Abstract: A debridement enzyme for necrotic tissue is described that is not dependent upon proteolytic enzymatic activity but instead utilizes the amylase family of enzymes. The amylases (?-, ?-, ?-amylase) are noted for the cleavage of the ?-glycosidic bonds of polysaccharides, yielding lower molecular weight carbohydrate/sugar fragments. It has now been found that ?-amylase is effective in the debridement of devitalized tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunity-inducing agent comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity that is selected from among polypeptides (a), (b), and (c): (a) a polypeptide of at least seven contiguous amino acids of the amino acid sequence shown by any even SEQ ID number selected from SEQ ID NOs: 2 to 30 listed in the Sequence Listing; (b) a polypeptide of at least seven amino acids having 90% or more sequence identity with the polypeptide (a); and (c) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide (a) or (b) as a partial sequence thereof, or a recombinant vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide and capable of expressing said polypeptide in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel hybrid/fusion protein derived from the CS protein of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax), methods for preparing and purifying the same, its use in medicine, particularly in the prevention of malarial infections, for example those caused by P. vivax, compositions/vaccines containing the protein or antibodies against the protein such as monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies and use of the same, particularly in therapy. The invention also extends to lipoprotein particles of said hybrid protein and formulations/vaccines comprising the same and use thereof. In particular it relates to an immunogenic hybrid fusion protein comprising: a. at least one repeat unit derived from the repeating region of a type I circumsporozoite protein of P. vivax, b. at least one repeat unit derived from the repeating region of a type II circumsporozoite protein of P. vivax, and surface antigen S derived from Hepatitis B virus, or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure provides attenuated Histophilus somni strains, compositions comprising same, and methods of production and use thereof. The attenuated strains may express lower or no levels of various virulence-associated genes, relative to the corresponding pathogenic bacteria Advantageously, the attenuated Histophilus somni strains may be administered orally, intranasally, intra-tracheally, or subcutaneously.

Abstract: An immunization regimen is provided which involves priming with an E1, E4-deleted adenovirus and boosting with an E1-deleted adenovirus. The second administered adenovirus has a capsid of a serotype which is not cross-reactive with the previously administered adenovirus. Further, a product containing the adenoviruses necessary to perform the immunization regimen is provided.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is directed towards DNA plasmid vaccines capable of generating in a mammal an immune response against a plurality of influenza virus subtypes, comprising a DNA plasmid and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The DNA plasmid is capable of expressing a consensus influenza antigen in a cell of the mammal in a quantity effective to elicit an immune response in the mammal, wherein the consensus influenza antigen comprises consensus hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), matrix protein, nucleoprotein, M2 ectodomain-nucleo-protein (M2e-NP), or a combination thereof. Preferably the consensus influenza antigen comprises HA, NA, M2e-NP, or a combination thereof. The DNA plasmid comprises a promoter operably linked to a coding sequence that encodes the consensus influenza antigen. Additionally, an aspect of the present invention includes methods of eliciting an immune response against a plurality of influenza virus subtypes in a mammal using the DNA plasmid vaccines provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides vaccine compositions comprising a PRRSV vaccine and a second porcine vaccine, which are substantially free from immuno-inhibition against each other. The second porcine virus vaccine can be CSFV and/or PRV. The preparation methods for the vaccines and the formulations are also provided. The vaccine compositions provided herein confer protective immunity to pigs against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, classical swine fever, and/or pseudorabies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunogenic compositions for preventing infection with influenza viruses wherein the immunogenic compositions comprises an immunogen such as a hemagglutinin of an influenza virus, and an immunopotentiator such as an Fc fragment of human IgG and optionally a stabilization sequence. The immunogen is linked to the stabilization sequence which in turn is linked to the immunopotentiator.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inducing differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to a mature myelinating cell fate with a neurotransmitter receptor modulating agent. The present invention also provides methods of stimulating increased myelination in a subject in need thereof by administering said neurotransmitter receptor modulating agent. Methods of treating a subject having a demyelinating disease using a neurotransmitter receptor modulating agent are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides stable pharmaceutical antibody formulations, including liquid drug product formulations and lyophilized drug product formulations, comprising an IgG4 binding agent and a citrate buffer, wherein the pH of the formulation is at or below both pH 6 and the pI of the binding agent. The formulations can be used in the treatment of chronic bowel diseases or rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of binding equivalents of monoclonal antibody 31.1, including chimerized and/or humanized versions thereof, antibody fragments as well as competitively binding and co-specific antibodies and antibody fragments, in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: Methods for treating nausea and migraine by iontophoretically administering triptan compounds are provided.

