Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of synthesis of polymeric scaffolds, e.g., those useful for conjugating with a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) to form PBRM-polymer-drug conjugates, and PBRM-polymer-drug conjugates thereof. The methods according to the disclosure allow for large-scale preparation of polymeric scaffolds having a high purity. In some embodiments, the methods according to the disclosure also allow for the preparation of scaffolds and conjugates thereof in better yield than previously used methods for preparing same. Also disclosed are methods of purifying polymeric scaffolds.

Abstract: Provided herein are immunoconjugates comprising an anti-ROR1 antibody or an antigen-fragment fragment thereof and a drug moiety. These immunoconjugates are useful for treating ROR1 expressing cancers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides particles with a polymeric core containing a pharmaceutically active agent; and an antibody fragment conjugated to the surface of the particle, wherein the antibody fragment targets an endogenous immune cell subset (e.g., an endogenous T-cell or a myeloid-derived suppressor cell). The present invention provides methods for forming and methods for using the particles. The particles described herein may be useful in treating and/or preventing proliferative disease, inflammatory disease, or neoplastic disorders (e.g., cancer, autoimmune diseases). Also provided in the present disclosure are pharmaceutical compositions, kits, methods, and uses including or using a particle described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are formulations, including both liquid and lyophilized formulations, comprising a benzodiazepine antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and a cyclodextrin. Also disclosed are methods of purifying mixtures comprising benzodiazepine antibody-drug conjugates and process drug-related impurities.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies directed against a highly specific and previously unrecognized marker for cancerous cells. In certain embodiments an isolated antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds human placentally expressed ALPP and/or ALPPL2, but not ALPL and ALPI that are expressed outside the placenta is provided as well as immunoconjugates comprising such antibodies.

Abstract: Described herein are hybrid nanoparticles that are exosomes loaded with one or more nanoparticle dendrimers. Also included are pharmaceutical compositions including the hybrid nanoparticles and methods of making the hybrid nanoparticles. Also described is a method of treating a human subject by administering to the human subject the above-described hybrid nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-specific binding conjugate, a related composition and use. The binding conjugate comprises binding moieties for two or more different receptors, co-receptors, antigens or cellular markers which moieties are coupled by a nanomaterial. The multi-specific binding conjugate can be used to modulate an immune response, treat or prevent a disease or condition (e.g., a cancer, autoimmune disease, pathogen infection or inflammatory disease).

Abstract: A nucleic acid trans-splicing molecule is provided that can replace an exon in a targeted mammalian ocular gene carrying a defect or mutation causing an ocular disease with an exon having the naturally-occurring sequence without the defect or mutation. A method of treating an ocular disease, e.g., Stargardt's Disease, caused by a defect or mutation in a target gene, e.g., ABCA4 comprising: administering to the ocular cells of a subject having an ocular disease a composition comprising a recombinant AAV comprising a nucleic acid trans-splicing molecule as described above.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions of treating Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) based on administering an mRNA encoding a frataxin protein.

Abstract: Provided herein are materials and methods for efficiently delivering nucleic acids to cochlear and vestibular cells.

Abstract: Codon optimized nucleic acid sequences for the long form and short form of RdCVF are provided, as well as recombinant viral vectors, such as AAV, expression cassettes, proviral plasmids or other plasmids containing the codon optimized sequences. Recombinant vectors are provided that express the codon optimized RdCVFL and RdCVF individually, or express two copies of a codon optimized RdCVF or RdCVFL nucleic acid sequence, or both RdCVFL and RdCVF in a single vector or virus. Compositions containing these codon optimized sequences are useful in methods for treating, retarding or halting certain blinding diseases resulting from the absence or inappropriate expression of RdCVF and RdCVFL.

