Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a system and method for obtaining a diagnosis of a mental health condition. An exemplary system can receive an audio input; convert the audio input into a text string; identify a speaker associated with the text string; based on at least a portion of the audio input, determine a predefined audio characteristic of a plurality of predefined audio characteristics; based on the determined audio characteristic, identify an emotion corresponding to the portion of the audio input; generate a set of structured data based on the text string, the speaker, the predefined audio characteristic, and the identified emotion; and provide an output for obtaining the diagnosis of the mental disorder or condition, wherein the output is indicative of at least a portion of the set of structured data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for personalized dosing of pharmacologic agents. In particular, the presently-disclosed subject matter relates to a computer-based system and method for personalized dosing of one or more pharmacologic agents to optimize one or more therapeutic responses. In some embodiments, the computer-based system and method provides for a computer-based model of a complex biological system useful for training machine learning agents for optimizing personalized dosing of pharmacological agents.

Abstract: The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) gene editing technique, based on the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair pathway, can efficiently generate gene knockouts of variably sizes. More precise genome editing, either the insertion or deletion of a desired fragment, can be done by combining the homology-directed-repair (HDR) pathway with CRISPR cleavage. HDR-mediated gene knock-in experiments are inefficient, with no reports of successful gene knock-in with DNA fragments larger than 4 kb. Targeted insertion of large DNA fragments (7.4 and 5.8 kb) into the genomes of mouse embryonic stem cells and zygotes, respectively, using the CRISPR/HDR technique without NHEJ inhibitors was performed and indicate that CRISPR/HDR without NHEJ inhibitors can result in highly efficient gene knock-in, equivalent to CRISPR/HDR with NHEJ inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for directly writing metal traces on a wide range of substrate materials is disclosed. The method includes writing a pattern of particle-free metal-salt-based ink on the substrate followed by a plasma-based treatment to remove the non-metallic components of the ink and decompose its metal salt into pure metal. The ink is based on a multi-part solvent whose components differ in at least one of evaporation rate, surface tension, and viscosity, which improves the manner in which the ink is converted into its metal constituent via the plasma treatment. In some embodiments, a microplasma is used for post-treatment of the deposited ink, where the plasma properties are controlled to provide different material properties, such as porosity and effective resistivity, in different regions of the metal pattern.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compounds and compositions for forming bone and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of forming bone comprising implanting a bone graft composition comprising a growth factor such as BMP in a subject at a site of desired bone growth or enhancement in combination with a JAB1 blocker.

Abstract: The invention relates to cyclic peptide agonists that bind to the mu (morphine) opioid receptor and their use in the treatment of acute and/or chronic pain. Embodiments of the invention are directed to cyclic analogs of endomorphin. These peptide analogs exhibit decreased tolerance relative to morphine, increased solubility compared to similar tetrapeptide analogs, while maintaining favorable or improved therapeutic ratios of analgesia to side effects.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to therapeutic methods for regulating weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating or preventing obesity, metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance by administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more GDNF receptor agonists to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Most spinal cord therapies are administered systemically, with only a small portion of the therapeutic reaching the spinal cord. A novel method for delivering therapeutics directly to the spinal cord is provided. The method uses a dual balloon catheter to isolate the microvasculature around a region of the spinal cord. Once isolated, one or more therapeutics are delivered directly to the spinal cord blood supply. This allows for smaller, safer therapeutic dose to be utilized.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to therapeutic methods for regulating weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating or preventing obesity, metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance by administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more GDNF receptor agonists to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to cyclic peptide agonists that bind to the mu (morphine) opioid receptor and their use in the treatment of acute and/or chronic pain. Embodiments of the invention are directed to cyclic pentapeptide and hexapeptide analogs of endomorphin that have (i) a carboxy-terminal extension with an amidated hydrophilic amino acid and (ii) a substitution in amino acid position 2. These peptide analogs exhibit decreased tolerance relative to morphine, increased solubility compared to similar tetrapeptide analogs, while maintaining favorable or improved therapeutic ratios of analgesia to side effects.

