Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying an individual's reaction time to an external stimulus are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of labelling biological targeting molecules (BTMs) of interest with radioiodine. Also provided are novel radioiodinated BTMs prepared using the method, as well as radiopharmaceutical compositions comprising such radioiodinated BTMs. The invention also provides radioiodinated intermediates useful in the method, as well as in vivo imaging methods using.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a test strip container which provides easy access to test strips. The test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a nested configuration. The nested configuration of the test strip container provides easy access to test strips by arranging the test strips so that they extend radially outward from the retaining member. The radial arrangement of the test strips operates to separate the test strips so that test strip users may easily select a single test strip from a plurality of test strips. Alternatively, the test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a longitudinal configuration.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: The present invention provides photosensitizing agents obtained by reducing a single double bond in the porphyrin macrocycle of a sulphonated meso-tetraphenylporphyrin, preferably a disulphonated meso-tetraphenylporphyrin such as TPPS2a. The resulting sulphonated meso-tetraphenyl chlorins include compounds of formula I: (wherein X is —SO3H; n, p, q and r are each independently 0 or 1; and the sum of n, p, q and r is an integer from 1 to 4, preferably at least 2, e.g. 2 or 4) isomers and isomer mixtures thereof. The compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts find particular use as photosensitizing agents in the photochemical internalization of molecules and in photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) comprising a transparent cylindrical container wall (2) and an envelope (8) covering the entire container wall. Such containers are used in the form of a vial, an ampulla or a syringe, for example, in clinical tests of medicaments or remedies. According to the invention, the envelope is embodied in an opaque manner such that it can be determined whether undissolved particles are still present in the liquid, but the actual color of the content cannot be determined.

Abstract: A test kit for testing production waste includes a plurality of components including reagents, test equipment, or a combination thereof, sufficient to perform analysis on production waste and at least one protective case for shipping and for using the plurality of components, the protective case including a top portion releasably engaged with a bottom portion. The top portion includes a top side attached at an inner face of the top side to a top edge of a continuous sidewall formed by a plurality of sides such that the top portion of the protective case includes a hollow interior cavity bound by the inner face of the top side and an inner face of the continuous sidewall, wherein the hollow interior cavity is open on a bottom side, and wherein the hollow interior cavity defines a water-tight enclosure opened on the bottom side, such that the top portion, resting on a support surface inverted on an outer face of the top side, is capable of forming a liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A stabilized radiopharmaceutical composition, a kit including same, and a method for making same, where the radiopharmaceutical is (i) susceptible to either reductive degradation or radiolysis and which includes a metal complex of a radionuclide with a ligand, (ii) a first stabilizer for the radiopharmaceutical which is an amino-substituted aromatic carboxylic acid or a salt, ester or amide thereof, and (iii) a second stabilizer for the radiopharmaceutical which is a diphosphonic acid or salt thereof. The first and second stabilizers are present in an amount effective to stabilize the radiopharmaceutical, and the radiopharmaceutical is not a metal complex of the diphosphonic acid.

Abstract: A test sensor packaging container for use in sensor instrument. The test sensor packaging container comprises a housing, a first foil cover, and a second foil cover. The housing has a plurality of test sensor containing regions. Each of the test sensor containing regions has a proximal end and a distal end and is adapted to contain a test sensor. The test sensor containing regions protrude radially outward from the center of the housing. The housing has a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel. Each of the test sensors has a width direction and a thickness direction. The first foil cover is adapted to cover the top portion of the housing. The second foil cover is adapted to cover the distal end of the plurality of test sensor containing regions. A plane generally parallel to the width direction of each of the plurality of test sensors is generally perpendicular to the top and bottom portion of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for easy collection, dilution, mixing and dispensing of a liquid specimen in a self-contained system. The present invention can be used in combination with numerous testing means for performing chemical, biochemical or biomedical qualitative or quantitative assays in the field of both clinical and hygiene testing.

Abstract: The invention provides novel fluorinated resorufin compounds that are of use in a variety of assay formats. Also provided are methods of using the compounds and kits that include a compound of the invention and instructions detailing the use of the compound in one or more assay formats.