Abstract: A method of targeting bacterially-derived, intact minicells to specific, non-phagocytic mammalian cells employs bispecific ligands to deliver nucleic acids efficiently to the mammalian cells. Bispecific ligands, comprising (i) a first arm that carries specificity for a bacterially-derived minicell surface structure and (ii) a second arm that carries specificity for a non-phagocytic mammalian cell surface receptor are useful for targeting minicells to specific, non-phagocytic mammalian cells and causing endocytosis of minicells by non-phagocytic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oncolytic adenovirus simultaneously expressing interleukin-12 and shVEGF, and an antitumor immunity enhancing composition and an anticancer effect promoting composition each containing the same. The present inventors verified that the simultaneous occurrence of VEGF inhibition and IL-12 expression induced the recovery of an immune function and the promotion of an anticancer effect in an immunological mouse melanoma or kidney cancer model. Especially, the applicability of a gene carrier simultaneously expressing IL-2 and shVEGF in the cancer gene therapy was first established by disclosing that the increased anticancer effect is involved in an increase in anticancer immunity, an increase in TH 1 cytokine, and the prevention of tumor induced thymic atrophy.

Abstract: The invention provides a polynucleotide sequence (e.g., a gene, e.g., DNA or RNA) encoding UGT1A1 (e.g., expressing human UGT1A1). The invention further provides a vector, such as an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector (e.g., AAV8) having a vector genome including inverted terminal repeat sequences and a UGT1A1 coding sequence operably linked to one or more expression control sequences (e.g., expression control sequences including a liver-specific promoter). Also provided are compositions containing these AAV vectors and methods of treating Crigler-Nijjar syndrome type I, Crigler-Nijjar syndrome type II, and Gilbert syndrome.

Abstract: The disclosure features amino lipids and compositions involving the same. Nanoparticle compositions include an amino lipid as well as additional lipids such as phospholipids, structural lipids, PEG lipids, or a combination thereof. Nanoparticle compositions further including therapeutic and/or prophylactic agents such as RNA are useful in the delivery of therapeutic and/or prophylactic agents to mammalian cells or organs to, for example, regulate polypeptide, protein, or gene expression.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for the expression of CRISPR guide RNAs using the H1 promoter. In particular, compositions and methods are provided for the use of the H1 promoter to express CRISPR guide RNA (gRNA) with altered specificity of the 5? nucleotide, as well as use of the H1 promoter sequence as a bidirectional promoter to express Cas9 nuclease and the gRNA simultaneously. Compositions and methods are also provided for the expression and regulation of gRNA expression in vivo through the use of RNA ribozymes and regulatable aptazymes.

Abstract: Methods for lowering the placebo effect or inducing an Acebo effect in a clinical trial are disclosed. The methods are directed to including a group of subjects in a clinical trial wherein the additional group is administered a substance that has at least one known effect which can worsen the disease or disorder that is being studied in the clinical trial, or can cause one of the primary or secondary subsymptoms of the disease or disorder that is being studied in the clinical trial, or can cause a related or unrelated effect of the disease or disorder that is being studied in the clinical trial (an Acebo).

