Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an imaging-based MicroOrganoSphere drug assay. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining image data of a well plate comprising a plurality of MicroOrganoSpheres; in response to applying a machine learning model configured to identify instances of at least some of the plurality of MicroOrganoSpheres in the image data, obtaining (i) indications indicative of each instance of the MicroOrganoSpheres and (ii) attributes of each instance of the MicroOrganoSpheres; and normalizing, based on the indications and the attributes, a well-to-well variation in the well plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for testing immuno-oncology drugs and biologics using microorganospheres (MOSs). The method comprises forming a plurality of MOSs from cancerous tumor biopsy tissue with such forming comprising dissociating cells from the cancerous tumor biopsy tissue and combining the dissociated cells with a fluid matrix material. The dissociating itself comprises an enzyme digestion protocol, mincing the cancerous tumor biopsy tissue, and incubating the cancerous tumor biopsy tissue in a digestion solution with agitation. The method also comprises testing at least one immuno-oncology drug or biologic using the plurality of MOSs within 10 days after forming the plurality of MOSs.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an imaging-based MicroOrganoSphere drug assay. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining image data of a well plate comprising a plurality of MicroOrganoSpheres; in response to applying a machine learning model configured to identify instances of at least some of the plurality of MicroOrganoSpheres in the image data, obtaining (i) indications indicative of each instance of the MicroOrganoSpheres and (ii) attributes of each instance of the MicroOrganoSpheres; and normalizing, based on the indications and the attributes, a well-to-well variation in the well plate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an imaging-based MicroOrganoSphere drug assay. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining image data of a well plate comprising a plurality of MicroOrganoSpheres; in response to applying a machine learning model configured to identify instances of at least some of the plurality of MicroOrganoSpheres in the image data, obtaining (i) indications indicative of each instance of the MicroOrganoSpheres and (ii) attributes of each instance of the MicroOrganoSpheres; and normalizing, based on the indications and the attributes, a well-to-well variation in the well plate.

Abstract: A method for treating cachexia in a subject in need thereof includes stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system of the subject thereby treating cachexia in the subject. Stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system can increase expression of urea cycle enzymes in the liver of the subject. Parasympathetic nervous system stimulation can comprise stimulating the vagus nerve, for example, the cervical vagus nerve or the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve. Pulses can be delivered at a frequency ranging from 1 Hz to 10 Hz or at a frequency of about 5 KHz.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an imaging-based MicroOrganoSphere drug assay. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining image data of a well plate comprising a plurality of MicroOrganoSpheres; in response to applying a machine learning model configured to identify instances of at least some of the plurality of MicroOrganoSpheres in the image data, obtaining (i) indications indicative of each instance of the MicroOrganoSpheres and (ii) attributes of each instance of the MicroOrganoSpheres; and normalizing, based on the indications and the attributes, a well-to-well variation in the well plate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an imaging-based MicroOrganoSphere drug assay. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining image data of a well plate comprising a plurality of MicroOrganoSpheres; in response to applying a machine learning model configured to identify instances of at least some of the plurality of MicroOrganoSpheres in the image data, obtaining (i) indications indicative of each instance of the MicroOrganoSpheres and (ii) attributes of each instance of the MicroOrganoSpheres; and normalizing, based on the indications and the attributes, a well-to-well variation in the well plate.

Abstract: Method and apparatuses for forming gel droplets including biological tissue (e.g., cells), and in particular, methods and apparatuses for removing oil from the gel droplets comprising dissociated cells (including micro-organospheres) are described herein. Although it is beneficial to use oil in the formation of these gel droplets, and particularly micro-organospheres, oil may inhibit growth and survival of the cells within the gel droplets. The methods and apparatuses described herein may permit the removal of oil and may enhance survival and quality of the resulting gel droplets.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, in part, a Micro-organosphere immune-oncology assay and methods of making and using same. The assay quickly measures the potency of effector immune cells, such as tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, at killing a patient's tumor cells. Understanding the potency of effector immune cells is critical for adoptive T cell therapy.

Abstract: Method and apparatuses for forming gel droplets including biological tissue (e.g., cells), and in particular, methods and apparatuses for removing oil from the gel droplets comprising dissociated cells (including micro-organospheres) are described herein. Although it is beneficial to use oil in the formation of these gel droplets, and particularly micro-organospheres, oil may inhibit growth and survival of the cells within the gel droplets. The methods and apparatuses described herein may permit the removal of oil and may enhance survival and quality of the resulting gel droplets.

Abstract: Micro-Organosphers, including Patient-Derived Micro-Organospheres (PMOS s), apparatuses and methods of making them, and apparatuses and methods of using them. Also described herein are methods and systems for screening a patient using these Patient-Derived Micro-Organospheres, including personalized therapies.

Abstract: Micro-Organosphers, including Patient-Derived Micro-Organospheres (PMOSs), apparatuses and methods of making them, and apparatuses and methods of using them. Also described herein are methods and systems for screening a patient using these Patient-Derived Micro-Organospheres, including personalized therapies.

Abstract: Micro-Organospheres, including Patient-Derived Micro-Organospheres (PMOSs), apparatuses and methods of making them, and apparatuses and methods of using them. Also described herein are methods and systems for screening a patient using these Patient-Derived Micro-Organospheres, including personalized therapies.

Abstract: Method and apparatuses for forming gel droplets including biological tissue (e.g., cells), and in particular, methods and apparatuses for removing oil from the gel droplets comprising dissociated cells (including micro-organospheres) are described herein. Although it is beneficial to use oil in the formation of these gel droplets, and particularly micro-organospheres, oil may inhibit growth and survival of the cells within the gel droplets. The methods and apparatuses described herein may permit the removal of oil and may enhance survival and quality of the resulting gel droplets.

Abstract: Patient specific clinical trials and associated methods of treatment are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes generating a patient specific tumor model. The method also includes testing one or more drugs on the patient specific tumor model. Further, the method includes treating a patient based on the results of the patient specific tumor model tests.

Abstract: Precision drug screening methods and apparatuses for personalized cancer therapies include the formation of a library of mature Micro-Organospheres, including Patient-Derived Micro-Organospheres (PMOSs), from a single patient tissue sample, such as from a tumor sample, are described. Also described herein are methods and systems for screening a patient using these Patient-Derived Micro-Organospheres, including personalized therapies.

Abstract: Micro-Organosphers, including Patient-Derived Micro-Organospheres (PMOS s), apparatuses and methods of making them, and apparatuses and methods of using them. Also described herein are methods and systems for screening a patient using these Patient-Derived Micro-Organospheres, including personalized therapies.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for modulating gut motility. In particular, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for entraining interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) using patterns of electrical stimulation to increase gut motility. The systems and methods of ICC entrainment disclosed herein facilitate the treatment of various functional gastrointestinal disorders characterized by symptoms of dysmotility.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions and methods of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a therapeutic agent capable of down-regulating and/or inhibiting a fructose enzyme or fructose transporter in a cell of the subject such that the cancer growth is suppressed.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods that involve cancer cells which are modified so that they can form orthotopic tumors in a non-human mammal, and wherein metastasis of the tumor can be controlled. The cancer cells, which may be human cancer cells, are modified so that expression of a human chemokine receptor can be modulated. Modulating expression of the human chemokine receptor allows selective initiation of metastasis. Kits which contain the modified cancer cells are provided. A method for identifying agents which can inhibit metastasis using non-human mammals having orthotopic tumors formed using the modified cancer cells is also included.