Abstract: A method of inducing specific immune tolerance to myelin in an individual is provided. The method includes introducing directly into a lymph node of the individual an effective amount of a composition that contains a myelin antigen, a biodegradable material and at least one tolerogenic agent. The method is suitable for reducing the severity of symptoms of multiple sclerosis in individuals who suffer from primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), and can halt or even reverse PPMS progression.

Abstract: This invention provides a cancer antigen peptide that can be administered to a wide range of cancer patients in the form of a peptide vaccine for cancer without the need for HLA typing and regardless of the HLA types of patients. Such peptide having 4 linked CTL epitopes is obtained by linking 4 CTL epitope peptides selected from among CTL epitope peptides derived from tumor antigen molecules that are reported to have the capacity for CTL induction via linkers.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a new approach for the treatment of infectious and malignant diseases. The present invention provides new DNA and protein vaccines for the treatment of infectious and malignant diseases through enhancing immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to more than 70 novel peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I and HLA class II molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention is related to various vaccine compositions against Bordetella avium and methods for preparing and administering the various vaccine compositions. The present invention is related to multivalent vaccines compositions such as bivalent or trivalent vaccines for inoculating turkeys against from Bordetella avium rhinotracheitis or coryza due to Bordetella avium infection as well as methods of preparing and administering the multivalent vaccine compositions.

Abstract: An immunity enhancing therapeutic vaccine includes a gene vector based on recombinant adenovirus and three elements: 1) an HPV antigen including the E6 and E7 multivalent fusion proteins of HPV types 16 and 18, 2) an immunologic adjuvant protein fused with said antigen, which protein may be a heat shock protein (HSP) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and 3) an immunostimulant, which may be granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The vaccine is used for the treatment of human papilloma virus infections and related diseases.

Abstract: Provided is designer nucleic acid constructs and polypeptides that can be used as therapeutic vaccines against HPV16.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccine compositions comprising attenuated strain of Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) for protecting tilapia fish against infection by (TiLV). The invention also relates to methods for using the vaccines to protect tilapines from TiLV-induced disease.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed that induce broadly HIV therapeutic and vaccine inducing antibodies against diverse HIV clades and relate to the ability to identify HIV gp120-derived short peptide sequence immunogens and various therapeutic compositions made from the identified peptides which compose CCR5 binding sites. Also disclosed are methods of selecting peptide sequences that are likely candidates for drugs which will offer effective treatment in such areas as Alzheimer's disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and other diseases associated with the human inflammatory cascade as well as related retroviruses such as HTLV-1, the cause of tropical spastic paraparesis.

Abstract: Compositions, recombinant vaccines and live attenuated pathogens comprising one or more isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode an immunogen in combination with an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes IL-28 or a functional fragment thereof are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against an immunogen, using such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nasal mucosal vaccine composition which is safe, useful as a preventive or therapeutic agent for infectious diseases or cancers, and capable of inducing systemic immune responses and mucosal immune responses effectively.

Abstract: Aqueous gel formulations, including an immune response modifier (IRM), such as those chosen from imidazoquinoline amines, tetrahydroimidazoquinoline amines, imidazopyridine amines, 6,7-fused cycloalkylimidazopyridine amines, 1,2-bridged imidazoquinoline amines, imidazonaphthyridine amines, imidazotetrahydronaphthyridine amines, oxazoloquinoline amines, thiazoloquinoline amines, oxazolopyridine amines, thiazolopyridine amines, oxazolonaphthyridine amines, thiazolonaphthyridine amines, pyrazolopyridine amines, pyrazoloquinoline amines, tetrahydropyrazoloquinoline amines, pyrazolonaphthyridine amines, tetrahydropyrazolonaphthyridine amines, and 1H-imidazo dimers fused to pyridine amines, quinoline amines, tetrahydroquinoline amines, naphthyridine amines, or tetrahydronaphthyridine amines, are provided. Methods of use and kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of allergies. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for treating an allergy in a subject by inducing tolerance to an allergen associated with the allergy. Medicinal kits useful in protocols to induce tolerance or reduce intolerance in a subject also form part of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing or eliminating the non-specific release of a cytokine associated with a disease comprising administering at least one glucocorticoid and an immunostimulating antibody. Additionally, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition that contains at least one immunostimulating antibody and at least one glucocorticoid.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising an active compound from an extract of magnolia, or a derivative thereof; and a non-surfactant electrolyte in an amount effective to stabilize the composition, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Herein are provided derivatized hyperbranched polyglycerols (“dHPGs”). The dHPG comprises a core comprising a hyperbranched polyglycerol derivatized with C1C20 alkyl chains and a shell comprising at least one hydrophilic substituent bound to hydroxyl groups of the core, wherein the hyperbranched polyglycerol comprises from about 1 to about 200 moles of the at least one hydrophilic substituent. The dHPGs are for use as agents for the delivery of a drug or other biologically active moiety to the urinary tract, the digestive tract, the airways, the vaginal cavity and cervix and the peritoneal cavity to treat indications such as cancer, which may be useful in the treatment of or the manufacture of a medicament, in the preparation, of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancer, as a pre-treatment or co-treatment to improve drug uptake in a tissue. Furthermore, there are provided methods of making dHPGs.

