Abstract: An anti-IL-12 antibody that binds to a portion of the IL-12 protein corresponding to at least one amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of residues 15, 17-21, 23, 40-43, 45-47, 54-56 and 58-62 of the amino acid sequence of the p40 subunit of IL-12, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-IL-12 antibody, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: The subject invention identifies CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) as a novel biomarker for diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and/or neurodegeneration in the brain. The subject invention also provides treatment methods for traumatic brain injury and/or neurodegeneration in the brain by modulating systemic and/or brain-specific CCL20-CCR6 signaling. Also provided are uses of CCL20-CCR6 signaling a target for screening for therapeutic agents that are useful for treatment of traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are combinatorial therapies for treating or preventing reoccurrence of cancer. The therapies involve inhibition of LIMK1 in conjunction with taxane therapy. Specifically exemplified herein is co-administration of a LIMK1 RNA interfering molecule along with administration of a taxane.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the modulation of hepatocyte growth factor activity to regulate lymphatic vessel development and function. Methods and composition for the monitoring and treatment of skin disorders, lymphedema, and metastatic cancers are disclosed. Also described are methods of identifying inhibitors of hepatocyte growth factor dependent lymphangiogenesis.

Abstract: The invention provides active and passive immunization methods for preventing and treating Clostridium difficile infection, which involve percutaneous administration of C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin, C. difficile toxoids, or combinations thereof. Also provided by the invention are C. difficile toxoids, C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin, and methods of identifying subjects that produce C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising immunoglobulin for use in the treatment of mucositis by topical application. In particular, the invention relates to compositions comprising J chain-containing IgA and secretory component for the treatment of mucositis.

Abstract: The current invention provides high-affinity antibodies to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PcrV protein that have reduced immunogenicity when administered to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

Abstract: Novel methods of classifying subjects as candidates for treatment with a cancer associated mesenchymal cell, tumor initiating cancer cell, or cancer stem cell inhibitor treatment and subsequent administration of the cancer associated mesenchymal cell, tumor initiating cancer cell, or cancer stem cell inhibitor are disclosed within.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel benzodiazepine derivatives with antiproliferative activity and more specifically to novel benzodiazepines of formula (I) and (II), in which the diazepine ring (B) is fused with a heterocyclic ring (CD), wherein the heterocyclic ring is bicyclic or a compound of formula (III), in which the diazepine ring (B) is fused with a heterocyclic ring (C), wherein the heterocyclic ring is monocyclic. The invention provides cytotoxic dimers of these compounds. The invention also provides conjugates of the monomers and the dimers. The invention further provides compositions and methods useful for inhibiting abnormal cell growth or treating a proliferative disorder in a mammal using the compounds or conjugates of the invention. The invention further relates to methods of using the compounds or conjugates for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis or treatment of mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to LRP6 constructs that bind to LRP6 receptor. The LRP6 constructs comprise at least one LRP6 binding moiety and a half-life extender molecule such that the LRP6 construct inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway without potentiation of the Wnt signal. The LRP6 constructs also have an increased half-life to provide more time for the therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: The present application relates to new binder-drug conjugates (ADCs) of N,N-dialkylauristatins that are directed against the target C4.4a, to active metabolites of these ADCs, to processes for preparing these ADCs, to the use of these ADCs for treating and/or preventing illnesses, and also to the use of these ADCs for producing medicaments for treating and/or preventing illnesses, more particularly hyperproliferative and/or angiogenic diseases such as, for example, cancer diseases. Such treatments may be practised as a monotherapy or else in combination with other medicaments or further therapeutic measures.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for activation and expansion of T cells using a biocompatible solid substrate with tunable rigidity. Rigidity of a substrate is an important parameter that can be used to control the overall expansion and differentiation of T cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant baculovirus comprising: (a) a nucleotide sequence encoding a foreign virus envelope protein; (b) a first promoter operatively linked to the envelope-encoding nucleotide sequence; (c) a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen protein; and (d) a second promoter operatively linked to the antigen-encoding nucleotide sequence; and a vaccine composition using the same. The recombinant baculovirus of the present invention has an excellent efficacy on both humoral and cellular immune responses against a specific antigen (e.g., HPV L1), enabling to function as a more efficient DNA vaccine.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F proteins, polypeptides and protein complexes that comprise one or more cross-links to stabilize the protein, polypeptide or protein complex in its pre-fusion conformation. In some embodiments the present invention provides RSV F proteins, polypeptides and protein complexes comprising one or more mutations to facilitate such cross-linking. In some embodiments the present invention provides compositions comprising such proteins, polypeptides or protein complexes, including vaccine compositions, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro FeLV antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against FeLV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or FeLV polypeptides, methods of vaccination against FeLV, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic compositions against Campylobacter and methods for using the immunogenic composition to generate an immune response against Campylobacter and/or reduce intestinal colonization by Campylobacter.

