Abstract: The present invention provides methods and taste-modifying kits for facilitating cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient prior to a diagnostic, surgical or therapeutic procedure. The methods and taste-modifying kits can improve patient compliance, and thus, efficacy of the preparation. Specifically, the present methods make the gastrointestinal tract preparation composition palatable for the patient to consume. For example, for a patient preparing to undergo colonoscopy, the present methods make the bowel preparation solution taste significantly less salty.

Abstract: Observations regarding the role of MUC1 in promoting the nuclear accumulation of EGFR led us to propose the development of peptides to block nuclear accumulation of EGFR as a means to block breast cancer progression. One exemplary peptide, the ENLS1 peptide, promotes cell death in breast cancer cell lines. Studies in the MMTV-pyMT mouse model of breast cancer demonstrate significant anti-tumor activity.

Abstract: The use and screening of modulators of apoptosis is disclosed. The modulators may be, for example, modulator of NF-?B activity. The modulators may be used, for example, in the treatment of NF-?B-mediated diseases, conditions, and injuries.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating, preventing and/or remedying psoriasis, based on compounds that have a calcitonin-related gene peptide (CGRP) antagonistic effect. Methods are also disclosed for identifying compounds with CGRP antagonist activity which thereby are suitable candidate compounds for treating psoriasis.

Abstract: A composition with a polypeptide including amino acid sequence LKKTET or a conservative variant thereof, the composition further including a carrier for application to a surface of a body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulin analogue or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical composition with prolonged therapeutic effect, application of the insulin analogue, dosage method and method of treatment of diabetes. In more detail, the solution pertains to compounds being stable insulin analogues which are pharmaceutically active and characterized by a prolonged, flat, truly peakless course of glucose concentration vs. time during repeated administration and which do not show strong 24 hours fluctuations of glucose concentration, or the so-called “sawteeth effect”, during this time. Results of studies of compounds included in the scope of this application indicate an improvement in the effects of diabetes treatment by avoiding the hitherto occurring adverse influence of changes in glucose concentration throughout the entire day on a patient's organism, e.g.

Abstract: The composition for tissue/cell repair facilitates healing of damaged tissues, promoting tissue and cell growth, protecting cells and tissues, and reducing scar tissue. The composition includes hydrolyzed collagen, and may include high molecular weight hydrolyzed collagen. The hydrolyzed collagen may be combined with native collagen and/or at least one other therapeutic agent. For example, the therapeutic agent may be a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, a glucosamine salt, or mixtures thereof. The collagen may be derived from two or more different sources, and may be combined with hydrolyzed whey and/or elastin.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention is an application for PRDX2 and/or PRDX6 in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition to treat or prevent damage, aging or diseases resulting from an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating an autoimmune disease comprising, as an active ingredient, PINK1 protein or polynucleotide encoding the same. The PINK1 protein according to the present invention inhibits the activity of Th17, promotes the activity of a regulatory T cell (Treg), and increases autophagy in Treg cells, thereby controlling excessive immune responses. Therefore, the PINK1 protein can be effectively used as a pharmaceutical composition or an immunosuppressant, which is capable of preventing or treating an autoimmune disease, such as arthritis, and the like, caused by dysregulation of various kinds of immune responses.

Abstract: Isolated glycyl-tRNA synthetase polypeptides and polynucleotides having non-canonical biological activities are provided, as well as compositions and methods related thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for treating and preventing autoimmune and allergic diseases. More specifically, the invention relates to new immunomodulating complexes that are fusion proteins comprising a mutant subunit of the A1-subunit of the cholera toxin (CTA1), a peptide capable of binding to a specific cellular receptor, and one or more epitopes associated with an autoimmune or allergic disease. In the mutant CTA1 subunit, the amino acids corresponding to the amino acid 7, arginine, and amino acid 187, cysteine, in the native CTA1 have been replaced.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides or the fragments derived from SEQ ID NO: 42, which bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The peptides may include one of the above mentioned amino acid sequences with substitution, deletion, or addition of one, two, or several amino acids sequences. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used for treating cancer.

