Abstract: A composition for treating cancer, comprising 6 to 13 peptides derived from tumor antigens, wherein the composition is used in the manner that antibodies to the respective peptides in the peripheral blood of a patient are measured and peptides to which antibodies are positive are selected and administered to the patient, and a peptide selection method.

Abstract: Methods of producing a pathogen with reduced replicative fitness are disclosed, as are attenuated pathogens produced using the methods. In particular examples, the method includes deoptimizing one or more codons in a coding sequence, thereby reducing the replicative fitness of the pathogen. Methods of using the attenuated pathogens as immunogenic compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides peptide vaccines comprising the signal peptide domain of selected target antigens of intracellular pathogens. The peptide vaccines of the invention contain multiple class II and class I-restricted epitopes and are recognized and presented by the majority of the vaccinated human population. The invention provides in particular anti tuberculosis vaccines. The invention further provides compositions comprising the vaccines as well as their use to treat or prevent infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vaccine compositions that comprise a Zika virus antigen and an adjuvant. The present disclosure also provides methods for inducing a protective immune response by administering the disclosed vaccine compositions in a subject in needs thereof. The present methods also comprise the binding of the Zika virus vaccine to Zika virus cellular receptor proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition useful to prepare high titer influenza viruses, e.g., in the absence of helper virus, which includes internal genes from an influenza virus vaccine strain or isolate, e.g., one that is safe in humans, for instance, one that does not result in significant disease, that confer enhanced growth in cells in culture, such as MDCK cells, or in eggs.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to the insight that a polypeptide comprising a ligand-binding portion of the extracellular domain of activin-like kinase I (ALK1) polypeptide may be used to inhibit angiogenesis in vivo, particularly in mammals suffering angiogenesis-related disorders. The disclosure also identifies ligands for ALK1 and demonstrates that such ligands have pro-angiogenic activity, and antibodies that inhibit receptor-ligand interaction.

Abstract: A magnetic nanoparticle including a TRPV1 agonist, as well as methods of preparation and use, are described herein. A magnetically responsive pharmaceutical can include a core region having a magnetic nanoparticle (MNPs) and a TRPV1 protein agonist. Further, an exterior coating comprising a polymer can be formed around the core region. The magnetically responsive pharmaceutical can be administered to a recipient and directed to a target region using an external magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of carrier and delivery systems for active molecular compounds. In particular, the present invention provides aqueous dispersions for delivery of active molecular compounds.

Abstract: A concentrated salicylic acid gel comprising salicylic acid and a stabilizer compound, wherein the salicylic acid comprises at least 30 wt % of the total weight of the gel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treatment of irritation of skin or mucous cells. The method comprises applying topically a composition comprising a combination of: xylitol, myonisotiol or mannitol or any combination of these; glycerol and/or urea; water; in the absence of any oil in water or wax in water emulsion.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions of alginate formulations and their use for treating incisional wounds, such as intra-incisional application.

Abstract: Dry stabilizing compositions for bioactive materials include sugars and hydrolyzed proteins, and may be formed into tablets or other forms providing enhanced stability for the bioactive material. Compositions containing the bioactive materials may be produced by a method that includes (a) combining the bioactive material with other ingredients in an aqueous solvent to form a viscous slurry; (b) snap-freezing the slurry in liquid nitrogen to form solid frozen particles, beads, droplets or strings; (c) primary drying by water removal under vacuum of the product of step (b) while maintaining it at a temperature above its freezing temperature; and (d) secondary drying of the product of step (c) at maximum vacuum and a temperature of 20° C. or higher for a time sufficient to reduce the water activity to below 0.3 Aw.

