Abstract: Adjuvants comprising chitosan cross-linked with an aldehyde or mannosylated chitosan are provided herein. Methods of making the adjuvants and methods of combining or linking the adjuvants with antigens are also provided. The adjuvant-antigen combinations can be used in vaccine formulations and the vaccine formulations can be used in methods to vaccinate animals against the source of the antigen or to enhance the immune response in a subject.

Abstract: A computing device receives analyte data produced by an analyte monitoring sensor over a communications link from at least one first device. Health data, comprising at least part of the analyte data, may be communicated over a communications link to at least one second device in response to a request. The first device may be positioned over the analyte monitoring sensor using signal strength and location information. External analyte data may be employed to calibrate the analyte monitoring sensor.

Abstract: A gastric emptying breath test method that includes collecting a breath sample of the subject at only a single time point after the subject consumes the breath test meal, wherein the single time point is a time point selected from within an identified time window.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for transporting a transport target across a membrane that is impermeable or semi-permeable to the transport target via artificially created microchannels or through hypodermic microneedles. The transport target can be a medicant and the membrane can be a stratum corneum layer of skin. The transport is enhanced by the application of ultrasound energy having a high peak intensity, which generates an inertial cavitation effect, an acoustic streaming effect, or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of veterinary parasitology and -vaccinology; more specifically the invention relates to a composition comprising live Eimeria oocysts and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition is characterised in that it comprises a TLR3 agonist. The composition can be used to prepare a vaccine for poultry against Coccidiosis. The vaccine can be applied for example as a coarse spray on day-old chicks. The TLR3 agonist in the vaccine allows for a reduction of the dose of Eimeria oocysts up to 4 fold, while obtaining the same level of protection against challenge as from a vaccine without the TLR3 agonist. Alternatively, when employing a conventional dose of Eimeria oocysts in the vaccine, the TLR3 agonist causes an earlier onset of immunity, resulting in a significant reduction of the intestinal lesion score upon challenge, already at 2 instead of at 3 weeks after vaccination.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of preventing and/or treating S. aureus-associated bacteremia and sepsis, and methods for preventing and/or treating S. aureus-associated pneumonia in immunocompromised patients using anti-S. aureus alpha-toxin (anti-AT) antibodies. Also provided are methods of reducing S. aureus bacterial load in the bloodstream or heart of a mammalian subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an isolated anti-S. aureus alpha toxin (anti-AT) antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. Methods of reducing S. aureus bacterial agglutination and/or thromboembolic lesion formation in a mammalian subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an isolated anti-S. aureus alpha toxin (anti-AT) antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, are also provided. Also provided are methods of preventing or reducing the severity of S. aureus associated pneumonia in an immunocompromised mammalian subject.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring methods and assays for breast cancer and kits that may be used in such methods. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of prognosis of a patient afflicted with breast cancer, including determining the level of HER2/CB2 heteromer expression in a biological sample obtained from the patient.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for delivering biological moieties such as modified nucleic acids into cells to kill or reduce the growth of microorganisms. Such compositions and methods include the use of modified messenger RNAs, and are useful to treat or prevent microbial infection, or to improve a subject's heath or wellbeing.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a vaccine comprising non live Lawsonia intracellularis antigen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for use in a method to reduce in a pig the negative impact on average daily weight gain (ADWG) associated with subclinical infection with Lawsonia intracellularis, by systemic administration of the vaccine to the pig.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a vaccine comprising an IgM protease antigen of Streptococcus suis, for use in a method wherein a female pig is vaccinated in order to protect a piglet against Streptococcus suis through the intake of colostrum of the vaccinated female pig.

Abstract: The present invention concerns delivery of agents to the skin. Methods for delivering agents such as bioactive agents are contemplated by the present invention. Specifically. methods for delivering an agent to one or more areas of the epidermis and, thereby, to the lymphatic system are described.

Abstract: Nanoparticles gene carriers, particularly nanoparticle gene carriers which exhibit increased rates of diffusion through cystic fibrosis (CF) mucus, as well as methods of making and using thereof, are described herein. The nanoparticle gene carriers are formed from a nucleic acid complexed to one or more biocompatible, polycationic polymers. The nanoparticle gene carriers also contain one or more mucus resistant polymers. In a particular preferred embodiment, the nanoparticle gene carrier is a nanoparticle formed from one or more nucleic acids, PEI, and a mucus-resistant/diffusive graft copolymer composed of a PEI backbone functionalize by one or more PEG side chains. The nanoparticle gene carriers can efficiently diffuse through CF mucus, and can effectively serve as a vehicle to administer one or more nucleic acids to a patient suffering from CF.

