Abstract: The present invention relates to biofunctionalized nanoparticles and uses thereof in adoptive cell therapy. In particular, the present invention relates to a nanoparticle comprising an amount of at least one antigen and an amount of at least one antibody having specificity for a B cell receptor wherein the antigen and antibody are attached to the surface of the nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present application provides a multifunctional cyclodextrin dendrimer of the formula comprising at least one anionic residue and at least one non-ionic residue bound to the cyclodextrin ring structure, and methods of their manufacture. The multifunctional cyclodextrin dendrimer as described herein can be used for drug delivery.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method of treating HIV with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is disclosed. Specifically, MSCs are transduced with vectors incorporating an anti-viral fusion inhibitor, such as a C46-derived peptide or neutralizing antibody. The transduced MSCs are capable of expression the inhibitor and preventing HIV virus-cell fusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, systems, kits, and methods for expression of one or more biomolecules in a subject, human or non-human mammal, (e.g., at therapeutic levels for the extended periods of time required to produce therapeutic effects). In certain embodiments, compositions, systems, kits, and methods are provided that comprise a first composition comprising polycationic structures (e.g., empty cationic liposomes, cationic micelles, cationic emulsions, or cationic polymers) and a second composition comprising expression vectors (e.g., non-viral expression vectors not associated with liposomes or other carriers) encoding one or more biomolecules of interest.

Abstract: Methods of making and using recombinant AAV virions with decreased immunoreactivity are described. The recombinant AAV virions include mutated capsid proteins or are derived from non-primate mammalian AAV serotypes and isolates that display decreased immunoreactivity relative to AAV-2.

Abstract: The present technology relates to compositions and methods for modulating expression of genes which include a target oligonucleotide sequence, such as repeats of a particular oligonucleotide sequence containing 3 to 10 nucleotides. In particular aspects, the present technology relates to agents having a formula A-L-B, wherein -L- is a linker; A- is a Brd4 binding moiety; and —B is a nucleic acid binding moiety, such as a polyamide or complementary oligonucleotide, that specifically binds to the target oligonucleotide sequence.

Abstract: A system for monitoring biological processes in vivo is provided. The system comprises an implantable luciferase biosensor comprising luciferase in a biocompatible matrix and a caged luciferin probe. The caged luciferin probe can be administered to a living subject and upon encountering a biological activity, e.g., enzyme activity, the caged luciferin probe releases free luciferin which can then interact with the biosensor luciferase to generate light. The light can then be detected and/or measured by a light detector. Compositions, methods and kits related to the system are provided herein.

Abstract: A compound, a method of imaging a cell, and a method of detecting a cancer, an inflammatory disease, or a neoplastic disease are provided. The compound includes a nitroxide derivative of a fluorophore that is activatable upon exposure to free radicals. The method of imaging a cell includes contacting the cell with an activatable nitroxide derivative of a fluorophore. The method of detecting a cancer, an inflammatory disease, or a neoplastic disease includes administering an activatable nitroxide derivative of a fluorophore and then imaging one or more cells contacted with the compound.

Abstract: Provided herein are protein contrast agents and targeted protein contrast agents, formulations thereof, and methods of use, including but not limited to, as a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are iron oxide nanoparticles having an iron (II) content in a metastable state that is intermediate the iron (II) content of wüstite and magnetite. The disclosed iron oxide nanoparticles exhibit unexpectedly beneficial magnetic properties (e.g., saturation magnetization) resulting from both the size of the nanoparticles and the iron (II) content. Accordingly, the iron oxide nanoparticles are attractive for magnetic imaging applications, such as magnetic particle imaging. Methods of forming the iron oxide nanoparticles are also provided, such methods including a controlled oxidation step wherein a small amount (e.g., 1%) of gaseous oxygen is exposed to wüstite nanoparticles for a defined period of time sufficient to partially oxidize the wüstite but prevent conversion entirely to magnetite. Finally, methods of using the iron oxide nanoparticles are also provided. Representative methods include magnetic particle imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and hyperthermia.

Abstract: Materials and methods for synthesizing magnetic core/gold shell nanoparticles and magneto-plasmonic nanostars are provided. Formulations comprising nanoparticles optionally bound to or co-loaded with a therapeutic agent encapsulated within liposomes are provided. A method for treating diseases (e.g., brain diseases) in a subject by administering to the subject a formulation comprising the nanoparticle formulation is also provided. Further, a method is provided for imaging a target site of a subject following the administering of the nanoparticle formulations.

