Abstract: The present invention relates to use of miR-18b for prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of muscle diseases or neuromuscular diseases, and specifically it was confirmed that, in a muscle disease by gene mutations model, gene mutations reduce miR-18b expression, cause dysregulation of miR-18b signaling pathways, and thus induce calcium signaling, cell differentiation inhibition, and apoptosis. Therefore, miR-18b of the present invention may be used as a target factor for diagnosing and treating muscle diseases caused by gene mutations such as ALS and DMD.

Abstract: Radiopaque monomers, polymers, and microspheres are disclosed herein. Methods of using the radiopaque monomers, polymers, and microspheres are disclosed herein. Methods of manufacturing radiopaque monomers, polymers, and microspheres are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed and embraced by the present invention include silk-based products useful in the treatment, diagnosis, palliation, and/or amelioration of ocular diseases or conditions of the eye including those of the structures of the eye and surrounding tissue. Such silk-based products may effect beneficial outcomes alone or in combination with therapeutic modalities, compounds or medicaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides medicaments for treating or preventing a disease, disorder, or condition associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) abnormality in a corneal endothelium, wherein the medicaments comprise a TGF-beta signal inhibiting agent. More specifically, this disease, disorder, or condition is a disorder associated with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. Such a disorder includes photophobia, blurred vision, vision disorder, eye pain, lacrimation, hyperemia, pain, bullous keratopathy, ophthalmic unpleasantness, a decrease in contrast, glare, edema in corneal stroma, bullous keratopathy, corneal opacity, and the like. A preferable TGF-beta signal inhibiting agent includes 4-[4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-5-(2-pyridinyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzamide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anti-miRNA delivery system, and more specifically, relates to a technique of using a cancer-targeting anti-miRNA delivery system including porous silicon nanoparticles containing anti-miRNA to which a cancer cell surface protein-binding peptide is conjugated, for use in treating cancer. As a result of intensive studies in order to use and apply anti-miR-21 oligonucleotides to the treatment of ovarian cancer, the present inventors confirmed for the first time that when porous silicon nanoparticles containing an anti-miRNA-21 oligonucleotide to which a specific cancer cell surface protein-binding peptide is conjugated are applied, apoptosis is induced in an ovarian cancer cell line and cell viability is reduced, thus, an anti-miRNA delivery system, which is the aforementioned conjugate, is expected to be usefully used as a platform for treating various cancers, especially for treating ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein relates to methods and compositions for preparing a silk microsphere and the resulting silk microsphere. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions described herein are all aqueous, which can be used for encapsulating an active agent in a silk microsphere, while maintaining activity of the active agent during processing. In some embodiments, the resulting silk microsphere can be used for sustained delivery of an active agent encapsulated therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extended release microparticles comprising a drug, and a preparation method therefor, and when the extended release microparticles comprising a drug are administered in order to replace conventional drugs that should be administered daily or monthly, the drug administration effect can be continuously maintained for one week to three months. In addition, the drug administration effect is maintained for a long time and, simultaneously, microparticles are prepared so as to have the average diameter of a fixed micro-size, and thus an effective drug concentration can be constantly maintained by controlling the release of the drug from the microparticles, and a foreign body sensation and pain can be reduced during drug administration since microparticles having a uniform size are included during application as an injectable drug.

Abstract: Peptides and conjugates are described herein, including peptides having antimicrobial and/or anticancer properties, as are compositions, articles, and kits comprising such peptides and conjugates, and methods for using the peptides and conjugates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and products associated with in vitro and in vivo protease activity measurements and enzyme profiling. Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to measuring remotely triggered protease activity. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods of in vivo processing of exogenous molecules followed by detection of signature molecules as representative of the presence or absence of active enzymes associated with disease or conditions. The disclosure also relates to products, kits, and databases for use in the methods of the disclosure.

