Abstract: A shortened process for producing a solution containing substantially purified capsular polysaccharides from a cellular Streptococcus pneumoniae lysate broth is described. Ultrafiltering and diafiltering a clarified S. pneumoniae lysate followed by pH adjustment to less than 4.5, preferably about 3.5, precipitated at least 98% of the protein in the solution without seriously affecting polysaccharide yield. Furthermore, following ultrafiltration and diafiltration and acidification to a pH of less than 4.5, filtration using activated carbon precipitated at least 90% of remaining protein without seriously affecting polysaccharide yield. Exemplary, non-limiting S. pneumoniae serotypes that can be purified using the shortened process of the invention are 1, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F.

Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated M. haemolitica strains that elicit an immune response in animal against M. haemolitica, compositions comprising said strains, methods of vaccination against M. haemolitica, and kits for use with such methods and compositions. The invention further provides multi-valent vaccines, which provide protective immunity when administered in an effective amount to animals susceptible to “shipping fever” or bovine respiratory disease.

Abstract: The invention provides Chlamydia antigens for use in the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection. In particular, the invention provides antigens CT733, CT153, CT601, CT279, CT443, CT372, CT456, CT381, CT255, CT341, CT716, CT745, CT387, CT812, CT869, CT166, CT175, CT163, CT214, CT721, CT127, CT043, CT823 and/or CT600 from C. trachomatis for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.

Abstract: A synthetic, codon-optimized Hantaan virus (HTNV) full-length M gene open reading frame that consists of a unique nucleotide sequence encoding HTNV proteins. This synthetic gene was cloned into a plasmid to form the first optimized HTNV full-length M gene that elicits neutralizing antibodies in animals when delivered in combination with a similarly optimized Puumala virus (PUUV) DNA vaccine. The invention obviates the need for an extraneous gene sequence that was previously required for expression of the non-optimized HTNV gene. The synthetic gene is engineered into a molecular vaccine system to prevent hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by infection with HTNV, SEOV, or DOBV. Alternatively, it can be combined with the optimized PUUV DNA vaccine to protect against HFRS caused by any hantavirus.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to modified or mutated respiratory syncytial virus fusion (F) proteins and methods for making and using them, including immunogenic compositions such as vaccines for the treatment and/or prevention of RSV infection.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an immunogenic composition comprising polypeptide, wherein each of the polypeptides has no more than 100 amino acids, which polypeptides comprises one or more sequences having at least 60% homology with any of SEQ ID 1-4, or comprises two or more epitopes having 7 amino acids or more, each epitope having at least 60% homology with a sub-sequence of any of SEQ ID 1-4 that has the same length as the epitope, wherein, the polypeptide is immunogenic in a vertebrate expressing a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) allele, and wherein the polypeptide is not a complete HIV virus protein.

Abstract: Polyvalent, primary isolate nucleic acid compositions for inducing an immune response against HIV are disclosed. The compositions and methods described herein are for the use of a nucleic acid composition that encodes one or more different HIV envelope glycoproteins. The synthetic, codon-optimized DNAs encoding one or more HIV proteins are a combination of different nucleic acids, such as DNA plasmids, generated from primary isolate DNA of different HIV major group genetic clades and/or different proteins. HIV polypeptide compositions for inducing an immune response against HIV are also disclosed. Methods for using the polypeptide compositions before, at the same time as, and/or after administration of the DNA compositions are provided.

Abstract: A method of identifying an immunologically active antigen of a virus that attacks skin, as well as a method of enriching a population of lymphocytes for T lymphocytes that are specific to a virus that attacks skin. Also provided are HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection that have been identified via the methods of the invention. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: A vaccine comprising an immunologically effective amount of recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (rMVA) virus which is genetically stable after serial passage and produced by a) constructing a transfer plasmid vector comprising a modified H5 (mH5) promoter operably linked to a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous foreign protein antigen, wherein the expression of said DNA sequence is under the control of the mH5 promoter; b) generating rMVA virus by transfecting one or more plasmid vectors obtained from step a) into wild type MVA virus; c) identifying rMVA virus expressing one or more heterologous foreign protein antigens using one or more selection methods for serial passage; d) conducting serial passage; e) expanding an rMVA virus strain identified by step d); and f) purifying the rMVA viruses from step e) to form the vaccine.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences encoding hepatitis B virus (HBV) core proteins, surface antigen proteins, fragments and combinations thereof as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines that express said protein sequences. These vaccines are able to induce an immune response peripherally and in the liver by recruiting both cellular and humoral agents. Also provided are methods for prophylactically and/or therapeutically immunizing individuals against HBV. The combination vaccine can also be used for particular design vaccines for particular levels of immune responses to HBV challenge.

Abstract: Three conjugation methods for use with the capsular saccharide of Streptococcus agalactiae. In the first method, reductive amination of oxidized sialic acid residue side chains is used, but the aldehyde groups are first aminated, and then the amine is coupled to a carrier via a linker. In the second method, sialic acid residues and/or N-acetyl-glucosamine residues are de-N-acetylated to give amine groups, and the amine groups are coupled to a carrier protein via a linker. In the third method, linkage is via galactose residues in the capsular saccharide rather than sialic acid residues, which can conveniently be achieved using galactose oxidase.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising an antibody that specifically binds to human delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4). The formulations may contain, in addition to an anti-Dll4 antibody, a phosphate buffer, an organic cosolvent, a disaccharide, and a salt. The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention exhibit a substantial degree of antibody stability after storage for several months and after being subjected to thermal and other physical stress.

Abstract: An object is to provide glioma treatment and testing methods, and a method for delivering a desired substance to a glioma, all of which target a molecule specifically expressed in a glioma, as well as drugs and so forth used in these methods. It has been found out that targeting Eva1 or Ceacam1 enables glioma treatment and testing, and delivering of a desired substance to a glioma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polycyclic antiviral compounds, and salts thereof, methods for their preparation and compositions containing them, and the use of the compounds and composition in the treatment of viral infections.

Abstract: A method and kits thereof for increasing the efficiency of anti-adhesive compositions by parenterally administering a composition comprising an effective amount of at least one pharmaceutically-acceptable anti-adhesive non-ionic polymer to a site of injury, controlling inflammation at the site of injury, and reducing pain.

Abstract: Inhibitors of BET bromodomains and compositions containing the same are disclosed. Methods of using the BET bromodomain inhibitors in the treatment of diseases and conditions wherein inhibition of BET bromodomain provides a benefit, like cancers, also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition in the form of a hydro-alcoholic gel or a solution for transdermal application, comprising: from about 0.2% to about 1.5% of dihydrotestosterone; and from about 0.2 to about 3% of isopropyl myristate.

Abstract: The following invention relates to a taste enhancer and a method of enhancing taste. The invention relates the use of a cooling enhancing composition which provides cooling enhancement when combined with other cooling compounds.

Abstract: A topical therapeutic hydrophobic breakable composition includes a carrier comprising, (a) about 60% to about 99% by weight of at least one hydrophobic oil; (b) at least one viscosity-modifying agents selected from the group consisting of a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid and a wax; and (c) a tetracycline antibiotic, characterized in that at least part of the tetracycline antibiotic is suspended in the composition; the viscosity of the composition is at least about 30% higher than the viscosity of the carrier without the tetracycline antibiotic; and is higher than the viscosity of the hydrophobic oil and the tetracycline antibiotic without the viscosity modifying agents. The tetracycline is chemically stable in the composition for at least six months; wherein more than about 90% of the tetracycline has not broken down. The composition is packaged as a breakable foam that breaks easily upon application of shear force.

Abstract: The non-solid disinfectant preparation includes a) bispyridiniumalkane (in particular octenidine) and b) dye selected from xanthene dyes, azo dyes and polyterpene compounds. The preparation is free from fluorescein and salts thereof. The novel preparations exhibit an excellent remanence effect.

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

Abstract: A particulate, pH-independent, modified release barrier coated drug-cation exchange resin complex comprising a core composed of a drug complexed with a pharmaceutically acceptable ion-exchange resin is provided. Methods of making and products containing this coated complex are described.

Abstract: A particulate, pH-independent, modified release barrier coated drug-cation exchange resin complex comprising a core composed of a drug complexed with a pharmaceutically acceptable ion-exchange resin is provided. Methods of making and products containing this coated complex are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic conjugates with improved ability to target various diseased cells containing a targeting moiety (such as an antibody or antibody fragment), a linker and a therapeutic moiety, and further relates to processes for making and using the conjugates.

Abstract: Anti-TAT226 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are provided. Methods of using anti-TAT226 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are provided.

Abstract: Functionalized biocompatible nanoparticles capable of penetrating through a mammalian cell membrane and delivering intracellularly a plurality of bioactive molecules for modulating a cellular function are disclosed herein The functionalized biocompatible nanoparticles comprise: a central nanoparticle ranging in size from about 5 to about 50 nm and having a polymer coating thereon, a plurality of functional groups covalently attached to the polymer coating, wherein the plurality of bioactive molecules are attached to the plurality of the functional groups, and wherein the plurality of bioactive molecules include at least a peptide and a protein, and wherein the peptide is capable of penetrating through the mammalian cell membrane and entering into the cell, and wherein the protein is capable of providing a new functionality within the cell. The protein may be a transcription factor selected from the group consisting of Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, Lin28, cMyc, and Klf4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lipid nanoparticle system comprising a lipid component, a cationic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, a polysaccharide and, optionally, a positively charged peptide, useful for the release of pharmacologically active molecules, and especially for transfecting genetic material into cells and/or tissues. It also relates to methods for obtaining nanoparticles, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising it, as well as to the use thereof in gene therapy.

Abstract: Nanoparticles gene carriers, particularly nanoparticle gene carriers which exhibit increased rates of diffusion through cystic fibrosis (CF) mucus, as well as methods of making and using thereof, are described herein. The nanoparticle gene carriers are formed from a nucleic acid complexed to one or more biocompatible, polycationic polymers. The nanoparticle gene carriers also contain one or more mucus resistant polymers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nanoparticle gene carrier is a nanoparticle formed from one or more nucleic acids, PEI, and a mucus-resistant/diffusive graft copolymer composed of a PEI backbone functionalized by one or more PEG side chains. The nanoparticle gene carriers can efficiently diffuse through CF mucus, and can effectively serve as a vehicle to administer one or more nucleic acids to a patient suffering from CF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery vehicle comprising a polydiacetylene liposome, wherein a lipid bilayer is formed by a mixture of 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), and N-palmitoyl homocysteine (PHC), and a drug to be delivered is encapsulated in an isolated inner space of a polydiacetylene liposome. The PDA liposome drug delivery vehicle of the present invention comprises a lipid layer formed by mixing different phospholipids, excluding polydiacetylene, so as to be stable, and thus any leakage problems of an encapsulated drug are eliminated. In addition, since the liposome is sensitive to a pH, the shape and size thereof can be readily changed through the formation of a liposome-liposome conjugate by the improved sensitivity of the drug delivery vehicle under a specific acidic requirement, thereby enabling selective drug release, and thus can be applied as a drug delivery vehicle for various target materials.

Abstract: For whole animal in-situ and real-time imaging of inflammation, a dual-color fluorescent nanoprobe is provided for the detection of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in inflammatory microenvironments. The nanoprobes of the disclosure are a RONS-responsive energy transferring nanosystem of a fluorescent conjugated polymer core and a PEG-shell linked with RONS-sensing antennae as a FRET acceptor. These nanoprobes allow in vivo imaging of the entire process of inflammation from the release of local tissue distress signals, to the action of leukocytes and macrophages late in the process of inflammation, through to restitution, allowing in whole-body diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are theranostic nanoparticles configured for simultaneous delivery of a diagnostic moiety, drug moiety, and a gene therapy moiety. In one embodiment, the theranostic nanoparticles contain a super paramagnetic iron oxide chemotherapeutic loaded on a chitosan functionalized 2D graphene sheet with a gene therapy moiety attached to the surface of the chitosan functionalized 2D graphene sheet. Also disclosed are methods for making and administering theranositic nanoparticles configured for simultaneous delivery of a diagnostic moiety, drug moiety, and a gene therapy moiety.

Abstract: There is provided a contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging, the contrast agent exhibiting high tumor accumulation and high photoacoustic signal intensity even when time has passed since administration. A contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging comprises a complex including albumin covalently bound to an organic dye that absorbs light in the near-infrared wavelength region.

Abstract: A sterilization system having a controllable non-ionizing microwave radiation source for providing microwave energy for combining with a gas to produce atmospheric low temperature plasma for sterilizing biological tissue surfaces or the like. A plasma generating region may be contained in a hand held plasma applicator. The system may include an impedance adjustor e.g. integrated in the plasma applicator arranged to set a plasma strike condition and plasma sustain condition. The gas and microwave energy may be transported to a plasma generating region along an integrated cable assembly. The integrated cable assembly may provide a two way gas flow arrangement to permit residual gas to be removed from the surface. Invasive surface plasma treatment is therefore possible. The plasma applicator may have multiple plasma emitters to produce a line or blanket of plasma.

Abstract: The antifouling coating is a composite material consisting of fluorinated electroactive bipolymers and magnetic particles. This composite material is coated on a solid surface to make a smooth durable grassy coating. The coating generates electrical current when an electrolytic liquid flows over it, which prevents bacterial cells from attaching to the surface. It prevents virus and protein attachment. It also prevents chemical corrosion of a surface. The composite material itself, and the antifouling method that uses fluoride compounds and electrical current that is generated by the fluid flow are disclosed for a patent. The composite material can be applied to medical devices, biomedical devices, industrial equipment, ship's hulls, food processing equipment, food processors, drinking water distribution systems, and home electrical appliances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irradiation device for irradiating objects with electron beams. The irradiation device comprises at least one electron beam emitter having an electron exit window and at least one sensor device for detecting a first dose control parameter of the electron beam. The electron beam emitter is adapted to move past the sensor device such that the electron beam emitted from the electron exit window passes within a sensing area of the sensor device. The sensor device comprises more than one conductor each having a conductor surface in the sensing area of the sensor device, and the conductor surface is adapted to be exposed to electrons of the electron beam. The invention also relates to a method.

Abstract: A staging control process for an evaporative media cooling system having a plurality of media stages is disclosed. In one step, a leaving air dry bulb temperature setpoint for air exiting the evaporative media cooling system is received or defined. In one aspect, an expected media exit dry bulb temperature is calculated for each media stage based on a dry bulb temperature and a wet bulb temperature of air entering the media cooling system and based on a measured or assigned condition of the media. In another aspect, an estimated combined leaving dry bulb temperature is calculated for different combinations of activated and deactivated media stages. Once the estimated leaving temperature is known, the method can then activate the media stage(s) associated with the combination that has an estimated combined leaving dry bulb temperature that is nearest to but less than the leaving air dry bulb temperature setpoint.

Abstract: A Sterilization Unit includes: a UV-C radiation source configured to emit UV-C radiation; and a room partition selectably configurable between two or more different partition geometrics and configured, in each of the two or more different partition geometrics, to (a) physically separate floor space of a room into sterilization target area and a non-target area, and (b) direct the UV-C radiation to the target area from at least two different directions while shielding the non-target area from the UV-C radiation.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for disinfecting an object by at least partially removing a biologically-active contaminant there from. A housing encloses a disinfection chamber in which a portion of the object is to be received to be disinfected, and includes an inlet aperture through which the object is introduced to the apparatus. An ultraviolet light source emits ultraviolet light to be imparted on the portion of the object introduced to the disinfection chamber for deactivating at least a portion of the biologically-active contaminant present on the object. A controller controls operation of at least one of a feeder and the ultraviolet light to achieve a level of disinfection of the object, rendering the object suitable for use in a substantially-sterile application.

Abstract: An article and method are provided for assessing the efficacy of a sterilization process. The article comprises an outer container having an interior volume; a dry source of measurable biological activity disposed in the interior volume; and an effective amount of a dry agent for neutralizing a sterilant compound; wherein both the source of measurable biological activity and the agent are in vapor communication with an environment outside the outer container. The method comprises exposing the article to a first sterilant and, optionally, a second sterilant for a period of time and detecting the measurable biological activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for delivering volatile substances, comprising: (i) a vapor permeable outer enclosure, said outer enclosure preferably being formed by a first laminate comprising a mesh material layer and a vapor permeable material layer laminated onto the mesh material layer; and (ii) a vapor impermeable inner enclosure placed inside the outer enclosure and defining an interior space for accommodating the volatile substances, said inner enclosure being formed by a second laminate comprising a metal foil layer and a rupturable material layer laminated onto the metal foil layer, wherein at least one die cut line to define a preformed hole is formed through the rupturable material layer. The invention also provides a method for delivering volatile substances.

Abstract: A scent dispenser system used for dispensing scent from a liquid. The system includes a dispenser having an open volume. The system includes absorbent beads in the open volume of the dispenser, where the absorbent beads having the capability to absorb a liquid. The system includes aeration windows in the dispenser to receive a liquid and to allow air to pass through the dispenser and about the absorbent beads.

