Methods and compositions for the prevention or reduction of platelet transfusion associated complications are provided. Methods are provided to modify donor whole blood or platelets prior to transfusion to prevent or reduce alloimmune platelet refractoriness.

A method of treating atherosclerosis comprises removing AGE-modified cells from a patient. The AGE-modified cells include erythrocytes, intima cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and foam cells. A variety of techniques, such as ultrasound and binding with an anti-AGE antibody, may be used to identify and remove the AGE-modified cells.

Cancer treatment is provided, by irradiating an individual with a localized, high single dose or short course of doses at a primary tumor site; collecting T cells from the individual after a period of time sufficient activation of an anti-tumor response; treating the individual with an effective dose of dose of chemotherapy; and reintroducing the T cell population back to the individual.

The invention, in some aspects relates to compositions and methods for altering cell activity and function and the introduction and use of light-activated ion channels.

Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo or in vitro, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. One example involves a vector for delivering a light-activated molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for light-activated molecule. The light-activated molecule includes a modification to a location near the all-trans retinal Schiff base, e.g., to extends the duration time of the open state. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems, methods, kits, compositions of matter and molecules for ion channels or pumps or for controlling currents in a cell (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).

Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo or in vitro, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. One example involves a vector for delivering a light-activated molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for light-activated molecule. The light-activated molecule includes a modification to a location near the all-trans retinal Schiff base, e.g., to extends the duration time of the open state. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems, methods, kits, compositions of matter and molecules for ion channels or pumps or for controlling currents in a cell (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).

The disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating cancer using cold atmospheric plasma-modified extracellular vesicles generated using a CAP jet device.

Provided is a method of reducing a number of viable microbes, including contacting microbes with an antibiotic compound and applying pulses of electricity having a duration of between about 50 nanoseconds and about 900 nanoseconds. The pulses of electricity may have an intensity between about 20 kV/cm and about 40 kV/cm. The pulses of electricity may be applied at a frequency of between about 0.1 Hz and about 10 Hz. The microbes may be a gram-negative or a gram-positive strain of bacteria and the antibiotic may be applied at a concentration for a duration, wherein applying the antibiotic to the strain at the concentration for the duration does not reduce a viable number of bacteria of the strain as much, or at all, when the pulses of electricity are not also applied.

A method of isolating monocyte populations of cells and inducing apoptosis in these populations without production of pro-inflammatory mediators is disclosed. The method comprises isolating the monocytes and, subjecting them to substrate-adherence and serum deprivation conditions. Apoptotic monocytes as prepared are useful for treating inflammation-associated diseases.

Cancer treatment is provided, by irradiating an individual with a localized, high single dose or short course of doses at a primary tumor site; collecting T cells from the individual after a period of time sufficient activation of an anti-tumor response; treating the individual with an effective dose of dose of chemotherapy; and reintroducing the T cell population back to the individual.