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.

Abstract: The invention provides methods related to improving heart function.

Abstract: A non-imaging optical concentrator, including a top portion, a body, and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion is configured to receive an incident light and transmit the received incident light to the body when the incident light is within an angle of acceptance for the non-imaging optical concentrator, and where the body is configured to reflect the incident light transmitted by the top portion to the bottom portion when the incident light is within the angle of acceptance for the non-imaging optical concentrator, and wherein the top portion is configured to split or diverge the incident light into two or more directions when the incident light is within the angle of acceptance for the non-imaging optical concentrator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomedical technology, and relates to a composite membrane comprising a decellularized amniotic membrane, a use of the composite membrane, and a method for preparing the composite membrane.

Abstract: Fluorescent imaging systems for performing an endoscopic procedure, such as a retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure may include a first light source for emitting light in the visible spectrum, or light in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum, or both. A light source bandpass filter may block the emitted light in the visible spectrum, or in the NIR spectrum, or both. A first sensor may be capable of detecting the light in the visible spectrum, or the light in the NIR spectrum, or both. A sensor bandpass filter may block the detected light in the visible spectrum, or in the NIR spectrum, or both. The first or a second light source, or the first or a second sensor, or combinations thereof, may be removably disposed on a duodenoscope.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for preventing cytokine release syndrome (CRS). For example, methods and materials for using one or more catecholamine inhibitors to prevent a mammal from developing CRS are provided.

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.