Abstract: The invention provides improved adeno-associated virus (AAV) Factor VIII (FVIII) vectors, including AAV FVIII vectors that produce a functional Factor VIII polypeptide and AAV FVIII vectors with high expression activity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a herbal composition for prevention and treatment of joint pain, the method of preparation thereof, and its application thereof. The composition relieves osteoarthritis pain and substantially treats osteoarthritis. It can be used for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis of various joints, including the knee joint, hip joint, wrist joint, spine joint, shoulder joint, and ankle joint. The composition disclosed herein can be formulated into tablet, capsule, dispersible tablet, chewable tablet, effervescent tablet, and buccal tablet. The composition comprises a mixture of glucosamine sulfate 2KCl, chondroitin sulfate, methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM), and any one or a combination of Sambucus williamsii Hance extract and Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm. extract. Further, the mixture may comprise any one or a combination of type II collagen, Morinda officinalis root extract, Epimedium grandiflorum extract, and turmeric root extract.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating a myopathy. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for treating, improving muscle function, and prolonging survival in a subject with X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM). The present invention provides a method comprising systemic administration of a composition that induces the increased expression of myotubularin in the muscle of a subject. The invention provides sustained regional and global increases in muscle function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising proteolytic enzymes and fining agents as well as methods for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer using these compositions.

Abstract: The amount of adipose tissue, including lipomas, at selected locations in the body is reduced by introducing collagenase or collagenase plus another proteinase into the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or a SIBO-caused condition in a human subject. SIBO-caused conditions include irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, impaired mentation, impaired memory, halitosis, tinnitus, sugar craving, autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, drug sensitivity, an autoimmune disease, and Crohn's disease. Also disclosed are a method of screening for the abnormally likely presence of SIBO in a human subject and a method of detecting SIBO in a human subject. A method of determining the relative severity of SIBO or a SIBO-caused condition in a human subject, in whom small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been detected, is also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions and methods for promoting the formation, expansion and recruitment of TR1 cells and/or B cells in an antigen-specific manner and treating diseases and disorders in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter, methods, and protocols useful for treatment of cancer through induction of anti-angiogenic immune responses by vaccination together with immune modulation triggered by checkpoint inhibitors. The invention provides placenta, placental endothelial, placental fibroblasts, and mixtures thereof as immunogens, whose anti-angiogenic activity is augmented by utilization of checkpoint inhibitors. Means of differentiating tumor cells directly into endothelial or endothelial-like cells and utilizing said cells as immunogens for the purpose of inducing immunity against blood vessels feeding tumors. In one embodiment CTLA4 blockade is performed in combination with an immunogen capable of triggering immunity towards tumor endothelial cells. In another embodiment blockade of the PD1-PD1 ligand pathway is performed in combination with induction of anti-angiogenic immune response.

Abstract: Provided herein are vaccine compositions containing at least one retrievable biocompatible macrocapsule containing immuno-isolated allogeneic cells that secrete an immunomodulator such as GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor) and an antigenic component such as autologous tumor cells or infectious agents. Also provided are kits and pharmaceutical compositions containing the vaccine compositions as well as methods of use thereof for therapeutic or preventative vaccination against tumors or infectious agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic compositions comprising one or more subtilisin-like protease 2 antigens, functional fragments or homologs thereof, from various Plasmodium species, methods, vectors comprising the antigens, and methods of use for the treatment of malaria and related disease.

Abstract: Agents, compositions, methods and kits useful for the treatment and diagnosis of Staphylococcal intramammary infection are disclosed. The agents, compositions, methods and kits are derived from genes expressed during Staphylococcal intramammary infection, and more particularly genes SACOL0029, SACOL0264, SACOL0442, SACOL0718, SACOL0720, SACOL1353, SACOL1416, SACOL1611, SACOL1944, SACOL2144, SACOL2365 or SACOL2599, based on the gene nomenclature from the Staphylococcus aureus COL (SACOL) genome.

Abstract: New influenza donor strains for the production of reassortant influenza A viruses are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides immunotherapeutic and prophylactic bacteriophage viral-like particle (VLPs) which are useful in the treatment and prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections and related disorders, including bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia. Related compositions (e.g. vaccines), nucleic acid constructs, and therapeutic methods are also provided. VLPs and related compositions of the invention induce high titer antibody responses against RSV. VLPs, VLP-containing compositions, and therapeutic methods of the invention induce an immunogenic response against RSV infection, confer immunity against RSV infection, protect against RSV infection, and reduce the likelihood of infection by RSV infection.

