Abstract: The invention provides methods to prepare protein conjugates from proteins having at least two cysteines. In one embodiment, a protein with a disulfide linkage is reduced to provide two free cysteines for reaction with a 1,3-dihaloacetone or similar reactant, linking the sulfur atoms of the two cysteines together. The ketone inserted between the sulfur atoms is then used to form a Schiff base to an aminated payload molecule, thus conjugating the protein to a payload. In another embodiment, two cysteine residues are tied together by reaction with a 1,3-dihaloacetone or similar reactant. The linkage between the sulfur atoms in each case holds the protein or peptide in a constrained conformation, while also providing a convenient place for attaching a payload with good specificity and efficiency.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of beads including a biocompatible hydrophobic polymer, a perfluorocarbon, polyvinylalcohol and optionally a metal compound, including the steps of: adding the perfluorocarbon and optionally the metal compound to a solution of the biocompatible hydrophobic polymer in a polar solvent to provide a first liquid mixture, adding the first liquid mixture to an aqueous solution of a biocompatible surfactant including polyvinylalcohol under sonication to obtain a second liquid mixture, a) maintaining the sonication of the second liquid mixture while cooling, b) evaporating the polar solvent from the second liquid mixture to obtain a suspension of beads including the biocompatible hydrophobic polymer, the perfluorocarbon and optionally the metal compound, c) separating the beads from the suspension and preparing a water suspension of the beads and d) freeze-drying the water suspension to obtain the beads, wherein the addition of the first liquid mixture to the biocompatible surfactant in

Abstract: The present invention provides conjugates having a degradable linkage and polymeric reagents useful in preparing such conjugates. The conjugates as well as the polymeric reagents used to form the conjugates include at least one of each the following: an aromatic moiety comprising an ionizable hydrogen atom, a spacer moiety, and a water-soluble polymer. Methods of making polymeric reagents and conjugates, as well as methods for administering conjugates and compositions, are also provided.

Abstract: A phosphor-containing drug activator and suspension thereof are provided. The suspension at least includes two or more phosphors capable of emitting ultraviolet and visible light upon interaction with x-rays. The two or more phosphors include Zn2SiO4:M12+ and (3Ca3 (PO4)2Ca(F, Cl)2:Sb3*, Mn2+) at a ratio NP-200:GTP-4300 of from 1:10 to 10:1, and each of the two phosphors have an ethylene cellulose coating and/or a diamond-like carbon coating. The suspension further includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A method for sustained delivery of an agent to an ocular organ in a subject, comprising topically delivering to the ocular surface a liquid thermoresponsive hydrogel comprising agent-loaded polymer microparticles, wherein the agent is sustainably released for a period of at least five days.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprise a 1-ADP-heptose conjugate and may include an immunogen or an immune checkpoint inhibitor, and are used to promote an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides amphiphilic telodendrimers that aggregate to form nanocarriers characterized by a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic exterior. The nanocarrier core may include amphiphilic functionality such as cholic acid or cholic acid derivatives, and the exterior may include branched or linear poly(ethylene glycol) segments. Nanocarrier cargo such as hydrophobic drugs and other materials may be sequester in the core via non-covalent means or may be covalently bound to the telodendrimer building blocks. Telodendrimer structure may be tailored to alter loading properties, interactions with materials such as biological membranes, and other characteristics.

Abstract: Systems, techniques and methods for estimating the metabolic state or flux, e.g., the body energy state (“BES”) of a patient, are disclosed. The BES provides deep insight into the nutritional needs of the patient, thus allowing for a sort of exquisite glycemic control with regard to the patient. The invention discloses systems and methods for estimating fractional gluconeogenesis, which is the % of glucose production that comes from gluconeogenesis (“GNG”), as opposed to glycogenolysis (“GLY”), the other form of glucose production. Nutritional formulations, materials, cocktails and methods for feeding patients by parenteral and other means are disclosed. The amount, type and rate of such nutritional feeding are typically based upon the above estimating. The invention discloses formulations that contain labels, such as deuterium, for medical diagnostics, such as for estimating BES and fractional gluconeogenesis.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) an acyl isethionate surfactant; (b) a cationic polymer; and (c) a water insoluble benefit agent: wherein the composition comprises less than 3 wt % amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants.

