Abstract: The present invention relates to immunization of hypo-responsive groups of individuals. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for eliciting a potent immune response to hepatitis B virus in individuals in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (isolated) recombinant proteins, also referred to as improved MAT (iMAT) molecules, comprising at least one translocation module, at least one targeting module and at least one antigen module, wherein at least one cysteine residue is substituted with a different amino acid residue. Such iMAT molecules are useful specifically as vaccines, e.g. for therapy and/or prevention of allergies and/or infectious diseases and/or prevention of transmission of infectious diseases in animals, more preferably ruminants, pigs, dogs and/or cats, but excluding equines. The present invention further relates to nucleic acids encoding such iMAT molecules, corresponding vectors and primary cells or cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combination therapies for the treatment of a variety of disorders in mammals, including hepatic disorders and cancer. The combination of agents includes naturally-occurring (versus synthetic) oligonucleotides, particularly immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides such as CpG ODNs, obtained from a natural source and one or more extracts from a Gram positive bacteria, such as Lactobacillus spp.

Abstract: A hydrogel delivery composition, including degradable microcapsules suspended in a degradable thermo-responsive hydrogel. The hydrogel is thermo-responsive at a physiological temperature and changes after application to a more solid state due to body temperatures. The composition includes one or more treatment agents to be released over time as the composition degrades. The composition can be varied to modify the structure and/or release of the treatment agent.

Abstract: A treatment of cancer, such as, for example, bladder cancer, uses a formulation that contains sodium hypericinate that is bonded to polyvinylpyrrolidone or complexed with polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: Materials capable of delivering stabilized free radicals to targeted treatment sites. The materials comprise semi-crystalline, hydrolytically degradable polymers that are subjected to ionizing radiation to create stabilized free radicals therein.

Abstract: Materials capable of delivering stabilized free radicals to targeted treatment sites. The materials comprise semi-crystalline, hydrolytically degradable polymers that are subjected to ionizing radiation to create stabilized free radicals therein. Upon exposure to oxygen containing aqueous media, the materials generate reactive oxidative species which are useful in biological processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are agents (e.g., peptides, polypeptides, proteins, small molecules, antibodies, and antibody fragments that target senescent cells) and methods of their use for imaging senescent cells in vivo and for treating or preventing cancer, age-related disease, tobacco-related disease, or other diseases and disorders related to or caused by cellular senescence in a mammal. The methods include administering one or more of the agents of the invention to a mammal, e.g., a human. The agents, which specifically bind to senescent cells, can be labeled with a radioactive label or a therapeutic label, e.g., a cytotoxic agent.

Abstract: A synthetic gene delivery platform with a dense surface coating of hydrophilic and neutrally charged PEG, capable of rapid diffusion and widespread distribution in brain tissue, and highly effective gene delivery to target cells therein has been developed. Nanoparticles including nucleic acids, are formed of a blend of biocompatible hydrophilic cationic polymers and they hydrophilic cationic polymer conjugated to hydrophilic neutrally charged polymers such as polyethylene glycol. The nanoparticles are coated with polyethylene glycol at a density that imparts a near neutral charge and optimizes rapid diffusion through the brain parenchyma. Methods of treating a disease or disorder of the brain including administering a therapeutically effective amount of nano particles densely coated with polyethylene glycol are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing pancreatic beta cells in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a vector encoding heterologous Pancreas duodenal homeobox protein (Pdx) 1 and MafA, wherein the vector does not encode Neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) and wherein the subject is not administered any other nucleic acid encoding Ngn3. The vector is administered intraductally into a pancreatic duct of the subject. Compositions are disclosed that include a) a viral vector comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acids encoding Pdx1 and a nucleic acid encoding MafA, wherein the vector does not encode Ngn3; b) a buffer; and c) a contrast dye for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. These compositions are of use in any of the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in-vivo intravascular blood replacing liquid which eliminates the need for the use of a contrast agent, is subjected to a low injection resistance, and has blood immunity to a sufficient degree and continuity to some extent. An in-vivo intravascular blood replacing liquid of the present invention is injected into a blood vessel to replace blood at an in-vivo intravascular portion to be inspected therewith in making an in-vivo intravascular inspection. The blood replacing liquid contains cationic and anionic compounds, added to an aqueous medium unharmful for the living body, which are unharmful for the living body. The blood replacing liquid also contains an ion complex formed of the cationic and anionic compounds.

