Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for treating glaucoma in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods increase retinal ganglion cell survival. The disclosed methods use exosomes and/or miRNA.

Abstract: Metapneumovirus (MPV) F proteins stabilized in a prefusion conformation, nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding these proteins, and methods of their use and production are disclosed. In several embodiments, the MPV F proteins and/or nucleic acid molecules can be used to generate an immune response to MPV in a subject. In additional embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the MPV F ectodomain trimers and/or nucleic acid molecules can be administered to a subject in a method of treating or preventing MPV infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a fluorescence scanning system having a sample holder with a sample suspended within that is rotated by a centrifuge such that the sample is illuminated at various angles by an excitation beam by operation of a galvanometer and such that the sample emits a fluorescence emissions that is detected through a narrow window of exposure defined along the travel path of rotation taken by the sample holder when rotated by the centrifuge. A stationary fluorescence detector is in operative communication with the sample holder along the narrow window of exposure for detecting the fluorescence emissions emitted by the sample from the sample holder while also separating the excitation beam from the fluorescence emissions.

Abstract: Coronavirus S ectodomain trimers stabilized in a prefusion conformation, nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding these proteins, and methods of their use and production are disclosed. In several embodiments, the coronavirus S ectodomain trimers and/or nucleic acid molecules can be used to generate an immune response to coronavirus in a subject. In additional embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the coronavirus S ectodomain trimers and/or nucleic acid molecules can be administered to a subject in a method of treating or preventing coronavirus infection.

Abstract: A method and treatment for testing efficiency and effectiveness of a near infrared photoimmunotherapy treatment includes injecting an antibody photosensitizer conjugate (APC) into a patient, applying radiation to the patient, thereby causing the APC to release a ligand, which is excreted in the patients urine, detecting the presence of the ligand with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, measuring and quantifying an amount of the ligand present in the patients urine based on analytical results of the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and determining the effectiveness of the near infrared photo-immunotherapy treatment based on the measured quantified amount of the ligand present in the patients urine so as to determine an amount of APC remaining in the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for calibrating radioactive sources are described. An array of scintillation detectors form a receptacle within which a sample or sample container can be retained by a holder. The scintillation detectors are coupled via light transducers such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to independent electronic counters. Coincidence processing of time-tagged events yields a correlated cent rate. One or more corrections can be applied as needed, for background counts, deadtime, or random coincidences. Voltage tuning of PMTs yields improved reproducibility. Variations are disclosed. 1% accuracy has been demonstrated over a range N of 10 kBq-3 MBq, covering a gap in the capabilities of conventional technology.

Abstract: Methods for treating a tumor, such as a benign or malignant tumor, are disclosed herein. The methods include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a small molecule that selectively binds to and stabilizes G-quadruplex DNA in the promoter of the c-MYC gene to the subject. The methods are also of use to decrease the size and/or number of metastases. Compounds for use in the disclosed methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind emtricitabine (FTC). Methods are also disclosed for using these antibodies to detect FTC in samples. In some embodiments, these methods are of use for determining if a subject is complying with a therapeutic or prophylactic protocol. In other embodiments, methods are disclosed for determining the dose of FTC to administer to a subject.

Abstract: Antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind to P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein and neutralize P. falciparum are disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, vectors and host cells are also provided. The disclosed antibodies, antigen binding fragments, nucleic acids and vectors can be used, for example, to inhibit a P. falciparum infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides headgear protection systems for preventing or reducing work-related traumatic brain injury and/or risk. More particularly, the disclosure provides headgear systems having an air-bubble cushioning liner to improve shock absorption performance.

