Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response against Neisseria spp. bacteria in a subject, particularly against a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strain.

Abstract: The invention refers to a composition comprising inactivated cells deficient in LPS from the genus Acinetobacter and/or outer membrane vesicles form the same and their use for the manufacture of a medicament, preferably a vaccine, for the prevention of diseases produced by organisms of the genus Acinetobacter.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for preparing an attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine and its product. The present invention also refers to a process for preparing a tetravalent dengue vaccine for administration to a subject, to a method for inducing an immune response to virus dengue serotype 1, 2, 3 and 4 in a patient and to a tetravalent dengue vaccine kit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of modulating an immune response in a subject by using a binding protein (e.g., an antibody or an antigen-binding portion of an antibody) to mask or alter an epitope on an antigen that is administered to the subject. Such methods are useful for inducing an immune response (e.g., production of an antibody) in the subject to a non-immunodominant epitope on the antigen. The invention also encompasses an antigen-binding protein complex comprising at least one binding protein bound to at least one immunodominant epitope on an antigen.

Abstract: Provided is a method for modulating an immune response which is not derived from alphavirus infection comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising an alphavirus virus like particle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the stabilization of viral and bacterial vaccines. Vaccines of the invention are contained in VLPs with stabilizing agents such as, for example, sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol) and degraded gelatins. Preferably the gelatin has an average molecular weight of 10,000 kilodaltons or less. These vaccines have a substantially improved thermostability as well as long term stability. The invention is also directed to the manufacture of a vaccine or the invention and methods for the administration of a vaccine of the invention to patients.

Abstract: Provided are adenoviral vectors for generating an immune response to antigen. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal sequence upstream of a tumor antigen upstream of CD40 ligand, which is missing all or substantially all of the transmembrane domain rendering CD40L secretable. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a tumor antigen by administering an effective amount of the invention vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer expressing a tumor antigen in an individual by administering an effective amount of the invention vector. Still further provided are methods of generating immunity to infection by human papilloma virus (HPV) by administering an effective amount of the invention vector which encodes the E6 or E7 protein of HPV. The immunity generated is long term.

Abstract: Methods for generating immune responses using adenovirus vectors that allow multiple vaccinations with the same adenovirus vector and vaccinations in individuals with preexisting immunity to adenovirus are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for novel compositions and methods for making and using a thermally stable human papilloma virus (HPV) formulation or other stabilized multimeric virus formulation. Certain embodiments concern lyophilizing HPV formulations in the presence or absence of adjuvants. Other embodiments concern lypophilizing HPV capsomere vaccines in order to increase stability of an immunogenic composition against HPV infection for storage, delivery and use. In yet other embodiments, a single immunogenic composition can include a thermally stable formulation of multiple virus serotypes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a truncated L1 protein of the Human Papillomavirus Type 11, a virus-like particle consisting of the protein, a vaccine comprising said virus-like particle, and the use of the vaccine in the prevention of condyloma acuminatum or HPV infections.

