Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of preventing, delaying the progression of, treating or alleviating a symptom of, or otherwise ameliorating cancer in a subject by administering a recombinant polypeptide and an agent that reduces IL-10 to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: An infusion pump is disclosed comprising control unit, container, actuation unit and detection unit. The container can store medicinal liquid for treating hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The control unit can receive external control signal comprising infusion interval, concentration of medicinal liquid and dose of medicament for treating hypogonadotropic hypogonadism at each infusion. The control unit is configured to activate actuation unit based on infusion interval to cause medicinal liquid to flow out of container. The detection unit can detect output of medicinal liquid from container and feed it back to control unit. The control unit is configured to activate actuation unit based on dose at each infusion, concentration of medicinal liquid and fed-back output of medicinal liquid. According to the invention, sustained, automatic infusions of the medicament for treating hypogonadotropic hypogonadism are allowed without patient intervention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gel having a three dimensional matrix structure and a drug in the form of a solid contained within the three dimensional matrix. Gels of the invention are preferably for implantation into a patient. Storing the drug as a solid within the gel means that the drug density is high in those areas of the gel which contain solid drug. The high drug density means that a larger amount of drug can be stored in a gel of a given size relative to the amount of drug that can be stored as individual molecules. The large deposit of solid drug means that the gel can sustain release of the drug for an extended period of time. This is advantageous because it minimises the frequency of replacement or replenishment of the implanted gel, thereby minimising discomfort and inconvenience to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates antidotes to anticoagulants targeting factor Xa. The antidotes are factor Xa protein derivatives that bind to the factor Xa inhibitors thereby substantially neutralizing them but do not assemble into the prothrombinase complex. The derivatives describe herein lack or have reduced intrinsic coagulant activity. Disclosed herein are methods of stopping or preventing bleeding in a patient that is currently undergoing anticoagulant therapy with a factor Xa inhibitor.

Abstract: In various aspects, the invention relates to immune tolerant glycosidase therapy. The invention provides methods for treating or preventing infectious disease, including chronic viral infections, and highly contagious infectious agents that present an ongoing challenge for the immune system. The compositions and treatment regimens find use with other antiviral or antimicrobial therapies, as well as in conjunction with vaccination to boost effectiveness and/or extend the duration of protective effect. In certain embodiments, the regimen described herein reduces or eliminates the need for administration of other traditional antiviral or antimicrobial therapies. In various embodiments, the invention finds use in immunocompromised patients to boost immune function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid, or an immunogenic composition thereof, that comprises a sequence encoding a cat telomerase deprived of telomerase catalytic activity, or a fragment thereof. The present invention also provides methods for triggering an immune response in a cat and methods for treating or preventing a tumor in a cat using the immunogenic composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the recombinant expression of Chlamydia major outer membrane protein (MOMP) comprising transforming a population of E. coli host cells with an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule that encodes Chlamydia MOMP and encodes a leader sequence for targeting the MOMP to the outer membrane of the cell, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is operatively linked to a promoter. The method of the invention allows expression of MOMP in the outer membrane of the cell, which leads to protein folding that is more like native MOMP relative to a MOMP protein that is expressed intracellularly. Also provided by the invention are uses of the recombinant MOMP in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of Chlamydia infection and/or the effects thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel immunogenic proteins derived from Staphylococcus aureus, as well as methods for their use in conferring protective immunity against S. aureus infections. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the proteins and methods of use of these nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to single dose parental vaccine compositions comprising mixtures of monovalent Norovirus virus-like particles. Methods of conferring protective immunity against Norovirus infections in a human subject by administering such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to tropical diseases such as viral mosquito borne illnesses and the treatment thereof. The invention includes ribonucleic acid vaccines and combination vaccines, as well as methods of using the vaccines and compositions comprising the vaccines for treating and preventing tropical disease.

