Abstract: The present application is related to methods of treating ARDS in a subject in need thereof, by administering (a) pioglitazone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and (b) mesenchymal stromal cells to the subject. Also disclosed herein are methods of treating one or more symptoms of ARDS in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A multifunctional dendrimer nanoparticle and method of treating diseases of the posterior segment of the eye is presented. The functionalized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer effectively delivers drugs and/or genes to the posterior eye, thereby providing for the effective, non-invasive, and topical treatment of diseased in the posterior eye. The multifunctional dendrimer nanoparticle has shRNA-encoding DNA and small molecule drug encapsulated cyclodextrin complexed to the outer surface of the dendrimer for delivery to the posterior segment of the eye.

Abstract: This invention provides for a RSV-targeted nanoparticle PMN (RTPMN), combining HR2D anti-fusion peptide, and plasmid encoded siRNA against RSV-NS1 and/or RSV-P gene as a safe, effective and inexpensive anti-RSV prophylaxis and/or therapy.

Abstract: A novel SH-SAW biosensor capable of non-invasive and touch-free detection of cancer cell viability and growth or proliferation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures as well as stem cell regeneration as it pertains to cancer cell biology and anti-cancer drug development is presented. The biosensor includes two pairs of resonators including interdigital transducers reflecting fingers to quantify mass loading by the cells in suspension as well as within a tumoroid culture platform. The biosensor can be part of a perfused 3PNS-tumoroid system that is amenable to real-time non-invasive monitoring of the cell proliferation, viability, and multiplexed detection of key physiologic and clinical biomarkers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating cancer. Further provided herein are compositions and methods for reducing, inhibiting, or preventing resistance of cancer to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The methods may include administering an anti-resistance agent such as a CYP51A1 inhibitor or an agonist of miRNA-764 (SEQ ID NO: 4) to a subject. A tyrosine kinase inhibitor may also be administered to the subject in addition to the anti-resistance agent.

Abstract: A novel SH-SAW biosensor capable of non-invasive and touch-free detection of cancer cell viability and growth or proliferation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures as well as stem cell regeneration as it pertains to cancer cell biology and anti-cancer drug development is presented. The biosensor includes two pairs of resonators including interdigital transducers reflecting fingers to quantify mass loading by the cells in suspension as well as within a tumoroid culture platform. The biosensor can be part of a perfused 3PNS-tumoroid system that is amenable to real-time non-invasive monitoring of the cell proliferation, viability, and multiplexed detection of key physiologic and clinical biomarkers.

Abstract: A multifunctional dendrimer nanoparticle and method of treating diseases of the posterior segment of the eye is presented. The functionalized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer effectively delivers drugs and/or genes to the posterior eye, thereby providing for the effective, non-invasive, and topical treatment of diseased in the posterior eye. The multifunctional dendrimer nanoparticle has shRNA-encoding DNA and small molecule drug encapsulated cyclodextrin complexed to the outer surface of the dendrimer for delivery to the posterior segment of the eye.

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting antigens in a sample by methods using a nanoparticle-enhanced enzymatic immune bio sensor. Methods of detecting abnormal kidney function in a subject and methods of detecting cancer in a subject are provided. Also provided are kits for detecting antigens.

