Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated swine influenza viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated swine influenza viruses having modifications to a swine NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. These viruses replicate in vivo, but demonstrate decreased replication, virulence and increased attenuation, and therefore are well suited for use in live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel compositions and methods for diagnosing or treating food allergies. The invention particularly discloses new approaches for delivering food allergens to allergic patients by oral administration of formulations which dissolve and release proteins in the stomach. The invention allows the treatment of food allergies by delivering food allergens to the gut immune system with controlled exposure of the esophagus or oral cavity. The invention also allows to perform food challenges to assess the threshold of clinical reactivity without exposing the esophagus and oral cavity. The invention may be used in any subject, particularly human subjects, and is applicable to any food allergen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an immunity inducer. The immunity inducer comprises virus like particles; the virus like particles comprise a virus-derived outer coat protein and an antigen-bound protein comprising an exogenous antigen; the outer coat protein constitutes an outer coat of the virus like particles, and the antigen-bound protein is comprised in the outer coat; and the virus like particles induce an immune effect of a living body on the antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel method for inhibiting an undesirable immune response, especially in transplant recipients such as those having received an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Also disclosed are related compositions and kits for inducing immunotolerance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, stable aqueous solutions comprising a high concentration of an antibody that binds to human complement component C5 and methods for preparing the solutions. The disclosure also provides methods for treating or preventing complement-associated disorders (for example, age-related macular degeneration or rheumatoid arthritis) using the solutions. Also featured are therapeutic kits containing one or more of the solutions and a means for administering the solutions to a patient in need such a treatment.

Abstract: A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation is described which has a high protein concentration, a pH of between about 4 and about 8, and enhanced stability.

Abstract: Enhanced delivery of compositions for treatment of skin tissue with photoactive plasmonic nanoparticles and light, with embodiments relating to delivery devices using, for example, ultrasound. Treatments are useful for cosmetic, diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A polymer-free synthesis method is provided for preparation of monodisperse nanostars. The nanostars can be used for treating and imaging cells in in vivo or ex vivo. The modes of treatment include use of a nanostar modified with a photo-activatable drug, which drug is activated by the photo-response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; use of a nanostar modified with a thermally-activatable drug, which drug is activated by a thermal response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; and the thermal response of the nanostar itself to electromagnetic stimulation, which can directly or indirectly cause the death of an undesirable cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides biophotonic materials and methods useful in phototherapy. In particular, the biophotonic materials of the present disclosure include a cohesive matrix, and at least one chromophore, wherein the at least one chromophore can absorb and emit light from within the biophotonic material. The biophotonic materials and the methods of the present disclosure are useful for promoting wound healing and skin rejuvenation, as well as treating acne and various skin disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the delivery of therapeutic agents to cells. In particular, these include novel cationic lipids and nucleic acid-lipid particles that provide efficient encapsulation of nucleic acids and efficient delivery of the encapsulated nucleic acid to cells in vivo. The compositions of the present invention are highly potent, thereby allowing effective knock-down of a specific target protein at relatively low doses. In addition, the compositions and methods of the present invention are less toxic and provide a greater therapeutic index compared to compositions and methods previously known in the art.

Abstract: Modified poly(dicarboxylic acid multiol esters) are suitable as carriers for bioactive substances, especially as injectable implants, without further additives. The polymers can be directly injected without using an organic solvent. Furthermore, modified poly(dicarboxylic acid multiol esters) can be mixed with suitable biocompatible organic solvents and injected or realized as implants. The carriers are suitable for controlled active ingredient release in human and veterinary medicine.

Abstract: Provided is a skin external preparation including a drug and nanometer-size molecular assemblies. The molecular assemblies contain an amphiphilic block copolymer having a hydrophilic block chain including a sarcosine-derived structural unit and a hydrophobic block chain including a hydroxy acid-derived structural unit. The skin external preparation according to the present invention may reduce skin irritation caused by the drug, be very safe, and have excellent pharmacological effects, even when a drug that is generally difficult to be transdermally administered due to its strong skin irritation is contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a compound conjugating a drug with a glycosaminoglycan, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), where the drug is useful for the treatment of diseases such as inflammation, auto-immune disease, allergy, infection and preferably cancer. The conjugated compound of the present invention can increase the concentration of drug at the specific site of disease by an interaction of the glycosaminoglycan used as target drug delivery carrier and the CD44 cell surface receptor, then enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and reducing the systemic side effect of the site-delivered drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and uses of novel high penetration compositions or high penetration prodrugs (HPP), in particular HPPs for 4-aminophenol derivatives, which are capable of crossing biological barriers with high penetration efficiency. The HPPs herein are capable of being converted to parent active drugs or drug metabolites after crossing the biological barrier and thus can render treatments for the conditions that the parent drugs or metabolites can. Additionally, due to the ability of penetrating biological barriers, the HPPs herein are capable of reaching areas that parent drugs may not be able to access or to render a sufficient concentration at the target areas and therefore render novel treatments. The HPPs herein can be administered to a subject through various administration routes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved compositions comprising a PEGsTNF-R1 which, in addition to having useful higher concentrations, demonstrate decreased viscosity (<400 cP) and improved stability.

