Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic synthetic constructs capable of inducing an immune response against Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) in a subject comprising one or more monosaccharides comprising one or more MeOPN moieties. Specifically, the invention relates to immunogenic synthetic constructs capable of inducing an immune response against Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) in a subject comprising one or more MeOPN?6 Gal monosaccharides. The invention also relates to compositions comprising the immunogenic synthetic constructs and methods of inducing an immune response against C. jejuni in a subject comprising administering the immunogenic synthetic constructs, and/or compositions comprising the immunogenic synthetic construct, to the subject.

Abstract: The present invention refers to new glycoconjugate antigens expressing built-in multiple epitopes and to polyvalent glycoconjugate vaccines intended for the protection of mammalians, and particularly for the protection of the human population from enteropathogenic bacteria, such as the Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium Clostridium difficile and the Gram-negative bacteria Salmonella typhi, Escherichia Coli, Vibrio Cholerae, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella paratyphi A, Shigella sonnei, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella cholerasuis, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and/or from viral gastrointestinal infections due to human noroviruses.

Abstract: A menu of mutations was developed that is useful in fine-tuning the attenuation and growth characteristics of dengue virus vaccines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern methods and compositions for immunotherapy for human papillomavirus infection and diseases associated therewith. In specific embodiments, methods concern production of immune cells that target one or more antigens of HPV16 and/or HPV18, including methods with stimulation steps that employ IL-7 and IL-15, but not IL-6 and/or IL-12. Other specific embodiments utilize stimulations in the presence of certain cells, such as costimulatory cells and certain antigen presenting cells.

Abstract: New influenza donor strains for the production of reassortant influenza A viruses are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to mutant viruses, and in particular, mutant influenza viruses. The mutant viruses disclosed herein include a mutant M2 sequence, and are useful in immunogenic compositions, e.g., as vaccines. The mutant viruses disclosed herein including a mutant M2 sequence are also useful to deliver antigens to a subject, e.g., to induce an immune response to the antigen. Also disclosed herein are methods, compositions and cells for propagating the viral mutants, and methods, devices and compositions related to vaccination.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for related to mutant influenza viruses with increased fidelity.

Abstract: A vaccine composition and method of vaccination are provided useful for immunizing a subject against a rotavirus. The vaccines include rotavirus strains CDC-9 and CDC-66, fragments thereof, homologues thereof, or combinations thereof. Inventive vaccines may include a fragment of CDC-9, CDC-66, homologues thereof, or combinations thereof. Methods of inducing an immunological response are provided by administering an inventive vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant avian herpes virus, which comprises at least two recombinant nucleotide sequences, each recombinant nucleotide sequence encoding a distinct antigenic peptide, wherein the at least two recombinant nucleotide sequences are inserted into distinct non-coding regions of the viral genome chosen among the region located between UL44 and UL45, the region located between UL45 and UL46, the region located between US10 and SORF3, and the region located between SORF3 and US2.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to compositions and methods to enhance an immune response in order to prevent or treat infections or hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer. More particularly, the composition is an immunostimulatory intracellular signaling peptide fused directly or indirectly to a peptide that leads to multimerization into complexes of three or more units, where the intracellular signaling peptide must be present in a complex of three or more units in order to stimulate an immune response. Inserting this fusion construct into viruses like HIV-1 or introducing it into dendritic cells or tumor cells is predicted to lead to a positive therapeutic effect in humans, non-human mammals, birds, and fish.

