Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of vaccines and vaccine adjuvants, and generally relates to polynucleotide adjuvants, polynucleotide vaccines and vaccine compositions. More specifically, the invention relates to said polynucleotides and vaccine compositions for use in inducing or enhancing a prophylactic or therapeutic immune response in a mammalian subject. Furthermore, it relates to said polynucleotides and vaccine compositions for use in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of an infectious disease, such as in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of leishmaniasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitising composition comprising a mixture of at least one oxygen carrier, at least one oxidising agent and at least one surfactant, and its uses. The ratio of the at least one oxygen carrier to the at least one oxidising agent to the at least one surfactant may be in the range of 50:40:10 to 80:19.8:0.2. The photosensitising composition may be used for treating and/or preventing conditions caused by microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of cancer hyperthermia therapy includes placing a device including an exogenously-excitable polymeric material at a cancer hyperthermia therapy site of a patient. The method also includes supplying an exogenous energy to the device such that the exogenous energy excites the exogenously-excitable polymeric material at the cancer hyperthermia therapy site to heat the cancer hyperthermia therapy site to a hyperthermia temperature. A method of preparing a polymeric material includes combining an alcohol monomer, a seed of the polymeric material, and an aqueous liquid in a vessel. The method also includes adding an acid monomer to the vessel and supplying an exogenous energy to the vessel. The polymeric material is exogenously excited by the exogenous energy to heat the polymeric material. The method further includes removing water from the vessel and producing the polymeric material, which is a polyester, in the vessel.

Abstract: A composition comprising PAA nanoparticles containing a post loaded tetrapyrollic photosensitizer and a postloaded imaging agent and methods for making and using same.

Abstract: A neutron capture therapy system includes a therapy table on which an irradiation target is placed, a neutron beam irradiation unit which irradiates the irradiation target placed on the therapy table with a neutron beam, a position measurement unit which measures a position of the irradiation target placed on the therapy table, and a radiation dose distribution output unit which outputs a radiation dose distribution of a neutron beam used for irradiating the irradiation target, based on an amount of positional misalignment of the position of the irradiation target measured by the position measurement unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new aminopyrimidine inhibitors of tyrosine kinase activity, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new formulations, particularly useful in the topical treatment of skin and oromucosal wounds. Formulations can be either a solution or a gel form consisting of a Polyhexamethylene biguanide as an antimicrobial agent, purified water and a tri-blockcopolymer, particularly a triblockcopolymer of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, and more particularly a poloxamer.

Abstract: Radiopaque hydrogels, in particular radiopaque hydrogel microspheres, comprising a polymer having 1,2-diol or 1,3-diol groups acetalised with radiopaque species.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treatment for tumors. In particular, methods are provided for use of a chemically modified IL-10 to treat tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated immunogenic polypeptides and their use. In one aspect, the isolated immunogenic polypeptide includes a scaffold polypeptide having a hairpin loop modified to include one or more epitopes heterologous to the scaffold polypeptide and from an amino acid loop linked by a disulfide bond. The scaffold polypeptide directs self-assembly with two other of the scaffold polypeptides to form a trimeric structure, which constrains the one or more epitopes to a conformation that is (i) substantially similar to one or more native pathogen epitopes in trimeric conformation and (ii) capable of binding an antibody reactive to the one or more native pathogen epitopes in trimeric conformation. Another aspect relates to an isolated immunogenic polypeptide that includes a scaffold polypeptide having a native loop modified to include one or more epitopes heterologous to the scaffold polypeptide and from an amino acid loop linked by a disulfide bond.

