Abstract: Provided are Adenosine Deaminase (ADA), or a polypeptides or peptides having an ADA activity, or an ADA conjugate, pharmaceutical compositions and formulations, products of manufacture and kits, and methods containing them for the prevention and treatment of a scleroderma-associated vasculopathy, in particular proliferative obliterative vasculopathy, progressive obliterative vasculopathy or an idiopathic obliterative vasculopathy and/or preventing or decreasing the progression of scleroderma, wherein optionally the scleroderma comprises a local scleroderma or a diffuse, or a systemic scleroderma.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are chimeric antigen receptor effector cells (CAR-ECs) and CAR-EC switches. The switchable CAR-ECs are generally T cells. The one or more chimeric antigen receptors may recognize a peptidic antigen on the CAR-EC switch. The CAR-ECs and switches may be used for the treatment of a condition in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are universal donor stem cells and cells derived therefrom and related methods of their use and production. The universal donor stem cells disclosed herein are useful for overcoming allogeneic immune rejection in cell-based transplantation therapies. In certain embodiments, the universal donor cells disclosed herein are pancreatic endoderm cells that do not express one or more MHC-Class I cell-surface proteins and whose expression of at least one NK activating ligand is disrupted or inhibited.

Abstract: Materials and methods useful for generating highly mannosylated pseudotyped lentiviral vector particles comprising a Vpx protein are provided.

Abstract: Customized whole cell cancer vaccines can be produced from autologous (ex vivo or in situ) or allogeneic human or veterinary patient cell lines. Cells are transformed with S. pyogenes DNA that expresses an Emm protein on the cell surface and cytosol. Treatment of cancer patients with an Emm vector vaccine induces an immunologic response to the cancer by enhancing immunogenicity of a tumor. Emm vaccines can be used in patients where the cancer is not identified due to lower tumor burden or used to treat a specific cancer and subsequently treat for a second type that may have arisen through metastasis.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating cancer. For example, methods and materials for identifying antigens and combinations of antigens that can be used to treat cancer as well as combinations of antigens having the ability to reduce established tumors (e.g., gliomas) within a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of treating or preventing a disease or disorder (e.g., MS) in a subject in need thereof, comprising (a) administering to the subject a first dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a fumarate agent (e.g., DMF) for a first dosing period; (b) administering a vaccine; and (c) administering to the subject a second dose of the pharmaceutical composition for a second dosing period.

Abstract: The invention discloses a FSBM recombinant protein for conferring protection against group C streptococcus infection in an animal subject, comprising: a first peptide fragment, having an amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO. 5; a second peptide fragment, having an amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO. 6; a third peptide fragment, having an amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO. 7; and a fourth peptide fragment, having an amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO. 8. The invention also discloses a method of protecting an animal subject against group C streptococcus infection.

Abstract: A vaccine composition is disclosed. The vaccine composition comprises: (a) a therapeutically effective amount of an influenza virus-like particle (VLP) comprising: (i) influenza M1, influenza M2, influenza hemagglutinin (HA), and influenza neuraminidase (NA) proteins; (b) Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) capsid protein VP3, recombinant FMDV VP3 (rVP3), VP3 peptide, or SUMO VP3; and (c) alum. Also disclosed is use of a vaccine composition according to the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for inducing an immunogenic response in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Compositions of recombinant HSV-2 proteins and an agonist of the innate immune system, such as an adjuvant, are provided as a vaccine. Proteins include an envelope glycoprotein and a structural protein other than an envelope glycoprotein, e.g., a capsid or tegument protein. The vaccine is for use in either HSV-2 seropositive or seronegative subjects.

