Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides methods of inhibiting STAT3 in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a compound of the formula: (I) wherein the variables are as defined herein. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods of using of the compounds disclosed herein for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are nanoparticles configured for the rapid detection of disease-specific peptides from patient samples, including blood-based samples. Also provided are methods of measuring the level of an infection by isolation and quantification of disease-specific peptides from patient samples. The nanoparticles may act as a co-matrix for matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to a patient, the apparatus including a head mount for disposition on the head of a patient; and a plurality of magnet assemblies for releasable mounting on the head mount, wherein each of the magnet assemblies includes a magnet for selectively providing a rapidly changing magnetic field capable of inducing weak electric currents in the brain of a patient so as to modify the natural electrical activity of the brain of the patient; wherein the number of magnet assemblies mounted on the head mount, their individual positioning on the head mount, and their selective provision of a rapidly changing magnetic field is selected so as to allow the spatial, strength and temporal characteristics of the magnetic field to be custom tailored for each patient, whereby to provide patient-specific TMS therapy, to assist in diagnosis or to map out brain function in neuroscience research.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of reducing hematopoiesis in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of Srebp2. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to compositions for reducing hematopoiesis in a subject. In some embodiments, the compositions include a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of Srebp2. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of enhancing hematopoiesis in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an active ingredient. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to compositions for enhancing hematopoiesis in a subject. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure include active ingredients that enhance hematopoiesis in the subject.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide TiO2 nanoshell particles, methods of fabricating TiO2 nanoshell particles, and methods of enriching peptides in a sample using TiO2 nanoshell particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for the prognosis and management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as associated compositions, kits, solid supports and uses.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions that improve the success of organ transplantation. The methods and compositions are directed to exposing a desired organ to stem cells prior to, during, and/or after transplantation. In one embodiment, the stem cells reduce the deleterious effects of ischemia on an organ designated to be harvested for transplantation or that has been harvested for transplantation. In another embodiment in which an organ designated for transplantation is perfused ex vivo, the method involves reducing ischemic reperfusion injury by perfusing the organ with a medium that contains stem cells.

Abstract: A method for the fail-safe termination of in vivo drug delivery from an implantable drug delivery system, the method comprising: providing an implantable drug delivery system comprising: a housing having a reservoir for containing a drug, and a port for dispensing the drug to a patient; and an emergency deactivation unit disposed between the reservoir and the port, the emergency deactivation unit comprising a composite structure comprising a biocompatible ferromagnetic mesh open to fluid flow and a hydrophobic meltable material, the hydrophobic meltable material comprising at least one hole therein for enabling a fluid to pass through the hydrophobic meltable material; implanting the implantable drug delivery system within a patient; enabling the drug to flow from the reservoir, through the at least one hole in the hydrophobic meltable material and out the port; and when drug flow is to be terminated, applying a magnetic field to the composite structure, such that a current is induced in the ferromagnetic mes

Abstract: A dermal tissue allograft includes a dermal matrix having a profile including first and second vertices, a first imaginary axis extending between the first and second vertices, a first peripheral edge extending along a continuous path from the first vertex to the second vertex on a first side of the first imaginary axis, and a second peripheral edge extending along a continuous path from the first vertex to the second vertex on a second side of the first imaginary axis. The first peripheral edge includes an apogee, a convex portion, and a concave portion. The convex and concave portions meet at a transition point located on the first peripheral edge between its apogee and the second vertex. The second peripheral edge includes an apogee and is convex. The second perpendicular distance is greater than the first perpendicular distance. The dermal matrix has a substantially uniform thickness across its profile.

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: A testing device is provided. The testing device includes a capturing tool and a microfluidic chip having a plurality of chambers connected in a network, a sample receiving port connected to the network, and a guide structure configured to receive the capturing tool, wherein the capturing tool is configured to capture sample in a distal position from the guide structure and further configured to transfer the captured sample to the sample receiving port in a proximal position from the guide structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are positively-charged, cytotoxic nanoparticle compositions comprising immune modulators (such as the toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 ligand, monophosphoryl lipid (MPL)-A), and Interleukin (IL)-12)), which exhibit enhanced uptake by mammalian cancer cells, and cause increased cancer cell death and/or an increased release of cancer antigens following direct injection to populations of cancer or tumor cells. Also disclosed are nanoparticle-vectored, immunomodulatory compositions that stimulate antigen presenting immune cells and T cells, and support the development of anti-cancer immunity in mammalian hosts. The disclosed cationic liposomes represent an important advance in the area of cancer immunotherapeutics.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to the brain of an individual comprising: a head mount; a plurality of magnet assemblies for releasable mounting on the head mount; each of the magnet assemblies comprises a permanent magnet, and at least one of (i) a movement mechanism for moving the permanent magnet and/or (ii) a magnetic shield shutter mechanism, to provide a rapidly changing magnetic field; and a computerized controller for operating at least one of the movement mechanism and the magnetic shield shutter mechanism of at least one of the magnet assemblies to apply a rapidly changing magnetic field to the brain of the individual, wherein the computerized controller is configured to provide one of intermittent oscillatory stimulation and continuous oscillatory stimulation, to induce weak electric currents in the brain of an individual so as to modify the natural electrical activity of the brain of the individual.

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: Provided herein are proton pump inhibitors that promote cellular senescence, methods of using the proton pump inhibitors to promote cellular senescence and compositions and kits comprising the proton pump inhibitors. Also provided are methods of screening for candidate agents that promote senescence or inhibit senescence.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real time laparoscopic navigation. Exemplary embodiments can comprise scanning a structure of interest internal to a patient to provide image data; generating a first three-dimensional reconstruction of the structure of interest based on the image data; annotating the first three-dimensional reconstruction of the structure of interest with a plurality of reference points; obtaining spatial coordinates of the plurality of reference points during a laparoscopic procedure; and generating a second three-dimensional reconstruction of the structure of interest based on the spatial coordinates.

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: A method for treating a sarcoma by administering a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a biguanide compound. Also described is a method for treating a tumor of the Ewing Sarcoma family by obtaining a tumor sample; determining in the sample gene expression levels of ACTB, B2M, MLH1, PRKDC, XPC, APEX1, ERCC5, MMS19, or RAD23; and administering a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a biguanide compound. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical composition for treating a Ewing family tumor is disclosed. The composition contains a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a biguanide compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating and preventing preterm labor using liposome encapsulated tocolytic agents, such as indomethacin. In certain aspects, targeted liposomes are provided that allow delivery of tocolytic agents directly to the uterus, such as by targeting to the oxytocin receptor.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices, methods and systems for determining blood oxygenation. By applying near infrared radiation of an appropriate wavelength to the tissue and determining the absorbance at a plurality of points where the distance between the source of the near infrared radiation and the detector are known, the oxygenation state of the hemoglobin can be determined based on position in a three dimensional space.