Abstract: C-natriuretic peptide (CNP) has been shown to regulate proliferation of mouse and rat osteoblasts. Genetic deletion of CNP results in dwarfism. CNP effects on bone growth involve inhibition of MEK 1 and ERK 1/2 kinases mediated via the intracellular messenger cyclic GMP. Vessel dilator is another natriuretic peptide synthesized by the atrial natriuretic peptide gene whose biologic half-life is 12 times longer than CNP. Vessel dilator's biologic effects on proliferating cells are mediated via inhibiting MEK 1/2 and ERK 1/2 kinases via cyclic GMP. Vessel dilator was not studied previously on osteoblasts. CNP and vessel dilator were tested in dose-response studies enhanced human osteoblasts' proliferation, showing that vessel dilator has identical mechanisms of action to CNP but much longer biologic half-life and effects at lower concentrations. Vessel dilator exhibited therapeutic effect for use in human achondroplasia, short stature and osteoporosis by stimulating osteoblast proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to cyclic peptide agonists that bind to the mu (morphine) opioid receptor and their use in the treatment of acute and/or chronic pain. Embodiments of the invention are directed to cyclic analogs of endomorphin. These peptide analogs exhibit decreased tolerance relative to morphine, increased solubility compared to similar tetrapeptide analogs, while maintaining favorable or improved therapeutic ratios of analgesia to side effects.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating penile implant infections that uses a synthetic high-purity calcium sulfate mixed with antimicrobials, which is capable of providing prolonged exposure of antimicrobials to the infection site and capable of acting as an intracorporal filler preventing fibrosis and loss of phallic length. The technique is especially useful for high-risk patients, and provides another medium for which antimicrobial agents can be delivered to a surgical infection site while at the same time acting as a filler, preventing fibrosis, and loss of the space. The antimicrobial cast lasts 4-6 weeks, making timely re-implantation easier, and preventing intracorporal fibrosis and loss of phallic length.

Abstract: Most spinal cord therapies are administered systemically, with only a small portion of the therapeutic reaching the spinal cord. A novel method for delivering therapeutics directly to the spinal cord is provided. The method uses a duel-balloon catheter to isolate the microvasculature around a region of the spinal cord. Once isolated, one or more therapeutics are delivered directly to the spinal cord blood supply. This allows for smaller, safer therapeutic does to be utilized.

Abstract: Plant extracts, compositions, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of making and using the same are provided herein. The compositions comprise ?-tocotrienol (GT3) and ?-tocotrienol (DT3) in ratios wherein the DT3 is predominate. The compositions are useful for radioprotection and radiomitigation in subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to cyclic peptide agonists that bind to the mu (morphine) opioid receptor and their use in the treatment of acute and/or chronic pain. Embodiments of the invention are directed to cyclic pentapeptide and hexapeptide analogs of endomorphin that have (i) a carboxy-terminal extension with an amidated amino acid and (ii) a D-amino acid substitution in position 2. These peptide analogs exhibit decreased tolerance relative to morphine, increased solubility compared to similar tetrapeptide analogs, while maintaining favorable or improved therapeutic ratios of analgesia to side effects.

Abstract: C-natriuretic peptide (CNP) has been shown to regulate proliferation of mouse and rat osteoblasts. Genetic deletion of CNP results in dwarfism. CNP effects on bone growth involve inhibition of MEK 1 and ERK 1/2 kinases mediated via the intracellular messenger cyclic GMP. Vessel dilator is another natriuretic peptide synthesized by the atrial natriuretic peptide gene whose biologic half-life is 12 times longer than CNP. Vessel dilator's biologic effects on proliferating cells are mediated via inhibiting MEK 1/2 and ERK 1/2 kinases via cyclic GMP. Vessel dilator was not studied previously on osteoblasts. CNP and vessel dilator were tested in dose-response studies enhanced human osteoblasts' proliferation, showing that vessel dilator has identical mechanisms of action to CNP but much longer biologic half-life and effects at lower concentrations. Vessel dilator exhibited therapeutic effect for use in human achondroplasia, short stature and osteoporosis by stimulating osteoblast proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to cyclic peptide agonists that bind to the mu (morphine) opioid receptor and their use in the treatment of acute and/or chronic pain. Embodiments of the invention are directed to cyclic pentapeptide and hexapeptide analogs of endomorphin that have (i) a carboxy-terminal extension with an amidated hydrophilic amino acid and (ii) a substitution in amino acid position 2. These peptide analogs exhibit decreased tolerance relative to morphine, increased solubility compared to similar tetrapeptide analogs, while maintaining favorable or improved therapeutic ratios of analgesia to side effects.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns methods and materials for assessing a patient's likelihood of responsiveness to an immunosuppressive therapy. The subject invention is contemplated for use with patients having an autoimmune disorder. In an exemplified embodiment, the methods of the invention are used for assessing and/or treating a patient with MDS. In one embodiment, a method of the invention comprises analyzing T cells of a patient for dysregulation of CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cell subsets, and determining the patient's likelihood of responsiveness to IST based on the level of dysregulation of the patient's CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cell subsets. In one embodiment, an increased likelihood of patient responsiveness to IST is associated with an increased percentage of CD4+ and/or CD8+ effector memory T cells and/or terminal effector memory T cells for a patient. The subject invention also concerns methods for treating a patient with an autoimmune disorder, such as MDS.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating cancer comprising administering an effective amount a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in combination with an immunotherapy to a subject in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating cancer comprising: i) analyzing both chromosomes in a cell from a subject for the a V600E mutation of BRAF; and ii) determining if both of the chromosomes contain the V600E mutation, then treating the subject comprising the step of administering an effective amount a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in combination with an immunotherapy to the subject.