Abstract: A composition is provided comprising N. meningitidis outer membrane vesicles, wherein said outer membrane vesicles are enriched with at least one antigenic component. The composition is suitable for use in vaccines and for treatment of infection, particularly meningococcal infection, demonstrating a broad spectrum of protection. A number of preferred antigenic components are described and include antigenic proteins and proteoglycans derived from N. meningitidis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer using albumin-proaerolysin prodrugs. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides prodrug compositions. In certain embodiments, a prodrug composition comprises a prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-activated pro-aerolysin (PA), wherein a PSA cleavable linker replaces the native furin cleavage site within PA; and human serum albumin (HSA) or a fragment thereof fused to the N-terminus of the PSA-activated PA.

Abstract: The invention relates, in part, to compounds, compositions, and methods to assess characteristics of mitochondrial antiviral-signaling (MAVS) polypeptides and also to methods of modulating MAVS polypeptide characteristics. In addition, the invention relates, in part, to assays to assess characteristics of polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of using PRG4 glycoprotein, also known as lubricin, to reduce, inhibit, or down-regulate pro-inflammatory pathways in patients at risk of or suffering from an inflammatory response or allergy symptom through CD44 antagonization, regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production, inhibiting NF-?B translocation and/or facilitating removal of inflammation-inducing cellular or matrix debris or allergens.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising cytokines, particularly insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and variants thereof, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and other ligands to the EGF receptor, are provided. The fusion proteins further comprise SEQ ID NO:1 or other segments having lysine, glutamic acid, or aspartic acid residues. Uses for the fusion proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: Provided herein are oral pharmaceutical compositions containing a GLP-1 analogue and/or insulin for treating and reducing the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic steatosis, and sequelae thereof, and methods of utilizing same.

Abstract: A method for treating dyslexia or reading developmental disorder (RDD) in a patient in need thereof comprises administering botulinum toxin to the patient. The botulinum toxin may be administered by subcutaneous or intradermal injection. The subcutaneous or intradermal injection may be administered to and/or around the vicinity of a trigeminal nerve, a cervical nerve, a thoracic nerve, a lumbar nerve, and/or a sacral nerve of the patient. In infants or toddlers—from about birth to 5 years old, botulinum toxin is used to prevent or minimize damage to the developing brain that would result in dyslexia; in older children and adult patients with dyslexia, botulinum toxin will be used to reduce or eliminate their symptoms.

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: Provided is a method of treating a cancer in an individual using activated T cells or PBMCs induced by antigen presenting cells (such as dendritic cells) loaded with a plurality of tumor antigen peptides. The method may further comprise administration of the antigen presenting cells loaded with the plurality of tumor antigen peptides to the individual. The methods may be used singly or in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Also provided are precision therapy methods customized for the individual using neoantigen peptides or based on the mutation load in the tumor of the individual, methods of preparing the activated T cells, methods of monitoring the treatment, methods of cloning tumor-specific T cell receptors, an isolated population of cells comprising the activated T cells, and compositions and kits useful for cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract: A vaccine includes at least one bacterial antigen capable of producing an immune response in a host when the vaccine is administered at a dose that is sufficient for preventing or treating Q fever in the host. The vaccine composition confers immunity against Q fever without the reactogenic side effects observed in prior art vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated proteins isolatable from a Pasteurella spp. such as P. multocida. Also provided by the present invention are compositions that include one or more of the proteins, and methods for making and methods for using the proteins.

Abstract: Compounds useful as components of immunogenic compositions for the induction of an immunogenic response in a subject against viral infection, methods for their use in treatment, and processes for their manufacture are provided herein. The compounds comprise a nucleic acid construct comprising a sequence which encodes a Zika virus antigen. A particular embodiment is a nucleic acid-based vaccine construct encoding a polypeptide comprising a full-length Zika virus prME antigen. A particular embodiment is a self-replicating RNA molecule comprising a construct encoding a polypeptide comprising a full-length Zika virus prME antigen.

Abstract: Compositions for prevention of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) are provided, comprising an antigen component in the amount equivalent to 0.5-20 ?g FMD virus and an adjuvant component comprising oil, an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide, and a polycationic carrier. Methods of using the composition, as well as the methods of reducing FMD persistence are also provided.