Abstract: A drug delivery system composition includes Corynebacterium sp. bacteria or Corynebacterium sp. bacteria-derived minicells. The drug delivery system composition is safer for use in human bodies than other bacteria (for example, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella sp. bacteria, Bacillus sp. bacteria, or the like), or other bacteria-derived drug delivery system. When an anti-cancer drug protein expression construct (protein expression recombinant vector or the like) is included, over-expression of an anti-cancer drug protein, effective protein expression control in vivo, and targeting technique using expression of targeting factor. The drug delivery system composition enables stable drug delivery in vivo, thereby maximizing anti-cancer therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A macromolecule includes i) a dendrimer with a core and at least one generation of lysine residue building units, the outermost generation of building units having surface amino groups, ii) a first terminal group covalently attached to a first surface amino group of a building unit, which includes a residue of docetaxel (DTX), and iii) a second terminal group covalently attached to a second surface amino group of a building unit, which includes a pharmacokinetic modifying agent. The pharmacokinetic modifying agent can be a polyethylene glycol (PEG). The first terminal group can be covalently attached to the surface amino group of the dendrimer through a diacid linker. The diacid linker can include a 2,2?-thiodiacetic acid residue. The diacid linker can form an ester bond with a hydroxyl group of the DTX and an amide bond with the surface amino group. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the macromolecule can be prepared.

Abstract: The application is related to a method for preparing an induced osteogenesis formulation, the method comprises the following steps: (1) a human dental matrix is decalcified; (2) then an exogenous active protein BMP, i.e.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are high molecular weight compounds comprising gelatin and doxorubicin, where the gelatin is covalently linked to doxorubicin through a cleavable linker. The cleavable linker can be cleaved under appropriate physiological conditions, and thus lead to the freeing of doxorubicin. The free doxorubicin can then exert its cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Disclosed herein are methods of making the high molecular weight gelatin-doxorubicin conjugates and methods of use of the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for preparing a cell-binding agent cytotoxic agent conjugate. The process comprises the steps of: (a) reacting a cytotoxic agent with a bifunctional crosslinking reagent represented by the structural formula(I) or a salt thereof, in a buffer solution comprising a buffering agent to provide a first mixture comprising a cytotoxic agent-linker compound, wherein the buffer solution has high buffer capacity; and (b) reacting the first mixture comprising the cytotoxic agent-linker compound from step (a) with a cell-binding agent in a solution having a pH of 4 to 9 to provide a second mixture comprising the cell-binding agent cytotoxic agent conjugate. The cell-binding agent cytotoxic agent conjugates prepared according to the processes described herein are also included in the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are methods for site selective conjugation of an oligonucleotide conjugate to a metal binding protein comprising a metal binding site and for site selective conjugation of a small molecule conjugation compound (SMCoC) to an antibody comprising a metal binding site, metal binding protein conjugates obtainable by said methods, and uses of said metal binding protein conjugates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid phase method of synthesising biomolecule-effector-conjugates and biomolecule-reporter-conjugates. In particular, this invention relates to a solid phase method of synthesising antibody-effector-conjugates and antibody-reporter conjugates. This invention also relates to intermediate methods of producing immobilised, chemically modified biomolecules, e.g., antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating neuropathic pain. Specifically, the disclosure provides a polynucleotide comprising a trigeminal ganglion (TGG) or dorsal root ganglion (DRG) promoter operably linked to a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an endonuclease that binds to a nucleotide sequence in the human colony stimulating factor 1 (hCSF1) gene and a method of using the polynucleotide or a vector comprising the polynucleotide for treatment of neuropathic pain.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of inducing or improving responsiveness to a VEGF antagonist to a subject or a subject population comprising administering an adenovirus comprising a nucleic acid construct comprising a F AS-chimera gene operably linked to an endothelial cell-specific promoter and administering the VEGF antagonist.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cyanine-containing compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising cyanine-containing compounds; and methods of using cyanine-containing compounds for cancer cell imaging, cancer cell growth inhibition, and detecting cancer cells, for example. Compounds of the invention are preferentially taken up by cancer cells as compared to normal cells. This allows many uses in the cancer treatment, diagnosis, tracking and imaging fields.

