Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of hepatic disorders in a subject in need thereof. More specifically, the methods of the invention are based on the administration, preferably, systemic administration, of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one biocompatible alginate biomaterial, any modification thereof and any combination thereof. The invention further provides methods for sustaining serum albumin levels, and/or reducing serum AST and ALT, in subjects suffering from hepatic disorder. Still further, the invention provides methods for reducing apoptosis and inducing cell proliferation in a damaged liver tissue of a subject suffering of hepatic disorder, using the alginate biomaterial described by the invention.

Abstract: A topical ophthalmic composition comprised of povidone-iodine 0.01% to 10.0% combined with a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This solution is useful in the treatment of active infections of at least one tissue of the eye (e.g., conjunctiva and cornea) from bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal, or amoebic causes, as well as treatment to prevent such infections in appropriate clinical settings (e.g. corneal abrasion, postoperative prophylaxis, post-LASIK/LASEK prophylaxis). Additionally the solution is effective in the prevention of infection and inflammation in the post-operative ophthalmic patient.

Abstract: It has been surprisingly discovered that administration of nitrite to subjects causes a reduction in blood pressure and an increase in blood flow to tissues. The effect is particularly beneficial, for example, to tissues in regions of low oxygen tension. This discovery provides useful treatments to regulate a subject's blood pressure and blood flow, for example, by the administration of nitrite salts. Provided herein are methods of administering a pharmaceutically-acceptable nitrite salt to a subject, for treating, preventing or ameliorating a condition selected from: (a) ischemia-reperfusion injury (e.g., hepatic or cardiac or brain ischemia-reperfusion injury); (b) pulmonary hypertension (e.g., neonatal pulmonary hypertension); or (c) cerebral artery vasospasm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel gold-platinum based bi-metallic nanocrystal suspensions that have nanocrystal surfaces that are substantially free from organic or other impurities or films associated with typical chemical reductants/stabilizers and/or raw materials used in nanoparticle formation processes. Specifically, the surfaces are “clean” relative to the surfaces of metal-based nanoparticles made using chemical reduction (and other) processes that require organic (or other) reductants and/or surfactants to grow (and/or suspend) metal nanoparticles from metal ions in a solution. The invention includes novel electrochemical manufacturing apparatuses and techniques for making the bi-metallic nanocrystal suspensions. The techniques do not require the use or presence of chlorine ions/atoms and/or chlorides or chlorine-based materials for the manufacturing process/final suspension.

Abstract: A use of a composition comprising umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells for inducing differentiation and proliferation of neural precursor cells or neural stem cells to neural cells is provided, the composition being effective for the treatment of nerve injury diseases.

Abstract: A composition for the topical treatment of sores, lesions, ulcers, and other disorders of the skin, said composition includes a combination of a bee product and caffeine. The bee product may comprise bee pollen, bee propolis, honey, or royal jelly. Variations of the composition may also contain a tannin. The composition may be in the form of an ointment or cream that is applied topically to an affected area of the body. The composition may also be used in other forms, such as a spray, shampoo, soap, lipstick, or adhesive bandage. The invention may also be useful as a health beverage.

Abstract: To provide a pharmaceutical product or food which has an excellent fat-accumulation-inhibiting activity and/or fat-metabolism-improving activity and which is effective for inhibition or improvement of obesity, fatty liver, etc. The present invention provides an agent for preventing or ameliorating obesity containing, as an active ingredient, cells of a lactic acid bacterium belonging to the genus Pediococcus, a cell culture thereof, or an extract of any of these.

Abstract: The invention relates to reuterin-producing strains of Lactobacillus brevis. These strains are useful in particular for the treatment or the prevention of conditions resulting from Helicobacter pylori infection.

Abstract: Methods to treat certain types of cancer with cyclophilin inhibitors.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of HIV are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to SorCS1-like agents, including SorCS1, nucleic acid molecule encoding expression of SorCS1 and fragments thereof, as well as vectors containing said nucleic acid and to cells expressing SorCS1 and said fragments, for the treatment of obesity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stable long-term storage of non-glycosylated recombinant human Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF), wherein an aqueous acetate or glutamate buffered G-CSF composition containing the non-glycosylated recombinant human G-CSF and sorbital is cooled to a temperature of ?15° C. or below to obtain a frozen G-CSF composition, which frozen composition is then stored in the frozen state and then increased in temperature to a temperature within the range of from 2° C. to 8° C. for a period of time adjusted to allow the composition to thaw and to obtain a liquid composition having a G-CSF content of at least 95% of the G-CSF content of the original composition.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing trafficking of endothelial progenitor cells to an ischemic myocardium in a subject's heart comprising administering to the subject's heart an amount of Stromal-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1).

