Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations of nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), preferably [2-(6-Amino-purin-9-yl)-1-methyl-ethoxymethyl]-phosphonic acid (tenofovir, PMPA), or a physiologically functional derivative thereof, suitable for topical application and their use in the prevention of HIV infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers that are useful in determining whether a subject has cancer, specifically prostate cancer. Specifically, betaine, malate, proline, N-acetylaspartate, uracil, xanthine, cysteine, alanine, and N-acetylglucosamine can be used to diagnose an individual with prostate cancer, one at risk for developing prostate cancer, and/or to determine the prognosis of a subject with prostate cancer. This invention also relates to multiplexed assays for quantitating such biomarkers.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer program products are disclosed. Embodiments of the present, invention can include providing a performance model of a procedure, the performance model based at least in part on one or more previous performances of the procedure. Embodiments can further include obtaining performance data while the procedure is performed, the performance data based at least in pari on sensor data received from one or more motion-sensing devices. Embodiments can further include determining a performance metric of the procedure, the performance metric determined by comparing the performance data with the performance model. Embodiments can further include outputting results, the results based on the performance metric.

Abstract: A method of extracting and measuring one or more biochemicals from a biological sample, comprises immersing the biological sample in an organic solvent, whereby one or more biochemicals present in the biological sample are extracted into the organic solvent; separating the biological sample from the free organic solvent; and measuring the level(s) of the one or more biochemicals extracted into the organic solvent, wherein the biological sample remains analyzable by histological analysis.

Abstract: The disclosure provides peptide compounds that regulate the complement system and methods of using these compounds. Specifically the disclosure provides an isolated, purified peptide of 30 amino acids derived from human astrovirus protein, called CP1. The peptide compounds disclosed include peptide mimetics, peptide analogs and/or synthetic derivatives of CP1 having, for example, internal peptide deletions and/or substitutions, deletions and/or substitutions at the N-terminus and C-terminus, and that are able to regulate complement activation. The disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising therapeutically effective amounts of the peptide compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient for treating a disease or condition associated with complement-mediated tissue damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and medium for simulating medical conditions to facilitate medical training, that utilizes a roaming device configured to be mobile; a positioning device configured to determine location information of the roaming device; and a computing device configured to receive the location information, compare the location information with a predetermined set of regions, and transmit information indicative of a medical condition when the location information coincides with the predetermined set of regions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for delivering an agent into a cell through the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields (“nsPEF's”). The method includes circuitry for delivery of an agent into a cell via known methods followed by the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell in order to facilitate entry of the agent into the nucleus of the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of enhancing gene expression in a cell comprising the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell. An apparatus for generating long and short pulses according to the present invention is also provided. The apparatus includes a pulse generator capable of producing a first pulse having a long duration and low voltage amplitude and a second pulse having a short duration and high voltage amplitude.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to protecting cells, tissues and organs against the damaging effects of ionizing or other damaging agents associated with radiation or chemotherapy, or degenerative diseases or processes of various organs that elicit the production of free radicals or oxidants such as peroxides, superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals or nitric oxides, or heavy metal cations. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with methoxypolyethylene glycol chelate methyl esters that are useful as protectors against tissue damage by penetrating the cell membrane to donate electrons to free radical oxidants and remove heavy metals that may react with peroxides to produce the reactive hydroxyl radical, or remove Ca++ that may be released from organelles. These chelate esters will also have utility in reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

Abstract: Methods for forming activated platelet gels using nsPEF's and applying the activated gels to wounds, such as heart tissue after myocardial infarction. The platelets are activated by applying at least one nsPEF with a duration between about 10 picoseconds to 1 microsecond and electrical field strengths between about 10 kV/cm and 350 kV/cm.

Abstract: A system and method for performing surgical procedures within a body cavity, e.g. abdomen, uses a magnetized device is utilized to allow a surgeon to control intra-abdominal organs and objects. The system and method allows a surgeon to perform an intra-abdominal procedure without the need to position surgical tools inside of the body cavity. Additional surgical ports are not necessary as the magnetized device allows the surgeon to retract or position various objects within the abdomen.