Abstract: Improved methods for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one surfactant, involving prefiltration of the surfactant prior to formulation into final products.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of treating a patient suffering from a localized fibrotic condition which comprises administering to the patient an amount of an IL-33 antagonist effective to treat the patient. The subject invention also provides a method of treating a patient suffering from a localized fibrotic condition which comprises administering to the patient an amount of a TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) antagonist effective to treat the patient.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of reducing viral load in an HIV-1-infected human subject which comprises administering to the subject an effective HIV-1 viral load reducing dose of a CCR5 receptor antagonist, such as a humanized antibody designated PRO 140 or an anti-CCR5 receptor monoclonal antibody, wherein the viral load reducing dose achieves an average maximum decrease of viral load in the subject of at least 1.83 log10 to 2.5 log10 at about ten days following administration of the CCR5 receptor antagonist and wherein the viral load reducing dose further achieves a mean viral load reduction of 1.7 log10 at about nine days following administration of the CCR5 receptor antagonist.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method that is excellent in superovulation induction efficiency. Specifically, it is an object to provide a method giving superior superovulation induction efficiency as compared with conventional methods using equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The present invention provides a superovulation inducing method, comprising simultaneously administering anti-inhibin antibody and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), then, administering human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), to a female mouse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-AXL antibodies, immunoconjugates, compositions and method of treatment of cancer with such anti-AXL antibodies, immunoconjugates, or compositions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for cancer treatments. The methodology entails, for instance, administering to a cancer patient a first composition comprising a plurality of bacterially derived intact minicells or intact killed bacterial cells, each of which encompasses an anti-neoplastic agent and carries a bispecific ligand on the surface, the ligand having specificity for a mammalian cell component, and a second composition comprising interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or an agent that increases the expression of IFN-gamma in the subject. The compositions include the first composition and the second composition as described, optionally with additional anti-neoplastic agents.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject who has been diagnosed with cancer is described. The method includes characterizing the radiation-susceptibility of the subject by detecting a mutation in an NRF2 pathway protein in suitable sample obtained from the subject and treating the subject with radiation therapy if the subject is characterized as being radiation-susceptible, or treating the subject with radiation therapy and a radiosensitizing agent if the subject is characterized as being radioresistant. A method of determining if a subject has a history of tobacco smoking is also described that includes analyzing an NRF2 pathway protein to determine if a mutation is present in suitable sample obtained from the subject and characterizing the subject as having a history of tobacco smoking if a genetic fingerprint consistent with tobacco exposure is identified.

Abstract: An active agent delivery composition is provided that allows topical delivery of active agents including vitamin A and its derivatives. A polyhalogenic vehicle serves as a coupler for an active agent and a silicone carrier so as to allow solubilization of active agents not normally miscible in silicones and providing a moisture maintaining composition.

Abstract: A composition includes a pharmaceutical dosage form configured to dinsintegrate in saliva and maintain a pH of 4 or less within the saliva during the time the dosage form is dissolving therein. The dosage form includes a therapeutically effective amount of melatonin in a carrier matrix, a disintegrant, and a sufficient amount of acid to impart the pH to the saliva. The amount of disintegrant is sufficient to cause the dosage form to completely disintegrate in the saliva within ten minutes from contacting the saliva.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a semi-solid controlled release pharmaceutical composition containing biocompatible and bioerodible semi-solid lipid matrix incorporating local anesthetics agents to form a semi-solid solution, a method of using the pharmaceutical composition to treat, and a method of making the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition and method of producing supersaturated stabilized nanoparticles of poorly soluble drugs having average sizes less than 1 ?m, or less than 800 nm, or less than 500 nm, comprising at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient, a hydrophilic polymer, a water-soluble surfactant, and subsequently stabilized by ionic polymers.

Abstract: The present investigation relates to entrapment of carbohydrate antigen such as Vi polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi in poly (DL) lactide (PDLLA) and polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) polymer particles. The formulated product not only elicits primary antibody titers from single dose application but also evokes memory antibody titer against the T independent antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous pharmaceutical compositions which provide sustained released delivery of corticosteroid compounds. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a soluble corticosteroid and at least one viscosity enhancing agent. Also provided are methods for using the pharmaceutical compositions in an epidural injection, intra-articular injection, or an intra-lesional injection.

Abstract: This document relates to non-covalently bound complexes including Docetaxel and human serum albumin. This document also relates to compositions comprising non-covalently bound complexes including Docetaxel and human serum albumin. This document also relates to compositions comprising Docetaxel and human serum albumin, wherein the composition is a clear aqueous solution when the composition is dissolved in an aqueous solution, and wherein the composition has a solubility in an aqueous solution of at least 10 mg/ml. This document also relates to compositions comprising Docetaxel and human serum albumin, wherein the Docetaxel and the human serum albumin in the composition have a ratio by weight from about 1:50 to about 1:1000. This document also relates to compositions consisting essentially of Docetaxel and human serum albumin, wherein the Docetaxel and the human serum albumin in the composition have a ratio by weight from about 1:50 to about 1:1000.