Abstract: A carry case is provided for a portable analyte measuring device, the carry case having opposing sides delimiting an interior space that is closed at one end and provided with an opening at the other end. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the carry case is provided with an interior flap that is fastened at a distance from the closed end at one of the opposing sides and that can be swung from a first position in which a first side of the flap faces one of the opposing sides to a second position, in which the flap divides the interior space of the carry case and faces with the first flap side the closed end of the interior space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds being esters of 5-aminolevulinic acids or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, including compounds of formula (I) R22N—CH2COCH2-CH2CO—OR1 (wherein R1 may represent alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, amino, aryl, oxo or fluoro groups and optionally interrupted by oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur or phosphorus atoms; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a group R1, and both R2 groups may be the identical or different), and their use in diagnosis and photochemotherapy of disorders or abnormalities of external or internal surfaces of the body, and products and kits for performing the invention.

Abstract: Certain features, aspects, examples and embodiments described herein relate to adapters for securing drinking apparatuses for individuals of all ages (infants, children, adults, and seniors) such as nipples, sippers, and straws, to commercially available beverage containers to aid in the consumption of the contained liquid. Other features, aspects, examples and embodiments relate to devices and kits useful for the detection of analytes in milk samples such as small molecules, metal ions, endotoxins, and bacteria.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized permselective membranes and methods for making and using such sensors. Embodiments of the invention also provide analyte sensors such as those having porous matrices coated with an analyte sensing composition and methods for making and using such sensors. Illustrative embodiments include electrochemical glucose sensors having glucose oxidase coatings.

Abstract: Dimers of avidin and streptavidins (diavidins) are described wherein the linker is suberate, which in turn, is bound to different functional groups (—NH2 o-COOH) of avidin. As compared to avidin, the diavidins have shown the ability to increase the amount of labelled biotin on the target, when used in an in vitro pretargeting test using supported human tenascin, the biotinylated anti-tenascin monoclonal antibody (Mab-B), avidin/diavidin, and biotin-3H. The use of such diavidins is also described in cancer diagnosis and anticancer therapy based on the three-step pretargeted radioimmunotherapy procedure.

Abstract: A quality control system for measuring parameters in a pharmaceutical product includes a receiver vessel to receive a pharmaceutical product therein. The quality control system also includes a sample tube having a first end attached to the receiver vessel to remove pharmaceutical product from the receiver vessel and an appendage connected to a second end of the sample tube. The appendage includes at least one chamber therein to receive a quantity of pharmaceutical product from the receiver vessel. A valve positioned within the sample tube controls flow of the pharmaceutical product to the appendage and prevents flow of the pharmaceutical product from the appendage back into the receiver vessel. The system also includes a quality control device configured to measure at least one parameter of the pharmaceutical product in at least one of the receiver vessel and the appendage.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting oxalate and struvite stone formation in an animal by determining the amount of selected nutrients in a food for consumption by the animal, the amount of selected urine metabolites, and/or the urine pH for the animal and predicting oxalate and/or struvite stone formation using a formula that equates the amount of such nutrients, metabolites, or urine pH to the likelihood that an animal will form oxalate and/or struvite stones.

Abstract: A tissue collection tray is described for use with a biopsy device. The tissue collection tray includes a well portion, a body portion and a divider. The well portion is defined by first and second ends, a bottom and at least two walls. The body portion includes a recess formed therein. The divider includes a groove formed therein. The divider is positioned between the recess and the well portion.

Abstract: A specimen testing device having a folding top having a top inside and a top outside; a back portion having a back inside and a back outside, the back portion in folding communication with the folding top; a front portion in folding communication with the back portion and the folding top covers at least a portion of the front portion when the front portion is in a folded closed position; a reagent test sheet in communication with at least a portion of the back portion; at least one enclosed bubble containing developer attached to at least one of the back portion and the front portion, wherein a fecal sample is placed on the reagent test sheet and the at least one enclosed bubble is pierced to release the developer to the fecal sample to indicate the presence of fecal occult blood.

Abstract: Disclosed, among other things, are packaged bisulfite solutions comprising bisulfite reagent in an oxygen-impermeable container and methods.

Abstract: An inflatable vaginal speculum that includes diametrically and longitudinally expandable sidewalls with openings allowing observation of vaginal walls along the length of the speculum and a central opening allowing viewing down the length of the speculum to the cervix. The speculum may be positioned within an envelope together with a sterile saline solution. An array of the envelopes can be stored in a storage box together with bulb-type pump such as used with a blood pressure cuff. The envelope is opened by tearing down one side so that the speculum can be removed.

