Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for specifying treatment criteria and treatment planning parameters for patient specific radiation therapy planning. According to an aspect, a method includes receiving data about a patient, computing geometric characterization of one or more organs at risk proximate to a target volume of a patient or vice versa, and selecting relevant treatment knowledge and experience. The method also includes generating, based on the received data, computed geometric characterization, and available knowledge and experience, a first set of radiation treatment planning parameters that will lead to a high quality plan for the patient. Further, the method includes model-based prediction, based on the data, a second set or more of radiation treatment planning parameters that will lead to alternative achievable plans with different organ sparing objectives for treating the patient. The multiple sets for parameters can be used separately or in conjunction to generate treatment plans.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of assessing an individual subject's risk of developing prostate cancer, comprising: a) analyzing a nucleic acid sample obtained from the subject and determining a genotype for the subject at a plurality of biallelic polymorphic loci, wherein each of said plurality has an associated allele and an unassociated allele, wherein the genotype is selected from the group consisting of homozygous for the associated allele, heterozygous, and homozygous for the unassociated allele; and b) calculating a cumulative relative risk (CRR) for the subject based on the genotype determined in step (a). A CRR of greater than 1.00 identifies a subject as having an increased risk of developing prostate cancer and also can identify a subject who is a candidate for early PSA screening, prostate biopsy and/or chemoprevention.

Abstract: Provided herein are keratin compositions (e.g., keratin gels, scaffolds, particulates, and the like) including a compound of interest, useful for release and/or delivery of the compound of interest (e.g., in vivo or in vitro). In some embodiments, the composition is a composition formulated for controlled release of the compound of interest.

Abstract: A method of treating a sphincter deficiency disorder (e.g., incontinence; gastrointestinal disorders) is carried out by administering stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) to a sphincter or sphincter complex, such as a urethral or gastrointestinal sphincter (e.g., a rectal sphincter) of the subject in a treatment-effective amount.

Abstract: A composition comprising microcapsules, the microcapsules containing both live mammalian ovarian granulosa cells and live mammalian ovarian theca cells, is described. In some embodiments, the granulosa cells and the theca cells are contained in separate microcapsules in the composition; in some embodiments, the granulosa cells and the theca cells are contained together in the same microcapsules in the composition. The composition is can be used for estrogen, and optionally also progesterone, delivery, and hence is preferably free or essentially free of oocytes. Methods of using the same and pharmaceutical formulations containing the same are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are urine progenitor cells and methods for producing a culture of urine progenitor cells from a urine sample. The cells may be selected based upon the use of a selective cell medium, based upon morphology, and/or by selecting cell-specific markers. Also provided is an isolated urine progenitor cell that is c-kit positive and can differentiate into urothelium, smooth muscle, endothelium or interstitial cells. Methods of use of urine progenitor cells are provided, wherein cell are seeded onto a tissue scaffold are provided. Methods of treating a subject in need thereof are also provided, including providing a bladder tissue substrate that includes differentiated UPCs and transplanting the substrate into the patient. Finally, kits are provided that include a container suitable for the transport of a urine sample; media; one or more antibiotics; a package for holding said container, media, and antibiotics; and optionally, instructions for use.

Abstract: Differentiation and stability of neural stem cells can be enhanced by in vitro or in vivo culturing with one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions, such as collagen I, IV, laminin and/or a heparan sulfate proteoglycan. In one aspect of the invention, adult mammalian enteric neuronal progenitor cells can be induced to differentiate on various substrates derived from components or combinations of neural ECM compositions. Collagen I and IV supported neuronal differentiation and extensive glial differentiation individually and in combination. Addition of laminin or heparan sulfate to collagen substrates unexpectedly improved neuronal differentiation, increasing neuron number, branching of neuronal processes, and initiation of neuronal network formation. In another aspect, neuronal subtype differentiation was affected by varying ECM compositions in hydrogels overlaid on intestinal smooth muscle sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and solvates thereof, wherein the various substituents are as defined herein. The compounds, solvates and salts thereof of Formula (I) are effective as anti-cancer compounds.

Abstract: Angiotensin (1-7) analogs are provided. Also provided are methods of making such analogs methods for using analogs as therapeutic compositions such as, for example, treatment cancer.

Abstract: A process for assessing risk that administration of a substance will suppress immune competence in a population of subjects is provided. Such a substance may be a substance related to, contained in or derived from a tobacco product or, more generally, a substance concerning which it is desired to assess risk of administration of the substance.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for identifying autism and autism spectrum disorders in humans. The invention also includes compositions and methods for identifying unique gene expression profiles in children with regressive autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ileocolitis.

Abstract: Ultrasound-guided needle procedures require skills that are challenging to master, especially considering the need to manipulate 3-D structures while observing 2-D images (or even 3-D images). A pre-clinical assessment and training apparatus, methods, and systems are described herein. Targeting tasks require participants to contact target models designed to test various skills. Performance is compared between those with experience in ultrasound-guided medical procedures and those without experience, using at least one targeting task likely to be beneficial for assessment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, compositions and methods comprising nanoparticles (NP) that are based on hyaluronic acid (HLA) that have been modified with hydrophobic moieties that can entrap FASN inhibitor compounds. In one embodiment, the FASN inhibitor compounds include Orlistat. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic moieties comprise 5-?CA, Pba, or ODA, or combinations thereof. In a variation, the present invention relates to a composition comprising NPs based upon HLA, Orlistat, one or more of the hydrophobic moieties comprising 5-?CA, Pba, or ODA, and one or more of members selected from the group consisting of PEG and a dilute solution containing SDS.

Abstract: Medical kits and methods for performing small incision DLEK include a corneal transplantation donor tissue graft formed into an implantable and compact rolled configuration using the flexible substrate.

Abstract: In one aspect, organic thin film transistors are described herein. In some embodiments, an organic thin film transistor comprises a source terminal, a drain terminal and a gate terminal; a dielectric layer positioned between the gate terminal and the source and drain terminals; and a vibrationally-assisted drop-cast organic film comprising small molecule semiconductor in electrical communication with the source terminal and drain terminal, wherein the transistor has a carrier mobility (?eff) of at least about 1 cm2/V·s.

Abstract: Microcapsules are described that comprise (a) a liquid aqueous or hydrogel core; (b) a semipermeable membrane surrounding said core; (c) live animal cells (e.g., pancreatic cells) in the core; and (d) oxygen-generating particles in said core, said oxygen-generating particles included in said microcapsules in an amount sufficient to lengthen the duration of viability of said animal cells in said microcapsules. Compositions comprising such microcapsules and uses thereof, such as in treating diabetes, are also described.

Abstract: A compound comprising, in combination: a cell surface binding ligand or internalizing factor, such as an IL-13R?2 binding ligand; at least one effector molecule (e.g., one, two, three or more effector molecules); optionally but preferably, a cytosol localization element covalently coupled between said binding ligand and said at least one effector molecule; and a subcellular compartment localization signal element covalently coupled between said binding ligand and said at least one effector molecule (and preferably with said cytosol localization element between said binding ligand and said subcellular compartment localization signal element). Methods of using such compounds and formulations containing the same are also described.

Abstract: Nanofiber-based biomaterials containing fibroin for wound repair and tissue replacement and, more particularly, heart valve replacement.

Abstract: This invention relates to use of a platinum-acridine liposomal formulation and uses thereof in treating cancer in a subject.