Abstract: The disclosure provided herein pertains to CCK2R-drug conjugates. In particular, the disclosure pertains to CCK2R-drug conjugates that target the delivery of drugs to a mammalian recipient. Also described are methods of making and using CCK2R-drug conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an amphipathic peptide and methods of using the amphipathic peptide for delivering small molecule agents to a cell. Ideally, the amphipathic cell penetrating peptide comprises less than approximately 50 amino acid residues with at least 6 arginine residues, at least 12 Alanine Residues, at least 6 leucine residues, optionally at least one cysteine residue, and at least two but no greater than three glutamic acids wherein the arginine residues are evenly distributed along the length of the peptide; and the peptide has a defined ratio of arginine to negatively charged amino acid residues and a defined ratio of hydrophilic amino acid residues to hydrophobic amino acid residues. The present invention is also directed to a nanoparticle and cell delivery system comprising the amphipathic cell penetrating peptide of the invention. The peptide, nanoparticle or cell delivery system of the invention may be used in therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated cytotoxic peptides having similar sequences as the basic region (BR) of Hexamethylene Bisacetamide Inducible Protein 1 (HEXIM1). Preferred embodiments include QLGKKKHRRRPSKKKRHW (SEQ ID No: 3). QLGRRRHRRRPSRRRRHW (SEQ ID No: 4) and QLGKKILAARPSKKKRHW (SEQ ID No: 5). Also encompassed are isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding for the claimed peptides, vectors comprising the isolated nucleic acids, compositions comprising peptides conjugated to cell-targeting or penetrating peptides or antibodies, nucleic acid molecules or vectors expressing conjugates thereof; methods of treating or preventing diseases or conditions, including cancers and obesity as well as a method of eliminating undifferentiated stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for diagnosing and detecting cancer by bioimaging using methylene blue nanoparticle as a contrasting agent. The methylene blue nanoparticle of the present invention for use as a topical cancer targeting phototherapeutic agent is composed of only a material of which the composition is clinically used or derived from human bodies, and thus a nanopreparation in which a barrier to clinical entry is low and the possibility of commercialization is very high, exhibits near-infrared fluorescence along with cancer targeting property, a capacity of generating a singlet oxygen and the like. Therefore, the methylene blue nanoparticle in the present invention is able to detect cancerous cells by emitting visible light in irradiation conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to EGFR-specific peptide reagents, methods for detecting pre-cancer, early cancer and/or cancer using the peptide reagents, and methods for targeting pre-cancer cells, early cancer cells and/or cancer cells using the peptide reagents. In one aspect, the disclosure provides reagents consisting essentially of a peptide QRHKPRE (SEQ ID NO: 1), HAHRSWS (SEQ ID NO: 2), YLTMPTP (SEQ ID NO: 3), TYPISFM (SEQ ID NO: 4), KLPGWSG (SEQ ID NO: 5), IQSPHFF (SEQ ID NO: 6), YSIPKSS (SEQ ID NO: 7), SHRNRPRNTQPS (SEQ ID NO: 8), NRHKPREKTFTD (SEQ ID NO: 9).

Abstract: The invention relates to lipid polymeric patchy particles formed by nanoprecipitation and emulsification processes, utilizing a polymer blend including the polymer, solvent and lipid-PEGylated functional groups. More particularly, the invention relates to synthesizing particles having different or pre-selected morphologies (internal and external) and physicochemical properties. It has been found that the shear stress experienced by the polymer blend during emulsification can impart certain external and internal morphology and physicochemical properties to the resulting particles. Further, the one or more patches of the particles can be functionalized, such as, with gold nanoparticles, for use of the particles, in particular, in photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) binding compounds having radioisotope substituents are described, as well as chemical precursors thereof. Compounds include pyridine containing compounds, compounds having phenylhydrazine structures, and acylated lysine compounds. The compounds allow ready incorporation of radionuclides for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) for imaging, for example, prostate cancer cells and angiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds with imaging moieties for imaging a subject. The present invention also relates to systems, compositions, and methods for the synthesis and use of imaging agents, or precursors thereof. An imaging agent precursor may be converted to an imaging agent using the methods described herein. In some cases, a composition or plurality of imaging agents is enriched in 18F. In some cases, an imaging agent may be used to image an area of interest in a subject, including, but not limited to, the heart, cardiovascular system, cardiac vessels, brain, and other organs.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems of disinfecting medical instruments, more particularly blood glucose meters. A disinfection cradle including a flat base for positioning the cradle on a surface, the cradle having a receptacle configured to receive the diagnostic apparatus, and a UV source positioned in the receptacle that is configured to administer a disinfection cycle to the diagnostic apparatus by directing UV light outward at the diagnostic apparatus received in the receptacle, the UV light being able to act as a disinfecting agent to the disinfection cradle and diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for irradiating a fluid containing a material to be irradiated, comprising at least one irradiation chamber having at least one inlet port and outlet port, at least one fluid cooling chamber having at least one inlet port and outlet port, one or more UV radiation sources coupled to the irradiation chamber(s); and at least one heat exchange mechanism thermally coupled to the radiation source(s) and the cooling chamber(s). At least a portion of the interior surface of the cooling chamber(s) may comprise at least a portion of the exterior surface of the irradiation chamber(s) so the cooling chamber(s) is in fluid communication with the irradiation chamber(s).

