Abstract: Intact, bacterially-derived minicells can safely introduce therapeutically effective amounts of plasmid-free functional nucleic acid to target mammalian cells. To this end, functional nucleic acid can be packaged into intact minicells directly, without resort to expression constructs, the expression machinery of the host cell, harsh chemicals or electroporation.

Abstract: Provided herein are glucagon superfamily peptides conjugated with GPCR ligands that are capable of acting at a G protein-coupled receptor. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions and kits of the conjugates of the invention. Further provided herein are methods of treating a disease, e.g., a metabolic disorder, such as diabetes and obesity, comprising administering the conjugates of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supramolecular aggregate of formula (VI) wherein A is an active substance, and X1, X2, X3 and X4, independently to each other, are a moiety of Formula (I) containing a maleimido functionalization and at least one among X1, X2, X3 and X4 is present in Formula (VI). In a preferred embodiment the maleimido-funzionalized core is PWT2. The supra-molecular aggregate can be used in the field of drugs, vaccines, as ligands for GPCR, i.e. agonists as well as antagonist, as antibiotics and as diagnostics eventually in complex with radionuclides.

Abstract: Described herein are oligosaccharide-oligonucleotide conjugates useful as vaccines against one or more human or veterinary therapeutic indications, and methods of synthesizing and identifying them. The conjugates may be identified using non-human antibodies as binding targets, thereby expanding the power and scope of the invention. Efficacious conjugates may be identified through an iterative screening process.

Abstract: The present invention provides iRNA agents comprising at least one subunit of the formula (I): wherein: A and B are each independently for each occurrence O, N(RN) or S; X and Y are each independently for each occurrence H, OH, a hydroxyl protecting group, a phosphate group, a phosphodiester group, an activated phosphate group, an activated phosphite group, a phosphoramidite, a solid support, —P(Z?)(Z?)O-nucleoside, —P(Z?)(Z?)O-oligonucleotide, a lipid, a PEG, a steroid, a lipophile, a polymer, —P(Z?)(Z?)O-Linker-OP(Z??)(Z??)O-oligonucleotide, a nucleotide, an oligonucleotide, —P(Z?)(Z?)-formula(I), —P(Z?)(Z?)— or -Linker-R; R is LG, -Linker-LG, or has the structure shown below: LG is independently for each occurrence a carbohydrate, e.g.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a new method of treating or preventing urinary incontinence in a mammal in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting a composition comprising at least one biomimetic proteoglycan with the urethral or periurethral tissue of the mammal.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for targeted delivery of active agents to cells are provided. The compositions comprise a wholly or partially double-stranded synthetic DNA carrier, and an active agent intercalated in double-stranded portions of the DNA carrier. The DNA carrier may also be linked to a targeting agent. The compositions are useful for delivering an active agent into a targeted cell type, for example a cytotoxic agent.

Abstract: Antibody drug conjugates (ADC's) that bind to CD37 protein and variants thereof are described herein. CD37 exhibits a distinct and limited expression pattern in normal adult tissue(s), and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, the ADC's of the invention in some embodiments provide a therapeutic composition for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds with a hydrophilic self-immolative linker, which is cleavable under appropriate conditions and incorporates a hydrophilic group to provide better solubility of the compound. The compounds of the present disclosure comprise a drug moiety, a targeting moiety capable of targeting a selected cell population, and a linker which contains an acyl unit, an optional spacer unit for providing distance between the drug moiety and the targeting moiety, a peptide linker which can be cleaved under appropriate conditions, a hydrophilic self-immolative linker, and an optional second self-immolative spacer or cyclization self-elimination linker. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the targeting moiety is an anti-HER2 antibody. The present disclosure further provides compositions and methods for treating cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protein complex, comprising a physiologically active polypeptide, a dimeric protein and a non-peptidyl polymer having three functional ends (3-arm), with the linkage of both the physiologically active polypeptide and the dimeric protein to the 3-arm non-peptidyl polymer via respective covalent bonds. The protein complex guarantees the long acting activity and biostability of a physiologically active polypeptide. Having the ability to maintain the bioactivity of physiologically active polypeptides or peptides highly and to significantly improve the serum half life of the polypeptides or peptides, the protein complex can be applied to the development of sustained release formulations of various physiologically active polypeptide drugs. Also, it utilizes raw materials including the physiologically active polypeptides without significant loss, thereby increasing the production yield. Further, it can be easily purified.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a person's own RBCs can be recruited as secondary bioscavenger carriers in vivo using a nanopolymer-BChE complex, with an affinity ligand (antibody or peptide) for selective targeting to the RBCs and a cell-penetrating peptide for uptake into the RBCs. A general approach according to an embodiment involves parenteral administration of the nanodevice to gain access to the systemic circulation, which then seeks out and attaches to the person's RBCs, followed by transport into the RBCs (to minimize clearance from the circulation), leading to long-term circulation of the bioscavenger enzymes and thus protection against intoxication.

