Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion polypeptide which can bind to a cell surface binding moiety (e.g., a carbohydrate) and serve as a ligand for a cell surface polypeptide, as well as a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding for such a fusion polypeptide, and a host cell comprising such nucleic acid. The present invention also provides a composition comprising an antigen bearing target and such a fusion polypeptide, as well as a composition comprising a virus or a cell and such a fusion polypeptide. The present invention further relates to a method of modulating an immune response in an animal using such compositions.

Abstract: Adipose derived regenerative cells are used to treat patients, including patients with cardiovascular conditions, diseases or disorders. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of regenerative cells, e.g., stem and/or progenitor cells, obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, adipose derived regenerative cells are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic cardiovascular benefit.

Abstract: Bronchodilating compositions and methods are provided. The compositions are intended for administration as a nebulized aerosol. In certain embodiments, the compositions contain formoterol, or a derivative thereof, and a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Methods for treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of bronchoconstrictive disorders using the compositions provided herein are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of treatment using bendamustine formulations designed for small volume intravenous administration are disclosed. The methods conveniently allow shorter administration time without the active ingredient coming out of solution as compared to presently available formulations.

Abstract: Methods of treatment using bendamustine formulations designed for small volume intravenous administration are disclosed. The methods conveniently allow shorter administration time without the active ingredient coming out of solution as compared to presently available formulations.

Abstract: Methods of treatment using bendamustine formulations designed for small volume intravenous administration are disclosed. The methods conveniently allow shorter administration time without the active ingredient coming out of solution as compared to presently available formulations.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, and treatment of metabolic conditions. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. The composition can also be applied to a mucosal surface in some instances. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: An injectable depot formulation includes a biocompatible polymer, an organic solvent combined with the biocompatible polymer to form a viscous gel, and a small molecule drug incorporated in the viscous gel such that the formulation exhibits an in vivo release profile having Cmax to Cmin ratio less than 200 and lag time less than 0.2.

Abstract: The presently described technology provides a novel class of prodrugs of quetiapine that can be synthesized by chemically conjugating amino acids to quetiapine. The present technology also provides methods of treating patients, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of synthesizing conjugates of the present technology.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions for the administration of chromium that include at least two components: a hydrophilic chromium complex and a lipophilic chromium complex, and methods of using the same. Also provided are compositions for the administration of chromium that include a first “fast-acting” chromium complex and a second “slow-acting” chromium complex, wherein the first chromium complex is absorbed more quickly than the slow-acting chromium complex, and methods of using the same. Also provided herein are methods for treating, preventing, and improving conditions associated with cardiometabolic syndrome, by identifying a subject in need of treatment, prevention, or improvement of a condition associated with cardiometabolic syndrome, and providing a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a fast-acting chromium complex and a slow-acting chromium complex, to the individual.

Abstract: A nanoshell is disclosed, comprising a star polymer occlusion complex comprising i) an amphiphilic unimolecular star polymer having a crosslinked core covalently linked to 6 or more independent polymer arms, and ii) a cargo material occluded in the star polymer; and a shell comprising an inorganic material in contact with a peripheral surface of the star polymer occlusion complex.

Abstract: This invention provides the controlled-release method for a pharmaceutical composition comprising of metals in the drug carrier. The specific chelator is used to trigger the release of active pharmaceutical ingredients from chelating complex micelles. The drug release rate and half-life can also be controlled by manipulating the dosing sequence and the concentration of metal and specific chelator.

Abstract: This invention provides novel targeted antimicrobial compositions. In various embodiments chimeric moieties are provided comprising an antimicrobial peptide attached to a peptide targeting moiety that binds a bacterial strain or species.

Abstract: The peptides described herein can function as carrier peptides. These peptides can associate with (e.g., non-covalently bind) biologically active molecules or imaging agents to transport the biologically active molecules or imaging across the blood-brain barrier. In some cases, such transport may increase the effectiveness of the biological molecules or imaging agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by administering a) a composition comprising nanoparticles that comprise paclitaxel and an albumin and b) a platinum-based agent (e.g., carboplatin). The present application also provides methods of treating prostate cancer by administering to the individual a) an effective amount of a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising docetaxel and an albumin; and b) an effective amount of a steroid.