Abstract: Provided herein are proteins that include at least one B cell domain and at least one T cell domain. Also provided are compositions that include one or more of the proteins and methods for using the proteins.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a mixture of an antimicrobial cationic polypeptide and a second pharmaceutically-acceptable polymer are disclosed, as well as methods and uses thereof for the treatment and prevention of infections that occur when our natural barriers of defense are broken.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial pharmaceutical composition, comprising an aqueous carrier, and an antimicrobial synthetic cationic polypeptide(s) dispersed in the aqueous carrier at a concentration in the range of about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight based on total weight of the antimicrobial pharmaceutical composition, wherein the antimicrobial synthetic cationic polypeptide(s) comprises a plurality of positively charged amino acid units at neutral pH, and fulfils certain viscosity and toxicity requirements. The invention further relates to a method of preventing microbial contamination of tissues other than intact, healthy skin, comprising administering the present antimicrobial pharmaceutical composition in an amount effective to at least partially protect the tissue site from becoming contaminated with microbes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising Cannabidiol (CBD) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and bacitracin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and/or daptomycin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compositions show a synergistic effect in the inhibition of growth of Gram-positive bacteria. Thus, the compositions according to the invention may e.g. find use as medicaments in the treatment of Gram-positive bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silica hollow nanoparticles having inside their cavity a metal core consisting of inorganic nanostructures coated by a protective agent and agglomerated with a polymeric aggregating agent, useful in particular in medicine in the bio-imaging techniques and/or in the radio-therapeutic or chemo-therapeutic techniques; the invention moreover refers to a process for the preparation of such nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention offers the manufacturing method of the solid formulation wherein the standard deviation of the active ingredient content in the solid formulation becomes 5% or less by mixing the excipients which have a median particle size of 15 or more times, preferably 20 times or more to the median particle size of an active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a haemoglobin for the preparation of dressings and to the resulting dressings.

Abstract: Approaches for evaluating fluid flow based on fluorescent sensing is disclosed. In one approach, a nanoparticle injector is configured to inject nanoparticles into fluid flowing through a conduit. A detector is configured to determine a presence of the nanoparticles in the flow of the fluid. The detector can include a radiation source configured to irradiate the fluid with a target radiation and a fluorescent meter configured to measure an amount of fluorescence emitted from the fluid irradiated with the radiation. A control unit is configured to determine the flow of the fluid in the conduit as a function of the measured amount of fluorescence.

Abstract: Provided are targeted structure-specific particulate-based delivery systems comprising: a nanoparticle; a PEG polymer coating on the surface of the nanoparticle; a targeting moiety conjugated on a surface of the nanoparticle and configured to promote specific binding to a cell surface molecule expressed by a target cell; and a biologically active agent in or on the nanoparticle, wherein the biologically active agent is selected to enhance a desired response in a target cell intracellularly or extracellularly. Methods of treating a disease or disorder administering the delivery system are contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel gold nanocrystals and nanocrystal shape distributions that have surfaces that are substantially free from organic impurities or films. Specifically, the surfaces are “clean” relative to the surfaces of gold nanoparticles made using chemical reduction processes that require organic reductants and/or surfactants to grow gold nanoparticles from gold ions in solution. The invention includes novel electrochemical manufacturing apparatuses and techniques for making the gold-based nanocrystals. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions thereof and the use of the gold nanocrystals or suspensions or colloids thereof for the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions for which gold therapy is already known and more generally for conditions resulting from pathological cellular activation, such as inflammatory (including chronic inflammatory) conditions, autoimmune conditions, hypersensitivity reactions and/or cancerous diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Described herein are modified guide RNAs such as a single guide RNA including, from 5? to 3?, a single-stranded protospacer sequence, a first complementary strand of a binding region for the Cas9 polypeptide, an aptamer that binds a biotin-binding molecule, and a second complementary strand of the binding region for the Cas9 polypeptide. Also described is an RNP complex including the modified guide RNA and a Cas9 polypeptide or active fragment thereof. Also included are methods of modifying target genes in cells using the modified guide RNAs.

