Abstract: Compositions of either the Rm86Texas protein from a Texas outbreak strain of the southern cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, or a nucleic acid construct incorporating a nucleic acid sequence encoding this Rm86Texas protein, are effective for eliciting a protective immune response in non-bovine animals. The Rm86Texas protein is immunogenic and can be administered as a protein vaccine, or in the alternative, the nucleic acid construct can be utilized as a DNA vaccine. Induction of the immune response significantly reduces or eliminates the infestation of treated, non-bovine animals with ticks. Moreover, as ticks are vectors of a variety of pathogens, the reduction in the incidence of tick infestation afforded by the vaccines may concurrently reduce the incidence of diseases caused by these pathogens in susceptible animals.

Abstract: There is described a kit for use in inducing an immune response in a mammal, the kit includes: a first virus that expresses MAGEA3, Human Papilloma Virus E6/E7 fusion protein, human Six-Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate protein, or Cancer Testis Antigen 1, or a variant thereof as an antigenic protein and that is formulated to generate an immunity to the protein or variant thereof in the mammal. The kit also includes a Maraba MG1 virus encoding the same antigen, or a variant of the same antigen. The Maraba MG1 virus is formulated to induce the immune response in the mammal. The first virus is immunologically distinct from the Maraba MG1 virus.

Abstract: Disclosed are yeast-based immunotherapeutic compositions comprising Brachyury antigens, and methods for the prevention and/or treatment of cancers characterized by the expression or overexpression of Brachyury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, 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 T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, 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 T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions containing Escherichia coli 0157:H7 flagella including fusion proteins and methods using the immunogenic compositions are disclosed. Inducing an immune response in an animal to Escherichia coli O157:H7 flagella will result in prevention of colonization by Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the animal or a reduction in the amount of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infecting the animal. The immune composition will prevent or reduce the attachment of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 to cells within the animal.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that in addition to interfering with or blocking, preventing and/or inhibiting the interaction between a pathogen and, for example, a sialic acid containing cell surface receptor, certain sialic acid binding molecules have immunomodulatory properties. The invention provides methods and uses which exploit sialic acid binding molecules in the treatment and/or prevention of disease by modulation and/or priming of the host immune response.

Abstract: An analysis of human CD4+ T-cell epitopes of RV capsid proteins with cross-reactive potential was performed, peptide epitopes of RV-A16 capsid proteins VP1 and VP2 were identified, RV-specific CD4+ T cells were phenotyped for surface markers and cytokine profiles using flow cytometry, and it was found that, among non-infected subjects, circulating RV-A16-specific CD4+ T cells detected at the highest frequencies targeted 10 unique epitopes with diverse HLA-DR binding capacity. T-cell epitopes localized to conserved regions of significance to the virus and were enriched for HLA class I and II binding motifs and were activated in vivo after experimental infection with RV-A16. RV-A16 epitopes constituted species-specific and pan-species varieties, together providing ˜90% coverage of the US population. Cross-reactivity was evidenced for RV-A16 and RV-A39.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses FMDV vaccines or compositions. The vaccine or composition may be a vaccine or composition containing FMDV antigens. The invention also encompasses recombinant vectors encoding and expressing FMDV antigens, epitopes or immunogens which can be used to protect animals, in particular ovines, bovines, caprines, or swines, against FMDV. The invention further encompasses methods of making or producing antigenic polypeptides or antigens.

Abstract: Vaccines that elicit broadly protective anti-influenza antibodies. Some vaccines comprise nanoparticles that display HA trimers from influenza virus on their surface. The nanoparticles are fusion proteins comprising a monomeric subunit (e.g., ferritin) joined to the stem region of an influenza HA protein. The fusion proteins self-assemble to form the HA-displaying nanoparticles. The vaccines comprise only the stem region of an influenza HA protein joined to a trimerization domain. Also provided are fusion proteins, and nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins, and assays using nanoparticles of the invention to detect anti-influenza antibodies.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences that encode novel consensus amino acid sequences of HA hemagglutinin, as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines expressing the sequences. Also provided herein are methods for generating an immune response against one or more Influenza A serotpyes using the vaccines that are provided.

