Abstract: Methods of determining relapse in subjects having relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and predicting their response to glatiramer acetate (GA) using the biomarkers SIRT1, RGC-32, FasL and IL-21 are presented.

Abstract: In a system and method for identifying a driver of a source associated with a heart rhythm disorder, data are accessed from a plurality of sensors representing biological activity in the heart. A first region and a second region of the heart, which comprise the source of the heart rhythm disorder, are identified. If the first region of the heart has repeating centrifugal activation and controls the second region of the heart for at least a predetermined number of beats, the first region is identified as controlling the source of the heart rhythm disorder.

Abstract: Methods of treating hemophilia A in a subject with an F8 gene mutation, wherein the F8 gene is repaired and the resultant repaired gene, upon expression, confers improved coagulation functionality to the encoded FVIII protein of the subject compared to the non-repaired F8 gene. The invention also includes methods of inducing immune tolerance to a FVIII replacement product ((r)FVIII) in a subject having a FVIII deficiency, wherein the F8 gene mutation is repaired and the repaired gene, upon expression, provides for the induction of immune tolerance to an administered replacement FVIII protein product. The invention also includes isolated nucleic acids, vectors, recombinant viruses, cells, and pharmaceutical compositions to repair the F8 gene.

Abstract: Reconstruction of cardiac information associated with a heart rhythm disorder includes accessing a plurality of neighboring cardiac signals and eliminating far-field activations from the neighboring cardiac signals using one or more divergence criteria that define local activations, where the divergence criteria is associated with divergence among the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals. The local activations in the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals may be used to construct a clinical representation of the heart rhythm disorder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is that the systemic administration of ASC conditioned media diminished LPS-induced lung injury by inhibiting epithelial permeability, neutrophil inflammatory response, and secretion of pro-inflammatory TNF?. It is also shown that ARDS lung is able to retain IV-delivered ASC for a substantial amount of time, with no evidence of the significant cell distribution to other organs at this time point. These findings provide optimization of cell-based and cell-free therapy for the treatment of ARDS, including occurrences of ARDS caused by upper respiratory tract infections such as SARS and MERS.

Abstract: A casket transport and lowering device system is presented. The system includes a transportable frame with extendable rails configured to rotate and extend out over a gravesite. The extendable rails may also include an end rail and one or more extendable feet. The transportable frame may also be protected inside an exterior housing. The system also includes a carriage that rolls along the extendable rails into a position directly over the top of the gravesite. The carriage supports a lowering device upon which the casket rests. When the carriage is positioned over the gravesite, the lowering device is also positioned to lower the casket into the grave.

Abstract: The invention provides method for organizing the disinfection of one or more items contaminated with biological agent(s) comprising (a) attaching a radio-frequency ID (RFID) tag to an item(s) to be disinfected; exposing the item(s) of (a) to a disinfecting means for a period sufficient to disinfect the item; and (c) obtaining a signal from the tagged item when disinfection is complete thereby organizing the disinfection of one or more items.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for treating and/or preventing diseases associated with accumulation of A? peptide in neural tissue. The subject invention also concerns materials and methods for treating and/or preventing stress disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In one embodiment, a method of the invention comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of cotinine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a person or animal in need of treatment. The methods of the invention can be used to prevent and/or treat Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and/or Down's syndrome. The subject invention also concerns compositions that comprise cotinine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or adjuvant.

Abstract: Cancer cells with defects in DNA repair are highly susceptible to DNA-damaging agents, but delivery of therapeutic agents into cell nuclei can be challenging. A sub-set of autoantibodies having nucleolytic activity are capable of nuclear penetration. These antibodies can be used as therapeutic agents targeted towards DNA repair-deficient malignancies.