Abstract: The present invention is related to improved modified live PRRS vaccines containing new PRRSV European strains of PRRSV and methods of use and manufacture of such vaccines.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to immunological compositions for vaccinating human beings against infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Abstract: The present invention relates to vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) matrix (M) protein mutants. One mutant M protein includes a glycine changed to a glutamic acid at position 21, a leucine changed to a phenylalanine at position 111 and a methionine changed to an arginine at position 51. Another M protein mutant includes a glycine changed to a glutamic acid at position 22 and a methionine changed to an arginine at positions 48 and 51. Yet another VSV M protein mutant includes a glycine changed to a glutamic acid at position 22, a leucine changed to a phenylalanine at position 110 and a methionine changed to an arginine at positions 48 and 51. The present invention is directed also to recombinant VSVs (rVSV) having these M mutants and to vaccines based on the rVSV having the M mutants of the present invention. These new rVSVs having the mutant M were significantly attenuated and lost virulence, including neurovirulence, and are capable of inducing an immune responses against an antigen of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides chimeric proteins and nucleic acids encoding these which can be used to generate vaccines against selected antigens. In one aspect, a chimeric protein comprises an antigen sequence and a domain for trafficking the protein to an endosomal compartment, irrespective of whether the antigen is derived from a membrane or non-membrane protein. In one preferred aspect, the trafficking domain comprises a lumenal domain of a LAMP polypeptide. Alternatively, or additionally, the chimeric protein comprises a trafficking domain of an endocytic receptor (e.g., such as DEC-205 or gp200-MR6). The vaccines (DNA, RNA or protein) can be used to modulate or enhance an immune response against any kind of antigen. In one preferred aspect, the invention provides a method for treating a patient with cancer by providing a chimeric protein comprising a cancer-specific antigen or a nucleic acid encoding the protein to the patient.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide immunogenic compositions that comprise one or more peptides having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of NLLTTPKFT and RMLGDVMAV and methods for administering such compositions to a mammal and thereby inducing in the mammal a CD8+ T cell-dependent protective immunity against an HSV-1 infection, an HSV-2 infection, an HSV-1 condition, an HSV-2 condition, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present application discloses an immunogenic composition comprising at least 2 different N. meningitidis capsular saccharides, wherein one or more is/are selected from a first group consisting of MenA, MenC, MenY and MenW which is/are conjugated through a linker to a carrier protein(s), and one or more different saccharides is/are selected from a second group consisting of MenA, MenC, MenY and MenW which is/are directly conjugated to a carrier protein(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a human dose of an immunogenic composition comprising an antigen or antigenic preparation, in combination with an adjuvant which adjuvant comprises an immunologically active saponin fraction derived from the bark of Quillaja Saponaria Molina presented in the form of a liposome and a lipopolysaccharide wherein said saponin fraction and said lipopolysaccharide are both present in said human dose at a level of below 30 ?g. The present invention further provides an adjuvant composition in a human dose suitable volume comprising between 1 and 30 ?g of a lipopolysaccharide and between 1 and 30 ?g of an immunologically active saponin fraction presented in the form of a liposome.

Abstract: The present invention provides antagonists and methods of use thereof in the treatment of cancer and abnormal immune suppression diseases.

Abstract: A method for treating muscular dystrophy is described, including extracorporeally treating a patient's bodily fluid. The bodily fluid is removed from a patient before treatment and returned to the patient after treatment. The treatment targets an antigen associated with muscular dystrophy, such as interleukin-17 (IL-17), TNF-? (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), CTGF-? (transforming growth factor-beta), MCP-1 (monocyte chemotactic protein-1), and combinations thereof. The treatment removes the antigen from the bodily fluid. Preferably, the treatment is removed from the bodily fluid before returning to the patient.

Abstract: A composition comprising: a benefit agent; at least one polymer including a poly(monostearoyl glycerol-co-succinate) polymer; at least one lower alcohol; and at least one co-solvent; and a method for enhancing topical delivery of a benefit agent are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bifunctional compounds, which find utility as modulators of targeted ubiquitination, especially inhibitors of a variety of polypeptides and other proteins which are degraded and/or otherwise inhibited by bifunctional compounds according to the present invention. In particular, the present invention is directed to compounds, which contain on one end a VHL ligand which binds to the ubiquitin ligase and on the other end a moiety which binds a target protein such that the target protein is placed in proximity to the ubiquitin ligase to effect degradation (and inhibition) of that protein. The present invention exhibits a broad range of pharmacological activities associated with compounds according to the present invention, consistent with the degradation/inhibition of targeted polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention in some aspects provides compounds useful for targeting bacterial infections. In some embodiments, the compounds comprise a transferrin receptor ligand covalently linked to a bactericidal agent. In some embodiments, the bactericidal agent is a bactericidal peptide, such as a glycoside hydrolase (e.g., lysozyme).

Abstract: Therapeutic particles contain metal ions and are characterized by the use of unique ligand sets capable of making the metal ion complex soluble in biological media to induce selective toxicity in diseased cells. The particles may comprise a polymeric base particle, at least one pharmaceutically active metal ion, including metal ions from more than one metal element, a ligand that is covalently attached to the polymeric base particle and attached to the metal ion via a stimuli-responsive bond, and a cell targeting component. When the metal ion-containing particle enters a pre-defined environment, the ligands binding the metal to the particle are broken, triggering release of the free metal ion while the original ligands remain covalently bound to the particle.

Abstract: A functionalized nanomaterial, such as a nanoparticle, can include a polythioaminal functionalized surface. The polythioaminal linked to the surface of the nanomaterial can be bonded to a compound such as therapeutic and/or diagnostic materials. The thiol-based linkages can be used to bond the polythioaminal to both the nanomaterial and the therapeutic and/or diagnostic materials. Polythioaminals can be prepared via reactions of triazine and dithiols. Polythioaminals thus prepared can be further modified to provide linkages to the nanomaterial and other compounds such as medicinal compound, peptides, and dyes. Nanomaterials including such compounds linked thereto via the polythioaminal can be supplied for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes to biological target regions.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure features, a method of treating a cancer, e.g. colorectal cancer, e.g., rectal cancer, in a subject with a cyclodextrin containing polymer (“CDP”)-camptothecin conjugate, particle or composition or camptothecin derivative conjugate, particle or composition described herein, e.g., CRLX101. The method comprises: providing an initial administration of a CDP-camptothecin conjugate, particle or composition or camptothecin derivative conjugate, particle or composition described herein, e.g., CRLX101.