Abstract: Described herein, are microneedle devices comprising a recombinant alphavirus replicon encoding an exogenous polypeptide, wherein the recombinant alphavirus replicon is coated onto or embedded into a plurality of microneedles. Also described herein are methods of preparing a microneedle device comprising a recombinant alphavirus replicon encoding an exogenous polypeptide. Also disclosed herein are methods of inducing an immune response in an individual comprising contacting the individual with a microneedle device comprising a recombinant alphavirus replicon encoding an exogenous polypeptide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method to prepare purified enveloped viral particle preparations employing ion exchange chromatography and tangential flow filtration.

Abstract: It is provided a multivalent ganglioside carbohydrate as a therapeutic cancer vaccine. The GD2 and GD3 carbohydrate conjugated disclosed are linked by a spacer to form a multimer which conserves the native structural feature of naturally occurring GD2 or GD3, the tetramer being immunogenic and elicits cytotoxic anti-gangliosides humoral and cellular responses in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of regulating an immunological disorder comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of (i) an autoimmune antigen in conjunction with (ii) an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Compositions including the same are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to novel regimens for treating an inflammatory arthritis, e.g., psoriatic arthritis, which employ a therapeutically effective amount of an IL-17 antagonist, e.g., IL-17 binding molecule (e.g., IL-17 antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, e.g., secukinumab) or IL-17 receptor binding molecule (e.g., IL-17 antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of modulating immune cells in a patient by altering microbiota of the patient. The invention also relates to methods of modulating treatments or therapies in a subject organism by altering microbiota of the subject. The invention also relates to cell populations, systems, arrays, cells, RNA, kits and other means for effecting this. In an example, advantageously selective targeting of a particular species in a human gut microbiota using guided nucleic acid modification is carried out to effect the alteration.

Abstract: A composition for treating a disorder in a subject includes a polyethylene glycolylated (PEGylated) nanoparticle, at least one hydrophobic therapeutic agent coupled to the surface of the nanoparticle; and at least one targeting moiety coupled to polyethylene glycol of the nanoparticle for targeting the composition to a cell associated with disorder.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of treating a biological tissue using a proton beam. A method includes the steps of: irradiating a proton beam to a biological tissue containing a reactant. The reactant includes a composite. The composite reacts with at least one proton from the proton beam and releases at least one ? particle or ? rays. The ? particle or ? rays reacts with the biological tissue. Another method includes the steps of: providing a reactant, the reactant comprising a composite; introducing the reactant into a biological tissue, the reactant being distributed in the biological tissue; and irradiating the biological tissue with the proton beam. The composite reacts with at least one proton from the proton beam to release at least one ? particle or ? rays, and the ? particle or the ? rays reacts with the biological tissue.

Abstract: Methods and compositions related to the engineering of a protein with L-cyst(e)ine degrading enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-?-lyase comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading L-cyst(e)ine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with L-cyst(e)ine using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an NSAID such as meloxicam in combination with a cyclodextrin and/or a carbonate or a bicarbonate. These compositions may be orally administered, for example, to improve the bioavailability or pharmacokinetics of the NSAID for the treatment of conditions such as pain.

Abstract: Compounds that are PSMA ligands, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods for treating and detecting cancers in a subject, methods for identifying cancer cells in a sample are described herein.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical or cosmetic carrier for topical administration substantially consists of phosphatidylcholine, monoglyceride, fatty acid ester of C1-C3 alcohol; volatile solvent selected from ethanol and its combinations with C3-C4 alcohol and/or volatile silicone oil. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions comprising the carrier and pharmaceutically or cosmetically active agent(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for use in the treatment of a detached retina, comprising an oil and an additive capable of increasing the extensional viscosity of the oil. The present invention also relates to a method and kit of parts for producing the composition.