Abstract: An object is to provide a polymer having a high tumor/blood ratio. The present invention provides a polymer represented by the following formula (P1): wherein in the formula (P1), R represents any of a residue derived from a polymerization initiator, or a functional group; A may not be present, and when present, A represents any of a low-molecular compound, a dye, a reporter molecule, a target-binding molecule, a polymer or D; L represents a linker and L may not be present; n1 represents an integer of 1 or more; and D represents a dye backbone of a dye having absorption in the near-infrared region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-generating micelle prepared by coupling a polyethylene glycol derivative and an alkyl chloroformate. The gas-generating micelles according to the present invention are circulated in the body and deposited on the disease site to generate carbon dioxide, and thus a more enhanced ultrasonic diagnostic image can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for diagnosing pancreatic cancer, including measuring the expression level of ASCT1 and/or ASCT2 and/or XPR1. Also disclosed is a RBD ligand coupled to at least one contrast agent, that may be used as a probe for medical imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to diagnostic, detection, screening and imaging methods. In various embodiments, methods of diagnosis, detection, screening and imaging include administering a cationic steroid antimicrobial or CSA to a subject having or at risk of having an infection or a hyperproliferative disorder (e.g., a tumor, cancer or neoplasia) in an amount effective to diagnose or detect the infection or the hyperproliferative disorder (e.g., a tumor, cancer or neoplasia) in the subject. In a particular aspect, a detectable CSA, namely CSA-13 labeled with 99mTc is used to detect the presence of an infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for producing site specific PEG modifications to single domain antibodies (e.g., VHHs). Methods for producing site-specific ally conjugated bivalent single domain antibodies (e.g., VHHs) are also provided. Methods for labeling (e.g., with a fluorophore or radionuclide) site-specifically PEGylated single domain antibodies and site-specifically conjugated bivalent single domain antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser (1) includes a cold water tank (20) for storing cold water (50), a carbonation tank (30) disposed with at least a bottom portion thereof being submerged in the cold water (50) in the cold water thank (20), the carbonation tank being configured to generate carbonated water (60) by adding carbon dioxide gas to the cold water (50) supplied from the cold water tank (20), a carbonated water outlet passage (35) for taking out the carbonated water (60) from the carbonation tank (30) and a heater (41) for heating the cold water (50) in the cold water tank (20). In order to sterilize the above beverage dispenser (1), the heater (41) is caused to heat the cold water (50) in the cold water tank (20) to a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, thereby to sterilize the cold water tank (20) and the carbonation tank (30).

Abstract: A sterile packaging unit includes a disposable bioprocessing component (20) and a packaging (30). The disposable bioprocessing component (20) has a component wall that encloses a processing space and on which is secured a sensor system (40) with at least one sensor head (T, P, I, L, D) and with attached sensor electronics (42) that include a memory unit (44). The packaging (30) hermetically encloses the disposable bioprocessing component (20) and has a flexible packaging wall. The disposable bioprocessing component (20) and the packaging (30). are sterilized by being jointly irradiated with ionizing radiation. The sensor electronics (42) are connected electrically to a contact unit (34) extending through the packaging wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preventing bacterial cross-contamination between a user's personal item and a bacterially sensitive environment. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for sanitizing a user's hands and cell phone prior to the user entering into a steril operating room, thereby minimizing the introduction of contaminants via the cell phone.

Abstract: An ultraviolet illuminator for providing a cleaning treatment to a medical device is disclosed. The ultraviolet illuminator can include an ultraviolet cleaning treatment system that operates in conjunction with at least one ultraviolet radiation source and sensor to clean surfaces of a medical device for purposes of disinfection, sterilization, and/or sanitization. The ultraviolet illuminator is suitable for a wide variety of medical devices, instruments and equipment. Stethoscopes and medical instrument probes are illustrative examples of some devices that can be used with the ultraviolet illuminator.

Abstract: Introduced herein are techniques for bringing scented advertisements into digital content (e.g., visual content and non-visual content). Such technology is able to address a fundamental challenge that is inherent in digital transactions, namely, an inability to accurately gauge different characteristics of a product. Several embodiments pertain to scent delivery systems that are able to produce scent(s) as part of a direct advertising campaign or an indirect advertising campaign. More specifically, a scent delivery system may be configured to produce scents that correspond to features of the digital content. For example, different scented materials can be dispensed based on characteristics of a product that is the subject of a scented advertisement.