Abstract: Disclosed are a metal-nanoparticle-based liver-specific nucleic acid delivery system, a method of manufacturing the same, and a liver disease treatment composition containing the same. The liver-specific nucleic acid delivery system is coated with a bile acid-glycol chitosan polymer, so that it provides excellent liver-tissue specificity and high absorbance through digestive canals. Since the nucleic acid of the nucleic acid delivery system is coated with the bile acid-glycol chitosan polymer, it can be protected from decomposition of enzymes and the like inside a living organism. The liver-specific nucleic acid delivery system can be developed as an oral-administrating liver-disease treatment.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), wherein at least one polyalkylene glycol polymer is attached to a carbohydrate site of the TSH. Also described are compositions of mutated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and at least one polyalkylene glycol polymer, wherein the mutated TSH comprises a TSH in which one or more amino acid residues has been substituted with cysteine residue, and the polyalkylene glycol polymer is attached to the mutated TSH at the site of the substituted cysteine residue. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these TSH compositions and method of treating a thyroid condition in a patient in need thereof, by administering to the patient an effective amount of the pharmaceutical compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides novel chemical entities based on sugar alcohols. These new chemical entities are biocompatible and biodegradable. The molecules can be made in a single and pure form. The molecular weights of these molecules range from small (<1000 Da) to large (1000-120,000 Da). The sugar alcohol-based molecules can have functional groups throughout the molecule for crosslinking compounds, such as the preparation of antibody-drug conjugates, or to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic proteins, peptides, siRNA, and chemotherapeutic drugs. Also provided are new conjugate entities prepared through sugar alcohol molecules. Methods of synthesizing sugar alcohol-based molecules and conjugates are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complexed RNA, comprising at least one RNA complexed with one or more oligopeptides, wherein the oligopeptide, which has the function of cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), has a length of 8 to 15 amino acids and has the empirical formula (Arg)l;(Lys)m;(His)n;(Om)o;(Xaa)x with the majority of residues being selected from Arg, Lys, His, Om. The invention further relates to a method for transfecting a cell or an organism, thereby applying the inventive complexed RNA. Additionally, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the inventive complexed RNA, as well as the use of the inventive complexed RNA for transfecting a cell, tissue or an organism and/or for modulating, preferably inducing or enhancing, an immune response are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices, sensors, and micropumps provided herein can utilize a reaction of an analyte triggered by an enzyme to drive fluid flow. In some cases, a drug delivery device can include a reservoir including a drug (e.g., insulin) and have an enzyme (e.g., glucose oxidase) positioned adjacent to said reservoir. The enzyme can catalyze a reaction of said analyte to drive a fluid flow adjacent to said reservoir to increase a release of the drug from said reservoir. A sensor for an analyte can include an enzyme bound to a surface and a flow meter to detect a flow of fluids adjacent to said surface. A self-powered enzyme micropump provided herein can provide precise control over flow rate in response to specific signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeted compounds conjugated to near-infra red (NIR) dyes and methods for their therapeutic and diagnostic use. More specifically, this disclosure provides compounds and methods for diagnosing and treating diseases associated with cells and/or vasculature expressing prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), such as prostate cancer and related diseases. The disclosure further describes methods and compositions for making and using the compounds, methods incorporating the compounds, and kits incorporating the compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for imaging atherosclerosis and a method for diagnosing atherosclerosis using the same. The composition for imaging atherosclerosis according to the present disclosure shows excellent atherosclerosis diagnosis accuracy, enables diagnosis of atherosclerosis even for a person with diseases of glucose metabolism such as diabetes and enables effective diagnosis even for atherosclerosis occurring in the brain and heart. In addition, manufacturing cost is low compared with the existing imaging composition for diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Therefore, atherosclerosis can be effectively diagnosed by using the same.