Abstract: A liquid throat spray composition for topical application to a sore throat including an aqueous solution of an NSAID and cyclodextrin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optimized in vivo delivery system with endosomolytic agents for nucleic acid of therapeutic interest conjugated to molecules facilitating endocytosis, in particular for use in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The teachings provide active agents that are conjugated with delivery systems that increase the half-life, and reduce the immunogenicity, of the active agents. Methods of making and using the systems are also provided. The delivery systems have (i) a ligand that is selective for an endogeneous plasma protein in the serum of a subject; and, (ii) a linker configured for operatively attaching the ligand covalently to an active agent to increase the half-life of the active agent in the serum.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to method for synthesizing and using glycoconjugates on the immunodominant epitope Gal?(1,3)Gal?(3(1,4)GlcNAc? (Gal?3LN?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugate comprising oxyntomodulin, an immunoglobulin Fc region, and non-peptidyl polymer wherein the conjugate being obtainable by covalently linking oxyntomodulin to immunoglobulin Fc region via non-peptidyl polymer, and a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of obesity comprising the conjugates. The conjugate comprising oxyntomodulin and the immunoglobulin Fc of the present invention reduces food intake, suppresses gastric emptying, and facilitates lipolysis without side-effects, unlike native oxyntomodulin, and also shows excellent receptor-activating effects and long-term sustainability, compared to native oxyntomodulin. Thus, it can be widely used in the treatment of obesity with safety and efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to nucleic acids, including nucleic acids encoding proteins, therapeutics and cosmetics comprising nucleic acids, methods for delivering nucleic acids to cells, tissues, organs, and patients, methods for inducing cells to express proteins using nucleic acids, methods, kits and devices for transfecting, gene editing, and reprogramming cells, and cells, organisms, therapeutics, and cosmetics produced using these methods, kits, and devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the 14-3-3 protein which is a non-alcoholic fatty liver regulating factor. According to the present invention, two isoform proteins of 14-3-3, i.e., 14-3-3? and 14-3-3?, are different regulating factors for regulating the transcriptional activity of PPAR?2. 14-3-3? increases the transcriptional activity of PPAR?2 by binding to PPAR?2, on the other hand, 14-3-3? plays a role in decreasing the transcriptional activity of PPAR?2. Thus, 14-3-3? and 14-3-3?, which are PPAR?2 regulating factors, are proteins that play a vital role in lipid metabolism, and may be used as a target for the prevention or treatment of fatty liver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophobic modified peptides for the specific delivery of labels to the liver, preferably to hepatocytes, in vitro as well as in vivo. The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said hydrophobic modified peptide(s) and the label(s) to be specifically delivered to the liver. The present invention furthermore relates to the diagnostic use of the inventive hydrophobic modified peptides as well as to a method for the diagnosis of liver diseases or disorders.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for parenteral or oral administration containing a radioactive compound which can be used diagnostically or therapeutically. The composition comprises a micro-emulsion constituted by a dispersion of vesicles or microsponges of a fatty acid based component in an aqueous or other pharmacologically acceptable carrier in which nitrous oxide is dissolved, the fatty acid based component comprising at least one long chain fatty acid based substance selected from the group consisting of free fatty acids and derivatives of free fatty acids, and the radioactive compound.

Abstract: A lighting system configured to provide light and disinfect air in an environment. The lighting system includes an HVAC unit configured to provide air to the environment, and a lighting device configured to deactivate microorganisms in the air. The lighting device includes a housing, means for mounting the housing to a surface in the environment, one or more first light-emitting elements arranged in the housing and configured to each produce disinfecting light having a wavelength in a first range of wavelengths, and one or more second light-emitting elements arranged in the housing and configured to each produce disinfecting light having a wavelength in a second range of wavelengths different from the first range of wavelengths. The disinfecting light produced by the first light-emitting elements and the disinfecting light produced by the second light-emitting elements mix to form a combined light, the combined light being visible light other than white light.

