Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant Listeria strains comprising an angiogenic factor, recombinant polypeptides comprising an angiogenic factor operatively linked to a polypeptide comprising a PEST-like sequence, recombinant nucleotide molecules encoding same, related vaccines, and immunogenic and therapeutic methods utilizing same.

Abstract: Vaccines are disclosed against parasites. The vaccines include peptides in an immunological composition. In particular, the parasite is Toxoplas gondii.

Abstract: The present invention relates to generation and high level expression of recombinant non-toxic of epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens as a recombinant vaccine against Clostridium perfringens infection and a process for producing the vaccine involving amplifying, cloning, transforming, incubating and purifying the recombinant non-toxic epsilon toxin protein. Thus in this invention, substitution mutation Y71G was executed in recombinant Etx and the recombinant EtxY71G protein was over-expressed in soluble form. Expressed protein was purified near homogeneity by DEAE sepharose anion exchange chromatography with high yield. Potential of rEtxY71G as a vaccine candidate was evaluated and found to be highly specific and immunogenic. The present invention is the first report for high level expression of non toxic rEtxY71G mutant protein of Clostridium perfringens. Upto 100 mg/L of highly immunogenic and homogeneous recombinant EtxY71G protein of 31 kDa was produced.

Abstract: Embodiments herein report compositions, methods and uses for dengue-4 (DENV-4) virus constructs. Some embodiments concern a composition that includes, but is not limited to, DENV-4 virus constructs alone or in combination with other constructs, can be used in a vaccine composition to induce an immune response in a subject. In certain embodiments, compositions can include constructs of more than one serotypes of dengue virus, such as dengue-1 virus, dengue-2 virus, or dengue-3 virus in combination with DENV-4 virus constructs disclosed herein. In other embodiments, DENV-4 constructs disclosed herein can be combined in a composition with other flavivirus constructs to generate a vaccine against more than one flavivirus. Other embodiments provide methods and uses for DENV-4 virus constructs in vaccine compositions that when administered to a subject induce an immune response in the subject against DENV-4 that is improved by modified constructs compared to other vaccine compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated or synthesized peptides of about 7 to about 50 amino acids identified in the genome of pathogens in invertebrates in aquaculture for prevention and treatment of outbreaks of these pathogens in aquaculture and methods of preventing and treating pathogenic outbreaks using the identified peptides.

Abstract: The invention provides an attenuated poliovirus which does not have a base pair mismatch in stem (a) or (b) of domain V of the 5? non-coding region of its genome, wherein at least seven of the base pairs in stems (a) and (b) are U-A or A-U base pairs.

Abstract: Methods for preparing highly purified AAV vector formulations are provided. The highly pure AAV formulations described herein are superior for clinical use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Herpes simplex-2 viruses that may be used in vaccines to immunize patients against genital herpes.

Abstract: A composition as disclosed is comprised of a plurality of groups of particles. The particles are comprised of a biocompatible polymer which maybe a co-polymer such as PLGA combined with a peptide of a sequence of interest, e.g. a sequence which corresponds to a sequence presented on a surface of a cell infected with a virus. A plurality of different groups of particles are provided in the formulation wherein the particles within any single group include peptides of identical amino acid sequence. The particles are sized such that they are sufficiently large so as to prevent more than the contents of a single particle from being presented to a single immune system cell.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to homogeneous suspensions of small molecule immune potentiators (SMIPs) that are capable of stimulating or modulating an immune response in a subject in need thereof. The homogeneous suspensions may be used in combinations with various antigens or adjuvants for vaccine therapies.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response to a selected antigen are described. The methods are useful for the treatment and prevention of microbial infections, such as infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The methods and compositions include host defense peptides, polyphosphazenes and immunostimulatory sequences to enhance the immune response to a coadministered antigen.