Abstract: In the early detection of cancer, in particular bladder cancer, a photodynamic diagnosis uses, as a photosensitizer, a formulation that contains sodium hypericinate that is bonded to polyvinylpyrrolidone or complexed with polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for cancer cell biomarkers, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell biomarkers, and binding molecules for diagnosis and treatment of cancer, e.g., PDAC. Methods of identifying “accessible” proteomes are disclosed for identifying cancer biomarkers, such as plectin-1, a PDAC biomarker. Additionally, imaging compositions are provided comprising magnetofluorescent nanoparticles conjugated to peptide ligands for identifying PDACs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selective delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a targeted organ or tissue by implanting a biocompatible solid support in the patient being linked to a first binding agent, and administering a second binding agent to the patient linked to the therapeutic or diagnostic agent, such that the therapeutic or diagnostic agent accumulates at the targeted organ or tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds to image cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present compounds exhibit enhanced uptake in cancerous cells and tissue, suggesting favorable selective activity of compounds according to the present invention, which can be used as effective therapeutic agents against melanoma, including metastatic melanoma. The compounds according to the present invention represent an advance in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention are useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients' response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states, especially melanoma.

Abstract: The radionuclide 43Sc is produced at commercially significant yields and at specific activities and radionuclidic purities which are suitable for use in radiodiagnostic agents including imaging agents. In a method, a solid target having an isotopically enriched target layer prepared on an inert substrate is positioned in a specially configured target holder and irradiated with a charged-particle beam of protons or deuterons. The beam is generated using an accelerator such as a biomedical cyclotron at energies ranging from 3 to about 22 MeV. The method includes the use of three different nuclear reactions: a) irradiation of enriched 43Ca targets with protons to generate the radionuclide 43Scin the nuclear reaction 43Ca (p,n)43Sc, b) irradiation of enriched 42Ca targets with deuterons to generate the radionuclide 43Sc in the nuclear reaction 42Ca(d,n)43Sc, and c) irradiation of enriched 46Ti targets with protons to generate the radionuclide 43Sc in the nuclear reaction 46Ti (p,a)43Sc.

Abstract: A measurement device is disclosed, embodiments of which are adapted to withstand, detect, and record detection of heat cycle events, including autoclave cycles. Embodiments of the measurement device comprise a sensor for measuring a characteristic of a medium and a heat cycle detection unit. Embodiments of the heat cycle detection unit comprise a temperature or atmospheric pressure responsive element, a detection module, data interface, and data memory. In one disclosed embodiment, the temperature or pressure responsive element is configured to respond to a characteristic of a heat cycle event while the heat cycle detection unit is off. In another disclosed embodiment, the detection module is configured to automatically power off the heat cycle detection unit in response to detecting an autoclave cycle. Methods of using the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an illumination device features an ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting device at least partially surrounded by an encapsulant. A barrier layer is disposed between the light-emitting device and the encapsulant and is configured to substantially prevent UV light emitted by the light-emitting device from entering the encapsulant.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a liquid supply nozzle including a lifting conduit configured to feed a liquid in a direction against gravity and a turndown conduit; a liquid ejection port; a treatment tank configured to receive the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection port, the treatment tank allowing an endoscope to be placed inside; a liquid sampling port provided in a connection portion; and a relief cap including a cover configured to cover the liquid sampling port, a fitting portion configured to make the cover be detachably attachable to the connection portion, and an opening/closing portion configured to, if an inner pressure of the liquid supply nozzle exceeds a predetermined value, eject the liquid in a direction with gravity.

Abstract: A method for multi-agent dry fogging. The method includes pressurizing a first agent to a first range of pressure. The first agent includes a sterilant. The method also includes pressurizing a second agent to a second range of pressure. The second agent includes a non-depleting solution for protection against microorganism growth. The method also includes pressurizing a gas to a gas range of pressure. The method also includes atomizing the first agent at a nozzle to mix with the pressurized gas in a first application stage to disperse the first agent in a first dry fog within an ambient environment. The method also includes atomizing the second agent at the nozzle to mix with the pressurized gas in a second application stage to disperse the second agent in a second dry fog within the ambient environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial sanitizing compositions for use as air sanitizers and deodorisers. The sanitizing compositions comprise a combination of an alkoxy silyl ammonium compound, a benzalknonium chloride or benzethonium chloride and a polymeric biguanide in a glycol carrier. Methods of use of the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Air freshener cartridges and assemblies are provided herein. An air freshener cartridge includes a body formed of a polymer material impregnated with an air freshening substance for release, the body having a plurality of walls defining a plurality of axial airflow channels therebetween, and a base member including a support frame in contact with a surface of the body and for loading the cartridge into the air freshener dispenser and unloading the cartridge from the air freshener dispenser. An air freshener assembly includes an air freshener cartridge and an air freshener dispenser having a housing with a support member defining a cavity for removably receiving the cartridge, and a fan within the housing operable to induce an airflow through the axial airflow channels of the body, to direct the airflow to an area outside of the air freshener dispenser.