Abstract: Conformationally restricted cyanine fluorophores, as well as methods of making and using the compounds, are described. The conformationally restricted cyanine fluorophores have a chemical structure according to Formula I, or a stereoisomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein A is and wherein each “*” designates an attachment point of A.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for enhancing the immune response toward cancers and pathogens. It relates to a cell comprising an antigen-recognizing receptor (e.g., a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or a T cell receptor (TCR)) and a dominant negative Fas polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the cells are antigen-directed and exhibit enhanced cell persistence, and enhanced anti-target treatment efficacy.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant insect ferritin nanoparticles that can be used to display two different trimeric antigens at an equal ratio. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the recombinant insect ferritin nanoparticles and methods of producing the recombinant insect ferritin nanoparticles. Methods for eliciting an immune response in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind to matrilin-3, conjugates including these molecules, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies, antigen binding fragments and conjugates, are disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions including the disclosed antibodies, antigen binding fragments, conjugates, and nucleic acid molecules. Methods of treating or inhibiting a cartilage disorder in a subject, as well as methods of increasing chondrogenesis in cartilage tissue are further provided. The methods can be used, for example, for treating or inhibiting a growth plate disorder in a subject, such as a skeletal dysplasia or short stature.

Abstract: The present application provides methods for the detection and diagnosis of cancer. In one aspect, the application provides methods for detecting the presence of cancer in an individual by detecting the methylation state of a region in the promoter of the ZNF154 gene. Methods are provided for detection and diagnosis of cancer from circulating tumor DNA which are minimally invasive and have diagnostic utility across different types and sub-types of cancer. In a further aspect, bioinformatics methods are provided to analyze the methylation state of the ZNF154 promoter and relate the methylation state to the likelihood of cancer in the individual.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method for separating, amplifying, or detecting a nucleic acid from a sample may comprise contacting a sample lysate with a plurality of buoyant, inorganic, nucleic-acid-capture microspheres. The nucleic-acid-capture microspheres may comprise unicellular hollow microspheres having a diameter between 5 and 300 ?m and/or a true particle density between 0.05 and 0.60 grams/cm3. The microspheres may comprise hollow soda-lime-borosilicate microspheres. In some embodiments, the microspheres comprises hollow soda-lime-borosilicate microspheres surrounded by an amorphous silica shell. Also disclosed are kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions that include a bacterial capsular polysaccharide conjugated to a carrier protein are described. In some embodiments, the bacterial capsular polysaccharide is a Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide. The carrier protein includes an N. meningitidis factor H binding protein (fHbp) linked to cholera toxin subunit B (CTB). Administration of the immunogenic compositions elicits an immune response that includes production of meningococcal polysaccharide-specific and fHbp-specific antibodies. Use of the immunogenic compositions as meningococcal vaccines is also described.

Abstract: In embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating or preventing an adverse condition of the liver of a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of vancomycin and a checkpoint inhibitor. In embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating or preventing an adverse condition of the liver of a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a primary bile acid.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns fatty acid derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fatty acid derivatives, and methods of using the fatty acid derivatives, for example, to treat inflammation, chronic itch, chronic pain, an autoimmune disorder, atherosclerosis, a skin disorder, arthritis, a neurodegenerative disorder, or a psychiatric disorder in a subject. In some embodiments, the fatty acid derivative is a compound, or a stereoisomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having a structure according to: wherein X is from 1-16 carbons in length, Z is aliphatic from 1-16 carbons in length, or is not present, Y is selected from: R1, R2, and R3 are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl, R4 is lower alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amine, R5 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, or halide, R6 is hydroxyl or substituted thiol, and each R7 is independently hydrogen or fluoride or is not present and the adjacent carbons form alkyne.

Abstract: A process for producing a peptide antigen conjugate suitable for administration to a mammal is disclosed. The peptide antigen conjugate comprises a peptide antigen linked to a hydrophobic block. The process comprises reacting a hydrophobic block fragment with a peptide antigen fragment comprising the peptide antigen in a pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvent in a hydrophobic block fragment to peptide antigen fragment molar ratio of 1:1 or greater under conditions to directly or indirectly link the peptide antigen to the hydrophobic block and obtaining a product solution comprising the peptide antigen conjugate, unreacted hydrophobic block fragment and pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvent.