Abstract: Uniform, functional polymer patches can be attached to a fraction of the surface area of living individual cells. These surface-modified cells can cross the blood-brain barrier while remaining viable after attachment of the functional patch. Functional payloads carried by the patch can include a drug. The patch can include one or more polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs).

Abstract: Human biliary tree stem/progenitors (hBTSCs) are being used for cell therapies of patients with liver cirrhosis. A cryopreservation method was established to optimize sourcing of hBTSCs for these clinical programs and that comprises serum-free Kubota's Medium (KM) supplemented with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ˜3% recombinant human albumin and 0.1% hyaluronans. Cryopreserved versus freshly isolated hBTSCs were similar in vitro with respect to self-replication, stemness traits, and multipotency. They were able to differentiate to functional hepatocytes, cholangiocytes or pancreatic islets, yielding similar levels of secretion of albumin or of glucose-inducible levels of insulin. Cryopreserved versus freshly isolated hBTSCs were equally able to engraft into immunocompromised mice yielding cells with human-specific gene expression and human albumin levels in murine serum that were higher for cryopreserved than for freshly isolated hBTSCs.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively measuring a physical characteristic of a material includes performing one or more interrogations of a material sample, each interrogation using a push focal configuration. The method further includes taking measurements of displacement over time of a material sample caused by the one or more interrogations. Each measurement uses an interrogation focal configuration. The method further includes determining a physical characteristic of the material sample based on the measurements of displacement over time of the material sample. According to the method, at least one of the following is true: a tracking focal configuration used for one of the measurements is different from a tracking focal configuration used for another of the measurements; and a push focal configuration used for one of the interrogations is different from a push focal configuration used for another of the interrogations.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to methods for polymer xanthylation and the xanthylated polymers produced by such methods. Subsequent replacement of the xanthylate moiety allows facile entry into functionalized polymers.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of transplanting cells by grafting strategies into solid organs (especially internal organs) are provided. These methods and compositions can be used to repair diseased organs or to establish models of disease states in experimental hosts. The method involves attachment onto the surface of a tissue or organ, a patch graft, a “bandaid-like” covering, containing epithelial cells with supporting early lineage stage mesenchymal cells. The cells are incorporated into soft gel-forming biomaterials prepared under serum-free, defined conditions comprised of nutrients, lipids, vitamins, and regulatory signals that collectively support stemness of the donor cells. The graft is covered with a biodegradable, biocompatible, bioresorbable backing used to affix the graft to the target site. The cells in the graft migrate into and throughout the tissue such that within a couple of weeks they are uniformly dispersed within the recipient (host) tissue.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to compounds that inhibit of the interaction of RNA-binding proteins with RNA, intermediates thereof, compositions thereof, and methods of treatment utilizing such compounds, where the compounds are of Formula (I).

Abstract: Methods for treating IBD or an IBD related disorder in a subject in need thereof are provided that comprise combined intrathecal administration of a polynucleotide comprising a CLN1 open reading frame and intravenous administration of the polynucleotide. The polynucleotide comprising the CLN1 open reading frame is a wild-type CLN1 polynucleotide. In another aspect, the polynucleotide comprising the CLN1 open reading frame comprises codon-optimized polynucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide or its complement and is codon-optimized for expression in a human cell.

Abstract: A method for performing retrospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) artifact correction includes receiving, as input, an MRI image having at least one artifact; using a trained adversarial network for performing retrospective artifact correction on the MRI image, wherein the trained adversarial network is trained using unpaired artifact-free MRI images and artifact-containing MRI images; and outputting, by the trained adversarial network, a derivative MRI image related to the input, wherein the at least one artifact is corrected in the derivative MRI image.

Abstract: Provided are epithelial cell spheroids including spheroids that have apical membranes and cilia that face towards the interior core of the spheroid and spheroids that have apical membranes and cilia that face away from the interior core of the spheroid. Also provided methods of making and using such spheroids.

Abstract: Systems and methods for radiation treatment planning based on a model of planning strategies knowledge including treatment states and treatment actions are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes receiving geometric characterization data of a target volume for radiation treatment of a patient. The method also includes receiving geometric characterization data of at least one organ at risk proximate the target volume. Further, the method includes constructing a model for applying a predetermined radiation dosage to the target volume based on the received data. The model includes treatment states and associated treatment actions selectable to implement at each state. The method includes presenting information about at least one treatment state, the treatment actions associated with the at least one treatment state, and the rewards associated with the treatment actions associated with the at least one treatment state. The method also includes reconstructing the model.