Abstract: Sanitizing surfaces in a location related to aircraft. There are multiple rows of seats. A sanitization device includes a mobile body configured to travel along the aisle of the aircraft. An arm extends from the sanitization device laterally from the mobile body across the seats, and a source of UV radiation mounted on the sanitization device is directed across the seats exposing surfaces in the passenger area to UV radiation. There is a data collector to collect information in the aircraft. A passive RFID tag mounted on elements can be read by an RFID reader. The device can include one or more sniffer cells for scanning the aircraft for unwanted or dangerous devices or chemicals.

Abstract: A sterilization system includes a sterilization chamber, a processor, and a sterilization module. The sterilization module includes a frame assembly, an extraction assembly, and a carriage assembly. The extraction assembly is configured to extract a sterilant fluid from a cartridge and transfer the sterilant fluid to the sterilization chamber. The carriage assembly includes a motor, a carriage body, and a translating flag. The carriage body is configured to receive the cartridge. The translating flag is configured to move from a first position to a second position relative to the carriage body in response to the carriage body receiving the cartridge. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the translating flag from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method of delivering a volatile material to the atmosphere in a continuous manner is disclosed. The method includes providing a delivery engine having a reservoir that includes a volatile material mixture. The volatile material mixture includes about 40% to about 100%, by total weight, of the volatile materials each having a vapor pressure at 25° C. of less than about 0.1 torr. The delivery system also includes a microporous membrane enclosing the reservoir, wherein the microporous membrane comprises an average pore size of about 0.01 to about 0.03 microns.

Abstract: An encapsulated air freshener device employing a forced air means to diffuse fragrant air throughout an environment from a cartridge that is housed in a perforated device. The device is configured to be attached to the grills of a vent of an AC unit and blend in seamlessly with the vent cover. The air freshener device is aesthetically pleasing, easy to install, and easy to maintain.

Abstract: A multi-layered wound care product includes an upper liquid-absorbing layer, an intermediate occlusive layer; and an active agent-releasing bottom layer. The latter two layers have common pores or perforations that enable the passage of wound exudate through the two layers to reach the liquid-absorbing layer. A use of the multi-layered wound care product for treatment of acute and chronic wounds and a method of producing the multi-layered wound care product are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use, as an agent for salting out an active substance in a composition for a dressing, of a copolymer of a salt of 2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]-1-propanesulphonic acid and the 2-hydroxyethyl ester of propenoic acid. It also relates to dressings of the type comprising at least one fatty substance and/or an elastomeric matrix and at least one active substance, which incorporate the aforementioned copolymer.