Abstract: A device and method for radioembolization in the treatment of cancer cells in the body. In preferred embodiments, the device comprises at least two isotopes; wherein a first isotope is focused on therapeutic purposes and a second isotope is focused on dosimetric imaging purposes. In further embodiments, the first isotope is a radiation emitter for therapy where the radiation emitted is primarily alpha particles, and the second isotope is a positron emitter for PET imaging. In preferred embodiments, the isotopes are bound to a single resin microsphere, and an after a radiation dose using the present invention, both treatment and treatment efficacy can be provided to a cancer patient.

Abstract: A device and method for radioembolization in the treatment of cancer cells in the body. In preferred embodiments, a radiomicrosphere is formed from a resin where an alpha emitting isotope is used for tumoricidal purposes. As the alpha emitter decays, daughters of the alpha decay are captured by the resin. In accordance with the preferred embodiments, the resin is polyfunctional where the resin has at least three different types of functional groups for cation binding. In preferred embodiments, the three functional groups bonded to the resin include a carboxylic acid group, a diphosphonic acid group, and a sulfonic acid group. In further embodiments, the device comprises at least two isotopes; wherein a first isotope is for therapeutic purposes and a second isotope is for dosimetric purposes. The second isotope is a positron emitter for PET based dosimetry.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fluid reservoir, a sterilization member, and a transfer adapter. The sterilization member operably couples to the fluid reservoir. The sterilization member is configured to be transitioned between a first configuration, in which the sterilization member obstructs an inlet surface of the fluid reservoir and maintains the inlet surface in a substantially sterile environment, and a second configuration, in which the inlet surface is unobstructed. The transfer adapter is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a portion of a patient. The transfer adapter is configured to move relative to the sterilization member from a first position to a second position such that a surface of the transfer adapter contacts the sterilization member to transition the sterilization member to the second configuration. The fluid reservoir is placed in fluid communication with the transfer adapter when the transfer adapter is in the second position.

Abstract: Power supply unit, in particular for a sterilization device, comprising at least one electric component, wherein, at least one of the electric components is at least partly covered with a solid insulation layer, wherein the solid insulation layer is adapted to provide an electric insulation.

Abstract: Power supply, in particular for a sterilization device, comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises at least a first sector and a second sector, wherein the first sector comprises a first pair of opposing side walls, and wherein the second sector comprises a second pair of opposing side walls, wherein the side walls are orientated basically parallel to a vertical axis of the housing , wherein the first pair of side walls is arranged in a first angle and the second pair of side walls is arranged in a second angle, wherein the first angle and the second angle are different from each other.

Abstract: A sterilization system including an oxygen generator, an ozone generator, a mixer, a wash chamber, and a sterilization chamber is disclosed. The oxygen generator is configured to generate a flow of oxygen. The ozone generator is in fluid communication with the oxygen generator, and configured to generate a flow of ozone from the flow of oxygen. The mixer is in fluid communication with the ozone generator and configured to receive the flow of ozone and a flow of cleaning fluid, and mix the flow of ozone into the flow of cleaning fluid, resulting in a flow of ozonated cleaning fluid. The wash chamber is in fluid communication with the mixer and configured to receive the flow of ozonated cleaning fluid from the mixer. The sterilization chamber is in fluid communication with the ozone generator and is configure to receive the flow of ozone.

