Abstract: Adeno associated viral (AAV) particles are emerging as a useful vehicle for gene delivery to various organs and tissues, one of them being the retina. Provided here are variant AAV (e.g., variant serotype 2 (AAV2)) capsid proteins and variant capsid protein containing particles with enhanced ability to transduce retinal cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel treatments for diseases and conditions caused by, directly or indirectly, high blood glucose levels increased gluconeogenesis. Such disease and conditions include, but are not limited to, type II diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions. Sam68, an RNA-binding adaptor protein and Src kinase substrate, is a novel regulator of hepatic gluconeogenesis and global and hepatic deletions of Sam68 significantly reduce blood glucose levels and the glucagon-induced expression of gluconeogenic genes. The treatments described herein may include inhibition of the activity of Sam68.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved method for photobleaching an eye of a subject. The disclosed method may be used in a number of psychophysical test methods, including, but not limited to, measurement of dark adaptation. The improved method for photobleaching involves at least one of the following improvements: (i) the use of a bleaching light emitting a particular wavelength of light or a tailored spectrum of wavelengths; (ii) restricting or otherwise spatially tailoring the region of the retina that is subject to photobleaching; and (iii) utilizing a bleaching light having an intensity that is at or below the intensity of ambient daylight. The present disclosure additionally provides a combination of a photobleaching light and an apparatus to administer a psychophysical test suitable for use in practicing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining pulmonary fibrosis disease progression or treatment response includes obtaining a first set of computed tomography (CT) images of a lung and determining a first Pulmonary Surface Index (PSI) score for the lung by detecting a first actual lung boundary of the lung within the first set of CT images, determining a first approximated lung boundary within the first set of CT images, and determining the PSI score using inputs based on the first actual lung boundary and the first approximated lung boundary. The method also includes obtaining a second set of CT images of the lung and determining a second PSI score for the lung using inputs based on a second actual lung boundary and a second approximated lung boundary. The method also includes assessing pulmonary fibrosis treatment response or disease progression based on the first PSI score and the second PSI score.

Abstract: Provided herein are mutant single-chain Mycobacterium smegmatis porin (Msp) and uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating and preventing inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates exposure notification, and in particular to techniques for verification of positive test results from public health authorities where individuals submit notice using public health approved mobile applications for exposure notification and/or contact tracing. When an individual attempts to submit a positive test result notification in a mobile application, the associated device's mobile number will be requested. This mobile number will then be sent a verification code to be entered in the application. At this point, these codes shall be stored digitally in escrow. A regular data feed from a health authority shall be provided that shall include an agreed encryption (irreversibly encrypted or reversibly encrypted) of the mobile numbers associated with any reported test. Any results submitted in the application that have a matching encryption of the mobile numbers shall be released from the escrow for subsequent notification.

Abstract: Provided is a compound of formula (I), in which Ar1, R1, U, V, W, X, and p are as described herein. Also provided are methods of using a compound of formula (I), including a method of treating cancer, a method of treating a patient with cancer cells resistant to an anti-cancer agent, and a method of inhibiting lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and/or lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) activity in a cell.

Abstract: The use of a purine nucleoside phosphorylase or nucleoside hydrolase or a vector encoding expression of one of these enzymes is detailed along with the use of a prodrug cleaved by the purine nucleoside phosphorylase or nucleoside hydrolase for the preparation of a direct injection inhibition of replicating or non-replicating targeted cells. The targeted cells do not normally express the introduced purine nucleoside phosphorylase or nucleoside hydrolase. The enzyme and prodrug are amenable to intermixing and injection as a single dose or as separate injection or administration to the targeted cells. The substance and prodrug efficacy are enhanced through exposure of the targeted cells to X-ray radiation. Administration of a prodrug regardless of administration route to the targeted cells is effective in combination with X-ray radiation therapy to kill or inhibit function of the targeted cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved method for photobleaching an eye of a subject. The disclosed method may be used in a number of psychophysical test methods, including, but not limited to, measurement of dark adaptation. The improved method for photobleaching involves at least one of the following improvements: (i) the use of a bleaching light emitting a particular wavelength of light or a tailored spectrum of wavelengths; (ii) restricting or otherwise spatially tailoring the region of the retina that is subject to photobleaching; and (iii) utilizing a bleaching light having an intensity that is at or below the intensity of ambient daylight. The present disclosure additionally provides a combination of a photobleaching light and an apparatus to administer a psychophysical test suitable for use in practicing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Provided is a darwinolide compound having a previously undescribed carbon skeleton and the crystalline form thereof. Also provided are processes of isolating darwinolide, compositions comprising darwinolide, and methods of treating infection, such as a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm infection.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for identifying compounds that inhibit cell growth or have cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, such as hematological cancer cells or ovarian cancer cells, in a subject. Further provided is a method for identifying one or more compounds that sensitize refractory cancer cells from a subject. Also provided are compositions and methods for treating cancer, including refractory cancer, such as refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or ovarian cancer.

Abstract: In one aspect, compounds and compositions that inhibit TXNIP expression and/or that lower hepatic glucose production and methods of identifying, making, and using same are disclosed. The disclosed compounds and compositions can be useful for disorders associated with elevated TXNIP and/or elevated glucagon levels such as, for example, diabetes and associated disorders. Further provided are methods for treating hyperlipidemia or fatty liver disease, optionally associated with elevated TXNIP and/or elevated glucagon levels. 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: The present disclosure is concerned with piperazine-2,5-diones that are capable of inhibiting TGF-? and methods of treating cancers such as, for example, multiple myeloma and a hematologic malignancy, and methods of treating fibrotic conditions using these compounds. 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: The respiratory microbiomes of neonates and those with bronchopulmonary disease have been characterized. Provided are probiotic compositions, which can include at least one living bacterial strain and at least one killed bacterial strain, that can comprise a combination of Lactobacilli species, 5 that when delivered to the bronchi or lungs of a patient can provide a reduction in the symptoms of a bronchopulmonary disease.

Abstract: In one aspect, compounds and compositions that inhibit TXNIP expression and/or that lower hepatic glucose production and methods of identifying, making, and using same are disclosed. The disclosed compounds and compositions can be useful for disorders associated with elevated TXNIP and/or elevated glucagon levels such as, for example, diabetes and associated disorders. Further provided are methods for treating hyperlipidemia or fatty liver disease, optionally associated with elevated TXNIP and/or elevated glucagon levels.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of increasing mucus clearance in a subject having decreased mucus clearance. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing a respiratory disorder.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs). More particularly, disclosed are a variety of antigen specific polypeptides, including soluble, monoclonal, and multivalent forms, as well as methods of using the polypeptides, antibodies that bind the antigen specific polypeptides, and nucleic acids, vectors and expression systems that encode the polypeptides. Antigen specific polypeptides that selectively bind pathogens, like anthrax, and carbohydrates, like blood group determinants, are specifically disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for assessing risk of infection or cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a subject with an inflammatory disease, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis. The methods include performing immunoassays to generate scores based on quantitative data for expression of biomarkers relating to inflammatory biomarkers with or without additional clinical variables to assess infection and CVD risk. Also provided are uses of inflammatory biomarkers for guiding treatment decisions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with dipeptide analogs that are capable of inhibiting TGF-? and methods of treating cancers such as, for example, multiple myeloma and a hematologic malignancy, methods for immunotherapy, and methods of treating fibrotic conditions using these compounds. 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.