Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) of a mammal that has been subjected to a stroke, traumatic injury to the CNS such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), or having an autoimmune or CNS disease have been developed. The compositions and methods described herein include antibodies that specifically bind to at least one component (e.g., ASC, NALP1) in a mammalian inflammasome (e.g., the NALP1 inflammasome) and have use as treatments for SCI, TBI, stroke, and autoimmune and CNS diseases in a mammal. In a rodent model of SCI, therapeutic neutralization of ASC using a polyclonal antibody that specifically binds to ASC inhibited the inflammasome, reduced caspase-1 activation, XIAP cleavage, and interleukin processing, resulting in significant tissue sparing and functional improvement. Additionally, in a rodent model of TBI, neutralization of ASC after TBI reduced caspase-1 activation and XIAP cleavage.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of treating cancer, tumors, and neoplasias by administering ionizing radiation and an anti-DLL4 antibody or a DLL4-binding fragment.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof, that bind to hemagglutinin and neutralize infection of at least two different group 1 subtypes or at least two different group 2 subtypes of influenza A virus. The invention also relates to nucleic acids that encode, immortalized B cells and cultured single plasma cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of influenza A virus infection.

Abstract: Interaction between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGFI) and integrin is involved in integrin-mediated cellular signaling, such as enhanced proliferation of cells expressing integrins, especially integrin alpha v beta 3, alpha 6 beta. 1 and alpha 6. beta. 4. A method for inhibiting integrin signaling by using an inhibitor of IGFI-integrin binding is disclosed A method for identifying inhibitors of IGFI-integrin binding is also described. Further disclosed are polypeptides, nucleic acids, and corresponding compositions for inhibiting integrin signaling.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of subjects with cognitive or neuropsychiatric impairment induced by substance addiction and for increasing cognitive function in a subject with substance addiction. In some embodiments, the methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule including covalently linked first, second, and third domains; wherein the first domain is an MHC class II ?1 domain and the second domain is an MHC class II ?1 domain; or wherein the first domain is an MHC class I ?1 domain and the second domain is an MHC class I ?2 domain; and wherein the third domain is covalently linked to the first domain and comprises an antigen of the central or peripheral nervous system.

Abstract: Plants are produced that express an amino acid sequence that, when administered to a fish, produce an antigenic or immune response in the fish. The amino acid sequence in one embodiment is an antigen from an organism that causes pathology in fish. The plant tissue may be fed to the fish, or mixed with other materials and fed to fish, or extracted and administered to the fish.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated and purified heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The instant invention is also directed to a vaccine against Ehrlichia comprising a peptide homologous to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The instant invention is also directed to an antibody directed against a peptide homologous to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The instant invention is also directed to a method of determining whether a subject is infected with Ehrlichia, comprising the steps of: contacting a sample from a subject with the antibody described herein; and detecting a resulting antibody reaction, wherein a positive reaction indicates the subject is infected with Ehrlichia.

Abstract: Genetic constructs that comprise a coding sequence for HIV-1 Rev, and a coding sequence for a desired protein are disclosed. Compositions that comprise at least two nucleic acid molecules in which at least one nucleic acid molecule comprises a coding sequence for HIV-1 Rev, and at least one nucleic acid molecule comprises a coding sequence for a desired protein are disclosed. In such genetic constructs and compositions comprising nucleic acid molecules, the coding sequence for the desired protein comprises at least a portion of coding sequence for an HIV structural protein that includes an RRE and at least one CTE. Methods of inducing an immune response against an immunogen in an individual, methods of delivering proteins to an individual and methods of producing proteins are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) a B subunit of Shiga toxin or a functional equivalent thereof which is able to bind the Gb3 receptor, complexed with an antigen and b) at least one ligand of CDI capable of stimulating NK T cells; and to a pharmaceutical composition and a medicament comprising said composition.

Abstract: There is provided a T cell-based universal influenza vaccine including internal genes capable of preparing against infection by broad hetero-subtypic influenza viruses, and thereby preparing for unpredictable epidemic influenza. The present invention selected internal genes of the consensus sequence obtained from bird, pig, and human influenza isolates in order to develop the T cell-based universal flu vaccine. The T cell-based universal flu vaccine according to the present invention is characterized by including at least one CTL epitope, by containing a plurality of internal genes and using the entire sequence of the internal gene itself. The T cell-based universal flu vaccine can achieve broad defense in infection with hetero-subtypic influenza viruses.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel recombinant polypeptide antigens that may comprise subunit vaccines against rotavirus infection. Further, the present invention relates to methods for use of said antigens in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of rotavirus infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel, isolated and purified hemorrhagic feline calicivirus FCV-DD1. The invention further embraces monovalent and multivalent vaccines containing the new FCV-DD1 strain. In addition, the invention encompasses methods of protecting felines against infection or preventing disease caused by feline calicivirus alone or in addition to other pathogens that comprises administering to the felines an immunologically effective amount of the monovalent and multivalent vaccines described herein. Also, the invention concerns methods for diagnosing or detecting the hemorrhagic feline calicivirus in a susceptible host, asymptomatic carrier and the like by detecting the presence of feline calicivirus FCV-DD1 or antibodies raised or produced against feline calicivirus FCV-DD1 antigen.

