Abstract: A system for delivering an injection of a fluid into a void within a subject is disclosed. A barrel extends from a first end to a second end and forms a lumen extending from the first end to the second end. A plug and a floating seal are arranged within the lumen. A hollow needle includes a distal end with an opening for fluid to flow from the lumen. The plug, the barrel and the floating seal include material and dimensions selected based on a threshold flowrate for a fluid arranged within the lumen to: overcome a force opposed to a force being applied to the fluid in the lumen to move the floating seal and the hollow needle into a tissue of the subject, and succumb to the opposing force to displace the fluid through the opening into the void.

Abstract: Implementations of a uterine manipulator operable to detach the uterus and cervix from the vagina are presented. The uterine manipulator can include a shaft, a handle, a tip assembly, and a cutting assembly.

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

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention features method of identifying a cell resistant to a modulator of Cereblon (CRBN). In another aspect, the present invention features a method of characterizing sensitivity of a subject to a modulator of CRBN. In yet another aspect, the present invention features a method of monitoring sensitivity of a subject to a modulator of CRBN.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of fabricating a skin wound patch includes preparing a biopolymeric solution comprising chitosan, collagen, chondroitin sulfate, elastin, hyaluronic acid, follistatin-like 1 (FSTL-1), iron oxide nanoparticles, and AC2-26 peptide, filtering the biopolymeric solutions through a filter membrane, extruding the biopolymeric solution through an extrusion device to form a nanofibrous composite, collecting the extruded nanofibrous composite on a sterilized plate, and drying the extruded nanofibrous composite into a solid patch. In some embodiments, a skin wound patch includes homogeneously distributed biomolecules, skin materials, pro-inflammatory, and antibacterial agents. In further embodiments, a method of treating a chronic skin wound in a subject in need thereof can include applying any of the patches described herein.

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: Described herein are compositions and methods relating to LAP-binding agents, including, for example, anti-LAP antibodies, and to their use in methods of treatment of cancer. LAP-binding agents affected both systemic and intra-tumor immunity and were shown effective to treat a broad spectrum of cancer types.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for suturing tissue is provided that includes a body having a proximate end and a distal end. A suturing head is coupled to the distal end of the body, including a first set of curved needles, a second set of curved needles, and a plurality of sutures. A first end of a suture is coupled to one of the curved needles of the first set. A second end of the suture is coupled to one of the curved needles of the second set. The curved needles of the first set are oppositely oriented to the curved needles of the second set. The suturing head can be positioned between two substantially parallel sections of tissue. An actuator is coupled to the body to deploy the first and second sets of curved needles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP T-ALL).

Abstract: The specification provides methods for introducing a desired genetic change in a nucleotide sequence using a double-strand break (DSB)-inducing genome editing system, the method comprising: identifying one or more available cut sites in a nucleotide sequence; analyzing the nucleotide sequence and available cut sites with a computational model to identify the optimal cut site for introducing the desired genetic change into the nucleotide sequence; and contacting the nucleotide sequence with a DSB-inducing genome editing system, thereby introducing the desired genetic change in the nucleotide sequence at the cut site.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for harvesting target biological substances. The system includes a substrate and a first and second channel formed in the substrate. The channels longitudinally extending substantially parallel to each other. A series of gaps extend from the first channel to the second channel to create a fluid communication path passing between a series of columns with the columns being longitudinally separated by a predetermined separation distance. The system also includes a first source configured to selectively introduce into the first channel a first biological composition at a first channel flow rate and a second source configured to selectively introduce into the second channel a second biological composition at a second channel flow rate. The sources are configured to create a differential between the first and second channel flow rates to generate physiological shear rates along the second channel that are bounded within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Certain embodiments comprise administering a residence structure to a subject (e.g., a patient) such that the residence structure is retained at a location internal to the subject for a particular amount of time (e.g., at least about 24 hours) before being released. In certain embodiments, the structure has a modular design, combining a material configured for controlled release of therapeutic, diagnostic, and/or enhancement agents with a structural material necessary for gastric residence but configured for controlled and/or tunable degradation/dissolution to determine the time at which retention shape integrity is lost and the structure passes out of the gastric cavity. For example, in certain embodiments, the residence structure comprises a first elastic component, a second component configured to release an active substance, and, optionally, a linker. In some such embodiments, the linker may be configured to degrade.

Abstract: A population of Brown adipose tissue (BAT) cells generated from embryonic stem cells (ES) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), called iBAT, the use thereof, methods to obtain iBAT by directed differentiation of ES/iPS, and media compositions to obtain iBAT.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Herpes simplex-2 viruses that may be used in vaccines to immunize patients against genital herpes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for insufflating abdomens of subjects under direct visualization. Such devices and methods, in some implementations, include features for cleaning the devices, and certain implementations of the methods permit procedures wherein it is not necessary to use a typical obturator to place a cannula, resulting in safer procedures.

Abstract: Fusion protein nanodisk compositions and methods of treating a variety of disorders by administration of the fusion protein nanodisk compositions to a patient in need are disclosed. The fusion protein nanodisks provide for the combined delivery of two different apolipoproteins to a subject in need. Fusion protein nanodiscs may include a phospholipid bilayer encompassed by a fusion membrane scaffold protein. The fusion membrane scaffold protein may include two different amphipathic alpha-helical proteins, such as apolipoproteins. Methods for treating a disorder by administering a therapeutic amount of the fusion protein nanodisc described above are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides pyridine, pyrimidine, and pyrazine derivatives that activate excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), and methods of using the derivatives for treating or preventing diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with glutamate excitotoxicity.

Abstract: Articles and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a subject are described. These articles and methods may be useful, in some cases, for the delivery of therapeutic agents to the colon of a subject. In some embodiments, an article is configured to release a secretion inducing agent e.g., to stimulate the release of intestinal fluids. The article, in some embodiments, comprises a therapeutic agent such that the stimulated release of intestinal fluid increases the amount of therapeutic agent available for absorption by the colon. For example, in some embodiments, the articles and methods described herein advantageously promote increased absorption of therapeutic agents in subjects as compared to traditionally administered therapeutic agents without additional components such as a secretion inducing agent. In some embodiments, articles and methods described herein may increase the motility of the colon of 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: Method and compositions for inducing the self-renewal of stem/progenitor supporting cells comprised by a cochlear cell population, including inducing the stem/progenitor cells to proliferate while maintaining, in the daughter cells, the capacity to differentiate into hair cells.