Abstract: Provided are methods, imaging agents and kits for determination of the distribution and expression levels of an immune checkpoint ligand (such as PD-L1 or a PD-L1 like ligand) in an individual having a disease or condition. Anti-PD-L1 antibody agents are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes new compounds that are useful for image-guided surgery and photodynamic therapy. In particular the compounds may be targeted to the nucleus or the mitochondria after compounds were delivered to diseased tissues such as cancer using a ligand that target receptor that express on the diseased tissue and followed by receptor mediated endocytosis and provide effective activity against cancer cells as well as other disorders. Methods and compositions for use of the same are described.

Abstract: Polyphosphate glass microspheres (PGMs) are prepared using a polyphosphate coacervate. PGMs can be loaded with various therapeutic agents and can be used for various medical and dental procedures and treatments.

Abstract: The present invention refers to cells from a subpopulation of progenitors of endothelial cells loaded with gold nanoparticles sensitive to excitation with infrared radiation with consequent release of thermal energy, to a composition having a plurality of these cells and to their use in the diagnosis and treatment of solid tumours thanks to the selective localization of the composition in the tumour mass, which can be thus identified easily for diagnostic purposes by marking the cells with appropriate marking agents, or treated by stimulation with pulsed laser beam up to the complete cauterization of the tumour mass for a targeted and highly effective therapeutic action.

Abstract: Provided are a stem cell-nano anticancer drug complex in which an anticancer drug based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and gold (Au) nano particles is loaded on the surface of stem cells, which can overcome side effects of conventional stem cells and targeting limitations of nano anticancer drugs and whose anticancer effect is very excellent, the use thereof, and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticles comprising: (a) an amphiphilic polymer with a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 20,000 g/mol or less; and (b) a peptide that is covalently linked to the polymer, wherein the peptide comprises 8 to 50 amino acids, including an N-terminal linker sequence comprising at least one Arg amino acid residue and a sequence comprising an MHC binding sequence comprising a T cell receptor epitope. The present invention further comprises compositions comprising respective nanoparticles and a liquid or lyophilized carrier as well as nanoparticles and compositions of the invention for use in inducing tolerance to a therapeutic compound (protein, viral vector, lipid vesicle), an allergen or to an autoantigen or for treating an allergy, an autoimmune disease, an exogenous antigen (transplantation antigens, drugs) or a food intolerance.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of an MRI-active or MRI-sensitive polymer or oligomer formed from (i) a non-alkoxylated and non-alkenoxylated citric acid, citrate, or ester/amide of citric acid, and optionally an alkoxylated or alkenoxylated citric acid, citrate, or ester/amide of citric acid, (ii) a polyol/polyamine such as a diol/diamine, (iii) a monomer comprising an MRI contrast agent, and (iv) an amino acid monomer. The polymer or oligomer may be photoluminescent and MRI-sensitive. In another aspect, imaging methods utilizing the compositions described herein are described. In another aspect, scaffolds, grafts, and films comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of the compositions described herein are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to differentiation of stem cells into pancreatic islet cells. In some aspects, the methods provided herein relate to generation of pancreatic ? cell, ? cell, ? cells, and EC cells in vitro. In some aspects, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions including the cells generated according to the methods disclosed herein, as well as methods of treatment making use thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, a green technology for crosslinking protein molecules for various uses, where the protein molecules can be contained in protein fibers such as, but not limited to, human hair, animal fibers, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a crosslinking agent comprising an oxidized sugar having at least two aldehyde groups. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of crosslinking protein fibers. This method involves providing the aforementioned crosslinking agent and infiltrating a plurality of non-crosslinked protein fibers with the crosslinking agent under conditions effective to cause protein molecules contained in the non-crosslinked protein fibers to become crosslinked, thereby yielding a population of crosslinked protein fibers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to nanoparticle drug conjugates (NDC) that comprise ultrasmall nanoparticles, folate receptor (FR) targeting ligands, and linker-drug conjugates, and methods of making and using them to treat cancer.

Abstract: A bioartificial device, such as a bioartificial pancreas, for implantation in a patient's vascular system. The bioartificial pancreas includes a scaffold adapted to engage an interior wall of a blood vessel, a cellular complex support by the scaffold and extending longitudinally within the interior cavity of the scaffold so as to be exposed to the blood flow when the scaffold is engaged with the blood vessel, the cellular complex support comprising one or more pockets bordered by thin film; and cellular complex comprising pancreatic islets disposed in the one or more pockets, the thin film being adapted to permit oxygen and glucose to diffuse from flowing blood into the one or more pockets at a rate sufficient to support the viability of the islets. The invention also includes methods of making and using a bioartificial pancreas.