Abstract: The invention relates to Pasteurella multocida mutants capable of providing heterologous protection against infection caused by virulent P. multocida . Said mutants are defective in fur ompH and fur ompH galE genes. The invention relates to Pasteurella multocida bacteria vaccine compositions containing fur ompH double mutants and fur ompH galE triple mutants obtained from P. multocida , or an extract of iron-regulated outer-membrane proteins (IROMPs) obtained from said mutants, and to an excipient and/or pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants.

Abstract: Infraorbital dark circles can be treated by administration of a botulinum toxin to a patient. The botulinum toxin can be botulinum toxin type A and the botulinum toxin can be administered to or to the vicinity of an eye of a patient with infraorbital dark circles.

Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem and currently, the only licensed TB vaccine is Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (M. bovis BCG). In the present invention, mutation of mycobacterial components reportedly involved in phagosome maturation inhibition was evaluated for vaccine purposes, as such mutations should result in better vaccine antigen processing and presentation. Thus, BCG mutants in genes coding for ManLAM capping ?-1,2-mannosyltransferases and the PI3P phosphatase SapM were evaluated as TB vaccines in a stringent mouse model. Vaccination with both ManLAM capping mutants and the SapM mutant resulted in significantly longer survival as compared to non-vaccinated mice, whereas vaccination with the parental BCG did not. Moreover, mice vaccinated with the SapM mutant survived significantly longer than mice vaccinated with the parental BCG.

Abstract: Methods for inducing an immune response to a tumor in a subject are disclosed herein. These methods include selecting a subject with a tumor and administering a therapeutically effective amount of apoptotic tumor cells conjugated to a CpG oligodexoynucleotide (ODN) to the subject. In some embodiments, the CpG ODN is a K-type or a D-type CpG ODN. Methods for treating a tumor in a subject are also disclosed herein. These methods include selecting a subject with a tumor and administering a therapeutically effective amount of apoptotic tumor cells conjugated to a CpG oligodexoynucleotide (ODN) to the subject. In some embodiments, the tumor cells are autologous. In additional embodiments, the tumor is a lymphoma, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer or a lung cancer.

Abstract: Encapsulation of and binding to pegylated bioactive molecules via functionalized comb, block, branched type polymers formed by nitroxide mediated controlled radical polymerization is disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides novel compounds and methods for preparing and using these compounds. These compounds are useful in treating pain, itch, overactive bladder and/or interstitial cystitis in patients by administering one or more of the compounds to a patient. The methods include administering a compound of formula (I) and a TRPV1 receptor activator. In one embodiment, the TRPV1 receptor activator is lidocaine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, a colorant comprising an inorganic fibrous matrix with tunnels and organic dye compounds incorporated at least partially in said tunnels, said compounds being selected from the indigoids, and present in an amount such that the weight ratio of colorant to matrix is greater than or equal to 0.028. The invention also relates to a method of cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials, comprising the application of said cosmetic composition.

Abstract: Personal care compositions are provided that include acidified pectins at a concentration of about 2 to about 5% by weight. The acidified pectin includes a low ester pectin with a degree of esterification of about 30 to about 50 and a pH of about 2 to about 4. Desirably, the personal care composition is characterized as a viscous, fluid gel. Also provided are methods for preparing personal care compositions and methods for the use of personal care formulations.

Abstract: A wound spacer device comprising multiple beads connected by non-absorbable suture material is disclosed. The device can be applied, for example, by a first responder to an injured individual, or can be applied by a trauma treatment facility, such as a Level 2 medical unit. In typical embodiments the device allows for site-specific controlled elution of an antimicrobial agent, such as Tobramycin, including defined elution over a period of time, such as 48 or 72 hours.

