Abstract: A system and method for detecting Sjogren's Syndrome disease (SjD) in humans are disclosed. A sample, such as saliva, is obtained from a human subject and subjected to at least a Raman hyperspectroscopic analysis to produce a sample spectroscopic signature. The produced sample spectroscopic signature is analyzed using a predetermined statistical model based on spectroscopic signatures for a plurality of modeling samples, with the spectroscopic signatures for each of the plurality of modeling samples associated with SjD.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, apparatus and methods for generating one or more scaffolds, including: mixing a hydrogel material and/or an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein in an aqueous solvent to generate an aqueous process solution; and cryoelectrospinning the aqueous process solution onto a plurality of conductive probes extending from a conductive surface of a collector plate disposed within a process chamber under conditions sufficient to generate one or more scaffolds configured to mimic a preselected soft tissue decellularized extracellular matrix. Scaffold compositions are also provided having preselected or tuned characteristics. The scaffolds provide a promising stromal cell delivery vehicle for the remediation of fibrosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, apparatus and methods for generating one or more scaffolds, including: mixing a hydrogel material and/or an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein in an aqueous solvent to generate an aqueous process solution; and cryoelectrospinning the aqueous process solution onto a plurality of conductive probes extending from a conductive surface of a collector plate disposed within a process chamber under conditions sufficient to generate one or more scaffolds configured to mimic a preselected soft tissue decellularized extracellular matrix. Scaffold compositions are also provided having preselected or tuned characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a cell support device comprising a nanofiber structure disposed on a concave surface of a substrate. and the curvature of the substrate in combination with the nanotopography provided by the nanofiber support provides the necessary environmental cues that promote organization, growth, differentiation and morphogenesis of secretory epithelial cells, such as salivary gland epithelial cells. The nanotopography of the device is influenced by features of the nanofiber structure including nanofiber diameter, pore size, biochemical modification and curvature.

Abstract: Methods for probing multiple targets in a biological sample are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a biological sample containing multiple targets adhered to a solid support, binding at least one fluorescent probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the fluorescent probe. The method further includes the steps of oxidizing the bound fluorescent probe with a solution containing an oxidizing agent that substantially inactivates the fluorescent probe, binding at least one fluorescent probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the fluorescent probe. The methods disclosed herein also provide for multiple iterations of binding, observing, and oxidizing for deriving information about multiple targets in a single sample. An associated kit is also provided.

Abstract: Methods for probing multiple targets in a biological sample are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a biological sample containing multiple targets adhered to a solid support, binding at least one fluorescent probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the fluorescent probe. The method further includes the steps of oxidizing the bound fluorescent probe with a solution containing an oxidizing agent that substantially inactivates the fluorescent probe, binding at least one fluorescent probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the fluorescent probe. The methods disclosed herein also provide for multiple iterations of binding, observing, and oxidizing for deriving information about multiple targets in a single sample. An associated kit is also provided.

Abstract: A system for analyzing tissue samples, comprising: a storage device for at least temporarily storing one or more images of one or more cells, wherein at least one of the images is indicative of one or more channels comprising a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK); and a processing device that determines an extent to which one or more of the RTKs may have translocated from at least one subcellular region to another subcellular region of one or more of the cells; and generates a score based at least in part on the RTK translocation.