Abstract: A PSMA-specific imaging agent comprising a compound according to formula I: are described, wherein S1 is an organic spacer group having from 5 to 30 carbons, A is an amino acid forming a portion of a negatively charged peptide oligomer, n is from 3 to 6, S2 is an organic spacer group having from 5 to 15 carbons, and I is an imaging group, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The PSMA-specific imaging agents can be used to image PSMA within a tissue region to guide the treatment of diseases such as prostate cancer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to bodies comprising an amorphous carbon particle on which are supported nanoparticles of an oxide of lanthanide. These bodies find use as a pharmaceutical for use in a surgery or therapy and diagnostic methods. The bodies can be made by a process comprising impregnating a carbon source material by contacting it with a solution of a salt of said lanthanide; drying said impregnated carbon source material; and subjecting said dried impregnated material to pyrolysis under inert conditions.

Abstract: A treatment chamber, preferably a medical treatment chamber for treating articles, preferably medical articles, devices and equipment, more particularly within the scope of sterilizing processes, including a treatment compartment which is surrounded by a lower wall element, a plurality of lateral wall elements and an upper wall element, wherein the treatment compartment is hermetically sealed or sealable for generating a desired internal pressure therein and can be temperature-controlled for generating a desired internal temperature therein, wherein at least one of the wall elements is formed of at least one hollow chamber section is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for pasteurizing architectural coating compositions using heat, radiation or other energy sources without additionally polymerizing the compositions and storing same.

Abstract: A wax melt includes between about one and about sixty percent by weight of paraffin wax, between about 3 percent and about 20 percent by weight of fragrance, and between about 10 percent and about 35 percent by weight of a silicate. The silicate causes between about 97 percent and about 98 percent of a wax melt weight to be retained over a time period of about sixteen hours when maintained at about sixty-five degrees Celsius.

Abstract: Silencing and separation in a cold-air, essential-oil, diffuser apparatus and method pass flow through a channel having comparatively high aspect ratios of length to thickness and width to thickness. Curved, tapered, non-parallel, and quasi random surfaces reduce probability and power of resonant frequencies. Offsetting flow through a channel is followed by impingement against an obstructing surface, redirection elsewhere within a drift (separation) chamber, and exiting through a smaller, and differently oriented exit port. Silencing is improved by changes of cross-sectional area creating high-pass and low pass acoustic filters, changes of direction, and absorption of acoustic energy in fluid-droplet-laden air.

Abstract: Methods for treating a wound with a wound packing are discussed. While the wound packing can include any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a collection of multi-potent cells (e.g., cells from bone marrow, amniotic membrane tissue, amniotic fluid, stem cells, etc.), plasma (e.g., concentrated and/or platelet rich plasma), and collagen (e.g., native and/or organized reconstituted collagen). In some cases, the wound packing is gelled, coagulated, or otherwise hardened through the use of thrombin, calcium chloride, and/or another suitable additive. In some cases, the wound packing is shaped to substantially correspond to the wound's shape. While the wound packing can be used in any suitable manner, in some instances, it is applied to the wound, skin fragments are applied to the packing, the packing is secured to the wound, and/or the packing is covered with a protective barrier. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for glass composites suitable for tissue augmentation, biomedical, and cosmetic applications are provided. The glass microsphere component of the composites are biologically inert, non-reactive and act as a nearly permanent tissue filler. One embodiment provides a tissue augmentation composite containing an effective amount of solid glass microspheres, hollow glass microspheres, porous wall hollow glass microspheres, or combinations thereof with a suitable biocompatible matrix to serve as a bulking agent when injected into a patient. The compositions can be used for soft or hard tissue augmentation as well as delivery of cargos on demand.