Abstract: Method for preparing a supramolecular therapeutic agent delivery assembly are provided. A carbonate-containing precursor, a functionalized aliphatic precursor, and an aromatic diamine precursor may be combined to form an amphiphilic block co-polymer. The block co-polymer undergo a cross-linking polymerization process and a therapeutic agent may be incorporated into the resulting supramolecular assembly. The supramolecular assembly may comprise HT, PHT, HA, and/or PHA materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a preserved liquid aqueous pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more etherified cyclodextrin derivatives; one or more water-soluble preservatives; preferably selected from the group consisting of sorbic acid or salts thereof, preferably sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate; benzoic acid or salts thereof, preferably sodium benzoate; benzalkonium chloride; benzethonium chloride; cetylpyridinium chloride; sodium metabisulfite; sodium acetate; parabenes and salts thereof, preferably methylparabene, ethylparabene, propylparabene, butylparabene, butylparabene sodium; or combinations thereof; and at least one pharmaceutically active compound which is poorly water-soluble, very poorly water-soluble or water-insoluble.

Abstract: The invention provides a conjugate comprising (i) a nucleic acid which is complementary to a target nucleic acid sequence and which expression prevents or reduces expression of the target nucleic acid and (ii) a selectivity agent which is capable of binding with high affinity to a neurotransmitter transporter. The conjugates of the present invention are useful for the delivery of the nucleic acid to a cell of interests and thus, for the treatment of diseases which require a down-regulation of the protein encoded by the target nucleic acid as well as for the delivery of imaging agents to the cells for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bifunctional compounds, which find utility as modulators of targeted ubiquitination, especially inhibitors of a variety of polypeptides and other proteins which are degraded and/or otherwise inhibited by bifunctional compounds according to the present invention. In particular, the present invention is directed to compounds, which contain on one end a VHL ligand which binds to the ubiquitin ligase and on the other end a moiety which binds a target protein such that the target protein is placed in proximity to the ubiquitin ligase to effect degradation (and inhibition) of that protein. The present invention exhibits a broad range of pharmacological activities associated with compounds according to the present invention, consistent with the degradation/inhibition of targeted polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to immunology, biomedicine field, specifically relates to a protein-cell conjugate, which is characterized in that the protein and the cell are coupled via a bifunctional cross-linking agent. The present invention further relates to a preparation method and uses of the protein-cell conjugate. The protein-cell conjugate of the present invention can be used for prevention or treatment of many diseases, such as malignant tumors, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are a protein conjugate with improved in vivo duration and stability and the use thereof. The protein conjugate includes a physiologically active polypeptide, a non-peptide polymer and an immunoglobulin Fc fragment. Since the three components are covalently linked, the protein conjugate has extended in vivo duration and enhanced stability for the physiologically active polypeptide. The protein conjugate maintains the in vivo activity at relatively high levels and remarkably increases the serum half-life for the physiologically active polypeptide, with less risk of inducing undesirable immune responses. Thus, the protein conjugate is useful for developing long-acting formulations of various polypeptide drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the role of purinergic receptors and ATP in T cell activation and autocrine system signaling. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preventing or treating diabetes by administering a therapeutically effective inhibitor of ATP to a subject. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preventing or treating fibrosis by administering a P2X7R soluble fusion protein. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preventing or treating graft rejection by administering an inhibitor of P2X receptor signaling.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, polymer conjugates, including polymer-antibody-drug conjugates (polymer ADCs) are described, as well as the use of such conjugates to treat human disease. The polymer conjugates can contain a large number of polymer-bound agents, thus effectively increasing the drug antibody ration (DAR) of the antibody significantly beyond the currently available technology. This may be of particular importance when antibodies to low density antigens are used as target antibodies. The described polymer-ADCs have improved pharmacokinetics and solubility relative to traditional ADCs. The linker between agent and the polymer can be tailored to provide release of toxin at the desired site and under the desired conditions within the tumor. An additional feature of the polymer-ADCs of the current disclosure is that a purification moiety can be attached to the polymer backbone to provide ease of purification of the polymer-ADCs.