Abstract: This disclosure provides nano-scale Artificial Antigen Presenting Cells (aAPC), which deliver stimulatory signals to lymphocytes, including cytotoxic lymphocytes, for use as a powerful tool for immunotherapy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating disorders affecting motor function, such as motor function affected by disease or injury to the brain and/or spinal cord, are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acid-based expression constructs for the targeted production of a therapeutic protein within a cell that is associated with aging, disease, another condition. Also provided are vectors and systems for the delivery of those nucleic acid-based expression constructs as well as methods for using such nucleic acid-based expression constructs, vectors, and systems for reducing, preventing, and/or eliminating the growth and/or survival of an age-, disease-, or condition-associated cell and for the treatment of a disease or condition that is associated with an age, disease, or condition associated cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for osteoarthritis therapy. In particular, the present invention provides a method for predicting the responsiveness of a subject to cell therapy for osteoarthritis comprising administering to the subject platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and assessing pain and/or mobility, wherein a decrease in pain and/or an increase in mobility indicates that the subject will be responsive to cell therapy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods of creating clinical models for different forms of metastatic cancer. The methods may include obtaining samples from subjects with metastatic cancer, determining an allelic status of one or more markers in the samples (e.g., creating a molecular profile of the subject's cancer), and using model organisms with subject-derived xenografts for treatment selection.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a substance can increase the expression level of a fatty acid binding protein (FABP) in an animal. The method includes using a cell that includes an expression construct that comprises a FABP promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence encoding a reporter molecule, wherein the cell is contacted with a candidate substance and then cultivating the cell under conditions conducive to expression of the reporter molecule. Increased expression of the construct in the presence of the candidate substance as compared to a control leads to improved sleep and long-term memory in the subject.

Abstract: Molecular probes directed to the delta opioid receptor and associated methods of use as non-invasive diagnostics for lung cancer are presented. The molecular probes generally consist of a ligand (Dmt-Tic) that is conjugated to a detection moiety such as a fluorescent dye or a radionuclide by a linker molecule. Once the probe is administered, it may be detected by a molecular imaging device to locate tumors for treatment or removal. Also presented are novel markers for lung cancer including, but not limited to, CA9, CA12, CTAG2, CXorf61, DSG3, FAT2, KISS1R, GPR87, LYPD3, OPRD1, SLC7A11 and TMPRSS4. Probes may be developed that can target these cell surface markers.

Abstract: Functionalized second harmonic nanoprobes for imaging samples and a method of using such probes to monitor the dynamics different processes using a variety of imaging techniques are provided. The functionalized second harmonic generating (SHG) nanoprobes are comprised of various kinds of nanocrystalline materials that do not possess an inversion symmetry and therefore are capable of generating second harmonic signals that can then be detected by conventional two-photon microscopy, and are provided with functional surface modifications that allow for targeted imaging of a variety of biological and non-biological processes and structures such as cell signaling, neuroimaging, protein conformation probing, DNA conformation probing, gene transcription, virus infection and replication in cells, protein dynamics, tumor imaging and cancer therapy evaluation and diagnosis as well as quantification in optical imaging.