Abstract: The invention provides mutants of GAS57 (Spy0416) which are unable to cleave IL-8 and similar substrates but which still maintain the ability to induce protection against S. pyogenes. The invention also provides antibodies which specifically bind to GAS57 and which inhibit its ability to cleave IL-8 and similar substrates. The mutants are useful, inter alia, in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. pyogenes. The antibodies are useful, e.g., as therapeutics for treating S. pyogenes infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunomodulatory compound comprising a carbohydrate polymer comprising mannose, wherein the carbohydrate polymer is conjugated to at least one immune modulator. The present invention also provides for the use of this compound in immunomodulatory compositions for vaccination and gene therapy methods, together with processes for its preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multiple novel approaches for the generation of an immune response in an animal, such as a human, using lentivirus-based vector technology. The invention provides for the ability to mimic the efficacy of a live attenuated (LA) vaccine, without exposing the patient to the risk of disease as possible with some LA vaccines. The invention thus provides for systems of complementary conditionally replicating vectors, vectors that produce replication deficient virus like particles, and multi-antigen constructs that target a virus or microbial pathogen. The use of these materials in the practice of the invention permits the generation of robust cellular and humoral responses to the antigens presented thereby.

Abstract: The development of a computationally optimized influenza HA protein that elicits broadly reactive immune response to all H5N1 influenza virus isolates is described. The optimized HA protein was developed through a series of HA protein alignments, and subsequent generation of consensus sequences, for clade 2 H5N1 influenza virus isolates. The final consensus HA amino acid sequence was reverse translated and optimized for expression in mammalian cells. Influenza virus-like particles containing the optimized HA protein are an effective vaccine against H5N1 influenza virus infection in animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing dried formulations of biopharmaceutical agents that aim to minimize the loss of activity of the agents upon drying and to provide dried formulations with an extended shelf life. The method comprises the step of drying an aqueous solution comprising, in addition to the biopharmaceutical agent, at least an amino acid, a polyol and a metal salt. Preferably the amino acid is glutamate, the polyol is sorbitol and optionally also mannitol and the metal salt is a magnesium salt. The solution is dried by vacuum drying or by lyophilization. The methods are particularly useful for preparing dried formulations of viruses such as poliovirus or respiratory syncytial virus to be used for vaccination. The invention also relates to dried formulations prepared in accordance with the methods of the invention and to their use as medicaments, e.g. as vaccines.

Abstract: The efficacy of rabies vaccines can be enhanced by adjuvanting rabies virus immunogens with a mixture of a TLR agonist (preferably a TLR7 agonist) and an insoluble metal salt (preferably an aluminium salt). The TLR agonist is typically adsorbed to the metal salt. The rabies virus immunogen can also be adsorbed to the metal salt.

Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic compositions and methods for systemic immune activation which are effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in mammals. The methods are particularly effective for protecting mammals from herpes simplex virus.

Abstract: Establishment of an effective and uniform vaccine development strategy is key to conquering current and emerging infectious diseases. Despite successes against an array of bacterial agents, current approaches to vaccine development are as diverse as the microbes they target and require adjuvants that often have limited efficacy and/or toxic side effects. As a consequence, vaccine discovery is often slow, inefficient, and unsuccessful in the case of many high priority pathogens. The present disclosure suggests that vaccine generation for bacterial pathogens can be improved by optimizing the efficiency of processing/presentation of a bacterial immunogen via the targeting of immunogen to CR2 and/or TLR2 on APCs. This approach not only yields an adjuvant-free mucosal vaccine against a Category A biothreat agent, but also establishes a novel genetic approach/platform for vaccine development, which is applicable to many other infectious agents, thereby profoundly impacting preventive medicine/public health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one mRNA comprising at least one coding region for at least one antigen from a tumour, in combination with an aqueous solvent and preferably a cytokine, e.g. GM-CSF, and a process for the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition. The pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is used in particular for therapy and/or prophylaxis against cancer.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a means for proliferating a monocyte with high efficiency and in a simple manner. The present invention provides a proliferating agent for a monocyte, which consists of at least one component selected from Flt-3L, IL-3 and IFN-? and can be used before a treatment for differentiation of a monocyte into a dendritic cell. The present invention also provides a culture medium for use in the proliferation of a monocyte, which contains at least one component selected from Flt-3L, IL-3 and IFN-? and can be used before a treatment for differentiation of a monocyte into a dendritic cell. The culture medium for use in the proliferation of a monocyte according to the present invention may contain GM-CSF.

