Abstract: A method of inactivating a proviral DNA integrated into the genome of a host cell latently infected with a retrovirus by treating the host cell with a composition comprising a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-associated endonuclease, and two or more different guide RNAs (gRNAs), wherein each of the at least two gRNAs is complementary to a different target nucleic acid sequence in a long terminal repeat (LTR) in the proviral DNA, and inactivating the proviral DNA. A composition for use in inactivating a proviral DNA integrated into the genome of a host cell latently infected with a retrovirus including isolated nucleic acid sequences comprising a CRISPR-associated endonuclease and a guide RNA, wherein the guide RNA is complementary to a target sequence in a human immunodeficiency virus.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating celiac sprue.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent for the treatment of toxemia, preeclampsia and eclampsia and a method for preparing the therapeutic agent are disclosed. The therapeutic agent is a stable pharmaceutical preparation containing, but not limited to, digestive/pancreatic enzymes. The therapeutic agent may be manufactured by a variety of encapsulation technologies. Delivery of the therapeutic agent may be made orally, through injection, by adherence of a medicated patch or by other methods. Further, a method of using the presence of chymotrypsin in the maternal GI tract as a biomarker, to determine the likelihood of developing preeclampsia, a pregnancy induced hypertension, and eclampsia/toxemia is disclosed.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to treatments for tuberculosis which target the ClpP1P2 protease complex, including ClpC1. Further embodiments relate to assays and screens for modulators of the ClpP1P2 protease complex, including ClpC1.

Abstract: Multilayer films are described that include polypeptide epitopes and a toll-like receptor ligand. The multilayer films are capable of eliciting an immune response in a host upon administration to the host. The multilayer films can include at least one designed peptide that includes one or more polypeptide epitopes from a virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including polypeptides having the characteristics of polypeptides expressed by a reference microbe such as E. coli or Salmonella. Examples of Salmonella strains that can be used include, for instance, S. enterica serovar Newport, S. enterica serovar Enteritidis, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and S. enterica serovar Dublin. Also provided are compositions including polypeptides having a particular molecular weight and a mass fingerprint that includes polypeptide fragments having a particular set of masses, or polypeptides having an amino acid sequence with at least about 95% identity with an amino acid sequence, wherein the polypeptide has seroreactive activity. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic synthetic constructs capable of inducing an immune response against Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) in a subject comprising one or more monosaccharides comprising one or more MeOPN moieties. Specifically, the invention relates to immunogenic synthetic constructs capable of inducing an immune response against Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) in a subject comprising one or more MeOPN?6 Gal monosaccharides. The invention also relates to compositions comprising the immunogenic synthetic constructs and methods of inducing an immune response against C. jejuni in a subject comprising administering the immunogenic synthetic constructs, and/or compositions comprising the immunogenic synthetic construct, to the subject.

Abstract: An improved method for recovering the protein expressed by open reading frame 2 from porcine circovirus type 2 is provided. Also provided is recombinant PCV2 ORF2 protein, and immunogenic compositions comprising PCV2 ORF2 protein. Moreover, multivalent combination vaccines are provided which include an immunological agent effective for reducing the incidence of or lessening the severity of PCV2 infection, preferably PCV2 ORF2 protein, or an immunogenic composition comprising PCV2 ORF2 protein, and at least one immunogenic active component of another disease-causing organism in swine.

Abstract: An improved method for recovering the protein expressed by open reading frame 2 from porcine circovirus type 2 is provided. Also provided is recombinant PCV2 ORF2 protein, and immunogenic compositions comprising PCV2 ORF2 protein. Moreover, multivalent combination vaccines are provided which include an immunological agent effective for reducing the incidence of or lessening the severity of PCV2 infection, preferably PCV2 ORF2 protein, or an immunogenic composition comprising PCV2 ORF2 protein, and at least one immunogenic active component of another disease-causing organism in swine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new vaccine delivery system. In particular, the present invention includes compositions and methods of integrally transformed non-pathogenic, commensal bacteria that can express a nucleic acid molecule of a foreign polypeptide, wherein the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the foreign polypeptide is stably integrated into genomic DNA of the bacteria. The foreign polypeptide includes a vaccine antigen that elicits an immunogenic response, an inhibitor of a pathogen, or an immune booster or modulator.

