Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising substantially non-viable Gram-negative bacterial organisms that have a substantial reduction in endotoxin activity and/or pyrogenicity and methods for treating a cancer using the same. Also provided are methods for treating cancer provided herein, comprising administering to a mammal diagnosed with cancer, substantially non-viable Gram-negative bacteria having a substantial reduction in endotoxin activity and/or pyrogenicity, in an amount sufficient to inhibit growth or metastasis of the cancer. An additional method is provided comprising administering viable or non-viable Gram-negative bacterial organisms that have a genetic defect that results in a substantial loss of lipopolysaccharide within the outer membrane of the bacteria. Further provided are methods for reducing endotoxin activity and/or pyrogenicity in Gram-negative bacteria comprising treatment with polymyxin and glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: A method of treating a cancer in a subject is disclosed, comprising: (1) isolating T cells from a subject; generating or expanding a population of T cells specific for a virus by a method comprising: stimulating T cells by culture in the presence of antigen presenting cells (APCs) presenting a peptide of the virus, wherein 10 to 25% of the media in which the cells are cultured is conditioned media obtained from a stimulation culture comprising T cells and APCs presenting a peptide of the virus; and (3) administering the generated or expanded population of T cells to a subject. Also disclosed are methods for generating or expanding a population of T cells specific for a virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein- and peptide-free conjugate comprising a synthetic carbohydrate and a carrier molecule, wherein the synthetic carbohydrate is a Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3 capsular polysaccharide related carbohydrate and the carrier molecule is a glycosphingolipid. Said conjugate and pharmaceutical composition thereof are useful for immunization against diseases associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae, and more specifically against diseases associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3.

Abstract: Embodiments herein report compositions, methods and uses for dengue-4 (DENV-4) virus constructs. Some embodiments concern a composition that includes, but is not limited to, DENV-4 virus constructs alone or in combination with other constructs, can be used in a vaccine composition to induce an immune response in a subject. In certain embodiments, compositions can include constructs of more than one serotypes of dengue virus, such as dengue-1 virus, dengue-2 virus, or dengue-3 virus in combination with DENV-4 virus constructs disclosed herein. In other embodiments, DENV-4 constructs disclosed herein can be combined in a composition with other flavivirus constructs to generate a vaccine against more than one flavivirus. Other embodiments provide methods and uses for DENV-4 virus constructs in vaccine compositions that when administered to a subject induce an immune response in the subject against DENV-4 that is improved by modified constructs compared to other vaccine compositions.

Abstract: The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccine, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a vaccine for generating an enhanced immune response in a subject previously exposed to non-destructive laser radiation, as compared to an immune response in a subject previously non-exposed to non-destructive laser radiation. The invention is also directed to use of a composition comprising a vaccine for use in combination with non-destructive laser radiation for generating an enhanced immune response from a subject, as compared to an immune response without the use of laser radiation. The laser exposure acts as an adjuvant for the vaccine, increasing the efficacy and/or potency of the vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing or enhancing an immune response against an immunogen in a subject. The invention further includes isolated nucleic acid vaccines, cellular vaccines, fusion proteins, expression vectors, vaccines, and immunogenic compositions for use therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for inducing immune response in a subject, comprising: (a) an antigen with a concentration ranging from 1 ?g/ml to 100 ?g/ml; (b) CpG oligonucleotides having a sequence of 5?-tcgacgttcgtcgttcgtcgttc-3?, with a concentration ranging from 25 ?g/ml to 500 ?g/ml, and (c) an aluminum adjuvant with a concentration ranging from 25 ?g/ml to 500 ?g/ml. Such pharmaceutical composition can induce or boost immune response against antigen in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 6-acetylmorphine analogs, and methods for their synthesis and use. Such analogs are designed to provide a convenient linkage chemistry for coupling under mild conditions to a suitable group on a target protein, polypeptide, solid phase or detectable label.