Abstract: Methods of making activated immunostimulatory cell compositions, activated immunostimulatory cell compositions, and methods of using those compositions to stimulate therapeutic immune responses to tumors are described.

Abstract: Markers useful for the identification, characterization and, optionally, the enrichment or isolation of tumorigenic cells or cell subpopulations are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fermenting soy flour in the solid state in order to reduce non-starch polysaccharides and alpha-galactosides, said method comprising the following steps: a) preparation of the fermentation substrate; b) inoculation of the substrate with selected celluloytic bacterial strains; c) incubation; and, optionally, d) drying of the product, which generates a product with: an increase in protein of between 12 and 15% compared to non-fermented soy flour, degradation of the alpha-galactosides of more than 90% compared to non-fermented soy flour, a reduction in non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) of between 15 and 25%, an amino acid profile similar to that of non-fermented soy flour, and immune-stimulating effects.

Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to the use of certain ingenol derivatives as HIV reactivators of latent HIV virus in viral reservoirs. In another aspect, the present invention relates to an association comprising such ingenol derivatives and antiretroviral agents substantially active against actively replicating virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides, compositions, devices; and methods for affecting, among other things, weight loss and/or weight control, by sequestering nutrients or other compounds such as toxins from absorption in the digestive tract. The compositions, devices, and methods employ one or more members made of a compressible, absorbent matrix material. In various embodiments, the matrix material is suitable for routine use. The compressible absorbent matrix material has a size, shape and/or geometry configured for efficient packing into a small space, and/or configured to absorb and substantially retain digested material in the stomach. The devices and compositions may further comprise one or more hydrogel(s), soluble or insoluble fibers, waxes and/or gums to provide the desired mechanical properties and/or absorptive or shielding properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to the pharmaceutical and food industries, to medicine, and in particular, to biologically active food supplements, and describes the process of obtaining an adsorbed drone brood, and the composition thereof that ensures the preservation and stabilization of all biological properties of the drone brood over a long period (up to three years), which makes it possible to organize the mass production of drone brood-based products.

Abstract: Injectable insulin loaded microgels that are capable of modifying the amount of insulin released based on the patient's tissue glucose levels, methods for making and using these compositions have been developed. The microgels contain insulin, glucose oxidase entrapped in or bound to the microgels, and an agent that reduces hydrogen peroxide, entrapped in or bound to the microgels, wherein the polymeric microgel expands when pH decreases from physiological pH and shrinks when pH increases towards physiological pH, thereby releasing insulin at a rate corresponding to the glucose concentration. In one embodiment, the glucose oxidase and/or the agent reducing hydrogen peroxide are encapsulated in nanogels, then encapsulated within the microgel.

Abstract: The invention discloses a polymer micro-needle array chip, comprising a substrate and a micro-needle array standing thereon; the material for preparing the micro-needle array is a polyacrylamides polymer, with the molecular weight of 1.0×104-2.0×105, the Vickers hardness of 150-600 HV, and the impact strength of 5-30 J/m. The polymer micro-needle array chip has a high mechanical strength and a sharp needle tip, and it can easily dissolve or swell on contact with a water-containing environment, which helps the drug to be released slowly in the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amino silicone nanoemulsions. More specifically, the present invention relates to amino silicone nanoemulsions that may be used to protect surfaces from being soiled or wetted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amino silicone nanoemulsions. More specifically, the present invention relates to amino silicone nanoemulsions that may be used to protect surfaces from being soiled or wetted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid composition that is especially in the form of a product cast as a stick or in acupel, the said composition having an outer surface, and containing one or more magnetic bodies (1) of non-zero magnetic susceptibility, the said solid composition being characterized in that these magnetic bodies (1) are on at least part of the said outer surface non-randomly oriented in the solid composition so as to form on the said outer surface one or more pattern(s) (5).

