Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of cancers. In particular, the invention provides methods for treatment of cancer by administering an Aurora kinase inhibitor in combination with an anti-CD30 antibody. The combined administration of the Aurora kinase inhibitor and anti-CD30 antibody can be simultaneous, separate, sequential or consecutive.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides polymer conjugates comprising a polymer and an agent, the agent linked to the polymer via a linking group containing a hydrolyzable moiety.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains to conjugates of GARFTase inhibitors. In particular, the invention described herein pertains to conjugates of GARFTase inhibitors that target the folate receptor for delivery of conjugated drugs to a mammalian recipient. Also described are methods of making and using conjugates of GARFTase inhibitors.

Abstract: Methods for preparing monomeric cytotoxic drug/carrier conjugates with a drug loading significantly higher than in previously reported procedures and with decreased aggregation and low conjugate fraction (LCF) are described. Cytotoxic drug derivative/antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described. Monomeric calicheamicin derivative/anti-CD22 antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improved methods and compositions for preparing SN-38 conjugates of proteins or peptides, preferably immunoconjugates of antibodies or antigen-binding antibody fragments. More preferably, the SN-38 is attached to the antibody or antibody fragment using a CL2A linker, with 1-12, more preferably 6-8, alternatively 1-5 SN-38 moieties per antibody or antibody fragment. Most preferably, the immunoconjugate is prepared in large scale batches, with various modifications to the reaction scheme disclosed herein to optimize yield and recovery in large scale. Other embodiments concern optimized dosages and/or schedules of administration of immunoconjugate to maximize efficacy for disease treatment and minimize side effects of administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides Lig-and-Drug Conjugates and Drug-Linker Compounds comprising a methylene carbamate unit. The invention provides inter alia, Ligand-Drug Conjugates, wherein the Ligand-Drug Conjugate is comprised of a Self-immolative Assembly Unit having a methylene carbamate unit for conjugation of a drug to a targeting ligand, methods of preparing and using them, and intermediates thereof. The Ligand-Drug Conjugates of the present invention are stable in circulation, yet capable of inflicting cell death once free drug is released from a Conjugate in the vicinity or within tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention features recombinant adeno-associated vectors for delivery of genes to both skeletal and cardiac muscle and methods for treatment of muscle defects, including Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanoparticle or microparticle comprising calmodulin attached to an exterior surface, wherein the calmodulin is attached to a fusion protein comprising a targeting ligand and a carboxy-terminal or amino-terminal calmodulin binding peptide and methods of its use in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Abstract: The present inventors have harnessed the targeting of nanoparticles to tumour sites, combined with the tumour site specific elevated MMP-14 activity within one conjugate to simultaneously deliver a vascular disrupting agent (VDA) and a MRI contrast agent to a tumour site. The MMP activatable conjugate of the present invention provides both therapeutic and diagnostic functions—and is referred to as a “theranostic”. The theranostic conjugate of the present invention achieves the benefits of tumour site specificity, VDA delivery and MRI contrast agent delivery in a single theranostic conjugate. Consequently, the present invention provides a cancer “theranostic” which improves therapeutic efficacy whilst simultaneously reducing dose-limiting systemic toxicities and provides a tool for rapidly and non-invasively identifying tumour location, monitoring drug delivery and pharmacodynamics.

Abstract: This disclosure provides radiolabeled compounds that bind to guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) and which can bind cancer cells that express GCC. Exemplary compounds comprise a chelating moiety capable of binding a radioactive atom, a peptide capable of binding GCC, and a linker moiety connecting the two. This disclosure also provides methods of detecting and treating cancer using the compounds described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for labeled probes such as labeled maltoside probes and labeled maltotriose probes, methods of making labeled probes, pharmaceutical compositions including labeled probes, methods of using labeled probes, methods of diagnosing, localizing, monitoring, and/or assessing bacterial infections, using labeled probes, kits for diagnosing, localizing, monitoring, and/or assessing bacterial infections, using labeled probes, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved 18F-labelled aldehyde compositions, wherein impurities which affect imaging in vivo are identified and suppressed. Also provided are methods of preparation of radiofluorinated biological targeting molecules using said improved compositions, together with radiopharmaceutical compositions. The invention also includes methods of imaging and/or diagnosis using the radiopharmaceutical compositions described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to novel dendrimer conjugates and the methods of synthesizing the same, as well as systems and methods utilizing the dendrimer conjugates (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutics, imaging, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in disease diagnosis and/or therapy, etc.))).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radiopharmaceuticals for in vivo imaging, in particular to a method of purifying a radiotracer which comprises 18F-labelled aminoxy-functionalised biological targeting moiety. The invention provides radioprotectant-containing radiopharmaceutical compositions of the tracers, as well as associated automated methods and cassettes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radiopharmaceuticals for in vivo imaging, in particular to radiotracer compositions which comprises 18F-labelled c-Met binding peptides. The invention provides said compositions, as well as associated automated methods of preparation and cassettes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liposomes useful for diagnosis and/or therapy of a target site, such as cancerous tissue. The compositions and methods disclosed herein find particular use in diagnosing and imaging cancerous tissue. The present invention provides a new diagnostic tool for the utilization of positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography imaging technique.