Abstract: The compound N-(4-{[4-amino-2-butyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]oxy}butyl)octadecanamide is a useful drug compound for enhancing immune response and can be used, for example, as a vaccine adjuvant and a cancer treatment.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to classifiers of NF-?B pathway activation, devices, and methods of use thereof. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods comprising measuring changes in expression of genes controlled by p105 in a sample providing a detected p105 controlled gene expression pattern. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise measuring changes in expression of genes controlled by p100 in a sample providing a detected p100 controlled gene expression pattern. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise the step of comparing the detected p105 controlled gene expression patterns to a predetermined gene pattern and/or the detected p100 controlled gene expression patterns to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: High affinity antibodies were made to gangliosides expressed on tumor cells. The antibodies can be used analytically, diagnostically, therapeutically, and theranostically. The antibodies may be used to target cytotoxic reagents to tumor cells, thus minimizing full-body toxicity. The antibodies may also be used with out added cytotoxin. The antibodies may be detectably labeled or labelable for analytic and diagnostic purposes. The combination of specificity and affinity of the antibodies render them particularly useful.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include compositions, devices, systems and methods for optogenetic modulation of action potentials in target cells. The subject devices include light-generating devices, control devices, and delivery devices for delivering light-responsive polypeptides, or nucleic acids encoding same, to target cells. The subject compositions and systems include light-activated polypeptides, nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding these polypeptides, as well as expression systems that facilitate expression of these polypeptides in target cells. Also provided are methods of using the subject devices and systems to optogenetically manipulate action potentials in target cells, e.g., to treat a neurological or psychiatric condition in a human or animal subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions that contain iodine intended primarily for tissue antisepsis, particularly skin antisepsis.

Abstract: Methods of treatment using bendamustine formulations designed for small volume intravenous administration are disclosed. The methods conveniently allow shorter administration time without the active ingredient coming out of solution as compared to presently available formulations.

Abstract: Various pharmaceutical formulations are disclosed herein. For example, a pharmaceutical formulation is disclosed comprising ultra-micronized progesterone.

Abstract: Based on the observation that the application of small amounts of exogenous acid sphingomyelinase to generate endogenous ceramide, or provision of exogenous long-chain natural C16-ceramide resulted in rapid translocation of vacuolar daunorubicin into the nucleus in multi-drug resistant (MDR) cells, the present invention relates to a nano-liposomal preparation that includes C16-ceramide. Exposure of MDR cells to the C16:0 ceramide-based nanoliposomes provide a mechanism to reverse MDR in chemoresistant cells and tumors, by inducing rapid translocation of chemotherapeutic agent from cytoplasmic vesicles to the nucleus.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions featuring chitosan and methods for using such compositions for the local delivery of biologically active agents to an open fracture, complex wound or other site of infection. Advantageously, the degradation and drug elution profiles of the chitosan compositions can be tailored to the needs of particular patients at the point of care (e.g., in a surgical suite, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polymeric system for release of an active agent, comprising a first polymeric phase containing the active agent, the first polymeric phase forming discrete regions of a set size range and being dispersed within a second polymeric phase comprising a cross-linked polymer-phenol conjugate for release of the active agent therein. The present disclosure further provides an injectable hydrogel comprising the disclosed polymeric system, a carrier for delivering a biologically active substance or a drug comprising the injectable hydrogel, and a method for producing the disclosed polymeric system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunostimulatory nanocomplex. The immunostimulatory nanocomplex comprises polyglutamic acid (PGA), a first positively charged substance, a second positively charged substance and a dengue viral protein for holding the dengue viral protein inside. The immunostimulatory nanocomplex is characterized by having a nonuniformally and positively charge distribution along a radial direction thereof. The nonuniformally and positively charge distribution comprises a first electrically charged portion having substantially electrical neutrality, a second electrically charged portion surrounding the first electrically charged portion, and a third electrically charged portion surrounding the second electrically charged portion.

Abstract: Provided are polyethylene glycol drug conjugates of general formula (I), (II) or (III) and pharmaceutical compositions and a use thereof. The conjugates are formed by combining low molecular weight polyethylene glycol with 2-4 drug molecules. The conjugates can interact with receptor dimers or polymers, thereby improving the in vivo distribution of the drug, changing the oil and water distribution coefficient, enhancing the pharmacological activity, reducing the blood-brain barrier permeability of the drug, and improving the bioavailability of the drug.

Abstract: Provided are polyethylene glycol drug conjugates of general formula (I), (II) or (III) and pharmaceutical compositions and a use thereof. The conjugates are formed by combining low molecular weight polyethylene glycol with 2-4 drug molecules. The conjugates can interact with receptor dimers or polymers, thereby improving the in vivo distribution of the drug, changing the oil and water distribution coefficient, enhancing the pharmacological activity, reducing the blood-brain barrier permeability of the drug, and improving the bioavailability of the drug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional nanomaterial comprising a nanorod comprising 1) a noble metal, wherein the nanorod exhibits surface plasmon resonance absorption in the near-infrared spectrum; 2) an up-conversion phosphor that absorbs infrared light and emits visible luminescence; and optionally 3) a biomolecule targeting moiety. The invention further relates to methods of detecting and treating cancer using the multifunctional nanomaterials of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition of albumin microbubbles to which are bound one or more moieties that exhibit a binding preference for the albumin microbubbles relative to free, native HSA. Production of the albumin microbubble composition and use of the albumin microbubble composition in ultrasound mediated delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents is also discussed.

