Abstract: The invention relates to a Prodrug activation method, for therapeutics, wherein use is made of abiotic reactive chemical groups that exhibit bio-orthogonal reactivity towards each other. The invention also relates to a Prodrug kit comprising at least one Prodrug and at least one Activator, wherein the Prodrug comprises a Drug and a first Bio-orthogonal Reactive Group (the Trigger), and wherein the Activator comprises a second Bio-orthogonal Reactive Group. The invention also relates to targeted therapeutics used in the above-mentioned method and kit. The invention particularly pertains to antibody-drug conjugates and to bi- and trispecific antibody derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-armed high MW polymers containing hydrophilic groups and one or more functional agents, and methods of preparing such polymers.

Abstract: In some aspects, pegylated aminoglycoside compounds are provided. In some embodiments, m-PEG-tobramycin compounds may be used to treat a biofilm infection or reduce or treat established biofilms. The present invention provides, in various aspects, compounds and methods for the treatment of infections, such as biofilm infections or chronic biofilm infections. The chronic biofilm infection may occur in wounds, implanted devices, immunocompromised patients, people with cystic fibrosis, eye infections, etc.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to antibody-polymer conjugates comprising one or more anti-Factor D antibody variants, their production and their use in the preparation of compositions and medicaments for treatment of diseases and disorders associated with excessive or uncontrolled complement activation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the compositions and methods of use of macromolecular nitroxide as a nano anti-radical therapy (NanoART) to compliment current chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and surgery in the treatment of cancer. NanoART is unique in that it inhibits all three key steps in carcinogenesis. NanoART inhibits proliferation, progression and metastasis of cancer processes through the free radical based reactive oxygen species pathway. This is a novel comprehensive therapy which has not been addressed by current standard cancer therapies with a single therapeutic agent. NanoART may also exert its anti-cancer activities throughout the body regardless of the location of its administration, and this is a revolutionary new paradigm in medical treatment. As a treatment of carcinogenesis, NanoART has the potential to decrease morbidity, decrease mortality and improve the cure of cancer.

Abstract: Cell binding agent-drug conjugates comprising bridge linkers, and methods of using such linkers and conjugates are provided.

Abstract: Provided are Conjugate comprising PBDs conjugated to a targeting agent and methods of using such PBDs.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified human U1snRNA molecule, capable of correcting the skipping of an exon caused by a mutation localized in the sequence comprised between 50 base pairs upstream and 20 base pairs downstream of an exon, wherein a portion of a single-stranded nucleotide sequence of the 5? region of the wild-type human U1snRNA is replaced by a single-stranded binding nucleotide sequence, wherein the binding nucleotide sequence is selected from the group consisting of: uggcgcuua, aauggcgcu, aguacaauggcgc (SEQ ID NO: 87), gcaaacaguacaau (SEQ ID NO: 88), ucgcaaacaguaca (SEQ ID NO: 89), gcaaacagu, cuagucgcaaac (SEQ ID NO: 90), uacaaaaguaagauuca (SEQ ID NO: 83), aaaccauaaaguuuuacaa (SEQ ID NO: 84) and caaaccauaaaguuuua (SEQ ID NO: 96).

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a method of ocular delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA), comprising administering into an eye of a subject in need of delivery a composition comprising an mRNA encoding a protein, such that the administration of the composition results in expression of the protein encoded by the mRNA in the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying a non-spreading botulinum toxin that causes local muscle paralysis and a non-spreading botulinum toxin obtained thereby. The method comprises the steps of: subjecting a purified botulinum toxin type A product to ion-exchange chromatography using a controlled pH of buffer, concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl), thereby separating the botulinum toxin type A product into subfractions; and collecting a subfraction having an A260/A280 value in a specific range from the separated subfractions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology, in particular to application of a GPR45 gene. The present invention discloses, for the first time, a correlation between GPR45 and obesity and also discloses that obesity may be caused if the GPR45 gene is knocked out or the expression of the GPR45 gene is reduced. Moreover, an obese mouse model is established by adopting a method of blocking the expression of the GPR45 gene for the first time, which is more similar to the mechanism underlying the obesity of human, is thus an ideal model for obesity basis and clinical application researches and can be well applied in screening of drugs for treating obesity.

