Abstract: Provided are improved methods for making immune effector cells, as well as improved immune effector cells generated using the methods. The improved T cells have improved respiratory capacity and mitochondrial mass. Adoptive T cell immunotherapies using such cells demonstrate improved survival, expansion, and persistence in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable, magnesium alloys, compositions and composites, methods for their preparation and applications for their use as implantable medical devices in load-bearing conditions. The magnesium alloys are composed of alloying elements selected from yttrium, calcium, zirconium, zinc, and strontium, with the remainder being magnesium and impurities arising due to production, and preparation of the alloy by melting together the elements and casting the resulting melted mixture. In certain embodiments, the methods of preparation include solution treatment and hot extrusion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein implantable material and methods for treatment of growth plate injuries and other purposes. These materials can be particularly useful for treating children whose growth plates are active, and can help encourage proper healing and inhibit unwanted bone formations. Exemplary compositions can comprise poly (ethylene glycol) (“PEG”), gelatin (“GEL”), and heparin (“HEP”). The PEG, GEL, and HEP components can be present in various forms of these materials, such as methacrylated forms, etc. The implanted materials can be anti-osteogenic and/or ant-mineralization, and can help prevent unwanted bone growth in the implanted area, such as boney tethers, which can inhibit desirable growth plate healing and overall bone growth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are methods and systems for utilizing spike trains. In one aspect, encompassed by the disclosure is a method comprising: determining, by at least one processor, a plurality of spike trains from a plurality of neurons of a cerebral cortex of a subject. The method may comprise determining, by the at least one processor, a plurality of first layer feature vectors, the plurality of first layer feature vectors including a first feature vector that comprises temporal-relation values of a subset of the plurality of spike trains with respect to a time instance of a reference spike train of the subset, corresponding to a time constant ? having a first value. The method may comprise establishing, by the at least one processor, a first layer comprising a first plurality of clusters of the first layer feature vectors.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to optically high transparency and high haze structures and, more particularly, to plastic, e.g., polymer, and glass structures having a sub-wavelength texture formed on a surface thereof, which is effective to impart the optical properties of high transparency and high haze to the structures. The texture is in a grass-like or needle-like form. Additionally, the optically high transparency and high haze structures may include a transparent conductor. Furthermore, the glass structures may exhibit a self-cleaning function.

Abstract: Artificial heart valve structures and methods of their fabrication are disclosed. The heart valve structures may be fabricated from a biocompatible polymer and include one or more heart valve leaflet structures incorporated within a conduit. The valve structures may incorporate one or more conduit sinuses, as well as a gap between the lower margin of the valve leaflets and the interior of the conduit. In addition, the valve structures may include one or more valve sinuses created in a space between the valve leaflets and the conduit inner surface. Computational fluid dynamics and mechanical modeling may be used to design the valve leaflets with optimal characteristics. A heart valve structure may also incorporate a biodegradable component to which cells may adhere. The incorporated cells may arise from patient cells migrating to the biodegradable component, or the component may be pre-seeded with cells prior to implantation in a patient.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating a fistula in a subject, such as, but not limited to, an anal fistula. In some embodiments, the method includes administering locally to the fistula in the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a mammalian acoustic extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel, and optionally trehalose. Compositions of use in these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to the use of one or more inhibitors to treat a disease, e.g., cancer, in a subject. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that protein kinase B (AKT) and ring finger protein 167 (RNF167)-mediated CASTOR1 degradation activates the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) independent of arginine and promotes cancer progression. Accordingly, the presently disclosed subject matter provides for compositions, methods, and kits for treating a subject using an RNF167 inhibitor, an inhibitor that reduces phosphorylation of CASTOR1 at S14, ubiquitination and/or degradation of CASTOR1, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable endovascular devices, and methods for their preparation and use as medical implant devices. The invention includes flexible, drug-eluting, biodegradable endovascular devices that provide optimum treatment of peripheral arterial disease in small arteries and across joints. According to the invention, the biodegradable endovascular medical implant devices include a thermoformed tube or cylinder constructed of a flexible polymeric material, positioned in a vascular region of a patient, wherein the thermoformed tube or cylinder conforms to the geometry or anatomy of the vascular region to treat peripheral arterial disease.