Abstract: We provide new methods of in vitro or in vivo enhancing the T-cell stimulatory capacity of human DCs and the use thereof in cancer vaccination. The method includes the introduction of different molecular adjuvants to human DCs by contacting or modifying them with mRNA or DNA molecule(s) encoding CD40L, and CD70 or constitutively active TLR4 (caTLR4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anticancer prodrug consisting of peptide of acetyl-SEQ ID NO: 1-linker-anticancer drug. The anticancer prodrug effectively provides an anticancer drug unstable in acid or base, such as doxorubicin, in a form of prodrug. Thus, the anticancer prodrug exists as a non-toxic inactive form when administered into the body, but effectively releases the anticancer drug as an active ingredient in the target area in the presence of caspase activated by radiation or UV treatment after administered into the body. Accordingly, the anticancer drug exhibits selective anticancer effects on cancer cells, thereby maximizing the therapeutic effect and minimizing the side-effects of chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anticancer prodrug consisting of peptide of acetyl-SEQ ID NO: 1-linker-anticancer drug. The anticancer prodrug effectively provides an anticancer drug unstable in acid and base, such as doxorubicin, in a form of prodrug. Thus, the anticancer prodrug exists as a non-toxic inactive form when administered into the body, but effectively releases the anticancer drug as an active ingredient in the target area in the presence of caspase activated by radiation or UV treatment after administered into the body. Accordingly, the anticancer drug exhibits selective anticancer effects on cancer cells, thereby maximizing the therapeutic effect and minimizing the side-effects of chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a suspension of agglomerates of magnetic alkoxysilane-coated metal nanoparticles, wherein an aqueous suspension of magnetic metal nanoparticles is incubated with alkoxysilane, wherein the incubation is carried out essentially in the absence of an organic solvent. The present invention further relates to suspension of agglomerates of magnetic alkoxysilane-coated metal containing nanoparticles obtainable by the method of the present invention and to a composition comprising agglomerates of magnetic alkoxysilane-coated metal nanoparticles, wherein the agglomerates have an average size of 30 to 450 nm, preferably of 50 to 350 nm and especially of 70 to 300 nm as determined by light scattering.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for wound treatment and/or blood clot formation, e.g., arresting the flow of blood from an open wound. The methods and compositions provide for promoting and accelerating wound healing and optionally provide for inhibition of microbial infection and/or a local analgesic effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cationic lipid, which allow nucleic acids to be easily introduced into cells, represented by formula (I) (wherein: R1 and R2 are, the same or different, alkenyl, etc, and X1 and X2 are hydrogen atoms, or are combined together to form a single bond or alkylene, and X3 is absent or is alkyl, etc, Y is absent or anion, a and b are, the same or different, 0 to 3, and L3 is a single bond, etc, R3 is alkyl, etc, L1 and L2 are —O—, —CO—O— or —O—CO—), a composition comprising the cationic lipid and a nucleic acid, and a method for introducing a nucleic acid into a cell by using the composition comprising the cationic lipid and the nucleic acid, and the like.

Abstract: A tolvaptan solid dispersion and its preparation method are disclosed. The solid dispersion comprises tolvaptan and cross-linked polyvinylprrolidone at a weight ratio of 1:0.05-20, preferably 1:0.1-10, and more preferably 2:1. The solid dispersion can further comprise one or more water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinylprrolidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose or methylcellulose, wherein the weight ratio of tolvaptan:the crosslinked polyvinylprrolidone:the water-soluble polymers is preferably 2:1:0.1. The solid dispersion exhibits good thermodynamic stability and solubility. The pharmaceutical composition thereof has improved release rate and bioavailability.

Abstract: Biodegradable, cross-linked polymer films and methods of making the same are described. The polymer films can be used for preventing adhesions following surgery and/or delivering therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition. The pharmaceutical composition includes a chitosan with palmitoyl groups and an active agent. According to another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition can further include a gelling accelerating agent. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the active agent of the disclosure can be administered in the form of a nano-drug, liposome, micelle, or microparticle.

