Abstract: Described herein are mutant pneumoviruses comprising a nucleotide sequence which encodes a mutated zinc binding motif in an M2-1 protein of the pneumovirus, wherein the zinc binding motif is mutated relative to wild-type pneumovirus. The mutant pneumoviruses described herein grow to high titer in cell culture, are genetically stable, are attenuated in vitro and in vivo, and are highly immunogenic. Also described herein are vaccines and vaccine compositions comprising the live attenuated mutant pneumoviruses. Vaccine compositions can further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle, excipient, and/or adjuvant. Methods for inducing a protective immune response in a subject against a pneumovirus infection are also described and disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for optimizing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols are described herein. An example method can include receiving one or more MRI scanner settings for an imaging sequence; selecting at least one objective function from a plurality of objective functions; selecting an acquisition train length; selecting a k-space strategy; selecting one or more imaging parameters; and acquiring a magnetic resonance (MR) image using at least one of an optimized k-space strategy, an optimized acquisition train length, or optimized imaging parameters.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising a biocompatible microsphere, a biofilm-generating probiotic bacterium, a prebiotic, and/or a prebiofilmic. Methods for preparing and formulating the compositions and methods for treating or preventing a disease using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions related to treatment and prevention of sarcopenia and/or nerve injury by increasing survival motor neuron (SMN) levels in an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject having a urinary tract infection posing a significant risk of dangerous sequalae is described. The method includes obtaining a urine or fecal sample from the subject; determining the predominant LPS O-antigen serotype in the sample; and comparing the predominant LPS O-antigen serotype to a set of febrile UTI LPS serotypes. The method can also include treating the subject for UTI if the predominant O-antigen LPS serotype is a febrile UTI LPS serotype.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing and treating Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection with AR-12 alone or in combination with antibiotics are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, compounds, methods, and uses for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In particular, the invention relates to compounds, compositions, methods, and uses for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by increasing the expression of the MHC class I molecule, HLA-F, in motor neurons of the patient.

Abstract: This disclosure provides isolated or recombinant polypeptides that are useful to vaccinate individuals suffering from chronic/recurrent biofilm disease or as a therapeutic for those with an existing infection. The individual's immune system will then naturally generate antibodies which prevent or clear these bacteria from the host by interfering with the construction and or maintenance of a functional protective biofilm. Alternatively, antibodies to the polypeptides can be administered to treat or prevent infection. Bacteria that are released from the biofilm by our technology are more readily cleared by the remainder of the host's immune system.

Abstract: It has been established that optimizing cell seeding onto tissue engineering vascular grafts (TEVG) is associated with reduced inflammatory responses and reduced post-operative stenosis of TEVG. Cell seeding increased TEVG patency in a dose dependent manner, and TEVG patency improved when more cells were seeded, however duration of incubation time showed minimal effect on TEVG patency. Methods of engineering patient specific TEVG including optimal numbers of cells to maintain graft patency and reduce post-operative stenosis are provided. Closed, single-use customizable systems for seeding TEVG are also provided. Preferably the systems are custom-designed based on morphology of the patient specific graft, to enhance the efficacy of cell seeding.

Abstract: The invention provides for AAV vectors expressing the ANO5 gene and antioxidant therapy as methods of inducing muscle regeneration and a method of treating muscular dystrophy.

Abstract: Methods of and compositions for breaking down a biofilm or inhibiting, preventing or treating a microbial infection that produces a biofilm are disclosed, which involves administration of an interfering agent capable of specifically competing, titrating, or inhibiting the binding of an HU protein to a microbial DNA. By competing with HU proteins that bind to DNA scaffold in the biofilm, these interfering agents destabilize the biofilm leading to destruction and removal of the biofilm by the immune system. Further method and composition aspects are contemplated in relation to infections caused by bacteria that export an HU protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful to induce immune response to human metapneumovirus. Also provided are related materials and methods, including methods to induce an immune response in a mammal, comprising administering the compositions herein.

Abstract: This disclosure provides kits and methods for determining whether a subject is suffering from a liver disease, and/or whether the subject will be a responsive to a therapy for a liver disease. The disclosed methods comprise determining the miR profile of exosomes isolated from a body fluid of the subject.

Abstract: A method for generating a electro spun fiber medical implant including determining dimensions of a portion of anatomy of a patient corresponding to the electro spun fiber medical implant via medical imaging, generating a model of the portion of the anatomy based on the dimensions, the model including one or more solid areas and one or more void areas encompassed within the one or more solid areas, inverting the model to generate a mandrel model, the mandrel model generated based on the one or more void areas, generating the mandrel based on the mandrel model, the mandrel including at least one electrically conductive material therein, and applying an electro-spinning process to the mandrel to generate the electro spun fiber medical implant which circumscribes the mandrel, wherein the mandrel is removable from within the electro spun fiber medical implant after a disassembly process.

Abstract: A method of treating otitis media in a subject is described that includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an Actin-Related Protein 2/3 Complex (Arp2/3) inhibitor. The role of Arp2/3 in otitis media was identified using comprehensive proteomic and metabolomic studies of otitis media using the chinchilla model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery of polynucleotides for treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy resulting from the duplication of DMD exon 2. The invention provides rAAV products and methods of using the rAAV in the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising a biocompatible microsphere, a biofilm-generating probiotic bacterium, a prebiotic, and/or a prebiofilmic. Methods for preparing and formulating the compositions and methods for treating or preventing a disease using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are topical delivery systems and methods for treating and/or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject, or for eliciting an immune response in a subject, including applying, to at least a portion of the subject's post-auricular region, a topical delivery system including a therapeutically effective amount of a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or adjuvant. The topical pharmaceutical composition can include a topical immunogenic composition. The topical delivery system can further include a flexible substrate in communication with the topical immunogenic composition. The subject can be a pediatric subject.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted 6-amino-5,8-dioxo-5,8-dihydronaphthalene-1-sulfonamide analogs and derivatives thereof, substituted 4-amino-5H-naphtho[1,8-cd]isothiazol-5-one 1,1-dioxide analogs and derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as inhibitors of STAT protein activity; synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating disorders of uncontrolled cellular proliferation associated with a STAT protein activity dysfunction using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions to inhibit or prevent infection of a cell by a bacteria that exports DNABII proteins by administering to a tissue infected with the bacteria an effective amount of an antibody that specifically recognizes and binds the DNABII proteins, thereby inhibiting or preventing infection of the bacteria. Treatment methods, screens and kits are further provided.