Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating pulmonary hypertension in a subject by delivering a therapeutic adeno-associated virus (AAV)-SERCA2 composition to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A method to prevent, inhibit or treat one or more symptoms associated with a disease of the central nervous system by intrathecally, intracerebroventricularly or endovascularly administering a rAAV encoding a gene product associated with the disease, e.g., a mammal in which the gene product is absent or present at a reduced level relative to a mammal without the disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating a patient who has recently developed diabetes are provided. The methods can include administering a tolerance-restoring agent to the patient and simultaneously administering intensive insulin therapy.

Abstract: Nanoparticle-based vaccines, compositions, kits and methods are used for the effective delivery of one or more antigens in vivo for vaccination and antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody) production, and for the effective delivery of peptides, proteins, siRNA, RNA or DNA to PAPCs or MHC class II positive cells (e.g. tumor cells). Antigens may be, for example, DNA that results in expression of the gene of interest and induction of a robust and specific immune response to the expressed protein in a subject (e.g., mammal). Antigens may also be immunogenic peptides or polypeptides that are processed and presented. In one embodiment, a nanoparticle-based method to deliver antigens in vivo as described herein includes injection of a vaccine composed of a DNA encoding at least one antigen, or at least one antigenic peptide or polypeptide conjugated to a charged dendrimer (e.g., PADRE-derivatized dendrimer) that is also conjugated to a T helper epitope (e.g., PADRE).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel tumor-associated antigens, which elicit independently from a presentation via MHC a CD8-positive T-cell response. GM-CSF-Receptor alpha chain (CSF2RA) and Tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2) were found to be targets of CD8-positive T-cell clones which could detect the proteins on the surface of HLA I negative melanoma cells. Thus, the invention provides proteins, protein fragments and polypeptides of the novel antigens for use in medicine, for example for the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of a tumor disease. Furthermore provided are nucleic acids expressing the antigens of the invention, binding agents specific for the antigens of the invention, such as T-cell receptor chains and isolated T cells which are reactive against the antigens of the invention or which express the T-cell receptors of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for modulating movement of eukaryotic cells with migratory capacity. More specifically, the invention provides anti-fugetactic agents and methods for the use thereof in enhancing an immune response.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for modulating movement of eukaryotic cells with migratory capacity. More specifically, the invention provides anti-fugetactic agents and methods for the use thereof in enhancing an immune response.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for modulating movement of eukaryotic cells with migratory capacity. More specifically, the invention provides antifugetactic agents and methods for the use thereof in enhancing an immune response.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for modulating movement of eukaryotic cells with migratory capacity. More specifically, the invention provides anti-fugetactic agents and methods for the use thereof in enhancing an immune response.

Abstract: Longer chain antigenic O-polysaccharide chains for use as a hapten in conjugate vaccines can be produced in a controlled manner using recombinant Gram-negative bacteria that overexpress native or heterologous genes of the wzz family, for example wzzB. Bacteria expressing a chosen wzz gene have modified O-polysaccharide chain lengths, allowing the bacteria to produce lipopolysaccharides having the longer O-polysaccharides. The LPS produced by the bacteria can be hydrolyzed to form core-O-polysaccharide molecules that can be conjugated to a carrier molecule, for example flagellin, to produce a vaccine. The invention also provides recombinant bacteria producing the longer chain O-polysaccharides, the polysaccharide molecules, themselves, conjugated vaccines comprising the O-polysaccharides, pharmaceutical compositions and kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new immunogenic compositions comprising conjugated Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular saccharide antigens (glycoconjugates) and uses thereof. Immunogenic compositions of the present invention will typically comprise at least one glycoconjugate from a S. pneumoniae serotype not found in PREVNAR®, SYNFLORIX® and/or PREVNAR 13®. The invention also relates to vaccination of human subjects, in particular infants and elderly, against pneumoccocal infections using said novel immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides structural determinants important for binding to the stem domain of the HA protein of influenza virus, and methods of use thereof for production of high affinity neutralizing influenza virus antibodies based upon these determinants. The present invention further provides tools for determining the efficacy of an influenza virus vaccine. The present invention further provides a molecular signature useful for determining the efficacy of an influenza virus vaccine in a subject, or for predicting prior immunologic exposure or antigen responsiveness to vaccine or influenza virus infection.