Abstract: A method to produce a chimeric protein having a flavivirus backbone and portions dengue virus is provided. The flavivirus envelope protein, such as from yellow fever virus 17D vaccine strain, is modified replacing amino acids surrounding the fusion loop of the flavivirus backbone with corresponding amino acids from the dengue virus envelope protein. The chimeric protein is useful as a vaccine to stimulate an immune response against DENV infection, thereby producing broadly neutralizing (protective) antibodies against dengue virus and reduce the induction of non-neutralizing antibodies that will cause enhancement.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a vaccine comprising: i) coxsackie B virus CBV1 and CBV2, and ii) at least one coxsackie B virus selected from CBV3, CBV4, CBV5 and CBV6. The CBVs are present in the vaccine in inactivated form, in the form of a component of the virus or as an antibody against the virus. The vaccine is effective in preventing and treating type 1 diabetes. So is an anti-coxsackie B virus composition provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant chimeric influenza virus vaccines and live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) vaccines expressing foreign (RSV) neutralizing epitopes or conserved M2e epitopes that are capable of providing broader cross-protection against influenza virus and/or protecting against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) without vaccine-enhanced RSV disease (ERD).

Abstract: Isolated, antigenic polypeptides including a pre-hairpin intermediate conformation of gp41 and vectors encoding such polypeptides are provided. Exemplary pre-hairpin intermediate conformations of gp41 include an oligomerization domain; a heptad repeat 2 motif; and a membrane-proximal external region, where the polypeptide lacks a heptad repeat 1 motif, and where the isolated, antigenic polypeptides elicit production of a broadly neutralizing antibody against HIV when injected into a subject. Antibodies that bind to a pre-hairpin intermediate conformation of gp41 and methods of making antibodies a that bind to pre-hairpin intermediate conformation of gp41 are also provided. Vaccines against a pre-hairpin intermediate conformation of gp41, as well as methods of treating subjects infected with HIV, preventing HIV infection, and inhibiting HIV-mediated activities are also provided. Methods of screening compounds that bind to an isolated, pre-hairpin intermediate conformation of gp41 are further provided.

Abstract: A method and system for the treatment of honey bees (Apis mellifera), bats, and butterflies protects them from various life threatening conditions, including Colony Collapse Disorder, white nose syndrome, etc. and in particular, provides honey bees, bats and butterflies with the ability to assimilate and degrade pesticides such as neonicotinoids and fipronil.

Abstract: Isolated monoclonal antibodies that bind to human complement component C6 and related antibody-based compositions and molecules are disclosed. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods for using the antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides humanized monoclonal antibodies, bi-specific antibodies, antibody conjugates, and fusion proteins that bind to the chemokine receptor CCR4. This antibody is derived from CCR4-IgG1 and recognizes the same epitope. This antibody contains either an IgG4 or a stabilized IgG4 in order to improve binding efficiency and reduce in vivo Fab arm exchange. Binding of the antibodies disclosed herein to CCR4 inhibits ligand-mediated activities and is used to treat symptoms of cancer.

Abstract: The disclosure provides nanoparticles of indirubin and methods of making and using these particles for the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and inflammatory diseases. The effective average particle size of the nanoparticles is less than 2000 nm.

Abstract: Self-assembled gel compositions including a gelator, e.g., an enzyme-cleavable gelator, e.g., having a molecular weight of 2500 or less, are described. The self-assembled gel compositions can encapsulate one or more agents. Methods of making the self-assembled gel compositions, and methods of drug delivery using the self-assembled gel compositions are also described.

Abstract: Extracellular drug conjugates (EDCs) targeting CD38 are useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer and immune disorders, including asthma.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating multiple myeloma using polymeric pegylated carfilzomib compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, of Formula I wherein R1, R2, linker, PEG, n and o are as defined herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glycosaminoglycan derivative in which a group derived from glycosaminoglycan and a group derived from a physiologically active substance having at least one of a carboxy group and a hydroxy group are coupled by covalent bond with a spacer therebetween, in which the spacer is selected in accordance with the decomposition rate of the covalent bond to the group derived from the physiologically active substance.