Abstract: A compound comprising: (a) a drug carrier comprising coumarin-labeled-cysteine tethered mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loaded with a pharmaceutically active agent, and (b) a fluorescein isothiocyanate-?-cyclodextrin (FITC-?-CD) covalently linked to said cysteine and blocking the release of said pharmaceutically active agent from said nanoparticles, wherein cleavage of said covalent linkage removes said cyclodextrin and releases said pharmaceutically active agent, and said coumarin and said fluorescin form a donor-acceptor pair so that said drug carrier has a first emission wavelength when the covalent linkage is intact and the cyclodextrin said present and a second emission wavelength after cleavage of said covalent linkage to remove said cyclodextrin and release said pharmaceutically active agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable polymer comprising a plurality of releasable bioactive moieties, the releasable bioactive moieties being pendant from and covalently bonded to the biodegradable polymer backbone, wherein the biodegradable polymer backbone is formed from monomeric units that are each coupled via a biodegradable moiety, and wherein the bioactive moieties are capable of being released at a rate equal to or faster than the rate of biodegradation of the polymer backbone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell permeable fusion protein for strengthening regenerative potential of stem cells, and more particularly to a cell permeable fusion protein for strengthening regenerative potential of stem cells for stimulating the differentiation of stem cells, inhibiting apoptosis, maintaining the functionality of stem cells and restoring the stress-inhibited functionality of stem cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a general methodology to create nanofibers of therapeutic molecules that have a dual role, as both the delivery vehicle and the drug itself. It is shown that with proper molecular design, the integration of enzymatic reaction and self-assembly provides a powerful method to create molecular hydrogels of clinically-used therapeutics without compromising their bioactivities. In addition, the results disclosed herein demonstrate enzyme-instructed self-assembly as a facile strategy for generating the supramolecular hydrogels of molecules that inherently have poor solubility in water. For example, by covalently connecting paclitaxel with a motif that is prone to self-assemble, a hydrogel of paclitaxel can be formed without compromising the activity of the paclitaxel.

Abstract: The invention provides selective tofacitinib antibodies, immunogenic tofacitinib conjugates that are useful as immunogenic molecules for the generation of antibodies specific for tofacitinib, along with methods for measuring the concentration of tofacitinib in a sample, processes for making the antibodies, and assays and kits for using the antibodies.

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 cleavable under appropriate conditions, a hydrophilic self-immolative linker, and an optional second self-immolative spacer or cyclization self-elimination linker.

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed that are useful for noninvasive imaging in the near-infrared spectral range.

Abstract: A hyperpolarized MR imaging medium and a method of 13C-MR detection using a hyperpolarized MR imaging medium for the determination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. The contrast media comprises hyperpolarized [13C, 2H] lactate.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides, peptide dimers, and multimeric complexes comprising at least one binding moiety for KDR or VEGF/KDR complex, which have a variety of uses wherever treating, detecting, isolating or localizing angiogenesis is advantageous. Particularly disclosed are synthetic, isolated polypeptides capable of binding KDR or VEGF/KDR complex with high affinity (e.g., having a KD<1 ?M), and dimer and multimeric constructs comprising these polypeptides, particularly contrast agents. Also provided are methods for monitoring and evaluating the therapeutic effectiveness of treatment protocols for diseases associated with angiogenesis or endothelial cell hyperproliferation, such as cancer, using contrast agents of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to compounds and methods for imaging the central nervous system or cancer, comprising administering to a subject a contrast agent which comprises a compound that binds MC-I, and an imaging moiety, and scanning the subject using diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radiochemistry, nuclear imaging, radionuclide therapy and chemical synthesis. More particularly, it concerns a strategy for radiolabeling target ligands. It further concerns methods of using those radiolabeled ligands for imaging, radionuclide therapy and tissue-specific disease imaging.

Abstract: A device is presented for disinfecting needleless connectors. The device has a housing that contains a UV light source. The UV light source is operably connected to a power source. The housing has a receptacle configured to selectively receive a shield. The shield has an inner reflective chamber with an internal surface that reflects UV light. In use, the UV light source can illuminate a needleless connector inserted within the shield.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing an atmospheric non-equilibrium plasma (ANEP) in a sealed container having a selected working gas and an object to be treated is described. A variety of working gas mixtures including air, O2, N2, CO2, He and Ar, in combination with a range of ionization gradients, voltages and ANEP column lengths was investigated so as to establish effective ranges of the variables using the sterilization of a sample as a measure of effectiveness. Certain combinations of working gas, voltage gradient, voltage or ANEP column length were found to have greater effectiveness. The approach may be used for food products, medical equipment, or other objects where treatment with reactive gas atmospheres is effective.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of at least one object, including interior lumens, channels and cavities within the object. A coupler and interface may be secured to an object to disinfect the inner channels or cavities therein. An object support device may be used to support the object. The pair of support devices may include outlets for deploying aerosols for the application of applied agent. The applied agent may be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The temperature of the object may be lowered to condensate applied agent thereupon. The object may also be washed. Complete sanitization, disinfection, or sterilization of objects in a simple chamber, or in more complex configurations that include, glove box units, processors with built in interfaces for specialty applications, and other application specific designs.

