Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and an immunogenic composition comprising an IBV, respectively, wherein the ORF 3a and/or the ORF 3b and/or the ORF 5a and/or the ORF 5b is inactivated. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention relate to methods for immunizing a subject comprising administering to such subject the immunogenic composition of the present invention. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of treating or preventing clinical signs caused by IBV in a subject of need, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an immunogenic composition according to the embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: An isolated protein comprises respective amino acid sequences of each of a plurality of CTL epitopes from two or more different herpesvirus antigens and further comprises an intervening amino acid or amino acid sequence between at least two of said CTL epitopes comprising proteasome liberation amino acids or amino acid sequences and, optionally, Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing recognition motifs. The isolated protein is capable of rapidly expanding human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in vitro and eliciting a CTL immune response in vivo upon administration to an animal as an exogenous protein. Typically, the isolated protein comprises no more than twenty (20) CTL epitopes derived from cytomegalovirus and/or Epstein-Barr virus antigens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for modulation of T cell and B cell responses by antigen- or allergen-specific immunotherapy in combination with peripheral tolerance-inducing phagocytosis, made of one or more preparations and comprising one or more matrices suitable for locally restricted sustained release of a physiologically effective dose of at least one antigen or allergen, liposomes tailored for effective phagocytosis, one or more immune modulators of phagocytosis, and one or more immune modulators suitable for enhancing the suppressive function of regulatory T cells at the site of antigen or allergen presentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament for treating cancer or infectious disease, the medicament comprising an immune checkpoint blockade and an adjuvant composition. More specifically, the present invention relates to a medicament for cancer or infectious diseases, wherein an anti-PD-1 antibody or an anti-PD-L1 antibody is used in combination with a nucleic acid adjuvant composed of a double-stranded RNA and a single-stranded ODN.

Abstract: Regional, tumor-targeted, cytotoxic therapy, such as D2C7-immunotoxin (D2C7-IT), not only specifically target and destroy tumor cells, but in the process initiate immune events that promote an in situ vaccine effect. The antitumor effects are amplified by immune checkpoint blockade which engenders a long-term systemic immune response that effectively eliminates all tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to a Staphylococcus aureus glucosaminidase and inhibits in vivo growth of S. aureus. Also disclosed are monoclonal antibody binding portions, recombinant or hybridoma cell lines, pharmaceutical compositions containing the monoclonal antibody or binding portions thereof, and methods of treating S. aureus infection and osteomyelitis, and methods for introducing an orthopedic implant into a patient using the monoclonal antibody, binding portion, or pharmaceutical composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a plurality of nanostructures comprising a base material. The plurality of nanostructures are exposed to a first material at a first deposition temperature. The plurality of nanoparticles are exposed to a second material at a second deposition temperature, and exposed to a Boron-10 (10B) containing material at a third deposition temperature so as to form a 10B-metal oxide based composite nanostructure.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations containing lipoic acid derivatives and ion pairs thereof are described. The pharmaceutical formulations are useful in the treatment of medical disorders, such as cancer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the disclosure provides for a conjugate comprising: a) a peptide that competes with an Fc fragment of an IgG for binding to an Fc receptor; and b) a targeting moiety that targets molecular aggregates. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides for methods of using the conjugates for treating a disease or disorder associated with aggregate formation.

Abstract: Provided herein are coacervate compositions including cytokines, and methods of making and using the same. The coacervate can be formed by the mixing of an active agent, such as a drug or protein with the polyanion, such as heparin or heparan sulfate, and a custom-made polycation (e.g., PEAD or PELD). The coacervates can be used in the treatment of diseases and disorders where targeted treatment is desired, for example in treatment of cancers.