Abstract: Quantum active sized silicon nanoparticles with a silicon core covered by a thin 0.5-1.5 nm oxide/nitride shell are described for light exposure in the 300-600 nm range for transforming atmospheric oxygen to singlet oxygen for causing cell apoptosis as a type of photodynamic cancer therapy. A method of use of the nanoparticle in a non-hydrophobic cream is also taught along with a blocking scheme for controlled reaction of the nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses IL-13 binding proteins. Specifically, the invention relates to antibodies that are chimeric, CDR grafted and humanized antibodies. Preferred antibodies have high affinity for hIL-13 and neutralize hIL-13 activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Method of making and method of using the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hIL-13 and for inhibiting hIL-13 activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hIL-13 activity is detrimental.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polyalkoxylated alcohols of the formula R—O-(AO)—H, wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl or heterocyclic group having 7 to 25 carbon atoms, (AO) is a polyoxyalkylene moiety of the composition (BO)m(EO)n(DO)r with random or blockwise arrangement of the constituting oxyalkylene units, wherein m, n and r represent the average number of oxybutylene (BO) units, oxyethylene (EO) units and oxyalkylene units derived from at least one epoxide selected from styrene oxide and alkylene oxides having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms (DO) per molecule of the polyalkoxylated alcohol, respectively, m being a number greater than or equal to 1, n being a number greater than or equal to 1 and r being a number in the range from 0 to 50 under the proviso that (m+n+r) is less than or equal to 200 and the ratio n/(m+r) is in the range of 1 to 20, as excipients in pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A reversely thermo-reversible hydrogel composition comprising a water soluble block copolymer comprising at least two blocks of polyethylene oxide and at least one block of polypropylene oxide, and at least one associative gelling adjuvant having water solubility less than 0.5 g/100 ml, preferably less than 0.3 g/100 ml at 20° C., and being capable of forming water soluble inter-molecular complexes with the water soluble block copolymer in water. The hydrogel composition exhibits improved gelling efficiency, enhanced solubility and/or stability for water sparely soluble and insoluble pharmaceutical agents. The hydrogel compositions are useful in a variety of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and applications, such as esophageal, otic, vaginal, rectal, ophthalmic, treatments of disorders and imperfections of the skin, and treating and/or preventing alopecia and restoring and/or promoting hair growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral administration comprising or consisting of (i) 10 to 30% weight, of at least one pharmaceutically active substance selected from the group consisting of water-soluble, oxidatively-degradable statins, preferably atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin or a combination thereof, (ii) 0.01 to 3% weight, of a first anti-oxidatively active substance (A1), (iii) 0.01 to 3% weight, of a second anti-oxidatively active substance (A2) that differs from the first anti-oxidatively active substance (A1), and (iv) 60 to 85% weight of at least one additive, selected from the group consisting of filler, binder, flow-regulating agent, disintegrant and anti-blocking agent or a combination thereof, and the use of the pharmaceutical composition in medicine.

Abstract: Provided are salt-free antibody and other protein formulations that are substantially isosmotic and of low viscosity. Also provided are methods for the treatment of diseases using the disclosed formulations.

Abstract: A liquid medication with reduced bitterness containing a drug active and polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-17, and/or polyquaternium-18.

Abstract: Fragmented polysaccharide based hydrogel compositions and methods of making and using the same are provided. The subject polysaccharide based hydrogel compositions are prepared by combining a polysaccharide component with a hydrophilic polymer and a cross-linking agent. Also provided are kits and systems for use in preparing the subject compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods utilizing redox-active surfactants to provide electrochemical control over polymer interactions. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a transfection method using a redox-active transfection agent that preferentially promotes transfection dependent on the oxidation state of the transfection agent. Accordingly, certain methods according to the invention provide spatial and/or temporal control of cell transfection.

