Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic saccharide of general formula (I) that is related to Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 2 capsular polysaccharide, a conjugate thereof and the use of said saccharide and conjugate for raising a protective immune response in a human and/or animal host. Furthermore, the synthetic saccharide of general formula (I) is useful as marker in immunological assays for detection of antibodies against Streptococcus pneumoniae type 2 bacteria.

Abstract: Gram-negative bacterial strains are generated by inactivating at least one LytM catalytic domain-containing protein, such as NT013, NT017 and NT022 of non typeable H influenzae. The vesicles from these strains are useful for vaccination.

Abstract: Provided are methods for generating an immune response against a Zika virus in a human subject in need thereof. The methods comprise administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising adenoviral vectors encoding a Zika virus antigen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids, including lentiviral vectors and lentiviral vector particles, encoding at least one Hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelop surface of genotypes A and/or C antigen, at least one polymerase of genotypes A and/or C antigen, at least one HBX protein of genotypes A and/or C antigen, at least one HBV consensus core of genotypes A and/or C antigen, and at least one HBV consensus core MHCI and MHCII epitopes of genotypes A and/or C antigen. The invention encompasses these lentiviral vectors and lentiviral vector particles, methods of making the vectors, and their use, including medicinal uses. The lentiviral vectors and lentiviral vector particles are for use in administering to humans to induce immune responses against the HBV antigens.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to genetic engineering of bacteria. More particularly, the present disclosure describes genetic engineering of E. coli to create mutant O-antigen ligase, as well as novel lipopolysaccharide molecules resulting from that genetic engineering. Methods for using those novel molecules are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a method of intra-articular delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA), comprising administering into a joint of a subject in need of delivery a composition comprising an mRNA encoding a protein, such that the administering of the composition results in expression of the protein encoded by the mRNA in the joint.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to CD47, more specifically to CD47 antibodies that do not have significant platelet aggregation activity and do not have significant hemagglutination activity. Methods of generating these antibodies and methods of using these monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic combinations featuring anti-CD73 antibodies (e.g., MEDI9447) and A2A receptor inhibitors and methods of using such combinations for reducing tumor-mediated immunosuppression.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for fabricating and implementing nanoscale and microscale structured carriers to provide guided, targeted, and on-demand delivery of molecules and biochemical substances for a variety of applications including diagnosis and/or treatment (theranostics) of diseases in humans and animals. In some aspects, a nanostructure carrier can be synthesized in the form of a nanobowl, which may include an actuatable capping particle that can be opened (and in some implementations, closed) on demand. In some aspects, a nanostructure carrier can be synthesized in the form of a hollow porous nanoparticle with a functionalized interior and/or exterior to attach payload substances and substances for magnetically guided delivery and controlled release of substance payloads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating a tumor in a patient, comprising (a) administering riluzole in an amount effective to sensitize the tumor cells to ionizing radiation, and (b) irradiating the tumor cells with ionizing radiation in a dose effective to reduce tumor cell growth. The method can further comprise administering an effective amount of one or more additional therapeutic agents.

Abstract: There are provided, inter alia, compositions including a scintillator nanocrystal linked to a chemical agent moiety through a scintillator-activated photocleavable linker, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A method of using a compound in a phototherapy procedure includes administering to a subject in need of treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a thio-substituted nucleobase, nucleoside, nucleotide, and/or analogs thereof; and exposing the administered compound to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions containing efinaconazole, butylated hydroxytoluene, a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and optional citric acid. The compositions exhibit stable color profiles and are useful in the treatment of fungal infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which contains at least one anionic surfactant, a betaine surfactant, a mixture of N-methyl-N-acylglucamines, the acyl groups of which correspond to those of natural coconut oil and/or palm kernel oil, a glycerol derivative, a solvent and optionally one or more additives. The invention also relates to a method for producing the composition. The invention further relates to the use of the composition for the treatment or care of skin or hair, for example as a shampoo, face cleaner, liquid cleaner or shower gel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides POZ derivatives having a range of active functional groups allowing conjugation of POZ derivatives to a variety of target molecules under a wide range of reaction conditions to produce a hydrolytically stable target molecule-POZ conjugate. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides novel methods of synthesis for the disclosed POZ derivatives and hydrolytically stable target molecule-POZ conjugates created using the disclosed terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivatives. In one embodiment, the POZ derivative is a terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an immunoligand/payload conjugate, which method encompasses conjugating a payload to an immunoligand by means of a sequence-specific transpeptidase, or a catalytic domain thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates, in particular antibody-drug conjugates and immunotoxins, having the formula I: A-(L-D)p??(I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, wherein: A is an antibody that selectively binds FAP; L is a linker; D is a drug comprising a cytolysin or a Nigrin-b A-chain; and p is 1 to 10, and to use of such conjugates in the therapeutic treatment of tumors. Methods of producing such conjugates and components for use in such methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A linker-drug represented by formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof is provided. In formula (I), C is a conjugator, L is a linker unit, D is a toxin unit, and n is an integer ranging from 1 to 4. The structure of the conjugator is represented by formula (II). In formula (II), X is a leaving group, each of R1 and R2 is independently a single bond or —NH—, and Z is substituted aryl, heteroaryl, linear alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, or a combination thereof. The antibody is conjugated to the linker unit through a cysteine residue of the antibody. An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) employing the above linker-drug is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanodroplet compositions composed of a copolymer with a hydrophilic block and a hydrophobic block, a poloxamer, an oil, an anti¬cancer agent, and optionally a lyoprotectant. The nanodroplet compositions exhibit low toxicity and are biodegradable, provide for slow, sustained release of the anti-cancer agent at tumor sites, and result in a greater reduction of tumor volume when administered to subjects with cancer as compared to several commercially-available products. Furthermore, the nanodroplet compositions can be imaged and their progress through the body tracked with magnetic resonance spectroscopy or ultrasound.