Abstract: Particles, including nanoparticles and microparticles, and pharmaceutical formulations thereof, comprising conjugates of an active agent such as a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic agent attached to a targeting moiety via a linker have been designed which 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: Described herein are compositions and methods for use in targeted drug delivery using cell receptor binding drug delivery conjugates containing hydrophilic spacer linkers for use in imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating diseases and disease states caused by pathogenic cell populations.

Abstract: The present invention provides site specific HER2 antibody drug conjugates and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: Novel chimeric moieties that show significant efficacy against cancers are provided. In certain embodiments the chimeric moieties comprise a targeting moiety attached to an interferon. In certain embodiments, the chimeric moieties comprise fusion proteins where an antibody that specifically binds to a cancer marker is fused to interferon alpha (IFN-?) or interferon beta (IFN-?).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antibodies, antibody binding fragments, and antibody drug conjugates that bind human LRRC15, their methods of making, and their uses to treat patients having cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antibodies, antibody binding fragments, and antibody drug conjugates that bind human LRRC15, their methods of making, and their uses to treat patients having cancer.

Abstract: The technology described herein is directed to methods and compositions directed to the treatment of cancer, e.g. using multifunctional receptor targeted cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel disulfur bridge linkers containing hydrazine used for the specific conjugation of compounds/cytotoxic agents to a cell-binding molecule, through bridge linking a pair of thiols on the cell-binding molecule. The invention also relates to methods of making such linkers, and of using such linkers in making homogeneous conjugates, as well as of application of the conjugates in treatment of cancers, infections and autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: This application discloses the approach of synthesizing cellulose acetate nanoparticles and rods which may have a chemically functionalized surface and an encapsulated cargo load. Functionalization and/or loading of the cargo are made through a physical mixing of the functionalizing and/or cargo components in the synthesizing bath. This can result in particles with functionalized surfaces with various functional groups, as well as active cargo load encapsulated in the particles. The encapsulated cargo includes but is not limited to biologically, chemically, and optically active substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibitiing myostatin, a regulator of muscle mass, for muscle enhancement (including inducing hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia) as well as improving muscle function (including decreasing atrophy and/or increasing endurance, force and/or strength). Some of the methods involve delivering genes to cells using gene delivery or other delivery techniques known in the art in order to inhibit myostatin. Examples of genes to be delivered are genes encoding proteins such as Follistatin, Follistatin-related gene-1 (FLRG-1), growth differentiation factor associated protein-1 (GASP-1) and myostatin precursor propeptide. The genes can be delivered using, for example, a recombinant Adeno-associated virus (rAAV), lentivirus or equine-associated virus capable of infecting the cells. Following introduction, the genes are expressed in the cell body of the infected cell and the encoded proteins are secreted systemically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particles comprising protamine, RNA and at least one endosome destabilizing agent, to methods of their production and to pharmaceutical compositions or kits containing the particles. It further relates to particles comprising protamine and RNA for use in methods of treatment or prevention of diseases and to kits comprising such particles together with at least one endosome destabilizing agent.

Abstract: Size-tunable phosphorescent particles may be formed through self-assembly of biocompatible linear polymers, such as chitosan and other linear polymers, that bear positive surface charges, through polyelectrolytic complexation to a polyanionic metal phosphor, such as polyanionic gold(I) phosphor (AuP). The phosphorescent hydrogel nanoparticles and thin films thereof are useful for imaging, sensing of biological molecules, detection of hypoxia, and light-emitting devices. The phosphorescent hydrogel particles can be formed from a variety of linear polymers by physical cross-linking using polyelectrolytic light-emitting species, without the need for the phosphorescent complex to be entrapped in an existing microsphere or nanosphere polymer particle.