Abstract: A method for forming microspheres containing bioactive material, comprising dissolving a polymer matrix, such as albumin or beta-cyclodextrin, in an aqueous medium in a first vessel; contacting the dissolved polymer matrix with a crosslinking agent, such as glutaraldehyde, to crosslink the polymer matrix and the crosslinking agent; neutralizing with sodium bisulfate any excess crosslinking agent remaining after crosslinking is substantially complete; solubilizing in a second vessel a bioactive material in an aqueous solution; mixing the solubilized bioactive material together with the neutralized crosslinked polymer matrix in solution to form a mixture; and, spray drying the mixture to produce nanospheres, whereby substantial bioactivity of the biomaterial is retained upon cellular uptake.

Abstract: Dietary supplement compositions directed to men and women and to the maintenance and improvement of human physiology, including weight, skin, hair, and general organ function and sexual health.

Abstract: A nanoparticle that has a membrane including a polylactide-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide (PLA-PEG-PLA) and a polyvinyl alcohol, a bovine serum albumin contacting the membrane on the outside of the nanoparticle, a targeting group attached to the outside of the nanoparticle, and a breast cancer therapeutic agent that is encapsulated by the membrane. A nanoparticle that consists of a membrane including a polylactide-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide (PLA-PEG-PLA) and a polyvinyl alcohol, a bovine serum albumin contacting the membrane on the outside of the nanoparticle, breast cancer therapeutic agent that is encapsulated by the membrane, and an anti-Her2 antibody attached to the outer surface of the nanoparticle. A range of a number average molecular weight of the PEG block is 800 Da to 3 kDa and a range of a number average molecular weight of each of the PLA blocks is from 1 kDa to 5 kDa.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns the discovery of the use of fenoterol and (R,R)- and (R,S)-fenoterol analogues for the treatment of a tumor expressing a ?2-adrenergic receptor, such as a primary brain tumor, including a glioblastoma or astrocytoma expressing a ?2-adrenergic receptor. In one example, the method includes administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of fenoterol, a specific fenoterol analogue or a combination thereof to reduce one or more symptoms associated with the tumor, thereby treating the tumor in the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matrix in ball form comprising cross-linked fibrinogen, the matrix being free from fibrin, as well as to a method for preparing such a matrix, comprising the following steps: (a) providing an initial composition comprising fibrinogen and a platelet factor; (b) injecting said initial composition into an oil heated to a temperature of 50° C. to 80° C. so as to form an emulsion; (c) mixing the emulsion thus obtained at a temperature of 50° C. to 80° C. until a matrix in ball form is obtained; and (d) isolating the matrix thus obtained. The matrix is used as a cell carrier.

Abstract: This application discloses ophthalmic formulations and methods for treating and preventing corneal haze and scarring with an hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anionic polyplex formed from a nucleic acid and an anionic polymer and further comprising a cation, which can be in the form of a nanoparticle or a microparticle and compositions comprising the anionic polyplex. The present invention further provides uses of the anionic polyplex such as delivery of the nucleic acid into cells and methods of treating a disease, disorder or condition selected from the group consisting of cancer, a metabolic, a neurodegenerative, a cardiovascular, and an infectious or inflammatory disease or disorder. The present invention also provides an anionic complex comprising a divalent cation and a nucleic acid but lacking an anionic polymer, in the form of a nanoparticle that is capable of forming a colloidal suspension.

Abstract: A nanoparticle that has a membrane including a polylactide-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide (PLA-PEG-PLA) and a polyvinyl alcohol, a bovine serum albumin contacting the membrane on the outside of the nanoparticle, a targeting group attached to the outside of the nanoparticle, and a breast cancer therapeutic agent that is encapsulated by the membrane. A nanoparticle that consists of a membrane including a polylactide-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide (PLA-PEG-PLA) and a polyvinyl alcohol, a bovine serum albumin contacting the membrane on the outside of the nanoparticle, breast cancer therapeutic agent that is encapsulated by the membrane, and an anti-Her2 antibody attached to the outer surface of the nanoparticle. A range of a number average molecular weight of the PEG block is 800 Da to 3 kDa and a range of a number average molecular weight of each of the PLA blocks is from 1 kDa to 5 kDa.