Abstract: Recombinant herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) vaccine vectors, virions thereof, compositions and vaccines comprising such, and methods of use thereof are each provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating a microbial infection in a subject and a method of improving an immune system response in a subject against a disease, condition, infection, or virus thereof, by administering an effective amount of a nucleoside, short oligonucleotide compound or an analog thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, racemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, geometric isomer, or tautomer thereof. In addition, the invention provides methods for treating or preventing a viral infection, bacterial infection, parasitic infection, or fungal infection in a subject (such as, a human). The compounds of the invention include, for example, di-, and trinucleotide compounds as provided herein. The compounds of the invention are useful for different therapeutic applications including, such as, prophylactics and therapeutics. The invention also provides design and synthesis of a compound that is useful for various therapeutic applications as mentioned herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for inducing humoral immunity in a human or animal, that includes administering to the human or animal a mucosal vaccine composition to a mucous membrane selected from the group consisting of a human or animal intraoral mucous membrane, ocular mucous membrane, ear mucous membrane, genital mucous membrane, pharyngeal mucous membrane, respiratory tract mucous membrane, bronchial mucous membrane, pulmonary mucous membrane, gastric mucous membrane, enteric mucous membrane, and rectal mucous membrane. The mucosal vaccine composition includes at least one antigen derived from a pathogen; and as an adjuvant, a lipopolysaccharide derived from at least one gram-negative bacterium selected from the group consisting of Pantoea, Acetobacter, Zymomonas, and Xanthomonas, or a salt of the lipopolysaccharide, wherein the mass ratio between a total mass of the adjuvant and a total mass of the antigen is 0.002 to 500.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the treatment of a BCR-ABL1 related disorder (e.g., chronic myelogenous leukemia) using a therapeutic combination of a WNT signaling pathway inhibitor and a BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as an Ab1 antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat disease or to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level, reduced serum albumin level, elevated D-dimer or other coagulation cascade related protein(s), cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue prior to treatment. The subject therapies also may include the administration of other actives such as chemotherapeutics, anti-coagulants, statins, and others.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, stable formulations comprising an anti-oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) antibody and having a pH ranging from approximately 6.0-7.6, wherein less than approximately 5% of the anti-OSMR antibody exists as high molecular weight (HMW) species in the formulation.

Abstract: Methods for treating and for preventing Filovirus infections are disclosed, as well as compositions therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nanodiamonds as drugs generating free radicals, in particular for treating tumors. The invention is based on generating free radicals on the surface of the nanodiamonds when they are exposed to radiation, for example ionizing radiation. In order to increase the effectiveness of the nanodiamonds, the nanodiamonds can be complexed with a radiosensitizing agent, such as a chemical molecule or an interfering RNA targeting a repairing gene.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, kits, and methods for treating cancer in a subject with androgen receptor positive cancer cells by sensitizing such cancer cells with anti-androgen receptor therapy (e.g., Enzalutamide or anti-androgen antibody), and then treating with radiation therapy.

Abstract: The present application relates to activatable nanoparticles which can be used in the health sector, in particular in human health, to disturb, alter or destroy target cells, tissues or organs. It more particularly relates to nanoparticles which can generate a significantly efficient therapeutic effect, when exposed to ionizing radiations. The inventive nanoparticle is a metallic nanoparticle having, as the largest size, a size comprised between about 80 and 105 nm, the metal having preferably an atomic number (Z) of at least 25. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a population of nanoparticles as defined previously, as well as to their uses.

Abstract: Inhibitors of BET bromodomains and compositions containing the same are disclosed. Methods of using the BET bromodomain inhibitors in the treatment of diseases and conditions wherein inhibition of BET bromodomain provides a benefit, like cancers, also are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a zafirlukast-containing composition, a method of preparing the composition, and a method for treating certain skin disorders using the zafirlukast-containing composition.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations containing lipoic acid derivatives and ion pairs thereof are described. The pharmaceutical formulations are useful in the treatment of medical disorders, such as cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for the preparation a premix of raltegravir potassium form 3 with excipients. This premix may be used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical formulations containing raltegravir.

Abstract: There is provided novel mono-acrylate functionalized siloxane monomer containing carbosiloxane linkage for improved hydrolysis resistance. This invention also provides copolymers produced using these monomers and their use in various applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex that can be injected into the body to hone in on target cells to deliver molecules. In one embodiment, the invention provides a drug delivery system that includes components that self-assemble into one targeted conjugate. In another embodiment, the invention includes a targeted carrier protein and a nucleic acid sequence non-covalently linked to one or more drugs.

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: Cytotoxic dimers comprising CBI-based and/or CPI-based sub-units, antibody drug conjugates comprising such dimers, and to methods for using the same to treat cancer and other conditions.