Abstract: The present relation relates to recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus for use as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for infectious diseases of AIDS. The present invention encompasses the preparation and purification of immunogenic compositions which are formulated into the vaccines of the present invention.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and vaccinia virus therefor are provided. The viruses are designed so that they accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. Combinations of the viruses and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: We disclose a method of obtaining a polyepitopic protein, a DNA vector for the embodiment of the method as well as polyepitopic proteins fused with macromolecular carriers. The proteins obtained according to the present invention are in a number of uses, in particular when used in the production of improved vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amino acid and peptide conjugates, methods for making amino acid and peptide conjugates, conjugates produced by the methods, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of eliciting immune responses in a subject and methods of vaccinating a subject, uses of the conjugates for the same, and uses of the conjugates in the manufacture of medicaments for the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations of a pharmaceutically active antigen binding protein, for example a monoclonal antibody. Such formulations comprise, in addition to the antigen binding protein, a buffering agent and a tonicity agent.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include compositions, devices, systems and methods for optogenetic modulation of action potentials in target cells. The subject devices include light-generating devices, control devices, and delivery devices for delivering light-responsive polypeptides, or nucleic acids encoding same, to target cells. The subject compositions and systems include light-activated polypeptides, nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding these polypeptides, as well as expression systems that facilitate expression of these polypeptides in target cells. Also provided are methods of using the subject devices and systems to optogenetically manipulate action potentials in target cells, e.g., to treat a neurological or psychiatric condition in a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A method for treatment of hyperproliferative tissue by injection of and subsequently exposing the hyperproliferative tissue to a frequency of ultrasound. The invention further includes purified bis [1-[6,7-bis [2-(sodium carbonate ethyl]-1,3,5,8,-tetramethyl-2-vinyl-porphin-4-yl]ethyl]ether (DVDMS) for use in sonodynamic treatment of hyperproliferative tissue including cancer and further includes a kit including a dosage controllable injection device charged with a biologically compatible fluid containing DVDMS.

Abstract: Described is a biodegradable and biocompatible hybrid nanoparticle for use in photothermal applications. The hybrid nanoparticle includes a poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) core and a polydopamine shell. Optionally, the hybrid nanoparticle can be loaded with an active agent such as an anti-cancer agent. The hybrid nanoparticles can include detection agents, targeting agents, etc. The nanoparticles can be useful for disease detection, treatment, and monitoring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for intravascular delivery of a therapeutic agent, such as paclitaxel, rapamycin, or an analog thereof. The composition includes the therapeutic agent and a biocompatible solvent, such as glycofurol. The composition can aid tissue penetration by the therapeutic agent. A catheter assembly that protects the pharmaceutical composition from the surroundings can be used for its intravascular delivery.

Abstract: A PLG copolymer material, termed a PLG(p) copolymer material, adapted for use in a controlled release formulation for a bioactive material is provided, wherein the formulation exhibits a reduced “initial burst” effect when introduced into the tissue of a patient in need thereof. A method of preparation of the PLG copolymer material is also provided, as are methods of use.

Abstract: A method of treatment is disclosed, comprising administering a composition of Cyclodextrin and reduced, nanonized L-Glutathione to a patient in need of treatment, wherein the L-Glutathione molecule is non-acetylated, non-Esterified, and non-fatty acid attached.

Abstract: A composition comprises an anti-nucleolin agent conjugated to nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are non-magnetic, not iron oxide and not polyacrylamide. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer comprises a composition including an anti-nucleolin agent conjugated to nanoparticles, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods useful for allowing for the absorption (passage) of agents of interest, such as therapeutic agents, across epithelial and mucosal barriers and/or into certain subcellular compartments of the cell, such as the recycling endosome (RE), Golgi, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Abstract: An N-acetylglucosamine sugar chain group-containing compound which can easily reach cells/sites on which a vimentin and/or desmin protein(s) is/are exposed, which compound has excellent affinity to N-acetylglucosamine sugar chain-recognizing proteins; a drug delivery carrier compound comprising the compound: a preparation using the drug delivery earner compound; and a drug delivery system; are provided. These are an N-acetylglucosamine sugar chain group-containing compound having a weight average molecular weight within the range of 15,000 to 100,000; a drug delivery carrier compound comprising the compound; a preparation using the drug delivery carrier compound; and a drug delivery system.

