Abstract: The invention provides a solution to the drawbacks associated with conventional alginate dressings. This invention features improved alginate dressings or bandages as well as a fabrication process that results in an alginate sheet that is preloaded with drug, can be stored in a freeze-dried state, and is compliant and ready to use at the time of administration.

Abstract: In a method for visualization of scar tissue in medical imaging data of a heart, medical imaging data representing a heart myocardium and scar tissue within the heart myocardium are obtained and provided to a computer. The computer deviates the thickness of the myocardium into a number of layers and calculates the presence and distribution of scar tissue within each of the layers. The scar tissue is shown in a visualization of the myocardium; and a user is provided with controls to allow the user to select which of the layers of scar tissue is visualised.

Abstract: The present invention provides to a polyethylene glycol-modified feline-derived protein which is obtained by chemically modifying a feline-derived protein with polyethylene glycol. The feline-derived protein is produced by a method comprising any or a combination of extracting the protein from somatic cells of a transgenic bird and/or an egg laid thereby, purifying and activating the same. The transgenic bird has a foreign gene containing a sequence encoding a feline-derived protein.

Abstract: Described herein, inter alia, are STAT-binding nucleic acids-including compositions and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing preeclampsia or eclampsia by administering adherent stromal cells are described. The adherent stromal cells may be derived from bone marrow, placenta, or adipose tissue. Also described is the use of adherent stromal cells for the manufacture of a medicament, and an article of manufacture comprising a packaging material which comprises a label for use in treating or preventing preeclampsia or eclampsia.

Abstract: Antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments, which specifically bind to argininosuccinate synthase, and related compositions, kits, and methods of use, which are useful as companion diagnostics to identify suitable subjects for arginine deprivation or depletion therapies such as ADI-PEG 20 and other arginine deiminase (ADI) polypeptide-based therapies.

Abstract: The invention relates to cell stimulatory fusion proteins and DNA sequences, vectors comprising at least two agonists of TNF/TNFR super family, immunoglobulin super family, cytokine family proteins and optional antigen combination. Instructions for use of these proteins and DNA constructs as immune adjuvants and vaccines for treatment of various chronic diseases such as viral infection are also provided. Additionally, the use of these protein and DNA constructs as immune suppressant for treatment of various chronic diseases, such as autoimmunity and organ transplant rejection, is also illustrated.

Abstract: A chimeric protein that is a fusion construct of a series of functional domains is used to deliver a therapeutic agent to a human subject suffering from disease. In some embodiments, the chimeric protein includes a therapeutic region, a transportation region, and a cleavage region disposed between the therapeutic region and the transportation region. The transportation region allows the chimeric protein to be moved across a cellular membrane of an affected cell within the subject. Cleavage of the chimeric protein at the cleavage region once within the cell separates the therapeutic region from the transportation region, enabling the therapeutic region to function normally within the cell. The therapeutic region can be effective in the treatment of, for example, muscular dystrophy, diastrophic dysplasia, malignant melanoma, porphyria, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome, cystic fibrosis, progeria, Marfan syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, adrenoleukodystrophy, and the like.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to novel methods for modulating an immune response in an animal, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of an agent that increases IL-27R/WSX-1 activity. Further, the inventive subject matter relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of an agent that increases IL-27R/WSX-1 activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable aqueous formulations comprising at least 5 mg/mL CD-RAP and a charged amino acid, said amino acid preferably having a net charge at a pH between about 6 and 8. The ingredients of the formulation preferably provide stability over repeated freeze-thaw cycles. In a preferred aspect, the formulation is for use in therapy, preferably for use in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, preferably osteoarthritis. Furthermore, a kit comprising the formulation of the invention is provided.

Abstract: The application discloses therapeutic vaccines based upon the “pING” DNA plasmid vector expressing the gene encoding the rat Her2 protein. Vaccines according to the instant disclosure are used as an adjunct treatment for surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy for dogs and cats with cancers that over express the Her2 antigen, and prolong the post-surgical disease free interval and/or survival time. Also included are therapeutically effective methods of immunization using said vaccines.

Abstract: A prodrug is provided which includes at least two different pharmaceutically and/or diagnostically active compounds independently bound by cleavable linkers and a protein-binding moiety which is capable of binding to carrier a molecule.

Abstract: Methods and products for treating and/or delaying onset of dysplastic lesions, and wafers for oral administration employ dry powder compositions including myo-inositol. Methods for administering a vaccine for a virus or bacteria to an individual comprising administering a first portion of the vaccine to the individual via one route and administering a second portion via a second, different route. In a specific embodiment, the first route is sublingually. Vaccines are provided in the form of dry powder compositions comprising a combination of nanoparticles and microparticles, or in the form of a wafer which dissolves in water at room temperature in less than about one minute. Storage stable unit dosages of a vaccine are provided by individually packaging individual unit dosages of a dry powder composition comprising the vaccine and a carrier in blister compartments formed of gas and moisture resistant material.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for detecting HPV-induced high-grade precancerous lesions and HPV-induced invasive cancers, said method comprising detection of hypermethylation in the PRDM14 and/or FAM19A4 gene in a cell whereby such hypermethylation indicates the presence of HPV-induced precursor lesions with invasive potential and HPV-induced invasive cancers. The invention further comprises the use of the PRDM14 and/or FAM19A4 gene in such a method and a testkit for the detection of PRDM14 and/or FAM19A4 methylation.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods for using ascorbate for the stimulation of production of elastic fibers by cells.

Abstract: Conjugates of an interleukin-2 (“IL-2”) moiety and one or more nonpeptidic, water-soluble polymers are provided. Typically, the nonpeptidic, water-soluble polymer is poly(ethylene glycol) or a derivative thereof. Also provided, among other things, are compositions comprising conjugates, methods of making conjugates, methods of administering compositions to an individual, nucleic acid sequences, expression systems, host cells, and methods for preparing IL-moieties.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the patency of biodegradable, synthetic vascular grafts are provided. The methods include administering one or more cytokines and/or chemokines that promote outward tissue remodeling of the vascular grafts and vascular neotissue formation. The disclosed methods do not require cell seeding of the vascular grafts, thus avoiding many problems associated with cell seeding. Biodegradable, polymeric vascular grafts which provide controlled release of cytokines and/or chemokines at the site of vascular graft implantation are also provided.

Abstract: This document provides novel compositions and methods utilizing immunomodulating agents that can stimulate or indirectly augment the immune system, or can have an immunosuppressive effect. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect. They can be used, e.g., to treat disease caused by asthma and chronic inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. TNFR25 antagonists disclosed herein can inhibit CD8 T cell-mediated cellular immune responses and can, for example, mitigate organ or tissue rejection following a tissue transplantation. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein represent biological response modifiers that alter the interaction between the body's cellular immune defenses and cancer cells to boost, direct, or restore the body's ability to fight the cancer when given with tumor vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling parasitic worms in herbivorous mammals and other species by orally administering an isolated antibody that specifically binds the interleukin-10 peptide or an interleukin-10 peptide. In the case of herbivorous mammals such as cattle, for example, administration of the anti-IL-10 antibodies increases weight gain and increases feed efficiency in the animals.

Abstract: The present invention describes the new use in the oncologic field of bioconjugates as differentiating agents obtained by the conjugation between hyaluronic acid (HA) and a chemotherapeutic product (identified hereafter with the trade-name ONCOFID®) among which, in particular, Irinotecan, Doxorubicin, Paclitaxel, Cis-platinum and 5-Fluorouracyl (5-FU) for treating primary tumors and metastasis. In particular, the biological behavior is described in terms of action mechanism, efficacy and tolerability of pharmaceutical preparations of derivative of ONCOFID® soluble in water. More specifically, the invention relates to the surprising biological and pharmacological effect demonstrated by formulations based on ONCOFID-S (HA-SN38 conjugates) and ONCOFID-D (HA-Doxorubicin conjugates) in promoting the differentiation of tumoral cells towards a untransformed phenotype, compared with the reference drug Irinotecan (or CPT11 whose active form is represented by SN38) and Doxorubicin.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a copolymer having a backbone, wherein the backbone comprises a) one or more units that comprise a group that will yield a biologically active agent upon hydrolysis of the backbone; and b) one or more units of formula (II): wherein y is 1 or more. Other embodiments of the invention provide a therapeutic method for treating a wound in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need of such therapy, an effective amount of a copolymer as described herein.

