Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for inducing an adaptive immune response against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a subject. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, an HCV antigen, an adjuvant, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a vaccine comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, an HCV antigen, an adjuvant, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions for inducing a universal immune response to influenza, and particularly influenza A, by eliciting anti-neuraminidase antibodies which provide protection against heterologous influenza infection. Compositions comprising recombinant baculovirus expression vectors expressing neuraminidase in cultured insect cells dispersed in a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier comprising insect cell culture media, and optional adjuvant. Methods of inducing immune responses against influenza, and particularly influenza A, by eliciting anti-neuraminidase antibodies in a host animal susceptible to infection.

Abstract: Methods of preparing influenza viruses having altered immunodominant epitopes in HA, e.g., having one or more residues in one or more of antigenic sites A-E in HA altered, and viral vectors, e.g., influenza virus VLPs or non-influenza viruses or VLPs thereof expressing or having influenza HAs with altered immunogenicity as a result of altered immunodominant epitopes therein are provided.

Abstract: A composition for increasing vaccine yields due to increased virus growth in mutation comprising a vaccine strain bearing the Y161F mutation in hemagglutinin (HA). Y161F in HA increases HA thermostability without changing its original antigenic properties and enhances its binding affinity in the vaccine production platforms used in influenza vaccine manufacturing. A method for optimizing preparation of influenza vaccine seed strains which can further lower the cost of vaccines and increase profits for the vaccine companies, and also maintain antigenic stability during vaccine deliveries.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a porcine epidemic diarrhea virus S protein and a subunit vaccine thereof as well as a method for preparing the subunit vaccine and application thereof. The vaccine contains 30˜220 ?g of a recombinant porcine epidemic diarrhea virus S protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable ISA 201 VG adjuvant. A method for preparing the subunit vaccine comprises the following steps: (1) cloning the recombinant porcine epidemic diarrhea virus S protein; (2) expressing and purifying the recombinant porcine epidemic diarrhea virus S protein; (3) preparing the recombinant porcine epidemic diarrhea virus S protein prepared in (2) into a water phase; (4) emulsifying the water phase and the ISA 201 VG adjuvant in a volume ratio of 46:54 to obtain a vaccine. The vaccine is high in safety, good in immunogenicity, stable in batches, low in production cost and strong in immunogenicity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel vaccine delivery platform based on the Orf virus (ORFV) genome, which carry heterologous antigens, methods of making and methods of using the same for prevention of infections, diseases, and other conditions in animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel antigens of an allergy to shrimp, methods and kits for diagnosing an allergy to shrimp, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such an antigen, shrimps or processed products of shrimp in which such an antigen is eliminated, and a tester composition for determining the presence or absence of a shrimp antigen in an object of interest. The present invention also relates to polypeptides comprising an epitope of an antigen, kits, compositions and methods for diagnosing an allergy, comprising such a polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such a polypeptide, and raw materials or processed products in which an antigen comprising such a polypeptide is eliminated or reduced. The present invention further relates to a tester composition for determining the presence or absence of an antigen in an object of interest.

Abstract: Provided are specific immunotherapy methods for allergies in which one or more peptides specific for the allergy being treated is administered to the patient incorporated within a virosome and in the presence of a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist.

Abstract: Adjuvant compounds are described, as well as their conjugates comprising peptide antigens or other immunomodulatory moieties. Also described are methods of modulating immune responses in a subject in need thereof, as well as methods of treating cancer, viral or bacterial infections comprising administering the adjuvant compounds or the conjugates to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: This invention describes novel adjuvant compositions and formulations with excellent stability at refrigerated and room temperatures and up to and about 37° C. that can be produced at remarkably low costs. This invention describes novel vaccine compositions and formulations to treat and prevent urinary tract infections caused by gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli and multi-drug resistant E. coli. This invention also describes methods of administration of said novel vaccine compositions and formulations and methods of treatment to prevent and treat urinary tract infections caused by gram-negative bacteria including E. coli and multi-drug resistant E. coli.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles. In particular, the present invention provides nanoparticles for clinical (e.g., targeted therapeutic), diagnostic (e.g., imaging), and research applications in the field of cardiology. For example, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating (e.g., ablating) cardiac tissue, comprising: a) contacting an animal with a nanoparticle comprising a matrix, a toxic (e.g., ablative) agent (e.g., sonosensitizer, chemotherapeutic agent (e.g., doxorubicin or cisplatin), or photosensitizer), and a cardiac targeting moiety; and b) administering an activator of the toxic agent (e.g., light, chemical (e.g., pharmaceutical agent) or ultrasound) to at least a portion of the cardiac tissue (e.g., heart) of the animal to activate the toxic agent.