Abstract: A method for treating and/or diagnosing pain and the source or type of pain, shock, and/or inflammatory conditions in a subject. A method of using a therapeutically effective amount of a DNA or RNA aptamer that shows high affinity for OLAMs to at least partially treat pain, shock, and/or inflammatory conditions in a subject. The DNA or RNA aptamer that shows high affinity for OLAMs may be coupled to a plasma protein binding compound or a pharmacologically active agent. A method of treating and or diagnosing pain, shock, and/or inflammatory conditions in a subject may include inactivating or preventing at least one linoleic acid metabolite to treat certain conditions (e.g., pain, shock, and/or inflammation) using a DNA or RNA aptamer that shows high affinity for OLAMs.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel system of nano-assemblies and related method for delivery of therapeutic, diagnostic or imaging agent to biological sites. The compositions and methods of the invention enable the syntheses of novel polymeric nano-assemblies (nanoparticles) under non-emulsion conditions with the incorporation of hydrophobic guest molecules. The versatilities and advantages of the polymer nanoparticles of the invention include: (i) the guest molecules (e.g.

Abstract: Methods for producing polypeptide-polymer conjugates include attachment of an initiator agent to a polypeptide specifically at the C-terminus of the polypeptide using a sortase enzyme and in situ polymerization of a polymer from the C-terminus. The polypeptide-polymer conjugates may have desirable pharmacological properties and may be used therapeutically.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to anti-CD22 antibodies with high binding affinity, and immunoconjugates comprising the anti-CD22 antibody linked to a therapeutic agent such as a Pseudomonas exotoxin or a detectable label. The invention provides diagnostic methods, and means to inhibit the growth of malignant B cells.

Abstract: The disclosure describes nanocarried and/or microcarried jasmonate compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions, as well as use thereof for treating or preventing angiogenesis-related or NF-?B-related disorders. Also disclosed are methods of making the nanocarried and/or microcarried compounds and their compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are mitochondrial-nuclear exchanged cells and animals comprising mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from one subject and nuclear DNA (nDNA) from a different subject. Methods for producing a mitochondrial-nuclear exchanged animal and animals made by the methods are provided. Also provided are methods of screening for agents useful for treating a disease or disorder using mitochondrial-nuclear exchanged animals or cells, tissues or organs thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound which exhibits a high degree of accumulation into a tumor even when some extent of time has passed after performing administration and which facilitates an increase in the intensity of photoacoustic signal produced by the tumor. A compound produced by bonding of a polyethylene glycol and a specific cyanine based compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods, which provide access to [F-18]fluoropegylated (aryl/heteroaryl vinyl)-phenyl methyl amine derivatives.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein discloses selected ribose isomers that are useful as PET probes (e.g. [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-arabinose). These PET probes are useful, for example, in methods designed to monitor physiological processes including ribose metabolism and/or to selectively observe certain tissue/organs in vivo. The invention disclosed herein further provides methods for making and using such probes.

Abstract: Material and methods are disclosed involving the generation and containment of solutions incorporating reactive precursors and reactive treatment agents. Formulations of these materials can be applied widely as disinfectants, odor control agents, decontamination and fumigation agents, liquid, gas, and air treatment materials, respiratory agents, food and beverage processing agents, neutralization agents, and in many industrial, residential, medical and military surface treatment operations.

Abstract: A washing machine suitable to effect a washing treatment, thermo-disinfection and possible drying of objects, including a washing chamber in which the objects to be treated are disposed, and a washing circuit including a plurality of exit paths for a washing liquid to be distributed toward the objects to be treated. On the bottom of the washing chamber, in association with a corresponding discharge aperture, valve means to discharge the washing liquid are disposed, which are directly connected to a pipe that discharges directly into the sewerage system.