Abstract: An abdominal statistics system including a low profile rapidly deployable sensor element having an acoustic sensor and vibration actuator that can be conveniently attached to the abdomen of a patient. The system acquires acoustic signals as gastrointestinal (GI) sounds, processes these signals, and provides actionable data to patients and their providers.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject having or at risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease or condition associated with demyelination, insufficient myelination, or underdevelopment of myelin sheath are described. The methods include administration of a therapeutically effective amount of sobetirome, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for detecting, screening, quantifying or localizing the etiology for reduced or impaired cranial nerve function or conduction or associated cranial nucleus or supranuclear input, useful for detecting, diagnosing or screening for increased intracranial pressure, or useful for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring progression of or screening for a disease or condition featuring increased intracranial pressure by tracking eye movement of the subject. The methods may be performed by a) analyzing eye movement of the subject; b) comparing eye movement of the subject to eye movement of a control or the subject's own baseline eye movement; and c) identifying the subject as having eye movement significantly different from the control or the subject's own baseline eye movement.

Abstract: Formulations and methods are provided for improving the function, i.e. clinical outcome, of solid organ transplants. Lung transplantation is of particular interest. In the methods of the invention, a nanoparticle formulation comprising an effective dose of an iron chelator active agent in nanoparticle form, including without limitation, deferoxamine (DFO), deferasirox (DFX), and deferiprone (DFP), etc. suspended in a carrier compatible with the tissue of interest, is topically applied to the surface of tissues at the site of anastomosis. The nanoparticles are comprised of the active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin and flexible device and method of use thereof for wound treatment and infection control. The integrated surface stimulation device may comprise a complete wireless stimulation system in a disposable and/or reusable flexible device for widespread use in multiple therapeutic applications. The invention would be situated on the skin surface of a patient and would be activated so as to reduce the overall occurrence of infections and/or increase wound healing rates. As provided, the device will comprise an integrated power supply and pre-programmable stimulator/control system on a flexible polymeric substrate layer with areas of stimulating electrodes, applied using techniques such as those found in additive manufacturing processes. The device is especially valuable in treating biofilm-based infections.

Abstract: A device disclosed herein includes a tubular member which is flexible and configured to receive ultraviolet (UV) light from a UV illumination coupler. The tubular member contains a lumen defining a longitudinal interior space within the tubular member, a tubular body bounded by an inner wall defining an outer boundary of the lumen and an outer wall defining an outer surface of the tubular member, at least one optical fiber disposed outside of the interior space not parallel to an axis of the lumen and adapted to receive the UV light from the UV illumination coupler, and a protective component adapted to prevent substantively all of the UV light emitted from the optical fiber from exiting the outer wall. Methods for producing and using such devices are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are contractile cell constructs comprising contractile cells, or progenitors thereof, adhered to a surface of a three dimensional fibroblast containing scaffold (3DFCS) and methods for using them to treat disease. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for preparing a contractile construct, comprising (a) seeding immature contractile cells onto the surface of a three dimensional fibroblast containing scaffold (3DFCS) to produce a contractile construct; and (b) culturing the contractile construct under conditions to promote differentiation of the immature contractile cells into mature contractile cells, wherein the mature contractile cells form striations.

Abstract: The present invention concerns protection of an organ or tissue outside of the central nervous system following an ischemic episode. In particular aspects, the invention concerns organ preservation for transplantation, angina pectoris, kidney reperfusion injury, and so forth. In specific embodiments, the organ is subjected to an inhibitor of an NCCa-ATP channel that is regulated by SUR1. Exemplary inhibitors include sulfonylurea compounds, such as glibenclamide, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, having a structure of: X1-L-X2 wherein L is a linking moiety comprising an enone; and X1 and X2 are each independently an optionally-substituted N-heterocycle. Also disclosed are method for treating pulmonary conditions and other organ or system conditions with the compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes for use as adjuvants for stimulating a cellular immune response to an antigen, for example a tumor antigen, and methods of using the vault complexes in the treatment of diseases, such as cancer.

Abstract: A compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, having a structure of: wherein X is a divalent linking moiety; and R1-R10 are each individually H, optionally-substituted alkyl, optionally-substituted alkoxy, optionally-substituted aryl, optionally-substituted cycloalkyl, optionally-substituted heterocyclic, halogen, amino, or hydroxy, provided that at least one of R3 or R8 is an optionally-substituted alkyl, a substituted alkoxy, optionally-substituted aryl, optionally-substituted cycloalkyl, optionally-substituted heterocyclic, or halogen.