Abstract: A vaccine composition for immunizing and/or protecting a mammal against an IL-31 mediated disorder is provided, wherein the composition includes: the combination of a carrier polypeptide and at least one mimotope selected from a feline IL-31 mimotope, a canine IL-31 mimotope, a horse IL-31 mimotope, and a human IL-31 mimotope; and an adjuvant. Such vaccines can be in the form of pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating or protecting mammals such as cats, dogs, horses, or humans against IL-31-mediated disorders.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): (I) and its conjugates.

Abstract: Provided herein are therapeutic agents having specificity for having inhibitory activity against cancer cells that overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) genes, including therapeutic agents comprising one or more HER-targeting peptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such therapeutic agents, and methods of using such compositions to treat or prevent a cancer or other disease condition associated with HER overexpression.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising tolerizing immune modified particles (TIMPs) and methods for using and making said TIMPs. In particular, carrier polymer is covalently conjugated with antigenic peptide before particle formation, which allows for exquisite control of particle size and antigen encapsulation (e.g., for use in eliciting induction of immunological tolerance).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating patients having cancer or a premalignant or neoplastic condition. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a genome editing technique that specifically targets a fusion gene can induce cell death in a cancer cell other than a prostate cancer cell, e.g., a hepatocellular cancer cell, having the fusion gene. The present invention provides methods for treating cancer patients that include performing a genome editing technique targeting a fusion gene present within one or more cells of a subject to produce an anti-cancer effect.

Abstract: The invention in some aspects relates to isolated nucleic acids, compositions, and kits useful for identifying adeno-associated viruses in cells. In some aspects, the invention provides kits and methods for producing somatic transgenic animal models using recombinant AAV (rAAV) to an animal having at least one transgene that expresses a small interfering nucleic acid or at least one binding site for a miRNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ?-cell-mimetic cells. Methods for producing ?-cell-mimetic cells as well as methods of use of ?-cell-mimetic cells as a medicament and methods of use of ?-cell-mimetic cells for the prevention, delay of progression or treatment of a metabolic disease in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: A compound includes at least one targeting peptide coupled to a detectable moiety. The targeting peptide binds to EDB-FN or EDA-FN and includes at least one of amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-30.

Abstract: Described herein are novel conjugates containing an inhibitor (e.g., a PSMA inhibitor, e.g., a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor inhibitor) and metal chelator that are covalently attached to a macromolecule (e.g., a nanoparticle, a polymer, a protein). Such conjugates exhibit distinct properties over the free, unbound inhibitor/chelator construct.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of an MRI-active or MRI-sensitive polymer or oligomer formed from (i) a non-alkoxylated and non-alkenoxylated citric acid, citrate, or ester/amide of citric acid, and optionally an alkoxylated or alkenoxylated citric acid, citrate, or ester/amide of citric acid, (ii) a polyol/polyamine such as a diol/diamine, (iii) a monomer comprising an MRI contrast agent, and (iv) an amino acid monomer. The polymer or oligomer may be photoluminescent and MRI-sensitive. In another aspect, imaging methods utilizing the compositions described herein are described. In another aspect, scaffolds, grafts, and films comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of the compositions described herein are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radiolabeled IDO1 inhibitors or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are useful for the quantitative imaging of IDO enzymes in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations of radiolabelled compounds that are of use in radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds comprising a cyclic peptide wherein the compound binds to a MSH receptor to image and treat cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these cancers. The novel imaging probes are capable of detecting cancerous melanoma cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention will also be useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating a tube of which a first open end forms an inner neck towards the inside of the tube and an outer neck towards the outside of the tube, the method including: initially raising the temperature of the tube, then subjecting the tube to ultraviolet radiation, that includes emitting ultraviolet radiation by radiation emission apparatus, and subjecting the inside of the tube, the outer neck and the inner neck to the ultraviolet radiation, in which the first end is inserted into a cavity arranged to reflect the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the emission apparatus and to direct this ultraviolet radiation into the tube through the first end, onto the outer neck of the tube and onto the inner neck of the tube.

Abstract: A germicidal system for use in disinfecting a human interface device includes at least one human interface device. One or more ultra-violet (UV) light sources are used in proximity to the at least one human interface device for disinfecting a touch surface of the human interface device below a surgical grade sterilization. A memory for storing usage data of the at least one UV light source. At least one server is used for providing a central storage location for usage data supplied from the memory and a computer is used in communication with the at least one server for controlling the operational parameters of the at least one UV light source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method. The sterilization method includes: an operation in which a sterilant injection block for containing a sterilant and providing a sterilant injection path for injecting the sterilant or a vacuum packaging pouch having the sterilant injection block is mounted inside a vacuum chamber; and an operation in which the vacuum chamber is operated in a chamber mode in which the vacuum chamber is used as a sterilization container when only the sterilant injection block is mounted and the vacuum packaging pouch is operated in a pouch mode in which the vacuum packaging pouch is used as a sterilization container when the vacuum packaging pouch is mounted.

Abstract: To provide an aroma diffusing device and a method of controlling an aroma diffusing device that can enable a plurality of functions to be achieved by operation inputs to one operation input part. Provided is an aroma diffusing device including: a perfume holding part in which a perfume is held; an air blowing source configured to supply air to the perfume holding part; an aroma discharge part through which the air having passed through the perfume holding part is discharged; an operation input part on which an operation input for the air blowing source is performed by a user; and an air blowing source control part configured to control a supply state of the air on the basis of an operation input on the one operation input part.

Abstract: A vent balloon, including an inflatable body operatively attached to a molded plastic base on a proximal side, wherein the inflatable body is inflated by a mechanism of an air vent or a fan operatively attached to the molded plastic base, and including a scent mechanism operatively attached to the molded plastic base for dispersing scent in a room that relates to a design on the inflatable body. A method of using a vent balloon by flowing air through an inflatable body of a vent balloon through a molded plastic base, wherein the air comes from a source of an air vent or a fan operatively attached to the molded plastic base, inflating the inflatable body, and flowing air over at least one scent mechanism operatively attached to the molded plastic base that relates to a design on the inflatable body and releasing scent into the air.

Abstract: A gas processing apparatus of an embodiment includes a gas processing unit, a flow forming unit, an AC power supply, and first and second filters. The gas processing unit includes a plurality of stacks each having a dielectric substrate, a first to a third electrode. The flow forming unit forms a flow of a target gas flowing toward the gas processing unit. The AC power supply applies an AC voltage across the first, second electrodes and the third electrode so as to generate plasma induced flows of the target gas between the dielectric substrates. The first filter is disposed at an upstream of the gas processing unit, and removes ozone. The second filter is disposed at a downstream of the gas processing unit, and removes ozone.

Abstract: A magnetic panty liner assembly for reducing menstrual pain includes a first panel, a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The second panel, which is absorbent, is coupled to a lower face of the first panel. The third panel is coupled to a bottom surface of the second panel and a perimeter of the first panel to enclose the second panel. The ridge and the third panel are impermeable. A coupler on an exterior face of the third panel is configured to couple the third panel to an undergarment. Menstrual fluid flows through the first panel to be absorbed by the second panel. A ridge on the first panel is positioned in abutment to skin of the user to prevent leakage. Magnets that are positioned between the second panel and the third panel are configured to reduce pain of menstruation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable absorbent article comprising two substrates; and an adhesive composition including a first polymer that is propylene-based and has a Mw of no greater than about 75,000, and a second polymer that is propylene-based and has a Mw of at least about 100,000, where the adhesive composition is used for at least two applications in the disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: A sanitary aid with antibacterial effect for stabilization of physiological balance in vaginal environment and/or external genitalia is made by a backsheet impermeable layer, absorbent core formed by a mixture of absorbent and/or superabsorbent and a topsheet layer from woven or non-woven textile or from cellulose. The sanitary aid contains an effective component on the basis of at least one reactive form of oxygen, which is encapsulated by an encapsulation agent, where the effective substance is arranged on the topsheet layer of the sanitary aid designated for the contact with body and/or in the absorbent core. The sanitary aid is adapted for gradual release of reactive forms of oxygen, particularly hydrogen peroxide after contact with liquid from the sanitary aid, which causes the prolongation of the effect of reactive forms of oxygen with substantial disinfection ability.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a system comprising a thermoset polyurethane shape memory polymer (SMP) foam that includes at least one antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may include at least one phenolic acid that is a pendent group chemically bonded to a polyurethane polymer chain of the SMP foam. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a crosslinker and a proteinaceous substrate. The proteinaceous substrate includes one or more proteins and a polyamine, where the polyamine and a proteinaceous substrate are present in synergistic viscosity enhancing amounts, and may also include one or more of: a carbohydrate, a tackifying agent, a plasticizer, or other modification agent. In certain embodiments, the crosslinker is a heat-treated dialdehyde, e.g., heat-treated glutaraldehyde. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Compositions for enhancing wound healing are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are methods of making the compositions and methods of using the compositions for the prevention of biofilm formation and for the inhibition of pathogen growth and proliferation.