Abstract: Strains of Sarcocystidae selected from Toxoplasma spp or Neospora spp isolated from their natural environment and having an immunostimulant effect, for the use thereof in the prevention or the treatment, in a mammal, of a pathology associated with an apicomplexan of the family Cryptosporidiidae.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a novel S. aureus bioconjugate vaccine. More generally, the invention is directed to Gram-positive and other bioconjugate vaccines containing a protein carrier, at least one polysaccharide such as a capsular Gram-positive polysaccharide, and, optionally, an adjuvant or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The instant invention also includes methods of producing Gram-positive and other bioconjugate vaccines. An N-glycosylated protein is also provided that contains one or more polysaccharides such as Gram-positive polysaccharides. The invention is additionally directed to engineered prokaryotic organisms comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a glycosyltransferase of a first prokaryotic organism and a glycosyltransferase of a second prokaryotic organism. The invention further includes plasmids and prokaryotic cells transformed with plasmids encoding polysaccharides and enzymes which produce an N-glycosylated protein and/or bioconjugate vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel chimeric porcine circovirus infectious DNA clone and live attenuated chimeric virus with the PCV2, preferably of subtype PCV2b, capsid gene integrated into a non-pathogenic PCV1 virus genome. In a particular embodiment, the PCV2 capids gene is of subtype PCV2b, the predominant subtype circulating in pigs worldwide. The attenuated chimeric virus, designated PCV1-2b, effectively protects pigs from PCV2b challenges, and can be used as a live vaccine, as well as an inactivated (killed) vaccine, that provides protection and cross protection against PCV2b and PCV2a subtypes infection. The live attenuated vaccine of the present invention is also effective protecting pigs from porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing or enhancing an immune response against an immunogen in a subject. The invention further includes isolated nucleic acid vaccines, cellular vaccines, fusion proteins, expression vectors, vaccines, and immunogenic compositions for use therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of immunology and vaccine development, in particular to the development of vaccines based on native antigen oligomers. Provided is an immunogenic composition in particulate form, comprising oligomers of a surface exposed polypeptide of pathogenic origin or tumor origin, or antigenic part thereof, said oligomers being bound non-covalently to a particulate carrier, and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or excipient.

Abstract: A method for eliciting an immune response by contacting a mucosal surface utilizing a composition including an antigen, a NOD agonist, and a mucoadhesive, wherein the NOD agonist is N-Acetyl-muramyl-L-Alanyl-D-Glutamin-n-butyl-ester (“Murabutide”).

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of enhancing immunological responses to an antigen in a vaccine formulation, and for a vaccine formulation that provides for an enhanced immunological response to an antigen. In the method and formulation the antigen is administered with an adjuvant which adjuvant comprises a solution of nitrous oxide gas in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier solvent for the gas and which adjuvant includes at least one fatty acid or ester or other suitable derivative thereof selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid [C20: 5?3], decosahexaenoic acid [C22: 6?3], ricinoleic acid and derivatives thereof selected from the group consisting of the C1 to C6 alkyl esters thereof, the glycerol-polyethylene glycol esters thereof and the reaction product of hydrogenated natural oils composed largely of ricinoleic acid based oils, such as castor oil with ethylene oxide.

Abstract: The antibodies enabled by the teaching of the present invention are particularly useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with amyloid or amyloid-like proteins including amyloidosis, a group of diseases and disorders associated with amyloid plaque formation including secondary amyloidosis and age-related amyloidosis including, but not limited to, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD).

