Abstract: The compositions and methods are described for generating an immune response to a hepatitis B virus. The compositions and methods described herein relate to a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector encoding one or more viral antigens for generating a protective immune response to a hepatitis B virus, in the subject to which the vector is administered. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful both prophylactically and therapeutically and may be used to prevent and/or treat an infection caused by hepatitis B virus.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions, and methods for the treatment of infections caused by Acanthamoeba or Balamuthia mandrillaris trophozoites and/or cysts and for the disinfection of solids and/or liquids, such as medical and personal care items, for example contact lenses, that may harbor Acanthamoeba trophozoites and/or cysts are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the detection of melanoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Further disclosed are methods for treating melanoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, based on differences in infrared absorbance.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the treatment of a bacterial infection or the potentiation of an antibiotic in treating a bacterial infection are described herein.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, the preS antigen on infectious hepatitis B virus (HBV) particles can provide B and T ceil epitopes that promote the humoral and cellular responses and enhance the seroprotection rate by overcoming non-responsiveness to the S antigen-only vaccines. Therefore, compositions and methods are disclosed using the preS antigen to develop vaccines and immune therapies for treating or preventing hepatitis B infection, in particular, virus-like particles (VLPs) are disclosed that contain the preS antigen on its surface. These VLPs can be used alone or in combination with vaccines containing the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to vaccinate subjects against HBV as well as to activate T ceils for adoptive T cell therapy to eradicate HBV infected hapatocytes.

Abstract: Monolayer protected nanoclusters (MPCs) are described herein. The MPCs contain a cluster of atoms or molecules (e.g. core) having bound thereto a plurality of ligands (e.g., monolayer). The ligands can be bound covalently or semi-covalently bound to the cluster. The ligands are generally in the form of a monolayer or mixed monolayer. The monolayer or mixed monolayer contains a plurality of ligands. In one embodiment, the monolayer and/or mixed monolayer contains 1,4-dithiolate ligands. The MPCs described herein exhibit improved quantum efficiency allowing for single cluster emissions to be measured. Moreover, some embodiments of the MPCs described herein exhibit enhanced redox activity, including the ability to transfer a plurality of electrons, i.e., up to about 19 or up to about 30 electrons under controlled conditions, while displaying improved overall chemical stability. Such behavior can be utilized in catalysis and nanoelectronics applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the electrochemical detection of enzymes, such as enzymes that are indicative of disease, disorders, or pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, or other disorders. These methods can be used in point-of-care diagnostic assays for the detection of disease, disorder, or pathogen (e.g., to identify the strain of pathogen infecting a patient in a healthcare setting). The electrochemical methods described herein can also be used to assess the susceptibility of a pathogen to an antipathogen drug. Also provided are probes suitable for use in conjunction with the methods described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and compositions for treating or inhibiting RSV and related members of the pneumovirus and paramyxovirus families such as human metapneumovirus, mumps virus, human parainfluenzaviruses, and Nipah and hendra virus, and methods of treatment or prevention thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides new compounds and compositions thereof that release carbon monoxide for the treatment of medical disorders that are responsive to carbon monoxide, for example, inflammatory, pain, and dermatological disorders.

Abstract: The instant invention provides near-infrared fluorescent biological contrast agents and methods of using them.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-releasing organic molecules are described herein. The molecules can be synthesized prior to administration (e.g., ex vivo) or formed in vivo. In those embodiments where the molecules are formed in vivo, reactants are administered under physiological conditions and undergo a cycloaddition reaction to form a product which releases carbon monoxide. In applying such reactions for therapeutic applications in vivo, the cycloaddition and CO release typically occur only under near-physiological or physiological conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the cycloaddition reaction and/or release of carbon monoxide occur at a temperature of about 37° C. and pH of about 7.4. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for release carbon monoxide are also described.

Abstract: The compositions and methods are described for generating an immune response to a hepatitis B virus. The compositions and methods described herein relate to a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector encoding one or more viral antigens for generating a protective immune response to a hepatitis B virus, in the subject to which the vector is administered. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful both prophylactically and therapeutically and may be used to prevent and/or treat an infection caused by hepatitis B virus.

Abstract: The present invention features, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions and their use in the preparation of a medicament (e.g., a medicament for inflammation, such as an inflammatory lung disease) or in a therapeutic regimen. The compositions can include at least two active agents: a first agent that inhibits PDE4 (e.g., roflumilast) and a second active agent that inhibits the expression or activity of one or more PDE4B variants (e.g., PDE4B2). The compositions and methods will attenuate an unwanted up-regulation of a PDE4B (e.g., PDE4B2) and may thereby improve treatment with the first agent (e.g., roflumilast). For example, the second agent may improve the efficacy of the first agent, decrease the effective dose of the first agent, ameliorate the tolerance to the first agent that would otherwise develop (e.g., in patients with COPD exacerbation), reduce unwanted side effects caused by the first agent, or otherwise improve treatment regimes including a PDE4 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating a patient who has colorectal cancer and to methods of reducing the likelihood that a patient will develop or experience a recurrence of colorectal cancer. The methods comprise a step of introducing, to the patient, an effective amount of an agent that targets an intestinal H+-coupled di/tripeptide transporter (PepT1). Useful compositions including, for example, the tripeptide KPV, vectors encoding such peptides, and cells (e.g., bacterial cells) including them, are also within the scope of the present invention, as are kits including such compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for the controlled crystallization of a compound. The controlled crystallization is achieved by applying an electric field across solutions of target compound and precipitant, whereby the electric field controls the rate of mixing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods variously useful in treating cancer, inhibiting graft rejection, and treating autoimmune disease. The compositions and methods include those in which macrophages are conditioned to down regulate or upregulate the expression or activity of SIRP? or its interaction with CD47.

Abstract: The instant invention provides near-infrared fluorescent nerve contrast agents and methods of using them.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and compositions for treating or inhibiting RSV and related members of the pneumovirus and paramyxovirus families such as human metapneumovirus, mumps virus, human parainfluenzaviruses, and Nipah and hendra virus, and methods of treatment or prevention thereof.

Abstract: According to various implementations, the bioreactor system includes a bioreactor vessel, an impeller for stirring contents within the vessel, a temperature control source for controlling the temperature of the contents of the vessel, an aeration system for supplying air to the vessel, and one or more data loggers. According to certain implementations, the impeller is a novel impeller design that spins more smoothly and rapidly than known impellers. In addition, the bioreactor system is modular, durable, and relatively inexpensive compared to existing bioreactor systems, which allows for bench-scale implementation, use with differently sized bioreactor vessels, and accessibility to more educational programs, according to some implementations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a chemical delivery system having: i) a cargo compound comprising a first reactive moiety covalently bonded to a first enrichment moiety and a tethered cargo moiety, wherein the first reactive moiety is bonded to the tethered cargo moiety via a cleavable linker; and ii) a trigger compound comprising a second reactive moiety covalently bonded to a second enrichment moiety and a cargo-releasing moiety. The first enrichment moiety and the second enrichment moiety cause an increase in concentration of the cargo compound and the concentration of the trigger compound at a target site, causing a bimolecular reaction between the first reactive moiety and the second reactive moiety to form a cyclization precursor compound. The cargo moiety is then released from the cyclization precursor compound in a unimolecular cyclization reaction. Methods for treating conditions such as cancer, inflammatory conditions, and infections with the chemical delivery systems are also described.