Abstract: Compositions for regeneration of inner cells and for treating hearing loss comprise at least one modulator of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) sufficient to induce reprogramming proliferation and regeneration of inner ear cells. The composition include, in some instances, an effective amount of one or more phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitors, MYC/NOTCH modulators, Atonal Homolog 1 (Atoh1) modulators or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods of delivering agents to structures within the eye are provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that can be used to modify the assembly activating protein (AAP)-dependence of an adeno-associated virus (AAV).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and polymer compositions for treating retinal detachment and other ocular disorders, where the methods employ polymer compositions that can form a hydrogel in the eye of a subject. The hydrogel is formed by reaction of (i) a nucleo-functional polymer that is a biocompatible polymer containing a plurality of thio-functional groups —R1—SH wherein R1 is an ester-containing linker, such as a thiolated poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer and (ii) an electro-functional polymer that is a biocompatible polymer containing at least one thiol-reactive group, such as a poly(ethylene glycol) polymer containing alpha-beta unsaturated ester groups.

Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in systems and computer-implemented methods for determining a score representing an amount of staining of the cornea. The methods include obtaining a digital image of the cornea stained with a tracer material, receiving a selection of a portion of the image, and processing, by a processing device, the selection to exclude areas with one or more artifacts to define an evaluation area. For each of a plurality of pixels within the evaluation area, a plurality of Cartesian color components are determined and a hue value in a polar coordinate based color space is calculated from the components. An amount of staining of the cornea is then determined as a function of the hue value. The methods also include assigning a score to the evaluation area based on the amount of staining calculated for the plurality of pixels.

Abstract: A system and methods for the treatment of amblyopia are described. The system includes a display system capable of in delivering a second image to a second eye of a patient and a first image to a first eye of a patient. The system also includes a controller in capable of delaying the delivery of the second image to the second eye of the patent. The controller is configured to receive the second image and the first image. The controller is also configured to identify a delay factor associated with the second image. The controller is also configured to provide the first image to the display system for viewing by the first eye of the patient. The controller is also configured such that after a delay determined by the delay factor, the controller provides the second image to the display system for viewing by the second eye of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to multimodal, e.g., bimodal, hybrid cochlear implants that provide both optical (optogenetic) as well as electrical stimulation to enhance sensitivity.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, methods for treating rhinosinusitis with P-glycoprotein inhibitors. A subject having rhinosinusitis is identified and then treated by administration to the subject an effective amount of a P-gp inhibitor. The subject having rhinosinusitis can be identified by one of skill in the art based on known methods, e.g., based on detection of the presence of symptoms, by endoscopy, or by computed tomography. The efficacy of the treatment can be monitored by methods known in the art, e.g., by monitoring symptoms, by endoscopy or computed tomography. The P-glycoprotein inhibitor can be delivered to the subject's nasal passage and sinuses by an inhalation device, by flushing, by spraying, or by an eluting implant surgically placed in the subject's nasal passage or sinuses. The P-glycoprotein inhibitor can also be administered in combination with one or both of a corticosteroid and an antibiotic.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to biomarkers for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and methods of use thereof, e.g., methods of the use of biomarkers for determining that a subject has Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) or determining the stage of AMD in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile device and method which include acquiring, by an image acquisition unit installed in a mobile device, an image of eyes of a patient while light provided by a light source reflects from an optical surface of the eyes of the patient; and obtaining, by a processor installed in the mobile device, ocular misalignment measurements, including a magnitude and a direction of ocular misalignment in the eyes of the patient, using the acquired image or set of images.

Abstract: Methods of using a high-dose statin for treatment of AMD in a patient can be used to regress drusen and/or drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs), to prevent atrophy of the RPE and/or one or more photoreceptors, to prevent vision loss and/or improve visual acuity, and/or to prevent progression from dry AMD to wet AMD.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides compositions, formulations and methods for preventing or reducing proliferation or migration of retinal cells or epithelial to mesenchymal transition in ocular cells or cells from other tissues.

Abstract: Provided herein are vaccines against coronavirus that utilize adeno-associated virus (AAV) for delivery.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of deaminating adenosine and cytosine bases in a target nucleic acid sequence in an USH2A gene comprising contacting the USH2A gene with a base editor in association with a guide RNA (gRNA). In some aspects, base editing is used to restore US2HA function by disrupting a splice site in the USH2A gene sequence to induce skipping of an exon containing a mutation, while in other embodiments, base editing is used to restore US2HA function by correcting a point mutation e.g., in an exon) so as to correct mutations. The disclosure also provides complexes of adenosine base editors and guide RNAs, and complexes of cytidine base editors and guide RNAs. The disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions and cells comprising these complexes. The disclosure also provides vectors encoding these complexes, base editors, and gRNAs. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions provided herein are used to treat Usher syndrome and autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP).

Abstract: This disclosure features artificial tympanic membrane graft devices and two-component bilayer graft devices that include a scaffold having a plurality of ribs made of a first material and a plurality of spaces between the ribs filled or made with the first material, a different, second material, a combination of the first and a second materials, or a combination of a second material and one or more other different materials. The bilayer graft devices have two components or layers. One component, e.g., the underlay graft device, can include a projection, and the second component, e.g., the overlay graft device, can include an opening that corresponds to the projection (or vice versa) so that the opening and the projection can secure the two layers together in a “lock and key” manner. This disclosure also features methods of making, using, and implanting the three-dimensional artificial tympanic membrane and bilayer graft devices.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to microfluidic droplets and, including forming gels within microfluidic droplets. In some aspects, a fluid containing agarose or other gel precursors is transported into a microfluidic droplet, and caused to harden within the droplet, e.g., to form a gel particle contained within the microfluidic droplet. Surprisingly, a discrete gel particle may be formed even if the fluid containing the agarose or other gel precursor, and the fluid contained within the microfluidic droplet, are substantially immiscible. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to techniques for making or using such gels within microfluidic droplets, kits containing such gels within microfluidic droplets, or the like.

Abstract: Compositions for regeneration of inner cells and for treating hearing loss comprise at least one modulator of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) sufficient to induce reprogramming proliferation and regeneration of inner ear cells. The composition include, in some instances, an effective amount of one or more phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitors, MYC/NOTCH modulators, Atonal Homolog 1 (Atoh1) modulators or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure provides tissue force sensor systems and methods for tissues, e.g., laryngeal tissue. The systems include a top housing including on an upper side an attachment mechanism for connecting the top housing to a medical device, e.g., a laryngoscope, and on a lower side a first cavity for receiving a top portion of a force measurement device such as a load cell; a bottom housing including on a lower side an attachment mechanism for connecting the bottom housing to a handle, holding system, or suspension system for holding or supporting the medical device, and on an upper side a second cavity for receiving a bottom portion of the force measurement device; and an attachment device for connecting the top housing to the bottom housing.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and polymer compositions for treating retinal detachment and other ocular disorders, where the methods employ polymer compositions that can form a hydrogel in the eye of a subject. The hydrogel is formed by reaction of (i) a nucleo-functional polymer that is a biocompatible polymer containing a plurality of thio-functional groups —R1-SH wherein R1 is an ester-containing linker, such as a thiolated poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer and (ii) an electro-functional polymer that is a biocompatible polymer containing at least one thiol-reactive group, such as a poly(ethylene glycol) polymer containing alpha-beta unsaturated ester groups.

Abstract: Methods for generating cells of the inner ear, e.g., hair cells and supporting cells, from stem cells, e.g., mesenchymal stem cells, are provided, as well as compositions including the inner ear cells. Methods for the therapeutic use of the inner ear cells for the treatment of hearing loss are also described.