Abstract: Methods of reversing hyperglycemia and suppressing diabetes onset in a patient at risk of developing type 1 diabetes are provided. In particular, a vector system comprising a first expression cassette encoding BCL2 associated X apoptosis regulator (BAX) and a hypermethylated second expression cassette encoding a secreted glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (sGAD55) are administered to the patient to induce a tolerogenic response.

Abstract: An intravascular multi-side hole catheter containing a bioscaffold capable of housing therapeutic cells is provided. The catheter comprises a plurality of side holes distributed along the length of the catheter in a spiraling corkscrew pattern. The bioscaffold inside the catheter is designed with a plurality of macropores capable of encapsulating therapeutic cells for cellular therapy. Upon placement of the catheter in a vein, the side holes allow blood to flow though the catheter thereby supplying oxygen and nutrients to any loaded cellular cargo and also providing for the removal of waste products. Methods of producing the intravascular catheter and methods of using the intravascular catheter in cellular therapy, including for delivery of insulin-secreting cells such as beta cells or stem cell-derived islets into blood vessels for treating type 1 diabetes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating kidney damage are provided. The methods utilize a combination of therapies, including the administration of pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS) therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and/or MSC-derived extracellular vesicles. Additionally, methods are provided for screening candidate therapeutic agents for treating kidney damage that have the ability to increase expression of HSP20 or HSP40, decrease expression of HSP70 or HSP90, enhance activation of PI3K/Akt signaling, or suppress the NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammasome-mediated inflammation.

Abstract: A modular tunneled catheter is provided that allows lumen length and cuff positioning to be adjusted based on the size of a patient. This catheter should be useful for any patient who would benefit from customized fitting of a catheter to their measurements. Methods of using the modular catheter for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and fluid drainage, including drainage of plural effusions from the lungs or malignant ascites from the abdomen are also described.

Abstract: A bioscaffold comprising a graphene matrix for use in cellular therapy is disclosed. In particular, a bioscaffold having a coating of dexamethasone on a three-dimensional graphene matrix is provided, wherein the bioscaffold elutes dexamethasone to reduce inflammatory responses following implantation of the bioscaffold in a subject. Having the dexamethasone released locally in the vicinity of the bioscaffold avoids the systemic side effects from conventional intravenous delivery while allowing the dexamethasone to modulate the inflammatory milieu within the transplantation microenvironment.

Abstract: Nanoparticles, methods, and kits are provided for supplying nutrients and other therapeutic agents to transplanted cells. Nutrient deprivation is a significant factor which contributes to poor outcome of many cell transplants because cells receive insufficient nutrients until they are able to establish a functional microcirculation to support their metabolic and physiological needs after transplantation. Nanoparticles are provided for use in supplying nutrients and other therapeutic agents to transplanted cells to improve cell survival. Such nanoparticles can be used to supply nutrients and other factors to transplanted cells until the transplanted cells are able to develop a new microcirculation.

Abstract: Methods of using pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS) therapy to treat pancreatic disorders such as type 1 diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer are provided. The methods utilize pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS) therapy either by itself or in combination with islet transplantation and/or stem cell therapy to promote regeneration of damaged pancreatic tissue, increase insulin secretion in response to glucose, or improve engraftment and revascularization of transplanted islets or beta cells. Additionally, methods of using pFUS are provided for modulating paracrine secretion in the pancreas, islets, beta cells, or stem cells, or at a transplantation site to therapeutically alter levels of various factors including, without limitation, cytokines, growth factors, angiogenic factors, and cell adhesion molecules.

Abstract: Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles and methods of using them for detecting reactive oxygen species are disclosed. In particular, methods of using SERS nanoparticles to detect and quantify reactive oxygen species Synthesis and monitor oxidative stress and disease-relevant changes in levels of reactive oxygen species are provided.

Abstract: A three-dimensional oxygen-generating bioscaffold capable of supplying cells with a continuous, controlled, and steady source of oxygen and methods of using such an oxygengenerating bioscaffold to prevent hypoxia-induced damage to cells following transplantation are disclosed. In particular, a collagen-based cryogel bioscaffold having calcium peroxide (CPO) incorporated into its matrix is provided, wherein the CPO produces oxygen upon exposure to water. The collagen-based cryogel is designed with a plurality of macropores capable of encapsulating therapeutic cells for cellular therapy. Methods of producing oxygen-generating bioscaffolds and tissue grafts comprising therapeutic cells contained in such oxygen-generating bioscaffolds as well as their use in cellular therapy are also disclosed.