Abstract: Disclosed are imaging agents having the following Formula I: wherein F is a near infrared fluorophore, S is an enzymatically cleavable oligopeptide, Q is a fluorescence quencher molecule, and M is a moiety selected from the group consisting of PEG or derivative thereof and a targeting ligand, and wherein F, Q and M are linked to separate amino acids of the enzymatically cleavable oligopeptide. Compositions comprising such compounds, as well as methods of use, methods of identifying a cell or a population of cells in vivo expressing a protease of interest, and methods of treating a disease through imaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polymers which contain a hydrophobic and hydrophilic segment which is sensitive to pH. In some aspects, the polymers form a micelle which is sensitive to pH and results in a change in fluorescence based upon the particular pH. In some aspects, the disclosure also provides methods of using the polymers for the imaging of cellular or extracellular environment or delivering a drug.

Abstract: To solve the problem of differentiating veins from lymphatics in MRI images, among other uses, the disclosed embodiments relate to compositions, kits, systems, and methods that include an MRI contrast agent and an MRI suppression agent that is also a blood pool agent. Using appropriate MRI techniques, the MRI suppression agent will suppress signal in its location, while signal enhanced by the MRI contrast agent in other locations will not be suppressed. The result is a clarified MRI image with only non-vascular regions enhanced.

Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticles and synthesis of synthesis are described.

Abstract: A gel composition for an ultrasound procedure comprises: (a) a vehicle; (b) a chelating agent; (c) an anti-inflammatory agent; (d) a thickening agent; (e) a skin-conditioning agent; (f) a humectant; (g) a preservative; and (h) a neutralizer. A method of preparing the gel composition and a method of applying the gel composition for an ultrasound procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for labeling exosomes with a radioactive substance using an amine group on surfaces of the exosomes includes providing a cell-derived exosome, treating a surface of the exosome with N-hydroxysuccinimide-azadibenzocyclooctyne (NHS-ADIBO), and mixing the treated exosome with N3-introduced chelator-radioactive substance to conduct a reaction between the chelator and an amine group present on the surface of the exosome, wherein the radioactive substance is introduced inside the exosome by the above reaction. The exosomes can be stably labeled at high labeling efficiency, and the exosomes can be favorably used as an agent for nuclear medicine imaging and therapeutic imaging for confirming the biological distribution of exosomes and whether the exosomes move to target organs and target diseases in animals including a human being.

Abstract: This invention relates to low density radioactive magnesium-aluminum-silicate (MAS) microparticles for radiotherapy and/or radioimaging.

Abstract: A system and method of fluid sterilization is provided, which incorporates a heating section to heat pressurized fluid above prescribed thresholds for temperature, pressure, and duration (e.g., dwell time) to achieve desired levels of sterilization, including a heat exchanger to both (a) preheat fluid prior to entering the heating section and (b) cool outflow of the heating apparatus, in which fluid travels through the apparatus by operating valves forward and aft of the heating section in a controlled sequence to facilitate flow through the system while maintaining prescribed pressure and temperature profiles. The system operates within prescribed ranges of pressure and temperature to achieve the desired level of sterilization without need of maintaining a fixed temperature or a fixed pressure within any portion of the system, including the heating section.

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 disinfectant spray cleaner dispenser package includes a container, a bag on valve assembly provided with the container, and an enhanced activity aqueous hydrogen peroxide disinfectant solution is stored within a pouch of the bag on valve assembly. The enhanced activity aqueous hydrogen peroxide disinfectant solution has a pH of from about 0.5 to about 6 and includes hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of from about 0.05 to about 8 w/w % of the total solution and at least one anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A bedding composition for treating bedding to mitigate ammonia buildup in a commercial aviary is described. The bedding composition comprises a solvent; an active component comprising: 86.5-98.9 wt % alkali metal silicate; 1-10 wt % stabilizer; 0.1-10 wt % bacteriacide; 0-2 wt % colorant; and 0-0.5 wt % de-chlorinator.