Abstract: A disinfection system for intracavity ultrasound probes includes a housing, a disinfection chamber positioned in the housing and receiving at least one ultrasound probe, at least one source of UV light positioned in the chamber, and a vertical drawer slidably positioned in the housing, the vertical drawer having a suspension bracket that accommodates the at least one ultrasound probe such that the probe is suspended in a substantially vertical position. A method for disinfecting intracavity ultrasound probes includes the steps of placing at least one ultrasound probe into a vertical sliding drawer, wherein the probe is received into a suspension bracket positioned in the drawer such that the probe is suspended in a substantially vertical position, sliding the drawer into a disinfection chamber contained within a housing, and supplying UV light via at least one source of UV light positioned in the disinfection chamber to disinfect the probe.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and systems for mitigating pathogen transmission via a touch surface of a touch input device. Mitigation is accomplished through selective touch surface sterilization and through touchscreen user interface reorganization. The touch surface includes a pixel array for illuminating selected portions of the touch surface with ultraviolet light of a sterilization wavelength based upon the received touch inputs. The selective illumination may occur while receiving a touch input or after an accumulation of touch inputs have been received. The user interface may also be reorganized based on received touch inputs in order to locate user interface icons to lesser touched locations of the touch surface.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and systems for mitigating pathogen transmission via a touch surface of a touch input device. Mitigation is accomplished through selective touch surface sterilization and through touchscreen user interface reorganization. The touch surface includes a pixel array for illuminating selected portions of the touch surface with ultraviolet light of a sterilization wavelength based upon the received touch inputs. The selective illumination may occur while receiving a touch input or after an accumulation of touch inputs have been received. The user interface may also be reorganized based on received touch inputs in order to locate user interface icons to lesser touched locations of the touch surface.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a candle for providing a pourable ointment to a user. The candle may include an oil infused with at least one member selected from the group consisting of an herbal remedy and a homeopathic remedy. The infusion of the oil with the member may suitably create an ointment. The candle can also include a wax mixed with the oil, and optionally, a wick placed into the wax and oil mixture. When the candle is heated it may be configured to transform into a pourable ointment.

Abstract: A removable replaceable cartridge for use with a liquid diffusing device. The cartridge includes a venturi, a conduit extending to the venturi, a mixing area and an outlet path for atomizing and dispersing a liquid within the cartridge. A diffusion device including a removable replaceable cartridge received within a housing. The housing includes a source of compressed gas which is directed into the cartridge. A venturi head with a unitary body for use with a diffusion device.

Abstract: An insert, a system, and a method for dispensing a compressed gas product. The insert includes a swirl chamber, inlet ports to the swirl chamber, and an outlet orifice. The insert has specifically configured parameters relating to the diameter of the swirl chamber, the diameter of the outlet orifice, the length of the outlet orifice, and the depth of the swirl chamber. The insert, system, and method can provide a dispensed compressed gas product with a remarkably constant flow rate and with a remarkably constant particle size.

Abstract: A device and method for air purification used in cooling, heating and air ventilation systems. The device has at least one UV light source positioned on an inside portion of a movable access panel so that it moves with the access panel from a first position where the UV source directs UV light towards the inside of the system to purify the air stream inside and to remove contaminants from the surfaces inside the system, to a second position where the UV source directs UV light towards the space surrounding the system so that it purifies the air in the room where the system is mounted.

Abstract: An air purifying apparatus according to an embodiment includes a body having first and second conduits through which a flow of air is generated from an air inlet to an air outlet, an ultraviolet light emitting diode part and a first filter part disposed within the first conduit, and a second filter part disposed within the second conduit.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising an open-cell foam substrate infused with an ion-containing composition in a water-dispersible carrier is provided. The composition includes citric acid or a salt thereof; salts of potassium, rubidium, and zinc ions; and a carrier comprising two or more polyol components, at least one polyol component being solid at 23 degrees C. A method of treating a wound with said wound dressing is also provided.

Abstract: An odor control layer for personal care products has a composition that has a PEG or PEG copolymer composition applied thereto. The layer can be placed in a personal care product, such as a diaper, training pant, absorbent under pant, adult incontinence product, or feminine hygiene product. Additional odor control layers may include silver nanoparticles and activated carbon compositions. In an alternative form, a single odor control layer includes the PEG composition and the activated carbon and/or silver nanoparticle compositions. A cleansing composition with PEG and possibly active carbon and silver nanoparticles may be combined with the personal care product to form a kit.

