Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating effectiveness of a cell therapeutic agent. When using TGF-? and/or TSP-1 expression level(s) in: (a) a first population of transformed mammalian cells with TGF-?; and (b) a second population of untransformed mammalian cells with the same gene, respectively, as a criterion for determining effectiveness of a cell therapeutic agent, and whether or not expression thereof, it is possible to definitely determine the therapeutic efficacy of each cell therapeutic agent prior to initiation of the treatment. In addition, since use of a cell therapeutic agent without therapeutic effects is avoided, undesired procedures and side effects may not be entailed.

Abstract: A system and method facilitates transfers of specimen containers (e.g., vials with caps) between storage cassettes and carrier cassettes. The storage cassettes are designed to be stored in cryogenic refrigerators while the carrier cassettes are designed to be temporarily stored in a portable carrier. Identification information is read from wireless transponders carried by the specimen containers. Visual mappings of the positions of the specimen container in the cassettes is provided. Presence and position of the specimen containers in the cassettes is verified, and alerts of inconsistencies provided along with corrective commands. Inventories of specimen container and even specific specimen holders are provided.

Abstract: A system for buoyant particle processing includes: a reaction vessel, a stirring mechanism, a set of one or more pumps, and a filter. The system can additionally or alternatively include a set of pathways and/or any other suitable component(s). A method for buoyant particle processing includes: stirring the contents of a reaction vessel; washing a set of buoyant particles; and filtering the contents of the reaction vessel. Additionally or alternatively, the method can include any or all of: preprocessing the set of buoyant particles; adding a set of inputs to the reaction vessel; washing the set of buoyant particles; repeating one or more; and/or any other suitable process(es).

Abstract: A method for exchange of equipment performance data includes the steps of: obtaining performance data of a communicatively-insulated device; converting the performance data into a scannable code; capturing an image of the scannable code; decoding the scannable code using a communicatively-enabled device to extract an address string encoded in the scannable code, the address string comprising an address of a remote server and the performance data; initiating, by the communicatively-enabled device, a communications link with the remote server using the address string thereby to provide the performance data to the remote server; performing, by the remote server, analytics on the performance data; and sending historic device performance data and/or analytical results to a remote computing device and/or sending a link to the historic device performance data and/or analytical results to the remote computing device; wherein the communicatively-insulated device is packaging equipment and wherein obtaining the perform

Abstract: A method for exchange of equipment performance data includes the steps of: obtaining performance data of a communicatively-insulated device; converting the performance data into a scannable code; capturing an image of the scannable code; decoding the scannable code using a communicatively-enabled device to extract an address string encoded in the scannable code, the address string comprising an address of a remote server and the performance data; initiating, by the communicatively-enabled device, a communications link with the remote server using the address string thereby to provide the performance data to the remote server; performing, by the remote server, analytics on the performance data; and sending historic device performance data and/or analytical results to a remote computing device and/or sending a link to the historic device performance data and/or analytical results to the remote computing device; wherein the communicatively-insulated device is medical imaging equipment and wherein obtaining the p

Abstract: Orally administrable pharmaceutical compositions, methods of administration, and methods of making the same are provided. The pharmaceutical compositions provide abuse deterrent properties.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a polymer-coated elastic braid including forming a plurality of elastic filaments into a braid. The braid is mounted within a tubular mandrel. The mandrel-mounted braid is dip-coating in a polymer solution containing a polymer and at least one solvent. The dip-coated braid is then heated to release the at least one solvent. Then, the dip-coated mandrel-mounted braid is cooled to solidify the polymer on the braid. The braid is then removed from the mandrel. The braid can be attached to a catheter for use as a microvalve in a vessel.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic imaging device for coupling to a region of interest on a patient is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a surface, wherein the surface comprises an acoustic coupling portion having a substantially perpendicular extent relative to the surface. In one embodiment, the perpendicular extent extends to the surface. In one embodiment, the perpendicular extent extends to the surface and the outwardly from the surface. In one embodiment, the perpendicular extent extends only from the surface.

Abstract: Flow cytometry is used for diagnosis of infectious diseases by an analysis of cell mediated immune responses to specific infective agent antigens. Apparatus and methods of advanced flow cytometry are utilized to detect cell mediated immune responses to the presence of specific antigens from infective agents, such as bacteria, protozoa, viruses, helminth, prions. In some embodiments, methods as provided herein can be utilized in vitro to diagnose multiple infections within individuals.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing liposomes comprising ultrasound reactive microbubbles for drug delivery, comprising (a) a step of producing ultrasound reactive microbubbles comprising an inert gas therein and having a first shell formed on the outer surface thereof, followed by forming a uniform size distribution of the ultrasound reactive microbubbles through an extruder; and (b) a step of producing liposomes comprising the ultrasound reactive microbubbles distributed in a uniform size and a medicament therein and having a second shell formed on the outer surface thereof, followed by forming a uniform size distribution of the liposomes through an extruder; and a liposome using same.

