Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic composition including a ceramidase mixture and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, where the ceramidase mixture includes an inactive acid ceramidase precursor and an active acid ceramidase. The invention also relates to a method of acid ceramidase treatment, including formulating the acid ceramidase used in said treatment as a ceramidase mixture, where the ceramidase mixture includes an inactive acid ceramidase precursor and an active acid ceramidase. The invention further relates to a method of producing a therapeutic composition including providing a medium containing an inactive acid ceramidase precursor; incubating the medium under conditions effective to transform a portion of the inactive acid ceramidase precursor to active acid ceramidase; and recovering the incubated medium as a ceramidase mixture comprising the inactive acid ceramidase precursor and an active acid ceramidase.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions of matter and methods for treating cancer. The compositions comprise altered human telomerase polypeptides containing T cell epitopes that have been altered to increase immunogenicity. The methods comprise administration of the polypeptides or nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA encoding the polypeptides, to individuals afflicted with, or at risk of, developing cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are DNA-based vaccines against amyloid ? peptide for use in treating and alleviating Alzheimer's Disease and related conditions. A DNA construct comprising DNA encoding one or more amyloid ? peptides, such as amino acids 1-11 of A?, and DNA encoding a hepatitis B antigens, is administered with an adjuvant or by electroporation. The vaccine can also be formulated using a fusion protein expressed by the disclosed DNA, in combination with an adjuvant.

Abstract: A composition comprising mesoporous silica rods comprising an immune cell recruitment compound and an immune cell activation compound, and optionally comprising an antigen such as a tumor lysate. The composition is used to elicit an immune response to a vaccine antigen.

Abstract: Immunogenic peptides from tumor associated stromal cell antigens, including combinations of such peptides, are disclosed herein. In some examples the peptides are useful for methods of eliciting an immune response. In additional examples the peptides are useful for methods of treating cancer. Methods for decreasing vascularization of a tumor using a Protein Delta Homolog 1 (DLK1) protein or a nucleic acid encoding the protein are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns to recombinant influenza viruses and modified Vaccinia Ankara viruses (MVA), and to a process for construction of recombinant influenza viruses and modified vaccinia Ankara viruses (MVA) with genes that encode for the T. gondii parasite SAGI (MVA) and SAG2 (MVA and influenza) proteins, by means of a homologous recombination technique between two transfer vectors (for construction of MVA virus) and reverse genetics (for construction of influenza virus). Additionally, the present invention describes a vaccine composition using recombinant influenza viruses and modified vaccinia Ankara viruses (MVA), or recombinant adenoviruses and modified vaccinia Ankara viruses (MVA), for immunization against infections caused by the T. gondii parasite.

Abstract: The present invention concerns: a) an isolated peptide comprising an amino acid sequence which is at least 90% identical to the VP4 amino acid sequence of a rhinovirus, or an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding said peptide, placed under the control of the elements necessary for its expression in a mammalian cell; and/or b) an isolated peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of at least 100 amino acids which is at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence located in the last 363 C-terminal amino acids of the RNA polymerase of a rhinovirus, or an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding said peptide, placed under the control of the elements necessary for its expression in a mammalian cell; and c) a Th1 adjuvant when said immunogenic composition comprises one or more of said isolated peptides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims virus like particles (VLPs) that express and/or contains seasonal influenza virus proteins, avian influenza virus proteins and/or influenza virus proteins from viruses with pandemic potential. The invention includes vector constructs comprising said proteins, cells comprising said constructs, formulations and vaccines comprising VLPs of the inventions. The invention also includes methods of making and administrating VLPs to vertebrates, including methods of inducing substantial immunity to either seasonal and avian influenza, or at least one symptom thereof.

Abstract: Water-soluble supramolecular complexes formed from a water soluble block copolymer and at least one associative gelling adjuvant. The copolymer includes at least two blocks of polyethylene oxide and at least one block of polypropylene oxide. The adjuvant has a water solubility less than 0.5 g/100 ml at 20° C. When combined with water, the complexes form a transparent reversely thermo-reversible hydrogel or solution that may be repeatedly hydrated and dehydrated. The hydrogel exhibits improved gelling efficiency and enhanced solubility and/or stability for sparely soluble and insoluble pharmaceutical agents. The complexes are useful in a variety of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and applications and may be combined with an effective amount of a cosmetic, medicament, or diagnostic in a solid dosage form.