Abstract: VAR2CSA-drug conjugates having biological activity are disclosed. Methods associated with preparation and use of such conjugates, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such conjugates, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are oligonucleotides, peptides, and peptide-oligonucleotide-conjugates. Also provided herein are methods of treating a muscle disease, a viral infection, or a bacterial infection in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject oligonucleotides, peptides, and peptide-oligonucleotide-conjugates described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies having specificity to nectin-4 and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunoconjugate comprising an antibody construct which includes an antigen binding domain and an Fc domain, an adjuvant moiety, and a linker, wherein each adjuvant moiety is covalently bonded to the antibody via the linker. Methods for treating cancer with the immunoconjugates of the invention are also described.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods for the functionalization of immunoglobulins, in particular with drugs. Also disclosed herein are linking reagents, functionalized antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions, and method of treating disease and/or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmacological compounds including an effector moiety conjugated to a binding moiety that directs the effector moiety to a biological target of interest. Likewise, the present invention provides compositions, kits, and methods (e.g., therapeutic, diagnostic, and imaging) including the compounds. The compounds can be described as a protein interacting binding moiety-drug conjugate (SDC-TRAP) compounds, which include a protein interacting binding moiety and an effector moiety. For example, in certain embodiments directed to treating cancer, the SDC-TRAP can include an Hsp90 inhibitor conjugated to a cytotoxic agent as the effector moiety.

Abstract: A fluorescent solution is disclosed for use in a hydraulic or diesel fluid to facilitate detection of injection of the hydraulic of diesel fluid into a human. The fluorescent solution includes a fluorescent dye and a stabilizing agent. The stabilizing agent may be a surfactant. A hydraulic fluid mixture is also disclosed which includes a fluorescent solution and a hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A composition, as well as methods using the composition, for detection or quantification of a molecule at a singlet state (e.g., singlet oxygen). The composition includes one or more nanoparticles, and the nanoparticle has an energy donor, an energy acceptor associated with the energy donor, and an energy transfer mechanism between the energy donor and the energy acceptor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distinguishing an astrocytic human brain rumor from a non-astrocytic human brain tumor (FIG. 4). In one embodiment a method includes the steps of staining tumor tissue from a subject suspected of having a brain tumor with SR101 and visualizing the tissue stained with SR101 with a fluorescence imaging device to confirm an astrocytic or non-astrocytic tumor type. Advantageously, rumor tissue from a subject is stained ex vivo, and the staining and visualizing steps are performed intraoperatively so as to guide the surgeon and thereby minimize or eliminate the need for a subsequent surgery.

Abstract: The present disclosure encompasses embodiments of a novel near-infrared-emitting molecular fluorophore and probes incorporating said fluorophore advantageous for in vitro and in vivo research studies. The fluorophore is robust, photostable, and possesses functionalities for easy bioorthogonal conjugation (e.g., click chemistry, hydrazone formation, Diels Alder, Staudinger ligation, etc.). It is biocompatible and emits at 711 nm in aqueous conditions. These fluorophores may be used to fluorescently tag biological molecules or structures of interest, or used as optical reporters (i.e., activatable molecular probes, fluorescent dyes) for specific biomarkers/analytes as they can be switched from “off” to “on.” This fluorophore is useful for cellular assays and preclinical small animal imaging as the near-infrared emission is highly penetrating, and the photophysical properties are outstanding. As such, the properties of this class of fluorophores could easily be translated for use in clinical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curcumin derivative, a method for producing same, and a photo-acoustic imaging agent comprising the curcumin derivative for detecting beta-amyloid plaque. The curcumin derivative, expressed by chemical formula 1, according to the present invention exhibits superb selective bonding with beta-amyloid, thereby allowing beta-amyloid to be detected by means of an optical or photo-acoustic imaging methods, and, particularly, the curcumin derivative can highly effectively detect photo-acoustic signals with almost no noise by reacting to irradiation of light having a particular wavelength range, and thus can be useful as a composition for detecting beta-amyloid and for diagnosing diseases caused by excessive production of beta-amyloid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a positron emission tomography (PET)-detectable 1-((2-fluoro-6-[18F]fluorophenyl)sulfonyl)-4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazine ([18F]DASA-23) probe that can selectively bind to the pyruvate kinase variant M2 (PKM2) found in cancer cells, such as of human glioma. Given the importance of PKM2 in the regulation of tumor metabolism, there is an on-going need to non-invasively measure its expression through the development of PKM2-specific radiopharmaceuticals. Precursors useful for the synthesis of the radiolabeled [18F]DASA-23-PKM2-specific probe and related compounds, and their methods of synthesis, are provided. Since the half-life of the 18F isotope is approximately 110 min, it is advantageous for a practitioner to attach the radionuclide to the precursor shortly before administration. Therefore, a precursor compound suitable for receiving the radionuclide and capable of specifically binding to the PKM2 variant can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to deuterated and optionally detectably labeled compounds of formula (I) and formula (V): and salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, A, and X10-X19 have any of the values defined in the specification. Also included are pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and salts, and methods of using such compounds and salts as imaging agents.