Abstract: Containers and methods for dispensing test strips. Embodiments of the invention include a container and a cap or an insert. The container holds or stores the test strips and the test strips may be dispensed through the cap or the insert.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to the axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a skin testing-device system. The system includes a tray, a well holder that snaps into the tray and that holds a plurality of rows of test-solution wells, and a well holder-assembly lid that snaps into the tray over the well holder. The well-holder may include see-through windows such that a test-solution level is visible for substantially each of the test-solution wells from one or more single viewpoints, which may be elevated, and offset, from the well holder. The well holder-assembly lid may include areas that prevent skin-test devices in the test-solution wells from being dislodged from the test-solution wells while the well holder-assembly lid is snapped into the tray. Embodiments of the invention are directed to a clamshell-package system for holding skin-test devices. The system includes a clamshell package having generally crescent-shaped receptacles in an offset pattern and a clamshell-package lid.

Abstract: The invention provides, in a general sense, a new labeling strategy employing 99mTc chelated with ethylenedicysteine (EC). EC is conjugated with a variety of ligands and chelated to 99mTc for use as an imaging agent for tissue-specific diseases. The drug conjugates of the invention may also be used as a prognostic tool or as a tool to deliver therapeutics to specific sites within a mammalian body. Kits for use in tissue-specific disease imaging are also provided.

Abstract: A shipping container for shipping diagnostic specimens. An outer container includes inner foam panels that define an inner cavity enclosed by a closed cell polymeric foam for receiving items to be shipped. The inner cavity has an H-shaped transverse cross section for receiving specimen vials that can be packaged in a polymeric bag having several side-by-side compartments for receiving specimen vials. A freezable material is placed within the inner cavity and adjacent to the specimens to maintain the specimens packed within the container below a predetermined temperature during shipment. The foam defining the inner cavity provides insulation to aid in maintaining the temperature of the contents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing diagnostic errors due to transposition of biological specimens among subjects provides for independent biometric confirmation that a given specimen is from a given donor. In certain embodiments, a biological specimen confirmation kit comprises a portable and openable case housing components of the kit, at least one biological specimen container adapted to receive a biological testing specimen from a donor, and at least one reference sample device adapted to receive a biological reference specimen from the same donor, such that the testing and reference specimens can later be compared for donor match verification by a reference verification entity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for protein crystallization. The present invention involves electrophoretically focusing at least a first protein species within a matrix comprising at least 2 regions of different pH, the protein being present in amount sufficient to permit crystallization within said pH gradient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit holding adapter (X1) for holding an analyzer (4) for analyzing a target analyte in a sample together with a sampling tool (5) used for taking a sample. The kit holding adapter (X1) includes a first holding portion (1) for holding the analyzer (4) and a second holding portion (2) for holding the sampling tool (5), for example. At least one of the first and second holding portions (1, 2) is preferably designed to expose a part of the analyzer (4) or the sampling tool (5) for performing the analysis of the sample with the analyzer (4) or for performing the sampling with the sampling tool (5) while the analyzer (4) or the sampling tool (5) are held by the adapter. The kit holding adapter (X1) may further include an article holding portion (3) for containing articles (45) used for at least one of the analyzer (4) and the sampling tool (5), or other articles used in conjunction with the analysis of the sample or the sampling.

Abstract: Statin nitroderivatives having improved pharmacological activity and enhanced tolerability are described. They can be employed for treating and/or preventing several diseases, in particular coronary syndromes, neurodegenerative disorders as well as for reducing cholesterol levels.

Abstract: A specimen testing device having a folding top having a top inside and a top outside; a back portion having at least one flap opening, the back portion in folding communication with the folding top; a front portion having at least one opening with the folding top covering the front portion when in a folded closed position and the front portion in folding communication with the back portion; a reagent test sheet in communication with at least a portion of the back portion and interposed between the front portion and the back portion; at least one enclosed bubble containing developer attached to the inside of the flap opening of the back portion, wherein a fecal sample is placed on the reagent test sheet, the folding top is in a folded closed position and the enclosed bubble releases the developer to indicate the presence of fecal occult blood.

