Abstract: Provided are cells containing exogenous antigen and uses thereof.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences encoding improved Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinases are provided, including their use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The thymidine kinases may be mutated using conservative mutations, non-conservative mutations, or both. Also provided are gene therapeutic systems, including viral and retroviral particles.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the induction and/or proliferation of CD8+ T-cells. The disclosure also provides methods of treatment of diseases that can be treated by the induction and/or proliferation of CD8+ T-cells.

Abstract: A breath test and a breath test method for diagnosing abnormal gastric emptying using a 13C labeled breath test meal by identifying the time of maximum excretion of 13CO2 in the breath samples. The test and test method include supplying a subject with the breath test meal, collecting a breath sample of the subject at a plurality of time points after the subject consumes the meal, generating measurements of 13CO2 excretion from the breath samples, identifying a time Tmax at which 13CO2 excretion is maximal, comparing Tmax to a cut-off value. The subject may be diagnosed as having delayed gastric emptying if Tmax is greater than the Tmax cut-off value.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, microbial compositions and methods of using the same. The microbial compositions provided include, inter alia, therapeutically effective amounts of Lactobacillus johnsonii, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia muciniphila, Myxococcus xanthus and Pediococcus pentosaceus and are particularly useful for methods of treating and preventing inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A molecular probe for use in the detection of myelin in a subject includes a compound having the general formula selected from the group consisting of: formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for activating a pro-drug in vivo comprising the steps of: (a) administering a pro-drag to a subject; (b) locating a target site which has been at least partially dosed with the pro-drug at a predetermined concentration; and (d) exposing the target site to X-ray radiation. The step of exposing the target site to X-ray radiation is characterized by providing a converging X-ray of a controllable waist, substantially uniform at the target site, sufficient to convert the pro-drug to an active drug, while the X-ray photon dosage at the target site is higher than the X-ray photon dosage at an adjacent non target site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of detecting tumors, monitoring cancer therapy, and selectively inhibiting the proliferation and/or killing of cancer cells utilizing a papilloma pseudovirus or a papilloma virus-like particle (VLP).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of measuring enzyme activity in a sample. The methods use disulfide-containing detection reagents with an electrochemiluminescent functional group.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of nanoparticle-based probes for in vivo imaging and therapy. The probes can be used to track diseased target cells by non-invasive imaging in the near-infrared range. Additionally, the probes can induce cell death of the target cells via photodynamic treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing stable O/W emulsions by silicic acid complexation of micron-sized oil droplets, and stable emulsions prepared by silicic acid complexation. Compositions and products comprising the emulsions are also disclosed. Emulsions may be stable over an extended period of time at room temperature.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating cancer in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a radiation sensitizer selected from nitroimidazoles in an amount effective to sensitize a patient to radiation and subjecting the patient to radiation therapy. In certain embodiments the radiation sensitizer is etanidazole or doranidazole.

Abstract: A compound of structural formula (I): The values and alternative values are as defined herein. The invention also includes biosensors comprising nanoparticles functionalized with a compound of structural formula (I). Also described is a method for labeling a biomolecule using a compound of structural formula (I) and a method of detecting a target biomolecule using a compound of structural formula (I) or a biosensor of the invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for cancer treatments. The methodology entails, for instance, administering to a cancer patient a first composition comprising a plurality of bacterially derived intact minicells or intact killed bacterial cells, each of which encompasses an anti-neoplastic agent and carries a bispecific ligand on the surface, the ligand having specificity for a mammalian cell component, and a second composition comprising interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or an agent that increases the expression of IFN-gamma in the subject. The compositions include the first composition and the second composition as described, optionally with additional anti-neoplastic agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of detecting tumors, monitoring cancer therapy, and selectively inhibiting the proliferation and/or killing of cancer cells utilizing a papilloma pseudovirus or a papilloma virus-like particle (VLP).