Abstract: The invention provides novel formulations comprising a stable inclusion complex of tributyrin and a cyclodextrin. In one particular embodiment, the formulation comprises an oven dried inclusion complex of tributyrin and ?-cyclodextrin that is effective in minimizing or preventing the unpleasant taste and odor of tributyrin, thus making it suitable for oral administration and delivery to the digestive tract and intestines. The invention provides compositions of these inclusion complexes and methods of using them that are advantageous as food, medicinal and other products, where the negative sensory properties of tributyrin can be a liability.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel liquid formulation for solubilizing poorly soluble ST-246 in cyclodextrins and a novel process of making the formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating a keloid disease or scars. The inventors of the present invention discovered that mortalin expression inhibition and the interaction between mortalin and p53 may be new targets for keloid treatment. In the present invention, apoptosis and an anti-fibrotic effect were verified by preparing a mortalin-specific shRNA (dE1-RGD/GFP/shMOT) and injecting same in a keloid spheroid. Thus, by reducing ECM expression and inducing apoptosis in a keloid spheroid, mortalin knockdown may be very usefully employed for keloid treatment.

Abstract: The present invention in general relates to an improved RNA transcription vector, which is very suitable for the production of mRNA for in vivo therapeutic purposes. The improvements in the vector in particular reside in the presence of a transcription enhancer and a nuclear retention element.

Abstract: The finding that patients with Sjögren's syndrome exhibit a statistically significant increase in expression of BMP6 in the salivary gland relative to healthy control subjects is described. Also described is the finding that overexpression of BMP6 in the salivary glands of mice results in an increase in electrical potential across the salivary gland. Thus, methods of diagnosing a subject as having Sjögren's syndrome, or at risk for developing Sjögren's syndrome, by measuring the level of BMP6 expression in a salivary gland of a subject, measuring electrical potential in a salivary gland of a subject, or both, are disclosed. Also described are methods of treating a subject with Sjögren's syndrome by administering an agent that inhibits expression of BMP6 expression or activity. Further disclosed is the use of XIST and MECP2 as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for male Sjögren's syndrome patients.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a competitive glucose binding affinity assay comprising a glucose receptor (typically mannan binding lectin) labeled with an assay fluorophore and a modified glucose analog (typically dextran) labeled with a reference fluorophore. In certain embodiments, the glucose analog is dextran and is coupled to both a reference fluorophore and a quencher dye (e.g. hexamethoxy crystalviolet-1). Optionally the reference fluorophore is blue shifted relative to the assay fluorophore.

Abstract: Disclosed are a microbe inactivation processing method that can perform inactivation processing of microbes, while damage to human body cells is prevented or inhibited, with an efficient use of light emitted from a light source and the obtainment of a large effective irradiation area. Also provided are a cell activation processing method that can reliably activate target cells with high efficiency. The microbe inactivation processing method includes: a step of applying light emitted from a light source through an optical filter, with the light source configured to emit light having a wavelength within a wavelength range of 190 nm to 237 nm, in order to perform inactivation processing of a target microbe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device capable of disinfecting and sterilizing a medical sensor by ultraviolet radiation, the device comprising: a box-shaped case having a space portion formed therein and having an opening formed through a surface thereof; a door hingedly coupled to a side of the case so as to open and close the opening of the case; a holding member installed in the space portion of the case and allowing a medical sensor to be held on a side thereof; and an ultraviolet sterilizer installed on a side of the holding member.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and sanitizing a plunger is presented. The apparatus first has an elongate body that has a first inner compartment and a door that is removably attached to said bod. Further, the apparatus has an illuminating element that is removably attached to an inside surface of the door and configured to sanitize said plunger when said plunger is located inside the inner compartment of said elongate body. The apparatus has a shelving unit separating the first inner compartment from a second inner compartment with a tray being removably coupled to the second inner compartment. The apparatus has a plurality of drain holes for draining liquid. To secure the door a first magnetic tab is located on the inside surface of the door and a second magnetic tab is located on a right side of the elongate body. The first magnetic tab is configured to mate with the second magnetic tab for securing the door in a closed configuration. The door has a door knob.

