Abstract: A method of identifying cancer stem cell markers in a human primary tumor is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) in vivo passaging the primary tumor; and (b) comparing a level of at least one antigen in a first population of passaged tumor cells of the primary tumor with a second population of tumor cells of the primary tumor, wherein an increase in the amount of the antigen in the first population of tumor cells as compared to the amount of the antigen in the second population of tumor cells is indicative of a cancer stem cell marker in the human primary tumor.

Abstract: A method of generating a nephrospheroid is disclosed. The method comprises culturing human adult kidney cells in a culture medium under non-adherent conditions. Uses thereof and other renal cell populations are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling a radiotherapy electron beam. Exemplary embodiments provide for focusing the electron beam at different depths by altering parameters of a plurality of magnets. Exemplary embodiments can also provide for focusing the electron beam at different depths while maintaining the energy level of the electron beam at a consistent level.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating MRI is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a control for operating an MRI scanner to carry out an MRI scan; an input for receiving first and second MRI scans respectively at the beginning and end of a predetermined time interval post contrast administration; a subtraction map former for forming a subtraction map from the first and the second MRI scans by analyzing the scans to distinguish between a population in which contrast clearance from the tissue is slower than contrast accumulation, and a population in which clearance is faster than accumulation; and an output to provide an indication of distribution of the populations. The control is configured to carry out the first scan at least five minutes and no more than twenty minutes post contrast administration and to carry out the second scan such that the predetermined time period is at least twenty minutes.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating MRI is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a control for operating an MRI scanner to carry out an MRI scan; an input for receiving first and second MRI scans respectively at the beginning and end of a predetermined time interval post contrast administration; a subtraction map former for forming a subtraction map from the first and the second MRI scans by analyzing the scans to distinguish between a population in which contrast clearance from the tissue is slower than contrast accumulation, and a population in which clearance is faster than accumulation; and an output to provide an indication of distribution of the populations. The control is configured to carry out the first scan at least five minutes and no more than twenty minutes post contrast administration and to carry out the second scan such that the predetermined time period is at least twenty minutes.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising an extract of a plurality of seeds of an edible plant of interest is disclosed. Use of the composition and methods of generating same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating MRI is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a control for operating an MRI scanner to carry out an MRI scan; an input for receiving first and second MRI scans respectively at the beginning and end of a predetermined time interval post contrast administration; a subtraction map former for forming a subtraction map from the first and the second MRI scans by analyzing the scans to distinguish between a population in which contrast clearance from the tissue is slower than contrast accumulation, and a population in which clearance is faster than accumulation; and an output to provide an indication of distribution of the populations. The control is configured to carry out the first scan at least five minutes and no more than twenty minutes post contrast administration and to carry out the second scan such that the predetermined time period is at least twenty minutes.

Abstract: A system and method for automated characterization of solid tumors using medical imaging. The system comprises an interface that is configured to acquire data from medical imaging devices, one or more processors, and an outputting device that reports the characterization of said solid tumor. The method of automated characterization, which is implemented by the system, acquires a sequence of images from the medical imager using a Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) imaging protocol, performs image registration, detects the contour of the solid tumor, and dividing the contours to segments. For each segment, the method calculating a displacement of the contrast material, fitting the displacement to a flow model and extracting an estimation of the interstitial fluid velocity.

Abstract: Disclosed are Somatostatin receptor ligands comprising a peptide moiety, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof. Disclosed are also synthetic Somatostatin receptor ligands comprising a cyclic peptide moiety and an active agent moiety covalently bonded to the cyclic peptide moiety through a nitrogen atom of a side chain functional group of an internal residue of the cyclic peptide moiety, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof. Disclosed are also synthetic Somatostatin receptor ligands comprising a cyclic peptide moiety and a nanoparticle active agent moiety covalently bonded to the cyclic peptide moiety, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a population of human insulin producing cells from non-pancreatic ?-cells, wherein the resulting insulin producing cells have increased insulin content, or increased glucose regulated secretion of insulin, or a combination of both.