Abstract: A child identification kit suitable for home use includes a chemically treated DNA stabilizing card together with all the materials necessary for taking and storing a reliable DNA together with fingerprints and a photographic of the child in the case of abduction. The materials serve to identify the steps required for complete record creation, supplementing printed instructions and simplifying the task for typical parent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a growth medium support plate including an essential planar body part extending therefrom. The growth medium support plate also includes a stem member for connecting a cap to the support plate. The stem member is connected to the body part so as to have a position co-planar with the body part and a position inclined to the plane of the body part. The support plate includes at least one fixed projection extending from and co-planar with said body part adjacently to the stem member and the stem member having in the position coplanar with the body part a releasable connection to the at least one fixed projection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds being esters of 5-aminolevulinic acids or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, including compounds of formula (I) R22N—CH2COCH2-CH2CO—OR1 (wherein R1 may represent alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, amino, aryl, oxo or fluoro groups and optionally interrupted by oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur or phosphorus atoms; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a group R1, and both R2 groups may be the identical or different), and their use in diagnosis and photochemotherapy of disorders or abnormalities of external or internal surfaces of the body, and products and kits for performing the invention.

Abstract: A disposal receptacle having a biocidal interior surface for storing contaminated biotesting devices therein. The receptacle contains a one-way opening or valve to prevent used biotesting devices and bodily fluid from escaping or being removed from the receptacle; however, the one-way opening allows for insertion of the used biotesting devices therein. The biocidal interior surface and one-way valve in the receptacle form a sanitary method of containing contaminated biotesting devices. This combination allows the user to dispose of the receptacle, and safely and hygienically dispose of any contaminated biotesting devices and bodily fluid therein. The receptacle can be combined with a receptacle for unused biotesting devices, and/or sized to fit with or within a medical device, such as a test meter. In one form, the receptacle can be part of a care kit having a kit container for storing a lancing device, a testing device, and the disposal receptacle.

Abstract: A carry case is provided for a portable analyte measuring device, the carry case having opposing sides delimiting an interior space that is closed at one end and provided with an opening at the other end. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the carry case is provided with an interior flap that is fastened at a distance from the closed end at one of the opposing sides and that can be swung from a first position in which a first side of the flap faces one of the opposing sides to a second position, in which the flap divides the interior space of the carry case and faces with the first flap side the closed end of the interior space.

Abstract: A tissue collection tray is described for use with a biopsy device. The tissue collection tray includes a well portion, a body portion and a divider. The well portion is defined by first and second ends, a bottom and at least two walls. The body portion includes a recess formed therein. The divider includes a groove formed therein. The divider is positioned between the recess and the well portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new disposable package for test tubes, vials (O) and/or other medical devices for use by hospitals or other health facilities, comprising a container (C) provided with an aperture (A) for the insertion of said test tubes, vials (O) and/or medical devices in general, and at least one element (F) for closing and/or sealing said aperture (A), and wherein said element (F) is provided with the identification data (S) of the patient, etc. Said closing and identification element (F) is an adhesive sheet with tab (L), on which said patient identification data (S) can be provided, together with one or more incisions or perforation (P) and/or other systems for tear-opening of at least a part (F1) of said sheet (F). According to the invention an additional cover (R) can be used.

Abstract: The invention provided herein comprises a kit, where the kit includes at least one collecting receptacle for collecting cord blood, and a pre-measured non-liquid anticoagulant which is optionally pre-loaded into the receptacle. The anticoagulant is preferably selected from the group consisting of heparin or heparin type additives, citrates, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), and oxalates and any other anticoagulant that can be used to decrease the clotting ability of the blood. The invention provided herein also comprises a method for collecting cord blood, where the method comprises collecting a desired amount of cord blood from the umbilical cord using a collection receptacle of the invention, wherein the collection receptacle is pre-loaded with a pre-measured amount of non-liquid anticoagulant.

Abstract: A quality control system for measuring parameters in a pharmaceutical product includes a receiver vessel to receive a pharmaceutical product therein. The quality control system also includes a sample tube having a first end attached to the receiver vessel to remove pharmaceutical product from the receiver vessel and an appendage connected to a second end of the sample tube. The appendage includes at least one chamber therein to receive a quantity of pharmaceutical product from the receiver vessel. A valve positioned within the sample tube controls flow of the pharmaceutical product to the appendage and prevents flow of the pharmaceutical product from the appendage back into the receiver vessel. The system also includes a quality control device configured to measure at least one parameter of the pharmaceutical product in at least one of the receiver vessel and the appendage.