Abstract: A composition includes a polysaccharide at least one retinoid linked to at least one monosaccharide subunit of the polysaccharide with a covalent linkage. The linkage being degradable by hydrolysis during digestion of the composition to provide controlled, delayed, and/or sustained delivery of the at least one retinoid upon enteral administration of the composition to a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are proteasome inhibitors, fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-activated prodrugs of proteasome inhibitors, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the inhibitors and prodrugs. Also disclosed are related pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the inhibitors and prodrugs and compositions thereof, for example, in treating cancer or other cell proliferative diseases. In vitro and in vivo methods of quantifying the expression of FAP in a biopsy sample and a mammal, respectively, are also disclosed.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, polymer conjugates, including polymer-antibody-drug conjugates (polymer ADCs) are described, as well as the use of such conjugates to treat human disease. The polymer conjugates can contain a large number of polymer-bound agents, thus effectively increasing the drug antibody ration (DAR) of the antibody significantly beyond the currently available technology. This may be of particular importance when antibodies to low density antigens are used as target antibodies. The described polymer-ADCs have improved pharmacokinetics and solubility relative to traditional ADCs. The linker between agent and the polymer can be tailored to provide release of toxin at the desired site and under the desired conditions within the tumor. An additional feature of the polymer-ADCs of the current disclosure is that a purification moiety can be attached to the polymer backbone to provide ease of purification of the polymer-ADCs.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides compositions methods and composition relating to the diagnosis and/or treatment of cancers having a cell surface de-N-acetylated sialic acid antigen, e.g., an at least partially de-N-acetylated ganglioside and/or a de-N-acetylated sialic acid-modified cell surface protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to multi-specific molecules, such as long acting multi-specific antibodies. Also disclosed are relates methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound bearing a self-immolative linker having ?-galactoside-introduced thereto. In a compound bearing a ?-galactoside-introduced self-immolative linker according to the present invention, particularly, the self-immolative linker may form a glycosidic bond with a protein (e.g., an oligopeptide, polypeptide, an antibody, etc.) or ligand which has specific affinity for a desired target or with an active agent (e.g., a drug, a toxin, a ligand, a detection probe, etc.), which has a specific function or activity so as to allow the selective release of the active agent within a target cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a conjugate comprising a mesoporous nanoparticle having a plurality of pores, wherein the mesoporous nanoparticle is positively charged, wherein an active agent is disposed in the pore; and a plurality of metal nanoclusters, wherein the metal nanocluster has a negative charge, wherein a gate agent is attached to the metal nanocluster. Embodiments of the present disclosure also describe a method of using a conjugate comprising exposing a conjugate to microbes sufficient to release an active agent and treating the microbes with the released active agent. Embodiments of the present disclosure further describe a method of using a conjugate comprising exposing a conjugate to microbes and detecting a presence of the microbes.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, methods for preparing scavenging particles, as well as methods for attaching capture agents to the particles. The disclosure further provides compositions that bind to and inhibit the biological activity of soluble biomolecules, as well as pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The compositions may comprise a plurality of particles that specifically bind a target, such as a soluble biomolecule or a biomolecule on the surface of a pathogen, to inhibit the target (or pathogen) from interacting with other molecules or cells. Also provided herein are a number of applications (e.g., therapeutic applications) in which the compositions are useful.

Abstract: Described is a liquid composition containing naked RNA, such as mRNA encoding a polypeptide, for use in the treatment or prevention of ligament or tendon lesions as well as a method for treating ligament or tendon lesions comprising the administration of a liquid composition containing naked RNA, such as mRNA encoding a polypeptide, which is beneficial in the process of healing the ligament or tendon lesions.

Abstract: This disclosure provides gene therapy vectors comprising a polynucleotide encoding one or more isoforms of lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP-2), and methods of using such gene therapy vectors for the treatment of Danon disease and other autophagy disorders.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for generating microbubbles includes a substrate and a microfluidic channel embedded in the substrate. The microfluidic channel includes a plurality of fluid inlets, at least one bubble formation outlet having a nozzle with an adjustable diameter, and a flow focusing junction in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid inlets and the bubble formation outlet. A method for mass producing monodisperse microbubbles with a microfluidic device includes supplying a flow of dispersed phase fluid into a first fluid inlet of a microfluidic channel, supplying a flow of continuous phase fluid into a second fluid inlet of the microfluidic channel, and adjusting a diameter of a nozzle to obtain a plurality of monodisperse microbubbles having a specified diameter.

Abstract: This invention provides a class of dual mode imaging tracer capable of acting both as a fluorescent imaging tracer and a positron emission tomography imaging tracer. Tracers in accordance with this invention generally have a fluorescent core with a boron-fluoride element embedded therein. Exemplary embodiments of the tracer include 18F-labeled BODIPY compounds and derivative thereof. Also provided are tracer kits containing a sterile formulation of a BODIPY dye either in a radio-labeled or pre-labeled state, and methods for imaging heart perfusion using the 18F-labeled dual mode tracers.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods for inflammation and infection imaging and related medical applications thereof. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for the diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for the treatment or prevention of inflammation and/or infection. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for monitoring the effect of inflammation and/or infection treatment, and/or methods for monitoring an inflammation and/or infection treatment regimen. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for selecting subjects for an inflammation and/or infection treatment. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for determining the dosage of a drug for the treatment of inflammation and/or infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for diagnosing eosinophilic esophagitis in a subject. Also disclosed are methods for monitoring the course of eosinophilic esophagitis in a subject before, during, and after treatment. In another aspect, disclosed is a method of diagnosing eosinophilic esophagitis or eosinophilic diseases in a subject, comprising detecting an eosinophil granule protein in the mucosal tissue of the esophagus or other organs in a subject.