Abstract: A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition includes a peptide parathyroid hormone fragment, derivatives thereof, salts thereof, and combinations thereof, where the peptide fragment conforms to the structure R1-NH-AA-R2 where R1 is selected from the group consisting of —H, a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated acyl group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms optionally functionalized with an —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH2 group, or a sterol group which is bonded by a functional group with the peptide; where R2 is —OH, —OH functionalized by a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or a sterol group; and where AA corresponds completely or partially to the sequence of amino acids according to SEQ ID No. 1 corresponding to the PTH (28 to 34) region.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and compositions for treating a subject with a lysosomal storage disease such as gaucher disease, by administering to a subject with a lysosomal storage disease a therapeutically effective amount of composition comprising at least one of a protease or peptidase in an amount sufficient to ameliorate, reduce or improve at least one symptom of the disease. The invention also provides dietary supplements for subjects having lysosomal storage diseases.

Abstract: Therapeutic regimens for administration of BAFF antagonists for treatment of immunologic and related disorders are described. Regimens involve a short-term BAFF antagonist administration course followed by an extended no-treatment period prior the round of administration.

Abstract: Peptide vaccines against cancer are described herein. In particular, the present invention describes epitope peptides derived from CDCA1 that elicit CTLs. The present invention also provides established CTLs that specifically recognize HLA-A24 positive target cells pulsed with the peptides. Antigen-presenting cells and exosomes that present any of the peptides, as well as methods for inducing antigen-presenting cells are also provided. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical agents containing the CDCA1 polypeptides or polynucleotides encoding thereof, as well as exosomes and antigen-presenting cells as active ingredients. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for treating and/or prophylaxis of (i.e.

Abstract: The present technology provides vaccine compositions comprising native outer membrane vesicles (NOMVs) from at least one genetically modified strain of Neisseria which provides protective immunity to meningococcal disease, more preferably subtype B meningococcal disease. The present technology further provides methods of immunizing an animal or human against meningococcal disease comprising administering the vaccine composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: Influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising influenza antigenic polypeptides are described. Also described are compositions comprising these VLPs as well as methods of making and using these VLPs.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric negative-stand RNA viruses that allow a subject, e.g., an avian, to be immunized against two infectious agents by using a single chimeric virus of the invention. In particular, the present invention provides chimeric influenza viruses engineered to express and incorporate into their virions a fusion protein comprising an ectodomain of a protein of an infectious agent and the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain of an influenza virus protein. Such chimeric viruses induce an immune response against influenza virus and the infectious agent. The present invention also provides chimeric Newcastle Disease viruses (NDV) engineered to express and incorporate into their virions a fusion protein comprising the ectodomain of a protein of an infectious agent and the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain of an NDV protein. Such chimeric viruses induce an immune response against NDV and the infectious agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant protein comprising one or several polypeptides bearing one or several epitopes of one or several HPV antigens, said polypeptides being inserted in the same or different permissive sites of an adenylate cyclase (CyaA) protein or of a fragment thereof, wherein said CyaA fragment retains the property of said adenylate cyclase protein to target Antigen Presenting Cells. It also concerns polynucleotides encoding the same. The recombinant protein or the polynucleotide can be used for the design of therapeutic means against HPV infection or against its malignant effects.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in treating cancer (e.g., melanoma). For example, methods and materials involved in using an anti-chronic inflammation treatment (e.g., chemotherapy) in combination with a cancer treatment agent (e.g., a cancer vaccine) to treat cancer are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of isoform-specific fructokinase (ketohexokinase) (KHK) inhibitors alone or in combination with various agents to both prevent and treat a wide variety of diseases including, but not limited to, sugar craving, obesity, features of metabolic syndrome (including insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and fatty liver), polyuria, proximal tubular injury, and diabetic kidney disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for selecting treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis based on an objective selection process (algorithm). The present invention also provides methods for treating rheumatoid arthritis with treatment methods selected based on the algorithm disclosed herein. The methods of the present invention provide a more effective means for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that specifically bind to PD-1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for detecting PD-1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-1 antibodies. The present invention further provides methods for using a combination immunotherapy, such as the combination of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, to treat hyperproliferative disease, such as cancer. The invention also provides methods for altering adverse events related to treatment with such antibodies individually.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition, comprising an antibody composition which specifically binds to human CC chemokine receptor 4 (hereinafter also referred to as CCR4) and at least one medicament; and a pharmaceutical composition for administering in combination of a recombinant antibody against CCR4 and at least one medicament are required. The present invention can provide a pharmaceutical composition comprising a recombinant antibody against CCR4 and at least one medicament; and a pharmaceutical composition for administering in combination of a recombinant antibody against CCR4 and at least one medicament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating hypertension in a subject or patient needing treatment thereof by administering to said subject or patient at least one angiotensin II receptor blocker in combination with chlorthalidone.