Abstract: A disinfectant device including a pouch, the pouch including a first layer of material coupled to a second layer of material and defining a compartment therebetween. At least one dry reactant is retained within the compartment, the at least one dry reactant producing chlorine dioxide gas when exposed to water. A wick is at least partially disposed within the compartment. At least one from the group consisting of the first layer of material and the second layer of material define an array of ports along a periphery of the pouch and an array of fluid conduits, the array of fluid conduits being proximal to the array of ports, offset from the array of ports, in fluid communication with the wick, the compartment, and the array of ports.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing a device. More specifically, a first treatment chamber can be configured to conduct a first treatment stage therein at a first pressure, a first temperature, and a first sterilant concentration. A first passage can be operatively connected to the first treatment chamber and a second treatment chamber can be operatively connected to the first passage and in communication with the first chamber via the first passage. The second chamber can be configured to conduct a second treatment stage therein at a second pressure, a second temperature, and a second sterilant concentration. An object can be treated in the first treatment chamber and moved to the second treatment chamber via the first passage to be treated in the second treatment chamber.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for a diffuser and one or more removable diffuser covers. A removable diffuser cover comprises one or more decorative features. A cavity in a diffuser cover is shaped to receive a complete diffuser. A complete diffuser comprises a diffuser element that disperses a liquid into air within a diffuser chamber and a lid shaped to at least partially enclose an upper opening of the diffuser chamber. One or more openings are positioned to receive a dispersed liquid from a lid of a complete diffuser within a cavity and to allow the dispersed liquid to pass to an exterior of a removable diffuser cover.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include an attachment for providing a scent to a container. In some aspects, a scent delivery system includes a bottle including a collar and a ledge structure each extending circumferentially outward; a scent ring loaded with a volatile chemical agent to emanate and generate a scent and including an interior protruding structure projecting from an interior wall of the ring, the scent ring configured to fasten around the neck of the bottle based on contact between the interior protruding structure and the ledge structure of the bottle; and a cap reversibly attachable to the bottle and including an interior rim structure that circumferentially projects from the interior of the cap, where the cap is structured to enclose the scent ring in a compartment formed between the collar and the interior rim structure when the cap is securely fastened to the bottle and trap the scent.

Abstract: Photocatalysis is a promising technique for remediation of indoor air pollution. The present invention focuses on the enhancement of the effectiveness of the photocatalytic process by the introduction of artificial roughness on the interior reactor surface. Artificial roughness elements on the catalytic surface enhance the turbulence intensity close to the catalytic surface. The enhanced turbulence intensity translates to an increase in the mass transfer of airborne contaminants to the catalyst surface, improving the efficiency of photocatalysis.

Abstract: A spinal cage for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes a polymer composition that includes a polyetherimide.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte coating comprises at least one polycationic layer consisting of at least one polyarginine as herein defined and at least one polyanionic layer consisting of hyaluronic acid. The polyelectrolyte coating has a biocidal activity and the invention thus further refers to the use of said polyelectrolyte coating for producing a device, in particular a bacteriostatic medical device, more particularly an implantable device, comprising said polyelectrolyte coating, and a method for preparing said device and a kit. Also disclosed is a method of preventing a bacterial infection in an individual.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implant for use in a surgical procedure, a corresponding implant and the use thereof during the incorporation of a substance is presented. Specifically anodized and blasted titanium implant substrates are provided with a hydroxyapatite (HA) coating for incorporating for example a therapeutic agent. In particular, an anodizing procedure by an electrolytic process in an alkaline liquid is carried out. Moreover, blasting of the anodized titanium implant substrate is carried out by the presented method. The HA coating can be in the range of 1 to 5 ?m, particularly in the range of 1 to 3 ?m. A local delivery of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is achieved by the implant of the present invention. Moreover, the implant allows for the removal of the implant without damaging surrounding tissue or a bone. Moreover, the HA coating is provided to the substrate such that enhanced fixation as measured by pull-out force is achieved whilst having a relatively low removal torque.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis. More specifically, a drug-eluting scaffold is implanted in the middle meatus to treat chronic sinusitis for weeks to months.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides tissue compositions including a first silk scaffold comprising a plurality of epithelial cells, a second silk scaffold comprising a plurality of stromal cells, and a plurality of neurons. In some embodiments, provided compositions can function as physiologically relevant corneal model systems for, inter alia, testing of therapeutics for corneal disease and/or injury and production of functional corneal tissue (e.g., for transplant, etc). The present invention also provides methods for making and using provided compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a bilayer scaffold through single process comprising: preparing a first polymer aqueous solution; adding a second polymer into the first polymer aqueous solution and stirring a reactant; adding a surfactant into the stirred reactant and stirring the reactant at high temperature and high speed; freeze-drying the stirred reactant thereby obtaining a sponge; dipping the sponge in a cross-linking agent thereby rendering be cross-linked; and freeze-drying the cross-linked reactant.