Abstract: Provided herein are theranostic compositions comprising a Janus nanoparticle-coated microbubble that are useful for imaging (e.g., MRI, or ultrasound) and for delivering a therapeutic or bioactive agent (e.g., nucleic acid(s), drugs, etc), among other uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising particles, each of said particles comprising a complex of at least one double-stranded polyribonucleotide, such as polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], and at least one linear polyalkyleneimine. The particles are also characterized by their monomodal diameter distribution and z-average diameter within specific ranges. The present invention additionally relates to use of said compositions as medicaments, in particular for the treatment of a cell growth disorder characterized by abnormal growth of human or animal cells, as well as to processes for the preparation of said compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a modified mRNA that is stabilised by sequence modifications and optimised for translation. The pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is particularly well suited for use as an inoculating agent, as well as a therapeutic agent for tissue regeneration. In addition, a process is described for determining sequence modifications that promote stabilisation and translational efficiency of modified mRNA of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the prevention and/or treatment of retinal dystrophyin a patient, including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic, large non-human animal models of atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia, as well as methods of using such animal models in the identification and characterization of therapies for atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: Surface conjugated diamagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (diaCEST) agent carriers and methods of making and using are described herein. The particles are safe alternatives to conventional paramagnetic or superparamagnetic metal-based MRI contrast agents that are often toxic and therefore not biocompatible. The carriers described herein can provide simultaneous monitoring of multiple particle types labeled with ‘multicolor’ diaCEST contrast agents. In some embodiments, the carriers are micro- and/or nanoparticles. In other embodiments, the carriers are liposomes. In some embodiments, the particles and/or liposomes are mucus penetrating. In other embodiments, the particles and/or liposomes are not mucus penetrating.

Abstract: A compound of the following general formula (I), and isomers, physiologically acceptable salts, and complexes thereof, for use as a contrast agent in diagnostic imaging:

Abstract: The invention relates generally to antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind activatable antibodies and/or conjugated activatable antibodies and methods of making and using these antibodies that bind activatable antibodies and/or conjugated activatable antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to products and methods that provide increased yields of certain radiopharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A treatment system (1) for cleaning a component part contaminated with a biofilm, in particular for cleaning bacterially contaminated surfaces of bone implants or dental implants (20), shall enable a particularly effective, locally focused and flexible treatment. For this purpose, the treatment system (1) according to the invention has a conduction element (10), which can be put into electric contact with the component needing treatment and which can be connected to a first pole of an electric supply unit (16), and a media cannula (2) which is provided for supplying a treatment liquid and whose interior is connected in an electrically conductive manner with the second pole of the electric supply unit (16).

Abstract: A nozzle-type electron beam irradiation device includes a vacuum chamber, an electron beam generator disposed in the vacuum chamber, and a vacuum nozzle that is connected to the vacuum chamber so as to guide an electron beam from the electron beam generator and emit the electron beam to the outside. The nozzle-type electron beam irradiation device includes a high-vacuum pump capable of sucking gas from the vicinity of the connecting part of the vacuum nozzle in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: UV hard-surface disinfection system that is able to disinfect the hard surfaces in a room, while minimizing missed areas due to shadows by providing multiple UV light towers that can be placed in several areas of a room such that shadowed areas are eliminated and that can be transported by a cart that is low to the ground such that the towers may be loaded and unloaded easily by a single operator. The system is able to be controlled remotely, such that during activation of the system, no operator is present, and to automatically cut power to all towers in the event that a person enters the room.

Abstract: Articles can be provided with odor resistance by applying a dispersion of a halogenated heterocyclic N-halamine in an inert liquid carrier onto the surface of the article and allowing the inert liquid carrier to penetrate into it. The N-halamine accordingly becomes deposited on the surface of the article after the inert liquid carrier penetrates into the article. This method can be used to provide odor resistance to a variety of substrates, including garbage bags. It can also be used to deposit other functional particulates onto the surface of substrates having sufficient porosity to take up the vehicle. For instance, such functional particles can be oxidants that display antimicrobial and/or enzyme inhibitory efficacy or particles having toxin interaction potentials through oxidative degradation or adsorption of toxic substances in air and/or water, such as fluoride uptake by metal oxide microparticles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing material with a biocompatible monofilament fabric which forms a contact face on a wound and is designed as a carrier layer on which a cover element is applied and is firmly connected at least in parts to the carrier layer. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a wound dressing material, in which method a biocompatible monofilament fabric is formed as a first web material, a cover element is formed as a second web material, and the first web material and the second web material are brought together, wherein the biocompatible monofilament fabric and the cover element are firmly connected to each other, in particular welded, and the wound dressing material is produced as a band.