Abstract: A computing device in a vehicle can be programmed to activate a self-cleaning glass surface by irradiating the self-cleaning glass surface with LED ultraviolet radiation based on a determined energy of external ultraviolet radiation and a schedule. The computing device can activate a self-cleaning glass surface by irradiating the self-cleaning glass surface with LED ultraviolet radiation based on determining an optical state of the self-cleaning glass.

Abstract: A variety of applications for UV LEDs that are integrated into a system are described, where the UV light is used for disinfection of air or surfaces, or used to detect the scattering light by particles, or used for skin treatment. In one embodiment, a ceiling luminaire includes a sensor for detecting the presence of people in the room. The luminaire contains a first set of LEDs for generating white light, for illumination, and a second set of LEDs for generating UV light for disinfecting the room. When the sensor detects that no people are in the room, the system automatically controls the UV LEDs to turn on to disinfect the room. The white light LEDs may be independently controlled with a dimmer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, methods and apparatus for efficiently and cost-effectively preventing the transfer of microbes, such as, for example, bacteria and viruses seamlessly during commercial transactions typically occurring at a full service check-out station in a large retail store. The invention further considers the application of the methods and apparatus in other industrial disciplines where, for example, medical equipment and surgical tools may be susceptible to cross-contamination of microbes. One preferred embodiment incorporates a slide able drawer within a cash box where currency is stored, taken, or added randomly over a period of time. Especially designed lamps allow for a rapid switching means to control the time period for activating or deactivating lamps, thus regulating UV exposure. Exposure time with UVC and the orientation of the UV lamps provides complete germicidal decontamination within seconds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting a lavatory inside a vehicle in response to a set of criteria being met. A determination is made as to whether a set of criteria for activation of a disinfection system that emits far-ultraviolet radiation to perform a disinfection process inside a lavatory has been met. In response to a determination that the set of criteria has been met, the disinfection system is activated to perform the disinfection process inside the lavatory using the far-ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A solution for disinfecting electronic devices is provided. An ultraviolet radiation source is embedded within an ultraviolet absorbent case. While the electronic device is within the ultraviolet absorbent case, ultraviolent radiation is directed at the electronic device. A monitoring and control system monitors a plurality of attributes for the electronic device, which can include: a frequency of usage for the device, a biological activity at a surface of the device, and a disinfection schedule history for the device. Furthermore, the monitoring and control system can detect whether the device is being used. Based on the monitoring, the monitoring and control system controls the ultraviolet radiation directed at the electronic device.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator for a sterile container includes a shape-memory element in the form of a compression spring, which, when a predetermined temperature is reached or exceeded, subjects an indicating unit to a defined axial compressive force. The indicating unit is biased by a restoring spring in the counter-direction of the shape-memory element by way of a restoring force which is smaller than the defined axial compressive force. A latching mechanism can be actuated by a closing or locking mechanism of the sterile container. Following or during the closing or locking of the sterile container, the latching mechanism retains the indicating unit in a sterile position, once the unit has been moved into the sterile position by the shape-memory element. Upon opening or unlocking of the sterile container below the sterilization temperature, it frees the indicating unit, whereupon the restoring spring moves the indicating unit back into an unsterile position.

Abstract: Ionization systems configured with a catalyst-bearing sleeve provide improved filtration while keeping ozone levels within acceptable limits. Modular configurations provide for serviceability and replaceability. System controls monitor particulates, temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors and adjust an ionization level accordingly for optimal performance.

Abstract: A wax warmer includes a reservoir module for receiving a wax melt, a heater module, and a base module. The heater module includes a heating element. The reservoir module, the heater module, and the base module are removable from one another in the normal use of the wax warmer and may be replaced by a second reservoir module, a second heater module, or a second base module, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air scenting device, comprising a housing having an accommodation configured to enable insertion of a scent module, an air and scent perfume mixing chamber in the housing under the accommodation, configured to mix air and scent perfume from the scent module to generate scented air, and an outflow opening in communication with the chamber and an outside relative to the housing. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an assembly of a scent module and an air scenting device according to any one or more than one of the preceding claims, wherein the scent module comprises a container with a supply of perfume.