Abstract: A novel SH-SAW biosensor capable of non-invasive and touch-free detection of cancer cell viability and growth or proliferation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures as well as stem cell regeneration as it pertains to cancer cell biology and anti-cancer drug development is presented. The biosensor includes two pairs of resonators including interdigital transducers reflecting fingers to quantify mass loading by the cells in suspension as well as within a tumoroid culture platform. The biosensor can be part of a perfused 3PNS-tumoroid system that is amenable to real-time non-invasive monitoring of the cell proliferation, viability, and multiplexed detection of key physiologic and clinical biomarkers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the methods to increase populations of cancer stem cells (CSCs), including human CSCs, using, for example, a FiSS™ (fiber-inspired smart scaffold) platform, a scaffold for cell culture comprising an electrospun mixture of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and a block copolymer of polylactic acid (PLA) and monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG). As an example, we demonstrated that MCF-7 cells grown on FiSScsc developed into well-formed single-cell tumoroids (SCTs), showing a ˜3-fold increase in the cancer stem cell (CSC) population versus similar-passage cells grown as monolayers. This increase was further potentiated when the first-generation tumoroids were used to grow second- and third-generation tumoroids. Additionally, we scaled-up the cell culturing protocol from, for example, a 96-well plate to, for example, a 6-well plate, with no loss in the induction of CSCs.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a strategy of selectively targeting oncolytic virotherapy, using either naturally occurring or genetically modified viruses by packaging them in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The present invention concerns MSCs, compositions comprising the MSCs, and methods of using the MSCs for treatment of cancer and for lysing or inducing apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Described are methods of screening drugs for cancer treatment using a fiber-inspired smart scaffold cell culture system. The system recapitulates the actual in vivo tumor microenvironment, thereby ensuring efficacy in clinical trials by identifying drugs that will be effective in treating cancer. The drugs identified by the system may then be used to treat cancers, including breast cancer and colorectal adenocarcinoma. In addition, this screening system provides a platform for methods relating to the personalized treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to biomarkers for clinical detection of malignancies, especially for early detection of cancers. More specifically, this invention pertains to the role of Natriuretic Peptide Receptor A (NPRA) in cancer (e.g., tumor) progression. Thus, the invention includes materials and methods for the detection and prognosis of malignancies. The invention also pertains to methods for treating malignancies.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a human or non-human animal subject, comprising administering stem or progenitor cells to the subject, such as mesenchymal stromal cells; and administering one or more PPAR? agonists, such as pioglitazone (PG), to the subject before, during, and/or after administration of the stem or progenitor cells. Another aspect of the invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition useful for treating TBI, the composition comprising stem cells or progenitor cells, such as mesenchymal stromal cells, and one or more PPAR? agonists, such as PG.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating cancer. Further provided herein are compositions and methods for reducing, inhibiting, or preventing resistance of cancer to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The methods may include administering an anti-resistance agent such as a CYP51A1 inhibitor or an agonist of miRNA-764 (SEQ ID NO: 4) to a subject. A tyrosine kinase inhibitor may also be administered to the subject in addition to the anti-resistance agent.

Abstract: Provided herein is a three-dimensional scaffold composition comprising randomly oriented fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid block copolymer (PEG-PLA) and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Also provided are methods for using the three-dimensional scaffolds described herein.

Abstract: The compositions and methods of the disclosure particularly target the divalent metal transporter expressed on olfactory nerve terminals to transport divalent cation-coated or cation-containing nanoparticles to all regions of brain. It has been found that such divalent cation-containing nanoparticles, including those nanoparticles comprising manganese have affinity for the metal transport receptor proteins. Although this receptor has particular affinity for manganese, it is contemplated that other divalent ions, including magnesium, calcium, and the like may also be bound to such receptors leading to transport of the nanoparticles into the intracellular cytoplasm. Nanoparticles have been developed, therefore, as vehicles for parenteral delivery of genes, proteins and drugs.

Abstract: A novel SH-SAW biosensor capable of non-invasive and touch-free detection of cancer cell viability and growth or proliferation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures as well as stem cell regeneration as it pertains to cancer cell biology and anti-cancer drug development is presented. The biosensor includes two pairs of resonators including interdigital transducers reflecting fingers to quantify mass loading by the cells in suspension as well as within a tumoroid culture platform. The biosensor can be part of a perfused 3PNS-tumoroid system that is amenable to real-time non-invasive monitoring of the cell proliferation, viability, and multiplexed detection of key physiologic and clinical biomarkers.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of transfecting a brain cell of a subject with a polynucleotide comprising systemically administering to the subject a composition comprising a micelle having a hydrophobic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) core, a first coating comprising a cationic polymer, and a second coating comprising the polynucleotide, wherein the subject has a mild traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: Provided herein is a three-dimensional scaffold composition comprising randomly oriented fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid block copolymer (PEG-PLA) and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Also provided are methods for using the three-dimensional scaffolds described herein.