Abstract: UV hard-surface disinfection system that is able to disinfect the hard surfaces in a room, while minimizing missed areas due to shadows by providing multiple UV light towers that can be placed in several areas of a room such that shadowed areas are eliminated and that can be transported by a cart that is low to the ground such that the towers may be loaded and unloaded easily by a single operator. The system is able to be controlled remotely, such that during activation of the system, no operator is present, and to automatically cut power to all towers in the event that a person enters the room.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising microwave radiation pulses to reduce a microorganism population in an object.

Abstract: A scented and disposable pad having a plurality of layers including a first layer composed of an absorbent material, a second layer that is a gel layer, and a third layer that is a waterproof layer. The gel layer can be embedded with a fragrance in order to provide a pleasing scent to the user. The pad can be placed underneath one's sheet in between the sheet and the mattress of the user. Alternatively, the pad can be placed between a pillow case and a pillow to provide a soothing scent for relaxation and sleep while laying down. At least one layer is embedded with scented micro beads, wherein the scent can include vanilla, lavender, and other scents to promote sleep and relaxation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plasma reactor insert assembly having in one example an outer casing comprising; a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; an electric power input; and electric power connector; a transformer bracket coupled to the outer casing; at least one step-up transformer attached to the transformer bracket. The insert in electric communication with the electric power connector; a plurality of substantially parallel dielectric tubes in electric communication with the transformer; at least one grounded plate positioned between each dielectric tube with a fluid gap there between, and; wherein there is no fluid path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet except by passing between one of the dielectric tubes and one of the grounded plate. In one form, each grounded plate is v-shaped or arcuate v-shaped in cross-section. A method for disinfecting or sanitizing using the plasma reactor is also described.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article adapted to prevent indicators from being transferred to a liquid-absorbent structure and to make the indicators develop the color reaction quickly in response to a discharge of body exudates. A disposable diaper has a topsheet, a backsheet and a liquid-absorbent structure interposed between these top- and backsheets. A surface of a first backsheet facing the liquid-absorbent structure is formed with indicators. The indicators contain a hot-melt polymer, an indicator agent adapted to develop a color reaction and a plasticizing oil. The liquid-absorbent structure has a liquid-absorbent core, a liquid-diffusive wrapping sheet adapted to wrap the core. A hydrophilic bottom sheet is interposed between a bottom surface of the core and a bottom surface region of the wrapping sheet. A dimension in the transverse direction of the bottom sheet is larger than a dimension of a region in which the indicators are formed and smaller than a dimension in the transverse direction of the core.

Abstract: A medical system and method can used to treat a bone. The system and method can include the preparation of bone cement to be used in the treatment. A non-liquid component and a liquid component can be combined to form a bone cement. A vacuum system can be used to saturate the non-liquid component with the liquid component. The bone cement and/or components can be heated and/or cooled.

Abstract: This invention concerns a synergistic combination of a topical anesthetic and wound barrier forming agent capable of providing extended analgesia of ‘significant open wounds’ (that being, for example, a laceration, surgical incision, abrasion, ulcer or burn, but not being a minor cut, scratch, sting, burn or abrasion) in which conventional management alternatives (such as suturing and/or administration of injected or systemic analgesia) are impractical, unaffordable or otherwise unavailable.

Abstract: Device for coating a medical implant, including a hollow body and a body arranged in the hollow body so as to be mobile therein and movable out of the hollow body at least in part; which body comprises at least one calcium salt with a Mohs hardness of no more than 5.5 on the surface thereof.

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: An apparatus and method for hydrating a particulate biomaterial with a liquid biomaterial includes a vacuum device and a valve for withdrawing a gas from the particulate biomaterial and introducing the liquid biomaterial. The valve includes a hub, a valve body, a particulate port, a vacuum port, and a liquid port. The valve body selectively moves between first and second positions. The valve body at least partially defines a first passage and a second passage. The particulate port, the vacuum port, and the liquid port are each configured to fluidly connect to a particulate container, the vacuum device, and the liquid container, respectively. In the first position, the first passage fluidly connects the vacuum port to the particulate port for withdrawing the gas from the particulate container. In the second position, the second passage fluidly connects the liquid port to the particulate port for hydrating the particulate biomaterial.

