Abstract: The present invention relates to shear-thinning ?-lactalbumin hydrogels, which have a threshold and are thixotropic, to a method for preparing same and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A heterogeneous multiple core control system for predictive medical monitoring is provided. The system includes a first processor platform that is optimized for serialized computation and a second processor platform that is optimized for parallelized computation. A memory stores instructions that are executed by either the first processor platform or the second processor platform to provide the functionality of the system. By executing the instructions, the system determines whether a condition of a first patient is to be monitored using a primarily parallelized model or a primarily serialized model. The predicted condition is calculated using the primarily parallelized model by executing the primarily parallelized model on the second processor platform. The predicted condition is calculated using the primarily serialized model by executing the primarily serialized model on the first processor platform.

Abstract: A control release and abuse-resistant opiate drug delivery oral wafer or edible oral film dosage to treat pain and substance abuse is provided. The drug delivery oral wafer or edible oral film dosage includes a controlled release layer containing enteric-release beads dispersed in a polymer matrix. The enteric-release beads are formed from a therapeutic amount of an opioid agonist and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a sub-therapeutic amount of opioid antagonist and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof coated or encapsulated in an enteric-release polymer. The controlled release polymer matrix dissolves or disintegrates following administration or consumption of the oral wafer or edible oral film, releasing the enteric-release beads to be swallowed, with subsequent absorption of the active ingredients within the patient's intestines.

Abstract: Provided herein are polymers having the general formula I as defined herein, A-L-B??Formula I as well as crosslinked polymers having the general formula III: B?-L?-A?-A?-L?-B???Formula III and methods of preparing the polymers, wherein A is a dihydroxyphenyl moiety; A?-A? is a pair of crosslinked dihydroxyphenyl moieties; B, B? and B? are each a biopolymer; and L, L? and L? are each a linking moiety. Further provided are crosslinked adhesives prepared from the polymers, methods of generating same by oxidizing a polymer, and uses thereof. Further provided are kits comprising an adhesive and an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Use of a composition comprising a compound of any of formulae I, II, Ila, III and Illa; or a combination thereof wherein each R1 is independently C7-11 alkyl; A and B are independently H or CO—R1; R2 is H or C1-4 alkyl; M is a metal monocation (k=1) or dication (k=2); Y is 0 or NH; and Z is 0, NH, CH2O or a bond; for the manufacture of a medicament for stimulating erythropoiesis. Preferably, the composition further comprises human erythroporietin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiducial marker comprising barium sulfate (BaSO4), a solvent, and a polyethylene glycol-poly(aminourethaneurea) multi-block copolymer, as active ingredients. The fiducial marker of the present invention has an effect of significantly remedying disadvantages of image distortion and dose distortion, which are involved in the gold inner marker used in the conventional art. The fiducial marker of the present invention has very limited in vivo mobility, and thus the fiducial marker is maintained at the position at which it has been initially injected. Since the fiducial marker of the present invention is maintained in a sol or liquid state before in vivo injection, and transited into a gel or solid phase after in vivo injection, the injectability of the fiducial marker by an injector syringe is favorable, and the state of the fiducial marker can be controlled into a phase suitable to each site of the therapeutic target.

Abstract: Despite its narrow therapeutic window, lithium is regarded as the gold standard comparator and benchmark treatment for mania. Attempts to find new drugs with similar therapeutic activities have yielded new chemical entities. However, these new drugs have yet to match the many bioactivities attributable to lithium's efficacy for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. Consequently, an intense effort for re-engineering lithium therapeutics using crystal engineering is underway. The evaluation of pharmacokinetics of previously unexplored lithium salts with organic anions (i.e. lithium salicylate) has found that these lithium salts exhibit profoundly different pharmacokinetics compared to the more common FDA approved salt, lithium carbonate, in rats. Remarkably, lithium salicylate produced elevated blood and brain levels of lithium beyond 48 hours post-dose without the sharp peak that contributes to the toxicity problems of current lithium therapeutics.

Abstract: A resilient resorbable chemically crosslinked collagen sponge for promoting soft tissue volume augmentation in the oral region, comprising 60-96% (w/w) collagen and 4-40% (w/w) elastin, which shows by mercury intrusion porosimetry interconnected pores with a median pore diameter between 50 and 90 ?m and at least 80% porosity with a pore diameter more than 10 ?m, an onset temperature of 45 to 57° C. and a density in dry state from 50 to 65 mg/cm3. A process for preparing a resilient resorbable chemically crosslinked collagen sponge. A method of using a resilient resorbable chemically crosslinked collagen sponge as an implant in the oral cavity for soft tissue volume augmentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical dosage form having a breaking strength of at least 300 N and comprising a pharmacologically active compound, an anionic polymer bearing carboxylic groups, wherein the content of the anionic polymer is ?20 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form, and a nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improvements in the bioavailability and/or solubility of coenzyme Q10. For example, the present invention relates to methods for preparing particulate compositions including coenzyme Q10 that generally comprise dispersing and/or dissolving the coenzyme Q10 throughout a suitable solvent, and combining the coenzyme Q10 and an encapsulating (e.g., microencapsulating) agent. The present invention also generally relates to particulate compositions comprising coenzyme Q10 that exhibit improved bioavailability and/or solubility as compared to previous coenzyme Q10 products.