Abstract: An air freshening device includes a liquid supply operable to supply liquid fragrance material, a wick in contact with the liquid supply, a conductive mesh material operable to retain the liquid material in interstices thereof, and a power supply operable to apply voltage across the mesh material so as to heat the mesh material and the liquid fragrance material contained in interstices of the mesh material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid. The air freshening device is operable to substantially prevent deposition of the vaporized liquid material.

Abstract: A fluid filtration apparatus, which includes a plurality of optical fibers each having a length, wherein one or more of the plurality of optical fibers exhibits frustrated total internal reflection, thereby emitting light along the length of one or more of the optical fibers, in combination with a photocatalyst disposed on the plurality of optical fibers and a light source interconnected to the plurality of optical fibers.

Abstract: Provided is a charcoal dressing material and a method of manufacturing the same. The charcoal dressing material includes: a porous substrate having a plurality of pores; and a charcoal powder adhered to a surface of the porous substrate.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions are described which include one or more gelling agents in combination with one or more non-gelling disintegrants. The adhesive compositions exhibit relatively high fluid handling capacities and static absorption properties, thus enabling their use in a wide range of medical applications. Various adhesive articles such as dressings and related methods of use are also described which utilize the adhesive compositions. In preferred embodiments the adhesive component is an acrylic adhesive, the gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of (i) carboxymethyl cellulose, (ii) superabsorbent polymer, and (iii) combinations of (i) and (ii), and the non-gelling disintegrant is selected from the group consisting of (i) fully pregelatinized potato starch, (ii) microcrystalline celluloseand (iii) combinations of any of (i)-(ii).

Abstract: Ophthalmic suture materials made from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers with high tensile strength for use in drug delivery, methods of making them, and method of using them for ocular surgery and repair have been developed. The suture materials are made from a combination of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer and a hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. In a preferred embodiment the suture materials are made from a poly(hydroxyl acid) such as poly(1-lactic acid) and a polyalkylene oxide such as poly(ethylene glycol) or a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer. The sutures entrap (e.g., encapsulate) one or more therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents and provide prolonged release over a period of at least a week, preferably a month.

Abstract: Certain configurations of adhesive materials are described which comprise a crosslinked derivatized atelocollagen. In some configurations, the crosslinked, derivatized atelocollagen is cured to provide a burst strength of at least 55 kPa or 60 kPa (or more) as tested by ASTM F2392-04. In some instances, the crosslinked derivatized atelocollagen comprises a methylated atelocollagen that is crosslinked using one or more functionalized crosslinking agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyurethane polymer matrices with a porosity of from about 20 microns to about 90 microns that are useful in promoting closure and protection of incision sites; supporting the lower pole position of breast implants; and providing a partial or complete covering of breast implants to provide a beneficial interface with host tissue and to reduce the potential for malpositioning or capsular contracture. The disclosed matrices can be seeded with mammalian cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic silica-based ocular devices fabricated from a composite material comprising silica and a fibrillar protein, together with methods of making and using the ocular devices.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising decellularized extracellular matrix derived from skeletal muscle or other suitable tissue, and therapeutic uses thereof. Methods for treating, repairing or regenerating defective, diseased, damage, ischemic, ulcer cells, tissues or organs in a subject preferably a human, with diseases, such as PAD and CLI, using a decellularized extracellular matrix of the invention are provided. Methods of preparing culture surfaces and culturing cells with absorbed decellularized extracellular matrix are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for preparing, storing, shipping and using skin equivalents made by organotypic culture. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for producing, transporting, storing and using skin equivalents produced by organotypic culture at reduced temperatures, preferably from 2-8 degrees Celsius to ambient temperature. The methods include sterile packaging of the grafts so that the sterility and integrity of the package is maintained until the time of use for grafting purposes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybrid construct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. The inert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed and grow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation. The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external and inflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises the cell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold. The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patient and inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after the foregoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure are successively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example. Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating human fibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of culturing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells by cyclically stretching and relaxing said muscle cells on a support in vitro for a time sufficient to produce said organized skeletal muscle tissue, including reseeding said organized skeletal muscle tissue by contacting additional precursor muscle cells to said organized skeletal muscle tissue on said solid support, and then repeating said step of cyclically stretching and relaxing said muscle cells in said support in vitro for time sufficient to enhance the density (i.e., increased number of nuclei and/or number of multinucleated cells) of said organized skeletal muscle tissue on said support.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including a film enriched with a radioisotope relative to its natural abundance, wherein the film has a thickness of one to ten atomic or molecular layers, decay of the radioisotope comprises emission of electrons, and a majority of the emitted electrons have an energy less than or equal to 700 electron volts (ev). Also disclosed are methods for making the compositions. The compositions can be used in microarrays, nanoarrays, microparticles, nanoparticles, power sources, sensing devices, and medical devices; they may also be used in a method of delivering low-energy electrons to a liquid, solid, molecular layer, or cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spatiotemporally multicontrollable intelligent drug-eluting adjustable stent, and a manufacturing method thereof, and includes a stent, a nano-coupling layer formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the stent and including a bioactive material into which a catechol group-containing adhesive derivative is introduced, and a second coating layer formed on the upper portion of the first coating layer and on the nano-coupling layer at the inner portion of the stent, and including an antithrombotic agent and an anti-inflammatory agent.