Abstract: There is described a unit for sterilizing a web of packaging material advanced along a given path, having, along a longitudinal portion thereof, a succession of pre-applied opening devices and adapted to be transformed in a plurality of sealed packages containing a pourable food product; the unit comprises a bath, containing a sterilizing agent in which the web with the opening devices is advanced, and an aseptic chamber connected to an outlet of the bath and housing drying mechanism for removing residual sterilizing agent from the web; the drying mechanism comprise an ejector located at a distance from the outlet of the bath and configured so as to direct a stream of air transversally to the web and onto the longitudinal portion of the web provided with the opening devices.

Abstract: Antiseptic compositions comprising at least one salt of EDTA are disclosed. These compositions have broad spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal activity and they also have anticoagulant properties. The antiseptic compositions have also demonstrated activity in penetrating and breaking down microbial slime, or biofilms. They are safe for human and medical uses and may be used as prophylactic preparations to prevent infection, or to reduce the proliferation of and/or eliminate existing or established infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, kits and systems employing irradiation activated agents to improve or increase or prevent loss of toughness, work-to-fracture, post-yield toughness, fracture toughness and/or fatigue strength of a bone allograft on exposure to radiation. The irradiation activated agent can be an agent that increases crosslinking of collagen in bone during irradiation, for example ribose, 2-hydroxytetrahydropyran or ascorbate.

Abstract: A formulation for a 100% natural non-aerosol air freshener infused with vitamins. The formulation may further include plant material known to have naturally occurring fungicidal, bactericidal, disinfectant, germicidal, antiseptic, antibiotic and/or antimicrobial properties. Also, a method of preparing a formulation for a 100% natural non-aerosol air freshener infused with vitamins.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for air freshener devices. The devices may comprise an insertion section including electrodes. The electrodes may be effective to receive and conduct an electric current and to secure the devices to an electric source. The devices may include a base. The base may be attached the insertion section. The base may include a port effective to receive at least part of the electric current from the electrodes. The base may include a collar effective to apply heat sufficient to release a fragrance from a material infused with the fragrance when at least part of the electrical current is supplied to the collar from the electrodes. The device may include a cap. The cap may have a ring shaped cross-section and may be sized and shaped so as to be connectable to the base such that the port is accessible when the cap is connected.

Abstract: A photo-catalyzing fluid mobilizing system and method are disclosed. A chamber has a power source. A fluid mobilizer is mounted in the chamber and connected with the power source to mobilize a fluid through the chamber. The fluid mobilizer includes one or more fan blades that are coated with a photo catalyst. A UV light source is mounted in the chamber proximate the fluid mobilizer and connected with the power source to catalyze the photo catalyst coating the blades to purifier the fluid being mobilized thereover.

Abstract: An aspirating photochemical odor control system allows odoriferous gases to reside in a wet well or force main (odor source) until gas pressure in the odor source forces the gases out. A check valve admits air into the odor source when pressure in the odor source decreases appreciably below ambient pressure. When pressure in the odor source exceeds ambient pressure, a check valve permits flow of gases from the odor source to a photochemical reaction chamber and solar thermal collector to react with oxidizer generated by UV lamps, before being exhausted to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An anti-microbial air processor is configured and arranged to fit at least substantially across an airway in a personal patient-warming apparatus to thereby inactivate airborne microbes before those airborne microbes are exposed to a patient via warming air delivered by the personal patient-warming apparatus. By one approach, the anti-microbial air processor comprises an anti-microbial air filter. By another approach, in lieu of the foregoing or in combination therewith, the anti-microbial air processor comprises one or more ultraviolet light sources configured to expose at least one inner surface of the personal patient-warming apparatus to ultraviolet light to thereby inactivate microbes.