Abstract: A biological tissue adhesive composition is provided. The biological tissue adhesive composition comprises one or more macromolecules grafted with at least one catechol moiety and comprising at least one cross-linkable functional group, a first cross-linker for cross-linking the at least one catechol moiety, wherein the first cross-linker comprises or consists or a multivalent metal ion, and a second cross-linker for covalently cross-linking the at least one cross-linkable functional group, wherein the one or more macromolecules are cross-linked by (a) complex formation between the at least one catechol moiety and the multivalent metal ion, and (b) covalent bonding of the at least one cross-linkable functional group with the second cross-linker. Fabrication method and working principle of a biological tissue adhesive composition are also provided.

Abstract: A polycaprolactone fumarate copolymer useful as a material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The copolymer includes at least one caprolactone unit, at least one fumarate unit, and at least one third unit selected from the group consisting of acrylate units and styrenic units. A linking moiety forms a link between the third unit and at least one caprolactone unit or at least one fumarate unit. The linking moiety can be photodegradable. In one form, the third unit includes at least one methyl methacrylate unit. The copolymer can be used to form the wall of a nerve conduit.

Abstract: A polymeric scaffold contains pendant liquid crystal side chains and has fully interconnected pores. Such a polymeric scaffold will preferably be 3D in nature and elastomeric, biocompatible and biodegradable. Such 3D liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) scaffolds can be used for various biomedical applications, including cell culture applications. A method for the production of such a polymeric scaffold containing liquid crystals and having interconnected pores is also disclosed that uses a metal foam sacrificial template as a scaffold to produce the polymeric smart response scaffold of the present invention. Consistent and controlled pore sizes result from etching the sacrificial metal foam template away from the polymeric scaffold, permitting the incorporation of growth factors, when needed, for enhancing cell viability and proliferation.

Abstract: A composite collagen hydrogel material for use in tissue engineering, and an implantable ophthalmic device comprising such composite material. The composite material comprises: a first collagen network comprising collagen crosslinked with a first crosslinking agent, and/or a second collagen network comprising collagen crosslinked with a second crosslinking agent, and a three dimensional collagen mesh comprising partially and plastically compressed collagen hydrogel with a compression degree of 50-95%, wherein the three dimensional collagen mesh is embedded in the first collagen network and/or second collagen network, and the first collagen network and/or the second collagen network and the three dimensional collagen mesh are physically and chemically interconnected in the composite collagen hydrogel material.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating select portions of a tissue matrix with a cross-linking agent and/or a proteolytic enzyme to produce a tissue matrix with variable mechanical and/or biological properties.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the enhancement of the osteogenic potential of bone graft by ex vivo treatment with a Wnt polypeptide, such as a liposomal Wnt polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for treating soft tissue injuries comprising a collagen matrix and mesenchymal stem cells adhered to the collagen matrix. Methods of making and using compositions comprising a collagen matrix and mesenchymal stem cells adhered to the collagen matrix are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter may include a hypotube defining an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface, and an end. The hypotube may include a metal or alloy. The catheter also may include an inner liner attached to the inner circumferential surface of the hypotube and extending beyond the end of the hypotube, and the inner liner may include a fluoropolymer. The catheter further may include a hub and a single bonding layer attached to the outer circumferential surface of the hypotube and bonded to the hub. The single bonding layer may include a polyamide, a polyether-co-polyamide, or polyurethane and is the only layer between the outer circumferential surface of the hypotube and the hub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of endothelialized matrices and materials from immature endothelial cells using substrates to which particular peptides have been grafted. The resultant substrates can be used to capture and support immature endothelial cells. Further, the methods and compositions of the present invention provide viable cell delivery platforms that allow for production and provision of endothelialized medical devices and implants, including vascular grafts, stents, shunts, and valves, endothelialized surfaces and channels for in vitro testing devices, including microfluidic chips, and materials that support vascularization such as for use in engineered tissues. The present invention includes novel methods required for the successful production of cellularized substrates, systems and components used for the same, and methods of using the resultant cell and tissue compositions.

Abstract: Fixation devices for tissue repair, for example sutures, surgical arrows, staples, darts, bolts, screws, buttons, anchors, nails, rivets, or barbed devices comprise at least one of angiogenic material; angiogenic precursor material which is capable of breaking down in vivo to form angiogenic material; or tissue-engineered material, which tissue-engineered material is capable of producing angiogenic material. In a preferred form, the material is incorporated into a polymer matrix having predetermined hydrophobicity to allow controlled release of angiogenic materials such as butyric or hydroxybutyric acid or salts thereof. Polymer matrix compositions comprising angiogenic materials and methods for tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-expanding medical implants for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implants comprise a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and are designed to be low-profile such that they are deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implants have a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties.

