Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for delivering targeted therapies for pulmonary diseases, fibrotic disorders and cancer. The compositions and methods are based on peptide sequences that selectively bind to and home to diseased tissue and enable targeted therapies to effect a beneficial therapeutic result. The disclosed targeting is useful for delivering therapeutic and detectable agents to diseased tissue in an animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and composition for screening drug candidates for cardiotoxicity and for novel drugs that effect cardiomyocyte contractility and function. The invention provides an efficient and reliable screening assay to detect the effect of new and potential drug candidates on cardiomyocyte calcium flux, membrane depolarization, and/or the propagation of action potentials.

Abstract: Multifunction autofocus for automated microscopy includes automatic coarse focusing of an automated microscope by reflective positioning, followed by automatic image-based autofocusing of the automated microscope performed in reference to a coarse focus position. In some aspects, the image-based autofocusing utilizes astigmatism in microscope optics for multi-planar image acquisition along a Z axis direction of a microscope. In some other aspects, the image-based autofocusing utilizes astigmatism in microscope optics in combination with chromatic aberration for multi-planar image acquisition along the Z axis direction.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the diagnosis of human melanoma by assessing MITF, miR-211, TRPM1, and/or KCNMA1 and methods for the diagnosis of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents by assessing the regulatory pathways of PGC1?. Methods for treating melanoma, including drug-resistant melanoma, are also provided.

Abstract: Ligand-specific HVEM variants, compositions comprising such variants, and methods of treating inflammatory diseases comprising administering such variants, are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are small molecule active metabotropic glutamate subtype-2 and -3 receptor negative allosteric modulators (NAMs), compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compositions.

Abstract: A fixing-tool mounting device mounting a fixing tool including a curved surface formed in accordance with a shape of a body surface on a body part of a subject onto the body part of the subject set to a predetermined posture angle, including: a moving mechanism moving the fixing tool in at least one axial direction relative to the body of the subject; an angle adjustment mechanism adjusting an angle of the fixing tool around at least one axis relative to the body of the subject; and a pressure detecting portion configured to, after the fixing tool contacts with the body part of the subject, detect a pressure generated between the fixing tool and the body part.

Abstract: Contact lenses are described that include particles of polymer fiber mat incorporated into a polymer lens wherein the polymer fiber mat is formed by electrospinning a prepolymer solution. Methods for making the contact lenses with improved oxygen permeability are also described. Methods for making the contact lens with optional therapeutic drug delivery and refractive correction are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the seminal discovery that several kinases play important roles in barrier pathways in somatic cell reprogramming. The present invention provides that modulating expression or activity of these kinases can significantly promote or enhance cell reprogramming efficiency. Key kinases are identified and key regulation networks involving such kinases are also identified that may be advantageously targeted to significantly increase reprogramming efficiency as well as direct differentiation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices and, more particularly, to medical devices that deliver neuromodulating therapy.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds that modulate the activity of TNAP. In some embodiments, the compounds described herein inhibit TNAP. In certain embodiments, the compounds described herein are useful in the treatment of conditions associated with hyper-mineralization.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for delivery of therapeutic agents, such as chemically stabilized antisense oligonucleotides useful in RNA silencing. The compositions include interfering nanoparticles (iNOPs) associated with one or more agents. Several functional iNOP derivatives are provided which allow for targeted delivery of agents to specific cell types as well as exhibiting reduced cellular toxicity.

Abstract: Provided herein are small molecule neurotensin receptor agonists, compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compositions comprising the compounds.

Abstract: The inventions describe here cover therapeutic compositions, and methods of use, for neutralizing Type I interferons in a mammal. The compositions contain a soluble Orthopoxvirus IFN-binding protein that is modified to remove the cell-binding region, and that specifically binds to Type I IFNs, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Another variation of the invention entails a novel IFN-binding protein that is modified to remove the cell-binding region and the signal sequence.

Abstract: A holding device wherein: a holding tool including a curved and rigid surface formed in accordance with a shape of a body surface of a body part of a subject along with an adhesive layer having adhesiveness to a skin surface of the subject on the curved and rigid surface side; an elongated arm member having one end portion to which the holding tool is attached; and a fixing tool for fixing the arm member to a fixed object, attached to an end portion of the arm member on the side opposite to the end portion on the side to which the holding tool is attached.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention provides a method for treating a disease or condition in a subject, the method comprising co-administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one ULK1-inhibiting pyrimidine, and a therapeutically effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for aiding the sterility of a laboratory by suspending items using magnetic force to a laboratory object, such as a cap or a lid, wherein such cap may be suspended on a rack or stand comprising an arm extending horizontally. The system allows for suspension of items rather than placing them on surfaces, which may lead to contamination. The system may further prevent mixing of lids by increasing organizational capability by magnetic suspension of the caps or lids. The disclosed system supports a wide variety of scenarios for laboratory settings and related products and services.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for aiding the sterility of a laboratory by suspending items using magnetic force to a laboratory object, such as a cap or a lid, wherein such cap may be suspended on a rack or stand comprising an arm extending horizontally. The system allows for suspension of items rather than placing them on surfaces, which may lead to contamination. The system may further prevent mixing of lids by increasing organizational capability by magnetic suspension of the caps or lids. The disclosed system supports a wide variety of scenarios for laboratory settings and related products and services.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved composition characterized in containing a combination of melatonin and 5-HTP in a nasal administration for the rapid treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and related disorders in mammals, including humans. The present invention relates also to a pharmaceutical composition comprising 5-HTP and melatonin which utilizes the known effects of two substances to provide sleep improvement, relaxation, and reduced anxiety via rapid delivery of the combination, via nasal administration, for short-term alleviation of sleep disorder and anxiety-related symptoms. The combined effects of 5-HTP and melatonin in the present invention provide a short-term increase in blood plasma levels of melatonin while simultaneously increasing the production of serotonin for purposes of achieving natural melatonin biosynthesis in combination with the increased melatonin content in blood plasma.

Abstract: An improved composition for skin cleansing and protection is disclosed. The composition contains an effective amount of at least one alpha-hydroxyl acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, at least one base, one surfactant and one skin protectant. Various additives and excipients may be included in the formulation. The improved composition disclosed herein achieves a higher bacteria killing rate and shows longer action duration. The disclosed composition is capable of penetrating deep into the skin which allows for delivery of more anti-microbials to sites that are at a higher risk of being infected. Various modifications of the improved composition are also disclosed.