Abstract: This invention encompasses methods of preserving protein function by contacting a protein with a composition comprising one or more purine or pyrimidine nucleosides (such as e.g., adenosine or uridine) and an antioxidant (such as e.g., manganese). In addition, the invention encompasses methods of treating and/or preventing a side effect of radiation exposure and methods of preventing a side effect of radiotherapy comprising administration of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a composition comprising one or more purine or pyrimidine nucleosides (such as e.g., adenosine or uridine) and an antioxidant (such as e.g., manganese) to a subject in need thereof. The compositions may comprise D. radiodurans extracts.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising a GLP-1 agonist or/and a pharmacologically tolerable salt thereof, an insulin or/and a pharmacologically tolerable salt thereof, and, optionally, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition comprises methionine, as add-on therapy with metformin where appropriate.

Abstract: Embodiments relating to cream formulations as well as oxymetazoline creams and methods for treating rosacea and symptoms associated with rosacea, including, for example, papules, pustules, phymas (skin thickening), telangiectasias or erythema associated with rosacea, other skin erythemas, telangiectasias, purpura or the like, and other manifestations associated therewith; other inflammatory conditions of the skin including, but not limited to, keratosis pilaris, lupus miliaris dissemniatus faciei, eczema, dermatitis, such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, statis dermatitis, neurodermatitis, lichen simplex chronicus, xerosis and xerotic dermatitis, dyshidrosis and dyshidrotic dermatitis, asteototic dermatitis or other conditions characterized by sensitive skin or a disturbance of the epidermal barrier; disorders characterized by rough, dry, cracked or fissured skin, disorders characterized by hyperkeratotic skin such as ker

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a composition which may be used for the solublization of an agent or the oral administration of an agent, the composition comprising, a lyosphosphatidyl compound and at least one of a monoglyceride and a free fatty acid. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a lyosphosphatidyl compound, a monoglyceride and a free fatty acid. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises an agent, a lyosphosphatidyl compound, a monoglyceride and a free fatty acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel stable compressed vaccine composition comprising at least one anhydrous antigenic component comprising a stabilizer susceptible to foaming when the composition is mixed with liquid diluent; and an effective amount of a sugar alcohol.

Abstract: A modulated guanidine substituted polymer or nanoparticle has a guanidine moiety or on a plurality of repeating units of a polymer or on the surface of a nanoparticle where the guanidine moiety is modulated as a substituted amidinourea or amidinocarbamate or salt thereof. The modulated guanidine substituted polymer or nanoparticle can be prepared by direct amination of a N-Boc protected guanidine substituted conjugated polymer or N-Boc protected guanidine substituted nanoparticle, where an amine or alcohol is combined in solution or suspension with the protected conjugated polymer or nanoparticle and the resulting mixture is heated. The modulated guanidine substituted polymer or nanoparticle can be used in a cancer treatment formulation.

Abstract: Spherical nucleic acids (SNA) carrying self-aggregating oligonucleotides are described herein. Compositions of the SNA include discrete nanostructures that are not aggregated. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating or preventing a lysosomal storage disease by administering to a patient suffering from a lysosomal storage disease a P97 conjugated with an enzyme which is capable of transportation into the lysosomes of cells on either side of the blood brain barrier.

Abstract: Described herein are prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) binding conjugates that are useful for delivering therapeutic, diagnostic and imaging agents. Also described herein are pharmaceutical composition containing them and methods of using the conjugates and compositions. Also described are processes for manufacture of the conjugates and the compositions containing them.