Abstract: A dressing for treating a tissue site with negative pressure is described. The dressing includes a tissue interface and a sealing member. The dressing further includes a sealing tape configured to be coupled to the sealing member and epidermis. The sealing tape includes a bonding adhesive and a sealing adhesive coupled to a side of the sealing tape. The sealing tape includes a layer of the bonding adhesive disposed on a film layer and a layer of sealing adhesive having one or more apertures disposed on the bonding adhesive. The sealing tape can include a layer of the bonding adhesive disposed on a portion of a film layer and a layer of the sealing adhesive disposed on a uncovered portions of the film layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breast pump (10) for extracting milk (30) from a human breast, comprising: a first breast receiving funnel (16) for receiving a first breast (28) of a user; a vacuum pump (20) for generating an underpressure within the first breast receiving funnel (16); and a control unit (22) for controlling the vacuum pump (20); wherein the control unit (22) is configured to operate the vacuum pump (20) in at least two different modes, an attachment mode (48) and a milk extraction mode (50); wherein in the attachment mode (48) the control unit (22) is configured to control the vacuum pump (20) to generate a constant underpressure within the first breast receiving funnel (16) allowing the user to attach the first breast receiving funnel (16) to the first breast (28); and wherein in the milk extraction mode (50) the control unit (22) is configured to control the vacuum pump (20) to generate a time-variable underpressure profile within the first breast receiving funnel (16) for extracting

Abstract: A connector for connecting an implant device to tissue of a person's body. The connector including a frame having first and second arms. The first and second arms define an opening, where at least a portion of the implant device is inserted through the opening. After insertion, an additional securing member is connected to the frame. The securing member is adapted to receive at least one suture to secure the frame to the tissue. The connector includes an adjuster that is movably connected to the first and second arms, where the adjuster is operable to cause the first and second arms to move toward each other and engage the implant device.

Abstract: A blood pump can include a pump housing, an impeller, and a hub. The pump housing can be configured to move blood from an inlet to an outlet thereof. The impeller can be housed in the pump housing, have a plurality of blades joined by a central ring, and be radially supported at the central ring by a bearing. The hub can transmit torque to the impeller using a radial magnetic coupling.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for deployment in a lumen of a blood vessel of a subject. The apparatus includes a reciprocating device configured to move downstream and upstream in the blood vessel in a reciprocating pattern to provide: (i) a first effective surface area of the device for pushing blood downstream in the blood vessel during downstream motion of the reciprocating device, and (ii) second effective surface area of the device during upstream motion of the reciprocating device. The first effective surface area is larger for pushing blood in the blood vessel than the second effective surface area. The apparatus further includes a device driver configured to drive the reciprocating device in the reciprocating pattern. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving measurements of a blood-related parameter corresponding to a patient undergoing hemodialysis; estimating a value of one or more hemodialysis treatment-related parameters by applying a vascular refill model based on the received measurements of the blood-related parameter, wherein the one or more hemodialysis treatment-related parameters are indicative of an effect of vascular refill on the patient caused by the hemodialysis; determining, based on the one or more estimated values of the one or more hemodialysis treatment-related parameters, a hemodialysis treatment-related operation; and facilitating performance of the treatment-related operation. The vascular refill model is a two-compartment model based on a first compartment corresponding to blood plasma in the patient's body, a second compartment based on interstitial fluid in the patient's body, and a semi-permeable membrane separating the first compartment and the second compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for determining an optimum dialysate flow Qdopt for an extracorporeal blood treatment and to a blood treatment device comprising a device 18 for determining an optimum dialysate flow Qdopt. The optimum dialysate flow Qdopt is determined on the basis of a relationship describing the dependence of the clearance K on the dialysate flow Qd. The device according to the invention comprises a measurement device 18B for measuring at least one value which is characteristic of the clearance K, a calculation and/or evaluation unit 18A of the device according to the invention being configured in such a way that the clearance K is determined on the basis of the at least one value which is characteristic of the clearance.