Abstract: Nerve scaffolds are described that include a tubular outer housing fabricated from a biocompatible polymer, within which are disposed a plurality of carbon nanofiber yarns. The carbon nanofiber yarns, which can be separated by distances roughly corresponding to an average nerve fiber diameter, provide surfaces on which nerve fibers can regrow. Because the proximate carbon nanofiber yarns can support individual nerve fibers, a nerve can be regenerated with a reduced likelihood of undesirable outcomes, such as nerve pain or reduced nerve function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing an injectable thermosensitive hydrogel for preventing adhesion including mixing methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, oxidized cellulose nanofibers and carboxymethyl cellulose. The injectable thermosensitive hydrogel for preventing adhesion is a sol at a low temperature and induces rapid gelation upon in vivo implantation due to thermosensitivity. In addition, the hydrogel can be rapidly changed into physical hydrogel without separate additives or chemical reaction during in vivo condition. In addition, the injectable thermosensitive hydrogel for preventing adhesion exhibits excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility, has no cytotoxicity, inhibits in vitro migration of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs), and exhibits anti-adhesion efficacy in a rat model of sidewall defect-cecum abrasion in vivo, thus being useful as an effective anti-adhesive agent.

Abstract: The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.

Abstract: A material including a plurality of fatty acid chains cross-linked together and a silver fatty acid salt formed with the fatty acid chains within the material. Methods for forming a material are also included. The silver-containing materials can be utilized alone or in combination with a medical device for the release and local delivery of one or more anti-infective agents.

Abstract: A skin treatment device used for cellulite treatment, skin tightening or body contouring which combines negative pressure treatment and RF treatment, where the RF treatment uses variable frequencies during a treatment cycle.

Abstract: Provided is a negative-pressure wound therapy apparatus capable of causing negative pressure in a closed space defined by a wound dressing and a wound region with a sufficient suction flow rate as needed even with a miniaturized pump device. In atypical use that needs a high suction flow rate, because a pump device (30) with a high suction flow rate is attached to a wound dressing (10) and sucks gas from a closed space (904) defined by a wound region (903) and the wound dressing (10), even when a pump device (20) for typical use is miniaturized and the suction flow rate of the pump device (20) is reduced, a therapy apparatus (100) can achieve a suction flow rate sufficient for atypical use. Thus, the pressure value in the closed space (904) can decrease to a desired value more quickly.

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: Sensors for catheter pumps are disclosed herein. The catheter pump can include a catheter assembly comprising a catheter and a cannula coupled to a distal portion of the catheter. The cannula can have a proximal port for permitting the flow of blood therethrough. The catheter assembly can include a sensor to be disposed near the proximal port. A processing unit can be programmed to process a signal detected by the sensor. The processing unit can comprise a computer-readable set of rules to evaluate the signal to determine a position of the cannula relative to an aortic valve of a patient.

Abstract: An impeller includes a hub and a blade supported by the hub. The impeller has a stored configuration in which the blade is compressed so that its distal end moves towards the hub, and a deployed configuration in which the blade extends away from the hub. The impeller may be part of a pump for pumping fluids, such as blood, and may include a cannula having a proximal portion with a fixed diameter, and a distal portion with an expandable diameter. The impeller may reside in the expandable portion of the cannula. The cannula may have a compressed diameter which allows it to be inserted percutaneously into a patient. Once at a desired location, the expandable portion of the cannula may be expanded and the impeller expanded to the deployed configuration. A flexible drive shaft may extend through the cannula for rotationally driving the impeller within the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an impeller that includes an impeller frame that comprises proximal and distal end portions and at least one helical elongate element that winds from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. A material is coupled to the at least one helical elongate element, such that the at least one helical elongate element with the material coupled thereto defines a blade of the impeller. A plurality of sutures are tied around the at least one helical elongate element, the sutures being configured to facilitate coupling of the material to the at least one helical elongate element. Other applications are also described.