Abstract: The present disclosure features, inter alia, a cyclic multifunctional linker, including at least two cleavable moieties; at least two connecting chains connected to the at least two cleavable moieties to provide a cyclic structure; and at least two linking groups, each linking group being bonded at one end to a connecting chain and being located between two cleavable moieties, and each linking group having a second end configured to bond to crosslinkable moieties. In the cyclic multifunctional linker, each connecting chain has at least two ends, and at least two of the connecting chains are each connected at each end to a cleavable moiety.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibody-drug conjugates that bind EGFR, in particular human EGFR, their methods of making, and their uses to treat patients having cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer, the method comprising administering an IL-2 immunoconjugate, a CD40 agonist and optionally a PD-1 axis binding antagonist.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions conditioning a patient for an allogeneic transplantation, wherein the patient's hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are depleted with an HSC-depleting composition and the patient is then administered allogeneic cells selected from bone marrow cells, umbilical cord blood cells, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), peripheral blood CD34+ cells, and peripheral blood CD34+ and CD90+ cells; optionally the patient is also administered a medicament selected from the group consisting of a T-cell depleting or inhibiting antibody or antibody fragment, NK-cell depleting or inhibiting antibody or antibody fragment, immunosuppressive drug, and any combination thereof. The HSC-depleting composition comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of: an antibody or antibody fragment with specific binding affinity to a protein displayed at the HSC surface, a conjugate comprising an HSC-recognition molecule and a toxin, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: Peptide-antibody complexes, including fusions and conjugates, that target or accumulate in target cells, such as tumors and diseased cells, or enhance the immune system are disclosed. In some embodiments, such complexes function as platforms for attaching and targeting one or more therapeutic agents or detectable agents, including radioisotopes, detectable labels, and/or cytotoxic agents, to target cells in the central nervous system or across the blood brain barrier, cancerous cells, or target cells recognized by the antibody in such complexes. In some complexes, the peptide serves as the targeting mechanism, while other embodiments contemplate the antibody as the targeting mechanism. Peptides and/or antibodies can be engineered to deliver various effector functions in various embodiments. Peptide-antibody complexes that function as immunotherapies and enhance a body's immune system in detecting and/or destroying diseased cells or pathogens are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and/or treatment of tumors, such as ocular tumors, using virus-like particles conjugated to photosensitive molecules.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for reducing inflammation in a patient including locally administering a composition comprising a complex comprising octadecylamine surface-functionalized nanodiamonds with dexamethasone bound to octadecylamine. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for reducing inflammation in a patient comprising locally administering a composition including octadecylamine surface-functionalized nanodiamonds, wherein no therapeutic agent is bound to the nanodiamonds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viral expression construct and related viral vector and composition and to their use wherein said construct and vector comprise elements a) and b): a) a nucleotide sequence encoding an insulin operably linked to a first promoter, b) a nucleotide sequence encoding a glucokinase operably linked to a second promoter and said viral expression construct and related viral vector comprise at least one of elements c), d) and e): c) the first and the second promoters are positioned in reverse orientation within the expression construct, d) the first and the second promoters are positioned in reverse orientation within the expression construct and are located adjacent to each other and e) the first promoter is a CMV promoter, preferably a mini CMV promoter.

Abstract: Methods for treating age-related eye diseases or conditions are provided. Methods for treating an age-related eye disease or condition in a subject by administering one or more demethylation compounds or agents are provided.

Abstract: A nucleic acid for the controlled expression of a nucleic acid encoding a pro-apoptotic protein in an individual, including: a regulatory polynucleotide including a minimal promoter and at least one AARE (amino acid response element) nucleic acid, the regulatory polynucleotide being activated in an individual upon consumption of a diet deficient in at least one essential amino acid; and a nucleic acid encoding a pro-apoptotic protein, which is placed under the control of the regulatory polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds that are useful as near-infrared fluorescence probes, wherein the compounds include i) a pteroyl ligand that binds to a target receptor protein, ii) a dye molecule, and iii) a linker molecule that comprises an amino acid or derivative thereof. The disclosure further describes methods and compositions for incorporating the compounds as used for the targeted imaging of tumors. Conjugation of the amino acid linking groups increase specificity and detection of the compound. Methods and compositions for use thereof in diagnostic imaging are contemplated.

