Abstract: Compositions specific for TNF-receptor superfamily member 25 (TNFRSF25, DR3) modulate the immune response by regulating T regulatory cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for reducing axonal and/or synaptic degradation in neurons by modulating sterile ?/Armadillo/Toll-Interleukin receptor homology domain protein (SARM) activity and/or expression.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for providing accurately localized, non-invasive radiation treatment for ocular melanoma or other intraocular indications through the completion of specified research tasks. The present invention further provides for dynamic localization of tumors associated with such indications. The system of the present invention includes the CYBERKNIFE system, a robust eye pupil tracking system, and an integrated software package to achieve intra-beam fractional tumor tracking during radiation delivery. The system may further include a mechanical phantom incorporated with a radiation dosimetry calibration kit for validation.

Abstract: Compositions comprising TL1A-Ig fusion proteins and methods of their use, e.g., for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with antigen-specific immune responses, are described. Also described are combination therapies that include the administration of a TNFRSF25 agonist and an interleukin (e.g., IL-2) and/or an mTOR inhibitor (e.g., rapamycin).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fusion proteins having an IL-21 cytokine portion and an anti-CD20 antibody portion, and methods of using such fusion proteins. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits utilizing the IL-21-anti-CD20 fusion proteins. In particular, the methods, kits and compositions of the invention are useful in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of hypoxia associated disorders by directional angiogenesis/arteriogenesis. Conditionally silenced vectors expressing a therapeutic molecule under hypoxic conditions avoid chaotic vascularization and allow for the orderly growth of new vessels into damaged tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions of GHRH agonists and peptides, and methods to treat diabetes. In one embodiment, a method of promoting survival of grafted cells and/or tissues may involve exposing the cells and/or tissues to an effective amount of at least one agonist of GHRH. In some embodiments, the grafted cells and/or tissues may be pancreatic cells. In some embodiments, the grafted cells may be islet cells co-cultured with non-pancreatic cells. In a further embodiment, a method of treating a patient diagnosed with diabetes involves transplanting and/or grafting the islet cells and/or tissues comprising islet cells into a patient, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agonist of GHRH to the patient. In some embodiments, the islet cells and/or tissues comprising islet cells may be optionally exposed to GHRH and/or at least one agonist of GHRH prior to transplantation into a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of medicine, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. In particular, the present invention provides methods to isolate and purify microvesicles from cell culture supernatants and biological fluids. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions of microvesicles to promote or enhance wound healing, stimulate tissue regeneration, remodel scarred tissue, modulate immune reactions, alter neoplastic cell growth and/or mobility, or alter normal cell growth and/or mobility. The present invention also provides compositions of microvesicles to be used as diagnostic reagents, and methods to prepare the compositions of microvesicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds which are able to modulate b-raf kinases, and the use of such compounds in the treatment of various diseases, disorders or conditions.

Abstract: A novel classification system for breast cancer based on normal breast cell phenotypes and various expression levels of estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), and vitamin D receptor (VDR). The various categories of the classification system are associated with different survival rates and prognoses. The invention includes a method of classifying breast cancer comprises measuring the levels of ER, AR, and VDR in the cancerous tissue, and classifying the breast cancer into one of the above-noted categories according to expression levels. The invention includes a method of predicting the prognosis of breast cancer in a patient and a method of determining a treatment regimen for breast cancer depending on the category in which the breast cancer is classified. The invention includes a method of treating breast cancer according to the expression profile of ER, AR, and VDR detected in the cancerous tissue. Kits for detecting the same are also provided.

Abstract: A stable liquid nanoemulsion of a volatile gas anesthetic, such as, isoflurane or sevoflurane, is disclosed which is effective in inducing and maintaining a state of anesthesia and/or general anesthesia in a patent. A method of preparation of stable liquid formulations of volatile gas anesthetics is presented, as well as a method for directly testing the concentration of a volatile gas anesthetic in a stable liquid formulation. A kit comprising an amount of a stable liquid formulation of a volatile gas anesthetic, and the non-specialized equipment for administration of the same to a patient, either in an operating room environment or in the field, is also described herein.