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to genetic engineering of bacteria. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to genetic engineering of Gram-negative bacteria expressing different species of lipid A on their surface. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for an engineered strain of E. coli according to Table 1. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a lipopolysaccharide purified from an engineered strain of E. coli according to Table 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to host cells having modified lipid-linked oligosaccharides which may be modified further by heterologous expression of a set of glycosyltransferases, sugar transporters and mannosidases to become host-strains for the production of mammalian, e.g., human therapeutic glycoproteins. The process provides an engineered host cell which can be used to express and target any desirable gene(s) involved in glycosylation. Host cells with modified lipid-linked oligosaccharides are created or selected. N-glycans made in the engineered host cells have a GlcNAcMan3GlcNAc2 core structure which may then be modified further by heterologous expression of one or more enzymes, e.g., glycosyl-transferases, sugar transporters and mannosidases, to yield human-like glycoproteins. For the production of therapeutic proteins, this method may be adapted to engineer cell lines in which any desired glycosylation structure may be obtained.

Abstract: A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. The method includes the steps of: (a) exposing a tumor to ionizing radiation; (b) administering to a subject a library of diverse molecules; and (c) isolating from the tumor one or more molecules of the library of diverse molecules, whereby a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor is identified. Also provided are therapeutic and diagnostic methods using targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor.

Abstract: The invention is related to peptide constracts, i.e., polypeptides obtained by linking together two or more peptides based on or derived from different molecules, which are useful in the treatment or prevention of cancer or the treatment of autoimmune diseases and compositions containing same, methods for producing same, and methods for using same: wherein the peptide constructs have the formula P1-x-P2 where P2 is a peptide associated with forms of cancer or an autoimmune condition and P1 is a peptide which will bind to a class of immune cells such as dendritic cells. The peptide construct can cause the maturation of immature dendritic cells to a more mature state. The peptide construct or the more mature dendritic cells can be administered to a subject to a modulate or to initiate an immune response against cancer cells, and can be sued with dyes, radioisotopes, or therapeutic agents for detection of the immune target and/or treatment of cancer and autoimmune conditions.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells of a patient, the cells labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, for use in an imaging method for diagnosing a metastasizing cancer, wherein the local accumulation of the labeled precursor cells or bone marrow cells indicates the presence of a metastasizing tumor growth. At least one embodiment also relates to a method for imaging a metastasizing tumor tissue in a patient, wherein a) bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient, b) these precursor cells or bone marrow cells are labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, c) the precursor cells or bone marrow cells thus labeled are retransplanted or reinjected into the patient, and d) the presence of metastasizing tumor cells is depicted with an imaging method.

Abstract: A method of treating a tumor in a subject, or reducing or preventing metastasis of a tumor in a subject, is provided comprising administering to the subject an amount of a bacteria labelled with, or comprising, one or more radionuclides so as to treat the tumor in the subject, or so as to reduce or prevent metastasis of the tumor in the subject. Radiobacteria-containing compositions and pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions utilizing gold nanoparticles for therapy for a medical condition, such as cancer. In particular aspects, the nanoparticles are included with or in a T cell to facilitate targeting of the nanoparticles to a desired location in vivo and/or to facilitate therapeutic treatment for the condition. In specific cases, the nanoparticle/T cell compositions further comprise microRNAs and/or peptides, and so forth.

Abstract: A composition comprising intact killed bacterial cells that contain a therapeutic nucleic acid, a drug or a functional nucleic acid is useful for targeted delivery to mammalian cells. The targeted delivery optionally employs bispecific ligands, comprising a first arm that carries specificity for a killed bacterial cell surface structure and a second arm that carries specificity for a mammalian cell surface receptor, to target killed bacterial cells to specific mammalian cells and to cause endocytosis of the killed bacterial cells by the mammalian cells. Alternatively, the delivery method exploits the natural ability of phagocytic mammalian cells to engulf killed bacterial cells without the use of bispecific ligands.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of detecting tumors, monitoring cancer therapy, and selectively inhibiting the proliferation and/or killing of cancer cells utilizing a papilloma pseudovirus or a papilloma virus-like particle (VLP)

Abstract: The invention provides a method of promoting apoptosis of human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumor cells. The method comprises isolating GBM tumor cells from a human brain biopsy specimen, isolating human neural stem cells (HNSCs) from the biopsy specimen, transforming the isolated HNSCs with an operative PEX gene, and exposing GBM tumor cells to the transformed HNSCs to thereby promote apoptosis of the tumor cells mediated by the expressed PEX gene.

