Abstract: High-throughput methods and systems for using morphological and/or autofluorescence signatures of cells to characterize unknown cell/tissue types within a forensic sample are provided. Machine learning algorithms are used to correlate morphological and/or autofluorescence signatures to characteristics such as cell type.

Abstract: A composition and uses thereof are provided, comprising a polymerization product of a reactant composition, the reactant composition comprising: (a) vinyldimethylsiloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, as monomer (MVIDMVI); (b) 45-55% poly(methylhydro-co-dimethylsiloxane), ?, ?-trimethylsiloxy terminated, as crosslinker (MVIDMVI); (c) platinum-divinyltetram-CA ethyl-disiloxane complex, as catalyst; (d) 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane, as inhibitor; and (e) a filler-like resin composition comprising one or more of dimethylvinylated silica, trimethylated silica, and tetra(trimethylsiloxy) silane, as active ingredient, and one or more of xylene, ethylbenzene and toluene (MQ-R resin).

Abstract: Methods for administering compounds provide a rapid treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) to inhibit or reverse red blood cell sickling. The compounds are a group of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) analogs modified to increase water-solubility. The compounds can be formulated in an aqueous carrier and administered intravenously for immediate uptake into red blood cells (RBCs) within hours, rather than days or weeks. In vitro experiments demonstrated rapid uptake into RBCs and increased O2 affinity of HbS to an equilibrium point within 30 to 90 minutes. The compounds have a desired level of safety as well as a short half-life, both of which are compatible with acute usage. Thus, the methods of treatment rapidly achieve therapeutic steady-state drug levels, making it possible to deliver a treatment in critical emergency care situations to prevent, reverse and otherwise treat acute sickling or anemia.

Abstract: Anaplasma phagocytophilum surface protein AipA and/or fragments thereof which comprise an invasin domain are used in compositions suitable to elicit an immune response to treat or prevent infections caused by tick-born bacteria of the Anaplasmatacaea family. AipA proteins and protein fragments or antibodies directed to AipA proteins and protein fragments are also used in diagnostic assays to detect exposure to and/or infection with Anaplasmatacaea. AipA and/or fragments thereof are also used for these purposes in combination with one or both of Asp14 and OmpA proteins and/or fragments thereof which comprise an invasin domain. Homologs of these proteins are also used in the compositions and assays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a simple, sensitive, and fully-recyclable fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based multiplex detection platform that overcomes current requirements of complex labeling schemes and complicated data analysis algorithms for employing single-molecule FRET (smFRET) microscopy in multiplexing. While conventional smFRET detection techniques allow for the analysis of one target at a time, the disclosed approach utilizes the gaps between high- and low-FRET signals to provide simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple nucleic acid targets.

Abstract: The invention relates to endovascular medical implant devices, systems and methods that including a sensing device and a flow diverter device, which are effective to monitor intra-/post-operative hemodynamic properties in the location of a cerebral aneurysm and, hemodynamic alterations following placement of the system for treating ischemic diseases in carotid, coronary and peripheral arteries. The sensing device includes wireless, non-thrombogenic, highly stretchable, ultra-low profile flow sensors.

Abstract: Compositions comprising 5-cholesten-3,25-diol, 3-sulfate (25HC3S) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and at least one cyclic oligosaccharide, e.g., a cyclodextrin (CD), are provided. The compositions may be used to prevent and/or treat a variety of diseases and conditions, including organ failure (e.g. acute liver failure), high cholesterol/high lipids, and various inflammatory diseases and conditions.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for preventing and/or treating one or more symptoms of sickle cell diseases (SCD) by administering at least one of the compounds are provided. The compounds are based on vanillin which is chemically modified to increase bioavailability and activity, e.g. so that the compounds bind to the F helix of hemoglobin (Hb) and prevent adhesion of red blood cells (RBCs).

Abstract: A guidewire and catheter are disclosed which are configured together so that it is not possible to advance the guidewire into the patient where it may be undesirably retained in the patient. The improved safety is achieved by protrusions on each of the guidewire and catheter which coordinate with one another. Novel methods of catheterization are also disclosed.