Abstract: Pro-toothpaste compositions formulated to receive a volume of allergen solution to provide toothpastes that exhibit efficacy for oral mucosal immunotherapy (OMIT) and acceptable consumer and product stability properties, along with kits of pro-toothpaste, allergen/extracts of allergens, and optionally compounding means and/or specialized toothbrushes are provided. Toothpastes suitable and effective for OMIT and methods for managing allergic symptoms and for reducing risk of allergy in people without symptoms employing the pro-toothpastes, toothpastes and kits of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides combinations of immunologic inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. In some embodiments, the methods involve the use of a combination of at least two of the following: an inhibitor of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an inhibitor of the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway, an inhibitor of CTLA-4, an inhibitor of CD25, or IL-7.

Abstract: The present system is directed in several embodiments to a method of administration of a therapeutic composition for protection of the brain of a subject at risk of injury leading to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or treatment of injury to the brain resulting from TBI. The method includes administering one or more therapeutic compositions comprising an effective amount of insulin directly to the subject patient's CNS, with no to minimal systemic exposure. Preferably, this method comprises administration of an effective amount of insulin to the upper third of a patient's nasal cavity, thereby bypassing the patient's blood-brain barrier and delivering the therapeutic composition directly to the patient's central nervous system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide functionalized nanoparticles and methods of use thereof. Certain embodiments provide nanoparticles functionalized with streptokinase. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods for treating a pathological fibrin associated disorder (e.g., cancer) in an animal.

Abstract: A substantially surface active agent-free and foam adjuvant-free composition which includes a hydrophobic solvent, a wax and a propellant. A substantially surface active agent-free and foam adjuvant-free composition, further comprising, a tetracycline antibiotic, or one or more other active agents. A method of treatment, using a substantially surface active agent-free and substantially foam adjuvant-free composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preparation method for a DNA origami based carrier, which essentially comprises the steps of performing multi-functional DNA origami based nanocarrier preparation.

Abstract: In some aspects, pegylated aminoglycoside compounds are provided. In some embodiments, m-PEG-tobramycin compounds may be used to treat a biofilm infection or reduce or treat established biofilms.

Abstract: An agent comprising: an algin crosslinked with acetal linkages; and at least one cation coupled to the crosslinked algin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a lysosomal enzyme conjugated to a negatively charged scavenger receptor ligand. In some embodiments, the lysosomal enzyme is conjugated to the scavenger receptor ligand by way of a linker. The present invention also relates to a composition comprising lysosomal enzyme encapsulated by a liposome, said liposome externally comprising a negatively charged scavenger receptor ligand. The invention further encompasses a method of treating a lysosomal storage disease with the compositions listed above. The ionvention further encompasses a method of treating a lysosomal storage disease with an acylated, acetylated, or aconitylated lysosomal enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides stability-modulated antibody-drug conjugates, stability-modulating linker components used to make these stability-modulated antibody-drug conjugates, therapeutic methods using stability-modulated antibody-drug conjugates, and methods of making stability modulating linkers and stability-modulated antibody-drug conjugates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Prodrug activation method, for therapeutics, wherein use is made of abiotic reactive chemical groups that exhibit bio-orthogonal reactivity towards each other. The invention also relates to a Prodrug kit comprising at least one Prodrug and at least one Activator, wherein the Prodrug comprises a Drug and a first Bio-orthogonal Reactive Group (the Trigger), and wherein the Activator comprises a second Bio-orthogonal Reactive Group. The invention also relates to targeted therapeutics used in the above-mentioned method and kit. The invention particularly pertains to antibody-drug conjugates and to bi- and trispecific antibody derivatives.

Abstract: Provided herein are cell penetrating conjugates. The conjugates include a non-cell penetrating protein attached to a phosphorothioate nucleic acid or phosphorothioate polymer backbone, wherein the phosphorothioate nucleic acid or phosphorothioate polymer backbone enhances intracellular delivery of the non-cell penetrating protein. Also provided are compositions and kits comprising the cojugates.

Abstract: In one aspect, an active agent-conjugate, methods of preparing the active agent-conjugate, and uses thereof is provided.

Abstract: Nanostructures for the systemic delivery of nucleic acids, such as RNA, are provided herein. The nanostructures include templated lipoprotein nanoparticles (TLPs) composed of a core decorated with proteins, a lipid bilayer and hydrophobic molecules that self-assemble with nucleic acids, such as RNA. The nanostructures are useful for research, therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to the treatment of a subject having a neurodegenerative disorder, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), by providing glucocerebrosidase enzyme. The enzyme may be provided, e.g., through gene therapy or by administration of a glucocerebrosidase protein. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses glucocerebrosidase nucleic acids or proteins for use in the treatment of PD or other neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an eye-drop composition comprising 2-amino-9-[[(1S,2R)-1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]-1,9-dihydro-6H-Purin-6-one, and the use thereof for the diagnosis and treatment of herpetic eye infections in companion animals.