Abstract: Chemical compositions and methods of synthesis thereof. The compositions disclosed and described herein are directed toward thyroid hormone ?v?3 integrin receptor antagonists conjugated to targets of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) or the catecholamine transporter. The compositions have a dual targeting effect and increased targeting efficiency in the treatment and diagnostic imaging of neuroendocrine tumors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and compositions using low dose sorafenib to enhance a cancer therapy.

Abstract: Multifunctional nanoparticles can include two or more different populations of nanocrystals that impart a combination of properties arising from the constituent populations in a single, multifunctional nanoparticle.

Abstract: A system for delivering a therapeutic dose of a drug is disclosed. The system includes a delivery medium with therapeutic units attached thereto. The delivery medium is preferably a polymeric hydrogel matrix that has therapeutic units incorporated therein or metal nanoparticles with therapeutic units complexed thereto. The therapeutic units include nucleic acid moieties. The nucleic acid moieties preferably include strands of nucleic acid and drug moieties complexed with the strands of nucleic acid. Where the system includes a polymeric hydrogel matrix, an active drug is controllably released from the polymer hydrogel matrix to provide a therapeutic dose to a biological system or biological tissue. The active drug is controllably released from the hydrogel matrix by altering the environment the hydrogel matrix, or by enzymatic cleavage of the nucleic acid moieties or by a combination thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein, for example, are microspheres comprising a gelatin or gelatin substitute and a copolymer of a N-tris-hydroxymethyl methylacrylamide monomer unit, a diethylaminoethylacrylamide monomer unit and a N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide monomer unit. Also provided are methods of producing microspheres comprising a gelatin or gelatin substitute and a copolymer of a N-tris-hydroxymethyl methylacrylamide monomer unit, a diethylaminoethylacrylamide monomer unit and a N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide monomer unit. Further provided herein, for example, are compositions comprising the microspheres and methods of using the microspheres and compositions thereof.

Abstract: microRNAs and compositions comprising same for the treatment and diagnosis of serotonin-, adrenalin-, noradrenalin-, glutamate-, and corticotropin-releasing hormone-associated medical conditions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an osmotic floating tablet comprising: (i) an inner core comprising a drug, one or more low density polymers, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; and (ii) an outer osmotic coating surrounding the inner core that is substantially permeable to surrounding fluids and substantially impermeable to the drug. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of said tablets.

Abstract: With externally applied magnetic fields, we will push and concentrate in vivo diamagnetic Bismuth particles or unipolar magnetic particles as a confined locus, cause the locus to move to a tumor, shape it to the tumor, then use near IR to heat the particles so to destroy the tumor by thermal ablation or hyperthermia treatment. We will then cause the locus to move to other tumors, and repeat the process, so to destroy all tumors and cure the cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surface-modified membranes and other surface-modified substrates exhibiting switchable oleophobicity and oleophilicity in aqueous media. These membranes and substrates may be used for variety of applications, including controllable oil/water separation processes, oil spill cleanup, and oil/water purification. Also provided are the making and processing of such surface-modified membranes and other surface-modified substrates.

Abstract: Supraparticle nanoassemblies are provided that comprise nanoparticle species and protein species, as well as methods for making such assemblies. A supraparticle may comprise a nanoparticle species with a first charge and an average particle size diameter of ?about 1 nm to ?about 100 nm. The supraparticle also comprises a protein species. The nanoparticle species and the protein species have the same charge and are assembled together without any intramolecular chemical bonding to form the supraparticle. The supraparticle may be a substantially round particle. In certain other aspects, a photoreactive supraparticle is provided, where the nanoparticle is reactive to energy or electromagnetic radiation, which in the presence of such energy or radiation enhances reactivity of the protein species in the supraparticle.

Abstract: A method of rapidly inducing large-scale and high-purity mesenchymal stem cells to transdetermine into hematopoietic stem cells is provided with the steps of preparing homogeneous medium of mesenchymal stem cells; combining a plurality of small RNA molecules; assembling and transfecting nanoparticles of nucleic acids and polypeptides; inducing and amplifying medium of post-transdetermined hematopoietic stem cells; and activating a plurality of hemopoiesis-related genes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of dense bodies (DB) and to a pharmaceutical composition containing DB.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for efficient delivery of polynucleotides and/or small molecules to or into cells. The compositions comprises a peptide which as an excess positive charge and self assembles into homopentamers. The homopentamers can non-covalently bind polynucleotides. When encapsulated in lipid systems, such as liposomes, the lipoproteoplexes so formed, are capable of delivering both nucleic acids and small molecules to cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system, method, and kit for visualizing a nucleus are disclosed. A tissue sample is pretreated with a protease to permeabilize the nucleus, and then incubated with a nanoparticle/DNA-binding moiety conjugate. The DNA-binding moiety includes at least one DNA-binding molecule. The conjugate binds to DNA within the nucleus, and the nanoparticle is visualized, thereby visualizing the nucleus. Computer and image analysis techniques are used to evaluate nuclear features such as chromosomal distribution, ploidy, shape, size, texture features, and/or contextual features. The method may be used in combination with other multiplexed tests on the tissue sample, including fluorescence in situ hybridization. Kits for performing the method include a protease enzyme composition, a nanoparticle/DNA-binding moiety conjugate, and a reaction buffer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for promoting the adsorption of an active agent to microparticles by modifying the structural properties of the active agent in order to facilitate favorable association to the microparticle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for the aspiration, processing, testing and infusion of bone marrow derived stem cells, as an adjuvant treatment in cardiovascular disorders. More specifically, the invention provides for the methods and compositions for the aspiration, analysis, processing, infusate preparation and infusion of bone-marrow derived stem cells, particularly in a rapid point-of-care environment, wherein a centrifugal fractionation and optically monitored separation of the bone marrow yield desired cellular product in the desired concentration and viscosity.

Abstract: The invention relates to ultrasmall, monodisperse nanoparticles comprising silicon dioxide to the surface of which at least one antigen is attached. The nanoparticles can be used for the immunoprophylaxis or immunotherapy of cancer. The invention also relates to a method for the targeting of antigens at antigen-presenting cells and for the activation of the immune system, where the efficiency of targeting and/or immunoactivation are set via the particle characteristics. The invention also relates to a method for the active and passive immunization of a mammal.

Abstract: A method of vaccination against a viral, bacterial or non-infectious disease includes administering an effective dose of a prime vaccine and then an effective dose of a boost vaccine. Each one of the prime vaccine and the boost vaccine includes an active principle. The prime vaccine includes, as the active principle, a colloidal synthetic bioresorbable vector that includes at least one protein substance. The boost vaccine includes, as the active principle, a viral vector that includes at least one nucleotide sequence which codes for a protein substance corresponding to the at least one protein substance of the synthetic vector.

Abstract: It has been found that modification of surfaces of nanoparticles with a RolA protein decreases an immunostimulation activity of the nanoparticles on myeloid dendritic cells and also decreases phagocytosis of the nanoparticles by macrophages. The present invention provides nanoparticles being modified with a biological molecule and having an immune-response evasion function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles for the encapsulation of compounds, the obtaining and uses thereof. The nanoparticles comprise a zein matrix and a basic amino acid. The nanoparticles can encapsulate a water-soluble or fat-soluble biologically active compound. It is applicable in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors and in the nanotechnology sector.

Abstract: This invention discloses bioerodible devices, such as implants for delivering therapeutic agents, particularly large molecules such as proteins and antibodies, in a controlled manner. The devices comprise a porous silicon-based carrier material impregnated with the therapeutic agent. The device may be used in vitro or in vivo to deliver the therapeutic agent, preferably in a controlled fashion over an intended period of time such as over multiple days, weeks or months. The device may be used for treating or preventing conditions of a patient such as chronic diseases.

Abstract: A method for forming an antimicrobial composition that includes mixing an antimicrobially active botanical oil (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.) and protein within a melt blending device (e.g., extruder) is provided. Despite the problems normally associated with melt processing proteins, the present inventors have discovered that the processing conditions and components may be selectively controlled to allow for the formation of a stable, melt-processed composition that is able to exhibit good mechanical properties. For example, the extrusion temperature(s) and shear rate employed during melt blending are relatively low to help limit polypeptide dissociation, thereby minimizing the impact of aggregation and embrittlement.