Abstract: Selection of HIV vaccine antigens by use of intrapatient sequence variation to identify mutations in the HIV envelope glycoprotein that affect the binding of broadly neutralizing antibodies and polypeptides identified by these methods.

Abstract: A method of immunizing against HTLV-1 is disclosed. The method may include preparing a DNA sequence corresponding to a chimeric peptide which may have immunogenic epitopes of HTLV-1. These epitopes can include a Tax epitope, a gp21 epitope, a gp46 epitope, and/or a gag epitope. The method also includes production of the chimeric peptide using the DNA sequence and purifying the produced chimeric peptide. The purified chimeric peptide can be employed for immunization against HTLV-1.

Abstract: A vaccine composition is disclosed that contains a vaccine antigen and a neutrophil inhibitor in amounts effective to promote an IgA response to the antigen in a subject. Also disclosed is a method for enhancing immune response to a vaccine antigen in a subject that involves co-administering to the subject the vaccine antigen and an adjuvant composition comprising a neutrophil inhibitor in an amount effective to promote an IgA response to the vaccine antigen in the subject.

Abstract: Provided are nanoparticles comprising heparin, chitosan, and at least one immunomodulatory agent, e.g. a cytokine. The cytokine can be selected from the group consisting of TNF, IL-12, IL-2, IL-23, IL-1?, IL-10, IL-18, and combinations thereof. Further provided are methods of making a nanoparticle comprising mixing a first composition comprising heparin with a second composition comprising chitosan in the presence of at least one cytokine to form a third composition. Further provided are methods of modulating an immune response comprising co-administering to a subject an antigen or vaccine with nanoparticles comprising heparin, chitosan, and at least one cytokine.

Abstract: Provided are methods for clinical treatment of cancer (e.g., advanced refractory solid tumors or hematological malignancies) using an anti-KIR antibody in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody.

Abstract: Provided is a humanized antibody and chimeric antibody that specifically binds human sclerostin. The antibodies can be used for treating human bone metabolism related diseases such as osteoporosis (OP).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing and 2treating cancer. In particular, the present invention identifies LGR5 as a protein over-expressed in solid tumor stem cell. The present invention further identifies an interaction between RSPO1 and LGR5 as an alternative pathway for the activation of beta-catenin signaling. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides biomolecules that disrupt functional signaling via a LGR protein, including, in certain embodiments, molecules that inhibit the interaction between one or more RSPO proteins and one or more LCiR proteins, such as LGR5. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating cancer comprising disrupting functional LGR signaling and inhibiting growth of a solid tumor comprising solid tumor stem cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using these compositions that can include a targeting moiety and a therapeutic agent are described herein. These compositions can be used for treating inflammatory diseases, such as parasitic diseases that result in cutaneous lesions. For example, and without limitation, such an parasitic disease can be leishmaniasis.

Abstract: Stable lyophilized therapeutic protein compositions and their methods of manufacture are provided. Specifically, the use of water as a solid cake plasticizer and protein stabilizer is described. Also, the inclusion of a multicomponent stabilizer comprising a larger molecular entity and a smaller molecular entity is described. Also, the inclusion of post-drying annealing under certain conditions improves protein stability. Proteins are predicted to remain stable over 24 months at 25° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods using degradable silica nanoshells for local intra-operative ultrasound marking; tumor detection via systemic injection; and nanoshell enhanced ultrasonic ablation of tumors.