Abstract: Individuals having diabetes are more prone to fractures, periodontitis, and other bone related issues as compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, bone healing in diabetic patients is prolonged. The invention provides a method for decreasing bone resorption or increasing bone formation or promoting bone healing in diabetic patients. In particular, a biodegradeable polymer, such as a polyanhydride salicylate is administered at or near a bone defect site, and upon hydrolysis of the polymer will releases biologically active salicylic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition and its use for formulating nucleic acid-based drugs/vaccines with sugar alcohol compositions into complexes for both in-vitro and in-vivo delivery. Particularly, the present invention includes the ingredients and processes necessary for formulating therapeutic and pharmaceutical nucleic acid compositions, such as miRNA, microRNA precursors, shRNAs, siRNAs, ribozymes, antisense RNAs/DNAs, RNA-DNA hybrids and DNA vectors/vaccines, with glycylated sugar alcohols/sugars into delivery complexes, which can then be absorbed by cells in vivo and in vitro via active endocytosis. Also, the present invention discloses that chemical compounds containing sugar alcohol- and/or sugar-like structures can protect nucleic acids, in particular miRNAs, shRNAs, siRNAs and ribozymes, from degradation in vivo as well as in vitro.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of a low-solubility drug and lower alkanoate-, phthalate- and trimellitate esters of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and lower alkanoate- and succinate esters of cellulose and methyl cellulose are disclosed that provide enhanced concentrations of the drug in a use environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for identifying proteins or peptide motifs of intracellular, extracellular, or extracellular matrix proteins specifically exposed in wound sites, as well as compositions for treating wounds, and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that permit controlled and prolonged drug release in vivo. The compounds are either prodrugs with tunable rates of release, or conjugates of the drug with macromolecules which exhibit tunable controlled rates of release.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified antibiotic peptides, in particular derivatives of apidaecin and oncocin, preferably having increased stability, reduced immunoreaction, and improved pharmacokinetics. In the invention, the peptide antibiotics are reversibly protected by means of a linker having the polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG). The peptide linker contains a recognition sequence for trypsin-like serum proteases. In the apidaecin derivatives, the linker and the PEG are bonded to a side chain. In the serum, the linker is cut by serum proteases and PEG is separated off. The released peptide still contains remnants of the linker, which are still bonded to the amino group in the side chain. Astonishingly, said remaining remnants of the linker impair the activity of the antimicrobial peptide only a little or not at all.

Abstract: Methods and compositions related to targeting agents to tumor tissue are described.

Abstract: A conjugate is disclosed. The conjugate comprises (a) an isolated or a synthetic targeting peptide of less than 15 amino acid residues in length, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-8; and (b) a component conjugated to the targeting peptide, the component being selected from the group consisting of a drug delivery vehicle, an anti-cancer drug, a micelle, a nanoparticle, a liposome, a polymer, a lipid, an oligonucleotide, a peptide, a polypeptide, a protein, a cell, an imaging agent, and a labeling agent. Methods of treating lung cancer and detecting lung cancer cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or conjugates thereof, selected from the group consisting of formula wherein: (a) R10 is H, and R11 is OH, ORA, where RA is saturated C1-4 alkyl; (b) R10 and R11 form a nitrogen-carbon double bond between the nitrogen and carbon atoms to which they are bound; or (c) R10 is H and R11 is S02M, where z is 2 or 3 and M is a monovalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or both M together are a divalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation.

Abstract: This invention relates to pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs), in particular pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimers having a C2-C3 double bond and an aryl group at the C2 position in each monomer unit, and their inclusion in targeted conjugates. The differing substituent groups may offer advantages in the preparation and use of the compounds, particularly in their biological properties and the synthesis of conjugates, and the biological properties of these conjugates.