Abstract: Disclosed catheter insertion systems enable the user to identify the location of the needle based on the electrical properties of subcutaneous tissue relative the electrical properties of other fluids such as blood or air. Disclosed systems can include one or more of the following features: 1) the catheter assembly is modular (e.g., the catheter can be connected and disconnected from the detection unit at will); 2) the detection unit employs an electrical circuit that allows for the discernment between subcutaneous tissue and blood; 3) the system assists the end user with catheter advancement. Some embodiments can be used to insert catheters into a spaces where the needle passes first through subcutaneous fat and muscle before entering fluid or air.

Abstract: The invention relates to self-cleaning porous structures, e.g., layers or coatings, fabricated within, applied to, or deposited on a blood contacting surface of a medical device, to prevent activation and aggregation of platelets thereon. In certain embodiments, the layer or coating is composed of multi-layered fibers. The porous structure is applied to or deposited such as to form a permeable wall on the blood contacting surface. The blood travels into the wall and subsequently back out (reversing back into the lumen) during a cardiac cycle. Reversal flow is controlled during the diastole phase such that the backward flow repels the platelets and prevents their activation and aggregation and therefore, minimizes thrombus formation.

Abstract: A medical assembly includes a perfusion device that has a self-expandable stent. The stent has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion tapers from the distal end to a proximal end thereof. A blood-impermeable cover extends at least partially over the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the stent. The perfusion device further includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end a distal end, wherein the distal end is fixedly secured to the proximal end of the proximal end portion of the stent. The assembly further includes a sheath configured to retain the stent and the cover is a radially collapsed state for insertion into a vessel of a patient, wherein the stent and the cover are expandable from the radially collapsed state to a radially expanded, deployed state within the vessel when deployed from the sheath.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a KRAS inhibitor and an oncolytic virus to prevent and/or treat cancer. The methods include prevention and/or treatment of cancer with the administration of a KRAS inhibitor and an oncolytic virus to a subject. The present disclosure further provides kits for performing such methods.

Abstract: Various perovskite solar cell embodiments include a flexible metal substrate (e.g., including a metal doped TiO2 layer), a perovskite layer, and a transparent electrode layer (e.g., including a dielectric/metal/dielectric structure), wherein the perovskite layer is provided between the flexible metal substrate and the transparent electrode layer. Also, various tandem solar cell embodiments including a perovskite solar cell and either a quantum dot solar cell, and organic solar cell or a thin film solar cell.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating disease. The compositions of such embodiments include thiolated nitro fatty acids. The methods of various embodiments include administering an effective amount of any of these pharmaceutical compositions to a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: A method of forming a microneedle array can include forming a microneedle array that has one or more bioactive component. The microneedle array can include a base portion and plurality of microneedles extending from the base portion, and the one or more bioactive components are present in a higher concentration in the plurality of microneedles than in the base portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable, metal alloys, methods for their preparation and applications for their use. The alloys include magnesium and other components, such as, yttrium, calcium, zirconium, and zinc. These elements are alloyed together in specific combinations and amounts in order to achieve an alloy having desired properties and characteristics. In certain embodiments, strontium or cerium may be included as an additive. The resulting alloys are particularly suitable for forming various medical devices for implantation into the body of a patient.

Abstract: A compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, according to formula I: R20—(Z)b—(Y)c—(R21)a—(X)d—R22—R23 wherein R20 is aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, a thio-containing group, or a seleno-containing group; Z is alkanediyl, substituted alkanediyl, cycloalkanediyl, or substituted cycloalkanediyl; Y is S, O, S(?O), —S(?O)(?O)—, or NR10, wherein R10 is H or alkyl; R21 is alkanediyl, substituted alkanediyl, cycloalkanediyl, substituted cycloalkanediyl, alkadienyl, substituted alkadienyl, cycloalkenediyl, substituted cycloalkenediyl, alkatrienyl, substituted alkatrienyl; X is —C(?O)—, —S(?O)(?O)—, or —N(H)C(?O)—; R22 includes at least one divalent amino radical; R23 is aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, a thio-containing group, or a seleno-

Abstract: Disclosed are anti-angiogenic agents that target Pfn1:actin interaction. Also disclosed are compounds for treating ocular diseases or conditions. Further disclosed are compounds for treating cancer.

Abstract: Various perovskite solar cell embodiments include a flexible metal substrate (e.g., including a metal doped TiO2 layer), a perovskite layer, and a transparent electrode layer (e.g., including a dielectric/metal/dielectric structure), wherein the perovskite layer is provided between the flexible metal substrate and the transparent electrode layer. Also, various tandem solar cell embodiments including a perovskite solar cell and either a quantum dot solar cell, and organic solar cell or a thin film solar cell.