Abstract: An MRI contrast composition includes a liposome and a europium metal complex disposed within the liposome. The europium metal complex includes a europium metal ion and a multi-dentate ligand selected from the group consisting of cryptands and thiacryptands and one or more counter-ions that balances a charge of the europium metal ion and the multi-dentate ligand, the europium metal ion being switchable between a 2÷ and 3÷ oxidation state. The contrast composition advantageously provides an oxidation-responsive dual-mode contrast agent because it would enhance either T1-weighted images or CEST images depending on the oxidation state of Eu.

Abstract: Biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles may include: a biocompatible polymer and/or functional metal nanostructures. The biocompatible polymer may be a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The functional metal nanostructures may include at least one noble metal, at least one magnetic metal oxide, or mixtures thereof. The biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles may have an average size less than or equal to 200 nanometers (nm).

Abstract: A Cu(I)-Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloadditions (CuAAC) ligand comprising: a catalytic core; a fluorous tag; and a linker binding the fluorous tag to the catalytic core. A method for carrying out a Cu(I)-Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition reaction, comprising: combining in a solution an alkyne-tagged component, an azide-tagged component and a Cu(I)-Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloadditions (CuAAC) ligand comprising: a catalytic core; a fluorous tag; and a linker binding the fluorous tag to the catalytic core; filtering the solution through a solid phase extraction filter to remove Cu(I)-ligand catalyst and/or excess ligand.

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: Compounds are synthesized with bicyclic amidinate ligands attached to one or more metal atoms. These compounds are useful for the synthesis of materials containing metals. Examples include pure metals, metal alloys, metal oxides, metal nitrides, metal phosphides, metal sulfides, metal selenides, metal tellurides, metal borides, metal carbides, metal silicides and metal germanides. Techniques for materials synthesis include vapor deposition (chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition), liquid solution methods (sol-gel and precipitation) and solid-state pyrolysis. Copper metal films are formed on heated substrates by the reaction of copper(I) bicyclic amidinate vapor and hydrogen gas, whereas reaction with water vapor produces copper oxide. Silver and gold films were deposited on surfaces by reaction of their respective bicyclic amidinate vapors with hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising: (a) at least one botanical butter; (b) at least one alkaline agent comprising at least one primary amino group and at least three hydroxyl groups; (c) at least one wax; and (d) water. The composition according to the present invention does not produce NDELA, because it does not need to use TEA, but it can provide keratin fibers such as eyelashes with enhanced or improved cosmetic effects or properties, such as excellent volumizing effects (e.g., the thickness of keratin fibers is increased) and even application effects (e.g., the composition can be applied evenly onto keratin fibers to clean appearance of the keratin fibers).

Abstract: Provided are aromatic compounds, phospholipid-polymer-aromatic conjugates comprising the aromatic compounds, and liposome compositions including the phospholipid-polymer-aromatic conjugates. The liposomal compositions may be useful for imaging of Alzheimer's Disease, for example, imaging of the amyloid-? plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: A microneedle using a biodegradable metal is represented by Chemical Formula 1 and is absorbed and degraded after subcutaneous or epithelial insertion to thus release metal ions and degradation products into the body. In Chemical Formula 1, a, b, and c represent wt % of respective ingredients, a+b+c=100 wt %, a or b has the highest value in the range of 0?a?100, 0?b?100, and 0?c?10, and X is one or more selected from the group consisting of Ca, Fe, Mn, Si, Na, Zr, Ce, and P.

Abstract: A hydrogel marker is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the marker. The elastic limit of the marker is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the marker substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated marker is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of treating hypertension (HTN) in patients in need thereof wherein the patient optionally further suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD) or Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The invention also relates to methods of treating hyperkalemia in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient suffers from CKD, T2DM or HTN and are optionally being treated with an effective amount of a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) agent. The invention also relates to methods of treating kidney disease in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient is optionally being treated with an effective amount of a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) agent. The methods can comprise administering an effective amount of a potassium-binding agent to the patient to lower the patient's blood pressure and/or increase or stabilize the patient's kidney function.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a red blood cell (RBC) having non-toxically coupled thereto a nanoparticle having a low shear modulus or low Young's modulus of less than 10 MPa and containing a drug are provided. In one embodiment, the nanoparticles are optionally coated with protein. In another embodiment, the nanoparticle has no cell-specific targeting moiety or tissue-specific targeting moiety or organ-specific targeting moiety associated therewith. Methods of delivering selected drugs to target organs use these compositions both in vivo and ex vivo treatment of disease and for imaging.