Abstract: This document features method related to variants in the Inverted Formin 2 (INF2) gene that are associated with susceptibility to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). For example, methods of using such variants for risk assessment and for diagnosing and optimizing treatment of FSGS are provided.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for in vivo multi-material bioprinting. The in vivo multi-material bioprinting can be used to fabricate biomedical constructs within a patient minimally invasively. The systems and methods can utilize a multi-material bioprinter, which includes a biocompatible portion. The biocompatible portion can include a single printhead for in vivo bioprinting. The single printhead can include a plurality of outlets, each linked to one of a plurality of reservoirs. Each of the plurality of reservoirs can each house a different bioink for bioprinting. Each of the plurality of outlets can be activated to release a respective bioink.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for administration to a subject is provided. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device includes a reservoir containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient and a potential energy source. The drug delivery device also includes a trigger operatively associated with the potential energy source, where the trigger is configured to actuate at a predetermined location within the subject. The drug delivery device also includes a rupturable membrane disposed along a flow path extending between the reservoir and an outlet, where the membrane is configured to rupture when the trigger is actuated. Once the trigger is actuated, the potential energy from the potential energy source may be released to expel the active pharmaceutical ingredient in a jet through the outlet.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and a channel along an axis of the shaft, a handle coupled to the first end of the shaft, and a triangular balloon coupled to the second end of the shaft. The triangular balloon can be configured to inflate upon insertion into a vagina via a fluid injected into the channel of the shaft.

Abstract: Provided herein are Vero cell lines that stably express Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) ICP0 protein. These cells have the same morphology of Vero cells, exhibit stable expression of HSV ICP0 protein, and also efficiently complement replication of HSV ICP0 deficient virus for greater than 20, 30, or even 40 cell passages.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tissue adhesive to repair defects in soft tissue. Following ASTM standard tests, crosslinked methacryloyl-substituted gelatin hydrogels of the present invention (GelSEAL) were shown to exhibit adhesive properties, i.e. wound closure strength, shear resistance and burst pressure, that were superior to clinically used fibrin- and poly(ethylene glycol)-based glues. Chronic in vivo experiments in rats proved GelSEAL to effectively seal large lung leakages without additional sutures or staples, presenting improved performance as compared to fibrin and poly(ethylene glycol) glues. Furthermore, subcutaneous implantation in rats revealed high biocompatibility of GelSEAL as evidenced by low inflammatory host response.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongated body having an outer wall defining an interior space of the body, a shaft located in the interior space, and a needle mounted on a distal end of the shaft. The needle has a distal section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal section of the needle terminates in a first jaw and a second jaw forming a forceps defining a piercing tip. The first jaw and second jaw have a grasping position wherein the first jaw and second jaw grasp a suturing material, and a release position wherein the first jaw and second jaw release the suturing material. After grasping the suturing material with the needle, the shaft rotates the needle to advance the needle and suturing material through tissue and mesh placed on the tissue. Spaced apart portions of the suturing material are then fused to create a suture.

Abstract: Methods of treatment are provided herein, including administration of a population cells modified to enforce expression of an E-selectin and/or an L-selectin ligand, the modified cell population having a cell viability of at least 70% after a treatment to enforce such expression.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems that provide a curved path trajectory that can be used with a bendable medical device. The curved pathway can comprise straight and curved concatenated arc segments. The methods and systems can provide planning, visualizing and treatment of, for example, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) or tumors using ablation therapy. With curved pathway, the physician can create plan for intervention to avoid critical structure and to cover more target volume for treatment/diagnosis than straight pathway.

Abstract: Components with relatively high loading of active pharmaceutical ingredients (e.g., drugs), are generally provided. In some embodiments, the component (e.g., a tissue interfacing component) comprises a solid therapeutic agent (e.g., a solid API) and a supporting material (e.g., a binder such as a polymer) such that the solid therapeutic agent is present in the component in an amount of greater than or equal to 10 wt % versus the total weight of the tissue interfacing component. Such tissue-interfacing components may be useful for delivery of API doses e.g., to a subject. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the reduction of volume required to deliver the required API dose as compared to a liquid formulation permits the creation of solid needle delivery systems for a wide variety of drugs in a variety of places/tissues (e.g., tongue, GI mucosal tissue, skin) and/or reduces and/or eliminates the application of an external force in order to inject a drug solution through the small opening in the needle.