Abstract: A device for removing a cerclage suture has a shaft sized and shaped to extend from a proximal end outside a vagina to a distal end near a cervix. The shaft also has a blunt end located at the distal end of the shaft and having a taper for allowing the blunt end to pass between a cerclage suture and cervical mucosa without cutting the mucosa and to move the suture away from the mucosa. The device includes a cutter having at least one blade at the distal end of the shaft. The cutter may be movable between an open non-cutting position and a closed cutting position for cutting the suture. Alternatively, the cutter may include one or more stationary blades. The device also may include a handle at the proximal end of the shaft that may comprise an actuator or may comprise a cylindrical or another suitable shape.

Abstract: A system and method for performing surgical procedures within a body cavity, e.g. abdomen, uses a magnetized device is utilized to allow a surgeon to control intra-abdominal organs and objects. The system and method allows a surgeon to perform an intra-abdominal procedure without the need to position surgical tools inside of the body cavity. Additional surgical ports are not necessary as the magnetized device allows the surgeon to retract or position various objects within the abdomen.

Abstract: A device for occluding a cervix has an elongated conduit sized and shaped to extend from a proximal end outside the vagina to a distal end near the cervix. A loop sized to fit around an exocervix is provided at the distal end. The loop is sufficiently flexible to be tightened and loosened around the exocervix. The device has a rod inside the conduit. The rod has a distal end and a proximal end, and the loop is joined to the distal end of the rod. Moving the rod longitudinally relative to the conduit tightens or loosens the loop.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of inhibiting STDs by topically administering suramin or a derivative thereof to actual or potential sites of infection, and methods of preventing pregnancy by topically applying suramin or a derivative thereof intravaginally. Suramin compositions that include an antimicrobial agent and/or a sperm-function inhibitor are also provided and may advantageously be used in the methods of the invention. A method of simultaneously inhibiting STDs and preventing pregnancy is also provided. Devices impregnated or coated with the topical suramin compositions are further disclosed and may be used to apply the compositions described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are inhibitors of human 12-lipoxygenase of Formula (I) or (II), wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined herein, that are useful in treating or preventing a 12-lipoxygenase mediated disease or disorder, e.g., diabetes. Also disclosed are a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one inhibitor of the invention, and a method of treating or preventing such disease or disorder in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for modulating the complement cascade by depleting the plasma of the functional activity of complement proteins and thereby reducing or eliminating complement-mediated cell lysis. The invention provides a method for the therapeutic use of coat proteins and derivatives thereof from the Astroviradae family of viruses in the treatment of complement-mediated cell lysis and peptide mediators of inflammation. The invention provides a method for the therapeutic use of coat proteins and derivatives thereof from the Astroviradae family of viruses in the treatment of complement-mediated diseases. Methods are described herein where complement cascade, triggered by either the classical or alternative complement pathways, is prevented from effecting cell lysis and inflammation due to inhibition or depletion of one or more complement components in the serum following administration of astrovirus coat proteins or derivatives.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for providing electrical energy to treat a tissue condition includes a high voltage pulse generator for generating short high voltage pulses of energy and a delivery device for receiving the pulses of energy. The delivery device includes at least a pair of needle electrodes for penetrating into the tissue and delivering the pulses of energy to the tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for delivering an agent into a cell through the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields (“nsPEF's”). The method includes circuitry for delivery of an agent into a cell via known methods followed by the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell in order to facilitate entry of the agent into the nucleus of the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of enhancing gene expression in a cell comprising the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell. An apparatus for generating long and short pulses according to the present invention is also provided. The apparatus includes a pulse generator capable of producing a first pulse having a long duration and low voltage amplitude and a second pulse having a short duration and high voltage amplitude.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for automatic driver evaluation of a person's driving capabilities and render an outcome of pass or fail without the need for a trained observer to evaluate driver's performance. In one embodiment, the automatic driver evaluation system facilitates the display of a predetermined driving route designed for a predetermined demography, observe simulated driving performance of a user on the predetermined driving route, record errors made by the user while performing the simulated drive, and compare the performance errors to at least one threshold value and generate a score based on the comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for automatic driver evaluation of a person's driving capabilities and render an outcome of pass, fail, or pass with restrictions without the need for a trained observer to evaluate driver's performance. In one embodiment, the automatic driver evaluation system facilitates the display of a predetermined driving route designed for a predetermined demography, observe simulated driving performance of a user on the predetermined driving route, record errors made by the user while performing the simulated drive, and compare the performance errors to at least one threshold value and generate a score based on the comparison.