Abstract: Methods of modifying the rate of systemic absorption of a drug administered to a subject by a pulmonary route, the method comprising covalently conjugating a hydrophilic polymer to a drug, wherein the drug has a half-life of elimination from the lung of less than about 180 minutes, to form a drug-polymer conjugate, wherein the drug-polymer conjugate has a net hydrophilic character and a weight average molecular weight of from about 50 to about 20,000 Daltons, and wherein the half-life of elimination from the lung of the drug-polymer conjugate is at least about 1.5-fold greater than the half-life of elimination from the lung of the drug, wherein the half-life of elimination from the lung is measured by bronchoalveolar lavage followed by assaying residual lung material.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for transporting substances across mucosal barriers. The invention also relates to methods of making and using such substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising growth hormone linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of making and using such compositions in treatment of growth hormone-related diseases, disorders, and conditions.

Abstract: Composition and methods are disclosed for utilizing microaggregation of FAP-containing complexes to promote their fast internalization. This approach allows the uptake of cytotoxic cargo coupled to either FAP-Antibodies or FAP-liposome complexes by tumor bladder cells. Importantly, this approach is efficient even under serum-free conditions such as the ones found in the lumen of the bladder.

Abstract: Nanoparticles and microparticles, and pharmaceutical formulations thereof, containing conjugates of an active agent such as a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic agent attached to a targeting moiety, such as a somatostatin receptor binding moiety, via a linker have been designed. Such nanoparticles and microparticles can provide improved temporospatial delivery of the active agent and/or improved biodistribution. Methods of making the conjugates, the particles, and the formulations thereof are provided. Methods of administering the formulations to a subject in need thereof are provided, for example, to treat or prevent cancer or infectious diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides antibody-drug conjugates comprising an antibody conjugated to a pyrrolobenzodiazepine drug moiety via a disulfide linker, pyrrolobenzodiazepine linker-drug intermediates, and methods of using the antibody-drug conjugates.

Abstract: Therapeutic combinations of immunoconjugates that bind to FOLR1 (e.g., IMGN853) with anti-VEGF agents (e.g., bevacizumab), a platinum-based agent, and/or doxorubicin are provided. Methods of administering the combinations to treat cancers, e.g., ovarian cancers, with greater clinical efficacy and/or decreased toxicity are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to prepare protein conjugates from proteins having at least four accessible cysteine residues. In one embodiment, an antibody with four reducible disulfide linkages is reduced to provide four pairs of free cysteines. Each pair of free cysteines is reacted with a 1,3-dihaloacetone or similar reactant, linking the sulfur atoms of each pair together though a 3-carbon tether with a reactive ketone. A pair of these reactive ketones are linked together with and used to attach a single payload molecule, thus conjugating the antibody to two payload groups. This method gives a stabilized antibody conjugate with high selectivity for a ratio of two payloads per antibody.

Abstract: Described herein are therapeutic approaches with immune modifiers of the Th2 pathway for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases. Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for decreasing Th2-type cell responses in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-Dectin-1 antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof operatively linked to a TLR agonist.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, formulations and kits for treating a patient with cancer with anti-VEGF antibodies and albumin-bound chemotherapeutic/anti-VEGF antibody nanoparticle complexes.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for treating or ameliorating the effects of a disease, such as cancer in a subject. The methods include: administering to a subject in need thereof (a) a therapeutically effective amount of a molecularly targeted agent; and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a monoclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, wherein the monoclonal antibody contains: (i) a heavy chain variable region (VH), which includes an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, and SEQ ID NO:7; and (ii) a light chain variable region (VL), which includes an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, and SEQ ID NO:8. Compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for treating diseases, such as cancer, are also provided herein.