Abstract: Methods for enrichment and detection of pathogens or other microbes in a food, water, wastewater, industrial, pharmaceutical, botanical, environmental samples and other types of samples are provided. Certain aspects provide diluting the sample with liquid enrichment medium at a ratio of sample to diluent between about 1:0.1 to about 1:9 (wt./vol.), or lesser dilution. In particular aspects, a sample is obtained and diluted at a first location, and incubated at an optimal temperature and either tested locally, or sent in a shipping incubator to a second location that may be a remote test location for testing with an assay suitable to detect the pathogen or other microbe. In particular embodiments, no dilution at the first location is required, and optional minimal additions to adjust intrinsic deficiencies may be made, but the sample is nonetheless incubated during transit to the test location.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating or preventing abnormal skin conditions in a human in need thereof, comprising administering a cell culture composition comprising a living culture of bacteria comprising at least one engineered strain that produces a recombinant polypeptide for therapeutic treatment of the abnormal skin condition. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing, as the active principle, engineered microorganisms expressing non-vaccinogenic pharmacologically active recombinant therapeutic polypeptides in order to treat or prevent abnormal skin conditions.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the negative metabolic and/or inflammatory impact of endurance exercise by administration of nucleotides is disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a portable measurement device for measuring acetone in a breath sample of a user. The measurement device comprises a housing, a user-direct breath input device for engaging in direct fluid communication with a respiratory tract of the user and receiving the breath sample from the respiratory tract, a flow path disposed within the housing, a nanoparticle-based sensor disposed in the housing in fluid communication with the flow path and at an intermediate location between the upstream end and the downstream end, and a flow control device disposed in the housing and in the flow path between the upstream end and the nanoparticle-based sensor that prevents flow of the breath sample in an upstream direction opposite the downstream direction.

Abstract: A system for treating and maintaining the health of the skin of a user. The system may include a topical formulation and an oral formulation. The topical formation may include various probiotic organisms selected for enhancing and treating the skin of a user. The oral formulation may include various probiotic organisms for enhancing and treating the skin of the user. The topical formulation and the oral formulation may be used cooperatively and simultaneously to produce a beneficial, synergistic effect.

Abstract: Compounds used as labels with properties comparable to known fluorescent compounds. The compounds can be conjugated to proteins and nucleic acids for biological imaging and analysis. Synthesis of the compounds, formation and use of the conjugated compounds, and specific non-limiting examples of each are provided.

Abstract: Mucus penetrating particles (MPPs) include one or more core polymers, one or more therapeutic, prophylactic and/or diagnostic agents; and one or more surface modifying agents. The surface modifying agents coat the surface of the particle in a sufficient density to enhance the diffusion of the modified nanoparticles throughout the mucosa, relative to equivalent nanoparticles that are not surface modified. Nanoparticles can be sufficiently densely coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with a molecular weight of from 10 kD to 40 kD or greater coated with a surface density from about 0.1 to about 100 molecules/100 nm2, preferably from about 0.5 to about 50 molecules/100 nm2, more preferably from about 0.9 to about 45 molecules/100 nm2.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for determining protein structure and dynamics using second harmonic generation (SHG) and related surface-selective nonlinear optical techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides and peptidomimetics that in some embodiments include the amino acid sequence KRGARST or (SEQ ID NO: 1), AKRGARSTA or (SEQ ID NO: 2), or CKRGARSTC (SEQ ID NO: 3).

Abstract: A medicament for use in treating gout, the medicament being a glycoprotein, a mixture of polysaccharide and protein, a polypeptide or a protein.

Abstract: An RFID tag in the present disclosure includes an insulating substrate including an upper surface, a coil conductor disposed in the insulating substrate, a semiconductor element mounted on the upper surface of the insulating substrate, and a mold resin covering the upper surface of the insulating substrate and the semiconductor element. The mold resin contains a plurality of magnetic particles having particle sizes different from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing the risk and severity of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci infection or colonization. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a restricted fraction of the gut microbiota, including the bacteria Clostridium scindens and/or the bacteria Blautia producta contribute substantially to resistance against vancomycin-resistant Enterococci infection or colonization. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that this is achieved through the biosynthesis of secondary bile acids in the case of Clostridium scindens.