Abstract: A process for producing a complex of a lanthanide or similar compound with a macrocyclic ligand, wherein the ratio of macrocyclic ligand in free form in relation to the lanthanide or similar compound is equal or more than 0.002% mol/mol, includes the steps of a) measuring the moisture content in a sample of the macrocyclic ligand; and b) mixing an amount G of the lanthanide with an amount X3 of the macrocyclic ligand with the proviso that X3=LG+Lf+M, wherein LG is the amount of macrocyclic ligand necessary for complexing the amount G of lanthanide or similar compound, Lf is an excess amount of the macrocyclic ligand, and M is the amount of moisture present in the amount X3 of the macrocyclic ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, particularly a metal oxide nanoparticle-based T1-T2 dual-mode MRI contrast agent that can be used not only as a T1 MRI contrast agent but also as a T2 MRI contrast agent, and a method for producing the same. The metal oxide nanoparticle-based T1-T2 dual-mode MRI contrast agent can provide more accurate and detailed information associated with disease than single MRI contrast agent by the beneficial contrast effects in both T1 imaging with high tissue resolution and T2 imaging with high feasibility on detection of a lesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, particularly an MRI contrast agent derived from nanoparticle that is porous first metal-doped second metal oxide nanoparticle with a central cavity, and a method for producing the same. The MRI contrast agent made in accordance with the present invention can be used not only as a drug-delivery agent for therapy but also as an MRI contrast agent for diagnosis.

Abstract: A method for producing small nanoparticles of a discrete noble metal-transition metal nanoparticle alloy, comprising: mixing, at room temperature in air, a first aqueous solution having a first molar ratio of a noble metal and a transition metal with an organic ligand and a reducing agent. A method for producing small nanoparticles of a discrete gold-cobalt nanoparticle alloy, comprising: mixing, at room temperature in air, a first aqueous solution having a first molar ratio of HAuCl4 and Co(NO3)2 with an organic ligand comprising poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether thiol (PEGSH, average Mn=1000 Da) and a reducing agent comprising sodium borohydride (NaBH4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition comprising 1-amino-3[18F]-fluorocyclobutanecarboxylic acid ([18F]-FACBC) wherein said composition has certain superior properties in comparison with known compositions comprising [18F]-FACBC. Also provided by the invention is a method to obtain said composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound represented by formula (I), wherein in formula (I), R1 represents CH3, F, (CH2)n—F, NH—(CH2)n—F, O—(CH2)n—F or S—(CH2)n—F, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating a sterile area for an operation, examination or treatment of at least a partial area of an object, in particular of a person, in which method cold plasma gas is emitted into the area by at least one plasma generator. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: A sanitizer for sanitizing various plumbing fixtures and specifically, to a chemical-free sanitizer, more specifically to an ozone-free sanitizer, and yet more specifically to an electronic sanitizer using ions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for fumigation using chlorine dioxide. The apparatus for fumigation using chlorine dioxide includes: a supply part configured to supply the chlorine dioxide; a gas sensor configured to sense the chlorine dioxide in a target space into which mixed gas including the chlorine dioxide is injected; an introduction part configured to introduce dilution gas for diluting the chlorine dioxide; a mixing part connected to the supply part and the introduction part, and configured to generate the mixed gas by mixing the dilution gas with the chlorine dioxide according to information on a concentration of the chlorine dioxide output from the gas sensor so that the concentration of the chlorine dioxide in the target space may be located within a preset actual concentration band; and a transfer part connected to the mixing part to transfer the mixed gas to the target space.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating an enclosed area includes a reservoir containing a disinfectant solution therein. One or more pumps are in fluid communication with the reservoir. One or more ports are operatively connected to the reservoir or operatively connected to an enclosed area to be decontaminated or operatively connected to the reservoir and to an enclosed area to be decontaminated. One or more connector assemblies are removably attachable to the one or more ports to provide fluid flow communication between the disinfectant solution source and the enclosure to be decontaminated.

Abstract: A portable hand-held vaporizer assembly having a glass body defining an airflow passage is disclosed. A heating element is thermally coupled to the glass body and a material placement zone is downstream from the airflow passage. Furthermore, a thermally conductive layer covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the glass body and a thermally reflective substance is included with walls encapsulating the glass body and the heating element.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for systems, devices and methods relating to a mobile device holder and air freshener. The mobile device holder and air freshener may include a body, a fastening component, and a removable cap. The body may be arranged so as to include an interior that is at least partially hollow. The fastening component may be effective to secure a mobile electronic device to the device. The removable cap may include a first vent effective to allow air to flow into or out of the device. The removable cap may allow scented material to be installed within the mobile device holder and air freshener. The body may be further arranged so as to allow air that has entered the device through the first vent to become scented and flow out of the device through the first vent or a second vent included in the body of the device.