Abstract: Disclosed are proteasome inhibitors, fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-activated prodrugs of proteasome inhibitors, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the inhibitors and prodrugs. Also disclosed are related pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the inhibitors and prodrugs and compositions thereof, for example, in treating cancer or other cell proliferative diseases. In vitro and in vivo methods of quantifying the expression of FAP in a biopsy sample and a mammal, respectively, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-PMEL17 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A method for enhancing chondrogenesis in a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a growth factor bound to hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel particles (HGPs). The hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel particles (HGPs) are conjugated with a heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). Related medicaments and methods for preparing the medicaments are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for modulating the production of a protein in a target cell. The compositions and methods disclosed herein are capable of ameliorating diseases associated with protein or enzyme deficiencies.

Abstract: Provided herein are helper nucleic acids comprising at least one microRNA target sequence of an endogenous, cellular microRNA and a nucleic acid encoding a viral protein, wherein the microRNA target sequence is located in the untranslated or translated region of the nucleic acid encoding the viral protein. Also provided are vector systems, compositions and cells comprising the provided helper nucleic acids and a vector or replicon. Methods of making virus-like replicon particles and populations of virus-like replicon particles (VRP) are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for expressing a polynucleotide of interest in the retina of a subject. In particular, a method for expressing a polynucleotide of interest in the retina of a subject comprising the step consisting of injecting into the vitreous an amount of a vector containing the polynucleotide of interest in combination with an amount of an inhibitor of Dp71 expression is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a family of dyes which fluoresce in the UV-VIS, far red and near infrared wavelengths of the spectrum and possess asymmetric lipophilic alkyl chains. The dyes of the invention are soluble in commercially available membrane staining vehicles, are useful as probes for rapidly staining lipophilic structures such as membranes in cells or isolated from cells, and are well-retained therein. Methods of utilizing the dyes to detect stained cells both in vivo and in vitro are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis and use of a novel trifluorinated bile acid analog, that being, CA-sar-TFMA which is useful as an imaging probe, diagnostic agent or contrast agent and is resistant to bacterial deconjugation, wherein the trifluorinated bile acid analog can be used as a 19F MRI tracer exhibiting an increased half-life due to its resistance to choloylglycine hydrolase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic and fluorescent nanoassemblies having reverse architectures. Especially, the nanoassemblies of the invention comprise a fluorescent core and magnetic nanoparticles contacting the surface of the fluorescent core. The nanoassemblies of the invention may further be coated by a polymer, which may optionally be functionalized. The invention further relates to a process for manufacturing the nanoassemblies of the invention. The invention is also directed to the use of the nanoassemblies of the invention, especially for multimodal imaging, in vitro and/or in vivo diagnostics through multimodal imaging, and/or therapy.

Abstract: Particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] and/or a derivatives thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles can also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Such particles may be provided to a user in specific selected sizes to allow for selective embolization of certain sized blood vessels or localized treatment with an active component agent in specific clinical uses. Microspheres of the present invention may further be provided with physical and/or chemical enhancements within the particles' cores to enhance visualization of the embolized tissue using a variety of medical imaging modalities, including conventional radiography, fluoroscopy, tomography, computerized tomography, ultrasound, scintillation, magnetic resonance, or other imaging technologies.

Abstract: A sterilization device comprising an ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitting device, a detector configured to detect occupancy of a room associated with the sterilization device, and a controller operably connected to each of the UV EMR emitting device and the detector. The detector is configured to send a signal indicating occupancy to the controller upon a detection of occupancy. The controller is configured to operate the UV EMR emitting device to emit UV EMR only upon receiving a signal indicating no occupancy.

Abstract: A method for sterile packaging of a surface modified implantable device includes irradiating a surface of the device such that the hydrophobicity of the surface is decreased and, optionally, the device is simultaneously sterilized. The surface of the sterile, surface-modified implantable device is then covered in a polar solution to prevent hydrophobic recovery of the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating ozone inside packaged articles comprises an electrode assembly in which coplanar electrodes are supported along a contact surface. The electrodes are solid state conductive electrodes. These electrodes may be interdigitated and/or arranged with uniform spacing therebetween along a portion of their length. Where the electrodes are straight they may be parallel, but other shapes can also be evenly spaced. In some examples the electrodes are partially insulated and partially exposed. In some examples the electrodes are embedded/potted in an insulator to exclude air spaces from around the electrodes.

Abstract: A system and for diffusing. The system includes a diffuser body and two angled sides. The diffuser also includes a removable cover which is coupled to the diffuser body via a coupling device. Further, a shield is coupled to the diffuser body. The diffuser houses a container which is at least partially filled with a fragrance which is to be emitted by the diffuser. The removable cover hides the container from view. The diffuser is shaped to allow the diffuser to be placed in a corner. Further, because the cover can be removed, the cover can be customized and adjusted for a more aesthetically pleasing diffuser.