Abstract: Described are uses of A2a adenosine receptor antagonists and agonists to provide long term modulation of immune responses. A2a receptor antagonists in particular are provided to enhance immune responses by reducing T-cell mediated tolerance to antigenic stimuli and agonists are provided to enhance effectiveness of immunosuppressive agents. The application provides methods of treatment and prevention based on the long term effects of the compounds on T cell responses.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of reducing levels of lactate in a fluid or tissue in an individual. The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in the methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions forming a low viscosity mixture of: a. at least one diacyl glycerol and/or at least one tocopherol; b. at least one phospholipid component comprising phospholipids having i. polar head groups comprising more than 50% phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and ii. two acyl chains each independently having 16 to 20 carbons wherein at least one acyl chain has at least one unsaturation in the carbon chain, and there are no more than four unsaturations over two carbon chains; c. at least one biocompatible, oxygen containing, low viscosity organic solvent; wherein optionally at least one bioactive agent is dissolved or dispersed in the low viscosity mixture; and wherein the pre-formulation forms, or is capable of forming, at least one non-lamellar liquid crystalline phase structure upon contact with an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: Provided herein are use of polymeric excipients, specifically polyvinyl alcohols, optionally in conjunction with sugars, as cryoprotectants to prevent aggregation of PEG-containing particles. Also provided are PEG-containing particles comprising such polymeric excipients.

Abstract: The invention provides disintegratable films containing a mixture of high molecular weight and low molecular weight water soluble components; and a pharmaceutically or cosmetically active ingredient. Optionally, the films contain a starch component, a glucose component, a filler, a plasticizer and/or humectant. The films are preferably in the form of a mucoadhesive monolayer having a thickness sufficient to rapidly disintegrate in the oral environment and release the active ingredient without undue discomfort to the oral mucosa. The monolayer can be cut to any desired size or shape to provide conveniently useable unit dosage forms for administration to oral or other mucosal surfaces for human pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or veterinary applications. The invention further provides methods of administering the film compositions by placing the composition into, for example, the oral cavity for a sufficient period of time to permit the film to disintegrate and release the active ingredient.

Abstract: A composition of cyclodextrin and colchicine in a dermatologically acceptable cream base provided improved clearance of actinic keratoses following topical application for 1 to 3 months. The composition provides improved clearance of recalcitrant actinic keratoses. Furthermore, the treatment causes much less pain and irritation than other topical treatments for actinic keratoses.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and their methods of use are provided, where the pharmaceutical compositions comprise an opioid prodrug that provides enzymatically-controlled release of an opioid, and an enzyme inhibitor that interacts with the enzyme(s) that mediates the enzymatically-controlled release of the opioid from the opioid prodrug so as to attenuate enzymatic cleavage of the opioid prodrug.

Abstract: Therapeutic conjugates containing a statin or a modified statin (collectively “statin”) linked to a therapeutic agent (also referred to as a drug herein) are targeted to the liver by the statin or modified statin and thereby deliver the therapeutic agent to liver cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of sustained delivery of a lactam, imide, amide, sulfonamide, carbamate or urea containing parent drug by administering to a patient an effective amount of a prodrug compound of the invention wherein upon administration to the patient, release of the parent drug from the prodrug is sustained release. Prodrug compounds suitable for use in the methods of the invention are labile conjugates of parent drugs that are derivatized through carbonyl linked prodrug moieties. The prodrug compounds of the invention can be used to treat any condition for which the lactam, imide, amide, sulfonamide, carbamate or urea containing parent drug is useful as a treatment.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a preparation comprising a non-mammalian derived mixture of serine glycerophospholipid conjugates with a specific content and specific conjugation patterns of LA, linolenic acid (alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid) DHA and EPA which depend on utilizing different sources of lipids, and uses of such preparations.

Abstract: A nicotine-containing product comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable polymeric substrate, which is able to bind cations, nicotine or a pharmaceutically acceptable nicotine derivative, and pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic cations. It further pertains to a method for the preparation of such a nicotine-containing product and to the use thereof for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product.