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are methods for detecting cancer using nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides non-human animal models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Also provided are methods for producing the non-human animal models and uses of the non-human animal models to screen and evaluate agents for treating or preventing NAFLD.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polymers which contain a hydrophobic and hydrophilic segment which is sensitive to pH. In some aspects, the polymers form a micelle which is sensitive to pH and results in a change in fluorescence based upon the particular pH. In some aspects, the disclosure also provides methods of using the polymers for the imaging of cellular or extracellular environment or delivering a drug.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, pH-triggered compounds and compositions comprising one or more peptides that are capable of inserting into a lipid bilayer below a certain pH. Treatment, imaging, diagnostic, and other uses of such compounds and compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for imaging nerve cells. The composition includes a fluorescent dye; and a viral component including a neurotropic herpes varicellae unable to replicate in nerve cells, a viral protein of a neurotropic herpes varicellae unable to replicate in nerve cells, a capsid of a neurotropic herpes varicellae unable to replicate in nerve cells, or a combination thereof. The fluorescent dye is bound to the viral component to form a dye/viral component complex that is capable of penetrating nerve cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods comprising (i) obtaining a baseline chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI image of a patient, (ii) administering an effective amount of a non-nutritive sweetener to the patient, and (iii) obtaining one or more test CEST MRI image of the patient subsequent to the administering step (ii); wherein the step (i) and (iii) acquisition parameters are substantially the same. The non-nutritive sweetener may include a natural or artificial sugar alcohol, polyol, or combinations or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a probe for detecting in vivo hydrogen sulfide, specifically, a probe for detecting hydrogen sulfide including a complex compound into which a radioactive isotope Cu is introduced. According to specific embodiments of the present disclosure, as a result of real-time observing animal models, in which hydrogen sulfide involved in various diseases is generated in a large quantity, through optical and nuclear medicine imaging, the probe for detecting hydrogen sulfide according to the present disclosure may selectively bind with hydrogen sulfide to provide images of a site where hydrogen sulfide has abnormally increased in a cell or a tissue, thereby detecting a disease in an unexpected site without affecting the anatomical properties of the body. In addition, the probe for detecting hydrogen sulfide quickly reacts with hydrogen sulfide, thereby solving the existing problem of waiting a predetermined time for testing after an imaging agent is injected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, radiolabeled mGluR2/3 ligands, selective versus other mGlu receptors which are useful for imaging and quantifying the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu2 and 3 in tissues, using positron-emission tomography (PET). The invention is also directed to compositions comprising such compounds, to processes for preparing such compounds and compositions, to the use of such compounds and compositions for imaging a tissue, cells or a mammal, in vitro or in vivo and to precursors of said compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic took to dispose numerous disease states and/or conditions. The presets invention, represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these disease states. The novel imaging probe is capable of detecting infected cells, as well tissue. The methods described herein are able to diagnose, treat and/or monitor the therapy of numerous diseases and conditions including atherosclerosis, atherothrombosis, cerebral vascular disease, cerebral ischemia, cerebral infarct and meningitis as well as pneumonitis, pericarditis, multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus and pancreatitis, among others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and using these cells in conjunction with nuclear medicine imaging methods to image cancer tumors. The MDSC cells are separated from blood and either radiolabeled with nuclear medicine agents or pretargeting agents and reinjected in patient. The cells preferentially concentrate in tumors allowing imaging of cancer tumors. The imaging technique can be used to image tumors for diagnosis and/or assessment of treatment response for cancer patients undergoing cancer treatments.

Abstract: According to one implementation an assembly is provided that includes an end emitting optical that is configured to end emit bacterial disinfecting light. A portion of the length of the end emitting optical fiber resides in a lumen of a body. The body has an internal disinfecting target area. The end emitted bacterial disinfecting light is configured to impinge on one or more surfaces disposed on or in the body, the one or more surfaces being configured to alter the trajectory of the bacterial disinfecting light so that the bacterial disinfecting light is directed toward the disinfecting target area via a designated disinfecting light pathway.