Abstract: This invention relates to a “high lower alcohol content” (>40% v/v of a C1-4 alcohol) liquid composition able to be dispensed as a stable foam with the use of non-propellant foam dispensing devices from non-pressurized containers. The liquid compositions comprise a C1-4 alcohol, (>40% v/v), a silicone-based surfactant of at least 0.001% by weight for foaming to prepare a foamable composition, 0-10% w/w of additional minor components added to obtain the desired performance (a foamable composition), and the balance being purified water. The compositions may include emulsifier-emollients and mosturizers, secondary surfactants, foam stabilizers, fragrances, antimicrobial agents, other type of medicinal ingredients, and the like ingredients or additives or combinations thereof commonly added to alcohol gels or foams, aerosol compositions or to toiletries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and the like.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this document concerns controlling mealybugs.

Abstract: A method of preparing antimicrobial-containing polymeric products is provided, the method involving electrospinning a dispersion comprising a dispersible polymer, a fiberizing polymer, and one or more antimicrobial agents. The electrospun material is heated to remove solvent and the fiberizing polymer, giving a nonwoven polymeric material having antimicrobial agent incorporated therein. The material can be in the form of, for example, a non-woven sheet, tube, or covering.

Abstract: Microcapsules possessing Lewis acid-Lewis base salt walls incorporate water-immiscible materials, such as N,N-di-ethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), as a core component. Such microcapsules, or similar microcapsules incorporating other core components, may be made by emulsifying a water-immiscible core component in an aqueous solution of one wall-forming reactant, such as the Lewis base, and then mixing that solution with the other wall-forming reactant, such as the Lewis acid. Various adjuvants may be included with the core component to contribute additional characteristics, such as enhancement of a controlled release characteristic or improved mechanical stability.

Abstract: Silk is purified to eliminate immunogenic components (particularly sericin) and is used to form fabric that is used to form tissue-supporting prosthetic devices for implantation. The fabrics can carry functional groups, drugs, and other biological reagents. Applications include hernia repair, tissue wall reconstruction, and organ support, such as bladder slings. The silk fibers are arranged in parallel and, optionally, intertwined (e.g., twisted) to form a construct; sericin may be extracted at any point during the formation of the fabric, leaving a construct of silk fibroin fibers having excellent tensile strength and other mechanical properties.

Abstract: A medical device for placement in a body of a mammal is provided. The medical device comprises (1) a polymeric matrix forming the device and defining a lumen through the device, the matrix comprising polymer macromolecules and defining spaces between the polymer macromolecules; (2) a drug contained within at least some of the spaces of the matrix; and (3) a material contained within at least some of the spaces of the matrix to affect diffusion of the drug out of the polymeric matrix when the medical device is placed in the body of the mammal.

Abstract: A method of making a therapeutic composition, as well as the therapeutic composition so made, is disclosed. The method comprises mixing a hydrophobic drug with an aqueous buffer solution and adding a surfactant to the aqueous buffer solution to form the therapeutic composition. A implantable medical device with the therapeutic composition and a method of making a coating for an implantable medical device containing the therapeutic composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Shaped, composite bodies are provided. One portion of the shaped bodies comprises an RPR-derived porous inorganic material, preferably a calcium phosphate. Another portion of the composite bodies is a different solid material, preferably metal, glass, ceramic or polymeric. The shaped bodies are especially suitable for orthopaedic and other surgical use.

Abstract: A aliphatic polyester polymer for stent coating is described.

Abstract: Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, and the coatings comprise biologically absorbable poly(ester amides).

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to tissue graft combination biomaterials capable of controlled release of bioactive agents or pharmaceutically active agents through a rate-controlling polymer coating encapsulating the graft material, methods for preparing same, methods of controlled release using same, and methods for treating tissue defects. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbable coating for an implantable device and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of open and closed wound spinal cord injuries are disclosed. For example, described herein are devices and methods for mitigating secondary injury to, and promoting recovery of, spinal cord primary injuries. More particularly, certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to polymeric mini-tubes that may be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. In addition, other embodiments are directed to polymeric “fill-in” bandages that may be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. For example, an erodible, or biodegradable, form of biocompatible polymer of the present invention is fabricated for surgical implantation into the site of the spinal cord injury.

Abstract: Biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 50 days and one year, or longer.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydroxyflavanones, their salts and stereoisomers and their mixtures for suppressing or reducing the bitter and/or metallic taste impression. In addition, the invention relates to nutritional, nutritive or consumable preparations or oral pharmaceutical compositions, characterized in that these have an active content of hydroxyflavanones, their salts and stereoisomers or their mixtures.

Abstract: The invention relates to the film products and methods of their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Desirably the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film.

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods, compositions, and kits which are useful for weight management benefits in the mammal. Each of the methods, compositions, and kits utilize an added boron source.