Abstract: A coated balloon device for stabilizing a section of a blood vessel in a living subject is disclosed. The coating layer of the coated balloon comprises a phenolic compound having a plurality of phenolic groups connected to form a hydrophobic core with peripheral phenolic hydroxyl groups. The coating layer of the coated balloon may contain a hydrophilic polymer to facilitate the release of the phenolic compound. The balloon in general is made of a compliant polymer for atraumatic contact with the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the coating of the coated balloon device further comprises a hydrophilic undercoat layer between the balloon and the coating layer. In some embodiments, the coated balloon device further comprises a sacrificial top coating that dissolves upon delivery into the section of the blood vessel and comprises a hydrophilic composition including sugar, sugar derivatives, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: In some aspects, methacrylate co-polymers crosslinked with an enzymatically cleavable peptide linker are provided and may be used for the oral delivery of a therapeutic. The peptide linker may be cleavable by an enzyme in the small intestine and may allow for the delivery of a therapeutic protein or nucleic acid to the small intestine. Also provided are methods of using the polymers for the treatment of a disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing an embedded mammalian cell, comprising the steps of providing an alginate sulfate in aqueous solution; reacting the alginate sulfate to form a hydrogel in a gelation step, providing a precursor cell, and embedding the precursor cell in the sulfated alginate hydrogel in an embedding step, thus yielding an sulfated alginate hydrogel embedded cell. The invention further relates to sulfated alginate hydrogels, and cellular grafts comprising a mammalian cell embedded in sulfated alginate hydrogel.

Abstract: A composition designed for application to a mucosa comprises a tonicity-adjusting agent, a methylcellulose, and a liquid diluent, wherein the methylcellulose has anhydroglucose units joined by 1-4 linkages wherein hydroxy groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that s23/s26 is 0.36 or less, wherein s23 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 3-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups and wherein s26 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 6-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides derivatives of abiraterone, non-covalently bound complexes of the abiraterone derivatives with serum albumin, pharmaceutical compositions of the same, and methods of use thereof. The non-covalently bound complexes are significantly more water-soluble than abiraterone and are useful for the treatment of a disease or condition that can benefit from CYP17 inhibition, such as prostate cancer.

Abstract: Conjugating LHRH to curcumin (LHRH-Curcumin) substantially enhances the bioavailability of curcumin, targets it to cells expressing LHRH receptors, facilitates intravenous administration, and increases the anti-cancer efficacy of curcumin. The conjugate may be used against cancer cells that express the LHRH receptor: pancreas, prostate, breast, testicular, uterine, ovarian, melanoma. LH-Curcumin conjugates may be used against cancer cells that express the LH receptor: prostate, breast, ovary, testis, uterus, pancreas, and melanoma.

Abstract: A method of treating neoplasia in a subject in need of treatment is provided by administering to the subject an amount of a prodrug of mitomycin C that yields a therapeutically effective amount of mitomycin C, in combination with radiation therapy. In one embodiment, the prodrug of mitomycin C is a liposomal-prodrug of mitomycin C. Together, the prodrug of mitomycin C and radiation therapy provide a synergistic antineoplastic effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I): wherein R1 is R3-IPU and R2 is the acyloxy residue of diclofenac or naproxen, and specified by the following structures (A) wherein OH—R3-IPU is selected from (B) and R4 and R5 may be the same or different selected from (C) and salts, solvates and hydrates thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vesicle, a conjugate, a composition comprising the vesicle or the conjugate, for use in delivering a drug to the brain, and a method for administering the same. The composition of the present invention is a composition for administration to a subject according to a dosing regimen, comprising a carrier for drug delivery, wherein the dosing regimen comprises administering the composition to a subject who has been fasted or caused to have hypoglycemia and inducing an increase in blood glucose level in the subject, and the carrier is modified at the outer surface thereof with a GLUT1 ligand.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a glycosylated polypeptide having an affinity to somatostatin receptors, and, compared to somatostatins, having improved in-blood stability. [Solution] The glycosylated polypeptide is characterized by at least one amino acid in a somatostatin or an analog thereof being replaced with a glycosylated amino acid.

