Abstract: Delivery systems and their methods of use for delivering one or more therapeutic compounds to a user are described. A delivery system may include an implantable pump and an external actuator. The implantable pump may include an actuatable portion that may be actuated to dispense a volume of fluid. The external actuator may include a pusher configured to deform skin to engage an actuatable portion of the pump. The external actuator may also include a positioning magnet configured to magnetically attract a portion of the implantable pump such that the external actuator and the pump may be aligned prior to applying force to the portion of the skin between the external actuator and the actuatable portion of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to the discovery of genes that are deregulated in cancer stem cells (e.g., melanoma stem cells). In some aspects, methods for treating individuals having melanoma are provided; the methods involve modulating (e.g., inducing, inhibiting, etc.) the activity of the cancer stem cell associated genes. In other aspects, cell surface genes that are upregulated in melanoma stem cells are targeted for the selective isolation, detection, and killing of cancer stem cells in melanoma. Other aspects of the invention relate to reagents, arrays, compositions, and kits that are useful for diagnosing and treating melanoma.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for generating and/or employing a medical imaging stroke model are presented. In one example, a system employs a convolutional neural network to generate output data regarding a brain anatomical region based on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data associated with the brain anatomical region and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) data associated with the brain anatomical region. The system also detects presence or absence of a medical stroke condition associated with the brain anatomical region based on the output data.

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).

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing tissue interfacing components, such as solid needles comprising one or more therapeutic agents, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a tissue interfacing component comprises compressing a granular therapeutic agent within a mold cavity of a mold to form a solid tissue interfacing component. The mold cavity may define an elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis from an opening of the mold cavity to a distal end of the mold cavity, and the granular therapeutic agent may be compressed by moving a mold punch along the longitudinal axis towards the distal end. After compressing the granular therapeutic agent to form the solid tissue interfacing component, the tissue interfacing component may be removed from the mold and subsequently inserted into tissue to deliver the therapeutic agent to a 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 (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).

Abstract: Malignant tumors that are resistant to conventional therapies represent significant therapeutic challenges. An embodiment of the present invention provides a codon optimized new generation regulatable fusogenic oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 that is more effective at selective killing target cells, such as tumor cells. In various embodiments presented herein, the oncolytic virus described herein is suitable for treatment of solid tumors, as well as other cancers.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for detecting Tph cells and/or reducing the number (or frequency) and/or activity of such cells in order to provide therapeutic benefit to a subject having or at risk of developing an autoantibody-associated condition such as an autoantibody-associated autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the isolation, preservation, compositions and uses of extracts from a newly discovered species of Justicia plants. The present disclosure also relates to compositions comprising the extracts of the new species of Justicia plant, as well as methods of producing and using such compositions for treating blood disorders and/or for other health, food and industrial uses.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to pectin-based polymer compositions and methods of use thereof to cover, protect, and seal injuries, e.g., surgical wounds, in a mesothelial tissue. The methods include obtaining a bioadhesive pectin-based polymer composition including a complex of high-methoxyl pectin (HMP) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a ratio from about 10 to 1 to 1 to 10 by weight; applying the composition to an injured mesothelial tissue; and applying pressure for at least one minute to enable the composition to bind to the mesothelial tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for the preparation and use of free fatty acids as crystals and in solution, optionally in array format, for assay of lipotoxicity and related effects (in certain cases, indicators of diseases or disorders, such as type II diabetes) in contacted cells. Identification and therapeutic targeting of high-value gene targets discovered via joint assessment of lipotoxicity/transcriptome data and genetic association study data are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds that interrupt the function of SALL4. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medical uses of these compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue culture system for primary cells (e.g. normal mammalian primary epithelial progenitors). This system includes: a) a serum-free, chemically defined cell culture media; and, b) methods for isolation and in vitro long-term propagation of primary cells (e.g. primary epithelial cells). Primary cells so isolated and cultured can be kept undifferentiated and proliferate for many weeks (>15 weeks) or population doubling (>35 PD) without senescence, or any detectable genetic alterations. Upon changing media/culture conditions, these cells can be induced to differentiate. The invention also provides methods to transform normal primary cells so cultured into “cancer stem cells.” The genetically defined cancer stem cell tumor model mimics the behavior of the disease closely, e.g., the cells are invasive, hormone responsive and metastatic when injected into mice. The tumor cells express genes that are specific to cancer stem cells identified in patient samples.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compositions including formulated sucralfate or other aluminum-crosslinked sulfated agents for the modulation of nutrient absorption through the intestinal lining as well as methods for the manufacture of and the use of these compounds for treating disorders requiring a modulation of certain nutrients to the body including diabetes type II and clinical obesity.

Abstract: A method to determine the severity of a disease of chronic inflammation in a patient, comprising the steps of (1) collection or preparation of a bodily fluid, tissue or lavage and (2) measurement of ALX receptor ligands or ALX receptor expression in the fluid, tissue, or lavage, wherein the level of ALX receptor ligands predicts a clinical outcome or choice of treatment modality, is disclosed.

Abstract: Sequences that enhance permeation of agents into cells and/or across the blood brain barrier, compositions comprising the sequences, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Transient molecules in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide, are important signals and mediators of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because these molecules may be short-lived in the body, they are difficult to detect. To track these reactive molecules in the GI tract, a miniaturized device has been developed that integrates genetically engineered probiotic biosensors with a custom-designed photodetector and readout chip. Leveraging the molecular specificity of living sensors, bacteria were genetically encoded to respond to IBD-associated molecules by luminescing. Low-power electronic readout circuits (e.g., using nanowatt power) integrated into the device convert the light from just 1 ?L of bacterial culture into a wireless signal. Biosensor monitoring was demonstrated in the GI tract of small and large animal models and integration of all components into a sub-1.4 cm3 ingestible form factor capable of supporting wireless communication.

Abstract: Described herein are methods relating to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of airway dysfunction, e.g., bronchiectasis by detecting gene expression in a sample obtained from a subject. Exemplary samples include a bronchial brushing, nasal brushing, sputum, or peripheral blood sample.

Abstract: A dental tissue regenerative composition. The composition includes a combination of (1) human dental pulp stem cells and (2) at least one of human umbilical vein endothelial cells or vascular endothelial growth factor. The combination is encapsulated in a light-activated gelatin methacrylate hydrogel.

Abstract: The disclosure of this application relates generally to medical devices and in particular to a steerable medical instrument applicable to guide interventional tools and instruments, such as percutaneous biopsy and ablations tools and endoscopes. The steerable medical instrument has an outer and an inner tube where the inner tube is movable at the proximal end and fixed at the distal end. At least one of the outer tube and inner tube has a plurality of openings, which creates deformable portions so that the outer and the inner tubes can bend by moving the inner tube at the proximal end.