Abstract: A steam sterilizer having a door movable relative to an opening between a first open position and a second closed position. A plurality of spaced-apart roller assemblies are aligned along edges of the door to align the door relative to the opening as the door moves between the open and closed position. Each of the roller assemblies are comprised of a cylindrical roller having an outer annual recess extending along the periphery thereof. The recess is dimensioned to receive a lateral edge of the door. The roller is mounted on a shaft and is movable against a biasing force axially along the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: In an example, a method of operating a UV light source for a vehicle includes measuring an amount of power on a commodity power feeder, determining when the measured amount of power is greater than a threshold amount of power and, responsively, actuating a switch to a first state in which the switch decouples the UV light source from the power on the commodity power feeder. The method also includes determining when the measured amount of power is less than the threshold amount of power and responsively actuating the switch to a second state in which the switch couples the UV light source to the power on the commodity power feeder. The method also includes, while the switch is in the second state, activating the UV light source, using the power from the commodity power feeder, to emit UV light in the vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes multiple devices configured to emit and detect germicidal radiation. Each of the multiple devices operates in emitting mode when connected to a drive source in a forward bias configuration and operates in detecting mode when disconnected from the drive source or when connected to the drive source in a reverse bias configuration. Cycling circuitry generates a sequence of control signals that control switching circuitry to change the connections of the devices to the drive source in a cycle in which one or more of the multiple devices are switched to detecting mode and senses radiation emitted by one or more of the multiple devices simultaneously operating in emitting mode. Each device operating in detecting mode generates a signal in response to the sensed radiation. Detection circuitry detects signals of the devices operating in detecting mode and generates a detection output in response to the detected signals.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for sterilizing a sleeve that can shorten a sterilization process for a paper container sleeve and ensure a sterilization effect. In a method for sterilizing a sleeve in an aseptic filling system that molds the sleeve into a paper container having a bottomed tubular shape by closing surfaces of an open end part of the sleeve and performs sterilization, filling and sealing of the paper container, the sleeve being a tubular body having walls formed by laminating at least paper, in a state where the sleeve stands in a columnar shape, heated air containing a sterilizer is blasted to an inner surface of the sleeve that is to form a bottom part of the paper container to perform sterilization of the inner surface of the bottom part and heating for the closing at the same time.

Abstract: A method for controlling infections in a facility such as a hospital or foodservice establishment is provided. The method comprises tagging assets, monitoring asset location and pathogen contamination for each asset over time, analyzing data sets to identify which assets are the critical control points for pathogen transfer, and coating a residual self-sanitizing coating composition on each asset identified as a critical control point. The infection control method shuts down pathogen transfer routes by mitigating or eliminating pathogen growth on the critical control points.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling hospital acquired infections by targeting critical control points for pathogen transfer. An infection control apparatus comprises an asset tagging unit; a spraying unit; a power supply unit; optionally a DNA/RNA sequencing unit; and a computing unit comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with program instructions for controlling the asset tagging unit and the spraying unit to perform a method of infection control in the facility. In general, the apparatus is used to identify which assets are critical control points for pathogen transfer and to treat those assets with a residual self-sanitizing coating.

Abstract: In an example, a light control system includes a power converter and a UV light source. The power converter includes an input for receiving an input power from a power source during a time interval, a power buffer for storing power using the input power received at the input during a first portion of the time interval, and an output for outputting a supply power during a second portion of the time interval. The supply power includes a combination of power from (i) the input power received at the input during the second portion of the time interval and (ii) the power stored in the power buffer during the first portion of the time interval. The UV light source is configured to, using the supply power during the second portion of the time interval, emit UV light at an intensity providing a target level of antimicrobial efficacy.

Abstract: A cleanliness indication system and a method that indicate that a surface of a component is clean. The cleanliness indication system and method include a photoluminescent indicator that is configured to be on the surface of the component. The photoluminescent indicator is configured to be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during a UV light sanitizing cycle. The photoluminescent indicator emits light due to exposure to the UV light. The photoluminescent indicator indicates that the surface of the component is clean by emitting the light due to exposure to the UV light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, device and system, by means of which the temperature of liquid can be controlled, via solid surfaces which are humidified and supplied with an airflow, as well as acquiring moisture via being in contact with a water source, which water source, as well as said surfaces, tend to cool down, and in doing so, same and any equipment subject to the same laws and/or phenomena will lose efficiency due to the change in temperature of the liquids involved in the humidification process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a digital aroma system that provides a scented air on demand to various devices in various forms and user held devices including: remote controls and mobile computing devices. Dry fragrance infused substrates are contained in fragrance cartridges that are removably mounted in a cassette that is connected to a manifold that has airway passages that are connected to fans or pumps that are controlled by a computer processor. In response to a fragrance control signal, the processor can selectively direct scented air having a specified fragrance to a system user.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing method, the method comprising steps of: providing a drop on demand apparatus comprising a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir; selecting a subset of the plurality; dispensing fluid via the selected subset of the plurality; pausing all dispensing of fluid; selecting a second subset of the plurality; dispensing fluid via the second selected subset of the plurality.