Abstract: A multi-unit packing system includes a packaging tray assembly supporting a medical device or product. The packaging tray assembly includes a tray that holds the medical product within a spring-loaded card. The spring-loaded card being disposed within the inner container of the tray. The spring-loaded card including a one or more openings that are positioned to maintain the medical product in a defined orientation while preventing the inadvertent movement of the medical product. The spring-loaded card comprises elastic properties to allow it to be elastically compressed when the barrier is sealed to the tray, and uncompressed when the barrier is peeled away from the tray, allowing a portion of the spring-loaded card to extend beyond a surface of the tray to provide easier access, removal and transfer of the sterile medical product within the sterile field.

Abstract: A composition useful for alleviating or treating pain and uses thereof are disclosed. The composition containing glutamate decarboxylase and a gene coding for an anti-inflammatory cytokine. A method for alleviating or treating pain of a subject includes administering the composition to the subject.

Abstract: Enhanced, specific nucleic acid targeting complexes comprising endo and exonuclease activity, and related methods that allow both targeted degradation of specific and/or non-specific nucleic acids in vivo and specific temporal regulation of nuclease activity to prevent off-target activity are disclosed herein. Through practice of the disclosure, nucleic acids, and cells harboring them, such as cancer cells or pathogens, are selectively degraded in vivo.

Abstract: Nutraceuticals Composition A (metabolic capacity enhancing compositions) comprises extraction or powder from White Kidney Bean, Green Tea, Green Coffee Bean, Garcinia Cambogia, Gymnema Sylvestre, L-Carnitine, Guarana, Ginger Root, Dandelion Root, Capsicum Cayenne, Licorice Root, Ascorbic Acid, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine HCl, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Carbonate, and Chromium Yeast. Nutraceuticals Composition B (immunity capacity enhancing compositions) comprises extraction or powder from Grape Seed, Ginseng, Garlic, Rosehips, Green tea (Decaf), Astragalus, Beta Glucan Yeast, Reishi, Shitake, Maitake, Agricus blazei, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, and Coenzyme CoQ10. The methods to make a synergistic Composition A and Composition B are formulated and are capable to provide a bioavailable dietary supplement and phytonutrients that can help modulate metabolism and enhance the human immune system.

Abstract: A recombinant vaccinia virus containing a gene encoding sPD-1 or hyaluronidase and a pharmaceutical composition including the same are disclosed. The recombinant vaccinia virus containing a cancer therapy gene and having suppressed expression of K3L, TK, or VGF gene of the vaccinia virus has an excellent anti-tumor effect. Therefore, the recombinant vaccinia virus of the present invention can be advantageously used in cancer treatment.

Abstract: A system utilizing thermoacoustic imaging to estimate tissue temperature within a region of interest that includes an object of interest and a reference which are separated by at least one boundary located at least at two boundary locations. The system uses a thermoacoustic imaging system that includes an adjustable radio frequency (RF) applicator configured to emit RF energy pulses into the tissue region of interest and heat tissue therein and an acoustic receiver configured to receive multi-polar acoustic signals generated in response to heating of tissue in the region of interest; and one or more processors that are able to: process received multi-polar acoustic generated in the region of interest in response to the RF energy pulses to determine a peak-to-peak amplitude thereof; and calculate a temperature at the at least two boundary locations using the peak-to-peak amplitudes of the multi-polar acoustic signals and a distance between the boundary locations.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of generating models for predicting the glycemic response of an individual to consumption of a food or meal. The method involves collecting from a plurality of subjects, phenotypic data, ohmic data, and glycemic response data to foods or meals having a defined macronutrient profile. This data is then used to train a machine learning algorithm to create a model that predicts glycemic response of an individual to a food or meal based on the macro nutrient profile of the food or meal.

Abstract: A computing device of the present invention estimates an unknown parameter ? of a model formula when distributed sample data is acquired, wherein when an estimated quantity of ? is acquired, a function g is estimated using a random forest model, such that when an estimated quantity of g is acquired, the estimated quantity of g and the estimated quantity of ? are used so as estimate a function G as a prediction formula for new data corresponding to a specific item such that an estimated quantity of G is acquired, and thus new data xnew is received, thereby enabling the class of the specific item to be classified from the calculated value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant vaccinia virus in which the expression of some genes is inhibited, and a use thereof. The recombinant vaccinia virus of the present invention selectively kills cancer cells, and has an excellent reproducibility in cancer cells. Also, the virus has a lower toxicity to normal cells, and thus has an advantage of being safe for a human body. Therefore, the recombinant vaccinia virus of the present invention can be effectively used as a composition for treating cancer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a radio frequency (RF) applicator which includes covering a ceramic insert with a coating, wherein the ceramic insert has dimensions that substantially match an internal volume of an open-ended, hollow waveguide, and wherein the ceramic insert has a recess therein configured to accept a radio frequency emitter, heating the waveguide to a temperature that is above a melting point of the coating, placing the coated ceramic insert into the internal volume of the heated waveguide, wherein the internal volume is completely filled except for the recess, and cooling the waveguide, ceramic insert, and coating to a temperature below the melting point of the coating so that the coating solidifies and fills gaps between facing surfaces of the insert and the waveguide.