Abstract: Novel self-assembling peptide complexes comprising a charged peptide and a polysaccharide, methods of producing them and uses therefore are described. The novel self-assembling peptide complexes have particular utility in the restoration of biomechanical or biochemical function of a variety of biological tissues, for example and without limitation, in degenerated spinal discs, osteoarthritic joints, damaged cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, tendons, dental, ophthalmic and cardiovascular and blood vessel tissues. Methods of repairing and or restoring biomechanical or biochemical function of biological tissues and scaffolds for the support of cell growth are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to (among other things) oligomer-containing benzamide-based compound compounds. A compound of the invention exhibits one or more advantages over corresponding compounds lacking the oligomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prodrugs of vascular disrupting agents comprising a vascular disrupting agent (VDA) associated with a MMP proteolytic cleavage site and to the use of such prodrugs in the targeted treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.

Abstract: Dominant negative (DN) variants of transcriptional enhancer factor 1-related (RTEF-1) are described. DN RTEF-1 polypeptides may be directly targeted to cells or delivered in nucleic acid expression vectors to alter cellular transcription. Methods for inhibiting VEGF production and thereby treating angiogenic disorders such as cancer are described. For example, in certain aspects, DN RTEF-1 may be used to treat angiogenic disorders of the eye such as age related macular degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: A synthetic gene delivery platform with a dense surface coating of hydrophilic and neutrally charged PEG, capable of rapid diffusion and widespread distribution in brain tissue, and highly effective gene delivery to target cells therein has been developed. Nanoparticles including nucleic acids, are formed of a blend of biocompatible hydrophilic cationic polymers and they hydrophilic cationic polymer conjugated to hydrophilic neutrally charged polymers such as polyethylene glycol. The nanoparticles are coated with polyethylene glycol at a density that imparts a near neutral charge and optimizes rapid diffusion through the brain parenchyma. Methods of treating a disease or disorder of the brain including administering a therapeutically effective amount of nanoparticles densely coated with polyethylene glycol are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for controlling Escherichia coli diarrhea comprising a Shiga toxin as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A water-soluble compound of the formula (I): wherein R9 and R10 are suitably hydrophilic substituents, which may be used to selectively bind to a target saccharide such as glucose and which exhibits a detectable spectroscopic response to such binding, thus enabling its use in the detection and correction of blood glucose concentrations in vivo.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for the storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) such that a single facility can serve as both a SNF storage facility and a gamma ray irradiation facility are disclosed. In one embodiment, the SNF is encapsulated inside of a container. The SNF bearing container prevents the escape of fission products into the environment but allows the escape of gamma rays from the container. In this embodiment, several of these containers are evenly spaced throughout a room within a fortified facility and a conveyor system transports products through the room such that gamma rays emitted by the SNF deposit a desired amount of energy into the products. A passive heat removal system is formed by the coupling of the SNF bearing container to a thermal conduction element such that the SNF remains sufficiently cool even when the SNF is generating large heat loads.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a ventilator treatment system configured to sterilize and/or disinfect a fluid pathway through a ventilator by providing a forced flow of treatment gas to the ventilator. Ventilators are frequently contaminated with bacteria and viruses during normal use. When a ventilator is moved from one patient to the next, there is a risk of contaminating the new patient with a pathogen from the previous patient. The application of treatment gas is especially practical for sanitizing hard to access surfaces such as those found in the cavities and conduits (the fluid pathway) of a ventilator. A treatment gas such as, for example, ozone, converts back to oxygen and has a short half life, which can be further reduced with humidity, heat, or inexpensive destruct catalysts.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing the air-conditioning system of vehicles using radiant catalytic ionization is provided. The device is mounted in a casing that includes a UVX lamp surrounded by a metal alloy that converts air/oxygen therein into a purifying plasma comprising hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive material and articles made using the hot melt adhesive to assemble structures in an article. The adhesive material typically is manufactured by blending amorphous polymer with a heterophase polymer having crystallinity into an adhesive composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biocompatible and preferably biodegradable gradient layer system comprising at least one set of layers comprising a biocompatible and preferably biodegradable cross-linked polymer and at least one biocompatible and preferably biodegradable support layer, wherein a gradient is preferably formed with respect to the mechanical and/or physical properties of one or more layers of the at least one set of layers comprising a biocompatible and biodegradable cross-linked polymer and/or the at least one biocompatible and preferably biodegradable support layer. The at least one support layer preferably comprises a biocompatible and preferably biodegradable meltable polymer and/or a biocompatible and incorporable material. This biocompatible and preferably biodegradable gradient layer system may be used as a biomaterial for regenerative medicine, particularly as a wound dressing or for tissue support.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides including DEDE(SSD)nDEG indicated by SEQ NO. 1, RRRDEDE(SSD)nDEG indicated by SEQ NO. 2, RRRGDEDE(SSD)nDEG indicated by SEQ NO. 3, and LKKLKKLDEDE(SSD)nDEG indicated by SEQ NO. 4, wherein n is an integer from 2 to 20. The invention also relates to phosphorylating these peptides at multiple amino acid sites by employing casein kinases. These phosphorylated peptides may be used in various applications such as forming mineralized collagen fibrils and biomimetic composites for use in tissue repair and regeneration.

