Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for modifying sterol metabolism in a subject is disclosed. In some embodiments, the subjects may be administered one or more mammalian cells modified to express at least one sterol degrading enzyme derived from a bacterium. In many embodiments, the cell is a macrophage or monocyte stably expressing three or more enzymes that aid in opening the ? ring of cholesterol. The disclosed compositions and methods may be useful in lowering cholesterol levels in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the subject may have a genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials for diagnosing cancer in an individual using a tissue, blood or urine sample from the patient. Specifically, the disclosed method comprises determining the level of one or more metabolite selected from the group consisting of creatine riboside, metabolite 561+, cortisol sulfate and N-acetylneuraminic acid. The present invention also provides a method for determining the prognosis of a cancer patient by determining the level of one or more metabolite selected from the group consisting of creatine riboside, metabolite 561+, cortisol sulfate and N-acetylneuraminic acid. Also provided are kits for detecting cancer or determining the prognosis of a cancer patient.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compounds of Formula I, which may be useful as aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The variables, J, R4, G, Q, and ring A are defined herein. Aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors of Formula I are useful for treating a variety of conditions including cancer and inflammation. The disclosure includes methods for using compounds and salts of Formula I to treat colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, leukemia, brain tumors breast cancer, atherosclerosis, ischaemic heart disease, acne vulgaris, asthma, autoimmune diseases, autoinflammatory diseases, chronic prostatitis, glomerulonephritis, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, reperfusion injury, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, transplant rejection, vasculitis, and interstitial cystitis.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of methods for detecting cancer in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) patients.

Abstract: A cell-based quantitative high-throughput screening assay to monitor the formation of PFK1-mEGFP clusters by the action of small molecules to identify small molecules that promote intracellular PFK1 clustering in a cell cycle-dependent manner and may be used to treat cancer.

Abstract: A highly sensitive allergen measurement method is provided. A method for detecting an allergen in a sample, comprising: treating a sample with a protease; and detecting presence or absence of an allergen marker in the enzyme-treated sample by analysis that utilizes chromatographic separation. The allergen comprises buckwheat and wheat.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for decontaminating an object to be treated by reducing the activity of endotoxin in a simple manner. The decontamination method includes a step (a) of irradiating an object to be treated with ultraviolet light of a wavelength of less than 200 nm to reduce activity of endotoxin attached to the object to be treated.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing any one or more of 4?-O-isolvalerylspiramycin I, II and III counters tumorigenesis and reduces or prevents metastasis by inhibiting selenoprotein H to trigger genomic instability and cell-cycle arrest in cancer cells.

Abstract: The disclosure provides various embodiments of systems to facilitate the cutting of luminal tissue structures percutaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of inhibiting p97 and compounds and compositions useful in such methods. Diseases and conditions the can be treated with the compounds and compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders susceptible to treatment by inhibition of p97.

Abstract: A fermentation state monitoring apparatus includes: a terahertz wave generation element that outputs inspection light using a terahertz wave to a fermented food under fermentation in a sealed product container; a terahertz wave detection element that detects return light of the inspection light reflected by the fermented food in the product container; and a determination unit that determines a fermentation progress of the fermented food based on an index value including a reflectance of the return light with respect to the inspection light or an absorption coefficient of the return light with respect to the inspection light.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of inhibiting p97 and compounds and compositions useful in such methods. Diseases and conditions the can be treated with the compounds and compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders susceptible to treatment by inhibition of p97.

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: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of determining patient populations amenable or suitable for immunomodulatory treatment of disease such as cancer by measuring the relative or absolute levels of T-cell sub-populations correlated with disease such as cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating diabetic retinopathy or symptoms thereof are provided. The disclosed compositions and methods for treating diabetic retinopathy contravene the existing paradigm that Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) blockade alone can treat, prevent, or reduce diabetic retinopathy. The disclosed compositions and methods include a combination or alternation of EET antagonists and ATI antagonists.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for inhibiting the Pin1 protein, and the treatment of disorders characterized by elevated Pin1 levels.

Abstract: The present Disclosure is directed to methods for inhibiting or suppressing metastasis of a tumor in a mammalian subject using a cysteamine product, e.g., cysteamine or cystamine or a derivative thereof. Also described herein is a method for treating pancreatic cancer in a mammalian subject by administering a cysteamine product described herein.

Abstract: The present technology relates to improved device and methods of use of insulator-based dielectrophoresis. This device provides a multi-length scale element that provides enhanced resolution and separation. The device provides improved particle streamlines, trapping efficiency, and induces laterally similar environments. Also provided are methods of using the device.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.