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to methods for the enzymatic functionalization of immunoglobulins, in particular with drugs. Also disclosed herein are linking reagents, functionalized antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions, and method of treating disease and/or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody-drug conjugate comprising a drug conjugated to an antibody, a preparation method thereof and the use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protein complex, comprising a physiologically active polypeptide, a dimeric protein and a non-peptidyl polymer having three functional ends (3-arm), with the linkage of both the physiologically active polypeptide and the dimeric protein to the 3-arm non-peptidyl polymer via respective covalent bonds. The protein complex guarantees the long acting activity and biostability of a physiologically active polypeptide. Having the ability to maintain the bioactivity of physiologically active polypeptides or peptides highly and to significantly improve the serum half life of the polypeptides or peptides, the protein complex can be applied to the development of sustained release formulations of various physiologically active polypeptide drugs. Also, it utilizes raw materials including the physiologically active polypeptides without significant loss, thereby increasing the production yield. Further, it can be easily purified.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing pancreatic beta cells in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a vector encoding heterologous Pancreas duodenal homeobox protein (Pdx) 1 and MafA, wherein the vector does not encode Neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) and wherein the subject is not administered any other nucleic acid encoding Ngn3. The vector is administered intraductally into a pancreatic duct of the subject. Compositions are disclosed that include a) a viral vector comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acids encoding Pdx1 and a nucleic acid encoding MafA, wherein the vector does not encode Ngn3; b) a buffer; and c) a contrast dye for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. These compositions are of use in any of the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Composition in the form of a shaped device, for use as a fiducial marker in tissues in the animal body, in radiotherapy and/or radiosurgery, characterized in that it comprises:—a core consisting of a colloidal dispersion of metal nanoparticles and/or oxides or metal salts having X-ray-contrast properties, where said nanoparticles are stabilized with surfactants, polymers or capping agents in a liquid vehicle, and—a polymeric casing that encapsulates the core, said device having a minimum size of not less than 500 microns and a maximum size not greater than 3000 microns.

Abstract: Radiopaque bismuth particles and methods of making and using the radiopaque bismuth particles are disclosed. The radiopaque bismuth particles include an elemental bismuth core and an outer coating comprising one or more coating agents. Disclosed radiopaque bismuth particles are suitable for use in surgical sponges and plastic objects.

Abstract: A sterilization filter includes a synthetic polymer film, the synthetic polymer film having a surface which has a plurality of first raised portions, a two-dimensional size of the plurality of first raised portions being more than 20 nm and less than 500 ?m when viewed in a normal direction. The synthetic polymer film is arranged in a predetermined shape. In the arrangement of the predetermined shape, an inclination of a normal to the surface varies depending on a position over the surface, and an inclination of a normal to a surface opposite to the surface varies depending on a position over the opposite surface. At least part of the surface is capable of coming into contact with a gas or liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disinfection composition, particularly for lasting disinfection of synthetic fibres, synthetic surfaces, metallic surfaces and composite surfaces, and similar surfaces, said disinfection composition comprising at least one disinfectant, at least one fat- and residue-removing component, at least one additional protection component and additional components which are compatible with the above components and have low or no toxicity. The invention further relates to a disinfection method, to a specific tooth brush disinfection protocol and finally, to a corresponding disinfection product.