Abstract: A scent dispenser includes a housing, holder having scent cartridge receiver(s) to removably hold scent cartridges, baffle(s) with a port which is positionable, actuator(s) (e.g., stepper motors), and a control subsystem that drives the actuators to position the baffles to selectively dispense scent from the scent cartridges. The scent cartridges can have passages, at least some of which contain scent media, and optionally one passage without scent media. The housing can be cylindrical and fittable in a cup holder of an automobile. The scent dispenser can have vents at a bottom, a grille at a top, and an air mover (e.g., fan) to create an air flow from the vents through the grille, passing through any scent channels which are aligned with the ports to dispense scent. One or more substrates (e.g., printed circuit boards) can have apertures (e.g., large central passage) to facilitate the air flow.

Abstract: The mitigation of indoor pathogens comprises quantifying, using a bio-aerosol monitoring system, the amount of total pathogens in the air and on surfaces within an indoor environment. Moreover, the process comprises sanitizing the indoor environment with portable equipment to stabilize the indoor environment when it is determined that the indoor environment is contaminated. Also, the process comprises installing a purification device within a contaminated area of the indoor environment, and monitoring continuously, the indoor environment after sanitizing, for pathogens. Still further, the process comprises releasing a purifying agent upon detecting pathogens in the indoor environment, and providing periodic maintenance to the purification device.

Abstract: A photocatalytic element including: a photocatalytic layer containing at least one photocatalytic material; and a light emitting source in optical communication with the photocatalytic material, the light emitting source disposed sufficiently proximal to the photocatalytic material to raise the surface temperature of at least some of the photocatalytic material to a temperature between 10° C. and 90° C. is provided.

Abstract: A sanitary product with an active ingredient for reduction of the pH value of vaginal environment and/or external genitals, where the active ingredient contains crystalline lactic acid or salts thereof, and is applied on the surface layer of the sanitary product designed for contact with body and/or in the internal structure of the sanitary product. Lactic acid and/or salts thereof are contained in the active ingredient in the form of monoglyceryl monoester coating for sustained release of lactic acid from the sanitary product. Furthermore, the active ingredient contains the probiotic culture from the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Streptococcus family, and prebiotic component from the group consisting of inulin or fructooligosaccharides.

Abstract: The invention provides novel hemostasis, tissue barriers, wound healing and cosmetology materials based on biocompatible carboxymethylcellulose, and methods for their preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: Fibrous structures, for example sanitary tissue products, such as toilet tissue, containing one or more sensates, more particularly one or more TRPM8 receptor triggering agents, a sensate composition, for example surface softening composition, comprising one or more TRPM8 receptor triggering agents, and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: Articles are treated with a reduced amount of a halo active aromatic sulfanomide compound of Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, COOR?, CON(R?)2, alkoxy, CN, NO2, SO3R?, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, sulfonamide, halosulfonamide, and substituted or unsubstituted C1-C12 alkyl; R? is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, substituted C1-C12 alkyl, or unsubstituted C1-C12 alkyl; and R? is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C12 alkyl, where the two R? groups in CON(R?)2 may be independently selected; X is halogen; M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; and n is the number of water molecules per molecule of the sulfonamide compound. The compound effectively suppresses odors pre-use, in use, and post-use for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A composition for the adhesion of biological tissues to one another, for the adhesion of a material to a biological tissue, for the adhesion of an adhesive or of a substance to the surface of a biological tissue, for blocking an orifice in a biological tissue, for reinforcing a biological tissue and/or for fixing and stabilising a biological tissue. A monomer that is polymerisable under the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and in that the viscosity of said composition is less than 10 mPa·s at 20° C.

Abstract: To provide a means which can suppress a decrease in the effect of preventing enzyme leakage and a decrease in adhesive strength (pressure resistance) when attaching body tissues by using a tissue adhesive containing a protein. A method for attaching body tissues by applying a tissue adhesive containing a protein to the body tissues includes a heat treatment of the protein simultaneously with or after applying the tissue adhesive to the body tissues.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having a metal surface and a hydroxyapatite layer comprising gallium ions therein disposed on at least part of the metal surface is described. The hydroxyapatite layer has an average crystallite size of less than about 75 nm in at least one direction and dissolves for more than 2 hours in vitro. The hydroxyapatite layer is substantially free of carbonate. The coating, which is formed on a sodium titanate surface, has increased shear strength and tensile strength. The coating is formed by a solution deposited hydroxyapatite process under inert conditions. The pH of the solution varies by less than 0.1 pH unit/hour during coating formation.

Abstract: A biocompatible nerve conduit for nerve re-generation, wherein a porous fiber tube is coated with a bioresorbable hydrogel, with the fibers being formed from a polymer that supports nerve regeneration by preferential adsorption of endogenous proteins and braided with pores in the range from 5 to 200 micrometers using a kink-resistant braiding pattern and the hydro gel coating material and thickness being selected to control the overall porosity, so that nutrients and oxygen can diffuse through said hydrogel coating but the infiltration of fibrous tissue through the coating is prevented.

