Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods that involve viscoelastic poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) mixtures for use in wound healing. The PLCL mixtures provide an improved anti-fibrotic yet tissue-adhesive polymer sealant. The PLCL mixtures can be applied to a variety of wounds arising from surgical and non-surgical tissue damage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a biocompatible composition comprising a solution of low molecular weight polymer and high molecular weight polymer. The present disclosure also relates to biocompatible compositions comprising poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and additionally including a suspension of silica particles and/or a therapeutic agent. The present disclosure is also directed to biocompatible polymer fiber constructs formed from the disclosed compositions, methods of fabrication thereof, and uses of such constructs and compositions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer are provided. Specifically, the disclosure provides a method for treating and/or inhibiting cancer or neoplasia in a subject, the method comprises contacting cancer cells obtained from the subject to be treated with an inhibitor of an immunity suppressing tumor protein; rendering the cancer cells proliferation-incompetent (e.g., by irradiation); and administering the treated cancer cells and a checkpoint inhibitor to the subject, wherein the inhibitor of an immunity suppressing tumor protein is an inhibitor of Inhibitor of differentiation protein 2 (Id2), Myc, and/or apolipoprotein E (ApoE).

Abstract: A method for determining a likelihood of appendicitis in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (a) determining the relative abundance of microorganisms corresponding to one or more operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in a test biological sample obtained from the subject; (b) comparing the relative abundance of the microorganisms in each of the one or more OTUs to a corresponding reference value assigned to each of the one or more OTUs, and (c) determining a likelihood of appendicitis in the subject based on the result in step (b), wherein a significant increase in relative abundance of the microorganisms in the one or more OTUs indicates a high risk of appendicitis in the subject. Also disclosed is a kit for determining a likelihood of appendicitis in a subject.

Abstract: ID Protein targeted cancer immunotherapy. The invention provides a cell-based attenuated live tumor cell vaccine that safely produces broad cellular tumor-specific immunity, protects against tumor formation in prophylactic tumor models, and in combination with the clinically relevant immune modulator s such as antibodies to CTLA-4 or antibodies to PD-L1 can destroy established tumors in mammals.

Abstract: Compositions comprising biomedical polymers, and in particular unique blends of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are provided. Methods of forming polymer fibers using such compositions and solution blow spinning techniques are also provided, as well as methods of delivering the blow spun polymer fibers onto a surface (e.g., such as tissue for use as a surgical scaffold, sealant or tissue adhesive).

Abstract: ID Protein targeted cancer immunotherapy. The invention provides a cell-based attenuated live tumor cell vaccine that safely produces broad cellular tumor-specific immunity, protects against tumor formation in prophylactic tumor models, and in combination with the clinically relevant immune modulator s such as antibodies to CTLA-4 or antibodies to PD-L1 can destroy established tumors in mammals.

Abstract: Compositions comprising biomedical polymers, and in particular unique blends of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are provided. Methods of forming polymer fibers using such compositions and solution blow spinning techniques are also provided, as well as methods of delivering the blow spun polymer fibers onto a surface (e.g., such as tissue for use as a surgical scaffold, sealant or tissue adhesive).

Abstract: Described herein are a device and an associated method for treatment of obesity. Specifically, a non-spherical balloon is described that expands inside the stomach to reduce luminal volume. The non-spherical balloon is firmly anchored to the abdominal wall in order to eliminate migration risks. Further, the device inflates in a longitudinal fashion to fill a greater curvature of the stomach, thereby preventing food from contacting the ghrelin-producing cells that stimulate hunger.

Abstract: A method for determining a likelihood of appendicitis in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (a) determining the relative abundance of microorganisms corresponding to one or more operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in a test biological sample obtained from the subject; (b) comparing the relative abundance of the microorganisms in each of the one or more OTUs to a corresponding reference value assigned to each of the one or more OTUs, and (c) determining a likelihood of appendicitis in the subject based on the result in step (b), wherein a significant increase in relative abundance of the microorganisms in the one or more OTUs indicates a high risk of appendicitis in the subject. Also disclosed is a kit for determining a likelihood of appendicitis in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of cancer using a polymer-based delivery system to provide a plurality of tumor cell antigens to a immunocompetent subject in conjunction with an immunodulatory substance.