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.

Abstract: Regional, tumor-targeted, cytotoxic therapy, such as D2C7-immunotoxin (D2C7-IT), not only specifically target and destroy tumor cells, but in the process initiate immune events that promote an in situ vaccine effect. The antitumor effects are amplified by immune checkpoint blockade which engenders a long-term systemic immune response that effectively eliminates all tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing cell populations enriched for stable, regulatory T cells (Tregs). In particular, the invention relates to methods for culturing T cells such that the final culture is enriched for stable, regulatory T cells. It also relates to methods for stabilizing regulatory T cells. Also provided are compositions enriched for stable, regulatory T cells, which are useful for treating individuals in need of such treatment. The methods and compositions disclosed herein can also be used to treat an individual suffering from an immune-mediated disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods configured to deliver a stimulus (e.g., a therapeutic agent or a therapeutically beneficial signal) to a cell, tissue, organ, or organism. The stimulus is applied at least twice, and the first and second applications are separated by a rest period in which no further stimulus is actively applied. The rest period is of a duration (e.g., about 1-6 hours) sufficient to provoke an enhanced response to the second stimulus.

Abstract: T cell receptors that specifically recognize hAFP158 and methods of their use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for treating or ameliorating the effects of a disease, such as cancer, in a subject. The methods include: administering to a subject in need thereof (a) a therapeutically effective amount of a monoclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment of the present invention, and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a combination therapy including bevacizumab and at least one additional therapeutic agent; or a therapeutically effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of a COX-2 inhibitor (COXIB), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthase inhibitor, and combinations thereof. Compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for treating diseases, such as cancer, are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for treating or ameliorating the effects of a disease, such as cancer, in a subject. The methods include: administering to a subject in need thereof (a) a therapeutically effective amount of an agent selected from the group consisting of an anti-angiogenic agent, a vascular disrupting agent (VDA), and combinations thereof; and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a monoclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, wherein the monoclonal antibody contains: (i) a heavy chain variable region (VH), which includes an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, and SEQ ID NO:7; and (ii) a light chain variable region (VL), which includes an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, and SEQ ID NO:8. Compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for treating diseases, such as cancer, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for treating or ameliorating the effects of a disease, such as cancer, in a subject. The methods include: administering to a subject in need thereof (a) a therapeutically effective amount of a microtubule inhibitor; and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a monoclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, wherein the monoclonal antibody contains: (i) a heavy chain variable region (VH), which includes an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, and SEQ ID NO:7; and (ii) a light chain variable region (VL), which includes an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, and SEQ ID NO:8. Compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for treating diseases, such as cancer, are also provided herein.

Abstract: A liver-mimetic device and method include a 3D polymer scaffold having a matrix of liver-like lobules with hepatic-functioning particles encapsulated within the lobules. In some embodiments, each liver-like lobule is hexagonal in structure and the matrix is in a honeycomb arrangement. In some embodiments, the hepatic-functioning particles are hepatic progenitor cells. In other embodiments, the hepatic-functioning particles are polymer nanoparticles adapted to capture pore-forming toxins.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a compound of the formula (II) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The variables, e.g. n, R, R3, R10, X, Y, and Z are defined herein. These compounds act as lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors and are useful for treating cancer and fibrosis. The compounds may be particularly useful for treating forms of cancer in which a metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis has occurred. The disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of this formula and method for treating patients having cancer, fibrosis, or other conditions in which a metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis has occurred.

Abstract: Genetically modified compositions, such as non-viral vectors and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer are disclosed. Disclosed are methods of utilizing a CRISPR system to generate genetically modified compositions. Also disclosed are the methods of making and using the genetically modified compositions for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.

Abstract: Identifying reliable biomarkers of aging is a major goal in geroscience. While the first generation of epigenetic biomarkers of aging were developed using chronological age as a surrogate for biological age, we hypothesized that composite clinical measures of “phenotypic age”, may facilitate the development of a more powerful epigenetic biomarker of aging. Here we show that our newly developed epigenetic biomarker of aging “DNAm PhenoAge” strongly outperforms previous measure in regards to predictions for a variety of aging outcomes, including all-cause mortality, cancers, physical functioning, and, age-related dementia. It is also associated with Down syndrome, HIV infection, socioeconomic status, and various life style factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking. Overall, this single epigenetic biomarker of aging is able to capture risks for an array of diverse outcomes across multiple tissues and cells, and in moving forward, will facilitate the development of anti-aging interventions.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for treating or ameliorating the effects of a disease, such as cancer, in a subject. The methods include: administering to a subject in need thereof (a) a therapeutically effective amount of an alkylating agent; and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a monoclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, wherein the monoclonal antibody contains: (i) a heavy chain variable region (VH), which includes an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, and SEQ ID NO:7; and (ii) a light chain variable region (VL), which includes an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, and SEQ ID NO:8. Compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for treating diseases, such as cancer, are also provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for delivering a sheet of tissue into the eye in such a way that damage to the tissue is minimized, damage to the eye during insertion and manipulation of the tissue is minimized, and the tissue is released and delivered in a precise and controlled fashion.