Abstract: Inductive heating systems and method of controlling the same to reduce biological carryover are disclosed herein. An example system includes an induction heater including a tank circuit. The example system includes a controller to drive the tank circuit to selectively oscillate at a resonant frequency for the tank circuit to inductively heat a work piece disposed proximate to the tank circuit.

Abstract: The sterilizing tool is configured to wipe debris from and to sterilize and/or dry a working end-site of medical device; using a wiping, twisting, dabbing, push/pull, and/or screwing motion around all of the surface aspects of the device to be sterilized. Additionally, the sterilizing tool is configured to form fit to the surfaces of the end-site and to apply an inclusive layer of an anti-pathogenic agent to the inner and outer surfaces of the working end-site. The sterilizing tool may be frictionally engaged with and retained on the working end-site until removed and the end-site is ready for use. The sterilizing tool is intended for a one time, single use, disposable application.

Abstract: Post-steam sterilization wet pack indicators are described. The indicators generally comprise a moisture-impermeable layer having a first surface and a moisture-indicating layer comprising a reversible colorimetric steam-sterilization-compatible moisture-indicating medium. The moisture-indicating layer is disposed on or near the first surface of the moisture-impermeable layer. The area of the moisture-indicating layer is dimensionally smaller than the moisture-impermeable layer such that the edges of the moisture-impermeable layer extend beyond the edges of the moisture-indicating layer. Articles and packages comprising wet pack indicators are also described.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the effectiveness of a decontamination process, the device including a bacteria cell as the indicator test organism and optionally a substrate, where the indicator test organism may include a Mycobacteria terrae cell, and methods of using the monitoring device to evaluate the efficacy of a decontamination process.

Abstract: Nanoparticles as described herein are configured to bind to bacterial contaminants, such as Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, and endotoxins. The nanoparticles include a core comprising a magnetic material; and a plurality of ligands attached to the core. The ligands include, for example, bis(dipicolylamine) (“DPA”) coordinated with a metal ion, e.g., Zn2+ or Cu2+, to form, e.g., bis-Zn-DPA or bis-Cu-DPA, which can bind to the bacterial contaminants. The nanoparticles can be included in compositions for use in methods and systems to separate bacterial contaminants from liquids, such as liquids, such as blood, e.g., whole or diluted blood, buffer solutions, albumin solutions, beverages for human and/or animal consumption, e.g., drinking water, liquid medications for humans and/or animals, or other liquids.

Abstract: Fragranced films containing a water soluble a/o water dispersible polyvinyl alcohol polymer are disclosed. Uses of the fragranced films in providing a fragrance benefit and/or in controlling malodours is also disclosed, including when used in conjunction with lavatory appliances, dishwashing machines and in laundry washing machines.

Abstract: Silencing and separation in a cold-air, essential-oil, diffuser apparatus and method pass flow through a channel having comparatively high aspect ratios of length to thickness and width to thickness. Curved, tapered, non-parallel, and quasi random surfaces reduce probability and power of resonant frequencies. Offsetting flow through a channel is followed by impingement against an obstructing surface, redirection elsewhere within a drift (separation) chamber, and exiting through a smaller, and differently oriented exit port. Silencing is improved by changes of cross-sectional area creating high-pass and low pass acoustic filters, changes of direction, and absorption of acoustic energy in fluid-droplet-laden air.

Abstract: A deodorization module and a storage device including the deodorization module. A deodorization module includes: a housing; a suction opening formed on the lower surface of the housing to allow external air to be suctioned therethrough; a fan disposed at the suction opening to suction the air; a discharge opening for discharging the air, which has been suctioned by the fan, to the outside of the housing; a photocatalytic bar disposed between the fan and the discharge opening; and a light source module, which includes a light source substrate and an ultraviolet light source and irradiates an ultraviolet ray to the photocatalytic bar.

