Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for analyzing medical images to localize body regions using deep learning techniques. A combination of convolutional neural network (CNN) and a recurrent neural network (RNN) can be applied to medical images, identifying axial slices of a body region. In accordance with embodiments, boundaries, e.g., superior and inferior boundaries of various body regions in computed tomography images can be automatically demarcated.

Abstract: The present invention features nucleic acid trans-splicing molecules (e.g., pre-mRNA trans-splicing molecules (RTMs)) capable of correcting one or more mutations in the ABCA4 gene or the CEP290 gene. Such molecules are useful in the treatment of disorders associated with mutations in ABCA4, such as Stargardt Disease (e.g., Stargardt Disease 1) and disorders associated with a mutation in CEP290, such as Leber congenital amourosis 10 (LCA 10). Also provided by the invention described herein are methods of using the nucleic acid trans-splicing molecules for correcting mutations in ABCA4 and CEP290 and for treating disorders associated with mutations in ABCA4 and CEP290, such as Stargardt Disease and LCA 10.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides modified immune cells (e.g., modified T cells) comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) (e.g., human PSMA). The present disclosure provides modified immune cells (e.g., modified T cells) comprising a CAR having affinity for PSMA and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor. The present disclosure provides modified immune cells (e.g., modified T cells) comprising a CAR having affinity for PSMA and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor, wherein the modified cell is capable of expressing and secreting a bispecific antibody.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating cancer in a subject with a ZIP9 inhibitor. In certain embodiments, the cancerous tissues do not express the nuclear androgen receptor (AR). These methods, alone or in combination with other cancer therapies, can improve treatment outcomes in patients suffering from cancer, particularly male patients.

Abstract: The present invention includes compounds, compositions comprising the same, and methods using the compounds and/or compositions therein, for modulating skin pigmentation in a mammalian subject. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the invention treat or prevent skin disorders or diseases associated with hyperpigmentation in the subject. In other embodiments, the compounds of the invention act as antagonist to the non-canonical sex steroid hormone receptor GPRE1 and do not bind to a canonical nuclear estrogen receptor (ER). In yet other embodiments, the compounds of the invention comprise acts as agonists to the non-canonical sex steroid hormone receptor PAQR7 and do not bind to a canonical nuclear progesterone receptor (PR).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating the specificity and activity of immune effector cells for use in immunotherapy. In one embodiment, the invention provides a type of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) wherein the CAR is termed a “NKR-CAR” which is a CAR design comprising a component of a receptor naturally found on natural killer (NK) cells. In one embodiment, the NK receptor includes but is not limited to a naturally occurring activating and inhibitory receptor of NK cells known as a killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR).

Abstract: Provided herein are consensus amino acid sequences of prostate antigens that are capable of breaking tolerance in a targeted species, including PSA, PSMA, STEAP and PSCA antigens. Also provided are nucleic acid sequences that encode one or more consensus amino acid sequences of prostate antigens PSA, PSMA, STEAP and PSCA, as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines expressing the sequences. Also provided herein are methods for generating an autoimmune response against prostate cancer cells by administering one or more of the vaccines, proteins, and/or nucleic acid sequences that are provided.

Abstract: A robot control system may be configured to control a robot having a plurality of limbs. The robot control system may control the robot to crawl, to open a door, to bound and or to climb stairs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating diseases, disorders or conditions associated with the expression of the Glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked GDNF family ?-receptor 4 (GFR?4).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to immune cells comprising one or more vectors comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor specific for CD19 and a nucleic acid sequence encoding an enhancer of T cell priming (e.g., IL-18), compositions comprising the T cells, and methods of generating and/or using the T cells to treat diseases associated with the expression of CD19.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific to CD19, vectors encoding the same, and recombinant T cells comprising the CD19 CAR. The disclosure also includes methods of administering a genetically modified T cell expressing a CAR that comprises a CD19 binding domain.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides systems and methods for performing minimally invasive surgery. A laparoscopic device for performing minimally invasive surgery can include a mesh configured to be affixed to a fascial tissue to reinforce the fascial tissue. The mesh can be attached to the laparoscopic device before the mesh reaches the fascial tissue. The laparoscopic device can also include a telescoping arm configured to deliver the mesh to the fascial tissue. The telescoping arm can be further configured to position the mesh at the fascial tissue by releasing the mesh from the laparoscopic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a human. The invention includes administering a genetically modified Th17 cell to express a CAR having an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an ICOS intracellular signaling domain.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for model-based robust deep learning. In some examples, a method includes obtaining a model of natural variation for a machine learning task. The model of natural variation includes a mapping that specifies how an input datum can be naturally varied by a nuisance parameter. The method includes training, using the model of natural variation and training data for the machine learning task, a neural network to complete the machine learning task such that the neural network is robust to natural variation specified by the model of natural variation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the compositions and methods for labeling antibodies and other proteins and targeting agents with a helical bundle protein that is functionalized with cargo. Cargos can include but are not limited to fluorescent dyes, haptens (e.g. biotin), contrast agents (e.g. gadolinium, radionuclides), chelated metals, therapeutic agents, sensitizers, or other small molecules. Specifically, provided herein are compositions having a helical bundle, that has been labeled at precisely defined locations with cargo, and that can be conjugated, attached or fused to an antibody or other targeting agent.

Abstract: A method of correcting singletons in a selected AAV sequence in order to increasing the packaging yield, transduction efficiency, and/or gene transfer efficiency of the selected AAV is provided. This method involves altering one or more singletons in the parental AAV capsid to conform the singleton to the amino acid in the corresponding position(s) of the aligned functional AAV capsid sequences.

Abstract: A recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector comprising an AAVhu68 capsid produced in a production system comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a sequence at least 75% identical thereto which encodes SEQ ID NO:2. The AAVhu68 capsid comprises subpopulations of highly deamidated asparagine residues in asparagine-glycine pairs in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. Also provided are compositions containing the rAAV and uses thereof. Additionally, rAAV having an engineered AAV capsid comprising at least one subpopulation of vp1 or vp2 proteins having a Val at amino acid position 157 with reference to the AAVhu68 vp1 numbering are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are steerable needles having a shaft that can be controllably buckled, a steering head positioned at a distal end of the shaft, a transmission for controlling the orientation of the steering head, and a base at the end of the shaft, the base optionally comprising a controller for controlling the transmission. Also disclosed are methods of using the disclosed steerable needles.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating fibrosis using oligonucleotide-based therapies are provided. These therapies can be used to increase expression of Bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR2) via inhibition of upstream Open Reading Frames, thereby reducing vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling, and formation of fibrosis, particularly pulmonary arterial fibrosis related in patients in need thereof.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a biomimetic organ model, and methods of its production and use. In one exemplary embodiment, the biomimetic organ model can be a multi-layer model including a at least two microchannels and at least one chamber slab with at least one membrane coated with cells disposed between at least one microchannel and the at least one chamber slab. In another exemplary embodiment, the biomimetic organ disease model can be a five-layer model including a first and second microchannel with a membrane-gel layer-membrane coated or encompassing cells disposed between the microchannels. In certain embodiments, at least one device can be coupled to the biomimetic organ model that delivers an agent to at least one microchannel.