Abstract: According to one implementation an assembly is provided that includes an end emitting optical that is configured to end emit bacterial disinfecting light. A portion of the length of the end emitting optical fiber resides in a lumen of a body. The body has an internal disinfecting target area. The end emitted bacterial disinfecting light is configured to impinge on one or more surfaces disposed on or in the body, the one or more surfaces being configured to alter the trajectory of the bacterial disinfecting light so that the bacterial disinfecting light is directed toward the disinfecting target area via a designated disinfecting light pathway.

Abstract: A multi-function product disinfection cabinet preferably includes a sealed test cabinet, a high level disinfection system, a dehumidifier and an electrical function tester. The sealed test cabinet preferably includes a sealed test chamber, a rear dehumidifier chamber and a rear droplet chamber. The high level disinfection system includes an aerosol blower, an aerosol generator and an aerosol control module. The aerosol blower blows a disinfectant from the aerosol generator into the disinfection chamber. A pivoting cable holder for a multi-function disinfection cabinet preferably includes a pivoting cable tube, a mounting bracket, a motor with gear reduction, a motor controller and two snap switches. The mounting bracket is attached to an outside sidewall of a disinfection chamber. The pivoting cable tube rotates in the disinfection chamber. The motor rotates the pivoting cable tube. The motor controller and two snap switches are used to control directional rotation of the motor.

Abstract: A diffusive illuminator is provided. The diffusive illuminator includes a set of light sources and a light guiding structure including a plurality of layers. At least some of the layers can be formed of a fluoropolymer and at least one layer can be formed of a transparent fluid. The light guiding structure also includes an emission surface through which diffused light exits. The light guiding structure can further include diffusive elements associated with at least one of the plurality of layers. Each diffusive element can diffuse the light to within forty percent of Lambertian distribution. The diffusive elements can be arranged based on a desired uniformity of the diffused light at a target distance corresponding to a surface to be illuminated. The diffusive illuminator can emit ultraviolet light, and can be implemented as part of a disinfection system.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying pathogens includes a platform and an LED matrix panel. The platform has a portion configured to permit passage of ultraviolet light therethrough. The LED matrix panel is disposed below the portion of the platform and includes a grid and a plurality of discreetly-controlled, ultraviolet light LEDs (UV LEDs). The grid defines a plurality of cells. Each UV LED is associated with one cell such that the cells direct the ultraviolet light emitted by the UV LEDs upwardly through the portion of the platform to sanitize an object supported on the portion of the platform.

Abstract: Vapor generation and distribution devices, systems, and methods. An exemplary system of the present disclosure comprises a vapor generation system configured to volatilize or vaporize liquid chemical within a tank as volatilized or vaporized chemical, and a vapor distribution system configured to receive the volatilized or vaporized chemical from the vapor generation system and distribute the volatilized or vaporized chemical through a distribution conduit coupled to the second air flow generator.

Abstract: A fragrance dispenser unit has a piezoelectric discharge nozzle and a disposable snap-in air freshener containing aromatic liquid. The dispenser unit incorporates a battery power source and a piezoelectric driver circuit on a printed circuit board. The dispenser unit The cartridge includes a housing and an induction-sealed fragrance bottle that snaps into a socket at the bottom of the housing when the cartridge is to be activated. A membrane seal on the mouth of the bottle is pierced by a knife in the housing as the bottle is snapped into place. Liquid fragrance is directed to a micro-perforated vibratory plate in the piezoelectric nozzle by an airtight path that includes: first, a horizontal channel; second, a vertical wick; and, finally, a horizontal wick.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insect trap and more particularly to an insect trap which has been designed to facilitate the destruction of micro-organisms thereby countering odours and mitigating against the spread of germs. The trap may comprise a. a housing; b. a cover; c. one or a plurality of insect attracting lights; and d. an insect catching device and further includes a radiation emitting device such as a UVC lamp which emits radiation and is capable of destroying air-borne pathogens. The insect attractant lights heat the air which is convected and an air flow may be facilitated by louvered openings in the cover and an opening in the top of the trap so that the air flow circulates across the UVC lamp where the micro-organisms are killed.