Abstract: A fragrance dispenser, in particular for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, with a fragrance container with a connection opening and with a container cover with an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel, further, with a movable operating element, and a movable valve element by means of which the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel can be opened and closed, wherein the valve element can be actuated by the operating element, and wherein further a bypass channel can be controlled by the operating element.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses compositions and methods for multipurpose disinfection and sterilization solutions broadly effective against multiple microbial pathogens. The present disclosure demonstrates broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against environmental and pathogenic amoeba, bacterial spores, vegetative bacteria, fungi, rickettsia, viruses, parasites and toxic microbial products. The multipurpose disinfection solutions of the present disclosure may be used alone or in combination for a variety of purposes, including disinfection of medical devices such as contact lenses, contact lens cases, surgical instruments, and dental instruments.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles is provided, comprising a) a polymerization step in which an aqueous monomer solution comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer M which bears acid groups and may have been at least partly neutralized and at least one crosslinker is polymerized to obtain an aqueous polymer gel; b) a pelletization step in which the aqueous polymer gel having a solids content of 35 to 70% by weight and a temperature of 75 to 125° C. is forced from a high-pressure zone through a die plate into a low-pressure zone and pellets are obtained, the pressure differential between the high-pressure zone and the low-pressure zone being 4 to less than 14 bar and the orifice ratio of the die plate being 30 to 80%; c) a drying step in which the pellets are dried to a moisture content of less than 10% by weight; d) a grinding step and a classifying step to obtain water-absorbing polymer particles; and e) surface crosslinking of the water-absorbing polymer particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high strength synthetic bone for bone replacement for increasing compressive strength and facilitating blood circulation, and a manufacturing method therefor, and provides the high strength synthetic bone for bone replacement in which calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) and NaCl, in a particle state, penetrate into the pores of a porous inorganic material such as ?-tricalcium phosphate (?-TCP) and a wet treatment is performed on the same such that the CSH penetrated into the pores is combined with moisture so as to form a hydrated crystal of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD) to expand the volume thereof in the pores, thereby preventing the escape of a filler by physical force.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is an injectable sterile aqueous formulation, ready-to-use, resorbable, used for aesthetic purposes as a particulate, cohesive, viscoelastic gel comprising i) crosslinked hyaluronic acid, or one of its salts, at a concentration of between 0.1% and 4% (mass/volume); the crosslinking carried out providing the possibility of obtaining a gel based on crosslinked hyaluronic acid with a so-called cohesive structure, and ii) hydroxyapatite, at a concentration of between 5% and 60% (mass/volume), the hydroxyapatite being in the form of particles with an average size of less than or equal to 200 ?m; the injectable sterile aqueous formulation having viscoelastic properties such that tan ? at the frequency of 1 Hz is less than or equal to 0.60.

Abstract: An implantable composition can include methacrylated solubilized devitalized cartilage (MeSDVC) with or without devitalized cartilage (DVC) particles. These compositions can be hydrogel precursors. After implantation, the MeSDVC may be crosslinked so as to form a hydrogel. The crosslinked hydrogel can include the DVC particles. A hydrogel precursor matrix (e.g., not crosslinked) can include a crosslinkable substance that can be crosslinked into a hydrogel, where DVC particles are included in the precursor matrix. The hydrogel precursor matrix can be located in a tissue defect site, such as a hole or recess in a cartilage or bone, and then crosslinked into a hydrogel that has the DVC particles therein.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating defects in connective tissue are provided along with methods for making such devices. The devices can include enzyme-activated acellular tissue matrices that facilitate regrowth of the damaged tissue.

Abstract: A tissue modification apparatus includes at least a first plurality of grippers aligned in a plane adapted to secure a first edge of a patch of tissue. The plurality of grippers are each secured to a first force actuator. The first plurality of grippers are each adapted to pivot relative to the first force actuator about an axis perpendicular to the plane. In some cases, a plurality of grippers are attached to a force actuator by a passive force transfer mechanism. In some cases, individual force actuators are attached by pivoted connections to individual grippers. Methods of treating tissue can secure tensioned tissue to a frame to retain the tension during a treatment (e.g., cross-linking the tissue with a chemical cross-linker).

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient having a disease or condition related to IVD degeneration are provided. The methods comprise administering cells obtained from human umbilical cord tissue, or administering pharmaceutical compositions comprising such cells or prepared from such cells and optionally a hydrogel. In some embodiments, administering the cells promotes repair and regeneration of degenerated IVD tissue in the patient. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the inventive methods, as well as kits for practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature-responsive dual-gelling hydrogel comprising a plurality of hydrogel polymers and a polymer cross-linking moiety, wherein the LCST of the hydrogel polymers is less than 37° C., and the polymer cross-linking moiety is capable of chemically cross linking to the hydrogel polymers to form a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Articles comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane having serpentine fibrils and having a discontinuous coating of a fluoropolymer thereon are provided. The fluoropolymer may be located at least partially in the pores of the expanded fluoropolymer membrane. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is fluorinated ethylene propylene. The application of a tensile force at least partially straightens the serpentine fibrils, thereby elongating the article. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane may include a microstructure of substantially only fibrils. The articles can be elongated to a predetermined point at which further elongation is inhibited by a dramatic increase in stiffness. In one embodiment, the articles are used to form a covered stent device that requires little force to distend in the radial direction to a first diameter but is highly resistant to further distension to a second diameter (stop point).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface modification method for improving the hemocompatibility of biomedical metallic substrate, comprising: fixing a sulfur-containing monomolecular film on the surface of oxide layer of a biomedical metallic substrate by molecular self-assembly. The surface modification will improve the hydrophilicity and hemocompatibility of the biomedical metallic substrate in contact with the blood, and ensure that the biomedical metallic substrate is non-toxic to the endothelial cells.