Abstract: A hydrogel-forming material, a premix, and a method for forming a hydrogel through a simple process at room temperature. The material including: a disperse phase (A) including a lipid peptide-based gelator including at least one of a compound of Formula (1) or pharmaceutically usable salt thereof, water, and a fatty acid salt; and a phase (B) that includes a water-soluble acidic polymer: (where R1 is a C9-23 aliphatic group, R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-4 alkyl group that optionally has a C1-2 branched chain, R3 is a —(CH2)n-X group, n is a number of 1 to 4, X is an amino group, a guanidino group, a —CONH2 group, a 5-membered ring optionally containing 1 to 3 nitrogen atom(s), a 6-membered ring optionally containing 1 to 3 nitrogen atom(s), or a condensed heterocycle that contains a 5-membered ring and a 6-membered ring optionally containing 1 to 3 nitrogen atom(s)).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to anhydrous hydrogels useful as mucoadhesive (oral compositions) or as topical agents and may be used to deliver an active agent such as active pharmaceutical agents (API's), coagulants, fragrances, flavors, and other actives and excipients.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions with synchronized solubilizer release as well as various methods associated therewith, are disclosed and described. More specifically, the aqueous solubility of a drug is enhanced by synchronized release of a solubilizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides for dosing regimens for the treatment of patients with cancer and/or an EFNA4-associated disorder with an anti-EFNA4 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). The present invention further provides for methods for the treatment of patients with cancer and/or an EFNA4-associated disorder in which an anti-EFNA4 ADC is administered intravenously weekly (QW) or every 3 weeks (Q3W).

Abstract: Site-specific antibody-drug conjugates are described, in particular conjugates comprising an antibody, which binds CD25 and comprises an amino acid substitution of an interchain cysteine residue by an amino acid that is not cysteine, and pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs) having a labile protecting group in the form of a linker. The site of conjugation, along with modification of the antibody moiety, allows for improved safety and efficacy of the ADC.

Abstract: A combination of active agents selected from a FoxM1 enhancer, an Id1 enhancer, and a JNK3 inhibitor and the uses thereof in promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation and treating heart diseases in a subject in need of the treatment.

Abstract: A nanoplatform assembly for detection of arginase, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, and/or tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. The nanoplatform comprises an oligopeptide, which is used as a linker between two particles. More preferably, the linker is comprised of an oligopeptide containing a substrate for the target enzyme, where the substrate is chemically or physically modified by the target enzyme (but not cleaved). A central particle with a plurality of oligopeptide-tethered detectable particles and a plurality of directly attached detectable particles is described. Posttranslational modification of the oligopeptide leads to changes in the detectable signals from the first and/or second particles in the nanoplatform, which can be correlated to enzyme activity and concentration.

Abstract: A method for conducting an ultrasound session using an ultrasound probe system includes the steps of providing an ultrasound gel for use in combination with the ultrasound probe system, the ultrasound gel defining a composition including 1-10% by weight of Carbopol; 0.001-0.02% by weight of fungistat; 0.001-0.02% by weight of NaOH; 0.001-0.02% by weight of chlorhexidine; 1-5% by weight of glycerin up; 90-95% by weight of purified water; 0.001-0.02% by weight of curacao; 0.1-0.8% by weight of aloe vera leaf juice; 0.01-0.03% by weight of citric acid; 0.001-0.02% by weight of EDTA disodium; 0.001-0.02% by weight of phenoxyethanol; 0.001-0.02% by weight of ethylhexylglycerin; and 0.001-0.02% by weight of methylisothiazolinone; and selectively applying the ultrasound gel on an ultrasound site and operating the ultrasound probe system thereon.

Abstract: A composition for cell tracking and molecular imaging containing perfluorocarbon (“PFC”) droplets having a liquid PFC core enclosed within a stabilizing shell and embedded with solid nanoparticles. The solid nanoparticles act as nucleating agents for reducing the activation pressure of the liquid PFC core required to transition the liquid PFC core to a gaseous microbubble thereby permitting the use of more body-temperature stable longer chain PFCs in the liquid PFC core. The improved stability of the PFC droplets with a reduced or limited increase in the activation pressure required due to the nucleating nanoparticles improves the efficacy of using the PFC droplets as phase-change contrast agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel pyridinoxy phenylpropanamines, their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. In addition, the present invention relates to therapeutic methods that penetrate the blood-brain barrier and regulate the norepinephrine and serotonin transporters (“NET/SERT”).