Abstract: A biodegradable scaffold, a low-molecular weight thioketal, and a method of forming a biodegradable scaffold are provided. The biodegradable scaffold includes a thioketal and an isocyanate, where the thioketal is linked to the isocyanate to form the scaffold. The low-molecular weight thioketal includes 2,2-dimethoxypropane and thioglycolic acid, wherein the thioketal includes at least two hydroxyl terminal groups. The method of forming the biodegradable scaffold includes blending a thioketal with an excess isocyanate, forming a quasi-prepolymer, mixing the thioketal, the quasi-prepolymer, and a ceramic, and then adding a catalyst to form the biodegradable scaffold. The thioketal is a low-molecular weight thioketal having at least two hydroxyl terminal groups.

Abstract: A bone-regeneration material that contains calcium phosphate particles in biodegradable fibers of PLGA manufactured by electrospinning. A PLGA resin is heated in a kneader until the resin viscosity becomes 102 to 107 Pa·s. A powder of calcium phosphate fine particles is added while the blade is rotated. The mixture is kneaded by continuous rotation of the blade in the heated state to disperse the calcium phosphate fine particles to obtain a composite having calcium phosphate fine particles dispersed in the PLGA resin. The composite is dissolved by a solvent, and the PLGA resin is completely dissolved by agitation for a prescribed duration to prepare a spinning solution in which the calcium phosphate fine particles are dispersed. Electrospinning is performed on the spinning solution to manufacture biodegradable fibers having therein the calcium phosphate fine particles substantially uniformly dispersed.

Abstract: Provided is a method of mineralizing tissue, including placing within a body of a subject a substance, wherein the substance includes osteopontin and osteocalcin. Also provided is a tissue mineralization-promoting substance including osteopontin and osteocalcin, and an article for promoting tissue mineralization, including an implant which may be an orthopedic implant or an endosseous implant, and a substance disposed on a surface of the implant including osteopontin, and osteocalcin. A method of making a tissue mineralization-promoting substance, including combining osteopontin and osteocalcin, is also provided. Other features, including calcium phosphate, type-I collagen, mesenchymal stem cells, and growth factors, are also provided.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having a metal surface and a calcium phosphate layer disposed on at least part of the metal surface is described. The calcium phosphate layer has an average crystallite size of less than about 100 nm in at least one direction and dissolves for more than 2 hours in vitro. The calcium phosphate layer is substantially free of carbonate. The coating, which is formed on a sodium titanate surface, has increased shear strength and tensile strength. The coating is formed by a solution deposited hydroxyapatite process under inert conditions. The pH of the solution varies by less than 0.1 pH unit/hour during coating formation.

Abstract: Compositions comprising unseparated amnion/chorion derived from the placenta and methods of preparing and using those compositions are provided. Washing or preservation of placental tissue according to the methods of the disclosure may allow for one or more benefits such as more efficient removal of blood remnants, retention of wound healing and tissue regeneration components, better handling characteristics, increased absorption potential, or improved healing capacity. The present invention also includes methods of healing a wound of the skin, eye, nerve, tendon, or dura comprising applying the compositions of the invention to the wound.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of a heart valve following implantation in a vessel having a wall are disclosed. In one aspect the method includes providing a bioprosthetic heart valve mounted on an elastical stent; treating the bioprosthetic heart valve with a tissue fixative; coating the stent and the bioprosthetic valve with a coating composition including one or more therapeutic agents; implanting the bioprosthetic valve into the vessel in a diseased natural valve site; eluting the coating composition from the bioprosthetic valve; and inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of the bioprosthetic heart valve by preventing the attachment of stem cells to the bioprosthetic heart valve, the stem cells circulating external and proximate to the bioprosthetic heart valve by activating nitric oxide production (i) in the circulating stem cells, (ii) in an endothelial cell lining covering the bioprosthetic heart valve tissue, (iii) or both.