Abstract: Magnetic cell levitation and cell monitoring systems and methods are disclosed. A method for separating a heterogeneous population of cells is performed by placing a microcapillary channel containing the heterogeneous population of cells in a magnetically-responsive medium in the disclosed levitation system and separating the cells by balancing magnetic and corrected gravitational forces on the individual cells. A levitation system is also disclosed, having a microscope on which the microcapillary channel is placed and a set of two magnets between which the microcapillary channel is placed. Additionally, a method for monitoring cellular processes in real-time using the levitation system is disclosed.

Abstract: Self-righting articles, such as self-righting capsules for administration to a subject, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may be configured such that the article may orient itself relative to a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). The self-righting articles described herein may comprise one 5 or more tissue engaging surfaces configured to engage (e.g., interface with, inject into, anchor) with a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). In some embodiments, the self-righting article may have a particular shape and/or distribution of density (or mass) which, for example, enables the self-righting behavior of the article. In certain embodiments, the self-righting article a tissue 10 interfacing components. In some embodiments, each tissue-interfacing component may comprise an electrically-conductive portion configured for electrical communication with tissue and an insulative portion configured to not be in electrical communication with tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides ultrasensitive methods for detection and quantification of target analytes in samples. The methods can be multiplexed to allow simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple target analytes. The methods can achieve an attomolar limit of detection. The invention also provides related compositions and kits.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for selectively promoting inflammasome activity in myeloid cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system comprising a communication interface and computer for assigning a label to the biomolecule fingerprint, wherein the label corresponds to a biological state. The present disclosure also provides a sensor arrays for detecting biomolecules and methods of use. In some embodiments, the sensor arrays are capable of determining a disease state in a subject.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject who has a glioma, e.g., astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, or glioblastoma multiforme tumor, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) microRNA-10b (miR-10b) editing complex comprising a CRISPR Associated Protein 9 (Cas9) and at least one guide RNA targeting a sequence encoding miR-10b.

Abstract: Systems and methods to perfuse isolated tissue are provided to avoid ischemia-related tissue damage over an extended perfusion time is provided. A system can comprise a reservoir sized and dimensioned to contain a perfusate. A perfusion supply line can comprise a pump, a cooling system, an oxygenator, and at least one filter. The perfusion supply line can be in fluid communication with the reservoir to draw the perfusate from the reservoir and cool and oxygenate the perfusate. The system can also include an arterial line in fluid communication with the perfusion supply line to direct perfusate from the reservoir to the isolated tissue. A venous outflow can be in fluid communication with the isolated tissue to remove the perfusate from the isolated tissue. A perfusion return line can be in fluid communication with the venous outflow to return the perfusate from the isolated tissue to the reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to therapeutic methods and clinically useful molecular switches, for which activity or degradation of a switch-presenting polypeptide can be precisely induced via administration or withdrawal of an FDA-approved drug. Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to an engineered drug-inducible heterodimeric system including a first polypeptide presenting a CRBN polypeptide disrupted for or lacking a DDB 1-interacting domain and a second polypeptide presenting a CRBN polypeptide substrate, where binding between the CRBN polypeptide and the CRBN polypeptide substrate are inducible via administration of an CFDA-approved thalidomide analog immunomodulatory drug (IMiD). Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that presents a minimal fragment of the CRBN polypeptide substrate IKZF3 capable of triggering proteasomal degradation of CAR upon administration of an FDA-approved IMiD.

Abstract: Sortilin is a sorting receptor that directs target proteins to the secretary or endocytic compartments of cells that is found in both extracellular vesicles and cells. Provided herein are methods and compositions for decreasing or inhibiting trafficking of sortilin to an extracellular vesicle, for example by inhibiting the formation of intermolecular sortilin dimers.

Abstract: Self-righting articles, such as self-righting capsules for administration to a subject, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may be configured such that the article may orient itself relative to a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). The self-righting articles described herein may comprise one or more tissue engaging surfaces configured to engage (e.g., interface with, inject into, anchor) with a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). In some embodiments, the self-righting article may have a particular shape and/or distribution of density (or mass) which, for example, enables the self-righting behavior of the article. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may comprise a tissue interfacing component and/or a pharmaceutical agent (e.g., for delivery of the active pharmaceutical agent to a location internal of the subject).