Abstract: A multifunctional microwave plasma and ultraviolet light deodorization treatment unit, which includes: a rapid decomposition device (1), a high frequency plasma electric field (2), a microwave plasma electric field (3), a high intensity ultraviolet radiation field (4), a low temperature plasma electric field (5), a high intensity ozone gas reaction chamber (6), a reaction termination chamber (7) and a clean gas organization chamber (8) sequentially installed inside a horizontal rectangular box which has an elongated body defining a horizontal axis and has a channel cavity therein. The deodorization treatment unit further includes an exhaust gas odor collecting pipe and an odor gas storage cabinet (9) connected to an air pump (10), the air pump (10) is connected to an odor gas inlet of the rapid decomposition device (1), the clean gas organization chamber (8) has one end connected to a clean gas exhaust pipe.

Abstract: Novel absorbable polymer blends are disclosed. The blends are useful for manufacturing medical devices having engineered degradation and breaking strength retention in vivo. The blends consist of a first absorbable polymeric component and a second absorbable polymeric component. The weight average molecular weight of the first polymeric component is higher than the weight average molecular weight of the second polymeric component. At least at least one of said components is at least partially end-capped by a carboxylic acid group. Further aspects are medical devices made therefrom.

Abstract: A polymethylmethacrylate bone cement is produced by a method. The method comprises the steps of a) providing a cement powder comprising: at least one particulate polymethylmethacrylate or polymethylmethacrylate-copolymer wherein the at least one particulate polymethylmethacrylate or polymethylmethacrylate-copolymer have a particle size of less than 100 ?m; an initiator; and at least one particulate or fibrous additive that is insoluble in methylmethacrylate, wherein the additive has an absorption capacity at room temperature of more than or equal to 0.6 g methylmethacrylate per gram of additive; b) providing a monomer solution comprising: at least one methylmethacrylate; and at least one activator; and c) mixing the cement powder and the monomer solution, characterised in that the mixing takes place without the application of shearing forces.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. Phase invertible compositions in accordance with the invention are prepared by combining a liquid proteinaceous substrate and a liquid crosslinking composition, where the liquid crosslinking composition includes a macromolecular crosslinking agent. 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: The present invention relates to biomaterial in the form of dispersion of cellulose nanofibrils with extraordinary shear thinning properties which can be converted into desire 3D shape using 3D Bioprinting technology. In this invention cellulose nanofibril dispersion, is processed through different mechanical, enzymatic and chemical steps to yield dispersion with desired morphological and rheological properties to be used as bioink in 3D Bioprinter. The processes are followed by purification, adjusting of osmolarity of the material and sterilization to yield biomaterial which has cytocompatibility and can be combined with living cells. Cellulose nanofibrils can be produced by microbial process but can also be isolated from plant secondary or primary cell wall, animals such as tunicates, algae and fungi. The present invention describes applications of this novel cellulose nanofibrillar bioink for 3D Bioprinting of tissue and organs with desired architecture.

Abstract: Techniques and devices including a biocompatible antibacterial film are provided. An example method for depositing a biocompatible antibacterial film using physical vapor deposition (PVD) includes providing a substrate in a PVD processing chamber, forming a deposited film by co-depositing a first material and a second material onto the substrate from a vapor plume, wherein at least the first material is biocompatible and at least the second material is antibacterial, and nano-texturing the deposited film to produce nano-scale surface asperities that provide at least one of inhibition of bacterial growth, promotion of osseointegration, promotion of epithelial attachment, or promotion of endothelial attachment.

Abstract: Methods for developing a decellularized tissue and biomaterials for use as biomimetic grafts or in vitro cellular scaffolds formed with the decellularized tissue are described. The biomaterials are particularly well suited for use as an intervertebral disc graft. The decellularized tissue is formed from an intervertebral disc source tissue and can be substantially decellularized and substantially free of potential immunogenic material (e.g., DNA and RNA), while maintaining ECM materials including both glycosaminoglycan and collagen.