Abstract: Embodiments of a composition comprising a photosensitive compound and a polymer nanoparticle are disclosed herein. The composition may further comprise a targeting moiety. In some embodiments, the photosensitive compound is a phthalocyanine or phthalocyanine derivative, such as a naphthalocyanine. Upon irradiation with near infrared light, the composition may be used as a fluorescent imaging agent and/or as a phototherapeutic agent, such as for photodynamic and/or photothermal therapies. In certain embodiments, the composition is used to treat certain cancers.

Abstract: A vitamin D2-enriched biomass of an edible fungus, extracts and compositions thereof are provided, for use in delaying onset of, treating, ameliorating or protecting from an immune-related or inflammatory related disease, disorder or condition, wherein the level of vitamin D2 in said biomass is at least 80 IU/gr.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extracellular polysaccharide produced from Ceriporia lacerata, a mycelium culture medium of Ceriporia lacerata containing the extracellular polysaccharide, and a composition for preventing alopecia or stimulating hair growth containing dry powder or an extract of the mycelium culture medium as an active ingredient. The composition according to the present invention inhibits expression of TGF-? and is thus superb in preventing alopecia or stimulating hair growth and a composition containing said composition can be effectively used as a pharmaceutical composition, quasi-drug, healthy functional food and cosmetic composition for preventing alopecia or stimulating hair growth.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to activatable antibodies that include a masking moiety (MM), a cleavable moiety (CM), and an antibody (AB) that specifically binds to interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R), and to methods of making and using these anti-IL-6R activatable antibodies in a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic and prophylactic indications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a Plectin-1 receptor targeting novel cationic KTLLPTPK(SEQ ID NO: 1)-lipopeptide. The present invention further discloses a liposomal formulation comprising the cationic KTLLPTPK(SEQ ID NO: 1)-lipopeptide, at least two co-lipids, a therapeutic agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides a method for regressing established pancreatic tumors comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the liposomal formulation with the therapeutic agents in combination with targeted genetic immunization (DNA vaccination) i.e. by immunizing mice with electrostatic complexes (direct in-vivo DC-targeting cationic liposomes) of DNA vaccines encoding mesothelin (p-CMV-MSLN).

Abstract: A cell-based assay for identifying a compound that inhibits iron transport in Gram-negative bacteria, engineered bacterial cells, and kits for conducting the same. The assay involves contacting a candidate compound with an engineered Gram-negative bacteria in the presence of iron for a sufficient period of time, exposing the reaction solution to an energy source to generate the detectable signal, and detecting changes in the detectable signal in the reaction solution over time. The engineered Gram-negative bacteria comprises an iron transport protein on its outer membrane that comprises an amino acid residue that has been engineered with a detectable label that generates a detectable signal. The changes in the detectable signal in the assay system over time correspond to the effect of the candidate compound on iron transport in the Gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating a swallowing disorder in a patient suffering from aspiration before, during and/or after the swallowing reflex, and to a bolus for use in the treatment of a swallowing disorder in such a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for use in modulating, including inhibiting the growth and/or reducing the virulence of, gram-positive bacteria. The present invention provides methods and compositions for disrupting the cell wall and/or cell membrane in gram-positive bacteria such that cell wall or cell membrane target(s) are rendered exposed or accessible and sensitive to a modulation thereof. Methods for modulation of one or more gram-positive bacterial cell wall or cell membrane targets in a gram-positive bacteria are provided comprising disrupting the cell wall such that the cell wall or cell membrane target, which is particularly a sortase, is rendered exposed or accessible and sensitive to a modifying, modulating or binding agent, which is particularly an antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the cell wall or cell membrane target is inaccessible or relatively insensitive to the modifying, modulating or binding agent in the absence of cell wall disruption.