Abstract: A medical hydrogel composition, a medical hydrogel, a preparation method therefore and an application thereof, and a medical hydrogel kit. The medical hydrogel composition comprises a first component and a second component; the first component comprises polylysine and polyethylene imine; the second component comprises one or more of 4-arm-polyethylene glycol-succinimidyl glutarate, 4-arm-polyethylene glycol-succinimidyl succinate, and 4-arm-polyethylene glycol-succinimidyl carbonate; the degree of polymerization of the polylysine is 20 or more. The medical hydrogel is formed by reacting the first component with the second component of the medical hydrogel composition. The medical hydrogel kit comprises the medical hydrogel composition and a buffer solution used for dissolving the components of the medical hydrogel composition. The medical hydrogel has a degree of swelling of ?10%-50%, and can be applied in narrow parts where cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerves are densely distributed.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-containing hydrogels for dressing wounds, comprising a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer having a polyvalent alcohol, except propylene glycol.

Abstract: Provided are fast relaxing hydrogels that are useful for regulating cell behavior and enhancing tissue regeneration, e.g., bone regeneration.

Abstract: A combination comprising, spatially separate from one another, a first component and a second component, where the first component comprises crosslinkable albumin and the second component comprises a polymer, wherein non-terminal monomer units of the polymer comprise at least partially, more particularly only partially, an albumin-crosslinking group. Additionally disclosed is a reaction product obtainable by means of the combination, to a medical device, to a medicinal product for innovative therapies, to a kit, to a discharge apparatus, and to a functionalized hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions and/or formulations are provided, comprising: at least one cross-linked protein matrix, wherein the at least one cross-linked protein matrix comprises at least one protein residue and at least one saccharide-containing residue, and methods of producing the same. The cross-linked protein matrix may be derived from cross-linking a full length or substantially full length protein, such as tropoelastin, elastin, albumin, collagen, collagen monomers, immunoglobulins, insulin, and/or derivatives or combinations thereof, with a saccharide containing cross-linking agent, such as a polysaccharide cross-linking agent derived from, for example, hyaluronic acid or a cellulose derivative. The therapeutic compositions may be administered topically or by injection. The present disclosure also provides methods, systems, and/or kits for the preparation and/or formulation of the compositions disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bioartificial and primarily acellular fibrin-based construct, wherein a mixture of cell-free compositions containing fibrinogen and thrombin is applied to a surface and subsequently pressurised. An additional aspect of the invention is directed to such fibrin-based bioartificial acellular constructs obtained according to the invention, with improved biomechanical properties, as well as to the use of same in the field of implantology, cartilage replacement or tissue replacement.

Abstract: Antibacterial coatings and methods of making the antibacterial coatings are described herein. In particular, a method for forming an organocatalyzed polythioether coating is provided in which a first solution including a bis-silylated dithiol and a fluoroarene is prepared. A second solution including an organocatalyst is prepared. The first solution and the second solution are mixed to form a mixed solution. The mixed solution is applied to a substrate, and the substrate is cured.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain aspects, medical graft products that incorporate multiple drug depots in and/or on the products. One such product is a sheet graft construct, for example for tissue support that includes a sheet graft material with a plurality of drug depots. The drug depots can be hardened deposits formed directly onto the sheet graft material and/or can be capable of eluting a drug for a minimum of 72 hours.

Abstract: A crystallized bioabsorbable polymer scaffold comprises a polymer composition of poly (L-lactide-co-tri-methylene-carbonate) or poly (D-lactide-co-tri-methylene-carbonate) or poly (L-lactide-co-?-caprolactone) or poly (D-lactide-co-?-caprolactone) in the form of block copolymers of blocky copolymers, wherein the scaffold is cold-bendable.

Abstract: A device for drainage includes a tubular reservoir having a tubular pliable wall, a rigid cover, and a rigid bottom, and also includes at least one spring which applies a force that presses the cover and the bottom apart, wherein the cover is movable in the direction of the bottom in order to place the spring into a start position. One or more magnets are configured such that the magnets apply an additional force on the reservoir in such a way that a resulting force pressing the cover and the bottom apart is substantially constant across as the spring is deflected.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a flow restrictor suitable for inclusion in an aspiration flow of an ocular surgical device. The flow restrictor includes a conical valve head suitable for insertion into a valve stage, wherein, upon the insertion, the valve head at least substantially impedes the aspiration flow; a flexible spider membrane having a plurality of valve passages that open and close with the flexation of the membrane, wherein the membrane is connective with the valve head and forces the insertion of the valve head into the valve stage proportionally to the aspiration flow; a circular receiving plate for receiving the aspiration flow, wherein the circular receiving plate imparts the proportional insertion to the membrane; and a plurality of ribs integral to at least one of the valve head and the valve stage that provides a minimum for the aspiration flow when the insertion is full.

