Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides non-naturally-occurring polynucleotide sequences that facilitate high-level expression of one or more gene products (e.g., polypeptides, RNA) of interest in Neisseria meningitidis. Methods of use of such sequences, e.g., use in vaccine production, are also provided.

Abstract: Upper torso braces to correct deformities in the upper torso of a patient are provided. The upper torso braces include a brace structure adapted to be maintained around an upper torso of an individual and to restrict outward expansion, and a variable force applicator coupled to the brace structure and positioned to contact and apply varying pressure to a target location on the upper torso. The brace structure is configured to restrict outward expansion and to provide a counteracting force for the variable force applicator during application of the variable pressure to the target location. In some instances, the upper torso braces may include a control element to adjust an amount of pressure provided by the variable force applicator to the target location. Methods of correcting a deformity on an upper torso with the upper torso braces are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to unsaturated sphingosine compounds which are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer and for the treatment of other diseases including diabetes and infection with intracellular bacteria. The invention is also directed to methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds in treating these diseases.

Abstract: Pleural empyema removal devices are provided and enable the removal of empyema from the pleural cavity of a human or veterinary patient. The pleural empyema removal devices may be coupled with one or more additional devices, such as suction source, gas source, light source and/or camera source, and monitor. The devices and systems including the devices facilitate the removal of empyema from the pleural cavity of a patient while providing protections from damage to untargeted tissues. The devices, systems, and methods can be used in the treatment process to treat pleural empyema resulting from pleural effusions and infections stemming from various illnesses and disorders, such as pneumonia.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for delivery of a bioactive agent to an individual. Delivery vehicles are provided that include a bioactive agent in disc shaped particles that include one or more lipid binding polypeptides circumscribing the perimeter of a lipid bilayer in which the bioactive agent is localized. Chimeric lipid binding polypeptides are also provided and may be used to add additional functional properties to the delivery particles.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides compositions methods and composition relating to the diagnosis and/or treatment of cancers having a cell surface de-N-acetylated sialic acid antigen, e.g., an at least partially de-N-acetylated ganglioside and/or a de-N-acetylated sialic acid-modified cell surface protein.

Abstract: A computer system for facilitating care of a patient with a rare, complex, or chronic medical condition is provided. The system may include a server and a patient data module programmed to receive patient medical records pertaining to a patient, process the patient medical records to extract patient medical data pertaining to the patient, create a patient webpage specific to the patient which includes the patient medical data, and store the patient webpage. The system may also include a patient identification card provided to the patient which has an internet URL corresponding to the patient webpage encoded within a machine readable code. The patient data module may be programmed to receive, from a computer, a request to view the internet URL and transmit the patient webpage to the computer.

Abstract: Methods of transdermally delivering a therapeutic amount of a triazole-triazolone compound are provided, e.g. for the prevention or treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in a subject. A therapeutic level of a triazole-triazolone compound such as itraconazole is delivered transdermally to a subject. Also provided are topical triazole-triazolone compositions that find use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A computer system for facilitating care of a patient during transport to a care facility such as a hospital is provided. The system includes a portable tablet computer which may be used by transport staff during transport of a patient to a care facility. The tablet computer may include a patient transport module programmed to display, on the portable tablet computer, a transport care protocol which sequentially displays pages of patient care tasks which are specific to transport of a patient with a predetermined medical condition. The pages of patient care tasks may be automatically displayed within predetermined patient care time periods or assessment categories during the transport of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response against Neisseria spp. bacteria in a subject, particularly against a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strain.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an isolated particle comprising very high density, ultra small, lipid depleted apo B containing particles, and may also contain cytokeratin 8. The isolated particle is useful in diagnostic assays, which are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining KIR genotypes for one or more individuals in parallel, the method comprising: for each individual, amplifying the polymorphic exon sequences of the KIR genes, pooling the KIR amplicons, performing emulsion PCR followed by pyrosequencing in parallel to determine all the amplicon sequences present in the individual to determine which KIR alleles are present in the individual.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and vaccines for the prevention of diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, particularly serogroup B strains.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response against Neisseria spp. bacteria in a subject, particularly against a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strain.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dietary supplement that includes plant ferritin; and methods of use of such a supplement.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for delivery of a bioactive agent to an individual. Delivery vehicles are provided that include a bioactive agent in disc shaped particles that include one or more lipid binding polypeptides circumscribing the perimeter of a lipid bilayer in which the bioactive agent is localized. Chimeric lipid binding polypeptides are also provided and may be used to add additional functional properties to the delivery particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides non-naturally-occurring polynucleotide sequences that facilitate high-level expression of one or more gene products (e.g., polypeptides, RNA) of interest in Neisseria meningitidis. Methods of use of such sequences, e.g., use in vaccine production, are also provided.

Abstract: Pleural empyema removal devices are provided and enable the removal of empyema from the pleural cavity of a human or veterinary patient. The pleural empyema removal devices may be coupled with one or more additional devices, such as suction source, gas source, light source and/or camera source, and monitor. The devices and systems including the devices facilitate the removal of empyema from the pleural cavity of a patient while providing protections from damage to untargeted tissues. The devices, systems, and methods can be used in the treatment process to treat pleural empyema resulting from pleural effusions and infections stemming from various illnesses and disorders, such as pneumonia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to unsaturated sphingosine compounds which are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer and for the treatment of other diseases including diabetes and infection with intracellular bacteria. This invention is also directed to methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds in treating these diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for assessing bactericidal antibodies in a biological sample by use of human fresh whole blood from a non-immune human as a reaction medium for the assay.