Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that bind specifically to poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG), such as Staphylococcal PNAG, in acetylated, partially acetylated and/or fully deacetylated form. The invention further provides methods for using these peptides in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy of infections by bacteria that express PNAG such as but not limited to Staphylococci and E. coli. Some antibodies of the invention enhance opsonophagocytic killing and in vivo protection against bacteria that express PNAG such as but not limited to Staphylococci and E. coli. Compositions of these peptides, including pharmaceutical compositions, are also provided, as are functionally equivalent variants of such peptides.

Abstract: Gastric resident electronics, devices, systems, and related methods are generally provided. Some embodiments comprise administering (e.g., orally) an (electronic) resident structure to a subject (e.g., a patient) such that the (electronic) resident structure is retained at a location internal to the subject for a particular amount of time (e.g., at least about 24 hours) before exiting said location internal to the subject. In some embodiments, the resident structure is a gastric resident electronic. That is to say, in some embodiments, the resident structure is configured for relatively long gastric residence and comprises an electronic component. In some embodiments, the structures and components described herein may comprise one or more components configured for the delivery of an active substance(s) (e.g., a pharmaceutical agent) to the subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of detecting an antibody directed against a pathogen and uses thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for provided for automatic evaluation of a human embryo. An image of the embryo is obtained and provided to a neural network to generate a plurality of values representing the morphology of the embryo. The plurality of values representing the morphology of the embryo are evaluated at an expert system to provide an output class representing one of a current quality of the embryo, a future quality of the embryo, a likelihood that implantation of the embryo will be successful, and a likelihood that implantation of the embryo will result in a live birth.

Abstract: An endoscope imaging system comprises a robotic controlled steerable catheter and an imaging device removably arranged in a tool channel of the catheter. One or more sensors or markers are configured to map a positional relation of the catheter with respect to an orientation of the imaging device. A controller drives the steerable catheter to manipulate the distal end thereof, while the imaging device acquires an image of a subject or sample. While the imaging device acquires the image, a processor calculates a change in positional relation of the catheter with respect to the orientation of the imaging device based on information provided by the one or more sensors or markers. An output unit provides an indication for remapping the orientation of the steerable catheter with respect to the orientation of the imaging device.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the inhibition of the function of RNA guided endonucleases, including the identification and use of such inhibitors.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting sperm is provided. The system includes a housing and a microfluidic system supported by the housing. The system also includes an inlet providing access to the microfluidic system to deliver sperm to the microfluidic system and an outlet providing access to the microfluidic system to harvest sorted sperm from the microfluidic system. The microfluidic system provides a flow path for sperm from the inlet to the outlet and includes at least one channel extending from the inlet to the outlet to allow sperm delivered to the microfluidic system through the inlet to progress along the flow path toward the outlet. The microfluidic system also includes a filter including a first plurality of micropores arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet to cause sperm traveling along the flow path to move against through the filter and gravity to reach the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for identifying and selecting a subject with increased risk of developing a cardiometabolic disease and optionally, providing a personalized medicine method, which may involve sequencing at least part of a genome of one or more cells in a blood sample of the subject and identifying from the sequencing one or more mutations in one or more somatic mutations.

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) such as a liquid pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: An ingestible capsule includes a housing forming a cavity and having a textured outer surface. The textured outer surface forms a helical depression and a plurality of protruding studs disposed in the helical depression. The capsule further includes a therapeutic agent disposed in or on the housing. The capsule also includes a biodegradable coating on the textured outer surface of the housing, the biodegradable coating configured to dissolve in a fluid having a pH of 1.5 to 9.

Abstract: The gastrointestinal capsule provides mechanical stimulation within the gastrointestinal tract. The capsule may be deployed in a subject's gastrointestinal tract orally by the subject ingesting the capsule. The capsule may mechanically stimulate any desired region within the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The mechanical stimulations provided by the capsule are applied to a portion of the inner walls or lining of a section of the gastrointestinal tract to simulate satiety.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting macrophage activation via modulating PARP9 and/or PARP14 expression or activity, such as small molecules, RNAi and antibodies.

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: 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: Self-actuating articles including, for example, self-actuating needles and/or self-actuating biopsy punches, are generally provided. Advantageously, the self-actuating articles described herein may be useful as a general platform for delivery of a wide variety of pharmaceutical drugs that are typically delivered via injection directly into tissue due to degradation in the GI tract. The self-actuating articles described herein may also be used to deliver sensors and/or take biopsies without the need for an endoscopy. In some embodiments, the article comprises a spring (e.g., a coil spring, a beam, a material having particular mechanical recovery characteristics).

Abstract: A system and method for sorting sperm is provided. The system includes a housing and a microfluidic system supported by the housing. The system also includes an inlet providing access to the microfluidic system to deliver sperm to the microfluidic system and an outlet providing access to the microfluidic system to harvest sorted sperm from the microfluidic system. The microfluidic system provides a flow path for sperm from the inlet to the outlet and includes at least one channel extending from the inlet to the outlet to allow sperm delivered to the microfluidic system through the inlet to progress along the flow path toward the outlet. The microfluidic system also includes a filter including a first plurality of micropores arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet to cause sperm traveling along the flow path to move against through the filter and gravity to reach the outlet.

Abstract: A method for the systemic delivery of a polypeptide within a subject is provided by creating genetically modified skin cells via topical introduction of a genetically engineered virus which delivers a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic polypeptide for expression by the skin cells, wherein the expressed therapeutic polypeptide is secreted by the skin cells and is introduced into the circulatory system of the subject.

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. 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. In some cases, upon contact of the tissue with the tissue engaging surface of the article, the self-righting article may be configured to release one or more tissue interfacing components. In some cases, the tissue interfacing component may comprise and/or be associated with the pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleotide polymorphisms in the human Apo(a) gene and to the use of Apo(a) nucleotide polymorphisms in identifying whether a human subject will respond or not to treatment with acetylsalicylic acid.

Abstract: An implantable, autonomously growing medical device is disclosed. The device may have an outer, braided outer element that holds an inner core. Degradation and/or softening of the inner core permits the outer element to elongate, allowing the device to grow with surrounding tissue. The growth profile of the medical device can be controlled by altering the shape/material/cure conditions of the inner core, as well as the geometry of the out element.