Abstract: Provided herein is are polymeric nanoparticles and polymer-bioactive agent conjugates capable of delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system (CNS). Further provided herein is a method of treating diseases with such polymer nanoparticles and polymer-bioactive agents conjugates. Also provided herein is a method of making the polymeric nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface-coated nanoparticle comprising biodegradable polymer chains and cyclopeptides, wherein the cyclopeptides are covalently attached to the biodegradable polymer chains forming the nanoparticle, thereby coating the surface of the nanoparticle. The present invention further relates to the use of said surface-coated nanoparticle as a capsule for an agent for improving the oral delivery thereof. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the surface-coated nanoparticle for use in the treatment or prevention of a disorder or disease in a patient, wherein the treatment or prevention is achieved by mucosal uptake of the surface-coated nanoparticle via the oral route.

Abstract: Provided herein are recombinant constructs, vectors and expression cassettes including a first promoter which is suitably a tRNA promoter operably connected to a first polynucleotide encoding a first single guide RNA and a second promoter operably connected to a second polynucleotide encoding a Cas9 polypeptide. The first single guide RNA includes a first portion complementary to a strand of a target sequence of a DNA virus and a second portion capable of interacting with the Cas9 polypeptide. Also provided are codon optimized Staphylococcus aureus derived Cas9 polynucleotides and polypeptides with nuclear localization signals and optionally an epitope tag. Also provided are constructs for production of sgRNAs including a tRNA. Methods of inhibiting viral replication, inhibiting expression of a target sequence from a virus or treating a viral infection or viral induced cancer using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are liposomal structures comprising polynucleic acids. Also disclosed are polypeptides encoded by polynucleic acids, pharmaceutical compositions of liposomal structures, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Provided herein are materials and methods for efficiently delivering nucleic acids to cochlear and vestibular cells, and methods of treating sensory transduction disorders associated with a genetic defect.

Abstract: Methods of treating hemophilia A in a subject with an F8 gene mutation, wherein the F8 gene is repaired and the resultant repaired gene, upon expression, confers improved coagulation functionality to the encoded FVIII protein of the subject compared to the non-repaired F8 gene. The invention also includes methods of inducing immune tolerance to a FVIII replacement product ((r)FVIII) in a subject having a FVIII deficiency, wherein the F8 gene mutation is repaired and the repaired gene, upon expression, provides for the induction of immune tolerance to an administered replacement FVIII protein product. The invention also includes isolated nucleic acids, vectors, recombinant viruses, cells, and pharmaceutical compositions to repair the F8 gene.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for activating transcription in a mammalian cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the genetically modified non-human animals that express a human or chimeric TIGIT (e.g., humanized TIGIT), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A tumor cell xenograft model in zebrafish, and methods of constructing and using the same. Primary cells dissociated from the tumor tissue of a patient are transplanted into zebrafish, so as to obtain a patient-derived tumor xenograft model. The tumor xenograft model retains the pathological features of human gastric cancer tissues in clinic, has higher clinical relevance, and can be used in the systematic research into the mechanisms underlying the proliferation, metastasis, spread and drug resistance of tumors, and to screen effective drugs for tumor treatments.

Abstract: Described herein are cyclic peptides, nanoparticles bound with cyclic peptides, and methods for using said cyclic peptides and/or said nanoparticles bound with cyclic peptides for intraoperative nerve tissue imaging.

Abstract: A method for conducting an ultrasound session using an ultrasound probe system includes the steps of providing an ultrasound gel for use in combination with the ultrasound probe system, the ultrasound gel defining a composition including 1-10% by weight of Carbopol; 0.001-0.02% by weight of fungistat; 0.001-0.02% by weight of NaOH; 0.001-0.02% by weight of chlorhexidine; 1-5% by weight of glycerin up; 90-95% by weight of purified water; 0.001-0.02% by weight of curacao; 0.1-0.8% by weight of aloe vera leaf juice; 0.01-0.03% by weight of citric acid; 0.001-0.02% by weight of EDTA disodium; 0.001-0.02% by weight of phenoxyethanol; 0.001-0.02% by weight of ethylhexylglycerin; and 0.001-0.02% by weight of methylisothiazolinone; and selectively applying the ultrasound gel on an ultrasound site and operating the ultrasound probe system thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugated compound comprising a marker M pharmaceutically acceptable, and a peptide or pseudo-peptide P having at most 30 amino acid residues and able to bind the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) and to its use in a method of labelling and/or detecting and/or treating cancerous cells in a subject by administration of the conjugated compound to the subject an analysis of the presence and/or the amount of marker.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilization are presented. An apparatus includes a sterilizing cabinet assembly including a cabinet having an access port and a bottom, the bottom configurable to induce a condensate to flow on the bottom to a vent port The apparatus further includes a door connected to the cabinet, the door moveable between an open position permitting passage through the access port to an interior of the cabinet and a dosed position precluding passage through the access port. The apparatus also includes at least one of the cabinet and the door having the vent port, and a filter overlying the vent port and forming a sealed interface with an adjacent portion of the one of the cabinet and the door.

Abstract: The invention refers to an endoscope including at least one channel which may be contaminated in use, wherein the channel wall of the at least one channel is formed of a material having properties capable of photocatalysis. The invention further refers to a method for cleaning such an endoscope including the steps of: connecting the endoscope to a reprocessing device, performing a photocatalytic treatment at least in the at least one channel for the purpose of the decomposition of organic residues on the surface of the channel, and rinsing the endoscope. The invention further refers to a cleaning device for cleaning such an endoscope.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for sanitizing person use items. The system is comprised essentially of a mechanism for emitting sanitizing electromagnetic radiation within an enclosed compartment. The apparatus may be light-tight such that the radiation is contained within the apparatus. It may be configured to emit a plurality of sanitizing wavelengths. The apparatus may include a series of reflective and/or refractive apparatuses to alter the reflection path of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, allowing the electromagnetic radiation to reflect in a plurality of directions. The enclosure may include a support member or personal item support that may be transparent to, or reflective of, the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus designed to control the application of the previously uncontrollable reaction of a peroxide composition and an alkaline composition, and accurately maintain the desired composition ratios for removal of and destruction of microbiological and organic contamination on a surface safely and without waste of the materials. The apparatus may also be used to maintain the highest demulsifying and antimicrobial activity of an organic acid composition blended with a peroxide composition by limiting contact time and the level of degradation of the components of the organic acid composition. A method of using the apparatus is provided for removing biofilm, bacteria, fungal cells, spores, fragments, and hyphae, microbiological slime, and organic contaminants from porous and non-porous surfaces, maintaining the integrity and life expectancy of the substrates, and increasing their resistance to new biofilm formation and microbiological deposition.

Abstract: A system and method for disinfecting hard surfaces in an area such as a hospital room including a light source emitting UV light and a reflector mounted behind the light source for concentrating and directing the light toward a target. The light source and reflector rotate to direct the concentrated beam around a room, thereby making more efficient use of the energy being emitted.

Abstract: Provided is a decontamination apparatus that includes a motorized base with a transport system that is operable to autonomously move the decontamination apparatus. A plurality of UVC bulbs, each of which emits UVC light, are supported at a vertical elevation above the motorized base. A controller controls operation of the transport system to move the decontamination apparatus along a desired route while the UVC bulbs are energized during a decontamination process.

Abstract: Provided is a method and an apparatus for indicating minimum exposure of a surface to UVC light emitted by a source during a decontamination process to achieve a desired level of pathogen reduction. The apparatus includes a photochromic material to be applied to, or applied adjacent to the surface. The photochromic material is to exhibit a visible response to receiving the minimum exposure to the UVC light, and exhibit the visible response to a lesser extent after the photochromic material ceases to be exposed to the UVC light emitted by the source. A protective layer of material that is substantially transparent to the UVC light emitted by the source is positioned over the photochromic material to be disposed between the source and the photochromic material during the decontamination process.

Abstract: An automatic dispensing device for volatile fluid operable to apply one or more agent to a local environment for more than 14 days. Preferred devices dispense a first agent for air freshening, and may optionally dispense a second agent, such as a drain cleaner. A workable drain cleaner is structured to permit a slow release of drain cleaning agent. A dispensing device may nonexclusively operate by evaporation of volatile fluid from a carrier material that is infused with the volatile fluid; gravity-induced drip from a bulk supply of volatile fluid through a small orifice onto an emanator; osmotic transfer of volatile fluid from a bulk supply; gas-pump drive of volatile fluid at controlled pressure; or diffusion of volatile fluid through a wall of a container of bulk volatile fluid; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A microfluidic delivery device and method of dispensing a fluid composition from a microfluidic die are provided. The method includes generating air flow from a fan; directing a first portion of the air flow through a first air outlet in a housing; directing a second portion of the air flow through a second air outlet in the housing; jetting a fluid composition from a microfluidic die through a fluid orifice in the housing; directing the second portion of air flow adjacent to the microfluidic die and out the fluid outlet, wherein the first portion of the air flow directs the fluid composition jetted out of the fluid outlet into the air.

Abstract: A biologically-active aerosol spray composition for eliminating the persistent noxious odors commonly found in residential and commercial bathrooms comprises a mixture of endospores of one or more beneficial bacteria capable of digesting dried urine without producing noxious odors and a carrier liquid for the endospores, wherein the carrier liquid comprises acetone.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing medical waste includes a pressure tank configured to receive a compression bag having the medical waste; a water vapor generator that introduces steam into the pressure tank via a first pipe using a connector attached to the pressure tank; and a vacuum compressor that removes fluids from the pressure tank. The pressure tank, water vapor generator, and vacuum compressor are connected in a closed manner such that the fluids within the pressure tank are contained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprising at least one pathogen-reduced collection container, which is in fluid connection with at least one non-sterile waste disposal site (16) via at least one distributor comprising at least three attachment points for tubes and a method for using the this device.

Abstract: Antimicrobial dressings effective for treating biofilms in wounds are provided. One embodiment provides a wound dressing containing a silver-releasing conformable substrate and hydrogel containing a therapeutic substance. The hydrogel layer optionally may contain a pattern and/or one or more apertures, and may be secured by an optional non-adherent netting. A preferred substrate is a silver-coated substrate, for example silver-coated nylon. The silver-coated nylon can be a knitted, woven, compound, or complex fabric. Silver fibers can be combined within non-woven fabrics. The silver containing substrate, can be non-adherent and/or may contain one or more apertures, and/or may contain elastane. The dressing optionally contains one or more of: an adhesive layer, a separation layer, a moisture regulation layer, a film layer, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An adhesive free self-fusing material being either of open or closed cell polymer (silicone) based material that can be used to create a permanent elastic band for compression and support dressings. The proprietary polymer material upon contact with itself, initiates a “room temperature” reaction of self-vulcanization with the contact surfaces of itself. This eliminates the need for any adhesives which some patients experience negative reactions. In an example embodiment, the material comprises Vinyl stopped polydimethyl siloxane, amorphous silica, and dimethylpolysiloxane.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a wound care device which contains capillary force one-way pumps that are capable of transporting fluid, such as wound exudate, away from a wound site to the opposite side of the wound care device, which functions as a segregated fluid reservoir. This fluid transport mechanism generally aids in reducing wound maceration by removing excess wound fluid and the protease enzymes and infectious bacteria contained within the wound fluid. The wound care device performs this function, often times for multiple days, without the loss of the physical integrity of the wound care device. In addition to providing a uni-directional fluid transport mechanism, the wound care device contains a perforated adhesive layer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a wound care device which contains capillary force one-way pumps that are capable of transporting fluid, such as wound exudate, away from a wound site to the opposite side of the wound care device, which functions as a segregated fluid reservoir. This fluid transport mechanism generally aids in reducing wound maceration by removing excess wound fluid and the protease enzymes and infectious bacteria contained within the wound fluid. The wound care device performs this function, often times for multiple days, without the loss of the physical integrity of the wound care device. In addition to providing a uni-directional fluid transport mechanism, the wound care device contains a perforated adhesive layer.

Abstract: Injectable, ready-to-use two-paste cement-forming compositions comprise a first paste and a second paste. The first paste comprises a non-aqueous oil-based suspension of monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) powder, at least one surfactant effective to improve compatibility of the oil and the MCPM, and an organic acid, with an oil to MCMP powder weight ratio of about 0.2 to about 0.5. The second paste comprises an aqueous suspension of ?-tricalcium phosphate (?-TCP) powder and a gel-forming polymer, with a water to ?-TCP powder weight ratio of about 0.3 to about 0.5. The molar ratio of ?-TCP powder to MCPM powder is greater than 1. An article of manufacture comprises a first compartment in which the first paste is contained, and a second compartment in which the second paste is contained. The compositions are useful for bone repair or replacement.

Abstract: A collagen-based therapeutic delivery device includes an insoluble synthetic collagen-fibril matrix comprising a polymerization product of soluble oligomeric collagen or a polymerization product of a mixture of soluble oligomeric collagen with one or more type of non-oligomeric soluble collagen molecules, such as, for example, soluble telocollagen and/or soluble atelocollagen, and an active agent dispersed throughout the collagen-fibril matrix or within a portion of the collagen-fibril matrix. A pre-matrix composition includes an aqueous solution including soluble collagen-fibril building blocks and an active agent in the aqueous solution. The soluble collagen-fibril building blocks include soluble oligomeric collagen or a mixture of soluble oligomeric collagen with non-oligomeric soluble collagen molecules. The building blocks are operable to self-assemble into a macromolecular synthetic collagen-fibril matrix in the absence of an exogenous cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional tissue comprising cells and collagen including endogenous collagen, wherein at least a portion of the cells is adhered to the collagen, and the content of the collagen is from 10 wt % to 90 wt % based on the three-dimensional tissue.

Abstract: A heart valve replacement and methods of manufacturing same are provided. A heart valve replacement includes a substrate and a low profile composite covering in conformal contact with the substrate and suturelessly attached to the substrate. The low profile composite covering includes a textile base layer and a thermoplastic polymer coating integrated with the textile base layer. The thermoplastic polymer coating or select portions thereof are substantially fluid impermeable.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for tissue regeneration of the present invention include a biocompatible porous composite of a decellularized tissue and an aptamer-functionalized hydrogel, wherein the aptamers of the aptamer-functionalized hydrogel specifically and reversibly bind to an active agent.

Abstract: Cardiovascular prostheses for treating, reconstructing and replacing damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue that are formed from acellular extracellular matrix (ECM). The cardiovascular prostheses comprise various compositions, such as poly(glycerol sebacate (PGS) or ECM based compositions, and structures, such as particulate structures, mesh constructs, encasement structures, coated structures and multi-sheet laminate structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the automated demineralization of bone and decellularization of soft tissue include a mixing assembly communicatively coupled with a control and reporting system. The mixing assembly includes a housing that supports a cannister sub-assembly forming a mixing chamber having a reagent inlet, a reagent outlet, and an internal fluid agitator. A motor is operably coupled with the agitator and configured to spin the agitator in first and second directions relative to the cannister, thereby agitating fluid contained within the mixing chamber. At least one pump is configured to progressively inject measured quantities of a plurality of reagents into the mixing chamber. The associated control and reporting system includes a user terminal that displays a graphical user interface enabling a user to initiate an automated demineralization or decellularization procedure in which the mixing assembly demineralizes tissue placed within the mixing chamber. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell population suitable for transplant of retinal tissue and a method of production thereof. The present invention provides a cell population for transplant, comprising retinal cells with a modified bipolar cell-regulating gene and a method of production thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of inhibiting calcium carbonate as an additive for a composition used in an implant, the composition containing at least one polymer different from cellulose, and the inhibiting calcium carbonate being obtainable by a method in which calcium carbonate particles are coated with a composition that contains, each relative to its total weight, a mixture of at least 0.1 wt.-% of at least one calcium complexing agent and/or at least one conjugated base which is an alkali metal salt or calcium salt of a weak acid, together with at least 0.1 wt.-% of at least one weak acid. The invention further relates to an implant comprising a composition that contains at least one polymer different from cellulose and inhibiting calcium carbonate, said inhibiting calcium carbonate being obtainable by a method in which calcium carbonate particles are coated with a composition that contains, each relative to its total weight, a mixture of at least 0.1 wt.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sterilized injectable hydrogel composition, including the steps: a) covalently crosslinking a glycosaminoglycan using a bi- or polyfunctional crosslinking agent to form a covalently crosslinked glycosaminoglycan, b) swelling the covalently crosslinked glycosaminoglycan in a solution including a divalent cation to form a hydrogel composition, and c) sterilizing the hydrogel composition by autoclaving to form a sterilized injectable hydrogel composition, and to sterilized injectable hydrogel compositions obtainable by such method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article fabrication system having a plurality of material deposition tools containing one or more materials useful in fabricating the article, and a material deposition device having a tool interface for receiving one of the material deposition tools. A system controller is operably connected to the material deposition device to control operation of the material deposition device. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating an article using the system of the invention and a method of fabricating a living three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: An embolization system and methods for controlling solidification of embolic compositions comprising a first and a second embolic component that react with each other in vivo at a target site to form an embolic material, with the embolic components being dilutable in physiological fluids so that they do not form an embolic composition at a site that is not desired.

Abstract: There is provided a controlled-release antibiotic socket for securely holding an implantable medical device that is made from: at least one film having at least one polymer layer, where the at least one film is formed into the socket; at least one antibiotic agent; and at least one opening in the socket, where the at least one polymer layer comprises a biodegradable elastomeric polymeric material; and the at least one antibiotic agent is dispersed within at least one of the at least one polymer layers and/or, when the film comprises at least two polymer layers, the at least one antibiotic agent is disposed as a separate layer between two polymer layers. Also disclosed is the film used to make the socket and uses of both the socket and film.

Abstract: A waste collection unit for collecting medical waste through a suction line. The waste collection unit includes a manifold receiver having an opening in fluid communication with a canister. A suction pump is configured to draw a vacuum, and a vacuum regulator is configured to regulate the vacuum draw. A light assembly positioned near the opening of the manifold receiver may include a first light and a second light. The light assembly may be arranged to direct the first light towards a manifold configured to be removably received in the manifold receiver. The light assembly may be arranged to direct the second light arcuately around at least a portion of the opening of the manifold receiver. The first light may emit light of different colors based on a commanded or measured level of the vacuum draw.

Abstract: An improved percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube that allows continuous suctioning/sumping without occlusion of the tube by the gastric wall. The PEG tube includes a hollow drainage tubing coupled to a ventilated bell cap. The bell cap can be open or closed to the external environment is ventilated via apertures, crenellations and grooves, and hemispherical arches. The PEG tube minimizes, or completely eliminates, the need for a user thereof to frequently flush the tube, thus also curtailing intermittent suctioning and allowing for longer periods of uninterrupted drainage. Furthermore, the PEG tubes of the current invention reduce clogging of the tube by larger gastric matter that is intended to be suctioned out of the patient or subject.

Abstract: A system suitable for treating a tissue site may include an interface manifold, an interface sealing member, an absorbent layer, and a storage sealing member. The interface manifold may be positioned in fluid communication at the tissue site. The interface sealing member may be adapted to provide a sealed treatment space relative to the tissue site, and the interface manifold may be positioned in the sealed treatment space. The absorbent layer may be for positioning on an exterior facing side of the interface sealing member. The storage sealing member may be adapted to provide a sealed storage space between the storage sealing member and the exterior facing side of the interface sealing member. The absorbent layer may be positioned in the sealed storage space. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of priming a plasma processing system are disclosed. The plasma processing system has a number of different fluid flow circuits that are defined by sources of fluid, fluid flow paths, waste containers, a mixer, a separator, valves and a pump. A first fluid circuit is flushed, where the first fluid circuit is defined by a source of a first fluid, a first valve positioned between the source of the first fluid and the first fluid flow path, a second valve positioned between the first fluid flow path and the second fluid flow path, a first pump positioned between the second fluid flow path and the third fluid flow path, and a first waste container in fluid communication with the third fluid flow path. A second fluid circuit is then flushed by closing and opening certain valves.

Abstract: A system for processing fluids and filling a container with a product includes a disposable fluid circuit and reusable hardware configured to accept the disposable fluid circuit. The disposable fluid circuit includes a spinning membrane separator, first and second syringes, and a flow control cassette. The reusable hardware includes a drive coupled to the spinning membrane separator, first and second syringe pumps, the first and second syringes coupled to the first and second syringe pumps respectively, and a controller. The system also includes a syringe pump for filling low-volume containers, which syringe pump may be one of the first and second syringe pumps, or may be a third syringe pump. The syringe pump for filling low-volume containers may include a filtered vacuum/pressure source and a position detector.

Abstract: Apparatuses for collecting breast milk are described herein. The apparatuses include a body having a front side and a rear side opposed to the front side, the body defining a cavity and the rear side defining an opening shaped for receiving a portion of a user's breast. The cavity has an upper region for receiving the portion of the user's breast and a lower region for collecting the breast milk. The opening is positioned adjacent to the upper region of the cavity. The apparatuses may include a suction generating device for modulating the negative pressure in the cavity when the apparatus is pressed against the user's breast.

Abstract: A mechanical circulatory support device. The mechanical circulatory support device includes an inner casing defining a fluid flow path, the fluid flow path defines a longitudinal axis. A rotor is mounted within the fluid flow path and configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. A housing is included, the inner casing and the rotor being substantially disposed within the housing. The housing having a cross-sectional shape in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis which decreases in thickness extending from a medial position to opposite lateral positions.

Abstract: A system for detecting a suction condition in an implantable blood pump including a controller in communication with the blood pump. The controller includes a control circuit configured to calculate a present value during a time period, the present value corresponding to a pump speed divided by a pump current, determine a plurality of data values during the time period based on the present value, and determine a suction detection threshold value using the plurality of data values. The control circuit is also configured to compare the present value during the time period to the suction detection threshold value and generate an alert when the present value exceeds the suction detection threshold value on a plurality of instances during the time period, the alert corresponding to a suction condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intravascular blood pump comprising a housing region that may be expandable, wherein the housing region comprises at least one trough extending along and/or around at least a portion of the length of the housing region, wherein the integrated lead trough(s) may be defined by or within the housing region. The integrated lead trough(s) may be configured to receive one or more electrical leads therein that may be in operative connection with a sensor and/or working element.