Abstract: Described is a formulation and method for reducing and treating bacterial infections in humans and animals with digested or non-digested extracellular matrix materials derived from non-epithelial and epithelial tissues.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for treating or processing tissue, and tissue products made using such systems and methods. Also provided are ball mill processing devices and systems useful for processing materials such as tissue. The methods involve combining tissue with or without a processing solution in a processing vessel and applying resonant acoustic energy thereto. The resonant acoustic energy rapidly agitates the tissue with the processing solution by vibration, thereby improving the rate and/or efficiency of processing. The general method provided is broadly applicable to a variety of tissue processing methods, the processing solution and features of the resonant acoustic energy being selected based on the type of tissue to be processed and the nature of the processing to be performed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a sheet-like cell structure having excellent strength and shape-maintaining performance, and a sheet-like cell structure having excellent strength and shape-maintaining performance. According to the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a sheet-like cell structure, including: a step of adding a biocompatible macromolecular block, a cell, and a liquid medium onto a culture support body having a plurality of recessed portions on a culture surface, and immersing the biocompatible macromolecular block and the cell in uppermost portions of the recessed portions; and a step of culturing the cell to obtain a sheet-like cell structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide having the ability to bind specifically to the surface of titanium. The titanium-binding peptide according to the present invention is fixed securely to the titanium surface so that the activity of a physiologically active substance linked to the peptide can be stably maintained over a long period of time. Thus, the peptide can be effectively used for surgical regeneration therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bio-link composition having improved physical and biological properties and, more specifically to a bio-link composition, which exhibits, through a combination of specific contents of components, high viscosity, strong shear-thinning tendencies, formations of fast cross linkages, and appropriate mechanical properties after printing. The bio-ink composition of the present invention is capable of being used very usefully in the preparation of three-dimensional bio-printed tissue-like organs and internal transplantable tissue structures.

Abstract: The invention provides a scaffold of extracellular matrix polymers with recombinant chimeric peptides tethered thereto. The invention also provides recombinant chimeric peptides of antimicrobial peptides and extracellular matrix binding domains. The invention also provides methods for treating chronic wounds using the scaffold and/or recombinant chimeric peptides.

Abstract: Tissue scaffolds for neural tissue growth have a plurality of microchannels disposed within a sheath. Each microchannel comprises a porous wall having a thickness of ?about 100 ?m that is formed from a biocompatible and biodegradable material comprising a polyester polymer. The polyester polymer may be polycaprolactone, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer, and combinations thereof. The tissue scaffolds have high open volume % enabling superior (linear and high fidelity) neural tissue growth, while minimizing inflammation near the site of implantation in vivo. In other aspects, methods of making such tissue scaffolds are provided. Such a method may include mixing a reduced particle size porogen with a polymeric precursor solution. The material is cast onto a template and then can be processed, including assembly in a sheath and removal of the porogen, to form a tissue scaffold having a plurality of porous microchannels.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulations comprising polymers and therapeutics and methods for their manufacture. The present invention also provides medical devices coated with such formulations and methods for their manufacture. The drug-loaded polymer formulations, solutions, and films tailor the drug release characteristics for medical devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antimicrobial coating compositions that are used to form residual antimicrobial coatings on medical implements and medical devices including the components of medical equipment such as CPAP/BiPAP machines. Antimicrobial coating compositions comprise at least one of an organosilane (R1O)3Si—R2—Z, an organic amine R9R10R11N, a titanium (IV) species, a 1,2-diol, an ?-hydroxy acid, ?-hydroxy acid, and an organosilane grafted parylene polymer, wherein R1 is H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl, R2 is a bivalent linker, Z is a nucleophile, leaving group, or quaternary nitrogen substituent, and R9, R10, and R11 are independently H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl or cyclic.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure provide compositions, coatings and implantable devices including a drug and an excipient. In certain embodiments the excipient and the drug are present at a weight ratio of between 10 to 1 and 1 to 10 drug to excipient. In certain other embodiments, the excipient and the drug form particles in which the drug is encapsulated by the excipient. Other aspects of the disclosure provide methods of manufacturing and using such compositions, coatings and implantable devices.

Abstract: An absorbable implantable medical device made of iron-based alloy, including a base made of iron-based alloy and a complex, wherein the complex includes a complexing agent. In a physiological solution, the base made of iron-based alloy can react with the complexing agent to generate a water-soluble iron complex having solubility in the physiological solution of no less than 10 mg/L. A corrosion product generated after the absorbable implantable medical device made of iron-based alloy is implanted in a human body can be quickly metabolized/absorbed by the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical needle used for performing a piercing or insertion operation on an object repetitively, the medical needle comprising a needle body and a metallic glass material layer formed on a surface of the needle body, the metallic glass material layer comprising an alloy consisting of aluminum, zirconium, copper and tantalum. With the presence of the metallic glass material layer covering the needle body, the medical needle may maintain its sharpness after having performed multiple piercing or insertion operations to enhance durability, minimize the increase of maximum piercing or insertion force resulted from piercing or insertion operations, and decrease injury to the object caused by piercing or insertion operations.