Abstract: Disclosed are XBP-1/IRE-1 inhibitors having formula disclosed herein. Methods of making and using these inhibitors for the treatment of cancer, in particular B cell cancers, are also disclosed. Also disclosed is a genetic XBP-1-knockout cancer mouse model.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of pre-functionalized nanoparticles (NPs). It relates more particularly to NPs pre-functionalized using a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and also to NPs functionalized using biomolecules such that the NPs are stable in solution. These NPs may be used in numerous applications, especially as a diagnostic tool, for depleting a molecule of interest in a solution, and therapeutic tool.

Abstract: Low-generation dendrimers containing a high density of surface hydroxyl groups, and methods of synthesis thereof are provided. In particular, oligo ethylene glycol (OEG)-like dendrimers with a high surface functional groups at relatively low generations (e.g. ˜120 hydroxyls in the third generation, with a size of just 1-2 nm) is described. Dendrimer formulations including one or more prophylactic, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic agents, and methods of use thereof are also described. The formulations are suitable for topical, enteral, and/or parenteral delivery for treating one or more diseases, conditions, and injuries in the eye, the brain and nervous system (CNS), particularly those associated with pathological activation of microglia and astrocytes.

Abstract: Controlled-release preparations of oxcarbazepine and derivatives thereof for once-a-day administration are disclosed. The inventive compositions comprise solubility- and/or release enhancing agents to provide tailored drug release profiles, preferably sigmoidal release profiles. Methods of treatment comprising the inventive compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are self-degradable microneedle devices for the controlled-release of an immunotherapeutic agent. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease (for example, cancer) using a self-degradable microneedle patch for the sustained delivery of an immunotherapeutic agent (for example, a PD1 antibody).

Abstract: Silica nanocarriers hybridized with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (“SPIONs”) and curcumin through equilibrium or enforced adsorption technique. Methods for dual delivery of SPIONs and curcumin to a target for diagnosis or therapy, for example, for SPION-based magnetic resonance imaging or for targeted delivery of curcumin to a cell or tissue. The technique can be extend to co-precipitation of mixed metal oxide involving Ni, Mn, Co and Cu oxide. The calcination temperature can be varied from 500-900° C. The nanocombination is functionalized with chitosan, polyacrylic acid, PLGA or another agent to increase its biocompatibility in vivo.

Abstract: Resorbable multifilament yarns and monofilament fibers including poly-4-hydroxybutyrate and copolymers thereof with high tenacity or high tensile strength have been developed. The yarns and fibers are produced by cold drawing the multifilament yarns and monofilament fibers before hot drawing the yarns and fibers under tension at temperatures above the melt temperature of the polymer or copolymer. These yarns and fibers have prolonged strength retention in vivo making them suitable for soft tissue repairs where high strength and strength retention is required. The multifilament yarns have tenacities higher than 8.1 grams per denier, and in vivo, retain at least 65% of their initial strength at 2 weeks. The monofilament fibers retain at least 50% of their initial strength at 4 weeks in vivo. The monofilament fibers have tensile strengths higher than 500 MPa. These yarns and fibers may be used to make various medical devices for various applications.

Abstract: A novel therapeutic agent for solid cancer capable of hardening the cellular tissue itself of a solid cancer to induce death or growth inhibition of cancer cells, causing solidification of the tissue, is disclosed. The therapeutic agent for solid cancer is composed of a liquid composition containing as an active component an ethoxy-containing compound capable of undergoing polycondensation in a cellular tissue. The therapeutic agent for solid cancer is capable of hardening the cellular tissue itself of a solid cancer such as lung cancer to induce death or growth inhibition of cancer cells, causing solidification of the tissue. In conventional therapeutic methods, the risk of metastasis due to spreading of cancer cells through the bloodstream cannot be eliminated. In contrast, this therapeutic agent for solid cancer instantly surrounds cancer cells, so that the risk of metastasis can be largely reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions containing water-soluble poly(oxazoline) and organic polymer particles chosen from the group of polyolefins, polyvinyl aromatics, polyvinyl esters, polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, polycarboxylic acids, polycarboxilic acid esters, polycarboxylic acid amides, polynitriles, polysulfonic acids, polyketones, polysulfones, polymeric polyols, polyurethanes, proteins, polymeric carbohydrates, nucleic acids or from a mixture of two or more of these polymers. The water-soluble poly(oxazolin) acts as a stabilizer for the polymer particles and can particularly advantageously be used as a stabilizer in the freeze-drying of aqueous polymer dispersions.