Abstract: The present relation relates to recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus for use as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for infectious diseases of AIDS. The present invention encompasses the preparation and purification of immunogenic compositions which are formulated into the vaccines of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided is a gene for expressing an immunogenic polypeptide on the cell surface of a bifidobacterium, and the gene includes a gene encoding the immunogenic polypeptide, the immunogenic polypeptide includes a predetermined base domain and at least one antigenic peptide, and the at least one antigenic peptide is linked on any of the N-terminal side and the C-terminal side of the base domain. The gene for expressing an immunogenic polypeptide on a cell surface of a bifidobacterium of the present invention can further include a gene encoding a bifidobacterium-derived GNB/LNB substrate-binding membrane protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of bone disorders. In particular, the invention is directed to the use of a dosing holiday to help overcome the resistance to anti-sclerostin antibodies which develops over time when a plurality of doses of antibody are given to a subject. By giving the subject to be treated such a dosing holiday, the subject may subsequently display an increased response to a subsequent dose of the anti-sclerostin antibody. The subject may be given multiple cycles of a batch of at least two doses of anti-sclerostin antibody and a dosing holiday. In some instances, the subject may be monitored to help determine when to give the dosing holiday. Further, the subject may be given a different treatment for the bone disorder during the dosing holiday from the anti-sclerostin antibody.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating pre-eclampsia and eclampsia using compounds that increase VEGF or PlGF levels or compounds that decrease sFlt-1 levels. Compounds that inhibit the binding of VEGF or PlGF to sFlt1- are also disclosed herein for the treatment of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.

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: 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-lowering agents that are typically bulky polar organic compounds, such as many of the GRAS (US Food and Drug Administration List of compounds generally regarded as safe) and inactive injectable ingredients and FDA approved therapeutics.

Abstract: Non-aqueous patches comprising lidocaine, which is not dissolved and is present in a crystalline state, have poor permeability to the skin. Therefore, non-aqueous patches have a high concentration of lidocaine. It is pointed out that lidocaine has an adverse effect on the heart. Prolonged use of a high concentration of lidocaine causes side effects, such as shock, rubor, and irritating sensation. External preparations comprising more than 5 mass % of lidocaine are designated as powerful drugs, and cannot be used as household (nonprescription) medicine. Provided is a non-aqueous patch that is effective to relieve muscle pain, the non-aqueous patch comprising lidocaine and/or its reactant, and a dissolving agent composed of an organic acid and a polyalcohol, which are contained in a base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the following: methods of treating or preventing stent thrombosis using pharmaceutical compositions comprising cangrelor and optionally bivalirudin; methods of reducing mortality in a subject undergoing stent implantation using pharmaceutical compositions comprising cangrelor and optionally bivalirudin; medicaments comprising cangrelor and optionally bivalirudin useful for treating or preventing stent thrombosis, or useful for reducing mortality in a subject undergoing stent implantation; pharmaceutical compositions comprising cangrelor and bivalirudin; and methods of preparing a medicament comprising cangrelor and optionally bivalirudin useful for treating or preventing stent thrombosis, or useful for reducing mortality in a subject undergoing stent implantation.

Abstract: The invention related to a gelling formulation including calcium gluconate in solution in water and a poloaxmer and to the use thereof in the treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to polylactides which may be used for drug delivery (e.g., parenteral delivery), wherein an organic solvent is not required.

Abstract: The present invention provides implants comprising a therapeutic drug and a polymer containing polylactic acid (PLA) and optionally polyglycolic acid (PGA). The present invention also provides methods of maintaining a therapeutic level of a drug in a subject, releasing a therapeutic drug at a substantially linear rate, and treating schizophrenia and other diseases and disorders, utilizing implants of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic compounds capable of targeting cancer cells and cancer stem cells. The present invention is further directed to compositions comprising these therapeutic compounds and methods of treating cancer comprising administering these therapeutic compounds.