Abstract: Cultures of Delftia bacteria are disclosed. Antimicrobial agents derived therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods and kits for classifying a subject as being more likely to have benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) or as being more likely to have typical relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Classification of multiple sclerosis disease course is performed by comparing a level of expression of at least one gene involved in the RNA polymerase I pathway in a cell of the subject to a reference expression data of said at least one gene obtained from a cell of at least one subject pre-diagnosed as having BMS and/or from a cell of at least one subject pre-diagnosed as having typical RRMS, thereby classifying the subject as being more likely to have BMS or as being more likely to have typical RRMS. Also provided are methods of diagnosing and treating multiple sclerosis and methods of monitoring treatment efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed are Somatostatin receptor ligands comprising a peptide moiety, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof. Disclosed are also synthetic Somatostatin receptor ligands comprising a cyclic peptide moiety and an active agent moiety covalently bonded to the cyclic peptide moiety through a nitrogen atom of a side chain functional group of an internal residue of the cyclic peptide moiety, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof. Disclosed are also synthetic Somatostatin receptor ligands comprising a cyclic peptide moiety and a nanoparticle active agent moiety covalently bonded to the cyclic peptide moiety, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating a disease associated with fibrosis is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of exosomes isolated from a hepatic cell-conditioned medium. Administration of agents isolated from the exosomes for treatment of fibrotic diseases is also contemplated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a population of human insulin producing cells from non-pancreatic ?-cells, wherein the resulting insulin producing cells have increased insulin content, or increased glucose regulated secretion of insulin, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A system and method for automated characterization of solid tumors using medical imaging. The system comprises an interface that is configured to acquire data from medical imaging devices, one or more processors, and an outputting device that reports the characterization of said solid tumor. The method of automated characterization, which is implemented by the system, acquires a sequence of images from the medical imager using a Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) imaging protocol, performs image registration, detects the contour of the solid tumor, and dividing the contours to segments. For each segment, the method calculating a displacement of the contrast material, fitting the displacement to a flow model and extracting an estimation of the interstitial fluid velocity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for manufacturing transdifferentiated populations of non-pancreatic human insulin producing cells, and methods for enriching populations of non-pancreatic ?-cells for cells comprising an enriched capacity for transcription factor-induced transdifferentiation into a pancreatic ?-cell phenotype and function.

Abstract: A device for retarding birth including an upper ring for surrounding a cervix, an anchoring component for anchoring the device, and an elastic component for attaching the upper ring to the anchoring component, wherein the elastic component pushes the upper ring and the anchoring component apart. A device for retarding birth including a sleeve for surrounding a cervix along a greater portion of a length of the cervix, a support strip on the sleeve directed along an axis of the sleeve, and a ring at least partially around the sleeve, in which when a top of the sleeve is pushed to expand radially, the support strip pivots on the ring, such that an end of the support strip near the top of the sleeve moves radially outward, and an end of the support strip near the bottom of the sleeve moves radially inward. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional (3D) cell cluster comprising transdifferentiated adult mammalian non-pancreatic beta cells having a mature pancreatic beta cell phenotype and function and a scaffold, wherein said transdifferentiated cells have an enhanced mature pancreatic beta cell phenotype compared to a 3D cell cluster without a scaffold and to similarly transdifferentiated cells cultured as a two-dimensional (2D) monolayer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides medical devices for creating a channel in a biological soft tissue. The devices comprise an integral rotatable tool formed by an elongated distal member and a proximal shaft, the elongated member having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion comprising a tissue piercing tip of a pyramid-like shape, and the proximal end portion comprising an elongated prism-like portion having at least three surfaces and respective prism edges, with at least one of the prism edges between the surfaces being configured as a tissue cutting blade, and the proximal shaft interfacing and extending from the prism-like portion and having a cross section larger than a cross section of the prism-like portion at the interface.