Abstract: This present application relates to fluorescent tetrazine-containing compounds consisting of a single pi-system. For example, a compound of Formula (I): F-L-Tz or a salt thereof, wherein: F is a fluorophore, L is a conjugated linker, and Tz is a substituted or unsubstituted tetrazine; wherein the linker bridges the Tz and F moieties in a single conjugated pi-system. Also provided herein are methods of using the compounds provided herein for biomedical imaging.

Abstract: Compositions, formulations and kits comprising chlorotoxin conjugate compounds are provided, including native and modified variants of chlorotoxin peptide conjugated to reporter molecules including fluorescent dyes. Methods of detecting and treating cancers and tumors with chlorotoxin conjugate compounds are also provided, including methods of imaging tumor tissues and cells. Dosing and pharmacokinetic profiles for therapeutic and diagnostic applications using chlorotoxin conjugate compounds are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of detecting cells characteristic of disease, determining a measure of the number of cells characteristic of disease present, and determining the location of cells characteristic of disease. The effect of nanoparticles on magnetic fields can be used to determine the location of a disease, and a measure of the number of cells characteristic of the disease. This location and measure can be used to guide therapy, and provide information regarding the most effective therapy to be applied.

Abstract: An ultrasound gel is provided for use with internal ultrasound imaging and/or therapy. The gel can have acoustic properties that can closely match a soft tissue to be imaged/treated and can be of a high viscosity that is maintained at body temperature. In some embodiments, the gel can act as a lubricant and, although water based, can be hydrophobic and not dissolve in bodily fluids. In some embodiments, the gel can be sterile, safe for ingestion, safe for application over mucous membranes, and include a preservative. In order to achieve sterility while maintaining a desired viscosity range, the gel can include a viscosity stabilising agent such as a viscosity protection agent for protection from radiation induced breakdown. In some embodiments, methods of altering or maintaining the viscosity of a gel is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to prostate cancer. In particular, disclosed are bivalent targeting ligands that specifically bind prostate specific membrane antigen and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor. Bivalent binding agents disclosed herein can be used to image a tissue in a subject in need thereof and to diagnose prostate cancer in a subject in need thereof. Bivalent binding agents disclosed herein can be used to treat prostate cancer in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Conformationally strained irans-cycloalkenes and derivatives thereof suitable for radiolabeling in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The application is drawn to radiolabeled biomolecules and methods for radiolabeling biomolecules with radioactive halogen atoms that minimizes loss of the radioactive halogen due to dehalogenation in vivo, preserves the biological activity of the biomolecule, maximizes retention of radioactivity in cancer cells, and minimizes the retention of radioactivity in normal tissues after in vivo administration. Some such radiolabeled biomolecules comprise a radioactive metal atom in place of, or in addition to the radioactive halogen. The biomolecules have an affinity for particular types of cells and may specifically bind a certain cell, such as cancer cells. Relevant biomolecules include antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, other proteins, nanoparticles and aptamers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a light and disinfection system, comprising: a lighting system which includes an illumination source and a diffusion hood suitable for the illumination source; a disinfection system which includes a disinfection light source and a cover adapted to transmit the disinfection light source, wherein the diffusion hood and the cover are respectively used for the illumination source and the disinfection light source.

Abstract: Hand held and portable disinfection units for use with patients having indwelling catheters hospitalized or under care in an intensive care unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying light to an environment are provided. A system may include an elongate first body having a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall, and a bottom wall. The first body may define a lengthwise channel between the first side wall and the second side wall. The first body may have a first groove disposed along an inner surface of the first side wall, a second groove disposed along an inner surface of the second side wall, and a cover which may be coupled to the first body via the first groove and the second groove. The first body and the cover may collectively enclose at least a portion of the channel. The system may include an LED disposed within the channel.

Abstract: Provided herein are portable ultraviolet (UV) devices, systems, and methods of use and manufacturing same. Methods of use include methods for UV disinfection and sterilization, more specifically, methods for UV disinfection and sterilization of a container, a room, a space or a defined environment. The portable UV devices, systems and methods are particularly useful for the UV disinfection and sterilization of a container, a room, a space or defined environment used in various industries. Provided are also portable UV devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present in a container, a room, a space or a defined environment, preferably for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container, a room, a space or a defined environment.