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus is provided at a discharge port for supplying a liquid. The sterilization apparatus includes: an annular light guide that has a connection end that is connected to the discharge port and an open end that is on the opposite side of the connection end, and that forms a flow passage communicating with the discharge port; and a light source that allows ultraviolet light to enter the light guide such that the ultraviolet light is transmitted through the light guide while being reflected between an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface of the light guide. The sterilization apparatus irradiates a liquid that is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the light guide with the ultraviolet light for sterilization.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus, method and system for storing perishable items that degrade in the presence of oxygen and/or humidity and that are frequently accessed by a consumer. The apparatus comprises an openable insulated vessel with precisely controlled internal temperature and humidity, which becomes airtight when closed, and a corona ozone generator with an oxygen gas feed tank and fan within the insulated airtight enclosure, which converts ambient oxygen trapped within the airtight enclosure into ozone by circulating the enclosed volume of air through the corona ozone generator after the vessel is opened and then closed. Also disclosed is a refrigerated embodiment of the apparatus, which may be self-contained and transportable. The apparatus is network connected to allow for remote control and monitoring and sends alerts to web applications or mobile applications when monitored parameters substantially vary from their settings.

Abstract: A device for generating singlet oxygen is provided. The device has elongated posts extending from a surface, the lateral sides of which have particles with a sensitizer that converts triplet oxygen to single oxygen upon exposure to light. An optical fiber conveys light to the sensitizer and a gas supply tube conveys oxygen to the sensitizer. The device is configured to keep the sensitizer from contacting external fluids, such as saliva.

Abstract: A fragrance sachet includes a holder for a medium such as vermiculite. The medium can be treated with fragrance materials such as essential oils. The holder comprises a pouch formed with different materials on opposing sides which form designated respective front and back of the sachet. The designated front material is selected to support the application of indicia and/or decorations, while the designated back material may have filter type characteristics, to facilitate fragrance dispersion. The use of heat-sealable opposing side materials particularly facilitates formation of the pouch using a form-fill-seal system. The resulting sachet product may be configured with self-standing and/or hanging support features which avoid damaging any associated finished surfaces.

Abstract: A fragrance sachet includes a holder for a medium such as vermiculite. The medium can be treated with fragrance materials such as essential oils. The holder comprises a pouch formed with different materials on opposing sides which form designated respective front and back of the sachet. The designated front material is selected to support the application of indicia and/or decorations, while the designated back material may have filter type characteristics, to facilitate fragrance dispersion. The use of heat-sealable opposing side materials particularly facilitates formation of the pouch using a form-fill-seal system. The resulting sachet product may be configured with self-standing and/or hanging support features which avoid damaging any associated finished surfaces.

Abstract: An air freshener having a barrier for controlled release of fragrance is disclosed having a body having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion, an amount of fragrance loaded on the body, and a barrier positioned over a portion of the body.

Abstract: A fragrance diffuser has a diffuser element connecting a first reservoir to a second reservoir. As a fragrant oil flows between the reservoirs, the diffuser element becomes saturated with oil and diffuses the fragrance or scent. The diffuser is self-contained, easy to interact with, without creating a mess. The diffuser is relaxing and pleasant to watch as it flows through from one end and drips to the other, releasing one small bubble at a time. It is refillable, transportable, and the intensity of the scent release can be controlled easily by saturating the wood more or less often.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a diffusing apparatus for diffusing essential oils into the air. The apparatus includes a reservoir configured to hold essential oils in an internal cavity, and a controller assembly removably coupled to the reservoir, the controller assembly including an air inlet port, a first controller, and a piezo micro air pump unit. The apparatus further includes a base removably coupled to the controller assembly, the base including a second controller, wherein the second controller is connected to the first controller. The apparatus further includes a tube in fluid connection at a first end with the micro air pump unit and extending into the reservoir, the tube providing a path for pressurized air from the micro air pump unit into the reservoir through a plurality of orifices at a second end of the tube.