Abstract: A heparin mimicking polymer, its conjugate with bFGF, and method of making and using the same are disclosed. In particular, described herein are conjugates of biologic agents (e.g., bFGF) and heparin mimicking polymers having superior stability while retaining full native activity after a variety of stressors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of therapeutic compounds for the treatment of diseases at specific subcellular target areas such as specific cellular organelles. In particular, the therapeutic compounds of the invention are specific for modifying enzyme activity within targeted organelles or structures of cells and tissues. Subcellular organelles and structures that may be specifically targeted by compounds of the present invention include lysosomes, autophagasomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi complex, peroxisomes, the nucleus, membranes and the mitochondria.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-theophylline antibodies and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Antibody drug conjugates (ADC's) that bind to CD37 protein and variants thereof are described herein. CD37 exhibits a distinct and limited expression pattern in normal adult tissue(s), and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, the ADC's of the invention in some embodiments provide a therapeutic composition for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a complex of delphinidin and a sulfoalkyl ether ?-cyclodextrin for use as an antiphlogistic and/or immunosuppressive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide derivatives of Amphotericin B having increased solubility and reduced toxicity relative to AMB, while retaining antifungal activity against multiple clinical fungal isolates. Derivatives of AMB are provided comprising a polymer group having an amine group, the polymer linked to mycosamine via a relatively stable linker such as an amide linker. The derivatives may be of the general formula [I]: wherein R is H, C1-4 alkyl or phenyl; R2 is (CH2)m wherein m is between 0 and 4; R3 and R4 are each independently H or C1-4 alkyl, R5 is or OH, R6 is selected from a group consisting of: amide and alkyl, and R7 is a water-soluble polymer, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates, diastereomers, and prodrugs of the compound of Formula [I].

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences encoding improved Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinases are provided, including their use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The thymidine kinases may be mutated using conservative mutations, non-conservative mutations, or both. Also provided are gene therapeutic systems, including viral and retroviral particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the preparation, manufacture and therapeutic use of polynucleotides formulations containing amino acids.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a radiation source (110) that emits radiation that traverses an examination region and a detector (116) that detects radiation traversing the examination region and a subject disposed therein, and produces a signal indicative of the energy of the detected radiation. A data selector (122) energy discriminates the signal based on an energy spectra setting corresponding to first and second spectral characteristics of a contrast agent administered to the subject, wherein the contrast agent has a first attenuation spectral characteristic when attached to the target and a second different spectral characteristic when not attached to the target. A reconstructor (134) reconstructs the signal based on the first and second spectral characteristics and generates volumetric image data indicative of the target.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a hyperpolarized amino acid, in particular glutamine, which substantially limits the formation of by-products, with respect to conventional aqueous preparations of sodium hydroxide with amino acids. The amino acid is in particular admixed with the hydroxide in the substantial absence of water and the dry mixture is dissolved in an anhydrous solvent in the presence of a polarizing agent. The obtained mixture is then subjected to a DNP process and can be used in metabolic MR imaging.

Abstract: An imaging nanoparticle comprising a plant virus particle having an interior surface and an exterior surface, an imaging agent that is linked to the interior and/or exterior surface, and a layer of biocompatible mineral such as silica coated over the exterior surface, is described. The imaging nanoparticle can be used in method of generating an image of a tissue region of a subject, by administering to the subject a diagnostically effective amount of an imaging nanoparticle and generating an image of the tissue region of the subject to which the imaging nanoparticle has been distributed.

Abstract: Novel cromolyn analogs useful as imaging agents for detecting atherosclerotic plaques and for treating atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease, and methods of making the cromolyn analogs, are disclosed. The cromolyn analogs have the general formula: wherein X is OH, C1-C6 alkoxyl; Y and Z are independently selected from a C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxyl, halogen, un-substituted or C1-C6 substituted amine, 18F, 19F, or H; and n is 1, 2, or 3; and wherein for structure (I), if n are both 1 and Y and Z are both H and X is OH.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that that certain alkylphosphocholine analogs are preferentially taken up by multiple myeloma tumor cells. The alkylphophocholine analogs are compounds having the formula: or salts thereof, wherein n is an integer from 12 to 24; and R2 is —N+H3, —N+H2X, —N+HX2, or —N+HX3, wherein each X is independently —CH3 or —C2H5. The compounds can be used to treat multiple myeloma or to detect multiple myeloma. In therapeutic treatment, R1 includes a radionuclide that locally delivers therapeutic dosages of radiation to the multiple myeloma tumors cells that preferentially take up the compound. In detection/imaging applications, R1 includes a detection moiety, such as a fluorophore or a radiolabel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoparticle having a linker connected to a long alkane or alkene chain, and a method for preparing the nanoparticle. The alkyl chain of C10-30 introduced with a ligand of the present invention can be coated on a hydrophobic nanoparticle through a noncovalent bond, enabling easy introduction of various ligands to the nanoparticle, and the nanoparticle having various functional groups prepared using the method can be applied to fluorescent detection, MRI, raman spectroscopy, optical detection, PET, SPECT, or gamma image device, and the ligand of the visualization agents can be modified to be used for new vessels detection, cancer cell detection, immunocyte detection, hepatocyte detection, cell death detection, and gene detection.

