Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for magnetic resonance imaging of polysaccharide molecules, that includes providing a magnetic field that is sufficiently homogeneous over an imaging volume, generating a spatial encoding in the magnetic field, and acquiring one or more water proton signal intensity measurements at each of multiple voxels within the imaging volume. The signal intensity measurements are acquired at one or more irradiation frequencies at lower parts-per-million (ppm) than a baseline frequency associated with free water protons.

Abstract: A method of assessing the brain lymphatic or glymphatic system and the glucose transporter function on blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) of a subject using D-glucose or a D-glucose analog. A spatial map is generated of water MR signals that are sensitized to changes in D-glucose or a D-glucose analog in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the subject. The spatial map is observed at one or more time points before, one or more time points during, and one or more time points after, raising the blood level of the D-glucose or a D-glucose analog in the subject CSF. A difference is detected between the MR signals of the spatial map before, during, and after raising the blood level of D-glucose or a D-glucose analog. A physiological parameter associated with the brain lymphatic or glymphatic system and the glucose transporter function on BCSFB of the subject is ascertained based on the detected difference.

Abstract: The disclosure relates, in some aspects, to adeno-associated virus capsid proteins isolated from an in vivo library and recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) comprising the same. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated nucleic acids encoding AAV capsid proteins isolated from an in vivo library. In some embodiments, rAAVs and compositions described by the disclosure are useful for delivery of one or more transgenes to the muscle-tissue of a subject.

Abstract: The disclosure relates, in some aspects, to adeno-associated vims capsid proteins isolated from an in vivo library and recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) comprising the same. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated nucleic acids encoding AAV capsid proteins isolated from an in vivo library. In some embodiments, rAAVs and compositions described by the disclosure are useful for delivery of one or more transgenes to the muscle-tissue of a subject.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention features a method of inhibiting proliferation and/or reducing survival of a cell comprising a GNAQ polynucleotide or polypeptide having a R183Q or Q209L mutation, comprising contacting the cell with puromycin or a puromycin analog, thereby inhibiting proliferation and/or reducing survival of the cell. In another aspect, a method of treating a vascular malformation or related condition in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of puromycin or a puromycin analog is featured.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel hydrogels through peptides, which are designed to self-assemble and produce magnetic resonance (MR) contrast through chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The location and integrity of these gels could consequently be tracked using MR imaging. The self-assembly of the peptides into hydrogels can be brought about by a change in pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of ions.

Abstract: The disclosure relates, in some aspects, to adeno-associated vims capsid proteins isolated from an in vivo library and recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) comprising the same. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated nucleic acids encoding AAV capsid proteins isolated from an in vivo library. In some embodiments, rAAVs and compositions described by the disclosure are useful for delivery of one or more transgenes to the muscle-tissue of a subject.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention is directed to a spill-proof cup. The cup includes an innovative mechanisms to allow for a completely spill-proof and ergonomic cup. The cup functions in the same manner as a regular cup. In some embodiments the spill-proof feature of the cup is facilitated by a weight that will fall down when the cup is tilted. In other embodiments, chambers are filled with liquid to control flow and only allow the user a volume of one sip of liquid at a time. As a result of these specialized embodiments, the cup does not consume electricity, is safe to use, and costs little both to make and to purchase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of neurological and skin disorders. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing and prognosing Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS), Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome (KTWS), and Port Wine Stains (PWS).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of seizures. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating refractory seizures in neonates. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) administering to the patient an amount of a KCC2 agonist and/or trkB antagonist effective to restore KCC2 expression to normal physiological levels; and (b) administering to the patient an effective amount of an anti-seizure medication.