Abstract: A bipolar ionization device in which fiberglass is used as the dielectric. In one embodiment, a fiberglass board is used, with the anode on one side of the board and the cathode on the other side of the board. A number of flat boards can be stacked, with spacing between them to allow air flow to scavenge ions, with stanchions providing both mounting and electrical connections to the ionization devices. In another embodiment, a fiberglass tube is used, with the cathode inside the tube and the anode outside the tube.

Abstract: A method of forming hemostatic sheets. Dextran and water are mixed to form a dextran-water mixture. The dextran-water mixture is formed into a first support layer. Fibrinogen and thrombin are mixed to form a fibrinogen and thrombin mixture. The fibrinogen and thrombin mixture is dispersed on the first support layer to form a hemostatic sheet.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated body including an outer surface having a plurality of barbs extending therefrom and an inner surface defining a lumen therethrough. The elongated body includes at least one channel extending through the inner surface and the outer surface, the channel defined between an inner surface of one of the plurality of barbs and a cut outer surface of the elongated body. A wound treatment material is disposed within the lumen of the elongated body. The barb is configured to move between a first position to close the channel and retain the wound treatment material within the lumen and a second position to open the channel and permit the release of the wound treatment material therethrough.

Abstract: A target tissue can be treated with a radioisotope. Some methods for treating a target tissue with a radioisotope include determining a distance between a target tissue and a surface of a matrix material to be positioned adjacent the target tissue and, based on the determined distance, determining an activity to be mixed with the matrix material to obtain a desired activity concentration. Some methods further include mixing the radioisotope with the matrix material. In some embodiments, the matrix material comprises bone cement, and the target tissue is a tumor in a bone. The radioisotope may be a beta-emitting radioisotope mixed in the cement at a concentration to form a radioactive cement.

Abstract: A body waste collecting device includes a collecting pouch and an adhesive wafer for attachment to the body. The adhesive wafer includes a backing layer, a first adhesive and a second adhesive. The second adhesive includes a polar plasticizing oil or a combination of polar plasticizing oils in the content of above 10% (w/w) of the second adhesive, and at least one polar polyethylene copolymer, where the content of the polyethylene copolymer is 10-50% (w/w) of the second adhesive, and the polyethylene copolymer has a melt flow index below 2 g/10 min (190° C./21.1N).

Abstract: The present invention is a natural, cell-free tissue replacement that does not require difficult or extensive preparation made by washing tissue replacement in a solution including one or more sulfobetaines and an anionic surface-active detergent and washing the tissue replacement in serial solutions of the buffered salt to remove excess detergent. The natural, cell-free tissue replacement may be a nerve graft that supports axonal regeneration, guides the axons toward the distal nerve end and/or is immunologically tolerated. Other forms of the invention are a composition and kit prepared by the method of making a native, cell-free tissue replacement. The present invention may be modified for use in diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic applications.

Abstract: Synthetic structures for soft tissue repair include a multi-layer planar fibrillar structure having layers which are intermittently secured to each other and which approximates mechanical properties comparable to those of soft tissue. In embodiments, the fibrillar structure possesses an intermittently secured edge portion secured by intermittent welds. In embodiments, the multi layer planar fibrillar structure includes a bioactive agent.

Abstract: A method for promoting bone formation is provided. More specifically, a method for promoting bone formation by promoting osteoclast formation is provided. In one embodiment, an implant comprising an implantable material and an osteoclast stimulating substance is provided.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cell three-dimensional construct that has a thickness sufficient for tissue regeneration and comprises cells uniformly distributed therein. The present invention provides a cell construct comprising polymer blocks having biocompatibility and cells, wherein the plural polymer blocks are arranged in spaces between the plural cells.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method and compositions for modification of medical devices, such as indwelling medical devices, implantable catheters, in particular, urinary catheters, to enhance formation of a high density and stable biofilm comprising non-pathogenic organisms for the treatment and prevention of colonization of pathogens leading to device-associated infections, such as urinary tract infections. In some embodiments the present disclosure also relates to a method and compositions for storage and use of the catheters coated with a non-pathogenic biofilm. In some embodiments the present disclosure also pertains to a method and compositions for modification of implantable medical devices with bacterial resistant polymers, and/or antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: Surface modified medical devices with nanotubes and polyelectrolyte multilayers, methods of promoting endothelialization, and methods of modifying a medical device surface are disclosed. Nanotubes may be formed on the surface of the medical device and may further be coated with polyelectrolyte multilayers of a polycation and a polyanion. The surface modification is characterized by a nanopattern on the surface of the medical device, with biomimetic properties.