Abstract: A wetness indicator composition comprising a leuco dye, a color developer, and a hot melt binding matrix.

Abstract: The invention provides a particulate composition adapted for forming a bone graft substitute cement upon mixing with an aqueous solution, comprising i) a calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder, wherein the calcium sulfate hemihydrate is present at a concentration of at least about 50 weight percent based on the total weight of the particulate composition; ii) a monocalcium phosphate monohydrate powder; iii) a non-porous ?-tricalcium phosphate powder; and iv) a porous ?-tricalcium phosphate powder. Bone graft substitute cements made therefrom, a bone graft substitute kit comprising the particulate composition, methods of making and using the particulate composition, and articles made from the bone graft substitute cement are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyurea system, the use of such a polyurea system for sealing, linking, gluing, or covering of cellular tissue, and a dosing system having two chambers for a polyurea system such as this. The polyurea system comprises as components: A) an isocyanate-functioning prepolymer, which can be derived by reacting aliphatic isocyanates with polyoles, and B) an amino-functioning ester of aspartic acid. According to the invention, water and/or tertiary amine is added to the system, in order to increase the reacting speed of the prepolymer with the amino-functioning ester of aspartic acid while decreasing the setting time at the same time.

Abstract: Various polymeric materials and delivery systems are described, along with systems and methods for using them for bone and tissue augmentation, such as for the stabilization and/or correction of spinal compression fractures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible and biodegradable elastomer, comprising a hard segment and a soft segment. The hard segment is formed by reacting diisocyanate and a chain extender; and the soft segment is comprising a biodegradable oligomer diol, wherein the biodegradable oligomer diol is selected from the group consisting of polycaprolactone diol, polyethylene butylene adipate diol (PEBA diol), poly-L-lactic acid diol (PLLA diol), polylactic acid diol and any combination thereof. The biocompatible and biodegradable elastomer of present invention can be used to produce vascular graft, cell carrier, drug carrier or gene carrier.

Abstract: Compositions and method of manufacturing carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, the functional groups of a bi-functional PEG molecule (PEG diglycidyl ether) are attached to different CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles, and lubricants of tissues and medical instruments.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to water-insoluble but water-swellable and deformable crosslinked PEGylated microgel particles of proteins and protein-based macromolecules that are pseudoplastic (shear thinning) and flow in aqueous media under shear and which can be injected or made to flow, wherein said microgel particles can reform as a duster of microgel particles when shearing forces are removed. The microgel particles function as a matrix to support cell growth, viability, and proliferation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a biocompatible macromolecular porous body, which enables provision of a cell structure showing a high number of cells and a high number of blood vessels; a method for producing the same; and a biocompatible macromolecular block and a cell structure. According to the present invention, there is provided: a method for producing a biocompatible macromolecular porous body which includes a step (a) of cooling a solution of biocompatible macromolecules to be in an unfrozen state, the difference between a temperature of a portion at the highest liquid temperature within the solution and a temperature of a portion at the lowest liquid temperature within the solution being lower than or equal to 2.5° C.

Abstract: A scaffold, a method of using the scaffold and a method of preparing the scaffold which may promote the growth or survival of cells and tissues. The scaffold comprises at least one microvascular layer formed from a thin-film fibrin, the microvascular layer configured to sustain and promote growth of cells and having one or more microfluidics channels embedded in the microvascular layer, the channels configured to contain nutrients needed for growth of the cells, and the channels configured to permit diffusion of the nutrients from the channels to the cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of repairing an annulus. This method involves providing a collagen gel composition that includes collagen gel and a cross-linking agent. The collagen gel composition is injected into, around, or near an annulus repair site under conditions to repair the annulus. The cross-linking agent is included with or added to the collagen gel in an amount sufficient to cause cross-linking of the collagen gel and enable integration of the collagen gel composition with tissue near where said collagen gel composition is injected. Also disclosed is collagen gel composition.

