Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include inventive polypeptides (e.g., mutant VP2 proteins) and virus-like particles made from the inventive polypeptides. Other embodiments of the invention include compositions for treating (e.g., preventing) parvovirus (e.g., erythrovirus or parvovirus B19) infection and other diseases. Further embodiments include methods for administering compositions to an animal. Other embodiments include treating (e.g., preventing) par vovirus (e.g., erythrovirus or parvovirus B19) infection and other diseases. Still other embodiments include nucleic acid sequences that encode the inventive polypeptides. Additional embodiments of the invention are also discussed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using neutral soluble glucan and monoclonal antibodies for antitumor therapy. Neutral soluble Beta (1,3; 1,6) glucan (NSG) enhances the tumoricidal activity of the innate immune system by binding to the C3 complement protein receptor CR3. The glucan does not stimulate the induction of inflammatory cytokines. Also described are methods of using whole glucan particles (WGP) as an immunomodulator by inducing a shift from a Th2 response to the Th1 response, leading to an enhanced antitumor cytotoxic T-cell response.

Abstract: A laryngoscope with integrated and controllable suction includes a handle and a blade. A suction port is at the proximal end of the handle and is configured for connection to an air source. The suction port defines an opening into one or more air flow paths defined through the laryngoscope, which each terminate at one or more intake ports. In some embodiments, a valve is interposed into each air flow path to regulate air flow along each air flow path. Such a valve is operably connected to a switch mounted on an exterior surface of the laryngoscope, such that manipulation of the switch causes the valve to open or close, thus allowing the physician or other medical professional to control the air flow and selectively apply constant or intermittent suction.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods, compositions and uses thereof for enhancing vascularization of a tissue or cell transplant for transplantation into a subject. In particular, one aspect of the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising the use of a population of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells to encapsulate or surround a tissue or cell transplant to enhance vascularization of the tissue or cell transplant. Another aspect of the present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing vascularization of a tissue or cell transplant by combining a population of SVF cells with a tissue or cell transplant to form a transplant mixed with SVF cells. In some embodiments, the SVF cells can be on the surface or embedded within a three-dimensional matrix. In some embodiments, the SVF cells can be generically engineered to secrete therapeutic proteins or pro-angiogenic factors.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention include compositions comprising a compound of Formula (I), and salts, isomers, and derivatives thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions of some embodiments of the present invention comprise a compound of Formula (I), and salts, isomers, and derivatives thereof. Other embodiments of this invention include methods for treating disease (e.g., cancer) and methods for administering a compound of Formula (I), and salts, isomers, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods of characterizing a melanoma in a subject by measuring amounts of one or more RNAs, miRNAs, and/or polypeptides present in cancer-derived microvesicles isolated from a biological sample from the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to trocar site closures including a head with a plurality of arm receiving passages therethrough, an arm received by each of the passages, each passage having a discontinuity which allows each arm to be pulled inward but deters outward movement, and each arm having a grappling portion. The head and arms are inserted into a patient wound, such as a trocar site. The arms engage with tissue surrounding the wound. A pulling force is exerted on the arm proximal ends, drawing the distal ends of the arms toward the head and at least partially closing the wound. The head and at least a portion of the arms remain in the patient, and are preferably made of a biocompatible material. Embodiments of this invention also relate to an insertion device used to insert the closure into the wound and at least partially close the wound.

Abstract: Present embodiments provide efficient and cost-effective use of chloramines such as monochloramine, NH2Cl, to degrade styrene butadiene rubber, a material from which tires and other products are made, so that it can be recycled, and do so by overcoming the limitations of monochloramine due to its thermodynamic instability by achieving and maintaining adequate monochloramine concentrations for the degrading process.

Abstract: A composition comprises an anti-nucleolin agent conjugated to nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are non-magnetic, not iron oxide and not polyacrylamide. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer comprises a composition including an anti-nucleolin agent conjugated to nanoparticles, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A device for preventing a hip fracture includes: a shaft having a first end and a second end and an expanding means for engaging the femoral head at the first end. The shaft is positioned in a hole of a predetermined depth in a femur. The hole extends from the greater trochanter to the femoral head of the femur, such that the first end is positioned in the femoral head and the second end is positioned in the greater trochanter. The device is oriented substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the femoral shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to human facilitating cells (hFC), and methods of isolating, characterizing, and using such hFCs.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides methods and kits for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a subject, such as a human child, wherein a biological sample is provided from the subject and the amount of a Urocortin III peptide is determined from the sample. Further provided are methods for diagnosing OSA in a subject wherein the amount of a Urocortin III peptide and one or more peptides selected from a Uromodulin peptide, an Orosomucoid 1 peptide, and a Kallikrein 1 peptide are determined in a biological sample from a subject.

Abstract: Provided are methods for predicting the risk of pre-term birth in a pregnant subject, for identifying a subject having an increased risk of pre-term birth, for selecting a subject for participation in a clinical study, and for decreasing the risk of pre-term birth in a subject.

Abstract: Described are devices including stimulation assemblies connectable to a plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes can be configured to connect to a spinal cord at a location below a lesion of the spinal cord. The stimulation assembly can be configured to deliver stimulation to selected ones of the plurality of electrodes when the stimulation assembly is connected to the plurality of electrodes when located below the lesion of the spinal cord. Methods of using the devices are also described.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array assembly configured to apply electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. A substantially electrically nonconductive layer of the device has a first portion positionable alongside the spinal cord that includes a plurality of first openings. The layer has a second portion that includes a plurality of second openings. Electrodes and traces are positioned inside a peripheral portion of a body portion of the device and alongside the layer. At least one of the first openings is adjacent each of the electrodes to provide a pathway through which the electrode may provide electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. At least one of the second openings is adjacent each of the traces to provide a pathway through which the trace may receive electrical stimulation. At least one trace is connected to each electrode and configured to conduct electrical stimulation received by the trace(s) to the electrode.

Abstract: Small molecule inhibitors of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) having the following formula: Formula (1) are provided herein. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions containing Formula I compounds, together with methods of treating cancer, methods of inhibiting PFK.FB3 enzymatic activity, methods of inhibiting glycolytic flux, and methods of treating tumors by administering an effective amount of a Formula I compound.

Abstract: A multimodal cardiac phantom has a body structure with a shape and properties that mimic the elasticity, ultrasound, and magnetic properties of cardiac tissue. The multimodal cardiac phantom is advantageously produced from a polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol. The polyvinyl alcohol may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers and ultrasound markers. The multimodal cardiac phantom can be used to evaluate and to configure apparatuses for imagining cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Small molecule choline kinase inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and screening methods for identifying and evaluating choline kinase inhibitors are provided. Safe and effective methods for treating subjects suffering from a disorder or disease characterized by neoplastic cell proliferation employing the choline kinase inhibitors are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for predicting efficacy of a DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) inhibitor treatment in a subject having a cancer, methods of identifying a subject having a cancer that is more likely to respond to a DNMT1 inhibitor treatment, and methods of selecting a treatment for a subject having a cancer that include determining a level of SOX9 in a sample containing cells from a subject having a cancer. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having a cancer that include selectively administering a DNMT1 inhibitor to a subject having cancer determined to have an elevated level of SOX9 in a sample containing cells from the subject compared to a reference level. Also provided are antibodies and antigen-binding antibody fragments that specifically bind to SOX9, and nucleic acid sequences that contain at least 10 nucleotides complementary to a contiguous sequence present in a SOX9 nucleic acid for use in these methods.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preventing loss and augmenting regeneration of skeletal muscle by decreasing the activity of the TWEAK/Fn14 system.