Abstract: A method and system for combination therapy utilizing local drug delivery and radiotherapy at a target site of body tissue are provided. The delivery system comprises a source electrode adapted to be positioned proximate to a target site of internal body tissue. A counter electrode is in electrical communication with the source electrode, and is configured to cooperate with the source electrode to form a localized electric field proximate to the target site. A cargo may be delivered to the target site when exposed to the localized electric field. Radiotherapy is applied to the target site in combination with the local drug delivery.

Abstract: Provided are methods for identifying pancreatic cancer subtypes in a subject and treating the same. In some embodiments, the method comprise obtaining gene expression levels for each of the following genes in the biological sample: GPR87, KRT6A, BCAR3, PTGES, 1TGA3, C16orf74, S100A2, KRT5, REG4, ANXA10, GATA6, CLDN18, LGALS4, DDC, SLC40A1, CLRN3; performing pair-wise comparisons of gene expression levels for combinations of these genes, and calculating a Raw Score for the biological sample, wherein the Raw Score is indicative of the pancreatic cancer subtype in the subject. Also provided are methods for identifying differential treatment strategies for subjects diagnosed with PDAC, methods for treating PDAC patients based on the subtype of PD AC the patients have; and methods for classifying subjects diagnosed with PDAC as having a basal-like subtype or a classical subtype of PDAC.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a plurality of reaction wells; and a plurality of solid supports, and each of the solid supports has a reagent attached thereto. The reagent is attached to the solid support via a labile reagent/support bond such that the reagent is configured to be cleaved from the support via a cleaving operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating the insertion of a device via cannulation include an external shell which is at least partially filled with a silicone material, a simulated venous flow path, a simulated arterial flow path, one or more pumps to provide fluid to these flow paths, and a visible atrium in fluid communication with the venous flow path. The venous and arterial flow paths are made of flexible and distensible tubing, which is at least partially embedded within the silicone material in cannulation regions, and which is configured to be pierced to allow for insertion of a device therein. The atrium comprises a translucent front wall to enable, before, during, or after insertion of the device, visible inspection inside of the atrium.

Abstract: Provided are methods for de novo deconvoluting of datasets with multiple samples and/or estimating compartment weights for single samples. In some embodiments, the methods include applying the process or processes to a dataset with multiple samples or to a single sample, whereby the dataset is deconvoluted and/or a compartment weight is estimated. In some embodiments, the dataset relates to RNA sequence and/or gene expression data, optionally tumor RNA sequence and/or gene expression data, wherein the tumor is in some embodiments a pancreatic tumor, a prostate cancer, a bladder cancer, or a breast cancer.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions are provided that comprise selective b-glucuronidase inhibitors. The compounds and compositions can ameliorate the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents and can improve the efficacy of such agents, including irinotecan and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abstract: Face mask devices, systems, and methods of use include a frame that holds a suitable filter material, including a face mask, over the user's face to form a seal and prevent unfiltered air from being inhaled through the nose or mouth of the user without first passing through the filter material. The frame is removably attached over the users face by, for example, adjustable straps. The frame may be adjustable in size to be suitable for use on user's having different facial sizes, shapes, and/or geometries.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds, compositions, and methods for modifying mucus, including modifying mucus using nitric oxide-releasing biopolymers (e.g., NO-releasing chitosan oligosaccharides). In some embodiments, a compound, composition, and/or method of the present invention modifies one or more properties of mucus to increase mucus clearance in a subject and/or prevents the growth or kills one or more pathogens present in mucus of a subject.

Abstract: A portable isometric neck assessment system and method is provided, comprising an isometric neck strength device comprising a measurement component, an anchor line for connecting the isometric neck strength device to a stationary object, and a tension line for connecting the isometric neck strength device to a head strap. Based on an isometric neck movement of a user, the system can generate and record a strength measurement associated with the isometric neck movement of the user, and further wirelessly transmit the strength measurement to an application or storage system.

Abstract: Methods for generating a prognostic and/or subtype signature for a subject with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include determining expression levels for one or more genes listed in Tables 2-5, 9, 10, or 11, and/or the DE-S and/or DE-T subset of genes in PDAC cells obtained from the subject, wherein the determining provides a prognostic and/or subtype signature for the subject. Also provided are methods for classifying a subject diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as having an activated stroma subtype or a normal stroma subtype of PDAC and/or a basal subtype or a classical subtype of PDAC; and methods for identifying a differential treatment strategy for a subject diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).