Abstract: Provided are methods of use of compounds comprising a self-immolative group, which compounds may include a protein (for example, an oligopeptide, a polypeptide, an antibody, or the like) having substrate-specificity for a target and an active agent (for example, a drug, a toxin, a ligand, a detection probe, or the like) having a specific function or activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising an oligopeptide comprising a fragment of a natriuretic peptide, wherein the fragment comprises the sequence Arg-Ile-Asp-Arg-Ile (SEQ ID NO:1), and a detectable label. Further disclosed are methods of imaging atherosclerotic plaque by optical imaging using a peptide composition.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a condition of a living subject that uses gadoxeate disodium as a contrast agent for making images such as CT scans of the biliary tree and related anatomical structures. The method uses x-ray radiation generated with excitation voltages in the range of 70 KV to 140 KV. The x-ray radiation is preferably filtered to suppress or practically remove x-rays having energy lower than 50.2 KeV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for target substance detection using a magnetic nanoparticle having a Curie temperature which is within a biocompatible temperature range, a target substance detection system, and a method for obtaining an image of a living body or specimen. As the magnetic nanoparticle of the present invention has a Curie temperature within the temperature range of 0° C. to 41° C., the ferromagnetic and paramagnetic properties of the magnetic nanoparticle may be controlled within a biocompatible temperature range at a temperature at which a biological control agent is not destroyed, and the temperature of the magnetic nanoparticle is adjusted to control the magnetic properties thereof such that the properties of the magnetic nanoparticle may be used only when ferromagnetic properties are required, such as in the case of signal amplification in detecting, separating, and delivering biological control agents.

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: Disclosed herein is a bispecific peptide conjugate comprising an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting peptide, an av?3 integrin targeting peptide, and a linker, where the linker is conjugated respectively to the EGFR targeting peptide and the av?3 integrin targeting peptide.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device module with improved light emission of approximately 4? steradians is provided. In one embodiment, the optoelectronic device module includes a first and a second set of optoelectronic devices. Each optoelectronic device includes a first contact and a second contact. A contact element including a first lateral side and a second lateral side connects the optoelectronic devices. The first contact of each optoelectronic device in the first set of optoelectronic devices is connected to the first lateral side of the contact element and the first contact of each optoelectronic device in the second set of optoelectronic devices is connected to the second lateral side of the contact element.

Abstract: A UV lamp including a filter material of doped quartz glass is provided that effects a transparency as high as possible for operating radiation in the ultraviolet spectral range above 210 nm together with low transparency in the wavelength range below about 190 nm. The filter material of doped quartz glass includes at least 99 wt. % of SiO2 and Al2O3, wherein the Al2O3 portion is in the range of 2 wt. % to 4 wt. The filter material has an edge wavelength at a wavelength below 190 nm and a spectral transmission of 80% mm?1 or higher at a wavelength of 210 nm.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for sanitizing devices with complex shapes. The system is comprised essentially of a mechanism for emitting sanitizing electromagnetic radiation within an enclosed compartment. The apparatus may be light-tight such that the radiation is contained within the apparatus. It may be configured to emit a plurality of sanitizing wavelengths. The apparatus may also be sound-tight, limiting or preventing the transmission of acoustic sounds made by the devices being sanitized. The apparatus may include a series of reflective and refractive apparatuses to alter the reflection path of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, allowing the apparatus to be used for devices with complex shapes. The enclosure may include support devices, such as dividers and support plates, that may be transparent to the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus may include a locking mechanism. The system may include a control module including a user interface.

Abstract: A solution for generating ultraviolet diffusive radiation is provided. A diffusive ultraviolet radiation illuminator includes at least one ultraviolet radiation source located within a reflective cavity that includes a plurality of surfaces. At least one of the plurality of surfaces can be configured to diffusively reflect at least 70% of the ultraviolet radiation and at least one of the plurality of surfaces can be configured to transmit at least 30% of the ultraviolet radiation and reflect at least 10% of the ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A hybrid packet containing deodorizing chemicals can dissolve to release the chemicals in a brine solution while still being formed using high speed packet forming machinery. A hybrid packet can be formed by feeding a sheet of dissolvable paper and a film of PVA material into the packet forming machine to form a hybrid packet having one side formed of the paper and the opposing side formed of the PVA material. The PVA sheet and paper panels are fused together by the machine to form a sealed interior compartment that holds the deodorizing chemicals. A serrated knife edge can be used to pierce the paper and PVA layers to separate individual packets. Reduced water volume in the forming operation avoids compromising the dissolvable paper portion of the hybrid packet. The packet contents can include citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive material and articles made using the hot melt adhesive to assemble structures in an article. The adhesive material typically is manufactured by blending amorphous polymer with a heterophase polymer having crystallinity into an adhesive composition.