Abstract: 1H-Imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines substituted at the 1-position with a substituent bearing a hydrazinobenzamide or hydrazinonicotinamide, a salt thereof, or a protected hydrazinobenzamide or hydrazinonicotinamide and conjugates made from such compounds are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound or the conjugate, methods of making a conjugate, and methods of use of the compounds or conjugates as immunomodulators for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in an animal and for vaccinating an animal are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a soluble CD52 glycoprotein and its use in treating diseases regulated by effector T-cells, for example autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes. The present disclosure also relates to fusion proteins comprising the soluble glycoprotein, to cells expressing high levels of CD52, and to diagnostic methods based on the detection of CD52 expression levels in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of site-specific labeling of antibodies, using proteins having 4?-phosphopantetheinyl transferase activity that catalyze post-translational modification of peptide sequences (“peptide tags”) incorporated into one or more specific sites of an antibody of interest. Enzymatic labeling enables quantitative and irreversible covalent modification of a specific serine residue within the peptide tags incorporated into the antibody, and thus creates desirable antibody conjugates.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of selective screening. In addition, various targeting proteins and sequences, as well as methods of their use, are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure demonstrates that a nanovesicle comprising a membrane-associated lysosomal protein (saposin C; “SapC”) incorporated into a phospholipid has a high fusogenic affinity for phosphatidylserine-rich domains on the surfaces of target cell membranes. It is believed that the nanovesicles target surface exposed phosphatidylserine on the membranes of cells associated with arthritis, allowing for detection of local tissue damage associated with arthritis. In plasma membranes, phosphatidylserine is normally present only on the inner leaflet but is “flipped” to the outer leaflet upon the presence of cell damage. Incorporation of the fluorophore in the nanovesicles allows for the in vivo visualization of the fluorophore in targeted tissue and provides a technique to detect and evaluate the onset and progression of arthritic disease in an animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid vehicles that can be used to create dilute solutions of water-soluble pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles are formulated to provide desired osmolalities, viscosities, pH, and taste masking capabilities to match the particular intentions of the user and to complement the inherent differences in the various oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles comprise an aqueous medium, an osmotic agent to adjust osmolality, a buffering agent, a viscosity agent, and sweeteners and flavoring agents to improve palatability.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprising a nanoparticulate transition metal oxide covalently functionalized with a silane-functionalized non-targeting zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to MRI based imaging. In particular, the present invention provides MRI contrast agents targeted to a HaloTag protein with tunable relaxation properties thereby providing optimal relaxivity for low field strength imaging and the other optimal relaxivity for high field strength imaging. Moreover, the MRI contrast agents are used to detect gene expression (of a gene of interest) in real time in vivo, to detect changes in gene expression (of a gene of interest) over time in, for example, an individual organism, to detect gene expression changes (of a gene of interest) in response to therapeutics, in cell labeling for MR imaging, in clinical diagnostics, and in theranostics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated method for the preparation of 123I-labelled radiopharmaceutical compositions, together with disposable cassettes for use in the method. The use of an automated synthesizer apparatus in the preparation of 123I-labelled radiopharmaceuticals is also described. Also described is the use of cassettes of the present invention in the preparation of 123I-labelled radiopharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating skin include a skin-contacting portion, an actuator and a processor, wherein activation of the actuator causes surface acoustic waves of Rayleigh, “pseudo” Rayleigh types to be produced on the skin around the actuator. In a location which is under the actuator, the actuator produces tension and repulsion of skin particles. These surface acoustic waves can be used to provide treatment to the skin, including wound healing, non-adhesion of bandages, reduced infection, reduced pain and cosmetic enhancements. The skin-contacting portion may be a patch or bandage, a glove, a hand-held device, or any other suitable configuration. The actuator is incorporated into the skin-contacting portion.

Abstract: A circular sterilization path (CD) is divided into a front sterilization path (Pd) having a preform sterilization section formed and a rear sterilization path (Bd) having a molded-container sterilization section formed. A single electron beam sterilization device simultaneously sterilizes a preform (P) and a molded container (B), achieving effective sterilization and a size reduction of equipment.

Abstract: A dielectric assembly for generating ozone includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a dielectric for generating the ozone, and a knob adapted to extend outside of a housing into which the dielectric assembly is to be placed. A system is also provided for sanitizing and deodorizing water, food, surfaces and air including a microbiological reduction filter device having an input connected to a water supply, a venturi injector disposed within a housing and connected to an output of the microbiological reduction filter device which generates ozone and mixes the generated ozone with the water, and an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes, a dielectric for generating the ozone, and a knob extending outside of the housing. The dielectric in a first embodiment and the entire dielectric assembly in a second embodiment can be removed from the housing and replaced in its entirety by the knob.