Abstract: A central venous catheter (CVC) that includes internal bacterial disinfecting capabilities. According to some implementations the CVC includes a main shaft that is configured for placement inside a patient and an infusion shaft. An optical fiber that includes a first portion and a second portion is configured to emit bacterial disinfecting light with the first portion residing inside at least one of the main shaft and infusion shaft. The CVC further includes a hub wherein the distal end of the infusion shaft is coupled to the proximal end of the main shaft by a conduit located inside the hub. The hub has a first channel that houses the second portion of the first optical fiber.

Abstract: According to one implementation an assembly is provided that includes a first and second optical fibers and a body that has respective first and second lumens in which at least a portion of the length of the first and second optical fiber reside. The first optical fiber is an end emitting fiber that is configured to end emit bacterial disinfecting light to disinfect at least a first portion of the body, and the second optical fiber is a radial emitting fiber that is configured to radially emit bacterial disinfecting light to disinfect at least a second portion of the body.

Abstract: According to one implementation an assembly is provided that includes an end emitting optical that is configured to end emit bacterial disinfecting light. A portion of the length of the end emitting optical fiber resides in a lumen of a body. The body has an internal disinfecting target area. The end emitted bacterial disinfecting light is configured to impinge on one or more surfaces disposed on or in the body, the one or more surfaces being configured to alter the trajectory of the bacterial disinfecting light so that the bacterial disinfecting light is directed toward the disinfecting target area via a designated disinfecting light pathway.

Abstract: Method for removing all types of particulate matter with exclusion of biological multiplying microorganisms in indoor environments characterized by comprising the following two steps:—the atomization of compounds that oxidize particulate matter to form complexes and to precipitate them;—the atomization of a liquid containing a mixture of spores of Gram-positive aerobic and/or of facultative anaerobic spore formers to act as nuclei for extra precipitation, to cover the precipitated particulate matter; and to metabolize precipitated particles and to take up precipitated particles by the Gram-positive bacteria/thereby preventing the precipitated particles to become airborne again;—whereby the drop size in both atomization steps is held between 5 and 50 ?m to yield a dry nebula.

Abstract: A lyophilizing and/or sterilizing machine comprises a treatment chamber, a plurality of loading planes having at least one loading surface, disposed inside the treatment chamber, one overlapping the other and positionable in a desired and known manner by means of vertical tie-rods. The lyophilizing and/or sterilizing machine also comprises a movement apparatus to move containers, the content of which is to be treated in the treatment chamber. The movement apparatus comprises at least one loading/unloading device mobile on horizontal guides comprising at least one internal horizontal guide independent and autonomous from the loading planes and located in correspondence to a lateral portion of the loading planes and between the loading surface and the vertical tie-rods.

Abstract: A system for delivering volatile substances comprising a housing inside which a volatile substance is housed; a ventilation surface placed in the housing provided with ventilation windows, and a regulating element that can be placed in at least two different positions: a first position of maximum air circulation, and a second position of minimum air circulation; and where the regulating element is further characterized in that in the first position, the regulating element opens an additional ventilation opening, and in the second position, the regulating element closes the of additional ventilation opening. The system for delivering volatile substances permits easy regulation of the circulation of air for increasing or decreasing a volatile substance, for example a fragrance, by simply rotating the regulating element.