Abstract: The invention features novel topical ophthalmic formulations comprising an osmotically active agent and a vasoconstrictor. Suitable osmotically active agents for use in the ophthalmic formulations of the invention include, without limitation, sodium chloride, dextrose, glycerine, sucrose, mannitol, and sorbitol; suitable vasoconstritors include, without limitation, naphazoline and oxymetazoline. Also provided are methods of using the ophthalmic formulations of the invention for the treatment and prevention of eyelid swelling by administering the ophthalmic formulations of the invention to the eye surface of a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoliposome comprising a liposome membrane containing esterified lecithin, and one or more physiologically active ingredients included in inner space of the liposome membrane; a method for preparing the same; and a composition for preventing or treating skin diseases, comprising the same. The nanoliposome according to the present invention has long-term stability and uniformity, and so can be used to prepare a composition for skin having excellent moisturizing and penetrating properties, such as cosmetics, medicament for treating skin diseases, or the like. In particular, the present composition for preventing or treating skin diseases comprises epidermal growth factor included in the nanoliposome, thereby showing an excellent effect of stimulating skin-penetration and good pharmaceutical stability.

Abstract: The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capsule containing an inhalable powder composition wherein the composition comprises about 75% by weight or more levodopa, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and a salt characterized by a working density of less than about 100 g/L. The invention further provides a capsule containing an inhalable powder composition wherein the composition comprises about 75% by weight or more levodopa, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and a salt characterized by a working density of less than about 100 g/L wherein the capsule material comprises hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A sequestering subunit comprising an aversive agent and a blocking agent, wherein the blocking agent substantially prevents release of the aversive agent from the sequestering subunit in the gastrointestinal tract for a time period that is greater than 24 hours; a composition comprising a sequestering subunit in releasable form, wherein, optionally, the mechanical fragility of the sequestering subunit is the same as the mechanical fragility of the therapeutic agent in releasable form; a capsule or tablet comprising a sequestering subunit and a therapeutic agent; and a method of preventing abuse of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A sequestering subunit comprising an aversive agent and a blocking agent, wherein the blocking agent substantially prevents release of the aversive agent from the sequestering subunit in the gastrointestinal tract for a time period that is greater than 24 hours; a composition comprising a sequestering subunit in releasable form, wherein, optionally, the mechanical fragility of the sequestering subunit is the same as the mechanical fragility of the therapeutic agent in releasable form; a capsule or tablet comprising a sequestering subunit and a therapeutic agent; and a method of preventing abuse of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A gel mass is provided that is useful in manufacturing enteric soft or hard capsules, or enteric tablets without coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to microcapsules, and a continuous micro-encapsulation water-in-oil-in-water microencapsulation process through in situ and interfacial polymerization of the emulsion. The formulation comprises a continuous water phase having a dispersion of microcapsules which contain oil drops and wherein the inside of each oil phase drop—containing optionally oil-soluble materials—there is a dispersion of water, or aqueous extract or water dispersible material or water soluble material. The oil drops are encapsulated with a polymerisable material of natural origin. Such microcapsules are appropriated for spray-dry processes, to be used as dry powder, lyophilised, self-emulsifiable powder, gel, cream and any liquid form. The active compounds included in the microcapsules are beneficial to the health and other biological purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a misuse preventative, controlled release composition in the form of a multilayered oral dosage form. A first layer contains a plurality of controlled release microparticles having a pharmaceutically active agent (for example, an opioid analgesic) disposed therein. A second layer comprises a pharmaceutically active agent that can be the same or different from the pharmaceutically active agent in the microparticles. The composition further comprises a superabsorbent material disposed within the first layer, the second layer, or both the first layer and the second layer. When crushed, either intentionally or accidentally, and exposed to an aqueous medium, the superabsorbent material swells to encapsulate the microparticles, which remain substantially intact thereby retarding the release of the pharmaceutically active agent from the composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid dosage form comprising (i) a core comprising a benzimidazole; (ii) a separating layer comprising a water soluble polymer and glyceryl monostearate; and (iii) an enteric coating.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions with anti-obesity activity that act peripherally are provided, which comprise a premixture made up of pure orlistat as the active ingredient and other components that afford the premixture stability and suitable physical properties for simply preparing compositions for oral use with convenient dosage flexibility; and optionally necessary thickening, flavouring and colouring agents. A method for preparing said compositions is also provided. The orlistat content in the premixture is less than 20% of the total weight of the mass, preferably between 12 and 17%. The pharmaceutical composition can be formulated indistinctively from the premixture both as grooved tablets and powder for suspension.