Abstract: In aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of treating or preventing a uterine fibroid in a female mammal, the method comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of administering to the female mammal an effective amount of an inhibitor of bromodomain (BRD) protein.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for sensing an environment electric field. In one exemplary implementation, a method includes disposing a sensor in the environment, wherein the sensor comprising a crystalline lattice and at least one optically-active defect in the crystalline lattice; pre-exciting the crystalline lattice to prepare at least one defect in a first charge state using a first optical beam at a first optical wavelength; converting at least one defect from the first charge state to a second charge state using a second optical beam at a second optical wavelength; monitoring a characteristics of photoluminescence emitted from the defect during or after the conversion of the at least one defect from the first charge state to the second charge state; and determining a characteristics of the electric field in the environment according to the monitored characteristics of the photoluminescence.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods suitable to measure trace amounts of specific ions in fluid samples. An example system includes a resonator having an input coupler and an output coupler. The example system also includes an ion-selective membrane (ISM) optically coupled to at least a portion of the resonator. The system additionally includes a light source configured to illuminate the resonator by way of the input coupler. Furthermore, the system includes a detector configured to receive output light by way of the output coupler and provide information indicative a concentration of a specific ion proximate to tire ISM.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to nucleic acid therapeutics that target mRNA molecules and recruit translation machinery to increase the translation from the mRNA, thus increasing the protein product in a subject or cell. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure relate to a chimeric nucleic acid comprising a targeting region and a translational activating region, wherein the translational activating region comprises at least one ribosome and/or translation factor binding site and wherein the targeting region comprises a region that is complementary to a target mRNA.

Abstract: A multi-spectral tomography imaging system includes one or more source devices configured to direct beams of radiation in multiple spectra to a region of interest (ROI), and one or more detectors configured to receive the beams of radiation. The system includes a processor configured to cause movement in at least one of the components such that a first beam of radiation with a first spectrum is directed to the ROI for less than 360 degrees of movement of the ROI. The processor is also configured to process data detected by the one or more detectors, where the data results at least in part from the first beam of radiation with the first spectrum that is directed to the ROI for less than the 360 degrees of movement of the ROI. The processor is further configured to generate an image of the ROI based on the processed data.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to nanoparticle formulations and methods for generating nanoparticles. Embodiments include nanoparticles comprising an amphiphile and a polymer co-assembly agent. In some cases, polymers for use in therapeutic delivery are described. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods and compositions involve TLR agonists and formulations thereof capable of activating an immune response. Certain aspects relate to nanoparticles comprising linked TLR agonists for use in immunotherapy.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods to identify TCR-recognizing cancer-specific antigens, and TCR-engineered T cells having antigen-specific cytotoxic activity. Provided herein are engineered T lymphocytes produced by the methods described herein. Provided herein are methods of treating cancer in a subject comprising administering the engineered T lymphocytes described herein. Provided herein are antibodies, or fragments thereof, produced by the methods described herein. Provided herein are methods of treating cancer in a subject comprising administering the antibodies described herein to a subject. In some embodiments, the therapeutic compositions (e.g., engineered lymphocytes, antibodies, etc.) and methods herein are provided as part of a kit or system.

Abstract: Atomic layer deposition is utilized to deposit a coating on a membrane. The coated membrane exhibits a tightly bound hydration layer upon exposure to water. The resultant coated membrane is oleophobic.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel carborane hydroxamic acid matrix metalloproteinase (“MMP”) inhibitors and agents bearing borane-containing moieties and methods for their use in treating or preventing a disease, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. In particular, disclosed herein are compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: Formula (I) wherein the substituents are as described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a theseometer or proprioceptometer for objectively quantifying the proprioceptive performance of a subject such as a human. The disclosed theseometer is a device comprising a clear, rigid material or screen having or exhibiting a distinguishable target embraced by a series of concentric rings, a digital camera with a lens concentric to the target, a base unit comprising an electronic processor and memory for analyzing data and, optionally, a wheeled base to provide mobility and portability.

