Abstract: A microfluidic assembly may include a microfluidic chip operably coupled to a device source pressure port and a device relief pressure port, first and second input reservoirs, an output reservoir, and a reservoir interface. The microfluidic chip may include a microfluidic circuit configured to support a fluid flow that includes a gas flow and a liquid flow within the microfluidic circuit. The reservoir interface may be configured to operably couple the first and second input reservoirs to the microfluidic circuit. The device source pressure port may be configured to receive a source pressure to generate the fluid flow through the microfluidic circuit and cause a mixing of liquids to form an output liquid for delivery to the output reservoir via the fluid flow. The first liquid, the second liquid, and the output liquid need not contact the device source pressure port or the device relief pressure port during the mixing.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of generating optimized models of vascular grafts for subjects in certain embodiments. Methods of treating subjects in need of vascular grafts are also provided. Related systems and computer program products are additionally provided.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method for 3D-2D registration (for example, registration of a 3D CT image to a 2D radiograph) that permits deformable motion between structures defined in the 3D image based on a series of locally rigid transformations. This invention utilizes predefined annotations in 3D images (e.g., the location of anatomical features of interest) to perform multiple locally rigid registrations that yield improved accuracy in aligning structures that have undergone deformation between the acquisition of the 3D and 2D images (e.g., a preoperative CT compared to an intraoperative radiograph). The 3D image is divided into subregions that are masked according to the annotations, and the registration is computed simultaneously for each divided region by incorporating a volumetric masking method within the 3D-2D registration process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions and methods to produce 3D organ equivalents of the brain (i.e. “mini-brains”). The invention also relates to methods of using human induced pluripotent stem cells, a combination of growth and other soluble factors and gyratory shaking. Cells from healthy or diseased donors or animals can be used to allow testing different genetic backgrounds. The model can be further enhanced by using genetically modified cells, adding micro-glia or their precursors or indicator cells (e.g. with reporter genes or tracers) as well as adding endothelial cells to form a blood-brain-barrier.

Abstract: A method of identifying potential lesions in mammographic images may include operations executed by an image processing device including receiving first image data of a first type, receiving second image data of a second type, registering the first image data and the second image data by employing a CNN using pixel level registration or object level registration, determining whether a candidate detection of a lesion exists in both the first image data and the second image data based on the registering of the first image data and the second image data, and generating display output identifying the lesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting novel mutations in a PKD1 and/or PKD2 gene that have been determined to be associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in order to detect or predict the occurrence of ADPKD in an individual.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: receiving, by an augmented reality device, a medical image of a surgical site, generating, by the augmented reality device, a virtual surgical site model based on the medical image; presenting, by the augmented reality device, the virtual surgical site model; receiving, by the augmented reality device, user calibration input; aligning, by the ugmented reality device, the virtual surgical site model with a real-life surgical site based on the user calibration input; and displaying, by the augmented reality device and after the aligning, a virtual insertion path between an incision point and a target point to aid in inserting a tool as part of performing a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method for guiding ablation of atrial or ventricular arrhythmia in a patient's heart is provided. A digital representation of the electrical functioning of atria or ventricles of the patient's heart is generated based on imaging data of the patient's heart that reveals the presence of adipose tissue. The arrhythmias arising in the presence of the adipose tissue in the digital representation of the patients atria or ventricles are determined. The method further includes identifying, in the digital representation, ablation targets that need to be ablated to terminate determined arrhythmias; executing, in the digital representation, a mock-up of a clinical ablation procedure of the patient to determine the electrical response of the patients heart to ablating the ablation targets, and to determine whether the heart continues to generate new arrhythmias post-procedure; and generating a final set of ablation targets based on the mock-up of the clinical ablation procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of anastasis, i.e., the process of reversal of apoptosis. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for studying anastasis. The present invention also provides a biosensor comprising (a) a split transcription factor complex comprising one half of a split transcription factor linked to a transmembrane domain via an enzyme cleavable linker; (b) a split transcription factor comprising the other half of the split transcription factor linked to a MTS via an enzyme-cleavable linker; and (c) a reporter system comprising (1) a first nucleic acid encoding a site specific recombinase operably linked to the site specific sequence for the transcription factor; and (2) a second nucleic acid comprising a stop codon cassette flanked by site specific recombination sequences, wherein the split transcription factor is Gal 4 or split Q. In other embodiments, the recombinase is Cre or FLP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of anastasis, i.e., the process of reversal of apoptosis. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for studying anastasis. In one embodiment, a tracking construct of the present invention comprises Lyn11-NES-ERT2-DEVD-rtTA-3xFLAG-DEVD-ERT2-NES. In another embodiment, a construct comprises Lyn11-NES-DEVD-rtTA-3xFLAG. In a further embodiment, a construct comprises ERT2-DEVD-rtTA-3XFLAG-DEVD-ERT2.

