respective subject; a receiver unit configured to receive signals from the one or more transmitters; and processing means in communication with at least the receiver unit, the processing means including a display processor configured to process the received signals and communicate display information to the display means for display of a visual representation of continence-related information derived from continence sensors in the absorbent articles worn by the one or more subjects being monitored.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for highly sensitive quantification of the relative representation of DNA from adaptive immune cells (e.g., T and/or B lymphocytes) in DNA extracted from complex mixtures of cells that include cells which are not adaptive immune cells. Included are methods for determining the relative presence in a tumor of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), the relative presence of lymphocytes infiltrating a somatic tissue that is the target of an autoimmune disease, and the relative presence of lymphocytes infiltrating a transplanted organ.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for identifying and using anticancer therapeutic agents and, more particularly, to methods for identifying and using inhibitors of genes for inhibiting the growth and/or proliferation of MYC-driven tumor cells relative to normal cells.

Abstract: A synthetic polypeptide vaccine is employed for directed targeting of an individual's immune response to an antigen of interest. The synthetic polypeptide contains a carrier epitope specific for open conformers of an individual's MHC-I molecules in the presence of HLA-F, and also contains an effector epitope which elicits an immune response to the antigen of interest. The effect- or epitope may modulates an immune response to a tumor, pathogen, or autoantigen associated with an autoimmune disorder. The present vaccine exploits a role for the interaction between HLA-F and open conformers of MHC-I in the uptake of extracellular antigen for cross presentation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the delivery of immune cells to treat un-resectable or non-resected tumor cells and tumor relapse. The compositions comprise (i) a structure comprising an injectable polymer or scaffold comprising pores; (ii) lymphocytes disposed within the structure, (iii) at least one lymphocyte-adhesion moiety associated with the structure; and (iv) at least one lymphocyte-activating moiety associated with the structure, and optionally an immune stimulant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensor signal analysis. It relates particularly, but not exclusively, to methods, systems and devices for monitoring and processing the sensor signals to determine automatically characteristics of events represented by the sensor signals. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, related to methods, systems and devices for monitoring moisture in absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence garments, dressings and pads resulting from wetness events caused by, for example, urinary and/or faecal incontinence. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for processing sensor signals representing an event in an absorbent article. The method comprises: receiving sensor signals from a sensor representing one or more events in an absorbent article; and processing the sensor signals to determine a characteristic of at least one event in the absorbent article.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating or reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer by administering compounds capable of inhibiting the expression or activity of RUNX3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits and compositions for expansion of embryonic hematopoietic stem cells and providing hematopoietic function to human patients in need thereof. In one aspect, it relates to kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist, one or more growth factors, and, optionally, an inhibitor of the TGFp pathway. Also provided herein are methods for expanding embryonic hematopoietic stem cells using kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist, one or more growth factors, and, optionally, an inhibitor of the TOP? pathway. The embryonic hematopoietic stem cells expanded using the disclosed kits, compositions and methods include cells derived from an embryo (e.g., aorta-gonad-mesonephros region of the embryo), embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, or reprogrammed cells of other types.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of fluid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optimized FLP site-specific recombinase coding sequence and methods for its use. This genetically engineered FLP gene displays a marked increase in recombination efficiency compared to the native FLP gene and is therefore useful in a wide array of molecular applications.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of fluid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection, including epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for preventing or attenuating cancer progression or blocking metastasis in prostate cancer and other cancers (e.g., ovarian carcinoma, endometrial cancer, renal cell carcinoma) that are characterized by overexpression of the type II cell surface serine protease hepsin, based on the discovery of multiple disclosed compounds having activity as specific hepsin inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic compositions for treating or preventing obesity and obesity-related disorders in a subject using immunotherapy to target and eliminate adipocytes.

Abstract: Provided are SNP panels and methods that employ SNP panels for predicting prostate cancer-specific mortality in a human patient. Exemplary SNP panels presented herein comprise one or more of the SNPs designated rs1137100, rs228697, rs2839685, rs1799814, rs627839, rs5993891, rs635261, rs11710277, rs11205, rs2494750, rs4608577, rs4645959, rs1799964, rs25487, rs2308327, rs915927, rs2070874, rs1029153, rs12467911, rs10778534, rs523349, and rs4583514 and are exemplified by SNP panels comprising variant alleles in one or more of the SNPs designated rs1137100, rs2070874, rs10778534, rs627839, and rs5993891.

Abstract: The high data transmission capacity of fiber optic networks has been exploited through wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). By using multiple independent wavelengths, or lambdas, the fiber can carry a multiplicity of content, each in its own lambda. As the number of lambdas increases (it is currently ca. 100 and is projected to climb to 100,000 or more) it becomes increasingly challenging to allocate lambdas to traffic. The present invention automates the allocation process by detecting similar interests amongst groups of users, and creating a shared lambda for use by the users.