Abstract: Described herein are hydrogels with improved mechanical properties. The hydrogels are composed of two polymer networks covalently crosslinked with one another. The addition of a multivalent cation and/or polycation to the hydrogels further crosslinks the polyphosphate network and can modulate the mechanical properties of the hydrogels as needed. Methods for making and using the hydrogels described herein are presented below.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of implants for the formation/regeneration of lymph nodes. In particular, the present invention relates to an implant comprising a biodegradable scaffold and lymph node fragments immobilized therein and/or thereon, to a method of manufacturing such an implant and to uses of such an implant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cross-linked polymeric system comprising thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA), thiolated chondroitin sulfate (CS), and functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG), wherein said functionalized PEG cross-links thiolated HA and thiolated CS. Methods of fabrication and utilization of the same are also claimed. This polymeric system may be used as an engineered biocompatible cellular matrix for 3D cell culture, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Abstract: Methods of forming a composition for treatment, compositions for treatment, and methods of treatment with the compositions are provided. The methods can include coating a synthetic material substrate with a biologic material. A portion of the biologic material can be acid-swelled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for encapsulating pancreatic progenitors in a biocompatible semi-permeable encapsulating device. The present invention also relates to production of human insulin in a mammal in response to glucose stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a crosslinked gel of at least one polysaccharide or a salt thereof, comprising at least the steps consisting in: a) providing a solution formed from an aqueous medium comprising at least said polysaccharide(s) or a salt thereof in a non-crosslinked form, at least one difunctional or multifunctional epoxide crosslinking agent chosen from butanediol diglycidyl ether, diepoxyoctane, 1,2-bis(2,3-epoxypropyl)-2,3-ethylene, and mixtures thereof, and at least one phosphate salt; b) crosslinking the solution from step a) and, where appropriate; c) recovering said crosslinked gel formed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device including at least one double-walled microsphere containing an active agent, and a biodegradable polymer layer containing the at least one double-walled microsphere.

Abstract: Provided are live, artificial, skin substitute products and methods of making and using the same, such as for wound treatment and compound testing, including compound testing for efficacy, toxicity, penetration, irritation and/or metabolism testing of drug candidates or compositions such as cosmetics. Described herein is an artificial mammalian skin substitute product, comprising: (a) optionally, but in some embodiments preferably, a first (“hypodermis-like”) layer comprising live mammalian adipocytes (e.g., induced pre-adipocytes) in a first hydrogel carrier; (b) a second (“dermis-like”) layer contacting or directly contacting the first layer and comprising live mammalian fibroblast cells and' live mammalian follicle dermal papilla cells in combination in a second hydrogel carrier; (c) a third (“epidermis-like”) layer contacting or directly contacting the second layer (i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated balloon catheter with a catheter substrate and a coating on the catheter substrate. The coating comprises a pharmaceutically active ingredient embedded in a binder matrix. The binder matrix consists of a polyethylene glycol-polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PEG-PVA copolymer) and optionally shellac or a shellac derivative and additional pharmaceutically acceptable additives. A composition for coating the balloon catheter comprises the pharmaceutically active ingredient and a binder consisting of a PEG-PVA copolymer and optionally shellac or a shellac derivative. The active ingredient and the binder are dissolved in a solvent consisting of water, DMSO and at least one additional organic solvent indefinitely miscible with water.

Abstract: A heart valve implant comprising a supporting stent, a heart valve element, and a skirt, The skirt includes or is formed of at least one molded body, wherein the molded body is made of dried treated bacterial cellulose that has a swelling capacity that is greater than untreated bacterial cellulose of the same type.