Abstract: The present invention claims UV detectable (?>210 nm) potassium [18F]fluoride diaryl- and aryl-fused [2.2.2]cryptate complexes suitable for performing radio-labeling reactions to generate [18F] fluorinated species.

Abstract: A UVB lighting system for a motor vehicle includes a printed circuit board including a UVB light source and a map light. A controller operates the system. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a device and method for sanitizing a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and a device for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The device has an ozone compartment, an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distribute ozone to a continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may further include a heater adapter unit to connect heating systems in CPAP devices while distributing ozone to sanitize the CPAP device in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a powdered composition of additives and a method of use thereof for increasing the visibility, potency and coverage of disinfectant solutions, such as bleach.

Abstract: Provided are a composition containing as active ingredients thereof Bacillus subtilis strain BN1001 (deposit number: NITE BP-02608 and Bacillus subtilis var. natto, a wastewater treatment system provided with a biological treatment tank that biologically treats wastewater wherein the Bacillus subtilis strain BN1001 and Bacillus subtilis var. natto are contained in the biological treatment tank, a wastewater treating method that biologically treats wastewater comprising a step for adding the Bacillus subtilis strain BN1001 and Bacillus subtilis var. natto to the wastewater, a deodorization method comprising a step for contacting the Bacillus subtilis strain BN1001 and Bacillus subtilis var. natto with a malodorous source, a support having Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus subtilis var.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a neutralized matrix of non-antigenic collagenous material comprising the steps of: —a) preparing an acidic solution of non-antigenic collagenous material, —b) pouring the solution of a) into a mold in order to form a layer, —c) lyophilizing the layer of b) in order to obtain an acidic matrix of non-antigenic collagenous material, d) sterilizing the acidic matrix obtained in c) with ethylene oxide in order to obtain a neutralized matrix of non-antigenic collagenous material. The invention also relates to the matrices obtained and to surgical implants comprising such matrices.

Abstract: To provide an absorbent article that has a high absorption speed, is unlikely to cause a liquid to remain on a skin-contacting surface, has excellent dry feeling, and is unlikely to cause excreted body fluid to return. The present invention provides an absorbent article comprising an absorber composed of at least one absorbent layer, wherein a water-absorbent resin powder meeting the following requirements (a) to (d) is disposed in an uppermost layer of the absorber: (a) a bulk density: 0.45 g/ml to 0.62 g/ml; (b) an absorption speed by a vortex method: 20 seconds to 50 seconds; (c) a liquid-passing speed under load: 10 seconds or less; and (d) a moisture absorption blocking ratio: 5% or less.

Abstract: Compositions of, methods of making, and methods of using alkaline earth phosphate bone cements are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of, methods of making, and methods of using alkaline earth phosphate bone cements are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a biocompatible component having a surface intended for contact with living tissue, wherein the surface comprises particles of metal oxide, said particles having an average particle size of less than 100 nm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biodegradable implant including magnesium, wherein the magnesium contains, as impurities, (i) manganese (Mn); and (ii) one selected from the group consisting of iron (Fe), nickel (Ni) and mixtures of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni), wherein the impurities satisfy the following condition: 0<(ii)/(i)?5, and an amount of the impurities is 1 part by weight or less but exceeding 0 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the magnesium, and to a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The present invention describes an injectable calcium polyphosphate (CPP) gel with dense structure, which can be applied as injectable bone void filler in medical field, such as orthopedic and dental applications. Amorphous CPP powder with fine particle size (<75 pm) can be completely dissolved in water, forming a homogeneous gelation phase separated from water phase. This homogeneous CPP gel with disentangled inorganic polyphosphate chains shows viscoelasticity and superior adhesion to natural bone, metal implant surfaces and other ceramic material surfaces. The CPP gel is biomimetic and biodegradable with strong osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity. The manufacturing procedure is easy and reproducible. The mechanical strength of CPP gel is controllable by modifications, such as sintering, incorporation of other biomaterials, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer collagen scaffold. The method generally comprises the steps of: preparing a first suspension of collagen and freezing or lyophilizing the suspension to provide a first layer; optionally preparing a further suspension of collagen and adding the further suspension onto the layer formed in the previous step to form a further layer, and freezing or lyophilizing the layers, wherein when the layer formed in the previous step is formed by lyophilization the lyophilized layer is re-hydrated prior to addition of the next layer; optionally, repeating the aforementioned step to form one or more further layers; and preparing a final suspension of collagen and pouring the final suspension onto the uppermost layer to form a final layer, and freeze-drying the layers to form the multi-layer collagen composite scaffold.

