Abstract: The described invention provides a method of functionally reprogramming adult cells to an immature cell type that expresses one or more embryonic biomarkers with a platelet rich fraction comprising platelet-like cells from umbilical cord blood or peripheral blood, and expanding the immature cell type in vitro under culture conditions to generate an insulin-producing cell population that expresses human beta-cell specific transcription factors and is functionally equivalent to human pancreatic beta-cells. It further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a cell product containing a therapeutic amount of an insulin-producing cell population, wherein the insulin-producing cell population expresses human beta-cell specific transcription factors and is functionally equivalent to human pancreatic beta-cells, and a method for treating a recipient subject suffering from a disease characterized by hyperglycemia with the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The described invention provides a method of functionally reprogramming adult cells to an immature cell type that expresses one or more embryonic biomarkers. The reprogramming is accomplished by contacting the adult cells with a platelet rich fraction comprising platelet-like cells from umbilical cord blood or peripheral blood, and expanding the immature cell type in vitro under culture conditions to generate an insulin-producing cell population that expresses human beta-cell specific transcription factors and is functionally equivalent to human pancreatic beta-cells. Without being limited by theory, platelet-like cells and their released mitochondria display immune tolerance-associated markers that may modulate the function and differentiation of immune cells.

Abstract: The described invention provides methods for detecting, diagnosing and treating low-grade ovarian cancer and stage I ovarian cancer by comparing results from serum and ovarian tissue samples with normal controls. An increased level of expression of serine protease, wherein the serine protease is at least 2 selected from the group consisting of kallikrein 6 (KLK6), kallikrein 7 (KLK7), and PRSS8, expressed by subject samples compared to the level of expression of serine protease expressed by normal control samples is indicative of possible early stage ovarian cancer in the subject. Once early stage (I/II) ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the subject is treated with a treatment regimen effective to treat the early stage (I/II) ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Improved diagnostic assemblies are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved and highly advantageous chip based diagnostic assemblies configured to detect human diseases (e.g., cancer) and/or pathogens, and related methods of use. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for consumable micro- or nano-fluidic chip based diagnostic assemblies having visual biosensors, with the diagnostic assemblies using continuous flow-based micro- or nano-fluidic channels and antibody-based immuno-complex designs. In certain embodiments, the diagnostic assembly includes a self-sustainable and operable chip (e.g., thumb-sized chip) that is configured to be deployed as a single use consumable with a direct all-or-none readout as an output to satisfy a point of screening method to screen a population.

Abstract: The described invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating chronic non-healing wounds. The pharmaceutical compositions of the described invention comprise a granulated sugar and a hydrogel biomaterial.

Abstract: The described invention provides methods for irradiating skin cancer cells, such as melanoma cells, at a high radiation rate (e.g., of 2,400 mu/min) and a modest total dose (e.g., of 0.5 Gy) to treat skin cancer or induce apoptosis in skin cancer cells. The radiation may be administered in a plurality of treatments and used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Abstract: The described invention provides an ex vivo dynamic multiple myeloma (MM) cancer niche contained in a microfluidic device. The dynamic MM cancer niche includes (a) a three-dimensional tissue construct containing a dynamic ex vivo bone marrow (BM) niche, which contains a mineralized bone-like tissue containing viable osteoblasts self-organized into cohesive multiple cell layers and an extracellular matrix secreted by the viable adherent osteoblasts; and a microenvironment dynamically perfused by nutrients and dissolved gas molecules; and (b) human myeloma cells seeded from a biospecimen composition comprising mononuclear cells and the multiple myeloma cells. The human myeloma cells are in contact with osteoblasts of the BM niche, and the viability of the human myeloma cells is maintained by the MM cancer niche.

Abstract: A bed of microbeads is used as a foundation for reconstructing a three-dimensional osteocyte network by culturing osteocytes within the bed. The osteocytes are cultured such that they form a network among the microbeads that is capable of simulating the osteocyte network of natural bone. The osteocytes are cultured in a microfluidic device adapted for the purpose.

Abstract: The described invention provides an ex vivo dynamic multiple myeloma (MM) cancer niche contained in a microfluidic device. The dynamic MM cancer niche includes (a) a three-dimensional tissue construct containing a dynamic ex vivo bone marrow (BM) niche, which contains a mineralized bone-like tissue containing viable osteoblasts self-organized into cohesive multiple cell layers and an extracellular matrix secreted by the viable adherent osteoblasts; and a microenvironment dynamically perfused by nutrients and dissolved gas molecules; and (b) human myeloma cells seeded from a biospecimen composition comprising mononuclear cells and the multiple myeloma cells. The human myeloma cells are in contact with osteoblasts of the BM niche, and the viability of the human myeloma cells is maintained by the MM cancer niche.

Abstract: A device for preventing ignition of an endotracheal tube during laser surgery is provided, wherein the device permits communication among a sensor associated with endotracheal tube and a laser which generates the laser beam. When the sensor and endotracheal tube are impinged by the laser, the sensor senses this impingement, and communicates with a controller which controls power entering the laser beam. Because of such communication, the controller impedes power entering the laser, which extinguishes the laser and prevents ignition of the endotracheal tube.