Abstract: The invention encompasses components from microbial cells which are useful for antibody production, including peptides, polypeptides comprising these peptides, polynucleotides which encode these peptides or polypeptides, and antibodies directed to these peptides, polypeptides, or polynucleotides. The invention also encompasses to expression vectors and host cells for producing these peptides, polypeptides, polynucleotides, and antibodies. The invention further encompasses methods and compositions, especially vaccine compositions, for detecting, targeting, and inhibiting microbial cells, especially methanogen cells, using one or more of the disclosed peptides, polypeptides, polynucleotides, antibodies, expression vectors, and host cells.

Abstract: Provided are a fusion protein of a pneumococcal surface adhesin A (PsaA) and a pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), and preparation method and use thereof. Also provide are a nucleic acid for encoding the protein, carrier and cell for expressing the protein, and vaccine composition comprising the protein.

Abstract: These flat elliptical polymer particles have a front view, a planar view, and a side view in a projection diagram based on third-angle projection which are all elliptical. The flat elliptical polymer particles satisfy (1)-(4): (1) the average length (LAV) of flat portions satisfies 0.13?(LAV)?500 ?m; (2) the average breadth (DAV) of the flat portions satisfies 0.1?(DAV)?250 ?m; (3) the average (P1AV) aspect ratio (L/D) calculated from the length (L) and the breadth (D) satisfies 1.3<P1AV?50; and (4) the average (P2AV) aspect ratio (D/T) calculated from the breadth (D) and the thickness (T) of the side surface satisfies 1.2<P2AV?100.

Abstract: Provided herein are theranostic compositions comprising a Janus nanoparticle-coated microbubble that are useful for imaging (e.g., MRI, or ultrasound) and for delivering a therapeutic or bioactive agent (e.g., nucleic acid(s), drugs, etc), among other uses.

Abstract: A respirable dry powder can include acetylsalicylic acid in particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) within a range of about 0.5 ?m to about 10 ?m. The respirable dry powder may contain a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, such as an amino acid (e.g., Leucine), in an amount ranging from about 0.1% (w/w) to about 40% (w/w) of the particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising particles, each of said particles comprising a complex of at least one double-stranded polyribonucleotide, such as polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], and at least one linear polyalkyleneimine. The particles are also characterized by their monomodal diameter distribution and z-average diameter within specific ranges. The present invention additionally relates to use of said compositions as medicaments, in particular for the treatment of a cell growth disorder characterized by abnormal growth of human or animal cells, as well as to processes for the preparation of said compositions.

Abstract: Techniques regarding star polymers with enhanced antimicrobial functionality are provided. For example, a polymer is provided that can comprise a core that can have a singlet oxygen generator and that can generate a singlet oxygen species upon irradiation with light. The polymer can also comprise a plurality of polycarbonate arms covalently bonded to the core. The plurality of polycarbonate arms can be degradable and can comprise a cation. Further, the plurality of polycarbonate arms can have antimicrobial functionality.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and treatment regimens for treating ulcerative colitis in a subject in need thereof. In particular, the methods described herein comprise treating a subject in need thereof with a treatment regimen comprising the administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising live non-pathogenic fecal bacteria for at least 8 weeks and at least three times per week. In an aspect, the subject in need thereof exhibits a Mayo endoscopy score of 3 or lower. In some aspects, the subject in need thereof has no concomitant corticosteroid use during said method and has no corticosteroid use immediately prior to commencing said method.

Abstract: This invention discloses a nucleic acid aptamer AS1411 modified DNA tetrahedron. The preparation method includes the steps of (1) binding an AS1411 sequence to the 5? terminal of any DNA single-strand in a DNA tetrahedron, synthesizing the DNA, dissolving obtained DNA powder with ddH2O; (2) measuring an absorbance of the DNA and then calculating a total volume of the four single strands; (3) pipetting the DNA obtained in step (1) according to the calculation results in step (2), mixing the DNA with a TM buffer, mixing the mixture uniformly with vortex vibration, and performing a PCR progress. The preparation method is simple. The produced product can effectively solve the problem that the unmodified DNA tetrahedron cannot enter the nucleus and the problem that the AS1411 cannot carry drugs directly.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for isolating an active polypeptide or immunoconjugate by purification of a solution containing both the active polypeptide or immunoconjugate and an acidic variant thereof, such as a deamidated variant, using anion exchange chromatography. The present invention also provides compositions, formulations, and unit dosage forms comprising the purified polypeptide or immunoconjugate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for sorting cardiomyocytes. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing high-purity cardiomyocytes and a kit used therefor. The present invention provides a method for sorting cardiomyocytes, comprising a step of introducing miRNA-responsive mRNA into a cell group, wherein the miRNA-responsive mRNA consists of a sequence comprising the following (i) and (ii): (i) a nucleic acid specifically recognized by miRNA specifically expressed in cardiomyocytes, and (ii) a nucleic acid corresponding to the coding region of a gene, wherein translation of (ii) the nucleic acid corresponding to the coding region of a gene into protein is regulated by the nucleic acid sequence in (i) above, thereby achieving the aforementioned objects.