Abstract: The sulfated oxysterol 5-cholesten-3?, 25-diol 3-sulphate, a nuclear cholesterol metabolite that decreases lipid biosynthesis and increases cholesterol secretion and degradation, is provided as an agent to lower intracellular and serum cholesterol and/or triglycerides, and to prevent or treat lipid accumulation-associated inflammation and conditions associated with such inflammation. Methods which involve the use of this sulfated oxysterol to treat conditions associated with high cholesterol and/or high triglycerides and/or inflammation (e.g. hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, atherosclerosis, etc.) are also provided.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical particles having an inner portion comprising an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ? (PPAR?) and a biodegradable polymer; and an outer coating comprising an emulsifier which surrounds the inner portion, wherein the agonist may be a fibrate, and the particle contains at least about 5 wt % to about 25 wt % of the agonist, and wherein the particle has a sustained delayed release of the agonist in a range of at least about 1 to 12 months when in an aqueous solution or physiological environment. The pharmaceutical particles may be used, for example, to treat diseases and conditions such as ocular disorders which benefit from PPAR? agonism.

Abstract: Anatomically accurate brain phantoms are disclosed which may be patient specific and used for experimentally testing neuromodulation and neuroimaging procedures.

Abstract: Femoral version impacts the long-term functioning of the femoroacetabular joint. Accurate measurements of version are required for success in total hip arthroplasties and hip reconstructive surgeries. An automated algorithm is provided for identifying the major landmarks of the femur. These landmarks are then used to identify proximal axes and create a statistical shape model of the proximal femur. With six proximal axes selected, and 200 parameters (distances and angles between points) from the shape model measured, the best-fitting linear correlation is found. The difference between true version and version predicted by this model was 0.00°±5.13° with a maximum overestimation and underestimation of 11.80° and 15.35°, respectively. This model and its prediction of femoral version are a substantial improvement over pre-operative 2D or intra-operative visual estimation measures. Acetabular orientation is also determined by an automated algorithm using radii of curvature measurements.

Abstract: A hyper-graph sketching framework receives graph data set to generate non-singular reverse cascades in a network to assess influence dynamics therein. A high-quality influence oracle for seed sets uses the resulting sketch data set generated from the non-singular reverse cascades to output estimation of influence.

Abstract: 5-HMF derivative compounds that bind covalently with hemoglobin are provided. Methods of treating sickle cell disease and other hypoxia-related disorders by administering such compounds are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are chimeric recombinant polypeptides (chimeritopes) for use in vaccines against Anaplasmosis, in assays for diagnosing Anaplasmosis and in assays for measuring antibody titers induced by vaccination. The chimeritopes comprise, for example, antigenic segments of three Anaplasma proteins (OmpA, AipA and Asp14) and a non-antigenic segment of a Borrelia Osp protein (e.g. OspC) that is 10 amino acids in length, proline rich and random coil in conformation. Compositions comprising the chimeritopes, optionally in combination with additional Anaplasma proteins of interest, are also provided, as are methods of using the compositions as vaccines and diagnostic tools.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for diagnosing fungal dysbiosis in the gut of a subject with cirrhosis that involves assaying a sample from the subject for bacterial taxa. These compositions and methods are based on the discovery that there is significant correlation between fungal and bacterial diversity in gut microbiota of cirrhotic patients. Therefore, disclosed herein is a method for treating a subject with liver cirrhosis that involves assaying a gut sample from the subject for bacterial taxa to generate a bacterial profile, comparing the bacterial profile to control profiles to predict fungal dysbiosis; and treating the subject for fungal dysbiosis.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a composition comprising chitosan and water, comprising dissolving chitosan powder in an ionic liquid, to prepare a first composition comprising chitosan and ionic liquid; and contacting the first composition with water under conditions sufficient to solvent-exchange all or substantially all of the ionic liquid with water; to form a composition comprising chitosan and water. Compositions produced thereby and methods of using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: High activity metal nanoparticle catalysts, such as Pd or Pt nanoparticle catalyst, are provided. Adsorption of metal precursors such as Pd or Pt precursors onto carbon based materials such as graphene followed by solventless (or low-solvent) microwave irradiation at ambient conditions results in the formation of the catalysts in which metal nanoparticles are supported on i) the surface of the carbon based materials and ii) in/on/within defects/holes in the carbon based materials.

Abstract: Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 receptor (IGFBP-3R) agonists and methods of their use to treat diseases involving IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-3R are provided. The agonists may be antibodies or other molecules specific for binding to and activating IGFBP-3R. The agonists are used to treat e.g. cancer, metabolic syndrome and obstructive respiratory disorders. In addition, methods of diagnosing cancer and predicting the chance of recurrence, metastasis and/or survival by measuring the level of IGFBP-3R in tumor tissue are provided.