Abstract: An ocular composition can include a polymer matrix and an antibiotic dispersed in the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix can contain a thiolated hyaluronic acid moiety cross-linked to a second moiety. The composition can be configured for placement in or on an eye of a subject to provide controlled release of the antibiotic to the eye. A method of treating or preventing an ocular disease can include providing an ocular composition and applying the ocular composition to a surface of an eye of a subject to provide controlled release of the antibiotic to the eye. The ocular composition can include a polymer matrix and an antibiotic dispersed in the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix can include a thiolated hyaluronic acid moiety cross-linked to a second moiety.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide for combinations of modulators that increase hematopoietic stem cell engraftment or increase mobilization in vivo. Methods and compositions for modulating the mobilization of stem cells, particularly for promoting or increasing the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood are disclosed. One aspect of the invention relates to the use of a CXCR4 antagonist that act in concert with specific molar ratios of S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) modulator agents to promote HSC mobilization. The invention also relates to methods of using these combinations of CXCR4 antagonists and S1PR1 modulator agents for enhancing the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells when harvesting of the stem cells, for example for the treatment of diseases, disabilities or conditions whereby transplantation of such cells would be beneficial in ameliorating a symptom associated with such diseases, disabilities or conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a truncated L1 protein of the Human Papillomavirus Type 6, a virus-like particle consisting of the truncated L1 protein, a vaccine comprising said virus-like particle, and the use of the vaccine in the prevention of condyloma acuminatum or HPV infections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are IL-4 cytokine compositions with enhanced biological activity having increased selectivity for IL-4 cytokine receptors, and methods for their use. These compositions encompass interleukin-4 (IL-4) muteins. The disclosed methods encompass administering an IL-4 to treat neoplastic diseases, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases or for expanding a hematopoietic cell population.

Abstract: The invention relates to colloids bound medicinal compounds or fluorescent markers, to a process for the preparation thereof, and to a pharmaceutical formulation containing such compounds.

Abstract: Methods of generating modified embryos and mammals by introduction of donor cells into an early stage embryo are provided, such that the resulting embryo and animal generated therefrom has a significant contribution to all tissues from the donor cells and is capable of transmitting the donor cell DNA.

Abstract: Alpha-derivatives of cis-monounsaturated fatty acids for use as medicines. The present invention refers to pharmaceutically acceptable compounds of Formula I, their salts and derivatives, where (a) and (b) can take any value between 0 and 14, (X) can be substituted by any atom or group of atoms with an atomic/molecular weight between 4 and 200 Da and (R) can be substituted by any atom or group of atoms with an atomic/molecular weight between 1 and 200 Da, for use as medicines.

Abstract: The disclosure provides OX40L huIgG4 fusion polypeptide subunits comprising a human IgG4 Fc domain, a trimerization domain, and the receptor binding domain of Ox40 ligand, where the fusion polypeptide subunits can self-assemble into hexameric proteins. Also provided are methods of making fusion polypeptide subunits and hexameric proteins, and methods of use, e.g., treatment of cancer.

Abstract: An elongate body for parenteral injection at low velocity from a device is described. The body has at least one pointed end and comprises at least one active material. In addition, the body has a compressive strength of greater than or equal to 5 Newton and the pointed end has an included angle of between about 10-50°. A solid vaccine formulation for needle-free parenteral delivery, methods for making the body, packaging of the body and use of the body, packaging and suitable delivery device are also described.

Abstract: A method for producing a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, tautomer or stereoisomer, such as compound 1 and compound 2 is disclosed. The method proceeds through an O-allylated tyrosine-based compound, such as compound 3 and preferably comprises [3,3] sigmatropic Claisen rearrangement and olefin cross metathesis reactions. In addition, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods employing IL-1?-ligand/IL-1 receptor disrupting compounds such as IL-1? antibodies or IL-1 receptor antibodies, in the treatment and/or prevention of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), in mammals, particularly humans.

Abstract: Conjugates of an anti-TNF antibody and one or more nonpeptidic water soluble polymers are provided. Typically, the nonpeptidic water soluble polymer is poly(ethylene glycol) or a derivative thereof. Also provided, among other things, are compositions comprising conjugates, methods of making conjugates, and methods of administering compositions to a patient.