Abstract: Intravascular medical devices comprising a coating layer disposed on a substrate associated with the medical device, wherein the coating layer has a pre-determined fragmentation pattern. At least a portion of the coating layer comprises a plurality of discontinuous bioresorbable members, wherein the discontinuous bioresorbable members have a size less than the luminal diameter of an arteriole. The coating layer may be formed by excavating portions of a coating layer (e.g., by laser ablation) to create gaps which define the discontinuous bioresorbable members. In certain embodiments, the coating layer is formed of a heat-bondable material. In such embodiments, the discontinuous bioresorbable members may be adhered to the substrate via heat bonds. Also disclosed are methods of forming a coating layer on medical devices and methods of treating intravascular sites.

Abstract: Provided is an advanced heart failure treatment material, as a myocardial/cardiovascular regeneration device, that self-assembles, which can improve the universality and be used in an emergency by commercialization with no need of cell-culturing (cell-free) by controlling stem cells, and has a high therapeutic effect on the fundamental treatment of intractable cardiovascular diseases, in particular, advanced heart failure, in which not only the saving of lives but also improving the patient's quality of life (QOL) are urgent issues. The advanced heart failure treatment material includes a pharmaceutical agent, an agent holding for the pharmaceutical agent, and a myocardial support device.

Abstract: An improved intravascular blood pump and related methods involving the broad inventive concept of equipping the intravascular blood pump with guiding features such that the intravascular blood pump can be selectively positioned at a predetermined location within the circulatory system of a patient.

Abstract: A medical appliance, in particular an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, has a housing including a door and with a handle mechanism arranged at the door, via which the door can be locked with the housing via a locking mechanism. A part of the locking mechanism is formed at the handle mechanism in a part thereof that protrudes into the housing. A form-fit unit includes at least one form-fit element and at least one form-fit element counterpart, such that on locking and/or closing the door, the at least one form-fit element at least partly engages in the at least one form-fit element counterpart.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In certain aspects, a method includes using a medical fluid pump of a medical fluid pumping machine, such as a hemodialysis machine, to deliver medical fluid to a first portion of a cartridge that is positioned within a magnetic field, exciting atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge by applying radio frequency energy to the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge, receiving radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge, and determining a concentration of a substance in the medical fluid based on the received radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a blood fluid removal session of a patient; monitoring an indicator of tissue fluid volume of the patient, or a portion thereof, during the blood fluid removal session; monitoring an indicator of blood fluid volume of the patient during the blood fluid removal session; determining whether a ratio of the indicator of tissue fluid volume to indicator of blood fluid volume is outside of a predetermined range; and altering the rate of fluid removal during the blood fluid removal session if the ratio is determined to be outside of the predetermined range. A blood fluid removal system may be configured to carry out the method.

Abstract: The general disclosure discusses a system and method for improving the efficacy of blood filtration treatments such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration. More particularly, the disclosure discusses a microfluidic device that includes first and second channels separated by a permeable membrane. One of the channels is configured for blood flow and includes a protein gel disruption layer. The protein gel disruption layer includes a plurality of elements at least partially extending across the blood flow channel that reduce the formation of a boundary layer or gel layer at the blood-membrane interface.

Abstract: An air trap for a blood circuit and method for removing air from blood in a dialysis unit. The air trap may include a blood inlet supply line, a blood outlet supply line, and a container having an approximately spherical internal wall, an inlet at a top end of the container connected to the blood inlet supply line, and an outlet at a bottom end of the container connected to the blood outlet supply line. The inlet may be offset from a vertical axis of the approximately spherical internal wall such that blood entering the container is directed to flow in a spiral-like path. The inlet port may be arranged to introduce blood into the container in a direction that is approximately tangential to the approximately spherical inner wall of the container and/or in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the vertical axis of the container.

Abstract: An anastomotic connector comprises a generally tubular access port having a first end and a second end, a generally tubular main body portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the main body portion is positioned adjacent to the second end of the access port such that the main body portion and access port are in fluid communication, and an anchor member received, within the access port and having a plurality of fingers that are extendable from the first end thereof. The fingers of the anchor member are movable between a loaded position wherein the fingers are substantially parallel to a center axis of the access port and an expanded position wherein the fingers are substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the access port.