Abstract: Dimers of avidin and streptavidins (diavidins) are described wherein the linker is suberate, which in turn, is bound to different functional groups (—NH2 o-COOH) of avidin. As compared to avidin, the diavidins have shown the ability to increase the amount of labelled biotin on the target, when used in an in vitropretargeting test using supported human tenascin, the biotinylated anti-tenascin monoclonal antibody (Mab-B), avidin/diavidin, and biotin-3H. The use of such diavidins is also described in cancer diagnosis and anticancer therapy based on the three-step pretargeted radioimmunotherapy procedure.

Abstract: Provided is a method of distinguishing among Stanford type A acute aortic dissection, Stanford type B acute aortic dissection, and acute myocardial infarction, which are mutually similar in terms of clinical symptoms, and a kit for the distinguishment. Specifically, provided is a method of distinguishing among Stanford type A acute aortic dissection, Stanford type B acute aortic dissection, and acute myocardial infarction, which comprises detecting both D-dimer and H-FABP in blood separated from a person suspected of having acute aortic dissection and suspected of having acute myocardial infarction, and establishing the diagnosis on the basis of the concentrations detected, and a kit for the distinguishment.

Abstract: A stable pharmaceutical mercury-free aqueous solution of cyanocobalamin comprised of cyanocobalamin and water wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin is suitable for intranasal administration, has a viscosity less than about 1000 cPs, and wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of cyanocobalamin when administered intranasally of at least about 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin with the proviso that the solution is essentially free of mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The present invention is also directed towards a method for elevating the vitamin B12 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) comprising administering intranasally a sufficient amount of a mercury-free cyanocobalamin solution so as to increase the average ratio of vitamin B12 in the CSF to that in the blood serum (B12 CSF/B12 Serum×100) to at least about 1.

Abstract: A medical kit for educating a patient is disclosed. The medical kit includes at least one education tool related to at least one medical condition and designed to help the patient become a seasoned patient in regard to the medical condition. The medical kit also includes at least one health object which can be used by the patient. The medical kit further includes instructions for using the at least one health object.

Abstract: A device, method and kit for determining suitable orthodontic/dental dimensions for an individual's teeth as they relate to facial landmarks. The orthodontic dimensions are determined according to the Golden Proportion. The measuring device can be a pair of modified eyeglasses having a gauge thereon in the form of a transparent ruler body with a center marking line, or the measuring device can be a measuring grid having a center marking line and peripheral marking lines superimposed over a photograph of an individual's face. Peripheral marking lines are spaced at standard distances from the right and left of the center marking line. An orthodontist trained to use the invention can use the orthodontic dimensions for an individual in a treatment plan to alter the individual's teeth, to modify their function, or to improve their cosmetic appearance. The device can also be part of a kit for determining a suitable size and position for an individual's teeth as they relate to facial landmarks.

Abstract: An analyte collection apparatus is provided, comprising a gripper; and a compressible analyte collecting portion releasably gripped by the gripper, wherein the gripper exerts a force to grip and compress the analyte collecting portion. The analyte collecting portion can be immersed in a buffer solution whilst in the partially compressed state, and allowed to expand therein, reducing the time required for non-specific binding of analytes to the analyte collecting portion. The analyte collection device facilitates indirect handling of the collected analyte, preventing cross-contamination, and also allows for quick on-site testing.

Abstract: The present invention is a Truck Inspection Tool. The tool is comprised primarily of a hollow steel cylindrical rod that is filled and weighted at one end and attached to a hub seal puller and at the other end has a pliant material and flashlight inserted within it. The tool as used is attached to an adjustable forearm strap and should include additional items such as a tire pressure gauge and a tire depth gauge. This tool is designed to decrease the time and difficulty of a truck inspection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a health management kit comprising a carrier; a means for detecting an organism's vital signs, wherein such means are held by the carrier, and wherein the vital signs comprise at least one of heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and hemorrhaging; and a means for recording the organism's vital signs, wherein such means are held by the carrier; whereby the organism's vital signs may be detected and recorded, and thereby monitored, by a non-medical practitioner to better manage the physical health of the organism.

Abstract: Packaged fluid receptacles include: a plurality of fluid receptacles arranged one next to the other to form a composite structure having a top surface, bottom surface and end walls at a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis which extends through the end walls; and a removable support which contacts at least the top surface, bottom surface and end walls, the removable support including an attachment for applying a force to remove the support, preferably in a direction along the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the support is one-piece and has a single attachment. Preferably, the packaged fluid receptacles are cuvettes usable in a clinical analyzer.