Abstract: Luminal prostheses comprise scaffolds having coatings adhered to at least a portion of their outer surfaces. The surfaces are modified to enhance binding of the coatings. For example, the surfaces may be microblasted, laser treated, chemically etched, exposed to plasma, or exposed to a corona discharge, allowing a polymeric coating to adhere to the scaffold more tightly than in the absence of the surface modification. The coatings can be used to deliver therapeutic or other agents dispersed therein.

Abstract: A soft tissue implant comprises a condensed surgical mesh having a plurality of monofilament biocompatible fibers 12. Condensing of the fibers reduces the void space between adjacent fibers 12 in the mesh and reduces the surface area of the fibers 12 available for contact with tissue. Condensation of the fibers 12 may be achieved by applying mechanical pressure, and/or vacuum, and/or heat to the mesh.

Abstract: Adjunct material is provided that has multiple reservoirs formed therein and releasably carrying a plurality of vessels that each retain at least one medicant. An implantable adjunct has at least one bioabsorbable polymer configured to maintain the vessels within a reservoir. Disruption of the at least one bioabsorbable polymer allows release of the vessels from at least one of the reservoirs. A rate of the vessels' release can be controlled by a degradation rate of the at least one bioabsorbable polymer. The released vessels are, in turn, disrupted to thereby cause at least one medicant disposed therein to release and thus provide a desired effect on tissue in-growth.

Abstract: Systems and devices for an updatable blood pump are disclosed herein. The blood pump can be part of a mechanical circulatory support system that can include a system controller and the blood pump. The blood pump can include a rotary motor and a control unit that can communicate with the system controller. The system controller can initiate the update process and can provide the update to the blood pump. Upon initiation of the update process, the control unit can stop the rotary motor. While the rotary motor is stopped, the blood pump can be updated. At the completion of the update, the rotary pump can be restarted.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a concentration of total chlorine in dialysis water are provided. The system comprises a main unit housing an iodide/water sample chamber and a reducing agent chamber. An electrode pair bridges the two chambers and generates tri-iodide proportional to the amount of total chlorine in the dialysis water. The electrode pair detects the amount of tri-iodide generated in proportion to the amount of active chloride in the dialysis water. The system is suitable for use in connection with, or for incorporation into, a water purification system for generating dialysis fluid, and may include a display that alerts the user to stop or prevent a hemodialysis treatment if the total chlorine level exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A medical functional device, provided and designed for single use in a method for extracorporeally treating the blood of a patient, includes at least one process fluid circuit or sections thereof, each provided for receiving a process fluid, at least one first filter device arranged within the process fluid circuit or a section thereof and at least one second filter device arranged within the process fluid circuit or a section thereof. The present invention further relates to a process fluid and a medical treatment apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulsatile medical device enabling a blood flow to be circulated including an external pipe presenting an inside wall, an outside wall, and two ends, one end being for connection to an ECC type machine, to a cardiac assistance system or to the patient's body, and one end being for connection to the patient's body; an internal pipe inserted in said external pipe and presenting an inside wall, an outside wall, and two ends fastened all around their peripheries to the external pipe all around its periphery, the blood flow passing through said internal pipe; the outside wall of the internal pipe and the inside wall of the external pipe defining a space for filling with fluid and being connectable via a connector port to an appliance for creating one or more inflations/deflations of said space, thereby creating one or more pulses in the blood flow.

Abstract: A drug storage and dispensing system that includes a packaging unit and an injection device for pre-filled containers having a needle shield and containing a medication is disclosed. The drug storage and dispensing system of the present disclosure provides for drug administration while minimizing the space occupied by such containers in the cold chain. The packaging unit minimizes the risk of a needle-stick injury, as a healthcare worker does not have to manually remove the needle shield. The injection device provides a novel way of auto-disabling a container, such as a syringe, as a plunger rod is not engaged with the container until the container is actually used. The drug storage and dispensing system provides for a reduction in the number of steps required to perform an injection, and thus a productivity and efficiency gain in mass immunization campaigns.