Abstract: A modified adenovirus capable of overcoming the problem of low level of coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) expression on tumor cells and methods of using such adenovirus are provided. The fiber protein of the adenovirus is modified by insertion or replacement so as to target the adenovirus to tumor cells, and the replication of the modified adenovirus is limited to tumor cells due to specific promoter control or mutations in E1a or E1b genes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of treating a disease or delivering a therapeutic agent to a mammal comprising administering to the mammal's cisterna magna and/or ventricle an rAAV particle containing a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic protein inserted between a pair of AAV inverted terminal repeats in a manner such that cells with access to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) express the therapeutic agent and in certain embodiments secretes the therapeutic agent into the CSF for distribution to the brain.

Abstract: The invention provides a multimodal ultrasound and photoacoustic contrast agent based on polymeric microparticles having a gas core and carrying at least one photoacoustic agent in its shell that stabilizes the gas core, for use in ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. Such multimodal ultrasound and photoacoustic contrast agent is also suitable as a carrier of drugs and for use in photodynamic therapy, and for tissue imaging ex vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods for generating compositions comprising actinium-225.

Abstract: A virus inactivation and sampling apparatus for use in a process of purifying a liquid drug substance. A closed circulation line is formed by an outlet port 11 of a bag 10 containing a liquid drug substance, a first line 41, sampling means 20, a second line 42 (pH meter 30) and an inlet port 12 of the bag 10, and an acidic aqueous solution is fed through an acidic aqueous solution line 45 and circulated to inactivate viruses in the liquid drug substance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating substantially enclosed environments by using ultrasonic cavitation of a cleaning fluid to produce a low pressure, low air flow mist that can be activated by a nonthermal plasma actuator to create a cloud of activated hydroxyl species with the capacity to decontaminate articles, open surfaces or substantially enclosed spaces of pathogens, including bacteria, and other pathogenic microorganisms. An automated system and related non-transitory computer medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided which project germicidal light from a lamp toward an individual donned in outerwear to disinfect the outerwear. In specific embodiments, germicidal light is projected toward an individual situated greater than approximately 1 foot from the light source. Some systems include sensor/s for detecting presence of an individual within a target area a set distance from the disinfection apparatus comprising the light source and program instructions for commencing operation of the disinfection apparatus based on information from the sensor/s. In addition or alternatively, some systems include reflective panel/s exhibiting greater than approximately 85% reflectance.

Abstract: A tray and bracket assembly are provided that are configured and adapted to promote modularity and withstand the harsh environment of central sterile processing processes. The modular bracket assembly may be removed and relocated on the tray without additional fasteners or components. The tray and bracket assembly may further provide identification features to correctly associate cataloged reusable medical devices to identified trays.

Abstract: Scent diffusers (e.g., air fresheners) having adjustable scent diffusion rates may comprise scent intensity adjustment configurations for adjusting the intensity of a fragrance material emitted from the scent diffusers. In certain embodiments, the scent intensity adjustment configuration may take the form of slidable planar scent panels saturated with fragrance composition that may be moved into and out of a hollow body portion. When positioned substantially within the hollow body portion, the scent panels emit fragrance composition at a first rate, and when positioned substantially outside of the hollow body portion, the scent panels emit fragrance at a second rate, faster than the first rate. Alternatively, a scent diffuser may have a body portion containing a scent panel, wherein the body portion has a plurality of ventilation openings to control the rate of fragrance composition diffusion by rotating an adjustment panel to selectively block the ventilation openings of the body portion.

Abstract: A freshener device includes a clip, a carrier, and a carrier retainer. The carrier is provided with odor emitting substances, odor eliminating substances and/or incest repellent. The carrier retainer secures the carrier to the clip, and the clip may be used to secure the device to an ancillary object so as to expose the carrier for controlling odor within a region of space near the ancillary object. Some embodiments enable removably securing the device to at least one air-directional controller exhaust vent louver of a vehicle air conditioning unit to control odor within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Other embodiments enable interchangeable and replaceable components to provide various utilitarian and aesthetic features.

Abstract: Automated air freshener dispensers and cartridges therefor are provided herein. Air freshener dispensers include a housing having a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing an air freshening substance for release, a fan that induces an airflow through the housing and directs the airflow to an area outside of the air freshener dispenser, such that released air freshening substance is entrained in the airflow, a motor for driving the fan, at least one sensor, and a controller that receives a signal from the at least one sensor and directs operation of the fan in response thereto.