Abstract: A drainage device (1) particularly for aspiration in case of therapies with aspiration, fistulas, dehiscences of surgical wounds, bedsores, traumas and similar lesions, comprising an aspiration pouch (2) which is supported by a sheet-like element (5) which can be associated with the lesion (10) and is connected to aspiration means (3) by way of a connecting element (4).

Abstract: A drainage device (1) particularly for aspiration in case of therapies with aspiration, fistulas, dehiscences of surgical wounds, bedsores, traumas and similar lesions, comprising an aspiration pouch (2) which is supported by a sheet-like element (5) which can be associated with the lesion (10) and is connected to aspiration means (3) by way of a connecting element (4).

Abstract: A surgical system comprises a hand piece, an irrigation conduit in fluid communication with the hand piece to carry fluid toward a surgical site, an aspiration conduit in fluid communication with the hand piece to carry fluid away from the surgical site, a pump interfacing with the aspiration conduit, the pump to create a vacuum pressure in the aspiration conduit to draw fluid through the aspiration conduit, a vacuum relief valve in fluid communication with the aspiration conduit to relieve the vacuum pressure in the aspiration conduit, a pressure sensor to detect a pressure associated with the surgical site, a controller in communication with the vacuum relief valve and the pressure sensor to control the vacuum relief valve to decrease the vacuum pressure in the aspiration conduit when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is less than a first pressure threshold.

Abstract: There is provided a colon cleaning device comprising: a tube through which liquid and fecal matter are removed from a colon of a patient, the tube having a longitudinal axis; a cleaning head positioned at the distal end of the tube, the cleaning head having at least one opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis, the at least one opening sized for fecal matter to enter the interior of the cleaning head from the colon; at least one disassembly element disposed within the cleaning head; and an actuating mechanism which actuates the disassembly element to perform sweeping displacement inside the cleaning head so that the at least one disassembly element rotates around the longitudinal axis to slice through the fecal matter; wherein the cleaning head and the tube are sized and shaped to be displaced along the colon of a patient.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing a supply of breast milk. In one form the system includes a codified container for receiving expressed breast milk. A computing device receives an image of the expressed milk in the codified container. The codification allows for software to recognize the size and type of the container, as well as scale and orientation, to translate the image into an accurate volume. The milk data is then processed and analyzed to produce feedback regarding the pumping session, such as logs, charts, or reminders. In other embodiments, nipple positioning may be analyzed as well.

Abstract: An intravascular blood pump having a drive section (11), a catheter (14) fastened to the drive section proximally and a pump section (12) fastened to the drive section distally possesses an electric motor (21) whose motor shaft (25) is mounted in the drive section (11) with two radial sliding bearings (27, 31) and an axial sliding bearing (40). During operation, purge fluid is conveyed through the bearing gap of the axial sliding bearing (40) and further through the radial sliding bearing (31) at the distal end of the drive section (11). The purge fluid is highly viscous, for example 20% glucose solution.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a catheter pump is disclosed herein. The catheter pump can include an elongated catheter body having a distal portion including an expandable cannula having an inlet and an outlet. The expandable cannula can have a delivery profile and an operational profile larger than the delivery profile. An impeller assembly can include an impeller shaft, and an impeller body can include one or more blades. The impeller blades can draw blood into the cannula when rotated. Further, an expandable support can have a mounting portion disposed on the impeller shaft distal of the impeller body and a cannula contact portion for reducing a change in tip gap due to bending of the cannula. The cannula contact portion can be disposed distal of the mounting portion.

