Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit device including an attaching device configured for defining a helical pathway through a tissue wall and complementary ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in the tissue wall. Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, some embodiments provide a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue by removing and retaining a tissue core and securely implanting a conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the conduit device.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to methods for treating inflammatory conditions and cancers that have misregulated NF-?B. In some embodiments, the disclosure is directed to methods for treating inflammatory conditions, inflammatory states associated with treating HIV and AIDS infections, and cancers that include administering strontium ranelate to a subject diagnosed with or at risk of inflammatory conditions, inflammatory states, and cancers, respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to lattice-mismatched core-shell quantum dots (QDs). In certain embodiments, the lattice-mismatched core-shell QDs are used in methods for photovoltaic or photoconduction applications. They are also useful for multicolor molecular, cellular, and in vivo imaging.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring, configured for implantation in the annulus of a heart valve, comprising multiple segments each of which are geometrically shaped from a three dimensional perspective to conform to the anatomic shape of the valve annulus. In one embodiment, at least one of the multiple segments of the annuloplasty ring is configured to facilitate a reduction of tension on heart valve tissue and eliminate a substantial portion of potential pressure or force that may be applied to the atrio-ventricular node by the annuloplasty ring when inserted into a heart valve. In another embodiment, at least one of the multiple segments of the annuloplasty ring are configured to include an assembly that facilitates selective adjustment of a segment's respective length and/or shape. The adjustment of the length of one of the ring segment's results in an adjustment of at least one angle between at least one set of other ring segments, thereby causing an adjustment to the geometric characteristics of the ring.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compounds and compositions for forming bone and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of forming bone comprising implanting a bone graft composition comprising a growth factor such as BMP in a subject at a site of desired bone growth or enhancement in combination with a Noggin blocker.

Abstract: Novel compounds, compositions, and methods related to the activation of the TrkB receptor are provided. The methods include administering in vivo or in vitro a therapeutically effective amount of a compound containing a catecholamine backbone and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and derivatives thereof. Specifically, methods, compositions, and compounds for the treatment of disorders including neurological disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, and metabolic disorders are provided. For example, a first method is provided of treating or reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, or obesity in a subject, which includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the described compounds. A further method of promoting neuroprotection in a subject also is provided, which includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the described compounds.

Abstract: We have developed DNA and viral vectors that can be used, alone or in combination, as a vaccine against one HIV clade, subtype, or recombinant form of HIV or against multiple HIV clades, subtypes, or recombinant forms. Moreover, the vectors can encode a variety of antigens, which may be obtained from one clade or from two or more different clades, and the antigens selected and/or the manner in which the vectors are formulated (e.g., mixed) can be manipulated to generate a protective immune response against a variety of clades (e.g., the clades to which a patient is most likely to be exposed; with the proportions of the components of the vaccine tailored to the extent of the patient's risk to a particular clade or clades).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for diagnosing a hyposialylation disorder. Methods are also disclosed for determining the effectiveness of a therapeutic agent for treatment of a hyposialylation disorder in a subject. These methods include measuring an amount of monosialylated Thomsen-Friedenreich (ST) antigen and measuring an amount of non-sialylated Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (T) in a biological sample, such as a serum or plasma sample from the subject, and determining the ratio of T to ST.

Abstract: Liposomes of a size of less than 200 nanometers target tumors and preferentially deliver imipramine blue to tumors, including brain tumors such as gliomas. The imipramine blue decreases the invasiveness of the tumors, and inhibits tumor metastasis. The liposomes include cholesterol and chemically pure phospholipids that are essentially neutral and contain saturated fatty acids of between 16 and 18 carbon atoms, such as distearoylphosphatidyl choline, and can also include one or more pegylated phospholipids, such as DSPE-PEG.

Abstract: Methods of producing and using Hepatitis C virus (HCV) eE2 polypeptides are described.