Abstract: Gd-encapsulated carbonaceous dots (Gd@C-dots) hold great potential in clinical translation as Ti contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. However, current synthetic techniques yield particles with poor size control; hence, time-consuming size selection is often needed to obtain particles of desired sizes. Disclosed is a process whereby mesoporous silica nanoparticles are used as templates for size-controlled synthesis of Gd@C-dots. The disclosed methods involve calcining a mixture comprising a mesoporous silica nanoparticle, a gadolinium-containing compound, and a chelator, thereby forming the nanoparticles of gadolinium within the mesoporous silica nanoparticle; and removing the mesoporous silica nanoparticle from the nanoparticles of gadolinium.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions of matter, and protocols useful for the detection of altered cells in a patient. Immune cells capable of clonal expansion are engineered to produce a soluble signal upon activation and/or clonal expansion. The cells may possess a suicide gene, inducible upon administration pharmacological or light/radiation activatable, so as to eliminate the cells from body when desired. In another embodiment, immune cells produce a localized marker, the marker being visible with imaging technology. In other embodiments cells capable of non-clonal expansion are utilized. The disclosure provides means of utilizing the immunosurveillance properties of immune cells to diagnose and localize diseases associated with alteration of host cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds with imaging moieties for imaging a subject. The present invention also relates to systems, compositions, and methods for the synthesis and use of imaging agents, or precursors thereof. An imaging agent precursor may be converted to an imaging agent using the methods described herein. In some cases, a composition or plurality of imaging agents is enriched in 18 F. In some cases, an imaging agent may be used to image an area of interest in a subject, including, but not limited to, the heart, cardiovascular system, cardiac vessels, brain, and other organs.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating or ameliorating a high-grade glioma in a patient, which method comprises intracerebral administering of a radioactive agent characterized by a short-range cytotoxic ionizing radiation by convection-enhanced delivery.

Abstract: Method of using androgen receptor and/or butyrylcholinesterase targeted radiolabeled compounds, e.g., cycloSalingenyl pyrimidine nucleoside monophosphates, for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods of use comprising combinations of anti-CD22 antibodies with a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent may be attached to the anti-CD22 antibody or may be separately administered, either before, simultaneously with or after the anti-CD22 antibody. In preferred embodiments, the therapeutic agent is an antibody or fragment thereof that binds to an antigen different from CD22, such as CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD23, CD37, CD40, CD40L, CD52, CD80 and HLA-DR. However, the therapeutic agent may an immunomodulator, a cytokine, a toxin or other therapeutic agent known in the art. More preferably, the anti-CD22 antibody is part of a DNL complex, such as a hexavalent DNL complex. Most preferably, combination therapy with the anti-CD22 antibody or fragment and the therapeutic agent is more effective than the antibody alone, the therapeutic agent alone, or the combination of anti-CD22 antibody and therapeutic agent that are not conjugated to each other.

Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating kidney neoplasia in a subject in need of treatment, by subjecting the patient to SIRT.

Abstract: The invention relates to a garment sanitizing device (1, 31) comprising a housing (2), a chamber (4) within the housing to receive one or more garments (14) to be sanitized. The chamber (4) comprises a bottom wall, a top wall, and opposite first and second sides each extending from the bottom wall to the top wall. The housing contains a fan (6) and one or more heating elements (10). The at least one heating element is configured to directly heat garments within the chamber by radiation, and the fan is configured to convey air via the at least one heating element to heat the air and to convey the heated air through the chamber to additionally heat the garments by the conveyed heated air.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a light source configured to generate light toward one or more surfaces or materials to inactivate one or more pathogens on the one or more surfaces or materials. The light includes an inactivating portion having wavelengths in a range of 280 to 380 nanometers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for evaporating volatile substances, comprising a heat source (5) evaporating volatile substances from a refill (2), a heat detector (4) which can detect the heat from said heat source (5), and indicating means (7) connected to said heat detector (4) emitting an indication when the heat detector (4) detects the heat from said heat source (5), and characterized in that said heat detector (4) is placed above said heat source (5). The invention allows the indicating means to be activated virtually in a simultaneous manner with the placement of the heat emitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wick for volatile substance evaporators formed from a strip (1) of wood and characterized in that the strip (1) has a height comprised between 120 mm and 170 mm, a width between 40 and 80 mm, in the widest part thereof, and a thickness between 1.5 mm and 3 mm. A more constant rate of evaporation of a fragrance or insecticide and a more balanced diffusion of fragrance or insecticide together with a greater intensity of the fragrance or of the insecticide efficacy in the room to be freshened or protected are achieved.