Abstract: Methods of reducing or abolishing neuropathic pain in humans and animals are discussed. In some examples administration of the apoptosis inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), greatly reduced both neuronal loss and the increase in glia, and partially reversed spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Among RVM neurons, serotonergic (5-HT) neurons decreased by 35% ipsilateral to SNL. In some examples, the density of 5-HT immunoreactive varicosities in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord was lower ipsilateral to SNL. The RVM 5-HT neurons that remained after SNL appeared to facilitate nociception. When rats that had undergone SNL were treated with the 5-HT neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT), mechanical withdrawal thresholds increased significantly. In some examples nerve injury induces death of antinociceptive RVM neurons which can be reduced or abolished by TUDCA.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming cytokine-antibody complexes using dock-and-lock technology. In preferred embodiments, the cytokine-MAb DNL complex comprises an IgG antibody attached to two AD (anchor domain) moieties and four cytokines, each attached to a DDD (docking and dimerization domain) moiety. The DDD moieties form dimers that bind to the AD moieties, resulting in a 2:1 ratio of DDD to AD. The cytokine-MAb complex exhibits improved pharmacokinetics, with a significantly longer serum half-life than either naked cytokine or PEGylated cytokine. The cytokine-MAb complex also exhibits significantly improved in vitro and in vivo efficacy compared to cytokine alone, antibody alone, unconjugated cytokine plus antibody or cytokine-MAb DNL complexes incorporating an irrelevant antibody.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to novel heterotrimeric fusions in which the ectodomain of the TGF-? type II receptor (T?P?II) is coupled to the N- and C-terminal ends of the endoglin-domain of the TGF-? type III receptor (TpRIIIE). Certain embodiments are directed to novel heterotrimeric polypeptides in which the ectodomain of the TGF-? type II receptor (TI3RII) is coupled to the N- and C-terminal ends of the endoglin-domain (E domain) of the TGF-? type III receptor (TI3RIII). This trimeric receptor, known as RER, can bind all three TGF-? isoforms with sub-nanomolar affinity and is effective at neutralizing signaling induced by all three TGF-? isoforms, but not other ligands of the TGF-? superfamily, such as activins, growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), and bone morphonogenetic proteins (BMPs).

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes compounds including a cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitor moiety and a moiety derived from a drug of interest. In some embodiments, the drug of interest is an opioid. In some embodiments, the compound includes a diclofenac moiety and a naltrexone or naltrexol moiety. The compounds allow for enhanced delivery rates across skin.

Abstract: A product comprising a peptide that comprises a motif selected from a group consisting of isoDGR, NGR and DGR, wherein the peptide cyclized by joining the N- and C-termini of its main chain and wherein the cyclic peptide is joined to albumin.

Abstract: The inventors have discovered that both soluble erythropoietin-binding protein and antibodies against the erythropoietin-binding protein, when they are administered to a mammal along with erythropoietin (Epo), prevent or reduce the blood pressure increase normally caused by erythropoietin, while not affecting the hematocrit increase that is the purpose of Epo treatment. The invention provides a method of treating anemia in a mammal involving: administering erythropoietin (Epo) to the mammal; and administering to the mammal an agent selected from a soluble Epo-binding protein (Epo-bp), a recognition protein that binds Epo receptor on an extracellular soluble portion of the Epo receptor, and a combination thereof. The invention also provides a method of reducing hypertension in a mammal receiving Epo, and pharmaceutical compositions containing a soluble Epo-bp and/or a recognition protein that binds Epo receptor on an extracellular soluble portion of the Epo receptor.

Abstract: A composition for treating cancer, including synergistic amounts of a primary cell-derived biologic having the cytokines IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-?, and IFN-?, and a cancer vaccine having at least one antigen. A composition comprising synergistic amounts of the primary cell-derived biologic in combination with at least one adjuvant. A method of treating cancer by administering the composition. A method of reversing immune suppression and gaining immunity to cancer. A method of producing an immune response to an exogenous antigen. A method of enhancing an immune response in a patient by administering the primary cell-derived biologic in combination with at least one adjuvant, and enhancing the immune response of the patient by a synergistic interaction of the primary cell-derived biologic and the adjuvant. A method of increasing function of an immune system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surface coating for capture circulating rare cells, comprising a nonfouling composition to prevent the binding of non-specific cells and adsorption of serum components; a bioactive composition for binding the biological substance, such as circulating tumor cells; with or without a linker composition that binds the nonfouling and bioactive compositions. The invention also provide a surface coating for capture and purification of a biological substance, comprising a releasable composition to release the non-specific cells and other serum components; a bioactive composition for binding the biological substance, such as circulating tumor cells; with or without a linker composition that binds the releasable and bioactive compositions. The present invention also discloses a novel microfluidic chip, with specific patterned microstructures to create a flow disturbance and increase the capture rate of the biological substance.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for identifying one or more proteins or polypeptides comprised by a sample. The methods comprise determining binding of each polypeptide with respect to each binding pool of a plurality of binding pools, wherein each binding pool comprises one or more probes which bind a structure comprised by a protein or polypeptide. In some aspects, polypeptides can be denatured and separated into individual polypeptide strands and immobilized on a solid support prior to determining binding of the binding pools. A protein, polypeptide or polypeptide strand can be identified by searching, in at least one database, for a protein or polypeptide sequence comprising binding pool targets either identical to or most similar to the binding pool targets comprised by the protein, polypeptide or polypeptide strand to be identified. Kits for identifying proteins, polypeptides and polypeptide strands are also disclosed.

