Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus to provide coated microbubbles, particularly but not exclusively microbubbles at least partially coated with a component, for example a clinically active component. Systems of the present invention use electromagnetic fields to move microbubbles between streams of liquids in order to perform coating or washing steps.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and a knife blade shaft is operably disposed within the shaft. An end effector is operably disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a pair of spaced-apart first and second jaw members that are movable from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. An electrode assembly includes first and second electrode housings and a knife blade. The first and second electrode housings are operably coupled to one another and are configured to selectively couple to respective first and second jaw members to electrosurgically treat tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members. The knife blade is configured to selectively couple to the knife blade shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising: a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube carried by the sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the aft balloon; a pair of hollow push tubes slidably mounted to the sleeve, the pair of hollow push tubes being connected to one another at their distal ends with a raised push tube bridge, the raised push tube bridge being configured to nest an endoscope therein; and a fore balloon secured to the distal ends of the pair of hollow push tubes, the interior of the fore balloon being in fluid communication with the interiors of the pair of hollow push tubes, wherein the fore balloon is capable of assuming a deflated condition and an inflated condition, and further wherein (i) when the fore balloon is in its deflated condition, an axial opening extends therethrough, the axial opening being sized to receive the endoscope therein, and (ii) when the fore balloon is in its inflated condition, the ax

Abstract: The present invention provides a loading fixture for loading cells, cell clusters, and media to an immune-isolation device. The loading fixture permits the loading of cells into the immune-isolation device without manual manipulation of the immune-isolation device, until the loading device is opened at the point of use, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination of the immune-isolation device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided. The electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and a knife blade shaft is operably disposed within the shaft. An end effector is operably disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a pair of spaced-apart first and second jaw members that are movable from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. An electrode assembly includes first and second electrode housings and a knife blade. The first and second electrode housings are operably coupled to one another and are configured to selectively couple to respective first and second jaw members to electrosurgically treat tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members. The knife blade is configured to selectively couple to the knife blade shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus to provide coated microbubbles, particularly but not exclusively microbubbles at least partially coated with a component, for example a clinically active component. Systems of the present invention use electromagnetic fields to move microbubbles between streams of liquids in order to perform coating or washing steps.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided. The electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and a knife blade shaft is operably disposed within the shaft. An end effector is operably disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a pair of spaced-apart first and second jaw members that are movable from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. An electrode assembly includes first and second electrode housings and a knife blade. The first and second electrode housings are operably coupled to one another and are configured to selectively couple to respective first and second jaw members to electrosurgically treat tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members. The knife blade is configured to selectively couple to the knife blade shaft.

Abstract: A jewelry item includes an elongated, arcuate strand received within a passageway formed in the lower periphery of a brassiere cup. Any one of a plurality of interchangeable ornaments is attachable to the upper end of the strand. For example, the upper end may be inserted into a receptacle depending from a select ornament, such as a gemstone or another decorative design element. When the brassiere is worn, the ornament is suspended near one or both breasts. An alternate embodiment includes a pair of arcuate strands joined at or near their upper ends, each of which fits within a designated passageway formed around each of the brassiere cups to further anchor the ornament in a desired position.

Abstract: A system for applying a fiber matrix on a tubular member is provided. A mandrel, configured for atraumatic placement within the tubular member, is included. Methods for atraumatic placement of a mandrel into a tubular member are also provided.

Abstract: A chisel blade with a permanently attached shaft is disclosed. The chisel blade and shaft are dimensioned and configured such that shaft is removably attachable to a portable heating element. The chisel blade with an attached shaft may include a portable soldering iron with the soldering tip removed. In the two possible embodiments, the chisel blade has a rectangular shape with a beveled cutting surface having a straight cutting edge. In a third embodiment, the chisel blade is concave and the beveled cutting edge is concave.

Abstract: Provided herein is are methods of treating cancer in a human by administering CRF, optionally in combination with a second agent, such as an angiogenesis inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic regimens or protocols designed for the treatment, management or prevention of edema. In particular, the invention pertains to methods of treating or managing edema associated with brain tumors involving the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of corticorelin acetate that achieves a steroid-sparing effect.

Abstract: and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein X1, X2, X3, Y1, Y2 and R are described herein inhibit the interaction of MDM2 protein with a p53-like peptide and hence have anti proliferative activity.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for treating cancer in a human by administering a high dose of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF).

Abstract: A chisel blade with a permanently attached shaft is disclosed. The chisel blade and shaft are dimensioned and configured such that shaft is removably attachable to a portable heating element. The chisel blade with an attached shaft may include a portable soldering iron with the soldering tip removed. In the two possible embodiments, the chisel blade has a rectangular shape with a beveled cutting surface having a straight cutting edge. In a third embodiment, the chisel blade is concave and the beveled cutting edge is concave.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for treating cancer in a human by administering a high dose of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF).

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for treating cancer in a human by administering a high dose of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF).

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic regimens or protocols designed for the treatment, management or prevention of edema. In particular, the invention pertains to methods of treating or managing edema associated with brain tumors involving the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of corticorelin acetate that achieves a steroid-sparing effect.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for treating cancer in a human by administering a high dose of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) for a period of time exceeding 3 days.