Abstract: A method of repairing diseased or dysfunctional pancreas or liver is provided. The method involves preparation of a suspension of stem cells and/or progenitor cells such as biliary tree stem cells, hepatic stem cells, pancreatic stem cells or their descendants, committed progenitor cells, from healthy tissue of the patient or of the biliary tree of a non-autologous donor and engrafting the cells into the wall of bile ducts near to the organ to be treated. The graft consists of stem cells or progenitors that are admixed with biomaterials and, optionally, with cytokines and/or native epithelial-mesenchymal cells appropriate for the maturational lineage stage of the cells to be engrafted.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of synthetic analogs of hGH-RH(1-29)NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and hGH-RH(1-30)NH2. Of particular interest are those carrying PhAc, N-Me-Aib, Dca, Ac-Ada, Fer, Ac-Amc, Me-NH-Sub, PhAc-Ada, Ac-Ada-D-Phe, Ac-Ada-Phe, Dca-Ada, Dca-Amc, Nac-Ada, Ada-Ada, or CH3—(CH2)10—CO-Ada, at the N-Terminus and ?-Ala, Amc, Apa, Ada, AE2A, AE4P, ?-Lys(?-NH2), Agm, Lys(Oct) or Ahx, at the C-terminus. These analogs inhibit the release of growth hormone from the pituitary in mammals as well as inhibit the proliferation of human cancers, and inhibit the hyperplastic and benign proliferative disorders of various organs, through a direct effect on the cancerous and non-malignant cells. The stronger inhibitory potencies of the new analogs, as compared to previously described ones, result from replacement of various amino acids.

Abstract: Compositions, kits, cells and methods for treating cardiovascular (e.g., myocardial ischemia and heart failure), immunological, and inflammatory diseases or disorders involve the use of the mature and precursor sequences of microRNAs 142-5p, 142-3p, 17-5p, 17-3p, 374, and 20a, and of antisense molecules complementary to these sequences, to manipulate processes relevant to, for example, the cardiac response to stress, including survival signaling, angiogenesis, stem cell differentiation along muscle or vascular lineages, and repression or promotion of cardiac myocyte growth. Also described are methods to treat cardiovascular, immunological and inflammatory diseases by engineering cells containing specific micro-RNAs or antagomirs against specific mRNAs. The engineered cells can then be used to treat patients with such diseases by autologous stem cell therapy.

Abstract: Cell-based immunotherapy (e.g., immunization or vaccination) may be improved by frequent administration to a human subject of allogeneic cancer cells secreting a modified heat shock protein (e.g., gp96), depletion of B cells in the subject, or both. Antigen (e.g., epitope derived from neoantigen or tumor antigen of allogeneic or syngeneic cancer cells) may induce a specific immune response in the subject. For example, the epitope bound in an immunogenic complex with the secreted heat shock protein may be obtained from allogeneic cancer cells coexpressing both secreted gp96 and antigen, or from syngeneic cancer cells of the subject expressing only antigen.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for processing of solid tissue are described. The method may be performed manually or automatically. The system may have modules such as (i) a grossing module where a fresh tissue is sliced to prepare a tissue specimen, (ii) a hardening module that hardens the tissue specimen, (iii) an impregnating module that impregnates the tissue specimen that was hardened, and (iv) an embedding module that embeds a tissue specimen that was hardened and impregnated. Fresh (i.e., not fixed or frozen) tissue, which was excised to diagnose disease or to assess surgical treatment, is grossed to about 0.6 mm. Preferably, the hardening of fresh tissue is initiated, but not completed, during grossing by contact with a chemical admixture. Preferably, dry ice, a thermoelectric device, or a gas condenser cools a metal mold containing the embedded specimen.

Abstract: Compositions are directed to the treatment of kidney diseases in a cell-specific manner. Methods of treating kidney diseases comprise the use of the compositions. Assays for identification of further compounds are provided. Biomarkers for predisposition to kidney diseases and diagnosis are indentified.

Abstract: A protective coating for covering a biological material, the protective coating having a plurality of interconnected layers covalently bonded to each other. The plurality of interconnected layers can include at least one hyperbranched polymeric material, and at least one dendrimer. A method of forming a protective coating for covering a biological material, the method can include depositing a plurality of interconnected layers, which are covalently bonded to each other. The plurality of interconnected layers can include at least one hyperbranched polymeric material, and at least one dendrimer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating/and or preventing diabetes using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function. Also disclosed are methods of promoting organ and/or cell, e.g., pancreatic islet cell, survival after transplantation using a specific inhibitor of SMAD7 expression or function.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons or fluorocarbon derivatives (e.g., fluorinated silane, partially fluorinated silane) in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.