Abstract: An air freshener comprises a container divided into separate and discrete reservoirs separated by an inner wall. A cap is disposed on the container and covers the reservoirs. First and second different fragrant materials are each disposed in a different one of the separate and discrete reservoirs so that the first and second different fragrant materials are separate and discrete with respect to one another in the container. The first and second different fragrant materials have different fragrances combinable in a synergistic manner. The first and second different fragrant materials each comprise a water based gel. One of the fragrant materials can comprise a neutralizing agent.

Abstract: To provide an illuminating device-cum-air cleaning device that solves a heat problem and allows efficient operation of an air cleaning means. Air inlets/outlets 3A and 3B are provided in a wall surface of a housing 10 to which an illumination light source 2 is attached. A fan 4 is provided in the housing 10 to generate a forced air flow inside and outside the housing 10 through the air inlets/outlets 3A and 3B and discharge heat from the illumination light source 2 by the forced air flow to the outside of the housing 10. In the middle of a flow path for the forced air flow a within the housing 10, a photocatalyst 50 facing the flow path and a UV light source 51 irradiating the photocatalyst 50 with light including ultraviolet rays are provided as air cleaning means 5.

Abstract: A composite material having inherent microbicidal activity is herewith described. The microbicidal composite material comprises of a first layer having a first predefined thickness and a first predefined stitch/thread density; a second layer having a second predefined thickness and a second predefined stitch/thread density; an intermediate layer having a third predefined thickness and a third predefined stitch/thread density, wherein the intermediate layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer, and where the intermediate layer is connected to the first layer and the second layer to form a three dimensional structure, and where each layer in the three dimensional structure has a plurality of apertures. Further, at least one layer in the three dimensional structure comprises at least one of microfibers and nanofibres having augmented surface moieties, wherein the augmented surface moieties allow for binding of a microbicidal agent to impart the inherent microbicidal activity.

Abstract: A new material was assessed in a patellar reattachment model in sheep and evaluated using histology and biomechanical testing. Overall, these materials showed they produced minimal reactivity histologically. The new material had higher failure strength overall compared to a previous study with the control material as repairs completed with PLG/CS/TCP anchors were significantly stronger compared to repairs with PLLA anchors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising mesenchymal stem cell-hydrogel-biodegradable support or mesenchymal stem cell-hydrogel-undegradable support, a sheet comprising the composition and a method for the preparation thereof. By using the sheet comprising the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell-hydrogel biodegradable or undegradable support, stem cells of high activity may be applied directly to the wound without isolation process using protease. The sheet has extracellular matrices such as collagen, laminin, fibronectin and elastin secreted by stem cells in the culture stage and included completely in the hydrogel, and therefore it has superior skin regeneration and wound healing effects compared with conventional pharmaceutical preparations and shortens therapeutic period.

Abstract: Compositions including hyaluronic acid or derivative thereof, a borate containing crosslinking agent, a di or polyvalent metal ion, and, optionally, one or more of N-hydroxysuccinimide, and/or a cationic monomer, oligomer, or polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxylysine, poly(N-methylethylamine), ?-poly-lysine, or polyamine, or a combination thereof are described. Also, methods for making a bioresorbable tissue repair composition and methods of correcting, sealing, connecting or repairing tissue by contacting the tissue with the bioresorbable tissue repair composition are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-aging antimicrobial wound healing polymer based hydrogel. In the study of the present invention, a wound healing gel formulation is developed by combining poloxamer polymers and boron component at adequate concentrations in a carbopol based gel. The said gel exhibits fast action on the damaged area and prevents scar formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone graft composition and a preparation method thereof, and more particularly to bone graft composition having excellent physical properties, which comprises a hydrogel comprising a combination of specific amounts of poloxamer and HPMC, and calcium phosphate compound particles, and a preparation method thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a foam material, comprising a plurality of substantially collagenous beads, wherein the foam material is a bead foam, and wherein adjacent collagenous beads are fused together by a network of collagen fibres. Also provided are methods for preparation of foam materials comprising a plurality of substantially collagenous beads. The foam materials may be used in applications such as bioscaffolds for wound healing, soft tissue regeneration and augmentation, for localized cell delivery, or as cell culture substrates for research. The foam materials include natural collagen fibrils that provide a stable scaffold and enhance integration of the implanted scaffold and regeneration of cells and tissue.