Abstract: A needle system a handle and a needle slider partially positioned in the handle. The needle slider has an aspiration port at a proximal end of the needle slider. A needle connected to and extending away from the needle slider. A restrictor is disposed in the aspiration port of the needle slider. The restrictor is configured to inhibit passage of a sample through the aspiration port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water treatment system (1) for dialysis treatments, wherein the water treatment system (1) comprises a permeate circuit with a reverse osmosis system (RO) and at least one tap (ES1, 2 . . . N) for permeate, whereby the reverse osmosis system (RO) is fed by the reflux of the at least one tap (ES1, 2 . . . N) for dialysis treatments and/or a raw water inflow (RZ), whereby the water treatment system further comprises a heat exchanger (WT), whereby a primary circuit (PK) of the heat exchanger (WT) is connected with a buffer tank (PT) for storing thermal energy, whereby a second circuit (SK) of the heat exchanger (WT) is integrated into the permeate circuit, whereby heat is transferred in a controlled manner from the buffer tank (PT) via the heat exchanger (WT) to permeate in the permeate circuit.

Abstract: A renal failure therapy system (10a, 10b) includes a dialysis fluid circuit (30) including a dialysis fluid pump (54, 58); a source (86, 90) of physiological cleaning, disinfecting, and/or decalcifying substance in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid circuit; a source (22) of purified water in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid circuit; and a logic implementer (20) in operable communication with the dialysis fluid pump (54,58), the logic implementer (20) causing the physiological cleaning, disinfecting, and/or decalcifying substance from its source (86, 90) to be added to purified water from the purified water source (22) to form a mixture and to circulate the mixture within the dialysis fluid circuit using the dialysis fluid pump (54,58) to at least one of clean, disinfect or decalcify at least a portion of the dialysis fluid circuit (30) without a subsequent rinse.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator is disclosed comprising a housing, a blood inlet, a blood outlet, a spiral volute, a gas inlet, an oxygenator fiber bundle, and a gas outlet. The housing encloses the fiber bundle and provides the structure for the blood flow path and connectors. The fiber bundle comprises gas-exchange membranes which transfer oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide when the blood flows across the membranes. The spiral volute guides the blood to flow through the fiber bundle. A gas flow chamber receives sweep gas containing oxygen and distributes the sweep gas into the fiber membranes, which gas is then exchanged with the blood being oxygenated.

Abstract: A plasmapheresis bowl for the separation and collection of plasma includes a core and a feed tube that increase the bowl efficiency and reduce foaming within the plasma. The core may have a cylindrical body and a ledge located within the interior of the core. The ledge extends radially inward from the core and defines, at least partially, a collection chamber within the plasmapheresis bowl. The core also has ribs that extend above the top of core body and create flow paths that allow fluid to enter the interior of the cylindrical body and collection chamber. The feed tube has a flow path extending through it that fluidly connects an inlet port on the plasmapheresis centrifuge. A first skirt member on the feed tube has a smooth angled surface that helps to reduce foaming.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding cannulation with a dialysis needle of an arteriovenous dialysis access graft subcutaneously implanted in a body of a subject. The guiding apparatus comprises an elongated body member comprising a base portion terminating in longitudinal edges, a distance between the longitudinal edges of the base portion being substantially equal to a lateral dimension of the aces graft, and an elongated tubular sleeve defining an pocket having a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension configured to receive the body member. The body member is adapted to be received in the pocket of the sleeve for securing adjacent the subcutaneous access graft such that the inner surface of the base portion is aligned with a cannulation point of the graft for guiding location of a needle insertion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracorporeal removal of a pathogenic microbe, an inflammatory cell or an inflammatory protein from mammalian blood/use of a device comprising a carbohydrate immobilized on a solid substrate, said carbohydrate having a binding affinity for a pathogenic microbe, an inflammatory cell or an inflammatory protein, for extracorporeal removal of said pathogenic microbe, inflammatory cell or inflammatory protein from mammalian blood/use of a carbohydrate having a binding affinity for a pathogenic microbe, an inflammatory cell or an inflammatory protein, wherein said carbohydrate is immobilized on a solid substrate, in the preparation of a device for treatment of a condition caused or aggravated by said pathogenic microbe, inflammatory cell or inflammatory protein and a method for treatment of a mammalian subject suffering from a condition caused or aggravated by a pathogenic microbe, an inflammatory cell or an inflammatory protein.