Abstract: An active oxidation and purifying system is provided to increase or maximize the rate of photocatalytic oxidation and ambient air purification capacity by providing both direct ultraviolet (UV) light and reflected UV light directed to the surface and apertures of active cell panels coated with a photocatalytic material. In one example, the active cells also include a plurality of apertures disposed in a transverse manner from the first surface to the second surface of the active cell. Furthermore, a first set of the apertures could be disposed about 45 degrees relative to a median axis along the first and second surfaces, while a second set of apertures could be disposed about negative 45 degrees relative to the same median axis in order to increase the surface area impinged by the direct and reflected UV light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate absorbent polymer material having: i) a maximum APCi×10 sec value ?1.6) for at least one number i selected from the group of integers from 2 to 12 (=APCmax); or ii) a value ?12 for the sum total of all APCi×10 sec values for all numbers i from the group of integers from 2 to 12 (=APCsum); wherein the APCi×10 sec value is: APCi×10 sec=QIi×10 sec value2×PIi×10 sec value where the QIi×10 sec value is the swell index and i×10 seconds after adding the 0.9% by weight NaCl solution, and the PIi×10 sec value is the permeability index and i×10 seconds after adding the 0.9% by weight NaCl solution.

Abstract: The invention provides a solution to the drawbacks associated with conventional alginate dressings. This invention features improved alginate dressings or bandages as well as a fabrication process that results in an alginate sheet that is preloaded with drug, can be stored in a freeze-dried state, and is compliant and ready to use at the time of administration.

Abstract: A wound dressing having anti-microbial activity comprises a first fiber capable of bonding with silver (1) cations. The wound dressing comprises a blend of the first fiber to which silver (1) cations are bonded and a second fiber which is substantially free from silver. The wound dressing comprises from 0.01 to 5.0 percent by weight of silver (1) cations, based on the weight of fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method that includes providing a formulation having an isocyanate-functional prepolymer and a curing component comprising an amino-functional aspartic ester of the general formula (I) applying the formulation to a cell tissue; and curing the formulation such that the loss of blood (haemostatic) or tissue fluids is staunched or leaks in cell tissues are sealed.

Abstract: The present specification discloses porous materials, methods of forming such porous materials, biocompatible implantable devices comprising such porous materials, and methods of making such biocompatible implantable devices.

Abstract: Cosmetic methods providing a significant improvement over existing hair transplantation methods by providing greater hair density per hair implant, which is achieved through the process of an enhanced hair multiplication in vivo (e.g. in the scalp of a subject). The cosmetic methods also provide improved aesthetic results, particularly, more realistic and natural looking results, relative to the results obtained by traditional methods. The cosmetic methods are particularly suitable for hair transplantation in recipient areas of a subject experiencing baldness or lack of hair, optionally due to Androgenic alopecia, burn injuries, cancer chemotherapy, or other genetic or environmental factors or scarring.

Abstract: Use of cyclosporin A (CsA) or a derivative thereof for increasing the efficiency of transduction of an isolated population of human haematopoietic stem and/or progenitor cells by a vector derived from HIV-1, HIV-2, FIV, BIV, EIAV, CAEV or visna lentivirus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are soft tissue fillers, for example, dermal and subdermal fillers, based on hyaluronic acids and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In one aspect, hyaluronic acid-based compositions described herein include a therapeutically effective amount of at least one anesthetic agent, for example, lidocaine. The present hyaluronic acid-based compositions including lidocaine have an enhanced stability, relative to conventional compositions including lidocaine, for example when subjected to sterilization techniques or when stored for long periods of time. Methods and processes of preparing such hyaluronic acid-based compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocompatible body to be implanted into a cavity of a bone, comprising a main structure made of a bone substitute material. According to the invention, the body has a connecting element, said connecting element being embedded at least partially in the main structure of the body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a free-standing biodegradable patch suitable for medical applications, especially intravascular, minimally-invasive and intraoperative surgical applications are provided, wherein the patch comprises a free-standing film or device having a mixture of a solid fibrinogen component and a solid thrombin component that, when exposed to an aqueous environment, undergoes polymerization to form fibrin. In alternative embodiments the patch may comprise a solid fibrinogen component, with or without an inorganic calcium salt component. The patch may take a non-adherent form during delivery to a target location within a vessel or tissue, and thereafter may be activated to adhere to vessel wall or tissue, and may include a number of additives, including materials to improve the mechanical properties of the patch, or one or more therapeutic or contrast agents.