Abstract: Provided herein are immunogenic compositions that may be used, in some aspects, to induce an immune response against an Ehrlichia such as Ehrlichia canis. In some embodiments, the immunogenic composition comprises an E. canis bacterin and/or adjuvant, such as for example an emulsion or liposomal adjuvant. Related methods such as for diagnosis of or vaccination against ehrlichiosis are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are chimeric polypeptides that may be used, e.g., for the diagnosis of or vaccination against Ehrlichia chaffeensis and/or Ehrlichia canis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying a phase-agnostic stimuli are disclosed herein. Certain embodiments include methods and apparatus that are configured to receive a detected signal from a subject and transmit a stimulation signal that is configured to optimize a response signal without regard to the phase of the detected signal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for diagnosing and vaccinating against Ehrlichia chaffeensis are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of cancer. In some aspects, detection of intracellular or cytoplasmic PD-L1, or measuring the ratio of cytoplasmic to surface PD-L1, can be used to identify cancers that may respond to immunotherapies or a DDR inhibitor such as, e.g., a Chk1 inhibitor, a PARP inhibitor, an ATM inhibitor, or an ATR inhibitor.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides for methods for differentiating stem and progenitor cells into neural cells through an approach that excludes the use of inhibitors of the BMP4 pathway resulting in SMAD inhibition. Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for differentiating stem or progenitor cells into neural cells, the method comprising (i) contacting the stem or progenitor cells with a differentiation composition; and (ii) culturing the cells in microwells to form spheroids. Further aspects relate to a method for differentiating stem or progenitor cells into neural cells, the method comprising (i) contacting the stem or progenitor cells with a differentiation composition, wherein the differentiation composition comprises one or more of the ALK inhibitors: DMH1, DMH2, K02288, A83-01, or combinations thereof; and (ii) culturing the cells in microwells to form spheroids. Also described is a neural cell, spheroid, a population of cells, or a population of spheroids produced by the methods of the claims.

Abstract: Immunoreactive engineered polypeptides are provided. The engineered polypeptides can be used to diagnose or induce an immune response against E. chaffeensis or E. canis.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for treatment of occlusions, including coronary artery chronic total occlusions.

Abstract: Immunoreactive engineered polypeptides are provided. The engineered polypeptides can be used to diagnose or induce an immune response against E. chaffeensis or E. canis.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include apparatus and methods to classify the plaque tissue present in the coronary artery using intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) images.

Abstract: Immunoreactive engineered polypeptides are provided. The engineered polypeptides can be used to diagnose or induce an immune response against E. chaffeensis or E. canis.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for treatment of occlusions, including coronary artery chronic total occlusions.

Abstract: Disclosed are combination therapies for the treatment of diseases including obesity and osteoporosis. In some embodiments, an inactivated Parabacteroides goldsteinii is enterically administered to a subject, such as a human patient, in combination with a bisphosphonate such as alendronate to treat the metabolic disease or disorder. Related pharmaceutical and probiotic compositions and methods are provided.

Abstract: Cell-targeted cytotoxic compounds are provided herein. Such compounds can be used, e.g., to selectively bind and kill cancer cells such as cancer stem cells that express LGR4, LGR5, or LGR6. In some embodiments, the cytotoxic compounds include an LGR binding polypeptide, a cytotoxic agent (e.g., MMAE), and an Fc region (e.g., a mutant Fc domain). Methods for using the compounds to treat cell proliferative diseases such as cancers are also provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, mutant or variant Fc domains are provided that exhibit increased binding to FcRn and increased half-life after administration in vivo. The Fc domain may be comprised in a glycosylated or aglycosylated antibody. Methods for using the mutant or variant Fc domains or polypeptides comprising the mutant or variant Fc domains are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to cell-targeted cytotoxic agents, including sortase serine protease constructs. Methods for targeted cell killing for treatment of proliferative diseases, for example, cancer, are provided. Exemplary embodiments comprise an R-spondin ligand for targeting the cytotoxic agents to effect the cell killing.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for fracturing calcium in an artery of a patient. Certain embodiments include a diode laser light source and an optical fiber. In particular embodiments, the optical fiber comprises a polymer or glass optical core, a cladding surrounding the polymer or glass optical core. The optical fiber can comprise one or more emission elements configured to emit electromagnetic energy from the laser light source. The electromagnetic energy can be transmitted through a fluid in the expandable member to fracture the calcium.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include apparatus and methods to identify endometrial tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and probiotic compositions for the treatment of a metabolic disease or disorder such as, e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes, or fatty liver. In some embodiments, heat-inactivated Parabacteroides goldsteinii is enterically administered to a subject, such as a human patient, to treat the metabolic disease or disorder or to promote the development of warm microbiota to treat the metabolic disease or disorder. In some aspects, spermine or spermidine may be administered to a subject or used in vitro to promote the growth of microbiota that can be used for the treatment of a metabolic disease or disorder.

Abstract: In some aspects, mutant or variant Fc domains are provided that exhibit increased binding to FcRn and increased half-life after administration in vivo. The Fc domain may be comprised in a glycosylated or aglycosylated antibody. Methods for using the mutant or variant Fc domains or polypeptides comprising the mutant or variant Fc domains are also provided.