Abstract: Articles, devices, and methods including anisotropic van der Waals thermal conductors are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a device for retrieving foreign material within a blood vessel of a patient. Some foreign retrieval devices include an elongated body configured to be disposed within a catheter, the elongated body having a proximal end, and a distal end opposite the proximal end; and one or more arms, each arm having a proximal end coupled to the distal end of the elongated body, and a distal end extending toward the proximal end of the elongated body. In some foreign retrieval devices, each of the arms is configured to be actuated from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides novel compositions for treating bacterial infections. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure relate to an engineered antibody comprising: LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3 of the light chain variable region of the 3F6 antibody and HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3 of the heavy chain variable region of the 3F6 antibody. Also provided are compositions comprising the antibodies and nucleic acids encoding either the heavy chain or light chain (or both) of the antibodies. Other aspects relate to host cells comprising the antibodies and/or nucleic acids of the disclosure. Further aspects relate to a method of preventing or treating staphylococcal infection comprising the step of administering the antibody of the disclosure to a subject in need thereof. Yet further aspects relate to a method of making the antibody comprising expressing the nucleic acid(s) of the disclosure in a cell and isolating the expressed protein.

Abstract: Provided are a superlattice structure including a two-dimensional material and a device including the superlattice structure. The superlattice structure may include at least two different two-dimensional (2D) materials bonded to each other in a lateral direction, and an interfacial region of the at least two 2D materials may be strained. The superlattice structure may have a bandgap adjusted by the interfacial region that is strained. The at least two 2D materials may include first and second 2D materials. The first 2D material may have a first bandgap in an intrinsic state thereof. The second 2D material may have a second bandgap in an intrinsic state thereof. An interfacial region of the first and second 2D materials and an adjacent region may have a third bandgap between the first bandgap and the second bandgap.

Abstract: The disclosure provides products and methods of treating diseases and disorders involving microbial pathogens, such as intestinal microbial pathogens, e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, by administering an effective amount of a phosphorylated polyethylene glycol compound of defined structural organization. Those diseases and disorders characterized by an epithelium attacked by a microbial pathogen are contemplated, including gastrointestinal infections and inflammation, e.g., treatment of intestinal or esophageal anastomosis or treatment or suppression of anastomotic leakage.

Abstract: The methods and compositions described herein address the need in the art by providing compositions and methods for a therapy with an antibody that is specifically targeted to and/or retained intra- or peri-tumorally, limiting systemic exposure and reducing side-effects. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure relate to a composition comprising an immunotherapeutic antibody operatively linked to an extracellular matrix (ECM)-affinity peptide. An ECM-affinity peptide is one that has affinity for an extracellular matrix protein.

Abstract: Nanoparticles comprising micheliolide (MCL) or derivatives thereof, and optionally additional therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapeutic agents, are described. Also described are methods of treating diseases, such as cancer, comprising the use of combinations of MCL or a derivative thereof with X-ray irradiation and/or other therapeutic agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The use of the combinations can provide synergistic anticancer therapeutic efficacy, for example, as the MCL or derivative thereof can both sensitize cancer cells to therapy and target resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) for selective cell death.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for detecting and/or targeting dysfunctional tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment for diagnostic, therapeutic and/or research applications. In particular, dysfunctional tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells are detected and/or targeted via their expression of cell surface receptors described herein, such as 4-1BB, LAG-3, or additional markers that correlate with 4-1BB and LAG-3 expression, such as markers differentially expressed on the surface of the T cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to the treatment of subjects with prostate cancer, in particular those with castration resistant prostate cancer, with glucocorticoid receptor antagonists. The prostate cancer may be one that has become resistant to androgen deprivation therapy, for example, by increase in glucocorticoid receptor expression and/or activity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems by which enzymes can be modified to improve solubility, catalytic activity, recoverability, and recyclability. The enzyme may be modified with a thermosensitive copolymer to form an enzyme-polymer conjugate that exhibits upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and/or lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type behavior in an organic solvent, ionic liquid, or other solvent. Methods and systems of the invention facilitate the use of enzymes as biocatalysts in solvents.