Abstract: An odor-controlling bodily fluid absorbent member comprises (a) an absorbent material or substrate; and (b) a halo active aromatic sulfonamide compound of Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X, M, and n are as described herein; and wherein at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 is not hydrogen. The absorbent member effectively controls odor arising from various body fluids.

Abstract: A system for treating a tissue site of a patient includes a dressing filler adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. The dressing filler includes a base and a plurality of nodes extending from the base. The base further includes a plurality of openings disposed in the base. At least one of the plurality of nodes is comprised of a non-tactile-stimulus-activated, macroscopically-deforming (NTSAMD) material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent structure having a sequence of layers, comprising at least one first and one second outer layer and at least one liquid storage layer arranged therebetween, wherein the layers are arranged on top of each other and form a layer structure, wherein at least the liquid storage layer comprises a cellulose material, preferably cellulose fibers, and a super-absorbent polymer SAP, preferably SAP particles and/or SAP fibers, wherein the liquid storage layer comprises at least less, preferably no, binder than liquid-storing layers of the absorbent structure adjacent to the liquid storage layer. The absorbent structure has particularly high flexibility in the wet and the dry state. It can preferably be used in disposable items. The invention further relates to a method for producing the absorbent structure and to a device for producing same.

Abstract: A method and device for use in stress female urinary incontinence. A small, flexible adhesive patch is applied directly to the clitoris of a person suffering from stress female urinary incontinence. The adhesive is of a type sufficient to stimulate the mechanoreceptors located in the clitoris whereby to inhibit discharge from the bladder. The patch is formed of a backing sheet of an impervious material containing adhesive on one side. A release liner prevents the adhesive from drying out.

Abstract: A paste contains at least one monomer for radical polymerization, at least one polymer that is soluble in said at least one monomer for radical polymerization, and at least one filling agent that is poorly soluble or insoluble in said at least one monomer for radical polymerization. The filling agent is a particulate inorganic calcium salt comprising the following properties: at least 90% by weight of the particulate inorganic calcium salt have a particle size of less than 63 ?m, as determined by means of sieve analysis; and the solubility in water of the particulate inorganic calcium salt at 20° C. is less than 8.5 g per liter. A kit and the paste is usable for mechanical fixation of articular endoprostheses, for covering skull defects, for filling bone cavities, for femuroplasty, for vertebroplasty, for kyphoplasty, for the manufacture of spacers or for the production of carrier materials for local antibiotics therapy, as well as a form body.

Abstract: Described is a process for making a dry and stable hemostatic composition, said process comprising a) providing a first component comprising a dry preparation of a coagulation inducing agent, b) providing a second component comprising a dry preparation of a biocompatible polymer suitable for use in hemostasis, c) mixing said first component and said second component under conditions effective to form a wet paste while essentially preventing degradation of the second component by said first component in a final container or transferring said wet paste into a final container, d) freezing and lyophilizing said paste in said container thereby obtaining a dry and stable hemostatic composition comprising said first and said second component in lyophilized form, and e) finishing said dry and stable hemostatic composition in said final container to a storable pharmaceutical device containing said first component and said second component in a combined form as a dry and stable hemostatic composition.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, comprising a substrate, having on its surface, on at least a part thereof, a hydrophilic surface layer providing low-friction surface character of the medical device when wetted by a wetting fluid. The substrate is made of a polymer blend comprising a polyolefin and a composition having molecules with active hydrogen(s), such as polyamide or polyurethane. The hydrophilic surface layer is preferably adhered to the substrate by a polyurea network, whereby said polyurea network forms a covalent bond to said active hydrogen(s) in the substrate. The new substrate material is environmentally acceptable and cost effective, has adequate mechanical and chemical properties and enables the hydrophilic coating to be adequately adhered.

Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices comprising a non-metallic micro tube containing FRP (fiber reinforced polymer), especially to respective tubings, used for constructing catheters like balloon dilation catheters, stent delivery catheters, guiding catheters and diagnostic catheters.