Abstract: There are provided collagen based polymeric materials comprising collagen molecules and/or collagen derived molecules which have been functionalised by the addition of one or more ethylenically unsaturated moieties and which have been cross-linked via said moieties. Also provided are collagen based compositions and methods of producing collagen based polymeric materials.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for decellularizing adipose tissue, comprising subjecting the adipose tissue to one or more incubations in an enzymatic digestion solution containing one or more enzymes, and one or more solvent extractions, wherein decellularized adipose tissue comprising an extracellular matrix with well-preserved three-dimensional structure is obtained. The invention also provides a decellularized adipose tissue comprising an extracellular matrix with well-preserved three-dimensional architecture, and bioscaffolds, microcarrier beads, and coatings comprising the decellularized adipose tissue.

Abstract: Methods are described for generating autologous tissue grafts, including generating grafts at the point of care, which include isolated cell populations that are enriched with stem cells and are mixed with biological fillers including hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof. The hyaluronic acid localizes the cells to a desired injection site and stimulates collagen production thus enhancing the viability and the longevity of the graft.

Abstract: Described herein are placental tissue grafts produced by chemical dehydration followed by freeze-drying the placental tissue to produce the tissue graft. The tissue grafts retain their biological properties preferably at the same level as the placental tissues before they are processed. The placental tissue grafts have numerous medical applications. Methods for making the tissue graft compositions are also described herein.

Abstract: A hybrid gel comprising a particulate decellularized tissue (obtained by pulverizing animal-derived biological tissues that are decellularized (decellularized biological tissues)), fibrinogen and thrombin; a cell culture material comprising the hybrid gel; a method for preparing the hybrid gel; and a kit comprising a particulate decellularized tissue and a biological tissue adhesive are provided. The hybrid gel of the present invention exerts the effect to promote differentiation and gain of function of stem cells and the therapeutic effect to a variety of diseases.

Abstract: Injectable bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: A method is described herein for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The method comprises inserting into an aneurysm an embolism coil coated with a polymeric coating comprising a genipin, such as genipin or a derivative thereof, thereby increasing the stability of clots within the aneurysm. According to one example, the coating is a poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is used to release genipin to crosslink fibrin clots thereby creating more stable occlusions. Increased clotting can improve segregation of the weakened portion of the blood vessel from the rest of the vasculature and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Abstract: A method for coating a hollow body on its inner surface comprises pre-coating the inner surface with a reactive gas plasma (PECVD), and follow-up-coating the pre-coated surface with a reactive gas component without plasma action (CVD). The resulting hollow body is used for temporarily accommodating bodily liquids, in particular blood, or cell suspensions, due to its hydrophilizing PECVD/CVD-coating on its inner surface.

Abstract: Methods, materials, devices, and systems for electropolymeric paving and sealing (ePEPS) are provided. The methods include delivering paving materials to an interior surface of a blood vessel, tissue lumen or other hollow space, delivering electronic components to the surface, and forming a conformal device that contains the paving material and the integrated electronic components. Integrated electronic components can be homogenously or heterogeneously distributed in the material, such as on the top, middle, and/or bottom of the polymeric material. The devices are biocompatible, and preferably biodegradable or bioerodible. The devices integrated electrical properties useful for sensing or detecting one or more analytes, signals or conditions, transmitting or generating a signal, or releasing a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent. Optionally, the devices are smart devices that include feedback and logic means to respond to a change in local conditions.

Abstract: A bandage has a first sheet overlying a wound and located adjacent to it and a top sheet overlying the first sheet. The first sheet has a plurality of discrete passageways overlying the wound and adapted to communicate negative pressure established by a negative pressure source to the wound.