Abstract: The composition of the invention, liposomal glutathione, has been recently shown to have utility for having an antibiotic like effect on Klebsiella pneumonia cultures in vitro, and in vivo as demonstrated by efficacy in reducing by large multiples the presence of cultures of Klebsiella in rats in animal tests. Further, because the liposomal glutathione bolsters body defenses as well as appearing to have direct killing action, the propensity to create more and more resistant strains to antibiotic treatment is downgraded.

Abstract: Methods of treating patients with Factor VIII deficiency by administration of modified porcine factor VIII are disclosed. The particular modified porcine factor VIII is one in which most of the B domain has been removed through genetic engineering. This modified factor VIII is particularly useful for treatment of hemophiliacs, especially those undergoing bleeding episodes.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of use of certain compounds that are useful for treating certain symptoms of endocrine disturbances, and in particular those associated with hot flashes.

Abstract: 2?-Fluoro-nucleoside compounds are disclosed which are useful in the treatment of hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection, HIV and abnormal cellular proliferation, including tumors and cancer. The compounds have the general formulae: wherein Base is a purine or pyrimidine base; R1 is OH, H, OR3, N3, CN, halogen, CF3, lower alkyl, amino, loweralkylamino, di(lower)alkylamino, or alkoxy; R2 is H, phosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug; acyl, or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving benzyl, a lipid, an amino acid, peptide, or cholesterol; and R3 is acyl, alkyl, phosphate, or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds, compositions and methods for treating or preventing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in human subjects or other animal hosts. The compounds are as also pharmaceutically acceptable, salts, prodrugs, and other derivatives thereof as pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treatment or prevention of HCV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vascular conduit device including a deformable flange and complementary securing ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in a tissue wall. The present invention further provides a system for implanting such a vascular conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, the present invention provides a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue wall (such as a ventricle and/or a blood vessel) and securely implanting a vascular conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the vascular conduit device.

Abstract: PD-1 antagonists are disclosed that can be used to reduce the expression or activity of PD-1 in a subject. An immune response specific to an infectious agent or to tumor cells can be enhanced using these PD-1 antagonists in conjunction with an antigen from the infectious agent or tumor. Thus, subjects with infections, such as persistent infections can be treated using PD-1 antagonists. In addition, subjects with tumors can be treated using the PD-1 antagonists. In several examples, subjects can be treated by transplanting a therapeutically effective amount of activated T cells that recognize an antigen of interest and by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a PD-1 antagonist. Methods are also disclosed for determining the efficacy of a PD-1 antagonist in a subject administered the PD-1 antagonist. In some embodiments, these methods include measuring proliferation of memory B cells in a sample from a subject administered the PD-1 antagonist.

Abstract: A method of embryo transfer (“ET”) that improves fertility rates by eliminating transferred air during the procedure is provided. Also provided is a method for hormonally enhancing the uterine wall of a patient either prior to or during the time of ET. Quantitative administration of transfer solutions is accomplished with a modified apparatus that provides for implantation of an embryo into the uterus of a patient. The apparatus comprises an outer sheath and an inner lumen arranged to be slidably disposed within the outer sheath. The inner lumen includes at least one visual marker situated on the exterior surface adjacent its distal end thereof.

Abstract: Provided are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment or prophylaxis of disorders associated with NMDA receptor activity, including neuropathic pain, stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and related neurologic events or neurodegeneration. Compounds are of the general Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, prodrug or derivative thereof are provided: wherein: each (L)k-Ar1 is a substituted or unsubstituted, mono or bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl; W is a bond, alkyl, or alkenyl; X is a bond, NR1 or O and each R1 and R2 is independently H, alkyl, alkenyl or aralkyl or R1 and R2 taken together form a 5-8 membered ring; R3?-R6 are selected from certain specific substituents or a carbonyl; Y is a bond, O, S, SO, SO2, CH2, NH, N(alkyl), or NHC(?O); and Z is OH, NR6R7, NR8SO2(alkyl), NR8C(O)NR6R7, NR8C(O)O(alkyl), NR8-dihydrothiazole, or NR8-dihydroimidazole or wherein Z can fuse with Ar2 to form selected heterocycles.