Abstract: The method, characterized in that, the powdered chitosan is dissolved in water to obtain a 5% solution, into which a 70-90% acetic acid is added and after the formation of the blank intramedullary nail and carrying a coagulating bath and neutralization bath it is subjected to a crosslinking bath in a solution formed from 0.5 to 2% of sodium tri-polyphosphate and 0.5% to 3% Na3PO4 for 24 to 48 hours in temperature of 50° C. to 140° C. and then it is subjected to the drying process, for a period of 6 to 10 days, and finally the surface of the blank is treated to form the intramedullary nail. The surface treatment is carried out until the surface of the intramedullary nail contains at least 20%-40% of the pore of the depth of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly, canister, and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly, canister, and wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to the wound. The system can be configured to deliver negative pressure based at least on a sensed pressured in a fluid flow path connecting a pump of the pump assembly and the wound dressing. The sensed pressure can be sampled, in some embodiments, synchronous with operation of the pump and can be used for controlling the pump. Increased efficiency, diminished noise and vibration caused by operation of the pump, reduced in energy usage, and better comfort for the patient can be attained.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly and the wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to a wound via a fluid flow path. The system can be configured to efficiently deliver negative pressure and to detect and indicate presence of conditions, such as a blockage in a fluid flow path. Monitoring of the conditions can be performed by detecting a level of activity of a pump of the pump assembly.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure treatment system for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site at a limited-access location on a patient includes a reduced-pressure source, a treatment manifold for placing proximate the tissue site and operable to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, and a sealing member for placing over the tissue site and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment system also includes a reduced-pressure bridge and a moisture-removing device on at least portion of the reduced-pressure bridge. The reduced-pressure bridge includes a delivery manifold operable to transfer the reduced pressure to the treatment manifold, an encapsulating envelope at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient-facing side, and a reduced-pressure-interface site formed proximate one end of the reduced-pressure bridge.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for depleting platelets from blood. The system includes a multi-stage blood separation chamber in which blood is separated into red blood cells and platelet-rich plasma. The platelet-rich plasma is conveyed from a first stage of the chamber to a second stage, where it is separated into platelets and platelet-poor plasma. The platelet-poor plasma is conveyed out of the chamber while the platelets are allowed to accumulate in the second stage of the chamber. When a controller of the system has determined that the maximum chamber capacity of platelets has been accumulated in the second stage of the chamber, the platelets are conveyed out of the chamber to a waste container. The cycle of separating blood into its components, accumulating platelets in the chamber, and then flushing the platelets from the chamber is repeated until a target platelet concentration of the blood is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a milk management system comprising a first device, wherein the first device includes a non-transitory storage medium; and a processor communicatively coupled to the non-transitory storage medium. The processor is configured to: receive first data from a second device, the first data describing milk disposed in a first container, the first container having a first identifier associated therewith; and associate the first data with a first feeding order in a data structure store in a database, the first feeding order describing a first nutrition regimen.

Abstract: A cover for a percutaneous connector extending through the skin of a patient. The cover includes a structure having an inner side and an outer side. A first separable connector is mounted to the structure and disposed entirely within the structure, the first separable connector being configured to detachably engage and electrically connect with the percutaneous connector. A second separable connector is mounted to the structure and electrically connected to the first separable connector, the second separable connector being exposed at the outer side of the structure and being configured to detachably engage and electrically connect with an external device. The inner side of the structure defines a skin-engaging surface at least partially surrounding the first separable connector and the percutaneous connector, when the first separable connector is engaged with the percutaneous connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pump device having a pump (8) and an energy supply device (5, 18), wherein the pump has a conveying element (9, 11) which conveys a fluid by means of supplied energy, wherein the pump has a transport state and an operating state, and wherein at least of first element (9, 9a, 10, 10?, 11) of the pump has a different shape and/or size M the transport state than in the operating state. The operating safety of such a pump device is increased by a detection device (12, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29) which detects whether at least the first element is in the operating state with respect to shape and/or size by means of a sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are a blood filter which exhibits excellent leukocyte elimination performance as well as significantly improved blood throughput per unit time and erythrocyte recovery rate and a method of manufacturing the same. The blood filter of the present invention includes a pre-treatment filter which is a laminate of first non-woven fabrics having a mean fiber diameter of 5 to 30 ?m and a mean pore size of 10 to 30 ?m, and a main filter which is a laminate of second non-woven fabrics having a mean fiber diameter of 1 to 5 ?m, a mean pore size of 5 to 10 ?m and a mean pore size distribution rate of 30% or more. A filling density of the pre-treatment filter and a filling density of the main filter, with respect to a target blood throughput of the blood filter, are 0.1 g/100 ml to 1 g/100 ml and 1 g/100 ml to 3 g/100 ml, respectively.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for centrifugal blood component separation including temperature sensing in each of a plurality of separation cells. The temperature of unit of bloods over time is recorded. If the temperature of any of the units exceeds a pre-determined maximum, portions of the blood separation device may be cooled. A controller may determine which of the units to process first, generally proceeding from the warmest unit to the coolest. The order of unit processing may be changed during processing. The detected temperature may be used to calibrate a pressure sensor used to predict the volume of a component separated from a composite fluid by predicting the volume of the composite fluid from sensed pressure and predicting the volume of other separated components from sensed movement of the other components to collection bags.