Abstract: A disposable gas diffusion device includes a gas supply device, which includes therein a gas inlet device, which includes a coupling section, and a compression element. The coupling section includes therein a gas conveyance hole. A container has an end connected to a diffuser that is provided with a gas entrance passage having an opposite end extending to a bottom of the diffuser. The bottom of the diffuser is provided with a liquid guiding device, which has an opposite end extending to a location adjacent to a bottom of the container. The diffuser has a top end in which an exit opening is formed. The gas supply device is operable to guide a pressurized gas into the container on induce a negative pressure zone inside the container in order to convey a liquid through the liquid guiding device to an atomization hole to be atomized and sprayed out.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid. The method comprises providing a feed liquid comprising at least one solvent and at least one solute to a first side of a membrane. A single-phase draw solution comprising at least one of an aminium salt, an amidinium salt, and a guanidinium salt is provided to a second side of the membrane. The at least one solvent is osmosed across the membrane and into the single-phase draw solution to form a diluted single-phase draw solution. At least one of CO2, CS2, and COS is removed from the diluted single-phase draw solution to form a first multiple-phase solution comprising a first liquid phase comprising the at least one solvent, and a second liquid phase comprising at least one of an amine compound, an amidine compound, and a guanidine compound. A liquid purification system is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides an air purifier (1) comprising a catalytic converter (100), the catalytic converter (100) comprising (i) a catalytically active material (120) and (ii) a heatable material (130) in thermal contact with said catalytically active material (120), wherein the heatable material (130) is heatable by one or more of an alternating electrical field and an alternating magnetic field, the air purifier (1) further comprising a field generator (140), configured free from electrical contact with the heatable material (130) and configured to heat during operation of the air purifier (1) the heatable material (130) by one or more of the alternating electrical field and the alternating magnetic field.

Abstract: A resilient coform nonwoven web that contains a matrix of meltblown fibers and an absorbent material is provided. The meltblown fibers may constitute from 45 wt % to about 99 wt % of the web and the absorbent material may constitute from about 1 wt % to about 55 wt % of the web. The meltblown fibers may be formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one propylene/?-olefin copolymer having a propylene content of from about 60 mole % to about 99.5 mole % and an ?-olefin content of from about 0.5 mole % to about 40 mole %. The copolymer may have a density of from about 0.86 to about 0.90 grams per cubic centimeter and the thermoplastic composition may have a melt flow rate of from about 200 to about 6000 grams per 10 minutes, determined at 230° C. in accordance with ASTM Test Method D1238-E. The coform web may be imparted with a three-dimensional texture by, for example, using a three-dimensional forming surface.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide (i) a water absorbent agent composition which has an excellent additional function (a deodorizing function in particular), which stably carries out the additional function even after being stored for a long term, and which is less stressful to skin when used as an absorbent article, (ii) a method for producing the water absorbent agent composition, and (iii) an absorbent core and an absorbent article. The water absorbent agent composition contains: a polycarboxylic acid (salt)-based water absorbent resin as a main component; a natural ingredient; and a temporal deterioration preventing agent. Further, a water absorbent agent composition is produced by simultaneously or separately mixing a natural ingredient and a temporal deterioration preventing agent with a water absorbent resin which is a crosslinked polymer of unsaturated monomers having carboxylic acid and/or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present application relates to hydrogel compositions comprising first and second precursor polymers, wherein the precursor polymers are modified poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate) copolymers that are crosslinked through electrophile-nucleophile reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue-engineered intervertebral disc (IVD) suitable for total disc replacement in a mammal and methods of fabrication. The IVD comprises a nucleus pulposus structure comprising a first population of living cells that secrete a hydrophilic protein and an annulus fibrosis structure surrounding and in contact with the nucleus pulposus structure, the annulus fibrosis structure comprising a second population of living cells and type I collagen. The collagen fibrils in the annulus fibrosis structure are circumferentially aligned around the nucleus pulposus region due to cell-mediated contraction in the annulus fibrosis structure. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating tissue-engineered intervertebral discs.