Abstract: A coating composition for drug eluting medical devices, which is capable of forming a drug coating layer that is not susceptible to peeling during delivery to a target tissue is provided. This coating composition contains: a water-insoluble drug; at least one selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid, alkanoyl hyaluronic acids obtained by substituting at least part of hydrogen atoms in the hydroxyl groups of hyaluronic acid with an alkanoyl group, and salts of hyaluronic acid and the alkanoyl hyaluronic acids; and at least one selected from the group consisting of amino-acid esters and salts thereof. A drug coating layer, a medical device and a method of treatment are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating comprising a reservoir layer comprising a semi-crystalline polymer and a primer layer comprising an amorphous polymer on an implantable device and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A barrier layer device is formed of an underlying biocompatible structure having a barrier layer coating that can exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, non-inflammatory properties, and/or adhesion-limiting properties, as well as generate a modulated healing effect on injured tissue. As implemented herein, the barrier layer is a non-polymeric cross-linked gel derived at least in part from a fatty acid compound, and may include a therapeutic agent. The underlying structure can be in the form of a surgical mesh. The barrier device is further provided with reinforced sections or portions to aid with the fastening of the barrier device for implantation purposes and prohibits or substantially reduces the occurrence of excessive stretching and tearing. The barrier device is implantable in a patient for short term or long term applications, and can include controlled release of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Absorbable stents and absorbable stent coatings have been developed with improved properties. These devices preferably comprise biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate, and optionally poly-L-lactic acid and other absorbable polymers and additives. Compositions of these materials can be used to make absorbable stents that provide advantageous radial strengths, resistance to recoil and creep, can be plastically expanded on a balloon catheter, and can be deployed rapidly in vivo. Stent coatings derived from these materials provide biocompatible, uniform coatings that are ductile, and can be expanded without the coating cracking and/or delaminating and can be used as a coating matrix for drug incorporation.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood pump for circulating blood is provided, wherein an impeller makes no contact at all with a housing and a rotating shaft and moves in a rotating manner with the impeller in a stably levitating state. Also provided is a blood pump in which the impeller rotates at high speed even when the blood pump is reduced in scale. The blood pump contains a magnet of enhanced magnetic force at the inside of a housing and at an outer peripheral surface of an impeller and providing a fixed-interval spacing on the periphery of a bearing section makes it possible to ensure a state where no contact at all is made between the housing, a shaft, and the impeller, and makes it possible to cause the impeller to rotate stably over a long period of time.

Abstract: The present document discusses medical device systems and related methods. In an embodiment, a medical device system can include a cardiac device. The cardiac device can include a processor, a memory, a communications circuit, and one or more sensors. The cardiac device can be configured to engage a sensor mode specific for patients receiving or having implanted ventricular assist devices. The cardiac device can be configured to process data as specified by the sensor mode specific for patients receiving or having implanted ventricular assist devices. In an embodiment, a method for monitoring heart failure patients is discussed. In an embodiment, a method of controlling devices for heart failure patients is discussed. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A skin interface device (“SID”) for a cardiac assist device, including a SID cap having a first housing, an annular sleeve, and a first annular winding disposed over said annular sleeve. The SID further includes a SID base having a second housing formed to include a tubular portion, a cylindrical member disposed in said tubular portion, and a second annular winding disposed around said cylindrical member. The SID cap is configured to be rotationally attached to said SID base. When the SID cap is attached to the SID base, the second annular winding is disposed within the first annular winding, and the relative positions of the first annular winding and the second annular winding are fixed both laterally and vertically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the carrying out of a blood treatment, in particular a dialysis treatment, wherein the system has at least one blood treatment device, in particular a dialyzer, and at least one tank from which treatment fluid, in particular dialysis fluid, is removed during the carrying out of the blood treatment and/or into which consumed treatment fluid, in particular consumed dialysis fluid, is filled during the carrying out of the blood treatment, wherein the tank is an element of at least one mobile apparatus which can be connected to the blood treatment device such that at least one fluid connection can be established between the tank and the blood treatment device.