Abstract: A synthetic calcium phosphate-based biomedical material comprising gadolinium. The material may comprises a compound having the general chemical formula: Ca10?yGdy(PO4)6?x(SiO4)x(OH)2?x+y where 0<x<1.3 and 0<y<1.3.

Abstract: A method for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging or spectroscopy on a MR scanner to detect tissue physiological parameters in one or more tissue areas in a human or non-human subject includes administering to the subject a contrast enhancing physiologically tolerable amount of a sugar that is non-labeled, subjecting the subject to an MR procedure capable of generating MR signals encoding at least one tissue area in the subject in which the sugar either passes or is taken up, detecting a temporal variation in the MR signals in the at least one tissue area after the administering the sugar, determining at least one tissue-related parameter from the temporal variation, and ascertaining whether the at least one tissue-related parameter is abnormal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of administering [18F]-FACBC. The present disclosure also relates to use of [18F]-FACBC in methods for imaging, diagnosing and monitoring metastasis or recurrence of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, selective, radiolabelled mGluR2 ligands which are useful for imaging and quantifying the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR2 in tissues, using positron-emission tomography (PET). The invention is also directed to compositions comprising such compounds, to processes for preparing such compounds and compositions, to the use of such compounds and compositions for imaging a tissue, cells or a mammal, in vitro or in vivo and to precursors of said compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing items and storing the sterilized items prior to use includes a container configured to receive items to be sterilized, a trap door coupled with the container, and a mechanism operatively coupled with the trap door and the container. The trap door is reconfigurable between an open configuration providing a fluid passage into the apparatus and a closed configuration in which the items are hermetically sealed within the apparatus. The mechanism is configured for selective reconfiguration of the trap door from the closed configuration to the open configuration and to automatically reconfigure the trap door from the open configuration to the closed configuration after completion of a sterilization cycle for items disposed within the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid filled light distributor comprising an elongated tubular body with a tube wall defining an in inner lumen filled with a liquid, said tubular body having—a proximal end closed by first closing means—a distal end closed by second closing means. Wherein the proximal end is arranged to be in optical communication with a light source and wherein the refractive index of the tube wall is n1 and the refractive index of the fluid is n2 and n1/n2<1 so that light from the light source travels along the longitudinal direction of the tubular body and that a part of the light is emitted through the tube wall along at least a part of the tubular body. Further a method of use for the liquid filled light distributor is provided.

Abstract: A germicidal system for use in disinfecting one or more contact surfaces includes one or more germicidal devices each comprising a germicidal light source. The one or more germicidal devices may be connected to a network, which allows for controlling the operational parameters of the one or more germicidal devices and/or collecting information from the one or more germicidal devices.

Abstract: A method of limiting the spread of the norovirus within a cruise ship comprising: identifying a surface within a common area of a cruise ship that passengers are likely to touch; and applying a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof to the surface. The common area can be an elevator and the surface an elevator button. The common area can be a stairway and the surface a handrail. The common area can be a casino. The common area can be a dining room. The common area can be a walkway and the surface a handrail. The silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof can be 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, or 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. Applying the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof to the surface comprises applying a solution including the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof and a solvent.

Abstract: An ethylene oxide adsorption recovery system includes a tower body defining a gas channel extending longitudinally therein. A sidewall of the tower body further comprises a plurality of mounting holes disposed longitudinally along the side wall and in communication with the gas channel. A bottom portion of the tower body includes a first pipe in communication with the gas channel, and a top portion of the tower body includes a second pipe in communication with the gas channel. A plurality of adsorption panels is coupled to the tower body through corresponding respective mounting holes of the plurality of mounting holes, each of the plurality of adsorption panels extends into the gas channel. A sealing door is movably coupled to the sidewall of the tower body and configured to selectively fix each of the plurality of adsorption panels to a respective mounting hole of the plurality of mounting hole.

Abstract: An apparatus that assists in sterilizing an endoscope inside a sterilizer employing a gaseous sterilant, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, is disclosed. The apparatus may include a dry booster and a flow restrictor that includes two tubes, which may be connected to channels of an endoscope and the dry booster. The flow restrictor may be used to change the flow rates through the channels to assist in delivering sterilant throughout the channels.