Abstract: Methods of improving the moisture vapor transmission rate of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer in a medical article with a miscible composition, as well as medical articles including the improved pressure sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: Absorbable monofilament fibers and self-retaining sutures with high tensile strengths have been developed. The straight pull tensile strengths of the absorbable self-retaining sutures closely approximate, equal or exceed the average minimum knot-pull tensile standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). These higher strength absorbable self-retaining sutures can therefore be used either without needing to oversize the suture for a given procedure, or by oversizing the self-retaining suture by no more than 0.1 mm in diameter. In one embodiment, the absorbable self-retaining sutures are made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymers thereof. Methods for producing absorbable self-retaining sutures that have high tensile strengths and pronounced sheath-core structures wherein the sheath is harder than the core are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to perforated polymer films and methods of making the same. In some embodiments, the films are for use with implantable medical devices. In one embodiment there is a flexible body including a polymer film having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the film having a plurality of apertures extending from the first surface to the second surface and a plurality of raised lips protruding from the first surface such that each of the plurality of apertures is surrounded by a one of the plurality of raised lips. In one embodiment, the film comprises a single layer, and in another embodiment, the film can comprise a plurality of layers. In certain embodiments, the film can comprise an adhesive layer. In another embodiment, one or more of the layers may be a drug containing layer and/or a rate controlling layer for drug release.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for a nanofiber wrap to minimize inflation and scarring of nerve tissue and maximize the nutrient transport. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a novel semi-permeable nanofiber construct prepared from biocompatible materials. The nanofiber construct is applied around a nerve repair site following end-to-end anastomosis. The nanofiber construct is porous and composed of randomly oriented nanofibers prepare using an electrospinning method. The nanofiber construct has a wall that is approximately 50-100 ?m thick with pores smaller than 25 ?m. The nanofiber construct prevents inflammatory cells from migrating into the nerve coaption site, while still permitting the diffusion of growth factors and essential nutrients. The nanofiber construct allows for enhanced neuroregeneration and optimal function outcomes.

Abstract: The tissue construct with viable cells in an extracellular matrix made of fibrin is produced with a special method, in which a matrix material and cells are shaped into a hollow body, in particular a tubular hollow body, by means of a rotational casting method in a hollow mould (1), the method comprising the following steps: (a) introduction of cells of at least one cell type and/or a fibrinogen preparation into the rotating hollow mould (1) with the aid of an applicator (4), said applicator (4) being displaced along the rotational axis during the introduction and step (a) being performed one or more times; (b) continuation of the rotation process until the fibrinogen solidifies into a dimensionally stable matrix, obtaining a primarily solidified tissue construct; (c) removal of the tissue construct from the mould. The construct can also he obtained in a relatively short time from autologous materials.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for repairing a cartilage defect including: preparing a cartilage defect by removing unwanted or damaged tissue; creating at least one perforation into or through subchondral bone, below and/or adjacent to the cartilage defect to induce the flow of bone fluid; allowing the bone fluid to bleed through the at least one perforation up into the cartilage defect to fill at least a portion of the cartilage defect; and applying a biomaterial into the defect to produce a clot for cartilage regeneration.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for decellularizing adipose tissue, comprising subjecting the adipose tissue to one or more incubations in an enzymatic digestion solution containing one or more enzymes, and one or more solvent extractions, wherein decellularized adipose tissue comprising an extracellular matrix with well-preserved three-dimensional structure is obtained. The invention also provides a decellularized adipose tissue comprising an extracellular matrix with well-preserved three-dimensional architecture, and bioscaffolds, microcarrier beads, and coatings comprising the decellularized adipose tissue.

Abstract: Described are medical products including an adhesive containing a polypeptide component such as gelatin and a tackiness-providing polyhydroxy compound, such as at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerin and fructose. Such medical products can find use as a bolster material for use in conjunction with a surgical fastening device such as a stapler. Other medical applications utilizing a medical product of the invention include tissue repair and pharmaceutical delivery to a desired location. Related methods of manufacture and use are also described.

Abstract: A scaffold for tissue repair or wound dressing comprising: a material layer; a polymer fibre layer; and an adhesive component between the material layer and the polymer fibre layer, wherein the adhesive component comprises material having a lower melting temperature (Tm) than the material layer and the polymer fibre layer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell structure for brain damage treatment which does not contain glutaraldehyde and in which it is possible to exhibit a sufficient effect of treating brain damage, a production method thereof, and a brain damage treatment agent. According to the present invention, there is provided a cell structure for brain damage treatment which contains biocompatible macromolecular blocks and at least one kind of cell and in which a plurality of the biocompatible macromolecular blocks are disposed in gaps between a plurality of the cells, in which the tap density of the biocompatible macromolecular block is 10 mg/cm3 to 500 mg/cm3 or a value obtained by dividing a square root of a cross-sectional area in a two-dimensional cross-sectional image of the biocompatible macromolecular block by a peripheral length is 0.01 to 0.13.