Abstract: The invention provides a shape memory spacer fabric composite, being a spacer fabric coated with a shape memory polymer layer, wherein the spacer fabric comprises a first outer layer, a second outer layer and an intermediate spacing layer connecting the first outer layer and the second outer layer; the shape memory polymer layer is made from at least one block or random copolymer selected from the group consisting of the following: polyesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyols; the copolymer has at least one phase transition temperature in a range of 40˜80° C.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit of parts suitable for preparing a cured biocompatible silicone polymer material including an X-ray contrast agent, the kit comprising two or more containers containing a fluid component, which components—when mixed—form a fluid curable biocompatible polymer composition, which upon curing forms the cured biocompatible silicone polymer material, wherein a first container contains a fluid component A, which component A comprises a curable silicone (pre-)polymer and a curing agent and which component A is essentially free of curing catalyst and metallic X-ray contrast agent particles, and a second container contains a fluid component B, which component B is a dispersion comprising metallic X-ray contrast agent particles and which is essentially free of curing agent.

Abstract: Wound dressings and wound inserts comprising substantially dry reactive agents, methods of forming wound inserts comprising dry reactive agents, and wound-treatment methods.

Abstract: Provided herein are biodegradable poly(ester amide) elastomers, methods of making the elastomers, and methods of using the elastomers, for example for tissue engineering. The elastomers can be used for preparation of tissue prostheses, such as a heart valve leaflet, a heart valve, cartilage, myocardium, blood vessels, smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, or other tissues. Also provided herein are semiquantitative FTIR methods for determining structure of a poly(ester amide) elastomer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of producing acellular cartilage grafts. The method includes steps of, subjecting a cartilage matrix derived from an animal to alkaline, disinfection and decelluarization treatments. The thus produced cartilage graft is devoid of any cellular matters, while maintaining the porosity and integrity of collagen fibers therein, thus is suitable as a xenograft for host cells to grown thereon. Also disclosed herein is a method for treating osteochondral disease of a subject, in which the present acellular cartilage graft is applied to a lesion site of the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a cell growth scaffold having a structural memory feature, comprising a step of preparing a micro-fibrous or flocculent acellular tissue matrix material; a step of preparing an acidification-treated hydrogel-like acellular tissue matrix particles; proportionally mixing the micro-fibrous or flocculent acellular tissue matrix material with the acidification-treated hydrogel-like acellular tissue matrix particles, followed by injection-molding, freezing treatment, radiation treatment, and ultimately preparing a porous cell growth scaffold that can be stored at room temperature. The prepared cell growth scaffold is a porous cell growth scaffold that has no chemical crosslinking, and has a biological activity, a stable three-dimensional structure and a structural memory feature.

Abstract: Disclosed are bioprinters for rapidly fabricating biological tubes comprising extruding a bio-ink filament onto a rotating mandrel. Also disclosed are methods of rapidly fabricating biological tubes comprising extruding a bio-ink filament onto a rotating mandrel, maturing the deposited bio-ink filament, and removing the biological tube from the mandrel. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating a multilayered biological tube. Also disclosed are engineered biological tubes prepared using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Combination compositions comprising self-assembling peptides and payload agents, and methods of making and using such compositions, are described.

Abstract: Novel hybrid materials and fabrication methods thereof are provided. The novel hybrid materials can include a biodegradable polymer and a biodegradable metallic material. The hybrid material can also include a coupling agent between the biodegradable metallic material and the biodegradable polymer. A method of fabricating a hybrid material can include performing a surface treatment process on the biodegradable metallic material, and then either performing a solvent formation method or a thermal formation method.

Abstract: High strength biomedical materials and processes for making the same are disclosed. Included in the disclosure are nanoporous hydrophilic solids that can be extruded with a high aspect ratio to make high strength medical catheters and other devices with lubricious and biocompatible surfaces. Polymers may be entrapped in pores of materials to provide a durable modification of the materials.