Abstract: Degradable bioprostheses made of collagen-based material having amine-based and ester-based crosslinks are provided, as are methods for their formation and use. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a method of controlling the ratio of amine-based crosslinks to ester-based crosslinks within a collagen-based material to provide a tailorably crosslinked collagen-based material. Some embodiments provide a method of making a degradable bioprosthesis involving controlling crosslinking to afford a degradable bioprosthesis that is partially crosslinked. By controlling the ratio of amine-based to ester-based crosslinks, by controlling the level of crosslinking, or by controlling both of these features, degradable bioprostheses with tailored degradation rates can be synthesized. Some embodiments of degradable bioprostheses have degradation rates that are tailored to allow their use in particular medical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a composite biomaterial, essentially consisting of collagen in combination with granules of hydroxyapatite/?-tricalcium phosphate (HA/?-TCP), to be used in maxillofacial surgery, dentistry, aesthetic surgery and particularly in orthopedic surgery; the invention also relates to the biomaterial obtained by means of this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting stenosis, obstruction, or calcification of a valve following implantation of a valve prosthesis which may involve disposing a coating composition on an elastical stent or valve leaflet. The valve prosthesis is mounted on the elastical stent such that the elastical stent is in contact with the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a biocompatible tissue, the method including: providing a cornea from a tissue source through corneal incision; decellularizing the provided cornea in purified water containing charcoal for a predetermined period of time; and post-treating the decellularized corneal extracellular matrix through stirring in a hypotonic solution, so that the charcoal is used as a decellularizing agent for the cornea, thereby allowing the regeneration of a corneal tissue like in the original corneal extracellular matrix, and the preparation of a cornea without an immune rejection response and a fast regeneration effect of a patient through transplantation of the cornea can be expected.

Abstract: A method for preparing tissue for medical applications, including decellularizing the tissue by means of a detergent, characterized in that the decellularizing detergent contains at least one amphiphilic lipopeptide; treating the decellularized tissue with an ?-galactosidase; and cross-linking the collagen fibers of the treated tissue by means of a suitable cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta that possess good adhesion to biological tissues and are useful in would healing applications. In one aspect, the tissue graft includes (1) two or more layers of amnion, wherein at least one layer of amnion is cross-linked, (2) two or more layers of chorion, wherein at least one layer of amnion is cross-linked, or (3) one or more layers of amnion and chorion, wherein at least one layer of amnion and/or chorion is cross-linked. In another aspect, the grafts are composed of amnion and chorion cross-linked with one another. In a further aspect, the grafts have one or more layers sandwiched between the amnion and chorion membranes. The amnion and/or the chorion are treated with a cross-linking agent prior to the formation of the graft. The presence of the cross-linking agent present on the graft also enhances adhesion to the biological tissue of interest. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical formulations. More particularly it is directed to homogeneous hydrogels comprising Fibroblast Growth Factor 18 (FGF-18) compound and to methods of producing such hydrogels. The hydrogels of the invention can be used, once formed in situ, for the treatment of cartilage disorders such as osteoarthritis or cartilage injury.

Abstract: A coating for a medical device or appliance may include a fluoropolymer and a polyimide. Such coatings may provide a lubricious exterior surface that facilitates insertion or displacement of a medical device in a body lumen. Some coatings that include a fluoropolymer and a polyimide may, among other functions and characteristics, provide increased strength and/or durability relative to some other coatings.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a biofunctional molecular imprint apparatus comprising a supportive structure that cuts, punctures, retains, repairs, protects, interrogates, and/or supports the function of a body tissue or other substance; a surface material that receives and retains a molecular imprint and that is positioned to contact the body tissue or other substance during use; and a molecular imprint of a bioactive molecule that influences blood coagulation, tissue damage, pain, immune response, inflammation, infection, healing, tissue regeneration, cell adhesion, the formation of extracellular matrix, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, bacterial growth, and/or side effects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bioresorbable stents which elute nitric oxide (NO). The stent is comprised of three main key design elements: a bioresorbable scaffold, a bioresorbable polymeric coating layer(s), and NO-releasing nanoparticles incorporated in the bioresorbable polymeric coating layer, and optionally also in the scaffold. The NO-releasing nanoparticles are made of nontoxic biocompatible and biodegradable materials; for example a chitosan polymer and optionally a sugar.

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

Abstract: A medical device is provided including a base member and a coating layer containing an antithrombogenic material and covering a surface of the base member. The antithrombogenic material contains a copolymer having a repeating unit (A) represented by the following formula (1): wherein R11 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, Z is an oxygen atom or —NH—, R12 is a C1-6 alkylene group, R13 and R14 are each independently a C1-4 alkyl group, and R15 is a C1-2 alkylene group, and a repeating unit (B) represented by the following formula (2): wherein R21 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R22 is a C1-6 alkylene group, and R23 is a C1-4 alkyl group. The repeating unit (A) is contained in a proportion of 1 to 7 mol % based on all the structural units of the copolymer.

Abstract: A method for capturing dislodged vegetative growth during a surgical procedure is provided. The method includes maneuvering, into a circulatory system, a first cannula having a distal end and an opposing proximal end, such that the first cannula is positioned to capture the vegetative growth en bloc. A second cannula is positioned n fluid communication with the first cannula, such that a distal end of the second cannula is situated in spaced relation to the distal end of the first cannula. A suction force is provided through the distal end of the first cannula so as to capture the vegetative growth. Fluid removed by the suction force is reinfused through the distal end of the second cannula. Subsequent to becoming dislodged, the vegetative growth is captured by the first cannula. A method for capturing a vegetative growth during removal of a pacemaker lead is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure.