Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for displaying a polypeptide on a tubular structure and uses of such displayed polypeptides in the production of antibodies or vaccines.

Abstract: An in vitro process of preparing virus-like particles (VLPs) from recombinant papaya mosaic virus coat protein and ssRNA, which allows for large scale production of VLPs in high yields, is provided. Also provided are VLPs comprising ssRNA prepared by the in vitro process. The VLPs can be used as adjuvants and when fused to an antigen, as vaccines. The use of the VLPs for stimulation of the innate immune response is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods useful for preventing and treating Zika virus infection. As described herein, the compositions and methods are based on development of immunogenic compositions that include virus-like particles (VLPs) which comprise one or more Moloney Murine leukemia virus (MMLV) core proteins and include one or more Zika epitopes, such as, for example, from Zika envelope glycoprotein E and the Zika structural protein NS1 including variants thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods which may be regarded as in vitro or ex vivo methods of interrogating the immune system to understand what viral antigens are “seen” and responded to by T cells of the immune systems during viral infection. The screening methods further link in vitro or ex vivo responses to progression of infection in subjects.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleotides sequences, protein sequences, immunogenic compositions, vaccines, and methods that relate to making and using new porcine parvovirus 5A (PPV5A) that infects, inter alia, domestic swine. The compositions and methods provide for the detection of infections by said new virus, monitoring genetic changes in the viral sequences in wild and domestic animals and herds, and making and using novel vaccines for protecting animals from infection by the virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of cancer. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a micelle construct attached to a glut-1 antibody and a curcumin molecule. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating colon and/or breast cancer by administering a therapeutically effective amount of composition comprising a targeted construct attached to an inhibitor of NF-kB.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein is directed to articles, compositions, systems, and methods of using and preparing bioceramic compositions and to the bioceramic compositions. A bioceramic composition of the disclosure radiates infrared energy or rays and can be used in the treatment of various conditions.

Abstract: A solid or semi-solid pharmaceutical dosage form comprising non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular propionic acid derivatives such as ibuprofen, along with a second active ingredient having a shorter therapeutically effective plasma concentration duration, such as phenylephrine, and methods of administering the same are provided. This method provides improved therapeutic effect, in particular pain relief along with decongestant relief, over extended time periods.

Abstract: This invention relates to monovalent and multivalent, monospecific binding proteins and to multivalent, multispecific binding proteins. One embodiment of these binding proteins has one or more binding sites where each binding site binds with a target antigen or an epitope on a target antigen. Another embodiment of these binding proteins has two or more binding sites where each binding site has affinity towards different epitopes on a target antigen or has affinity towards either a target antigen or a hapten. The present invention further relates to recombinant vectors useful for the expression of these functional binding proteins in a host. More specifically, the present invention relates to the tumor-associated antigen binding protein designated RS7, and other EGP-1 binding-proteins. The invention further relates to humanized, human and chimeric RS7 antigen binding proteins, and the use of such binding proteins in diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to using inhibitors of IL-9 signaling in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors). For example, methods and materials for using inhibitors of IL-9 signaling (e.g., anti-IL9 antibody preparations) in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors such as breast cancer tumors or colon cancer tumors) or to reduce the growth rate of cancer (e.g., solid tumors such as breast cancer tumors or colon cancer tumors) within a mammal are provided.

Abstract: Concentrated, low-viscosity, low-volume liquid pharmaceutical formulations of proteins have been developed. Such formulations can be rapidly and conveniently administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, rather than by lengthy intravenous infusion. These formulations include low-molecular-weight and/or high-molecular-weight proteins, such as mAbs, and viscosity-reducing ionic liquids.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treatment for tumors. In particular, methods are provided for use of a chemically modified IL-10 to treat tumors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides conjugate structures (e.g., polypeptide conjugates) and hydrazinyl-indole compounds used to produce these conjugates. The disclosure also provides methods of production of such conjugates, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid formulation of a combination of long-acting insulin and insulinotropic peptide, comprising insulin which is a physiologically active peptide, insulinotropic peptide, and albumin-free stabilizer, wherein the stabilizer comprises a buffer, a sugar alcohol, a non-ionic surfactant, and an isotonic agent; and a method for preparing the liquid formulation. The liquid formulation of the present invention does not contain a human serum albumin and potentially toxic factors to the body, and thus it has excellent storage stability for insulin conjugate and insulinotropic peptide conjugate at high concentration, without a risk of viral contamination.

Abstract: Normal or genetically modified cell(s) having magnetic nanoparticle(s) bound (affixed) to their surfaces and methods of delivery to target tissues, e.g. For treatment of disease and/or injury.

Abstract: A composition for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications includes a heteromultivalent nanoparticle or microparticle having an outer surface and a plurality of targeting moieties conjugated to the surface of the nanoparticle or microparticle, the targeting moieties includes a first activated platelet targeting moiety and a second activated platelet targeting moiety.

Abstract: Described herein is the finding that patients with Sjögren's syndrome exhibit a statistically significant increase in expression of BMP6 in the salivary gland, relative to healthy control subjects. Also described herein is the finding that overexpression of BMP6 in the salivary glands of mice results in an increase in electrical potential across the salivary gland. Thus, provided herein are methods of diagnosing a subject as having Sjögren's syndrome, or at risk for developing Sjögren's syndrome, by measuring the level of BMP6 expression in a salivary gland of a subject, measuring electrical potential in a salivary gland of a subject, or both. Also provided herein are methods of treating a subject with Sjögren's syndrome by administering an agent that inhibits expression of BMP6 expression or activity. Also described herein is the use of XIST and MECP2 as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for male Sjögren's syndrome patients.

Abstract: Disclosed are multivalent, integrin-receptor antagonists that are useful in a variety of therapeutic, prophylactic, and/or diagnostic imaging modalities. In illustrative embodiments, such compounds have been prepared and utilized in the imaging, detection, localization, and/or quantitation of one or more samples of biological interest. Similarly, these compounds, as well as formulations comprising them, find utility in the prevention, treatment, and/or amelioration of one or more symptoms of a disease, abnormal condition, dysfunction, etc., including, for example proliferative diseases such as cancer in affected animals. In certain embodiments, fluorescently- or radio-labeled-non-peptidic, multivalent integrin ?v?3 compounds are provided. Compositions including such compounds have been shown to have utility in detecting, localizing, quantitating, and/or imaging integrin ?v?3 receptor-expressing cells, including, for example, cancer cells in vitro, in vivo, and/or in situ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a pharmaceutical formulation of lanthanide chelate in powder form, wherein the powder constitutes a mol/mol excess of free chelate of between 0.002 and 0.4%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for use with photoacoustic or thermoacoustic imaging, comprising a sufficient amount of the graphene-like nanoparticles or graphitic nano- or microparticles and one or more physiologically acceptable carriers or excipients. The present invention also provides methods of using the graphene-like nanoparticles or graphitic nano- or microparticles as PAT/TAT contrast agents.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for evaluating a pharmacokinetic property of an ophthalmic agent administered by intravitreal injection are provided.

Abstract: A sterilization cabinet, comprising a top panel, at least two side panels, and a floor panel forming a part of a chamber of the sterilization cabinet; at least one door connected to at least one of the at least two side panels of the sterilization cabinet; a vent formed in at least one of the two side panels; at least one first filter covering the vent and a filter cover configured to hold the first filter against the vent; a drain positioned in the floor panel, wherein the floor panel has a slope configured to cause condensate within the chamber to flow into the drain and wherein the drain is the only outlet for the condensate along the floor panel; and a second filter covering the drain such that condensate flowing into the drain passes through the second filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface may include a housing configured to be affixed about at least a portion of said point of contact. The housing may have an interior in or through which the point of contact may be accessed and an anterior opening for access to the interior. The apparatus may further include one or more sources of a sanitizing agent, such as germicidal light, configured to direct the sanitizing agent toward a location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed. One or more of an anterior dome, an inner surface, and a posterior surface may also be configured to reflect the sanitizing agent toward the location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed.

Abstract: A solution for disinfecting an area using ultraviolet radiation is provided. The solution can include an enclosure including at least one ultraviolet transparent window and a set of ultraviolet radiation sources located adjacent to the at least one ultraviolet transparent window. The set of ultraviolet radiation sources can be configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed through the at least one ultraviolet transparent window. An input unit can be located on the enclosure and configured to generate an electrical signal in response to pressure applied to the enclosure. A control unit can be configured to manage the ultraviolet radiation by monitoring the electrical signal generated by the input unit and controlling, based on the monitoring, the ultraviolet radiation generated by the set of ultraviolet radiation sources.

Abstract: Disclosed is an escalator sterilization device attached close to a handrail of an escalator and formed by a base and a sterilization module. The sterilization module has a cover in an arc shape, so that the cover can be attached closed to a surface of a handrail of the escalator, and the inner wall of the cover has plural electrode coils electrically coupled to a power supply device in the base. After the power supply device is conducted by an electric power, a high voltage power is generated to excite the electrode coils to form plasma, and the plasma is used to destroy polymorphic bacteria and microorganisms, so that the sterilization module can eliminate the bacteria on the surface of the handrail of the escalator and provide a deodorant effect.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of biofilms and/or the inhibition of biofilm formation. In one embodiment, a biofilm is treated and/or biofilm formation is inhibited by a method comprising contacting a biofilm or a surface with a bifunctional ligand comprising a quorum-sensing-peptide-binding region and a protease-binding region, whereby the biofilm is treated and/or biofilm formation on the surface is inhibited.

Abstract: Sterilization cassette systems, instrument retention systems for use with a sterilization cassette, and configurable instrument retention members are disclosed that are suitable at least for holding medical and/or dental instruments during sterilization in an autoclave.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing for emitting a volatile material. A faceplate is attached to the housing and provides an aesthetically pleasing look to the volatile material dispenser.

Abstract: An aromatherapy ring made of soft, flexible silicon or like material. The ring includes a split ring body with an open trough therearound for receiving aroma liquid. The split ring body is adapted for wrapping around a shower filter or a shower head. The ring body includes first and second ends with magnets or like attaching means for engaging each other and holding the ring in a horizontal position on the shower filter or shower head. When warm or hot water passes through the shower filter or shower head, the aroma liquid is heated, thus providing a fragrance for aromatherapy, when taking a shower.

Abstract: A fragrance composition comprising a low vapor pressure VOC and at least one low vapor pressure VOC potentiator compound, which reduces, or altogether completely obviates the use of HVPVOC solvents in fragrance compositions.

Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a housing that has a sidewall with at least one orifice and at least one protrusion in alignment with the at least one orifice. An exterior surface of the at least one protrusion provides a visual contrast in color, texture, or surface finish that differs from that of an exterior surface of the sidewall adjacent the orifice.

Abstract: A freshener device includes a clip, a carrier, and a carrier retainer. The carrier is provided with odor emitting substances, odor eliminating substances and/or insect repellent. The carrier retainer secures the carrier to the clip, and the clip may be used to secure the device to an ancillary object so as to expose the carrier for controlling odor within a region of space near the ancillary object. Some embodiments enable removably securing the device to at least one air-directional controller exhaust vent louver of a vehicle air conditioning unit to control odor within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Other embodiments enable interchangeable and replaceable components to provide various utilitarian and aesthetic features.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a disinfecting radiation base for working in conjunction with a storage case for an ophthalmic lens. The disinfecting radiation base provides disinfecting radiation for disinfecting a surface of the storage case. The disinfecting radiation base may also include a processor and digital memory for automated functions associated with the base.

Abstract: A contact lens storage system that includes sterilized solution, at least one contract lens, a buffering agent, and a container. The sterilized solution and contact lens are physically separated from the buffering agent. Also described herein are related methods for neutralizing a sterilized contact lens solution, methods of inserting a contact lens onto an eye, and methods of disinfecting and neutralizing a contact lens.

Abstract: A calcium-based bone cement formula having a powder component and a setting liquid component with a liquid to powder ratio of 0.20 ml/g to 0.50 ml/g is provided, wherein the powder component includes tetracalcium phosphate. The bone cement formula further contains, based on the total weight of the bone cement formula, 0.01-1% of poly(acrylic acid) having a repeating unit of —(CH2—C(COOH)H)n-, wherein n=50-50000.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions and patches, and associated systems, kits, and methods, are generally described. Certain of the adhesive compositions and patches can be used to treat tissues (e.g., in hemostatic or other tissue treatment applications), according to certain embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ?-polylysine hydrogel and the preparation method and application of the as-described ?-polylysine hydrogel. The polylysine hydrogel is non-toxic to a recipient, and has biodegradability and biocompatibility. The wound tissue healing material prepared by the present invention can be used in wound tissue adhesion in an efficient, stable, safe manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibrillar polysaccharide hydrogels for use in the prevention and control of scarring and contraction in connection with wound healing or tissue repair.

Abstract: The invention discloses a hemostatic composition comprising crosslinked gelatin in particulate form suitable for use in hemostasis, wherein the composition is present in paste form containing 15.0 to 19.5% (w/w), preferably 16.0 to 19.5% (w/w), 16.5 to 19.5% (w/w), 17.0 to 18.5% (w/w) or 17.5 to 18.5% (w/w), more preferred 16.5 to 19.0% (w/w) or 16.8 to 17.8% (w/w), especially preferred 16.5 to 17.5% (w/w), and wherein the composition comprises an extrusion enhancer.