Abstract: A method of operating a scent dispensing device includes starting operation of an air mover to move air. A motor orients a scent cartridge in a first orientation in which an outlet of a first chamber of the scent cartridge is fluidly communicatively coupled with a port of the scent dispensing device. A direction and an amount of movement from the first orientation to orient the scent cartridge in a second orientation in which an outlet of a second chamber of the scent cartridge is fluidly communicatively coupled with the first port of the scent dispensing device are determined. The scent cartridge is then oriented in the second orientation. A consumable scent cartridge includes a housing having walls that define chambers arrayed about a rotational axis and consumable scent media received in at least two of the chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable multi-fragrance compositional dispensing system comprising at least an aqueous based composition and a volatile solvent based composition, wherein the system comprises at least two separate containers, two separate dispensers, and two separate exit orifices therein. Methods of using the system for providing a longer lasting fragrance is also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-component fragrance dispensing apparatus comprising at least an aqueous based composition and a volatile solvent based composition, wherein the apparatus comprises at least two separate containers, two separate dispensers, and two separate exit orifices therein. Methods of using the apparatus for providing a longer lasting fragrance is also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: Hemostatic devices for promoting blood clotting can include a substrate (e.g., gauze, textile, sponge, sponge matrix, one or more fibers, etc.), a hemostatic material disposed thereon such as kaolin clay, and a binder material such as crosslinked calcium alginate with a high guluronate monomer molar percentage disposed on the substrate to substantially retain the hemostatic material. When the device is used to treat a bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with blood to accelerate clotting. Moreover, when exposed to blood, the binder has low solubility and retains a majority of the clay material on the gauze. A bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote blood clotting includes a flexible substrate and a gauze substrate mounted thereon.

Abstract: A method of joining and/or sealing tissues in a surgical procedure or medical treatment, comprising the steps of: (1) applying a matrix protein, a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor to a tissue portion; (2) irradiating said tissue portion to photoactivate the photoactivatable metal-ligand complex; thereby initiating a cross-linking reaction of the matrix protein to seal said tissue portion or join said tissue portion to an adjacent tissue portion.

Abstract: Dermal fillers are provided, particularly hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers containing additives, for example, unstable additives, the dermal fillers being provided in an anhydrous state for extended shelf life.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an autopolymerisable two-component prosthetic base material and a method for its production comprising A) at least one liquid monomer component, and B) at least one powdered component, whereby the prosthetic material comprises in components (A) and/or (B) (i) at least one initiator or one initiator system for autopolymerisation, (ii) core-shell particles modified by an elastic phase, and (iii) at least one urethane (meth)acrylate.

Abstract: A system is provided, including a plurality of donor cells and a first alginate structure that encapsulates the plurality of donor cells. The first alginate structure has a guluronic acid concentration of between 64% and 74%. The system additionally includes a second alginate structure that surrounds the first alginate structure, the second alginate structure having a mannuronic acid concentration of between 52% and 60%. A selectively-permeable membrane is coupled at least in part to the second alginate structure. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone graft. An osteoconductive matrix is placed in a receptacle. Bone marrow aspirate is provided that includes plasma, progenitor cells, hematopoietic cells, endothelial cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, bone, cartilage, thrombus or combinations thereof. The bone marrow aspirate is passed through the receptacle. At least a portion of bone marrow aspirate is retained in the receptacle. The portion of the bone marrow aspirate retained in the receptacle becomes associated with the osteoconductive matrix to form the bone graft.

Abstract: A method for making a porous, chemically bonded ceramic shaped article comprises i) providing a precursor powder mixture comprising polymer particles and a ceramic self-setting cementious powder; ii) preparing a shaped article from a paste comprising the precursor powder mixture and an aqueous liquid; and iii) immersing the shaped article in an immersing liquid in which the polymer particles are soluble, for a period of time of from about 10 minutes to about two weeks to dissolve the polymer particles in the immersing liquid, thereby creating pores in the shaped article. A porous, chemically bonded ceramic shaped article having interconnected pores, a total porosity of at least about 50%, and a macroporosity of at least about 30% can be formed by such methods.

Abstract: Provided are a rubber or elastomer medical device that is excellent in sliding properties, low protein adsorption properties, low cell adsorption properties, and the durability of these properties (the ability to reduce deterioration of sliding properties, low protein adsorption properties, and low cell adsorption properties), and a method for producing the device. The present invention relates to a rubber or elastomer medical device having a surface treatment layer on at least a part of its rubber or elastomer surface, the surface treatment layer including a functional layer formed of a silane compound containing a polyoxyalkylene group, a metal salt-containing hydrophilic group, a halogen salt-containing hydrophilic group, or a fluorine-containing hydrophobic group.

Abstract: Provided are antimicrobial solutions, including catheter lock solutions. In some embodiments, the solution contains an antibiotic (e.g., minocycline or trimethoprim), EDTA, and an alcohol (e.g., ethanol), wherein the pH of the solution is adjusted to about 6-8 to reduce precipitation. Methods of using the solutions and kits are also provided.