Abstract: Provided are aromatic compounds, phospholipid-polymer-aromatic conjugates comprising the aromatic compounds, and liposome compositions including the phospholipid-polymer-aromatic conjugates. The liposomal compositions may be useful for imaging of Alzheimer's Disease, for example, imaging of the amyloid-? plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: A papaver from rhoeas' cell and tissue stain is formulated incorporating a new one bioflavonoid which specifically stains the nucleus for microscopic evaluation in histopathology, microbiology and cytology. It appears to be an alternative to hematoxylin for routine usage. Biochemical name of this compound is hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxy-3-(((2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3.4.5-trihydroxy-6-((((2R,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3.4.5-trihydroxy-6-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)methyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2- yl)oxy)phenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one. NMR analysis shows the biochemical structure of molecule is a bioflavonoid. (FIG. 4,5) Molecule within Papaver rhoeas along with the synergistic and other molecules penetrates the biologic and nonbiologic samples. Combining with the other synergistic mechanisms the stain formula is prepared. The amount and type of Mordant and pH are the parameters that affect the quality and timing of the staining results.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products associated with in vivo enzyme profiling. In particular, biomarker nanoparticles capable of quantitatively detecting enzymatic activity in vivo are described. These nanoparticles can be used to detect in vivo enzyme activity. The invention also relates to products, kits, and databases for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vaccine or immunogenic composition that can be administered to latently infected individuals to prevent reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection caused by species of the tuberculosis complex microorganisms (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. africanum), The invention is based on a number of M. tuberculosis derived proteins and protein fragments which are constitutively expressed in different stages of the infection. The invention is directed to the use of these polypeptides, immunologically active fragments thereof and the genes encoding them for immunological compositions such as vaccines.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for enhancing dentin production, and for delivering a lipophilic agent to pulp tissue of a tooth of an individual. In some cases, a subject method includes a step of administering to the pulp of a tooth of an individual, a Wnt stimulating composition that includes a Wnt stimulator agent, at a dose sufficient to enhance the production of dentin by the pulp. In some cases, a subject method includes a step of contacting exposed dentin of a tooth with a composition that includes a lipophilic agent inserted in the non-aqueous phase of a lipid structure (e.g., whereby the lipophilic agent penetrates the dentin to the underlying pulp tissue). Kits are also provided for practicing the methods of the disclosure.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for preparing TDNs-AS1411-nucleic acid drug nanocomposite based drug delivery system, which includes the following steps: binding AS1411 and nucleic acid drug to a tetrahedral DNA nanostructure respectively; selecting four DNA single strands that respectively carry AS1411 and nucleic acid drug; mixing the four DNA single strands; mixing the DNA single strands and the TM buffer uniformly; putting the mixture into a PCR apparatus; raising the temperature to 95° C. quickly and maintaining for 10 min; and next cooling down to 4° C. and maintaining for 20 min to obtain the TDNs-AS1411-nucleic acid drug nanocomposite based drug delivery system. This drug delivery system can directly act on cell nucleus and will not be degraded by lysosomal. The targeting specificity is good. The drug can take a good efficacy and the pertinency is high.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods involving the use of PRG4 protein, also known as lubricin, to mechanically inhibit biological processes involving cell motility and adhesion. The methods and compositions may be used to develop a variety of specific therapies and compositions, often exploited through surgical procedures, where development of the pathology involves one or more of the following modes of action: 1) the passage of cells from one body compartment to another, 2) adherence of macrophages to substrates such as fibrin or exposed extra cellular matrix, 3) binding of platelets to fibrin, or 4) failure of function of the glycocalyx on exposed epithelial cell surfaces, e.g., within the vasculature.