Abstract: Proteomic methods for identifying cancer related proteins and related products and kits are provided. The cancer specific proteins are extracellular matrix proteins that are associated with various aspects of cancer. Panels or signature sets of proteins useful in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancers as well as monitoring therapeutic progress in a cancer patient are provided herein along with methods for their detection and for their use in targeting imaging and/or therapeutic agents to the tumors via binding to the specified proteins. The proteins were identified using proteomics analyzes of tissue samples taken from cancer patients. In certain aspects the proteins are particularly useful in colon cancer patients.

Abstract: Therapeutic and drug delivery systems are provided in the form of medical devices with coatings for capturing and immobilizing target cells such as circulating progenitor or genetically-altered mammalian cells in vivo. The genetically-altered cells are transfected with genetic material for expressing a marker gene and a therapeutic gene in a constitutively or controlled manner. The marker gene is a cell membrane antigen not found in circulating cells in the blood stream and therapeutic gene encodes a peptide for the treatment of disease, such as, vascular disease and cancer. The coating on the medical device may be a biocompatible matrix comprising at least one type of ligand, such as antibodies, antibody fragments, other peptides and small molecules, which recognize and bind the target cells. The therapeutic and/or drug delivery systems may be provided with a signal source such as activator molecules for stimulating the modified cells to express and secrete the desired marker and therapeutic gene products.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the identification of patients capable of controlling HIV progression, as well as to the identification of an antagonist form of IP-10 associated to HIV progression control and the uses thereof for improving the immunological response of HIV patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of new derivatives of a bacterial plasminogen activator, Staphylokinase (SAK), having one or more amino acid residues with single or multiple cysteines at the amino and/or carboxy terminal ends and their conjugation with PEG (Polyethylene Glycol), resulting in new Staphylokinase derivatives that display altered oligomeric states, enhanced thermal and protease stability and extended plasma half-life. Also included is the cloning and expression in a suitable bacterial host; purification of Staphylokinase derivatives to homogeneity and their chemical modification by integrating a PEG molecule to create new biologically active Staphylokinases having higher protein stability and improved in vivo plasma half life, that may enhance the clinical potential of Staphylokinase in thrombolytic therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: An aspect of embodiments of the invention relates to surface modified proteinaceous spherical particles (SMOP). SMOPs according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise a protein layer and an amyloid-binding moiety bound to the protein. In an embodiment, the protein layer is spherical in shape and comprises proteins linked to each other by disulfide bonds. It is suggested that SMOPs are effective in preventing formation of amyloid and aggregation of A? when administered to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Polypeptides or proteins comprising tissue inhibitor of mettaloproteinases-3 (TIMP3) or variants of TIMP3 can be used to substantially inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binding to VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2/KDR/Flk-1)) without substantially inhibiting VEGF binding to VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1/Flt-1).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of immunotherapy to treat cancer or other antigen-producing diseases or lesions. According to one embodiment of the invention, a composition is provided for eliciting an immune response to at least one antigen in a patient having an antigen-producing disease or lesion, the composition comprising an effective amount of a cytokine mixture, preferably comprising IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-? (gamma) and TNF-? (alpha). The cytokine mixture acts as an adjuvant with the antigen associated with the antigen-producing disease or lesion to enhance the immune response of the patient to the antigen. Methods are therefore also provided for eliciting an immune response to at least one antigen in a patient having an antigen-producing disease or lesion utilizing the cytokine mixture of the invention. The compositions and methods are useful in the treatment of antigen-producing diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases or persistent lesions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antioxidant composition comprising a combination of galatomannan and N-acetyl cysteine for its use in the treatment of a skin disease or condition resulting from reactive oxygen species production in the skin or involving reactive oxygen species production in the skin, to a hydrogel containing said combination as well as to dressing wounds comprising said hydrogel and its use in the healing of ulcers, wounds, burns and scalds.