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This technology relates to a closed-loop controller that is being developed as a phone app for emotional self-regulation in real-time. There is a significant association between emotion dysregulation and symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating pathology, and substance abuse, affecting millions worldwide. Consisting of a closed-loop controller that adjusts reward values in real-time according to individual mood response, the Mood Machine Interface technology compensates for adaptation to stimuli over time allowing it to generate substantial mood changes in the user.

This technology includes a therapeutic approach to prevent secondary edema after cerebrovascular hemorrhage. Using an animal model, we found that edema is triggered by massive extravasation of myelomonocytic cells from the blood into the brain in response to hemorrhaging vessels. Administration of anti-LFA1 and anti-VLA4 antibodies resulted in an inhibition of extravasation of the myelomonocytic cells. This single dose treatment prevented secondary edema and markedly improved functional outcomes if administered within the first six hours following cerebrovascular hemorrhage.

This technology includes the design and use of several nanobodies that bind to the SARS-CoV2 spike protein receptor binding domain and block spike protein interaction with the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Nanobodies are 12-15 kDa single-domain antibody fragments that are more stable and easier to produce in large quantities compared to conventional antibodies. SARS-CoV2 is the virus responsible for the COVID19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV2 spike protein is responsible for viral entry into human cells via interaction with ACE2 on the cell surface.

The invention is a novel longer-lived mouse model for Gaucher disease. Gaucher disease is a genetic disorder that results from deficiencies in the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GBA). The use of animal models to study how the disease progresses has been invaluable in research of this disorder. However, existing mouse models have been limited due to early mortality because the GBA enzyme plays an important role in lysosomal storage.

Patient conditioning is a critical initial step in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation procedures to enable marrow engraftment of infused cells. Conditioning regimens have traditionally been achieved by delivering cytotoxic doses of chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. However, these regimens are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and cannot be used safely in elderly or subjects with comorbidities.

This technology includes an interventional device to occlude the left atrial appendage to prevent thrombus formation. Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with formation of thrombus in the left atrial appendage. Standard preventative treatment involves anticoagulation, which is not tolerated by all patients. Existing devices necessitate improvement because they need trans-septal puncture and anticoagulation to prevent thrombus or are prone to life-threatening complications.

West Nile virus (WNV) has recently emerged in the U.S. and is considered a significant emerging disease that has embedded itself over a considerable region of the U.S. WNV infections have been recorded in humans as well as in different animals. From 1999-2014, WNV killed 1,765 people in the U.S. and caused severe disease in more than 41,762 others. This project is part of NIAID's comprehensive emerging infectious disease program.

This technology provides a novel method of treating or preventing pruritis (itch) using natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb) blocking agents. Itch (also known as pruritis) is a sensation that may be perceived as an unpleasant skin irritation and may drive an urge to scratch. Conditions such as, for example, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, renal failure, liver cirrhosis and some cancers may cause persistent itch. Itch is triggered by somatosensory neurons expressing the ion channel TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1).

NIH scientists have identified new compositions that could potentially be used to treat or prevent pruritus (itchiness). The newly discovered compounds can block a newly identified itch pathway and might be effective for persistent itch caused by psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, renal failure, liver cirrhosis and chemotherapy. These compounds are different from commonly used antihistamines which induce drowsiness and sedation. These compounds have the potential to be used for human and animals.