Abstract: Blockade of immune checkpoints such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) shows promise in patients with cancer. Inhibitory antibodies directed at these receptors have been shown to break immune tolerance and promote anti-tumor immunity. These agents work particularly well in patients with a certain category of tumor. Such tumors may be particularly susceptible to treatment because of the multitude of neoantigens which they produce.

Abstract: Blockade of immune checkpoints such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) shows promise in patients with cancer. Inhibitory antibodies directed at these receptors have been shown to break immune tolerance and promote anti-tumor immunity. These agents work particularly well in patients with a certain category of tumor. Such tumors may be particularly susceptible to treatment because of the multitude of neoantigens which they produce.

Abstract: Nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods involve making mucus-penetrating particles (MPP) without any polymeric carriers, or with minimal use of polymeric carriers. The compositions and methods may include, in some embodiments, modifying the surface coatings of particles formed of pharmaceutical agents that have a low water solubility. Such methods and compositions can be used to achieve efficient transport of particles of pharmaceutical agents though mucus barriers in the body for a wide spectrum of applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostic applications. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition including such particles is well-suited for administration routes involving the particles passing through a mucosal barrier.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a modular phantom that enables quantitative assessment of imaging performance (e.g., spatial resolution, image uniformity, image noise, contrast to noise ratio, cone-beam artifact) and dosimetry in cone-beam computed tomography (CT). The modular phantom includes one or more modules for various imaging performance tests that may be rearranged in the phantom to accommodate the design of various cone-beam CT imaging systems. The modular phantom includes one or more of a cone-beam module, an angled edge module, or a line spread module. The phantom may be inserted into a larger sleeve and be used to assess imaging performance and dosimetry in whole body CT imaging systems.

Abstract: Techniques for counting respective photons having energy levels within at least a first energy window and a second energy window, where the first energy window is lower than the second energy window, are presented. The techniques include: receiving a first indication of a first photon detection, the first photon detection being of a photon having an energy of at least a lower end of the first energy window; receiving a second indication of a second photon detection, the second photon detection being of a photon having an energy of at least a lower end of the second energy window; within a predetermined time interval of the receiving the first indication, communicating locally the second indication to counter logic for the first energy window, where a counter for the first energy window is not incremented; and incrementing a counter for an energy window higher than the first energy window.

Abstract: Provided herein are engineered TSC2 polypeptides, and nucleic acid sequences encoding them, in which the ability of a serine residue to be phosphorylated is altered. In some aspects, the TSC2 serine residue cannot be phosphorylated (e.g., by substituting the serine residue with an alanine residue). In some aspects, the TSC2 serine acts as if it is constitutively phosphorylated (e.g., by substituting the serine residue with a glutamic acid residue). Also provided herein are engineered immune cells comprising altered TSC2 polypeptides or nucleic acid sequences encoding them, and methods of making and using such engineered immune cells.

Abstract: A water harvesting device includes at least a first adsorption column including a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first interior region. A sorbent material is located within the first interior region of the first adsorption column. The sorbent material includes a metal organic framework (MOF) material including a plurality of metal ions or clusters of metal ions coordinated to one or more organic linkers, a plurality of nanofabrics comprising a hydrogel material, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of assessing the brain lymphatic or glymphatic system and the glucose transporter function on blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) of a subject using D-glucose or a D-glucose analog. A spatial map is generated of water MR signals that are sensitized to changes in D-glucose or a D-glucose analog in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the subject. The spatial map is observed at one or more time points before, one or more time points during, and one or more time points after, raising the blood level of the D-glucose or a D-glucose analog in the subject CSF. A difference is detected between the MR signals of the spatial map before, during, and after raising the blood level of D-glucose or a D-glucose analog. A physiological parameter associated with the brain lymphatic or glymphatic system and the glucose transporter function on BCSFB of the subject is ascertained based on the detected difference.

Abstract: Hypotonic microbicidal compositions including an antimicrobial, such as an antiviral compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a solution formulation having hypotonic osmolarity have been developed for administration rectally to the gastrointestinal mucosa. In a preferred embodiment for use in preventing or decreasing HIV infection, the microbicidal is tenofovir, or a prodrug or derivative thereof. The formulations may include additional agents such as surfactants to enhance cleansing, buffers, or preservatives. Polymers may be included for osmolarity as well as comfort.

Abstract: Blockade of immune checkpoints such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) shows promise in patients with cancer. Inhibitory antibodies directed at these receptors have been shown to break immune tolerance and promote anti-tumor immunity. These agents work particularly well in patients with a certain category of tumor. Such tumors may be particularly susceptible to treatment because of the multitude of neoantigens which they produce.