Abstract: There is provided a deodorant which can stably exhibit deodorizing effect for a long term, does not agglomerate even when used in a powder form, has a high degree of freedom in product form and use mode, and is highly convenient, as compared with the prior art. The deodorant comprises a glass, the glass containing: 46 to 70 mol % of SiO2; 15 to 50 mol % of B2O3 and R2O (R=Li, Na, K) in total; 0 to 10 mol % of R?O (R?=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba); and 0.1 to 23 mol % of CuO.

Abstract: A volatile substance evaporator device comprising a heat source and a refill including said volatile substances, wherein the heat source is a flame that heats a transmission element which heats said refill for evaporating the volatile substances. The result thereof is that the volatile substances evaporate properly without the need to use batteries or a similar power source, simply by the use of a flame, for example in the form of a candle, the financial cost thereof being very low.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart diffuser, such as a smart diffuser for sensing environmental information on the inside of a storage space such as a closet, emitting a diffusing agent, and transmitting the environmental information by means of near field communication, thereby continuously monitoring and managing the inside of the storage space.

Abstract: A dispenser capable of dispensing a fluid via a vertically-oriented piezo device comprises a reservoir containing a fluid to be dispensed, an outlet at a base portion of the reservoir, leading to a dispensing port that comprises a piezo element drivable to vibrate and thereby dispense fluid from the dispensing port, a bleed tube communicating at one end with the dispensing port, extending therefrom to a location above the dispensing port, and including a selectively closeable valve, and a source of below-atmospheric pressure to the portion of the reservoir above the fluid. Embodiments of refills suitable for such a dispensing apparatus are also described.

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 hydroxyl generator unit includes an ultraviolet light source, a reaction chamber within interior space of the hydroxyl generator unit, environmental sensors and a smart optic controller coupled to environmental sensors and to the ultraviolet light source. The smart optic controller integrates environmental conditions, and in response to at least the environmental conditions, the smart optic controller generates an output signal to the ultraviolet light source to control to the hydroxyls generated by the hydroxyl generator unit. The smart optic controller includes at least one of an air flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and a light sensor, to control operation of the hydroxyl generator unit. The smart optic controller includes a microcontroller that interrogates the sensors and that interfaces to external systems. The smart optic controller includes a near field communications circuit attached to a sensor communications link, and a control interface via an RS-485 connection.

Abstract: An attachable and movable deodorizer for enclosed space has a body with a plurality of inlet holes and at least one outlet hole. The body has a fan, a photocatalyst filter, and an ultraviolet (UV) control circuit board connected to an UV-A LED lamp. Whereby the body is able to be disposed in an enclosed space such as trash bin and shoes cabinet, and to suck in the dirty air in the enclosed space by the fan for the dirty air to pass through the photocatalyst filter and then to be discharged from the outlet hole. The stench chemical substance in the dirty air is therefore purified in the photocatalysis process.

Abstract: Provided are a collagen sponge containing a drug for promoting fracture healing and a method for preparing the same, the method comprises the steps of: 1) adding bisphosphonate containing phosphonate radical in an equivalent dosage of 70 to 140 mg and/or strontium salt in a dosage of 100 to 800 mg into 1 kg of the enzymolysis solution of collagen; 2) adding a crosslinking agent into the solution, the crosslinking agent being added in a proportion where 40 to 60 U of crosslinking agent is added per gram of enzymolysis solution; 3) stirring the mixed solution in step 2) uniformly, then putting it into a stainless steel tray, and placing the tray in a vacuum lyophilizer for lyophilizing for 10 to 16 hours so that it is lyophilized into a sponge-like shape; and 4) allowing the collagen sponge in step 3) to be cut, packaged and sealed, and sterilized by irradiation with cobalt 60.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polysaccharide soft tissue fillers comprising heparosan and processes for their preparation. The polysaccharide soft tissue fillers of the present invention are advantageously used in therapeutic or cosmetic applications such as for the filling of wrinkles.

Abstract: A cell construct including GelMA-GNR hybrid hydrogels formed of GelMA and gold nanorods; and where the gold nanorods are embedded in the GemMA hydrogel.