Abstract: Scented electronic candle devices are described that facilitate operation and usage of a variety of features such as light or scent or movement of the flame, or a combination thereof. The disclosed features also include multiple settings for the variety of features. For instance, the scent feature can be activated or deactivated by multiple switches, remote, sensors, timers, or similar devices. In addition, the intensity of the scent features can be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the amount of heat or air. Similarly the light feature can be activated, deactivated, or set on a timer. Additionally, the scented electronic candle devices can be equipped with rechargeable batteries that can be charged using a wireless charging station or by connecting the scented electronic candle device to an electrical wall outlet.

Abstract: A scent vaporizing and distribution device uses an electric heating element to rapidly vaporize a liquid scent material. An airflow generator is used to create a distribution airflow that distributes the vapor from the device. The airflow generator can be an electric-powered fan or a manually-powered pump or squeezable bladder. The liquid scent material can include a glycol or a water-glycol mixture. A scent material such as liquid or powdered deer urine or a pleasant scent that can be used as a room or automobile or room freshener is mixed with the liquid. The vapor generator can be removable and replaceable such that different scents can be used with a single airflow generator or an empty generator can be replaced.

Abstract: A system for diffusing one or more volatile compounds included in a volatile compound mass includes a base and a pod tray, carried by the base. At least one pod is carried by the pod tray, the pod having a housing holding a volatile compound mass. The volatile compound mass and the housing are moveable relative to one another. An actuator is carried by the base, the actuator operable to engage the pod and move the housing and the volatile compound mass relative to one another. The pod and the actuator are positionable relative to one another such that the pod and the actuator can be positioned proximate to one another to enable the actuator to engage the pod and move the housing of the pod and the volatile compound mass relative to one another to thereby diffuse the volatile compound.

Abstract: A wound covering fabricated from amniotic, chorionic, or intact amniotic and chorionic membranes obtained from human birth tissue is provided. Methods of processing a membrane to form a wound covering are provided. Methods of treating a wound or surgical incision are also provided.

Abstract: A preparation method of an antibacterial cornea repair material includes (1) purifying type I collagen extracted from beef tendons, and preparing a collagen solution; (2) casting the collagen solution into a mold to form a membrane by air drying at room temperature; (3) soaking the membrane in an antibiotic solution, stirring until the membrane is in contact with the antibiotic solution, adding a crosslinking agent and a catalyst to the antibiotic solution contacted with the membrane, and stirring the antibiotic solution contacted with the membrane with the crosslinking agent and the catalyst added therein to perform a crosslinking reaction to obtain a crosslinked membrane; and (4) washing the crosslinked membrane material with deionized water, and air drying at room temperature. The antibacterial cornea repair material has relatively good mechanical properties, optical properties, biocompatibility, and antibacterial effect, and can be used for repairing and replacing damaged cornea tissue.

Abstract: An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a composition prepared by firmly coating the surface of a material with a biopolymer, and a composition prepared by this method wherein the surface of a material is firmly coated with a biopolymer. The present invention provides a method for coating with a biopolymer, which comprises coating the surface of a synthetic polymer with a biopolymer dissolved in a solvent comprising an organic fluorine compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasticized dehydrated or freeze-dried bone and/or soft tissue product that does not require special conditions of storage, for example refrigeration or freezing, exhibits materials properties that approximate those properties present in normal hydrated tissue, is not brittle, does not necessitate rehydration prior to clinical implantation and is not a potential source for disease transmission. The invention replaces water in the molecular structure of the bone or soft tissue matrix with one or more plasticizers allowing for dehydration of the tissue, yet not resulting in an increase in brittleness of the plasticized product, and resulting in compressive and/or tensile properties similar to those of normal hydrated bone. Replacement of the chemical plasticizers by water prior to implantation is not required and thus, the dehydrated bone or soft tissue plasticized product can be placed directly into an implant site without significant preparation in the operating room.