Abstract: An air freshener canister includes a container, a nipple thereon and a cap threadably matable therewith. The cap can be positioned along the length of the nipple from a closed position with the cap rim against the exterior surface of the container and an open position wherein there is spacing between the rim and exterior surface. A volatile liquid in the container emits air freshener vapors. A wick runs from the liquid to the nipple. When the cap is in the open position, vapors escape from the wick through the spacing. When the cap is in the closed position the vapors are prevented from escaping. When the cap is removed from the nipple the container may be refilled with the volatile liquid. The escape of vapors may be increased or decreased by positioning the cap on the nipple to increase or decrease the spacing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an ion generator mounting device for application of bipolar ionization to airflow within a conduit, the device includes a housing for mounting to the conduit having an internal panel within the enclosure, and an arm extending from the housing for extension into the conduit and containing at least one opening. At least one coupling for mounting an ion generator to the arm oriented with an axis extending between a pair of electrodes of the ion generator being generally perpendicular to a flow direction of the airflow within the conduit.

Abstract: A solution for treating contact lens is provided. The solution includes about 0.01-1.0 parts by weight (pbw) of a polymer having phosphorylcholine groups, about 0.01-1 pbw of an inorganic salt, and about 100 pbw of water. The polymer has a number-average molecular weight of about 4,000 to about 1,000,000 daltons and has a structure of formula (I): wherein, in formula (I), m is a positive integer, n is zero or a positive integer, and R is C2-C12 alkyl group or C2-C12 hydroxyalkyl group. When n is a positive integer, m/n is greater than 1.

Abstract: Provided are a water-absorbent resin having better water-absorption performance and being prevented from discoloring before and after storage for a long time under high temperature and high humidity, and an absorbent article including the absorbent resin. The water-absorbent resin according to the present invention is prepared by polymerizing a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of an internal-crosslinking agent and performing post-crosslinking with a post-crosslinking agent, wherein the water-absorbent resin satisfies the following properties: (A) a water-absorption capacity of physiological saline of 55 g/g or more, a water-absorption capacity of physiological saline under a load of 4.14 kPa of 15 mL/g or more, and a residual monomer content of 300 ppm or less; and (B) a yellow index of 5.0 or less and a yellow index change ratio (?YI) after leaving for 10 days under 70° C. and 90% RH of 10 or less.

Abstract: Methods for improving the antibacterial, osteoconductive, and/or osteoinductive characteristics of silicon nitride and/or other ceramic materials, particularly to make them more suitable for use in manufacturing biomedical implants. In some embodiments and implementations, the surface chemistry and/or morphology of a silicon nitride bioceramic may be modulated significantly through thermal, chemical, and/or mechanical treatments to achieve such advantageous results. A portion of the resulting material, such as a glaze or upper layer of the material, may be separately produced as a powder or frit, for example, and used in manufacturing biomedical implants and/or other products, such as by using such portion of the material as a coating or filler. In other embodiments the surface material may be separately manufactured as a silicon oxynitride monolith.

Abstract: Described is a heart valve leaflet manufactured from a mesh material. The mesh material may have an ability to capture circulatory/stationary/migratory cells of the body to become biologically active. In some cases, the mesh material is coated with a bioactive material, such as a molecule that binds to a cell adhesion molecule (CAM), a growth factor, an extracellular matrix molecule, a subendothelial extracellular matrix molecule or a peptide. The mesh has a stiffness that is comparable to a native heart valve leaflet, such that it functionally mimics a native heart valve.

Abstract: A method of making a shape memory polymer (SMP) tissue scaffold includes forming a salt template and adding a macromer solution to the salt template. The macromer solution may include a photoinitiator solution. The method includes drying the SMP scaffold and leaching salt from the SMP scaffold. A coating is then applied to the SMP scaffold. The coating may be applied either before or after heating the SMP scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of porous polymer scaffold from polyethyleneglycol-polyurethane having castor oil linkages under controlled conditions and their use as stem cell delivery vehicles thereby accelerating the tissue regeneration process. The present invention further studies the biodegradability, stability and biocompatibility of porous polymer scaffolds in various cell lines and primary bone marrow stem cells. Particularly the present invention further relates to the physio-chemical characterization of the porous polymer scaffolds.