Abstract: A non-occluding intravascular pump comprises a shroud providing an inlet for incoming blood flow and an outlet for outgoing blood flow, wherein the shroud is a cylindrical housing; an impeller positioned within shroud, wherein a central axis of the shroud and impeller are shared; a motor coupled to the impeller, wherein the motor rotates the impeller to causes blood to be drawn through the inlet and output to the outlet, and the motor is centrally disposed and shares the central axis with the shroud and the impeller; and a plurality of pillars coupling the motor to the shroud, wherein the pillars secure the shroud in close proximity to the impeller. Various design features of the pump may be optimized to reduce hemolysis, such as, but not limited to, inlet length, impeller design, pillar angle, and outlet design.

Abstract: A blood pump incorporating a rotary pump such as a rotary impeller pump implantable in fluid communication with a ventricle and an artery to assist blood flow from the ventricle to the artery. The device may include a pump drive circuit supplying power to the pump, one or more sensors for sensing one or more electrophysiological signals such as subcutaneous, pre-cordial ECG signals and a signal processing circuit connected to the sensors and to the pump drive circuit. The signal processing circuit is operative to detect the sensor signals and control power supplied to the pump from the pump drive circuit so that the pump may run in a normal sinus rhythm mode, with a varying speed synchronized with the cardiac cycle. When an ischemic or myocardial infarction condition is detected, the pump drive circuit may also run the pump in an ischemia or myocardial infarction mode different from the normal sinus rhythm mode.

Abstract: A dialysis system comprising: a dialysis machine; a communication module configured to communicate using a short-range wireless technology protocol; data storage configured to store data corresponding to identities of one or more short-range wireless devices; and a processor configured to: identify presence of a short-range wireless device; and cause the dialysis machine to carry out an action when one or both of i) the presence of the short-range wireless device is identified, and ii) the presence of the short-range wireless device is no longer identified.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing selective sorbent-based regeneration of dialysate. The systems and method provide for dialysate regeneration to be carried out intermittently throughout a dialysis session, decreasing the necessary amounts of sorbent materials and infusates to conduct dialysis. The system and methods allow for regeneration of dialysate as needed based on the concentration of waste species in the dialysate, allowing for effective treatment with a decreased need for sorbent materials.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for blood treatment in a single-needle operating mode. The blood treatment device has an extracorporeal blood circuit comprising a blood supply line leading to the inlet of a blood treatment unit and a blood return line leading away from the outlet of the blood treatment unit. A blood collecting container is provided in the blood return line, and is connected to an air reservoir by a flow line. The flow connection comprises two line branches, one branch being used to transfer gas from the air reservoir into the blood collecting container and the other branch being used to transfer gas from the blood collecting container into the air reservoir. The connection branch for transferring gas from the air store into the blood collecting container can contain a compressor.

Abstract: An extracorporeal reservoir device including a housing, a venous inlet sub-assembly, and a venous filter. The venous sub-assembly is mounted to the housing and includes a downtube and a luer port connector body. The connector body extends from the downtube and forms a passageway open to a lumen of the downtube. The connector body is arranged such that fluid flow from the passageway merges with a flow path of fluid along the primary lumen at an angle of less than 90°. Secondary blood flow through the port connector body is less likely to induce turbulent flow into venous blood flow within the downtube, and is thus less likely to break up any bubbles carried by the venous blood. For example, at port flow rates of less than 500 mL/minute, fluid flow from the port connector body does not induce turbulent flow into fluid flowing through the primary lumen.

Abstract: A system for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula comprises a vessel access sheath having a hollow interior and an exit port, a side access needle catheter configured to fit within the hollow interior of the sheath, a needle configured to be inserted into a blood vessel through the side access needle catheter, a toggle delivery catheter configured to fit within the hollow interior of the sheath, and a toggle apparatus configured to be delivered into a vessel through the toggle delivery catheter. The toggle apparatus comprises a shaft and a toggle member pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft. A source of RF energy or resistive heat energy may be provided for application to the toggle member and/or to a heater insert in the toggle delivery catheter, for the purpose of creating the fistula.