Abstract: The invention provides novel asymmetric and symmetric bisaminoquinolmes and related compounds, methods of treatment and syntheses. The novel compounds exhibit effective anticancer activity and are useful in the treatment of a variety of autophagy-related disorders.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for generating and expanding therapeutic Th17 cells. The invention includes contacting T cells with a composition comprising a first agent that is capable of providing a primary activation signal to T cells and a second agent that is capable of activating ICOS on T cells in the presence of Th-17 polarizing agents.

Abstract: A chest tube introducer is disclosed. In some embodiments, the introducer includes a tubular shaft adapted for insertion into a pleural cavity and through which a chest tube can be threaded, and a gripping mechanism that is coupled to a proximal end of the shaft and adapted for positioning the chest tube introducer upon insertion of the shaft into the pleural cavity. The introducer can also include an obturator removably coupled to a distal end of the shaft such that the obturator can be removed from the shaft after insertion thereof into the pleural cavity, and an outer flange that is coupled to the obturator and adapted to remove the obturator from the shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of treating and ameliorating congenital and neonatal hyperinsulinism and post-prandial hypoglycemia, comprising the step of administering an antagonist of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, e.g. a GLP-1 fragment or analogue thereof.

Abstract: A method for automatically mapping a store layout includes identifying a path for traversing a retail area and capturing images of the retail area at various points along the path. The images may be analyzed to identify visual characteristics which may be compared to a template of retail products in a template library. When an object depicted in the image matches with a retail product in the template library, the object may correspond to the retail product. Additionally, a retail department for the object may also be identified. The retail department may be compared to the retail product corresponding to the object, and when the retail product is not associated with the retail department, another retail product which is associated with the retail department may be identified as corresponding to the object. A map of the store layout may be generated based on the identified retail products.

Abstract: Provided herein is a recombinant viral vector having packaged therein an expression cassette comprising an engineered complement regulator factor H (fH), wherein the gene encodes a hfH protein variant comprising short consensus repeats (SCRs) 1-4, 6-8, and 17-20. Pharmaceutical compositions containing this vector and plasmids comprising nucleic acid sequences that encode the fH protein variant are also provided.

Abstract: A nucleic acid trans-splicing molecule is provided that can replace an exon in a targeted mammalian ocular gene carrying a defect or mutation causing an ocular disease with an exon having the naturally-occurring sequence without the defect or mutation. A method of treating an ocular disease, e.g., Stargardt's Disease, caused by a defect or mutation in a target gene, e.g., ABCA4 comprising: administering to the ocular cells of a subject having an ocular disease a composition comprising a recombinant AAV comprising a nucleic acid trans-splicing molecule as described above.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for transducing a ciliated cell with a recombinant serotype 2 adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. Additionally, the invention provides methods of treating diseases associated with a mutated gene by transducing a ciliated cell with a recombinant serotype 2 AAV vector containing a corrective transgene.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to a bioengineering approach based on microphysiological culture to mimic tissue-tissue interface. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides methods, compositions and kits related to the approach.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for measuring blood. The microfluidic devices of the present invention include an inlet port adapted and configured to receive a fluid sample, a microfluidic flow path in fluidic communication with the inlet port, an outlet in fluidic communication with the microfluidic flow path, the outlet: having a smaller cross-sectional area than the microfluidic flow path; and adapted for communication with a pressure sink. The microfluidic devices further include a priming circuit in fluidic communication with the microfluidic flow path such that when a priming fluid is applied under pressure to the priming circuit, the priming fluid will flow through the microfluidic flow path to the inlet port due to low resistance to laminar flow in the microfluidic flow path relative to the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a fusion protein that when displayed on a cell can convert a negative signal into a positive signal in the cell. The fusion protein is a chimeric protein in that the protein comprises at least two domains, wherein the first domain is a polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal and the second domain is a polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal. Thus, the invention encompasses switch receptors that are able to switch negative signals to positive signals for enhancement of an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of suppressing systemic immune response in a subject, the method comprising topically administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a vitamin D analog to a subject in need thereof. The present invention further includes a method of treating an autoimmune disease in a subject, the method comprising topically administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a vitamin D analog to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules which encode an MRSA PBP2a protein or a fragment thereof which comprises at least 245 amino acid are disclosed. Compositions comprising the nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. Novel proteins which comprise a MRSA PBP2a protein or a fragment thereof which comprises at least 245 amino acid are disclosed are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response against MRSA PBP2a are disclosed, as are methods of treating an individual who has been diagnosed with MRSA and methods of preventing MRSA infection in an individual.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices that comprise a protein, such as an antibody, placed into electronic communication with a semiconductor material, such as a carbon nanotube. The devices are useful in assessing the presence or concentration of analytes contacted to the devices, including the presence of markers for prostate cancer and Lyme disease.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multilane vasculature and multiorgan vascular-vessel fluidic interfaces in in vitro models. The method includes embedding at least one tissue into a 3D structure, forming a vascular interface for nutrient perfusion into the tissue or tissues, tuning the vascular interface or interfaces together or separately to possess a property of a native biological target tissue or target environment by modifying a vessel attribute; and lining a fluidic interface channel, for providing a growth fluid in a physiologically recapitulating manner. The 3D structure includes a vasculogenic element for angiogenesis or vasculogenesis.

Abstract: Gene therapy based combination therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (“MPM”) that is resistant to or recurrent after chemotherapy employing a viral vector containing a human interferon transgene, followed by standard first- or second-line cytotoxic chemotherapy. Overall survival rate was significantly higher than historical controls in the second-line group.

Abstract: Sequences of novel adeno-associated virus capsids and vectors and host cells containing these sequences are provided. Also described are methods of using such host cells and vectors in production of rAAV particles. AAV-mediated delivery of therapeutic and immunogenic genes using the vectors of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to salvinorin compositions and uses thereof. Specifically, the invention relates to administering a salvinorin compound to produce vasodilatory effect and organ protective effect from hypoxia/ischemia and reperfusion. The invention further relates to treating various diseases or disorders.

Abstract: A recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) having an AAV capsid and packaged therein a heterologous nucleic acid which expresses two functional antibody constructs in a cell is described. Also described are antibodies comprising a heavy chain and a light chain from a heterologous antibody. In one embodiment, the antibodies are co-expressed from a vector containing: a first expression cassette which encodes at least a first open reading frame (ORF) for a first immunoglobulin under the control of regulatory control sequences which direct expression thereof; and a second expression cassette which comprises a second ORF, a linker, and a third ORF under the control of regulatory control sequences which direct expression thereof, wherein the second and third ORF for a second and third immunoglobulin construct. The vector co-expressing these two antibody constructs is in one embodiment an AAV, in which the 5? and 3? ITRs flank the expression cassettes and regulatory sequences.

Abstract: A suspension useful for AAV9-mediated intrathecal/intracisternal and/or systemic delivery of an expression cassette containing a hIDUA gene is provided herein. Also provided are methods and kits containing these vectors and compositions useful for treating MPSI and the symptoms associated with Hurler, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie syndromes.