Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrosurgical device that include one or more floating electrodes and are specifically adapted to remove, cut, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, drill, coagulate and form lesions in soft tissues, with or without externally supplied liquids, preferably in combination with a resectoscope, particularly in the context of urological, gynecological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and ENT procedures. Specific adaptations for urological and gynecological applications, for example kidney stone removal and BPH treatment, are also described.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory oligoribonucleotides (ORN) featuring 5?-triphosphates and various 5?-triphosphate analogs are provided. Also provided are physiologically acceptable salts of the immunostimulatory ORN and pharmaceutical compositions containing the immunostimulatory ORN of the invention. ORN of the invention are useful as adjuvants and can be combined with an antigen to promote an antigen-specific immune response. ORN of the invention are also particularly useful for promoting a Th1-type immune response. Also provided are methods of use of the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention to enhance an immune response in a subject, as well to treat a number of conditions including cancer, infection, allergy, and asthma, and to vaccinate a subject against an antigen.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel drug delivery assembly having particular applicability to the field of orthopedic and surgical medicine. The devices and assemblies described herein enable the efficient application and retention of potentially expensive therapeutic materials to very specific locations, particularly those associated with voids in bone and tissue. One particularly unique aspect of the present invention involves the introduction of constructs which promote the retention of therapeutic material in the target area of application for beneficial use, for example by forming a proximal barrier that prevents leakage of the therapeutic material out of the target area. Additionally, the present invention provides unique devices and methods for surgical introduction of such constructs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument, system, and methods are provided for the vaporization, cutting, coagulation, or treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid medium. The electrosurgical probe comprises at least one active electrode, and at least one “floating” electrode having at least one end in close proximity to at least one active electrode. The floating electrode is not connected in any way to the electrosurgical power supply, but rather has a “floating” potential determined by the shape and position of the electrode. The floating electrode increases current density in the region of the probe distal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irbesartan-containing pharmaceutical composition, in particular a tablet thereof, which comprises the active ingredient, a disintegrant with at least one low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of compounds of the general formula II which can be obtained by 1,4 addition of 2-oxoalkanoates or 2-oxocarboxylic acids onto the appropriate ketones. The present invention also relates to the use of the PigD protein for catalysis of 1,4 additions of 2-oxoalkanoates/-carboxylic acids, for example pyruvate/pyruvic acid or 2-oxobutyrate/2-oxobutyric acid, onto aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic ?,?-unsaturated ketones. The 1,4 additions are effected here with CO2 elimination. The use of the PigD protein as a catalyst in the aforementioned 1,4 additions enables the synthesis of addition products with stereoactive centers these addition products being preparable with an enantiomeric excess of more than 80% ee.

Abstract: Disclosed are split-core carrier substance which, as separate polypeptide, have the core N domain and the core C domain of the core protein of a hepatitis B virus and at least one foreign molecule against which an immune response is to be induced. According to the invention, the foreign molecule, especially the heterologous foreign amino acid sequence, is fused to the C terminus or the core N domain or to the N terminus of the core C domain and the core protein can form capsid-like particles. The invention also relates to the associated production method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Escitalopram having a small median particle size and a solid pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula are disclosed with activity towards treating diseases related to inflammation, such as cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Conventional vasectomy techniques suffer from a number of disadvantages, including, for example, a substantial risk for the development of hematomas and swelling, a potential for spontaneous regeneration and undesired resumption of fertility, a need for a highly skilled surgical professional, as well as a long recovery period, accompanied by severe limitations on post-surgical activity. The invention disclosed herein overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing a rapid, reliable, less invasive male sterilization procedure as well as a vasectomy device and kit for use therewith.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrosurgical device that include one or more floating electrodes and are specifically adapted to remove, cut, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, drill, coagulate and form lesions in soft tissues, with or without externally supplied liquids, preferably in combination with a resectoscope, particularly in the context of urological, gynecological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and ENT procedures. Specific adaptations for urological and gynecological applications, for example kidney stone removal and BPH treatment, are also described.

Abstract: According to the invention, a sliding coating for winter sports equipment is provided, which has a copolymer (I) and optionally a copolymer (II), wherein the sliding coating for a winter sports equipment comprises a copolymer (I) having 10% or more of structural building blocks derived from propylene monomers, based on the total number of the structural building blocks of the copolymer (I), and 1% or more of structural building blocks derived from another olefin, based on the total number of the structural building blocks of the copolymer (I), wherein the sliding coating does not have a copolymer, which has 50% or more of structural building blocks derived from ethylene monomers, based on the total number of the structural building blocks of the copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscopic surgical assembly having improved cutting efficiency. In particular, the present invention provides an endoscopic shaver assembly configured for automated axial as well as rotational motion so as to enhance tissue resection.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a simple, passive splinting system for sternotomy patients designed to provide a continuous yet readily adjustable, compressive tangential stabilizing force to the ribcage so as to promote healing of a median sternotomy incision while minimizing patient pain.

Abstract: The invention relates to new morphine compounds of the formula: where R1 represents a C1-6 alkyl radical and the radicals R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, methyl groups and acetyl groups.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn perforating tool and method of using same to prepare new lawn or garden areas or distressed regions of existing lawns or gardens for the planting of seed, example of which include, but are not limited to, grass seed, clover seed, wildflower seed, and the like. The lawn perforating tool of the present invention is particularly configured to provide in the soil and dead grass holes or indentations of a size, shape, and depth that is optimal for receiving and germinating new grass seed and of a density and distribution suitable to provide the resulting grass with a visually desirable pattern, rendering new growth indistinguishable from old growth.

Abstract: A method and device provides features for the temporary “parking” of sutures with respect to a cannula. In the preferred embodiments the features are slots that maintain tension on, and orientation of, sutures placed therein. The slots or features may be integral with the cannula or part of a separate device which may be removably affixed to the external portion of a cannula. In addition, the opening(s) used for instrument-passing are off-center, thereby reducing if not elimination outward sprays during use. The invention eliminates the multiple steps inherent in current suture management techniques for arthroscopic procedures, particularly rotator cuff repair and assists in tensioning/advancement of tissue into its repair site.