Abstract: A method of delivering a medical fluid to a patient includes enabling the attachment of an infusion pump housing to an external support, enabling the viewing of information right-side-up on a display screen of the infusion pump housing, enabling the rotation of the display screen approximately 90 degrees about an axis extending perpendicularly from the display screen, automatically reorienting the information on the display screen so that the information remains right-side-up after rotation, enabling the viewing of the information right-side-up on the display screen after rotation, and enabling the delivery of a flowable material to the patient through an infusion line attached to the infusion pump housing before and after rotation.

Abstract: A wearable, self-contained drug infusion device is disclosed that is capable of achieving the precise flow rate control needed for dose-critical drugs such as insulin. In preferred embodiments of the device, at least two flow channels are utilized in conjunction with a series of valves for providing a user with selectable, constant flow rate control. The device can be made with small dimensions so that it can be worn by the user with a minimum of discomfort and inconvenience. In addition, the simple mechanical nature of the device provides the user with close control over the flow rate, which is required for safe and effective delivery of insulin and other drugs. Also, the absence of electronic components allows the device to be manufactured inexpensively. The device is provided with a first channel that is long and narrow, functioning as a flow restrictor. The first channel is preferably provided in a serpentine pattern.

Abstract: A piston pump is described for pumping a fluid. The pump includes at least one cylinder having a piston movable inside the cylinder along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder by a drive, each cylinder having at an end face a mounting flange having at least one cylinder opening, and a chamber having a volume that changes when the associated piston is moved in the cylinder. The piston pump has an inlet port for supplying and an outlet port for draining the fluid. A rotatable valve plate is arranged on the other side of the mounting flange. The mounting flange has at least one passage in the region of the inlet port and the outlet port, respectively, through which the fluid can flow between the inlet port and/or the outlet port and the other side of the mounting flange. The valve plate has fluid-transporting means by which, upon rotation of the valve plate at least one cylinder opening can be connected to a passage of the inlet and/or the outlet port.

Abstract: A transfer device for filing a fluid reservoir of a fluid infusion device with a fluid is provided. The transfer device comprises a first end to couple to a source of the fluid, and a second end to couple to a pressurizing device. The transfer device also comprises a body interconnecting the first end and the second end, and having an end to couple to the fluid reservoir. The body defining at least one fluid flow path between the source of the fluid, the pressurizing device and the fluid reservoir to enable the filling of the fluid reservoir with the fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction.

Abstract: A medication injection pen, including a housing, a push button, a dose set knob (DSK) including at least one internal tooth and a ring of DSK ratchet teeth, a driver including at least one external tooth and a ring of driver ratchet teeth, a clicker operatively engaged between said dose set knob and said driver having at least a DSK ratchet arm and at least a driver ratchet arm, wherein said driver is prevented from rotating with said dose set knob while moving axially with said dose set knob during dose setting and dose correcting, and when said push button is depressed, said clicker pushes said driver distally such that said at least one external tooth of said driver engages said at least one internal tooth of said dose set knob thereby forcing said driver to rotate with said dose set knob during an injection.

Abstract: A syringe (1) for mixing and ejecting an active pharmaceutical ingredient is disclosed. The syringe (1) comprises a syringe body (2) defining a first lumen (8), a first plunger (4) arranged movably in said first lumen (8), said first plunger (4) being hollow, thereby defining a second lumen (9) being separated from the first lumen (8), and a second plunger (5) arranged movably in said second lumen (9). A liquid diluent is contained in one of the first lumen (8) and the second lumen (9), and an active pharmaceutical ingredient is contained in the other of the first lumen (8) and the second lumen (9). The second plunger (5) is movable in such a manner that the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the liquid diluent are brought together, e.g.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method and system to obtain access to a blood vessel underneath a skin layer that may preserve lifespan of the blood vessel and reduce executional skill variability may be provided. The method includes placing a guiding portion between the blood vessel and the skin layer; and configuring the guiding portion to receive and guide a needle to reach the same location of the blood vessel repeatedly and consistently; and forming a resultant scarred track between the blood vessel and the skin layer as the guiding portion is resorbed over time. The system includes a vascular access device configurable to first possess strength to penetrate through a tissue layer, subsequently possess flexibility to conform to the surrounding tissue beneath the tissue layer; and a guiding portion which may be resorbable, wherein the inlet includes a larger diameter compared to the outlet.