Abstract: A dissolvable foaming action hemostat may be compressed and may fully dissolve in a wound. The foaming action hemostat may use a liquid gel, a dried gel, a dry powder, a shape, or a solid “plug” like medium that may resemble a sponge or a sponge-like material and may include a foaming agent to spread therapeutic ingredients throughout the wound to control or stop bleeding. The foaming action hemostat also may introduce pharmaceuticals and/or other compounds into a wound to control/mitigate shock, calm the patient, administer antibiotics, administer anti-sepsis compounds, control infection, control sepsis, and/or mitigate pain. No harmful foreign matter is introduced in using a foaming action hemostat. This eliminates the need to surgically remove introduced foreign matter later. Use of a foaming action hemostat also may reduce the likelihood of trauma that sometimes occurs when foreign matter is left in place inside a wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collagen-silk fibroin co-assembled sponge material, co-assembled artificial skin and a preparation method thereof. The collagen-silk fibroin co-assembled sponge material has an ordered porous spatial structure and is prepared from a collagen-silk fibroin co-assembled product obtained by co-assembly of collagen and silk fibroin. The co-assembled artificial skin comprises a collagen-silk fibroin co-assembled sponge dermis and an epidermis. The dermis of the co-assembled artificial skin provided in the present invention is similar to the natural extracellular matrix in composition and structure. This kind of ordered novel structure can induce ordered arrangement and regeneration of cells, thereby promoting wound healing, reducing scar formation and achieving good biocompatibility.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides compositions including silk fibroin and a phenol-containing polymer, wherein at least one tyrosine group of the silk fibroin is covalently crosslinked to at least one phenol group of the phenol-containing polymer. In some embodiments, the present invention also provides methods including the steps of providing silk fibroin, providing a phenol-containing polymer, associating the silk fibroin with the phenol-containing polymer to form a mixed solution, and crosslinking at least one tyrosine group in the silk fibroin and at least one phenol group of the phenol-containing polymer via at least one enzymatic reaction, wherein the crosslinking comprises covalent bonding between at least one tyrosine group of the silk fibroin and at least one phenol group of the phenol-containing polymer to form a crosslinked composition.

Abstract: The invention provides method for preparing amnion tissue grafts, as well as the grafts themselves. In specific embodiments, the tissue graft comprises a single layer of dried amnion from an umbilical cord.

Abstract: Nerve scaffolds are described that include a tubular outer housing fabricated from a biocompatible polymer, within which are disposed a plurality of carbon nanofiber yarns. The carbon nanofiber yarns, which can be separated by distances roughly corresponding to an average nerve fiber diameter, provide surfaces on which nerve fibers can regrow. Because the proximate carbon nanofiber yarns can support individual nerve fibers, a nerve can be regenerated with a reduced likelihood of undesirable outcomes, such as nerve pain or reduced nerve function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product intended for the preparation of an injectable composition containing, separated from one another, at least one first and one second composition(s), and in which: —the first composition, referred to as A, is an aqueous solution of chitosan with a pH in the range extending from 3 to 7, and —the second composition, referred to as B1, corresponds to particles of one or more bioactive glass(es), said product not containing glycerophosphate; and also a process for preparing an injectable composition, the corresponding injectable compositions and devices for packaging a product according to the invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are thermoresponsive polymer materials and methods of preparation and use thereof. In particular, materials are provided that cure upon exposure to physiologic conditions (e.g., human body temperature) and find use in, for example, orthopedic surgery, bone tissue engineering, and the repair of bone injuries and defects.

Abstract: A medical implant comprising a plurality of layers, each layer comprising a polymer and a plurality of uni-directionally aligned continuous reinforcement fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for wound treatment. In some embodiments, a wound dressing apparatus can comprise a wound contact layer, a first area and a second area over the wound contact layer, and a cover layer configured to cover the wound contact layer, the first area, and the second area. The first area can comprise a spacer layer and an absorbent layer over the spacer layer. The second area can comprise an electronics cassette or cradle comprising a negative pressure source and/or electronic components.

Abstract: According to certain aspects, a negative pressure wound therapy system can include a negative pressure therapy apparatus configured to apply negative pressure to a wound of a patient. The negative pressure therapy device can include a wound dressing configured to be placed over the wound, a negative pressure source supported by the wound dressing, and a controller. The controller can include a processor configured to determine operating data of the negative pressure therapy apparatus and transmit the operating data. The negative pressure wound therapy system can further include a wireless communication device having a controller with one or more processors. The controller of the wireless communication device can be configured to be communicatively coupled to the negative pressure therapy apparatus and further configured to receive the operating data transmitted by the controller of the negative pressure therapy apparatus. The controller can be further configured to output the operating data.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for managing liquid flow associated with a tissue site that involves using reduced pressure to control fluid flow. In one instance, an apparatus includes a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with a reduced-pressure source. The valves are movable between an open position and a closed position and are operable to change flow status (open to closed or vice versa) based on a presence of reduced pressure. At least one of the first valve or the second valve is in the closed position to obstruct a flow of a liquid while the other is in the open position. The apparatus also includes a reservoir fluidly coupled to the first valve and the second valve. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing instillation therapy with a negative-pressure source are described. The apparatus can include a housing having a dosing chamber and a negative-pressure chamber fluidly isolated from each other. The apparatus can also include a moveable barrier disposed in the housing between the dosing chamber and the negative-pressure chamber. The housing includes a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the dosing chamber and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the dosing chamber. The housing can also include a negative-pressure inlet in fluid communication with the negative-pressure chamber and a biasing element coupled to the moveable barrier. The biasing element is operable to move the moveable barrier between a charge position and a discharge position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotary blood pump system. The rotary blood pump system may further comprise a double pivot contact bearing system with an operating range between about 50 mL/min and about 1500 mL/min. The rotary blood pump system may also comprise an inflow blood conduit, an outflow conduit, a control system, and a power source. The present disclosure further relates to various inflow conduit assemblies comprising a conduit tip comprised of metal or polymer having an undulating opening surface that provides improved blood flow and washing properties while minimizing regions susceptible to stagnation, and optionally a resilient tip protecting cage structure that reduces the risk of conduit tip suction events and suction-related injury of the wall of adjacent blood vessels or other blood containing structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for estimating a position of a heart pump system in a patient. The system receives first data indicative of a time-varying motor current during a first time period. The motor current corresponds to an amount of current delivered to a motor, while the heart pump system is operating in the patient. The system receives second data indicative of a time-varying differential pressure during the first time period. The differential pressure is indicative of a position of the heart pump system relative to patient's heart. The system receives third data indicative of time-varying motor current during a second time period, and determines an estimate of differential pressure during the second period of time from the third data and a relationship between the first data and the second data. The estimate is usable to predict the position of the heart pump system in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to methods and systems for preventing onset or worsening of RHF in patients with implanted ventricular assist devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to identifying patients at risk for RHF following implantation of a ventricular assist device based on pulmonary artery pressure measurement and/or trends and adjusting a pump operating parameter to prevent or reduce the onset or worsening of RHF in such patients, improve patient outcomes, or reduce mortality risks associated with VAD implantation. In particular, a pump operating parameter may be adjusted to reduce or minimize particularly high pressure loads on a patient's heart or amount of time the patient is exposed to such high pressure loads following implantation.

Abstract: A blood pump assembly can include various components such as a housing and a sensor configured to detect one or more characteristics of the blood. In some embodiments, the sensor can be coupled to the housing and can include a sensor membrane configured to deflect in response to a change in a blood parameter (e.g., pressure). The blood pump assembly can include a shield that covers at least a portion of the sensor membrane so as to protect the sensor from damage when the blood pump assembly is inserted through an introducer and navigated through the patient's vasculature and/or when the blood pump assembly is inserted into the heart in a surgical procedure. One or more protective layers can be deposited over the sensor membrane to prevent the sensor membrane from being dissolved through interactions with the patient's blood.

Abstract: Controllers and methods for heart treatments are disclosed herein. The controller can include a communication module that can send and receive data from heart therapy devices. The controller can include memory including stored instruction. The controller can include a processor. The processor can receive a signal of an impending electrical treatment at a processor. The processor can determine a current operating parameter of a blood pump communicatingly coupled with the processor. The processor can determine an adjustment to the operating parameter of the blood pump to affect an impedance of heart tissue to be affected by the impending electrical treatment. The processor can control the blood pump according to the adjustment to the operating parameter of the blood pump.