Abstract: A novel approach for CEST MR imaging is called Multi-echo Length and Offset VARied Saturation (Me-LOVARS) CEST. This method allows efficient collection of additional CEST data without penalty in scan time, which could be useful for enhancing the contrast, increasing the specificity or improving quantification of exchange. As CEST-MRI has shown promise at both the pre-clinical and clinical levels, including for detecting and grading brain tumors and evaluating ischemia, using either endogenous CEST contrast or through administration of CEST contrast agents. This fast and robust imaging method is suitable for accelerating image collection and widening the scope of applications for CEST-MRI.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method of non-invasively detecting and imaging temperature or temperature changes by assessing the temperature induced shifts in the saturation spectrum of water using MRI, namely saturation shift referencing. This procedure includes the MRI procedures to assess water saturation spectrum and the data processing steps to determine the temperature induced shifts of water resonance frequency and consequently to estimate the temperature change. This procedure also includes the procedure of assessing fat saturation spectrum and estimating fat resonance frequency. This method can be used as a clinical procedure for temperature mapping in multiple applications, especially where a significant amount of fat is present. One application is to monitor the temperature of the targeted tumor and its surrounding tissues during the procedure of hyperthermia.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a new MRI method to image the buildup of exchange transfer processes from nuclei in mobile solute molecules in tissue via another molecule (e.g. solvent such as water). The pulse sequence can detect Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST), relayed Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (rNOE) CEST, and selective induced exchange transfer processes. Further, the proposed MRI pulse sequence involves acquiring two or more images with a difference in waiting period (delay) after a radiofrequency excitation, saturation pulse, or series of such pulses. This produces a series of exchange transfer images sensitive to the speed of transfer of changes in magnetization. Subtracting two images or fitting a time series produces maps with minimum interference from direct water saturation and from semi-solid magnetization transfer and other fast exchanging protons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers. More specifically, the present invention relates to biomarkers useful in diagnosing brain injuries. In a specific embodiment, a method for diagnosing perinatal brain injury in a patient comprises the steps of (a) determining the ratio of phosphorylated nNOS to unphosphorylated nNOS in a sample collected from the patient using an ELISA; and (b) comparing the ratio with predefined ratios of the same proteins that correlate to a patient having perinatal brain injury and predefined ratios of the same proteins that correlate to a patient not having perinatal brain injury, wherein a correlation to one of the predefined ratios provides the diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel hydrogels through peptides, which are designed to self-assemble and produce magnetic resonance (MR) contrast through chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The location and integrity of these gels could consequently be tracked using MR imaging. The self-assembly of the peptides into hydrogels can be brought about by a change in pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of ions.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method for obtaining a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or spectrum. The method includes a step of performing a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) or magnetization transfer (MT) magnetic labeling experiment of a subject using an MRI machine. When performing the CEST or MT magnetic labeling experiment aspects of a saturation pulse or a serial saturation pulse sequence, such as length (tsat), number (Nsat), offset (??), modulation frequency (?s) and power (B1) can be varied in specific-designed schemes. Data is generated from the CEST magnetic labeling experiment and is transmitted to a data processing unit. The data is processed to generate a visual representation of the data.

Abstract: A programmable device adaptable for wearing on an affected limb of a subject afflicted with hemiplegia and/or hemispatial neglect includes a sensor for measuring movement values of the affected limb, a sensory stimulator for providing sensory stimulation at a particular interval, duration, frequency, intensity and/or pattern, a microprocessor for storing and administering the one or more interval values and the one or more duration values of the sensory stimulation, and a computer interface for transferring and receiving data between the microprocessor and a separate data processor. The programmable device provides cues to a subject according to preset parameters or when it has been determined that the affected limb is not being used. A method for monitoring and treating a subject afflicted with hemiplegia and/or hemispatial neglect is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of premature birth. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for preventing premature birth. In one embodiment, a method for preventing preterm birth in a patient comprises the step of administering to the patient an effective amount of autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during the first or second trimester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of autism. More specifically, the present invention provides methods for treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides methods for treating patients with autism spectrum disorder. In one embodiment, a method for treating an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a patient comprises the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of cholesterol to the patient. In more specific embodiments, the ASD is autism, Asperger's disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Rett's syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. In one embodiment, the patient has autism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating autism. Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating an autism spectrum disorder.