Abstract: Medical containers are provided, wherein the containers may be used to transport medical devices. The medical container can include a front panel, a rear panel, and a lower panel cooperating to form a cavity. The lower panel may include an absorbent material. The medical container may also include one or more absorbent band members disposed around at least a portion of the circumference of the cavity. An insert portion including a front panel, a rear panel, and a lower panel may be coupled to or disposed within the medical container. The insert portion may be formed from an absorbent material. Methods of using the medical containers are also provided.

Abstract: A scent-masking mixture and method for making and using that mixture are disclosed. That scent masking mixture includes an “Earth Scent” fragrance, eucalyptus essence, peppermint essence, rosemary essence, clove essence, and water. The majority of the scent-masking mixture may be water while the largest amount of active ingredient might be the “Earth Scent” fragrance. The scent-masking mixture beneficially includes equal amounts of eucalyptus essence and rosemary essence. Preferably there is more peppermint essence than clove essence.

Abstract: An aroma diffuser having a base, and an essential oil container cylinder above the base and sleeved by an outer shell; a circuit board and an atomizing transducer are provided inside the base; an energy accumulation aperture is provided at a bottom plate of the essential oil container cylinder; the atomizing transducer is mounted at a lower end of the energy accumulation aperture; a width of the atomizing transducer is greater than a width of the energy accumulation aperture; a light column is provided inside the essential oil container cylinder; a light source is mounted inside the light column; an upper cover is provided at an upper end of the essential oil container cylinder; a light blocking shade is provided at an upper end of the upper cover; a first opening is provided on the upper cover; a gas discharge opening is provided on the light blocking shade.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a scent diffusion device including an air pump, an atomizer and a liquid storage bottle. Wherein the atomizer is connected to the air pump and the liquid storage bottle, an atomizing chamber is disposed in the atomizer, a gas passage and a liquid passage is disposed in the atomizer. The gas passage is connected to the air pump and is contracted to form a gas outlet. The liquid passage is connected to the inside of the liquid storage bottle and is contracted to form a liquid outlet. The gas outlet is located at the liquid outlet and blows from the side of the liquid outlet to the other side of the liquid outlet. The atomizing chamber is connected to the gas outlet and the liquid outlet, and the atomizer is further provided with a mist outlet.

Abstract: Flexible polyurethane (PU) material which comprises a flexible hydrophilic polyurethane foam porous matrix comprising two matrix faces and therebetween a structural matrix framework defining a network of cells, having a cell network surface and therein a network of pores and a powder charge comprising one or more additives loaded in said structural matrix framework wherein said material is a foamed polymer of a system comprising an isocyanate prepolymer or monomer phase and an aqueous phase, wherein said system comprises one or more slurry phases or solid concentrates of said powder charge, or an insoluble portion thereof, as said isocyanate phase or part thereof and/or as said aqueous phase or part thereof and/or in a carrier liquid phase; and/or comprising a powder charge of silver salt loaded in said structural matrix framework in a population of silver salt particles defined by particle size distribution about a mean particle size of greater than or equal to 1 micron, said material comprising silver salt

Abstract: Farnesol analogs, along with their related products (e.g., treatment compositions, wipes, absorbent articles, etc.) and their methods of formation, are provided. The farnesol analog includes a hydrophilic end group (e.g., a hydroxyl end group or a carboxylic acid end group) attached to farnesol via a covalent linkage (e.g., an ester group or an ether group).

Abstract: Film forming gel compositions, useful in creating conformable and flexible gel bandages, can be formulate from a film forming polymer, a tackifier, and a volatile solvent. The film forming gels can also include antiseptics, cationic polymer coagulants, fillers, and other additives. The gel compositions form relatively thick films when dried on tissue, and can exhibit enhanced breathability to promote wound healing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for surface modification of a titanium implant material and a titanium implant obtained by the method for surface treatments. A titanium implant according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has high bond strength between implant and bone and its corrosion resistance.