Abstract: System and method to reducing risk of patient infections (HAI), using operating rooms equipped with suitable automatic airborne sterilizing agent generators, sensors, mechanisms, automatic air control devices, and ceiling mounted structures that allows the room to both provide air curtains of laminar flow sterilized air over the operating table, as well as to be quickly and completely sterilized. After suitable safety checks, the system isolates the interior air from external air, and activates an air phase anti-microbial agent generator, filing the room with air-phase anti-microbial agent. After sterilization, the invention deactivates the generator, removes the remaining air-phase anti-microbial agent by flowing room air through a catalytic converter, and then restores the connection to outside sterilized air. The ceiling mounted structure is configured for laminar flow air curtain delivery, supply lighting, and support boom mounted operating room equipment.

Abstract: A sealable decontamination holding vessel configured to isolate contaminated items being held therein until safe opening of the vessel occurs during a high pressure and temperature sterilization cycle in an autoclave. The vessel basically includes an outer container, a perforated inner receptacle, containment bag and cover lid. The inner receptacle fits into the outer container. The containment bag fits within the inner receptacle with an open end of the bag draped over an open top lip of the inner receptacle. The cover lid is secured and sealed over the open top of the outer container. Patches of self-adhering sealing materials are placed over vent holes in the outer container and cover lid so as to seal the same until they unseal in response to contact with sterilizing steam in the autoclave allowing flow of the steam through the outer container into the inner receptacle and containment bag.

Abstract: An assembly adapted to evaporate a volatile fluid having a device and a refill which are detachable from one another: the device includes a magnetic induction coil configured to operate with an alternating current passed therethrough at a frequency of between substantially 20 KHz to substantially 500 KHz and a volatile fluid transport part receiving area containing at least one piece of heat-conducting, non-magnetic metal foil and/or deposited heat-conducting, non-magnetic metal; and the refill includes a reservoir for the volatile fluid, a volatile fluid transport part to draw the fluid from the reservoir, and at least one magnetic susceptor having a coercivity of substantially 50 ampere/meter (HC) to substantially 1500 ampere/meter (HC).

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise an optical fiber that includes a core region having a core thickness and a cladding layer having a cladding layer thickness. The core region and the cladding layer may have material characteristics suitable for suturing biological tissue. The core thickness and the cladding layer thickness may be configured to cause at least a portion of light propagating in the core region to propagate out of the optical fiber through the cladding layer. The apparatus may also comprise a light source optically coupled to the optical fiber and configured to provide the light for propagation in the core region of the optical fiber. The apparatus may also comprise a suturing device coupled to the optical fiber and configured to guide the optical fiber for suturing the biological tissue.

Abstract: Embolic materials, suspensions, kits and related methods useful for embolization are disclosed. An embolic material can comprise a resorbable microsphere including cross-linked gelatin as its primary ingredient and having a substantially spherical shape with a diameter of about 50 micrometers to about 1,500 micrometers, inclusive. The microsphere can optionally include one or both of a marker or an active agent. The microsphere can be cross-linked, such as with glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde, which can affect the microsphere's in vivo degradation profile and ability to withstand a sterilization process at certain temperatures. In an embodiment, the microspheres can resorb during an in vivo time period of between about 24 hours and about 15 weeks, inclusive. An embolization suspension can include a plurality of resorbable microspheres and a liquid carrier, and the suspension can be disposed in a syringe, vial or other applicator for administration to a patient.

Abstract: Novel compositions for treating wounds and promoting the healing thereof are described, including composition containing novel combinations of a carrier and recombinant platelet derived growth factor having fewer isoforms and enhanced biostability. Methods of treating wounds with novel therapeutic composition using dosing procedures leading to effective results with a minimal number of treatment applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amphiphilic linear peptide and/or peptoid as well as a hy-drogel that includes the amphiphilic linear peptide/peptoid. The amphiphilic linear pep-tide/peptoid is capable of forming, a hydrogel. These peptides/peptoids include short amphi-philic sequences with a hydrophobic portion of aliphatic amino acids and at least one acidic, neutral, or basic polar amino acid. The amphiphilic linear peptide/peptoid is build up of non repetitive aliphatic amino acids, which may be in the L- or D-form. A plurality of such pep-tides/peptoids assembles to supramolecular helical fibers and forms peptide hydrogels after assembly: A corresponding hydrogel is formed in aqueous solutions at physiological pH and is thus useful for inter alia cell culture, tissue engineering, and drug release. Such hydrogels which are rigid, biocompatible and entrapping up to 99.9% of water are also well suited for applications utilizing electronic devices.