Abstract: A hemostatic product that includes a fibrinogen mixture, a thrombin mixture and a biologically tolerable liquid. The fibrinogen mixture includes fibrinogen and at least one fibrinogen stabilizer. The thrombin mixture includes thrombin and at least one thrombin stabilizer. The biologically tolerable liquid is mixed with the fibrinogen mixture and the thrombin mixture to form the hemostatic product.

Abstract: Described herein is the synthesis of reinforced adhesive complex coacervates and their use thereof. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates are composed of (a) at least one polycation, (b) at least one polyanion, and (c) a reinforcing component. The adhesive complex coacervates described herein can be subsequently cured to produce strong, cohesive adhesives. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates have several desirable features when compared to conventional adhesives. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates are effective in wet or underwater applications. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates described herein, being phase separated from water, can be applied underwater without dissolving or dispersing into the water. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates have numerous biological applications as bioadhesives and bioactive delivery devices.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating penile implant infections that uses a synthetic high-purity calcium sulfate mixed with antimicrobials, which is capable of providing prolonged exposure of antimicrobials to the infection site and capable of acting as an intracorporal filler preventing fibrosis and loss of phallic length. The technique is especially useful for high-risk patients, and provides another medium for which antimicrobial agents can be delivered to a surgical infection site while at the same time acting as a filler, preventing fibrosis, and loss of the space. The antimicrobial cast lasts 4-6 weeks, making timely re-implantation easier, and preventing intracorporal fibrosis and loss of phallic length.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers which can be used as tissue supplements or lubricants in vivo. The inventive polymers can be used as tissue-interpenetrating hydrogel supplements, viscosupplements, tribosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and injured synovial joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery or malfunction of naturally lubricious mucosal tissue.

Abstract: A surgically implantable containment member for maintaining a bone augmentation material in a desired location and/or configuration following implantation in a human or other mammalian patient, in which the containment member is made of a natural membrane, such as pericardium, isolated from an animal donor and processed to avoid inflammation or tissue rejection, and a method of bone augmentation using such a containment member. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the containment member has a window which rapidly dissipates upon exposure to bodily fluids after implantation to expose bone augmentation material contained within the containment member to an adjacent bone to be augmented.

Abstract: A crystallized bioabsorbable polymer scaffold comprises a polymer composition of poly (L-lactide-co-tri-methylene-carbonate) or poly (D-lactide-co-tri-methylene-carbonate) or poly (L-lactide-co-?-caprolactone) or poly (D-lactide-co-?-caprolactone) in the form of block copolymers of blocky copolymers, wherein the scaffold is cold-bendable.

Abstract: Devices are provided which are functionalized to include surface regions having anti-infective agents. Methods are provided for functionalizing various material surfaces to include active surface regions for binding anti-infective agents. Methods are provided by which anti-infective moieties or agents are bonded to functionalized surfaces.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an implantable blood pump includes a housing defining a flow path, a rotor positioned within the flow path, and a motor including a stator, positioned outside of said housing, the stator including a length of silver wire, wherein the silver wire is not positioned within a hermetically sealed compartment once the blood pump is ready for implantation into a patient in need thereof. The present invention may also include a method of implanting the implantable blood pump including the step of implanting the blood pump within the patient and within or adjacent to the vasculature.

Abstract: A blood pump with an integrated flow sensor is provided. The blood pump may include an implantable pump for pumping blood having a housing, a flow path extending within the housing and at least one movable element within the housing for impelling blood along the flow path and a sensor for measuring the flow rate of blood through the pump. According to one embodiment, the sensor may be mounted to the housing of the pump. In accordance with a further embodiment, the housing may have an exterior surface defining a cavity, and the sensor may be located within the cavity.

Abstract: An intracorporeal device for delivery into a patient is provided. The intracorporeal device includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is detachably coupled from the transcatheter delivery device. The device relates to a transcatheter system and corresponding devices and methods of treatment, and is particularly useful for the delivery and implantation into the body of a patient of medical devices, such as mechanical circulatory support devices, but also has a wider variety of applications.