Abstract: Ionically cross-linked compositions containing carboxypolysaccharides, polyalkylene oxides, polyhydroxyl organic anions, optionally divalent cations, and aqueous media are provided. Methods for manufacturing ionically cross-linked compositions of carboxypolysaccharides, polyalkylene oxides, polyhydroxyl organic anions, optionally divalent cations, and aqueous media are also provided. Such compositions can be used by placing then in proximity to a tissue in need of lubrication or for prevention of adhesions and adhesion reformation.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a plurality of ribbons comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, the proximal ends of the plurality of ribbons being positioned circumferentially and proximate each other, the distal ends of the plurality of ribbons also being positioned proximate each other, wherein a conical shaped valve member is formed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybrid construct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. The inert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed and grow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation. The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external and inflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises the cell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold. The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patient and inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after the foregoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure are successively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example. Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating human fibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a graft more suitable for the transplantation of corneal endothelial cells and an application method thereof. Specifically, the present invention provides a corneal endothelial preparation capable of cell proliferation in vivo, which contains a substrate and a corneal endothelial cell layer cultured on the substrate, and a treatment method of a disease selected from the group consisting of bullous keratopathy, corneal edema, corneal leukoma and corneal endothelial inflammation, which includes a step of transplanting the preparation to patients. As the substrate, collagen is used.

Abstract: Due to the size and complexity of tissues such as the spinal cord and articular cartilage, specialized constructs incorporating cells as well as smart materials may be a promising strategy for achieving functional recovery. Aspects of the present invention describe the use of an electroactive, or piezoelectric, material that will act as a scaffold for stem cell induced tissue repair. Embodiments of the inventive material can also act alone as an electroactive scaffold for repairing tissues. The piezoelectric material of the present invention acts as a highly sensitive mechanoelectrical transducer that will generate charges in response to minute vibrational forces.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a dilatation balloon, including plasticized nylon, and plasticized nylon.

Abstract: The invention relates to means and methods for the disinfection of an insertion channel to prevent in particular catheter sepsis, which significantly reduces the carry-over of germs even out of deeper skin layers by means of medical instruments, such as catheters, to be introduced into non-natural openings and also permits the decontamination of perioperatively contaminated medical instruments. The disinfection of the insertion channel is achieved by means of a method for the perioperative coating of a medical instrument to be inserted into an invasively produced bodily opening before use, comprising the application of a preferably viscous or foam-like composition containing at least one anti-infective compound, preferably a gel having octenidine, by means of an applicator, such that when said gel is used, the composition is also specifically effective in the first millimeters of the insertion channel. Furthermore, an immediate disinfecting action is provided over the entire coated surface.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and devices for promoting adhesion or migration of endothelial cell.

Abstract: This document provides devices, systems, and methods for treating patients with wounds that include a fistula. For example, this document provides a multi-lumen tubular device that can deliver wound irrigation, wound suction, and fistuloclysis nutritional support through the lumens of the tubular device.

Abstract: A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as the general pumping mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an improved feedback milk extraction system are described. According to aspects, the system may communicate with various electronic devices and/or server components to exchange data and perform certain functionalities. The functionalities may include providing visual and audio feedback to a user, supporting unique kit identification as well as associated user profiles and preferred configuration settings, detecting and responding to leaks having various sizes during operation of the breastpump, controlling operation of the breastpump in response to detected leaks and the detected type and/or magnitude of the leak, preemptively contacting customers if a fault condition is detected or imminent, enabling effective labeling of collection containers, and determining volume and flow of expressed breastmilk.

Abstract: To provide a simple embodiment of a rotor (2) for a fluid pump which is nevertheless very flexible in handling and compressible, in accordance with the invention a conveying blade is provided having at least two struts (12, 13, 14) and a membrane spanned between them in the expanded state, wherein the struts each have at least one joint, in particular more than one joint, which enables an angling in a first direction in a first movement plane and bounds an overelongation beyond an elongation angle of in particular 180° in the opposite second direction. In particular when a plurality of joints (15, 16, 17) are provided at the struts, they, and with them the conveying blades, are particularly flexible for simple compressibility.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing operation of a heart assist pump device to a patient's cardiac cycle includes obtaining a signal from a motor of a heart assist pump device and filtering the signal to remove noise. The method also includes determining a speed synchronization start point at which time the motor of the heart assist pump device will begin a change in speed of operation based on the filtered signal. The method further includes modulating a speed of the motor of the heart assist pump device to a target speed at the speed synchronization start point, thereby synchronizing the change in speed of operation with a patient's cardiac cycle.