Abstract: An edible product and method for making an edible product including a core composition having at least one outer surface and at least one edible, three dimensional object secured to the at least one outer surface, where the object includes a binder material and a deliverable component selected from the group consisting of flavors, colors, sweeteners, actives, sensates, effervescent components, and combinations thereof. Also, a method for delivery of at least one deliverable component including placing such products in the mouth of a user and releasing the deliverable component from the edible, three dimensional object.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition, comprising the following components (A), (B), (C), and (D): (A) from 0.01 to 48% by mass of a fluorine-modified silicone having a polysiloxane unit represented by the following formulae (1) and (2): wherein, Rf represents a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group having 6 carbon atoms; R1, R2, and R3 are the same or different and each represent a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; m represents a number of 2 to 6; n represents a number of 1 to 6; p represents a number of 3 to 50; s represents a number of 1 to 5; and a ratio between p and s satisfies 0.66?p/(p+s)?0.9, (B) from 0.01 to 40% by mass of a powder having been subjected to a surface treatment with tridecafluoro octyltriethoxysilane, (C) from 0.

Abstract: A dispersion including a plurality of bodies dispersed in a continuous phase. Each dispersed body including an internal drop formed with an internal phase miscible with the continuous phase, the internal drop (16) receiving an active product. Each dispersed body including, around the internal drop, a membrane formed with an intermediate phase immiscible with the continuous phase and totally surrounding the internal drop. The ratio R1 of the average thickness (e) of the membrane over the average transverse dimension (Dc) of the active volume delimited by the internal drop and the membrane is greater than 0.05, and is advantageously less than 0.5. The ratio R2 of the partition coefficient of the active product between the intermediate phase forming the membrane and the internal phase forming the internal drop over the viscosity of the membrane is less than 1 s?1·Pa?1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic composition that is stable, not sticky when used, has excellent moisture and smoothness, and maintains the effects for a long time without deterioration due to washing and/or sweating. Specifically, the present invention provides a cosmetic composition that comprises: (i) a polyalkylene oxide-modified product obtained by reacting a polyalkylene oxide compound, a diol compound, and a diisocyanate compound; and (ii) water or a lower alcohol aqueous solution, wherein the cosmetic composition comprises 0.3 mass % or more polyalkylene oxide-modified product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension of cerium oxide particles, of which the particles (secondary particles) have an average size of at most 200 nm, these secondary particles consisting of primary particles whose average size measured by TEM is of at most 150 nm with a standard deviation of at most 30% of the value of said average size, and for which the ratio of the average size measured by TEM to the average size measured by BET is at least 1.5. This suspension is prepared from a solution of a cerium III salt, comprising a colloidal dispersion of cerium IV, which is brought into contact, in the presence of nitrate ions and under an inert atmosphere, with a base; the medium obtained is subjected to a thermal treatment under an inert atmosphere and then acidified and washed. The suspension can be used for polishing.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a technology that helps a person with ordinary skills in the art to find, evaluate and produce the perfect silver bullet for safely exterminating unwanted and pathogenic and deadly organisms while contributing positively to a sustainable future ecosystem for all living things and Mother Earth. This advanced, innovative and unique state-of-the-art method enables anyone (including persons with ordinary skills in the art) attempting to discover, identify, select and produce desirable biocidal bioavailable pure silver particles and ions that are indefinitely clear, non-toxic, safe, ultra-small (size=0.04-0.99 mnm mini-nanometers) antimicrobial solutions for pure liquid or atomized (air borne gaseous silver particles produced by a spritzer, atomizer or fogger) implementation that are customized for completely annihilating specific targeted unwanted, pathogenic, deadly and/or disease causing organisms.

Abstract: A block copolymer comprising a fluorinated block and a non-fluorinated block and method of making the block copolymer are provided. Also provided herein are a coating on an implantable device comprising the block copolymer and method of using the implantable device.

Abstract: A method for repairing an injury of cartilage in a patient by local administration of an organovanadium agent or use of an implantable device for delivery of an organovanadium agent. Implantable devices containing an organovanadium agent and methods of making these implantable devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An amorphous PDLLA stent coating for drug delivery is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a PLGA (poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)) cell scaffold. The cell scaffold is based on a PLGA scaffold, which is an FDA-approved material with no cytotoxicity, and overcomes the problem with conventional PLGA scaffolds of poor cell adhesion.

Abstract: A composition comprising a synthetic growth factor analogue comprising a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a linker and a sequence that binds specifically to a cell surface receptor and an osteoconductive material where the synthetic growth factor analogue is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the regeneration, reconstruction, augmentation or replacement of luminal organs or tissue structures in a subject in need using scaffolds seeded with autologous or non-autologous cell populations that are or are not derived from the corresponding organ or tissue structure that is the subject of the regeneration, reconstruction, augmentation or replacement.