Abstract: A collagen-coated tissue-based membrane that is smooth on both sides so as to inhibit cell and tissue adhesion. The tissue-based membrane is a serous membrane having a fibrous surface and a smooth surface and the collagen is coated on the fibrous surface. Also provided are methods for making the collagen-coated tissue-based membrane.

Abstract: The present invention concerns biologically-active cell-free scaffolds composed of extracts of cellular and/or extracellular compartments for use in tissue regeneration. The present invention also contemplates the novel concept of redesigning the biological scaffold by seeding cells thereon followed by cell elimination. Cells are seeded on the scaffold for a period of time during which a dynamic interaction occurs between the scaffold and the seeded cells, resulting in reshaping of the scaffold architecture and integration of newly synthesized matrix elements. Redesigning may improve the physical and biological characteristics of the scaffold, and also improve the matching of the scaffold to treat a specific target tissue or a specific patient, by seeding tissue-specific cells or by seeding cells which are autologous to a patient, respectively.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composite, comprising: a polymer host selected from the group consisting of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polypropylene (PP), polyurethane, polycaprolactone (PCL), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polyoxymethylene (POM); and a guest molecule comprising hyaluronic acid; wherein the guest molecule is disposed within the polymer host, and wherein the guest molecule is covalently bonded to at least one other guest molecule. Also provided herein are methods for forming the composite, and blood-contracting devices made from the composite, such as heart valves and vascular grafts.

Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical instrument with a coating that provides excellent lubricity when wet. The medical instrument possesses a coating including a wet lubricating film with high peel durability and anti-eluting properties. In embodiments, an intermediate film made of bisphenol A type epoxy resin is coated on a base material of a medical instrument made of metal, and a wet lubricant coating produced by alkaline processing of a polymer alloy containing a methyl vinyl ether maleic anhydride copolymer and a polyether block amide is then applied thereto. Methods for making these medical instruments are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a body portion comprising a fluid inlet and an outlet, an expandable container secured to the body portion, at least one wicking element extending from within the body portion into the container, and at least one super absorber element arranged inside the container.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choana or the nasopharynx of a patient using a deployment instrument. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat.

Abstract: A catheter pump assembly is provided that includes a proximal a distal portion, a catheter body, an impeller, and a flow modifying structure. The catheter body has a lumen that extends along a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal portions. The impeller is disposed at the distal portion. The impeller includes a blade with a trailing edge. The flow modifying structure is disposed downstream of the impeller. The flow modifying structure has a plurality of blades having a leading edge substantially parallel to and in close proximity to the trailing edge of the blade of the impeller and an expanse extending downstream from the leading edge. In some embodiments, the expanse has a first region with higher curvature and a second region with lower curvature. The first region is between the leading edge and the second region.

Abstract: A compact hydraulic manifold for transporting shear sensitive fluids is provided. A channel network can include a trunk and branch architecture coupled to a bifurcation architecture. Features such as tapered channel walls, curvatures and angles of channels, and zones of low fluid pressure can be used to reduce the size while maintaining wall shear rates within a narrow range. A hydraulic manifold can be coupled to a series of microfluidic layers to construct a compact microfluidic device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for extra-corporal blood treatment, including an extra-corporal blood circulation for the pumping of blood, where individual components of the extra-corporal blood circulation are inside and outside of a casing of the device, and a base socket is attached below the casing, which includes a collection trough in which liquids leaking inside the casing can be collected. The device has a sensor with which the presence of liquid within the collection trough is measurable. The device includes receptacle resources for the reception of leaking liquids occurring outside of the casing, where the receptacle resources are developed so that, above a specified quantity, they route leaking liquids into the collection trough.

Abstract: A method for supplying rinsing solution during endoscopic interventions. The method including: conveying a rinsing solution by means of a rinsing solution pump from a rinsing solution supply to an endoscopic instrument to be introduced into the body cavity of a patient; and detecting at least one material characteristic of the rinsing solution by means of a measuring apparatus.