Abstract: The present disclosure provides gene editing methods for modulating the expression of an inhibitor of DNA-binding E-protein transcription factors, namely Id3, and thereby affecting T cell function. First, it provides experimental evidence that Id3 is critical to the persistence and function of tissue-infiltrating GVHD T cells in a mouse model. Id3 reduces chromatin accessibility (ChrAcc) of transcription factors (TFs) that drive T cell PD-1 transcription, differentiation and dysfunction. Id3 loss increases PD-1 expression and impairs tissue-infiltrating Th1 cells. Second, it provides proof-of-concept that targeting ID3 in human T cells using a CRIPSR/Cas9 knockout (KO) prevents xeno-GVHD but preserves the anti-leukemic activity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. Third, it provides experimental evidence that ectopic expression of Id3 in engineered human CAR-T cells enhances the ability of these cells to eliminate tumors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a single mouse exhaled breath collection device and proof-of-concept analyses utilizing an ultra-sensitive and customizable EV purification assay, EV-CATCHER® (Extracellular Vesicle Capture by AnTibody of CHoice and Enzymatic Release) assay. Preliminary studies show that this assay work well for the isolation of exhaled extracellular vesicles (exh-EVs) from exhaled breath condensates (EBC) to capture and characterize miRNAs contained in exh-EVs. Because assembling a large enough cohort of asymptomatic subjects requires time, a complementary approach of using humanized animal models has been chosen to comprehensively assess the robustness and sensitivity of transcriptomic (miRNA and mRNA) and proteomic biomarkers contained in tumor exh-EVs and to enable sensitive detection of human primary and secondary lung cancers during their early development.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a non-invasive method for early detection of deep lung pathology in a subject at risk of the deep lung pathology. The method comprises (a) sampling deep lung tissue of the subject at risk of the deep lung pathology by isolating micro RNA (riRNA) cargo of lung tissue origin in exhaled extracellular vesicles (EVs) purified from exhaled breath condensates (EBCs) of the subject; (b) purifying lung-specific exhaled extracellular vesicles in exhaled breath condensate by antibody capture of the lung-specific exhaled EVs; and (c) detecting the pathology by comparing an miRNA profile of the exhaled extracellular vesicles of lung tissue origin purified from the subject to the profile of exhaled extracellular vesicles purified from exhaled breath condensates of a healthy subject. The early detection can lead to early treatment of the pathology and an improved health outcome for the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for treating an eligible subject with acute myeloid leukemia including high-risk disease features comprising administering to the subject post-consolidation a targeted immunotherapy comprising an immunotherapeutic agent specifically targeting B cell maturation antigen.

Abstract: A robust and rapid detection assay for the subspeciation of Mycobacterium abscessus is provided. The assay allows for three subspecies of M. abscessus to be detected: (1) M. abscessus subsp. abscessus, M. abscessus subsp. massiliense, and M. abscessus subsp. bolletii. Molecular beacon probes and primers were developed to detect the subspecies, and also determine which strains are susceptible macrolides.

Abstract: A method of generating multipotent stem cells from adult human peripheral blood cells by isolating the peripheral blood insulin-producing cells and exposing them to adult peripheral blood-derived mitochondria. Adult peripheral blood insulin-producing cells (PB-IPC) are isolated from adult peripheral blood by adherence to a hydrophobic surface with a positive charge, such as a Petri dish. Once the PB-IPC are isolated, mitochondria derived from adult peripheral blood are applied to the isolated PB-IPC. The mitochondria are then taken in by the PB-IPC and enter the nuclei of the PB-IPC, allowing the cells to be reprogrammed, transforming PB-IPC into multipotent stem cells and giving rise to three germ layer-derived cells. Additionally, PB-IPC give rise to functional CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-like cells after treatment with adult peripheral blood-derived mitochondria.

Abstract: A method, detection assay, and kit for rapidly detecting mutations of the SARS-COV-2 virus includes preparing a detection assay, performing an asymmetric real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on the detection assay using a Mic Real Time PCR cycler, and analyzing a melting curve to detect peaks at a 484 and a 501 codon of a gene, or detect peaks at a 452 codon and a 478 codon of a gene. The method, detection assay, and kit also provides for detecting of the SARS-COV-2 virus and mutations thereof. Disclosed is a high-throughput test that can detect multiple variants of the SARS-COV-2 virus within two-and-a-half hours, and is a major advance in tracking the virus and in treating patients. The test can detect UK, Brazil, South African, and Omicron variants, as well as others containing, for example, a key E484K mutation, which are gaining prominence as the virus evolves.

Abstract: A phantom for quality assurance for stereotactic body radiation therapy, systems and methods are provided. In some embodiments, a phantom has a body including a peripheral ring potion defining a ring shaped peripheral film holder and a center portion defining a central axis film holder for receiving a radiochromic film.

Abstract: The described easy access apparel provides ever day wear that is effective to reduce the stigma of a chronic illness, improve the experience of receiving treatment for a chronic illness, and facilitates access to and utilization of a percutaneous access site.

Abstract: An exemplary suction catheter is provided. The suction catheter includes a body defining a tubular structure, the body including a proximal end and a distal end on opposing sides of the body. The suction catheter includes a first suction hole formed in the body and spaced from the distal end by a first distance, a second suction hole formed in the body and spaced from the distal end by a second distance, a third suction hole formed in the body and spaced from the distal end by a third distance, and a fourth suction hole formed in the body and spaced from the distal end by a fourth distance. The fourth distance is greater than the first, second and third distances, the third distance is greater than the first and second distances, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A code cart is provided to securely dispense medication, equipment or medical supplies comprising disposables to a patient and provide for accounting and inventory control of the medication, equipment or medical supplies comprising disposables dispensed from the code cart. The code cart may include a processor, a memory, a housing comprising a plurality of compartments for storing the medication, equipment or medical supplies comprising disposables, an RFID tag affixed to the code cart and an RFID reader. The RFID tag uniquely identifies the code cart and the RFID reader identifies the medication, equipment or medical supplies comprising disposables stored in the code cart based on respective RFID tags affixed thereto. The process can generate information records based on read instructions executed by the RFID reader and can provide for accounting and inventory control of the medication, equipment or medical supplies comprising disposables stored in the code cart based on the generated information records.

Abstract: A detection panel for the universal detection of SARS-like coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 viruses and a method for using the detection panel are provided. The detection panel may be known as a Center for Discovery and Innovation (“CDI”) detection panel (CDI Enhanced COVID-19 Test) and may also include an additional primer/probe set in the detection panel to detect the human RNase P gene (RP) in control samples and clinical specimens. The detection panel is designed for both universal detection of SARS-like coronaviruses using an E gene (envelope) detection assay, and specific detection of the SARS-CoV-2, using an N2 (nucleocapsid) detection assay.

Abstract: The described easy access apparel provides ever day wear that is effective to reduce the stigma of a chronic illness, improve the experience of receiving treatment for a chronic illness, and facilitates access to and utilization of a percutaneous access site.