Abstract: Purified air is provided, having a TVOC content of from less than 5 ppb to about 500 ppb, a Biologicals content of from less than 1 CFU/M3 to 150 CFU/M3 and a Particulate content of from about 1,000 0.3 ?m particles per ft3 to about 50,000 0.3 ?m particles per ft3, or from about 600 0.5 ?m particles per ft3 to about 500,000 0.5 ?m particles per ft3.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a scalable airborne pathogen removal system may comprise a housing having an airspace inlet which may be configured to receive air; a supplemental inlet located proximate to the airspace inlet configured to receive supplemental air; and an airspace outlet configured to communicate air from the housing into the airspace. The housing may include a treatment chamber in fluid communication with the airspace inlet, supplemental inlet, and airspace outlet. A first baffle may be positioned within the housing between the airspace inlet and the treatment chamber. Supplemental air from the supplemental inlet may be communicated into the treatment chamber through the first baffle. An ultraviolet light may be disposed within the treatment chamber. An air motivator may be positioned between the treatment chamber and the airspace outlet which may be configured to pull air from the airspace inlet and supplemental inlet through the treatment chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a subject for a bursitis. The method comprises applying to the skin surface covering a body part or region affected by the bursitis a composition capable of transdermally attracting fluids from the body part or region or its proximity, wherein the composition includes at least one adsorptive or absorptive agent, and leaving the composition in contact with the skin for sufficient time to allow the composition to transdermally absorb or adsorb at least a portion of the body fluids from the body part or region.

Abstract: A wound dressing composition comprising a chitosan and an oxidized cellulose. For example, the composition may be in the form of a sponge formed by freeze drying an aqueous dispersion of chitosan and oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC). The composition is especially suitable for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Abstract: The invention refers to an active polymer layer (1) especially for a dressing of a three-dimensional structure characterized in that it has non-fibrous structure made of chitin derivatives obtained in the esterification reaction of chitin in the presence of aliphatic anhydrides of a chain of a length from C2 to C8 straight saturated, and anhydrides preferably, acetic-propionic anhydride, butanoic-propionic anhydride, branched unsaturated anhydrides preferably, methacrylic anhydride, 2-butenoic anhydride and cyclic preferably, maleic anhydride, succinic anhydride, phthalic anhydride) and hydroxyacids preferably, lactic acid, glycolic acid, which can comprise additionally fibroblasts (6) and/or keratinocytes (7) and is used for producing dressing which can be applied on affected areas, including clean, flat shallow ulcerations characterised by modifiable granulations, the patent femoral artery with mild and moderate deficiency and no intensive exudation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint prosthesis having a shaft made from a titanium alloy, in which at least the shaft is investment cast and has a body-centered cubic crystal structure. A titanium alloy having this crystal structure (known as ?-titanium alloy) has an advantageously low modulus of elasticity which is well matched to the physiological demands of joint prostheses. Furthermore, implementation as a shaped casting allows a complex shape to be achieved. It is particularly embodied as a femoral prosthesis for an artificial hip joint, which has an elongate shaft with grooves and sawtooth-like projections for bone anchoring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone graft composition and a preparation method thereof, and more particularly to a bone graft composition having excellent physical properties, which comprises a hydrogel comprising a combination of specific amounts of poloxamer and HPMC, and calcium phosphate compound particles, and a preparation method thereof.

Abstract: A tissue-engineered bone marrow for personalized therapy of a patient is described. The tissue-engineered bone marrow includes an autologous fibrin scaffold and a plurality of patient-derived cells isolated from the patient's bone marrow. The autologous fibrin scaffold is made using fibrinogen isolated from the patient's bone marrow. The plurality of patient-derived cells may include cells associated with a hematological or metastatic malignancy, bone marrow stromal cells, and endothelial cells. The patient-derived cells are cultured on the autologous fibrin scaffold to create the tissue-engineered bone marrow. The tissue-engineered bone marrow may be used for personalized drug screening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain instances, are methods of inhibiting osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption, bone formation, and bone remodeling in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a composition comprising substantially fetal support tissue product including amniotic membrane and umbilical cord or an extract thereof, or a composition comprising substantially isolated HC-HA complex.