Abstract: Methods to produce perforated collagen coated meshes for use as implants have been developed. The method involves positioning needles through the pores of the mesh, coating the mesh with a collagen solution, freezing the coated mesh, removing the needles from the frozen coated mesh, drying the collagen coated mesh, and optionally cross-linking the coated mesh. The method allows perforated collagen coated meshes to be prepared with variable thickness, and without damage to the surface of the mesh. The perforations of the collagen coated meshes may be designed to prevent the formation of fluid pockets when the coated meshes are implanted, and to permit rapid incorporation into host tissue. The perforated collagen coated meshes may be used for soft tissue repair, regeneration or remodeling including, for example, hernia repair, mastopexy, treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic floor reconstruction, and ligament and tendon repair.

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: Compositions and methods are provided for preparing an adhesion barrier in the form of a foldable or flexible biodegradable polymer matrix that effectively reduces, prevents or treats adhesions in a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment, the matrix comprises a first porous layer comprising collagen and a second porous layer comprising collagen and dextran, wherein the dextran is loaded in the second layer in an amount of from about 5% to about 90% by weight based on a total weight of the matrix. In some embodiments, the matrix prevents or reduces cell growth into the matrix so as to reduce or prevent adhesions. In some embodiments, the matrix is in a sheet or strip form that can be folded into a tube form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extravascular supports. In particular, to extravascular supports which are used in vein grafting. More in particular, it relates to extravascular supports which are biodegradable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are medical products, including a surgical mesh, with a layer of dehydrated modified basement membrane preparation formed thereon. The basement membrane has been modified before dehydration of remove low molecular weight components. In some embodiments, the basement membrane is crosslinked. Methods of making and using the products also are disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The distal end is movable relative to a longitudinal axis in accordance with ultrasonic vibrations applied to the proximal end. At least a portion of the outer surface of the body comprises a lubricious coating adhered thereto. The lubricious coating has a coefficient of friction that is less than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the body.

Abstract: A suction device (10) includes a nose piece (11) that is mounted by inserting a leading end thereof into a nasal cavity, a suction pump (21) that sucks external fluid using the nose piece (11) with a suction pressure in accordance with a driving voltage, and a driving controller (31) that repeats a state of applying the driving voltage to the suction pump (21) and a state of stopping application of the driving voltage.

Abstract: A suction device (10) includes: a suction portion (11) that sucks an external fluid; a piezoelectric pump (21) that includes a piezoelectric element (22) vibrating when a drive voltage is applied thereto and sucks the fluid via the suction portion (11) by vibration of the piezoelectric element (22); a detection circuit (32) that detects a phase difference between a current flowing through the piezoelectric element (22) and the drive voltage for the piezoelectric element; and a control unit (33) that performs a process on the basis of the phase difference detected by the detection circuit (32).

Abstract: Disclosed is a chest drainage system which reduces or eliminates pooling of blood/liquid and/or clogging/clotting in the drainage tube. Generally, the chest drainage system continuously monitors chest tube status and clears pooled liquid when necessary to restore negative pressure to the chest. The system may include a valve device which is located between the patient's chest tube and drainage tube and may be used with any standard chest tube. The chest drainage system also includes a controller for monitoring the pressure at or near the valve device and/or at or near the suction device, and possibly a pump for assisting in clearance of pooled liquid and/or clots. The controller may also control the valve device and/or suction device in response to pressure signals.