Abstract: Prosthetic knee implant or implant component is made with a magnesium oxide stabilized transformationally toughened zirconia.

Abstract: Inventive concepts relate general to the field of implantable three-dimensional scaffolds. More particularly, methods of preparing and using implantable nanofibrous tissue scaffolds are described. Inventive scaffolds can be used for treatment of defects in a living organism, such as hard or soft tissue defects including bone.

Abstract: A biocompatible, resorbable biphasic collagen membrane having a first area of relatively higher tensile strength and stiffness and lower porosity and a second area of relatively lower tensile strength and stiffness and higher porosity, and a method of manufacturing the such a membrane.

Abstract: An implant comprises a substrate and a coating on a surface of the substrate, and the coating comprises silicon nitride and has a thickness of from about 1 to about 15 micrometer. A method of providing the implant comprises coating a surface of the implant substrate with the coating comprising silicon nitride and having a thickness of from about 1 to about 15 micrometer by physical vapour deposition.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an implantable film and a prosthesis comprising such a film The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a non porous film intended to be implanted in the human body, said method comprising the following steps: preparation of a first film, called intermediate film, via gelling of a starting solution comprising at least one polymer selected in the group consisting of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and mixtures thereof, immersion of said intermediate film in an alkaline composition comprising at least one C1-C4 alcohol, drying of the film obtained at the end of the immersing step. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a prosthesis comprising a textile support and such a film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug-coated balloon catheter and to a method for producing the same. The balloon of the catheter includes (i) a main membrane, and (ii) an asymmetrical polymer membrane which is applied to an outside of the main membrane and into which at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient is introduced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable drug depot useful for reducing, preventing or treating post-operative pain in a patient in need of such treatment, the implantable drug depot comprising a therapeutically effective amount of clonidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a polymer; wherein the depot is implantable at a site beneath the skin to reduce, prevent or treat post-operative pain, and the depot is capable of releasing (i) about 5% to about 45% of the clonidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof relative to a total amount of the clonidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof loaded in the drug depot over a first period of up to 48 hours and (ii) about 55% to about 95% of the clonidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof relative to a total amount of the clonidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof loaded in the drug depot over a subsequent period of at least 3 days.

Abstract: A smoke evacuator and evacuation system for removing gaseous and/or particulate byproducts of surgical procedures and noxious vapors from chemicals is provided and includes an end effector or vacuum head positionable at a surgical site, the end effector including a plenum, a plenum support for preventing the plenum from collapsing, and an adaptor for coupling the end effector or vacuum head to a vacuum source.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intercardiac pump device comprising a pump (11) whose distal end (13) is connected to a cannula (15) which is provided with a suction head (16) for sucking blood. Said strainer is provided with a non-sucking extension (20) for stabilizing the position of said pump device in the heart and mechanically prolonging the cannula (15) without deteriorating hydraulic conditions. Said extension is also used in the form of a spacer in order to avoid that the suction head (16) adheres to a cardiac wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combined direct cardiac compression and aortic counterpulsation device comprising: an inflatable direct cardiac compression jacket configured when inflated to directly compress a heart and assist in displacing blood therefrom, an aortic counterpulsation chamber configured when inflated to displace aortic volume for the purposes of causing a counterpulsation effect, and a driver operably connected to said inflatable direct cardiac compression jacket and to said aortic counterpulsation chamber, said driver is configured to inflate said direct cardiac compression jacket and to deflate said aortic counterpulsation chamber during systole of the heart; said driver is further configured to deflate said direct cardiac compression jacket and to inflate said aortic counterpulsation chamber during diastole of the heart.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device incorporating a rotary pump, such as a rotary impeller pump is implantable in fluid communication with a ventricle and an artery to assist blood flow from the ventricle to the artery. The device includes a pump drive circuit supplying power to the pump, one or more sensors for sensing one or more electrophysiological signals such as electrogram signals in and a signal processing circuit connected to the sensors and the pump drive circuit. The signal processing circuit is operative to detect the sensor signals and control power supplied to the pump from the pump drive circuit so that the pump runs in a pulsatile mode, with a varying speed synchronized with the cardiac cycle so that it operates in copulsation or counterpulsation with the cycle. The cardiac cycle for purposes of synchronization can also be based on an average of two or more cardiac cycles.