Abstract: An example medical device is disclosed. The example medical device includes a tubular scaffold having an inner surface and an outer surface. The medical device also includes a flexible inner member extending along at least a portion of the inner surface of the scaffold. Further, the medical device includes an activation assembly positioned along a portion of the inner member, the activation assembly including a conductive member having a first end region and a second end region, wherein a portion of the first end region is coupled to an activation element, and wherein the second end region is coupled to a power source. Additionally, the power source is configured to deliver an electrical stimulus to the activation element which shifts the inner member between a first configuration and a second expanded configuration.

Abstract: A hydrophobic filter for filtering an airflow or another gaseous flow in a medical application comprises a housing encompassing a filter chamber, an inlet port arranged on the housing and forming an inlet opening, an outlet port arranged on the housing and forming an outlet opening, and a hydrophobic structure extending along a plane of extension and separating the filter chamber into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The inlet opening opens into the inlet chamber and the outlet opening opens into the outlet chamber. Herein, the outlet opening opens into the outlet chamber at a first location when viewed along the plane of extension and the inlet opening opens into the inlet chamber at a second location different from the first location when viewed along the plane of extension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dialysis machine having an extracorporeal blood circuit in which a dialyzer, a blood pump, and an arterial pressure sensor are arranged, wherein the dialysis machine furthermore has a compensation device by means of which the set value for the blood flow through the extracorporeal circuit can be corrected to a compensated value using the arterial blood pressure; wherein the dialysis machine furthermore has recognition means which are configured to recognize whether the arterial pressure sensor is connected to the extracorporeal blood circuit or not; and wherein the dialysis machine has an estimator unit which is configured to estimate a value for the arterial blood pressure if it is recognized by the recognition means that the arterial pressure sensor is not connected to the extracorporeal blood circuit.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for transseptal access of septa within a patient. The device can be advanced to a septum, e.g., towards a fossa ovalis. Instead of applying positive pressure to “tent” the septum, a negative pressure is applied to a lumen within a sheath, e.g., within an elongated member slidable within the sheath, via a negative pressure source such as a syringe on the proximal end of the sheath. This results in the septum pulling inward. The sheath employs a stationary needle-like central core component contained within the lumen of the sheath that punctures the septum when the same is pulled passed it by the negative pressure. The stationary needle-like central core component may be hollow and may form a portion of the elongated member or may be coupled to a distal end thereof.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) pole assembly includes a non-conductive support element, distribution rails respectively disposed along a length of the non-conductive support element and a clamping element. The distribution rails are respectively configured for power distribution along the length of the non-conductive support element. The clamping element includes a hinged clamp, which is attachable to the non-conductive support element at an attachment point defined along the length of the non-conductive support element, and a connector by which power is selectively transmittable from the distribution rails to a powered device supportable on the hinged clamp.

Abstract: A wearable articular administration device is provided, which includes a reservoir configured to contain an active ingredient; a feeding duct for the active ingredient adapted to be introduced into the body at an articulation; a pump designed to push the active ingredient from the reservoir into the feeding duct and then into the articulation; and a control unit adapted to control the pump so that it carries out the delivery of the active ingredient and the anchoring means to a patient.

Abstract: A medicament delivery system for use with medicament delivery device includes a support member, a compression member spaced from the support member to define a gap therebetween, a mechanical coupling between the support member and the compression member comprising a plurality of connecting members extending between the support member and the compression member, and a biasing element connected to the compression member and configured to exert a rotational force on the compression member relative to the support member. The mechanical coupling is configured such that rotation of the compression member relative to the support member causes the compression member to be drawn towards the support member to reduce the gap therebetween.

Abstract: A system for delivering fluid to a user transcutaneously includes a subcutaneous infusion cannula base assembly, a cannula inserter assembly and a fluid connection assembly. The subcutaneous infusion cannula base assembly is configured to be located on the user's skin. The cannula inserter assembly is coupled to the cannula base assembly and is configured to drive an infusion cannula through the user's skin in a nominally helical trajectory. The fluid connection assembly is configured to fluidically connect the cannula base assembly to a source of delivery fluid. Cannula and stylet assemblies configured for helical or non-helical insertion are also disclosed.