Abstract: Systemic administration of intact, bacterially derived minicells results in rapid accumulation of the minicells in the microenvironment of a brain tumor, in therapeutically significant concentrations, without requiring endothelial endocytosis/transcytosis across the blood brain barrier or any other mechanism by which, pursuant to conventional approaches, nanoparticles have entered into that microenvironment. Accordingly, a wide variety of brain tumors, both primary and metastatic, can be treated by administering systemically a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprised of a plurality of such minicells, each minicell being a vehicle for an active agent against the tumor, such as a radionuclide, a functional nucleic acid or a plasmid encoding one, or a chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to compositions and methods of delivering one or more transgene to a target cell, such as a tumor cell, in a site-specific manner to achieve enhanced expression and to constructs and compositions useful in such applications. In certain aspects, expression from a therapeutic nucleic acid may be assessed prior to administration of a treatment or diagnostic procedure to or on a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of detecting tumors, monitoring cancer therapy, and selectively inhibiting the proliferation and/or killing of cancer cells utilizing a papilloma pseudovirus or a papilloma virus-like particle (VLP).

Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic agents, including biologically active vectors labelled with radionuclides. It further relates to methods and reagents labelling a vector such as a peptide comprising reaction of a compound of formula (I) with a compound of formula (II): R*-L2-C?N+—O???(II) or, a compound of formula (III) with a compound of formula (IV) in the presence of a Cu (I) catalyst. The resultant labelled conjugates are useful as diagnostic agents, for example, as radiopharmaceuticals more specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) or for radiotherapy.

Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), the etiologic agent of infectious pancreatic necrosis in salmonid fish, causes significant losses to the aquaculture industry. The gene for the viral capsid protein (VP2) was cloned into a yeast expression vector and expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisae. Expression of the capsid gene in yeast resulted in formation of approximately 20 nanometer sub-viral particles composed solely of VP2 protein. Anti-IPNV antibodies were detected in rainbow trout vaccinated either by injection of purified VP2-subviral particles (rVP2-SVP) or by feeding recombinant yeast expressing rVP2-SVP. Challenge of rVP2-SVP immunized trout with a heterologous IPNV strain and subsequent viral load determination showed that both injection and orally vaccinated fish had lower IPNV loads than naive or sham-vaccinated fish.

Abstract: This invention is a process for the manufacture of a plant viral capsid to be used for the targeted delivery of therapeutics to diseased cells. The process uses a plant virus as the starting material. The choice of the plant virus overcomes a problem in the manufacture of a uniform starting material. The final product has an advantage over other plant virus-based delivery systems in that the plant virus selected has a natural structure that is resistant to breakdown during the delivery process. This system takes advantage of the reversible divalent cation switch that this capsid employs to assemble and disassemble.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various embodiments associated with artificial cells, particularly artificial antigen presenting cells, methods of making the same, methods of administering the same, computer systems relating thereto, computer-implemented methods relating thereto, and associated computer program products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic and prophylactic methods for treating or preventing an infectious disease in a subject by stimulating or enhancing an immune response against an infectious agent causing the disease. The methods comprise administering to the subject a plurality of compositions, each composition being administered to a different site of the subject, wherein each site is, or substantially drains to, an anatomically distinct lymph node, a group of lymph nodes, a nonencapsulated cluster of lymphoid tissue, or the spleen. Each composition comprises at least one antigenic molecule having one or more epitopes of the same infectious agent or a strain thereof. The antigenic molecules of each composition comprise in aggregate a set of epitopes distinct from that of any other composition that is administered to the subject.