Abstract: This invention provides wound healing systems, which delivers oxygen to the wound bed and applies negative pressure thereto, where the source of oxygen and negative pressure are simultaneously applied to distal sites of the dressing. Methods of treating wounds and methods of treating or preventing anaerobic infection of wounds using such systems are described.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a system 10 for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a site 18 on the body of a mammal. Some embodiments of the system 10 comprise a piston 22 and cylinder 24 device 12 having a self-contained power source for the generation of a reduced pressure and for aspirating the site 18. Some embodiments of the system 10 comprise a dressing 14 sealably surrounding the site 18 that can be operably connected to the device 12 by a conduit means 16 to apply the reduced pressure to the site 18.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tubular member defining a lumen and a channel, and a support member. The tubular member has a connection portion configured to be coupled to an organ wall. An outer edge of the connection portion is configured to contact a first portion of an inner surface of the wall when the connection portion is in an expanded configuration such that an interior volume of the organ is in fluid communication with the lumen. The support member is movably disposed within the channel and is configured to minimize movement of the wall relative to the tubular member. An end portion of the support member is disposed within the channel when the support member is in a first configuration. The end portion of the support member configured to contact a second portion of the inner surface of the wall when the support member is in a second configuration.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for pumping blood includes a housing 2 with a housing main body 20, a blood inlet port 25, and a blood outlet port 26. A rotary body 3 is rotatably accommodated inside the housing main body 20, and a support mechanism 4 supports the rotary body 3. The support mechanism 4 is provided with a rod-like shaft member 5, and a first bearing 6 and a second bearing 7 which respectively and rotatably support end portions of the shaft member 5. The first bearing 6 is provided with a protruding portion 62 which protrudes in an eccentric manner with respect to a rotation center O when viewed from an upstream side of a blood flow, so that the protruding portion shields a counter-rotating, longitudinal side of the shaft member from exposure to the main flow of blood.

Abstract: A dialysis machine with machine-internal fluidics for dialysis fluid and a housing that at least partially encapsulates the fluidics, wherein the fluidics comprise an input line for fresh dialysis fluid to a dialyzer and an output line for used dialysis fluid from the dialyzer, each line equipped at their end sides with a connection port for a releasably coupling with the dialyzer, wherein the port of the input line and the port of the output line are each formed as a coupling integrated into the housing.

Abstract: Dialysis systems are disclosed comprising new fluid flow circuits. Systems may include blood and dialysate flow paths, where the dialysate flow path includes balancing, mixing, and/or directing circuits. Dialysate preparation may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and urge blood back to the patient may be included for certain emergency situations. Fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, and mixers that can be actuated using a control fluid may be included. Control fluid may be delivered by an external pump or other device, which may be detachable and/or generally rigid, optionally with a diaphragm dividing the device into first and second compartments.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature-based dialysate regeneration device for regulating a temperature of dialysate discharged from a hemodialyzer to remove uremic toxins and waste therefrom, the temperature-based dialysate regeneration device including: a Joule-Thomson refrigerator, including a compressor, condenser, expander and evaporator, an adsorbent column, and a dialysate heat exchanger in which heat transfer occurs between dialysates. The refrigerant used for the JT refrigerator may be a mixture of two or more refrigerants to enhance the heat transfer generated by the latent heat in the evaporator and the condenser.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: a drain container; a drain line placed in fluid communication with the drain container and configured to be placed in fluid communication with a patient's peritoneal cavity; a vacuum source configured to apply a pneumatic force to cause used dialysis fluid to flow through the drain line from the patient's peritoneal cavity to the drain container; a weight sensor configured to output a weight of used dialysis fluid delivered to the drain container from the patient's peritoneal cavity; and a controller configured to: (i) determine an actual flow rate of used dialysis fluid removed from the patient's peritoneal cavity based on the output from the weight sensor; (ii) compare the actual flow rate to a desired flow rate; and (iii) adjust the pneumatic force applied by the vacuum source to attempt to match the actual flow rate to the optimal flow rate.

Abstract: An extracorporeal system for enhancing an immune response in a mammal to facilitate the elimination of a chronic pathology. The system includes an absorbent matrix capable of removing an immune system inhibitors such as soluble TNF receptor from the circulation of the mammal, thus, enabling a more vigorous immune response to the pathogenic agent. The removal of immune system inhibitors is accomplished by contacting biological fluids of a mammal with one or more binding partner(s) such as TNF-? muteins capable of binding to and, thus, depleting the targeted immune system inhibitor(s) from the biological fluids. The absorbent matrix may comprise an inert, biocompatible substrate joined covalently to a binding partner, such as a TNF-? mutein, capable of specifically binding to a targeted immune system inhibitor such as soluble TNF receptor.