Abstract: Use of a variable fragment (VHH antibody) of a camelid single-chain antibody for the preparation of a peptide vector for delivering a substance of interest across the blood-brain barrier or into a cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunoconjugates having in particular specificity for CD138 expressed on target cells and which display homogenous targeting. The immunoconjugates may be sterially hindered and/or contain a cleavable linker.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a lipid composition comprising at least a first lipid component, at least a first helper lipid, and a shielding compound which is removable from the lipid composition under in vivo conditions.

Abstract: Described is a transgenic mouse with two transgenes, each of which transgene comprises a DNA sequence encoding a dominant negative form of RbAp48 protein, wherein the expression of the dominant negative form of RbAp48 is spatially restricted to the forebrain by a CaM Kinase IIa promoter and wherein the expression of the dominant negative form of RbAp48 is controlled by tetracycline-controlled transcriptional activation. Also provided are methods for evaluating in the transgenic mouse the potential therapeutic effect of an agent for slowing, inhibiting or preventing age-related memory decline in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a fusion ferritin protein wherein a ferritin heavy chain polypeptide is fused to a peptide, wherein the peptide is fused to the C-terminal end of the ferritin heavy chain; and the peptide includes at least a portion of a Mms6 protein sequence and at least one heterologous amino acid at its N-terminal end. The invention further provides methods of use of the ferritin fusion protein for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for cancer cell biomarkers, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell biomarkers, and binding molecules for diagnosis and treatment of cancer, e.g., PDAC. Methods of identifying “accessible” proteomes are disclosed for identifying cancer biomarkers, such as plectin-1, a PDAC biomarker. Additionally, imaging compositions are provided comprising magnetofluorescent nanoparticles conjugated to peptide ligands for identifying PDACs.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a novel amino acid organic compound which can be used as a labeling precursor compound for radioactive halogen-labeled amino acid compounds including [18F]FACBC, and which prevents methanol from remaining in the radioactive halogen-labeled amino acid compounds produced therefrom. The novel amino acid organic compound is a compound represented by the following formula: wherein n is an integer of 0 or of 1 to 4; R1 is an ethyl, 1-propyl or isopropyl substituent; X is a halogen substituent or a group represented by —OR2; R2 is a straight-chain or branched-chain haloalkylsulfonic acid substituent with one to 10 carbon atoms, trialkylstannyl substituent with 3 to 12 carbon atoms, fluorosulfonic acid substituent or aromatic sulfonic acid substituent; and R3 is a protective group.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an iodine-containing radial-shaped macromolecule suitable for an active ingredient of the computed tomography (CT) contrast medium, a method to prepare the same, and a contrast medium composition including the same. With respect to the iodine-containing radial-shaped macromolecule according to the present invention, the duration of contrast enhancement has been significantly improved in comparison to that of the current small molecular contrast media compounds containing iodine.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, ultraviolet (UV) devices, and methods for UV disinfection and sterilization, more specifically, systems, devices, and methods for UV disinfection and sterilization of a container, room, space or defined environment. The systems, UV devices, and methods are particularly useful for the UV disinfection and sterilization of a container used in the food and dairy industry and for containers used in the process of fermentation for an alcoholic beverage. Provided are also systems, UV devices, and methods for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present in a container, room, space or defined environment preferably for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, room, space or defined environment.

Abstract: A cold plasma jet hand sanitizer and method of use are provided. A pair of opposing two-dimensional arrays of atmospheric pressure cold plasma jets is used to create a sterilizing volume. Any object placed into that volume will have its surface sterilized. The opposing arrays of plasma jets are operated electrically 180 degrees out of phase so that the opposing arrays of plasma jets essentially fire into each other in the absence of an intervening object, or directly impinge on the surface of an intervening object.

Abstract: A method to condition the air in a bowling alley utilizes an oil mixture which is dispensed by conditioning apparatus which down and up a synthetic bowling lane. The oil mixture comprises original lane oil and a fragrance composition which admixed to the oil mixture to produce a fragrant lane oil which has at 1700 cm?1 a % T which is generally equivalent to the % T of the original lane oil.

Abstract: A system for infusing ion clusters into a target environment includes a housing, a fan, and an ion cluster generation component. The housing has intake and outflow openings. The fan forces air through the intake opening and along a route. The interior surface areas of the housing adjacent to the route are electrically insulating. The route can take either a first path or a second path. The first path goes along a straight path from the fan, through the ion cluster generation component and through the outflow opening. The second path goes along a first segment and a second segment. The first segment runs from the fan and through the ion cluster generation component. The second segment runs from the end of the first segment and extends downwardly through the outflow opening.