Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composition for the sustained-release delivery of an active agent to a target cell of an individual. The compositions disclosed herein comprise of at least one porous particle; at least one polymer; and at least one active agent. In an embodiment, the porous particle comprises a plurality of microscale reservoirs. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one active agent is covalently linked to the at least one polymer to form a polymer-active agent conjugate, and the polymer-active agent conjugate is contained in the plurality of microscale reservoirs of the porous particle. In some embodiments, the active agent is released with zero-order or near zero-order kinetics following administration of the composition. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of treating a tumor by administering to an individual the composition described supra.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composition for the sustained-release delivery of an active agent to a target cell of an individual. The compositions disclosed herein comprise of at least one porous particle; at least one polymer; and at least one active agent. In an embodiment, the porous particle comprises a plurality of microscale reservoirs. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one active agent is covalently linked to the at least one polymer to form a polymer-active agent conjugate, and the polymer-active agent conjugate is contained in the plurality of microscale reservoirs of the porous particle. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of treating a tumor, comprising the step of administering to an individual the composition described supra. Additionally, disclosed herein is a method of eliminating tumor stem cells. Furthermore, there is provided a method of circumventing multi-drug resistance in a tumor cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to compositions that include a liquid formulation comprising a molecule selected from the group consisting of riluzole, a derivative of riluzole, an analog of riluzole, a pharmaceutical equivalent of riluzole, a benzothiazole-based molecule, combinations thereof, and salts thereof. The liquid formulations may also include a solubilizing agent. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of treating a condition or disease in a subject by administering to the subject a composition of the present disclosure. The condition or disease to be treated may include spinal cord injury, and the administration may occur by parenteral administration. In some embodiments, the administered molecule may have an absorption half-life of less than 1.5 hours, an elimination half-life of more than 10 hours, and a bioavailability of more than 65%. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of making the compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the detection of one or more different types of cellular biomarkers in a biological sample, and in particular, methods and compositions for the rapid, one-step, highly-cell specific detection of circulating tumor cells from minute quantities of mammalian biological fluids, including, for example, from a single drop of human blood. In certain embodiments, distinctly-labeled, multi-aptamer detection reagents are provided for detecting and quantitating selected cancer cells in clinical samples such as patient specimens and/or tissues. Aptamer-based imaging methodologies are also provided for use in a variety of diagnostic assay protocols.

Abstract: Disclosed are multivalent, integrin-receptor antagonists that are useful in a variety of therapeutic, prophylactic, and/or diagnostic imaging modalities. In illustrative embodiments, such compounds have been prepared and utilized in the imaging, detection, localization, and/or quantitation of one or more samples of biological interest. Similarly, these compounds, as well as formulations comprising them, find utility in the prevention, treatment, and/or amelioration of one or more symptoms of a disease, abnormal condition, dysfunction, etc., including, for example proliferative diseases such as cancer in affected animals. In certain embodiments, fluorescently- or radio-labeled-non-peptidic, multivalent integrin ?v?3 compounds are provided. Compositions including such compounds have been shown to have utility in detecting, localizing, quantitating, and/or imaging integrin ?v?3 receptor-expressing cells, including, for example, cancer cells in vitro, in vivo, and/or in situ.

Abstract: Disclosed are molecular diagnostic compositions and methods for predicting brain metastasis of breast cancer, as well as methods for drug repositioning to identify existing and new therapeutics for use in developing individualized, patient-specific treatment regimens for improving diagnoses and patient outcomes in individuals at risk for brain metastasis of breast cancer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide therapeutic compositions for specifically targeting tumor cells. In some embodiments, the therapeutic compositions generally include: (1) a plurality of nanovectors; (2) one or more active agents associated with the nanovectors, where the one or more active agents have activity against the tumor cells; (3) one or more active agent enhancers associated with the nanovectors; and (4) one or more targeting agents associated with the nanovectors, where the one or more targeting agents have recognition activity for one or more markers of the tumor cells. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of targeting tumor cells in a subject by administering one or more of the aforementioned therapeutic compositions to the subject. Further embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of formulating the aforementioned therapeutic compositions for targeting tumor cells in a subject in a personalized manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the quantity of a target protein, biomarker or analyte present in a sample, comprising a top plate and a bottom plate, each comprising a plurality of recesses arranged to form a plurality of rows extending parallel to one another, and a plurality of channels extending perpendicularly to the plurality of rows of the bottom plate; wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are assembled together so that the top plate is on top of the bottom plate and the recesses of the top plate communicate with the recesses of the bottom plate so as to form a plurality of rows; and wherein at least one of the top and bottom plate is configured to slide relative to the other of the top and bottom plate in order to form a plurality of columns, with each of the columns in communication with each of the channels.