Abstract: A health and safety apparatus for entities such as individuals or objects includes a housing containing at least one side opening, a plurality of fluid atomizing dispensers, and a reservoir containing a fluid which includes a sanitizer, sterilizer or disinfectant. The housing includes a top wall and at least one side wall defining an inner chamber. The dispensers are mounted in spaced relation on the top and side walls and are connected with the reservoir. When an entity is arranged in the housing, the atomizing dispensers are activated to spray the fluid onto the entity. In a preferred embodiment, the housing further includes a bottom wall configured for collecting fluid. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least one motion sensor mounted on the housing for detecting motion at a threshold of the side opening to electronically operate the atomizing dispensers for a defined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods of killing biofilm using a surface plasmon coupled to a photosensitizer. A nanostructure (10) may include a silver nanoparticle core (12), a mesoporous silica shell (14), and a photosensitizer (16). A method of killing biofilm may include contacting biofilm with a nanostructure (10) including a silver nanoparticle core (12), a mesoporous silica shell (14), and a photosensitizer (16) to form a blend and exposing the blend to light.

Abstract: The disclosed sterilizer includes a humidity control system for controlling humidity. The sterilizer for sterilizing objects comprises a chamber for receiving objects to be sterilized and a humidity control system. The humidity control system comprises a water control system which can be connected to a water source for injecting a first quantity of water vapor into the chamber, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the chamber for measuring pressure in the chamber, a humidity sensor in fluid communication, or in selective fluid communication, with the chamber for sensing a first humidity value (RHchamber) of the first quantity of water vapor in the chamber; and a controller configured to inject a second quantity of water vapor into the chamber.

Abstract: Method of calculating an exposure time for disinfecting a room using an ultraviolet disinfecting apparatus comprises the steps of measuring distances by: using a spatial sensor on the ultraviolet disinfecting apparatus, to perform a first scan of a boundary surface of the room, to measure a first set of distances from the sensor to the boundary surface; adjusting the height or orientation of the spatial sensor; using the spatial sensor to perform a second scan of the boundary surface of the room, to measure a second set of distances from the adjusted sensor to the boundary surface; and subsequently, calculating the exposure time in dependence the sets of distances.

Abstract: A deodorizer for insertion into athletic and other equipment, having an outer housing that is infused with an antimicrobial agent and that has ventilation holes, and containing a moisture absorbing deodorizer within the outer housing. The deodorizer absorbs moisture that allows bacteria to grow and the antimicrobial infused outer housing kills existing bacteria, thereby reducing bacteria and odor.

Abstract: An electronic scented candle is described that includes a flame piece, a shell including an installation chamber, a fragrance container that is removably positioned inside the installation chamber, a scent chamber, and a liquid suction channel positioned within the fragrance container. One end of the liquid suction channel protrudes from the fragrance container into the scent chamber and anther end of the liquid suction channel is positioned within the fragrance container to draw a fragrance material from the fragrance container to the scent chamber. A scent outlet in communication with the scent chamber allows scent from the chamber to reach an external environment of the electronic scented candle, and an air inlet in communication with the scent chamber directs air from the external environment to the scent chamber. A heating device heats the content of the scent chamber to allow rapid dissemination of the scent chamber into an external environment.

Abstract: A scent dispenser may comprise a vial retaining mechanism, a heating element, vial sensor, and a controller. The vial retaining mechanism includes a vial coupling that removeably retains a vial containing a scented solution. The includes a wick extending from a cavity of the vial through an opening of a neck of the vial. The heating element is shaped to receive and heat the wick of the vial. The vial sensor includes an array of sensor pads that are arranged in alignment with the vial retained by the vial coupling. The controller is electrically coupled to the heating element and electrically coupled to the array of sensor pads. The controller regulates a temperature level of the heating element, and receives signals from the array of sensor pads and processing the signals to determine a fluid level of the vial.

Abstract: A diffuser includes a housing with at least one inlet and at least one vent outlet, and a microblower carried by the housing. The microblower has an inlet side to receive air from the at least one inlet, and an outlet port. A bottle adapted to carry essential oil is included and has a neck opening. A tube directs air from the microblower outlet port into the neck opening to generate oil-laden air. A fan draws ambient air in from the at least one inlet and exhausts ambient air and oil-laden air through the at least one vent outlet.

Abstract: The mitigation of indoor pathogens comprises quantifying, using a bio-aerosol monitoring system, the amount of total pathogens in the air and on surfaces within an indoor environment. Moreover, the process comprises sanitizing the indoor environment with portable equipment to stabilize the indoor environment when it is determined that the indoor environment is contaminated. Also, the process comprises installing a purification device within a contaminated area of the indoor environment, and monitoring continuously, the indoor environment after sanitizing, for pathogens. Still further, the process comprises releasing a purifying agent upon detecting pathogens in the indoor environment, and providing periodic maintenance to the purification device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for and includes improved devices and methods for the production of Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially non-hydrated and substantially free of ozone.