Abstract: A portable medical apparatus for cardiopulmonary aid to patients includes a transportable machine body that integrates an heater/cooler unit and an extracorporeal circuit for circulating the blood of a patient. The extracorporeal circuit includes a line for drawing venous blood from the patient, a line for returning arterial blood to the patient, a pumping unit for pumping blood along the extracorporeal circuit, a heat exchanger for thermoregulating blood in the extracorporeal circuit, and an oxygenator unit for blood oxygenation.

Abstract: A system includes an implantable device including a pump to pump the fluid from the peritoneum to the bladder via respective catheters, control circuitry, battery and transceiver; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge the battery and communicate with the implantable device to retrieve data reflective of the patient's health; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable device and charging and communication system. The monitoring and control software allows a treating physician to remotely adjust the volume, time, and frequency with which fluid is pumped from the peritoneal cavity to the bladder based on the data reflective of the patient's health.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for removing small molecule chemotherapy agents from blood is provided. The filter apparatus comprises a housing with an extraction media comprised of polymer coated carbon cores. Also provided are methods of treating a subject with cancer of an organ or region comprising administering a chemotherapeutic agent to the organ or region, collecting blood laded with chemotherapeutic agent from the isolated organ, filtering the blood laden with chemotherapeutic agent to reduce the chemotherapeutic agent in the blood and returning the blood to the subject.

Abstract: A monitoring device detects a disruption of a fluid connection between first and second fluid containing systems using one or more pressure sensors arranged in the first fluid containing system to detect first pulses from the first fluid containing system and second pulses from the second fluid containing system. The monitoring device receives (501) pressure signal(s) from the pressure sensor(s), populates (504) signal vectors by signal segments in the pressure signal(s) and computes (505) one or more eigenvectors and/or one or more eigenvalues for the signal vectors by a source separation algorithm. The monitoring device detects (506) the disruption based on a monitoring parameter, which is computed as a function of the eigenvector(s) and/or eigenvalue(s) to be responsive to the second pulses in the pressure signal(s). The monitoring device may be associated with or included in an apparatus for extracorporeal blood processing, such as a dialysis machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device A for monitoring a vessel opening for an extracorporeal blood treatment device B with an extracorporeal blood circulation (I), which has an arterial blood line (20) with an arterial cannula (19) and a venous blood line (21) with a venous cannula (22). Moreover, the invention relates to an arrangement with a device A for monitoring a vessel opening and an extracorporeal blood treatment device B, and a method for monitoring a vessel opening during an extracorporeal blood treatment. The monitoring device A comprises a sensor (1) for detecting at least one physical variable, which is characteristic for the state of the vessel opening, and an evaluation apparatus (7), connected to the sensor (1) by way of a connection cable (6), for producing signals characteristic for the state of the vessel opening. The evaluation apparatus (7) has a data transmission unit (38) for establishing a wireless connection between the evaluation apparatus (7) and the blood treatment device B.

Abstract: A renal failure therapy system (10) includes: a dialyzer (102); a blood circuit (100) including a blood pump (120) in fluid communication with the dialyzer (102); a dialysis circuit (30) in fluid communication with the dialyzer (102); and at least one flow path insulator (150, 155) located in the dialysis circuit (30) or the blood circuit (100), the flow path insulator (150, 155) including a structure that separates liquid flowing within the flow path insulator (150, 155) into a plurality (e.g., two or more) of separated liquid segments (160) that create electrical isolation within the flow path insulator (150, 155).

Abstract: A portable irrigation system includes a reservoir for an irrigation liquid, a probe for arrangement in a user, an electrical system that directly or indirectly pumps the irrigation liquid from the reservoir to the probe, a control unit coupled to the electrical pump to control the electrical pump and to transfer the irrigation liquid, and tubing to provide fluid communication between the reservoir, the control unit and the probe. The control unit also includes at least one manually operable control element to control the electrical pump.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automated control of the inflation of an inflatable retention member, e.g. a balloon, in a catheter are disclosed. One catheter is preferably a rectal or anal catheter, and the inflation is controlled by a controller. A plurality of predetermined inflation levels are provided, and for each of level, a pumping time threshold and a pressure level threshold are defined. The pressure in the balloon is continuously measured during the inflation. An inflation level is selected form said plurality of inflation levels, and an electric pump is used to inflate the inflatable retention member. Operation of the electric pump is continued until one of the pumping time threshold and pressure level threshold of the selected inflation level has been reached.