Abstract: Amino methyl imidazoles of Formula I are provided: wherein R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are defined herein. Such compounds are ligands of C5a receptors. Preferred compounds of Formula I bind to C5a receptors with high affinity and exhibit neutral antagonist or inverse agonist activity at C5a receptors. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. It further relates to the use of such compounds in treating a variety of inflammatory, cardiovascular, and immune system disorders. Additionally, this invention provides labeled amino methyl imidazoles compounds, which are useful as probes for the localization of C5a receptors.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells of a patient, the cells labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, for use in an imaging method for diagnosing a metastasizing cancer, wherein the local accumulation of the labeled precursor cells or bone marrow cells indicates the presence of a metastasizing tumor growth. At least one embodiment also relates to a method for imaging a metastasizing tumor tissue in a patient, wherein a) bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient, b) these precursor cells or bone marrow cells are labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, c) the precursor cells or bone marrow cells thus labeled are retransplanted or reinjected into the patient, and d) the presence of metastasizing tumor cells is depicted with an imaging method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means of delivering imaging agents and/or therapeutic agents to specific cellular sites in an animal involving the use of a viral capsid that is chemically modified on it exterior and/or interior surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating cancer wherein more than one therapeutic agent is used, with each of the therapeutic agents having different tumor-killing capabilities, and wherein the therapeutic agents are delivered to the tumor sites using combined targeting and pre-targeting methods. The methods of the present invention achieve good tumor to non-tumor ratios of the therapeutic agents, and are effective for cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various embodiments associated with artificial cells, particularly artificial antigen presenting cells, methods of making the same, methods of administering the same, computer systems relating thereto, computer-implemented methods relating thereto, and associated computer program products.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various embodiments associated with artificial cells, particularly artificial antigen presenting cells, methods of making the same, methods of administering the same, computer systems relating thereto, computer-implemented methods relating thereto, and associated computer program products.

Abstract: A method of delivering an active agent to a target tissue, particularly neoplastic tissue, vascular anomaly or tumor tissue, in a vertebrate subject. The method includes the steps of exposing the target tissue to ionizing radiation; and administering a delivery vehicle to the vertebrate subject before, after, during, or combinations thereof, exposing the target tissue to the ionizing radiation. The delivery vehicle includes the active agent and delivers the agent to the target tissue. Representative delivery vehicles include platelets; leukocytes; proteins or peptides which bind activated platelets; antibodies which bind activated platelets; microspheres coated with proteins or peptides which bind activated platelets; liposomes conjugated to proteins or peptides, platelets, or leukocytes which bind activated platelets, or antibodies which bind activated platelets; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: New intracorporeal photodynamic medicaments and certain medical uses and methods for use of such photodynamic medicaments for treatment of disease in human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such medicaments is a halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. In preferred embodiments, such medicaments are used for treatment of a variety of conditions affecting the skin and related organs, the mouth and digestive tract and related organs, the urinary and reproductive tracts and related organs, the respiratory tract and related organs, the circulatory system and related organs, the head and neck, the endocrine and lymphoreticular systems and related organs, various other tissues, such as connective tissues and various tissue surfaces exposed during surgery, as well as various tissues exhibiting microbial or parasitic infection.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and compositions are provided for treatment of cancer of a selected organ by intraluminal delivery of oncolytic agents through a blood vessel or duct leading to the cancer tissue. During the time the oncolytic agents are being applied to the targeted tissue downstream, the designated vessel or duct can be selectively occluded to increase concentration and pressure of the applied agents at the target site. Oncolytic compositions including oncolytic viruses formulated with delivery visualization markers are provided.

Abstract: Proteins that bind to matrix metalloproteinase 14 and methods of using such proteins are described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to compositions and methods of delivering one or more transgene to a target cell, such as a tumor cell, in a site-specific manner to achieve enhanced expression and to constructs and compositions useful in such applications. In certain aspects, expression from a therapeutic nucleic acid may be assessed prior to administration of a treatment or diagnostic procedure to or on a subject.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the use of sickle cells or sickle cell precursors loaded with a therapeutic agent that localizes in tumors and induces a tumoricidal response.

Abstract: Modified viruses encoding transporter proteins and methods for preparing the modified viruses are provided. Vaccines that contain the viruses are provided. The viruses also can be used in diagnostic methods, such detection and imaging of tumors. The viruses also can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including as anti-tumor agents.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for radiofluorination of biological vectors such as peptides comprising reaction of a compound of formula (II): or a salt thereof with a source of [18F]-fluoride, to give a compound of formula (I): or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides Pre-term Placenta Extra-embryonic Tissue Cell (PPETC) populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. The invention also provides methods of using such cells for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The present invention provides a method for isolation of extra-embryonic cell population will which are to be obtained preferably from premature discarded placenta by a process of non-enzymatic digestion or mechanical disruption. The isolated cells are cultured in semi-solid glycosaminoglycan-based three-dimensional milieu supplemented with autologous umbilical cord-derived serum. The isolated cells which are expanded in semi-solid media will be formulated for intravenous injections to patients having end stage cystic fibrosis. A preferred method of formulating cells for intravenous injection and optimal cell number are described herein.