Abstract: Disclosed are mesoporous silicon multi-stage vehicles that comprise liposomal-based second-stage particles, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and formulations including such vectors for use in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic indications. In particular embodiments, MSV comprising ligand decorated second-stage particles are provided for therapeutic methods including, for example, treatment of mammalian cancers, including those of the human breast.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the nanotechnology-based therapy of one or more mammalian diseases. Disclosed are gold-in-porous silicon nanoassemblies that are effective in the targeted and localized treatment of one or more human hyperproliferative disorders, including, for example, cancer of the breast. Methods of systemic administration of these nanoassembly vectors are disclosed that facilitate direct thermal ablative therapy of selected tissues using a localized application of near-infrared energy to the target site, wherein the gold-in-porous silicon nanoparticles release heat to destroy the surrounding cancerous tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic microscopic system for collecting and processing a sequence of images.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention pertains to therapeutic compositions for treating a brain tumor. Such therapeutic compositions generally comprise: (1) a nanovector; (2) an active agent associated with the nanovector with activity against brain tumor cells; and (3) a targeting agent associated with the nanovector with recognition activity for a marker of the brain tumor cells. In some embodiments, the active agent and the targeting agent are non-covalently associated with the nanovector. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of treating a brain tumor in a subject (e.g., a human being) by administering the aforementioned therapeutic compositions to the subject. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of formulating therapeutic compositions for treating a brain tumor in a subject in a personalized manner.

Abstract: A stent system is provided that includes a stent and a migration-prevention bridle extending from the stent and secured to a portion of the body so as to resist or prevent movement of the stent relative to the portion of the body. Methods of use include positioning a stent that includes a one-way valve in an unexpanded orientation in an passageway of a patient, expanding the stent after being located adjacent an esophageal perforation such that the one-way valve controls the flow of material through the esophageal passageway, and extending a migration-prevention bridle into the esophageal passageway and securing it to the stent. A second portion of the migration-prevention bridle is then secured to a body part of the patient to help resist or prevent migration of the stent. Additional methods, systems, stent apparatuses, and a kit including a stent and instructions for the use of same are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are vascular access devices, implantable dialysis grafts, and systems including them useful for improved access to implanted medical devices. Also disclosed are implantable hemodialysis vascular access graft devices that facilitate easy, accurate and reproducible cannulation or needle entry into the implanted device by magnetically-locating a portion of the graft that includes one or more paramagnetic materials operably defining the physical boundaries of the target cannulation site/entry port.

Abstract: Disclosed are multivalent, integrin-receptor antagonists that are useful in a variety of therapeutic, prophylactic, and/or diagnostic imaging modalities. In illustrative embodiments, such compounds have been prepared and utilized in the imaging, detection, localization, and/or quantitation of one or more samples of biological interest. Similarly, these compounds, as well as formulations comprising them, find utility in the prevention, treatment, and/or amelioration of one or more symptoms of a disease, abnormal condition, dysfunction, etc., including, for example proliferative diseases such as cancer in affected animals. In certain embodiments, fluorescently- or radio-labeled-non-peptidic, multivalent integrin ?v?3 compounds are provided. Compositions including such compounds have been shown to have utility in detecting, localizing, quantitating, and/or imaging integrin ?v?3 receptor-expressing cells, including, for example, cancer cells in vitro, in vivo, and/or in situ.

Abstract: An endoscopic microscopic system for collecting and processing a sequence of images in order to provide diagnosis and treatment is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the system in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composition for the sustained-release delivery of an active agent to a target cell of an individual. The compositions disclosed herein comprise of at least one porous particle; at least one polymer; and at least one active agent. In an embodiment, the porous particle comprises a plurality of microscale reservoirs. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one active agent is covalently linked to the at least one polymer to form a polymer-active agent conjugate, and the polymer-active agent conjugate is contained in the plurality of microscale reservoirs of the porous particle. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of treating a tumor, comprising the step of administering to an individual the composition described supra. Additionally, disclosed herein is a method of eliminating tumor stem cells. Furthermore, there is provided a method of circumventing multi-drug resistance in a tumor cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a controller including a first control member, a second control member that extends from a portion of the first control member, and a controller processor that is operable to produce a rotational movement output signal in response to movement of the first control member, and a translational movement output signal in response to movement of the second control member relative to the first control member. The rotational movement output signal may be any of a pitch movement output signal, a yaw movement output signal, and a roll movement output signal, and the translational movement output signal may be any of an x-axis movement output signal, a y-axis movement output signal, and a z-axis movement output signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are mesoporous silicon multi-stage vehicles that comprise liposomal-based second-stage particles, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and formulations including such vectors for use in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic indications. In particular embodiments, MSV comprising ligand decorated second-stage particles are provided for therapeutic methods including, for example, treatment of mammalian cancers, including those of the human breast.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for quantitation and calibration of images in fluorescence microscopy. Also provided are tissue phantoms that contain known amount(s) of fluorophore standard(s), as well as components and diagnostic kits containing the same for use in various histological analyses. In certain embodiments, three distinct nucleic-acid based assays provide improvements over conventional TUNEL methods to facilitate precise quantitation of a variety of nucleic acids obtained from a biological sample.