Abstract: The invention relates to layered double hydroxide (LDH) materials and in particular to new methods of preparing improved LDH materials which have intercalated active anionic compounds (improved LDH-active anion materials). The improved LDH-active anion materials are characterized by their high degree of robustness, demonstrated by their high Particle Robustness Factor values, and by their ability to retain substantially all of the intercalated active anionic compound, in the absence of ion exchange conditions and/or at pH>4.

Abstract: A fragment peptide having a proper length composed of a part of an HMGB1 protein was synthesized and the peptide was confirmed to exhibit therapeutic effects on myocardial infarction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a novel process for functionalizing NCC, a method for producing amine-cured epoxy-based nanocomposites through the use of said functionalized NCC, and nanocomposites thereof. The process for functionalizating NCC comprises providing a mixture of NCC and one or more monomers. The mixture is suitable for free radical polymerization and the monomer is cross-linkable with epoxy and is aqueous soluble. The polymerization takes place in the presence of a free radical initiator and oxygen is purged from the mixture and the initiator solution. The epoxy-based nanocomposite is produced by mixing the funtionalized NCC with an amine-curable epoxy resin and a hardener, in a solvent, and allowing the mixture to cure.

Abstract: A multi-vinylsulfone containing molecule is described herein. The multi-vinylsulfone containing molecule can be formed by dissolving a water soluble polymer containing a hydroxyl group in an aqueous solution to form a polymer solution; adding a molecule containing two vinylsulfone groups to the polymer solution; and forming a modified polymer by controlling a number of the vinylsulfone groups that are added to the polymer. A hydrogel is also described herein that can include the multi-vinylsulfone containing molecule and a multi-thiol containing molecule. The hydrogel can be formed from an aqueous solution that includes the multi-vinylsulfone containing molecule and the multi-thiol containing molecule by undergoing gelatation upon delivery to a site in the body. Also described is a drug delivery system that employs the hydrogel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of blood, blood products and organs for the removal and/or detoxification of amyloid-beta oligomers.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for preventing or treating periodontitis or diseases associated with periodontitis. The present disclosure also describes methods of screening for compounds that can be used to prevent or treat periodontitis or diseases associated with periodontitis.

Abstract: An Ang2 specific antibody, a method of preventing and/or treating a disease related to the activation and/or overproduction (overexpression) of Ang2 by administering the antibody to a subject, and a method of screening a candidate substance for diagnosing, preventing, or treating a disease related to activation or overproduction of Ang2.

Abstract: This invention relates to an elastomeric article with improved lubricity and donnablity and reduced stickiness/tackiness. According to the methods of the invention, the internal surface of the elastomeric article is coated with a polyisoprene coating. The coating of the invention is formed from synthetic polyisoprene rubber that may or may not contain minor amounts of other components. The coating is preferably directly bonded to the underlying elastomeric article.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for contraception that also enhance the efficacy of microbicides. Such compositions serve the dual purpose of preventing pregnancy and lessening the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases. More specifically, the compositions and methods relate to syngergistic contraceptive microbicide and antiviral compositions comprising a combination of a contraceptive microbicide and an antiviral agent in an acidic carrier that enhances the efficacy of both the contraceptive microbicide and antiviral agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a plurality of controlled-release coated microparticles each comprising a floating core, on the surface of which is deposited a layer containing at least one active principle, said layer being covered with a controlled-release coating, characterized by the fact that said floating core is composed of cellulose acetate phthalate and has an apparent density of less than or equal to 0.6 g/mL and said coated microparticles have a density of less than or equal to 0.7 g/mL.

Abstract: A method of treating a human subject in need of melatonin therapy includes administering to a human subject a compressed tablet comprising melatonin, citric acid, and a cellulosic polymer. The melatonin, citric acid, and cellulosic polymer combine after ingestion to form an acidic hydrogel that dissolves the melatonin and is effective to provide a first release dose of melatonin for assisting in inducement of sleep and a subsequent sustained release dose of melatonin for assisting in sustaining sleep while in the human subject's gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for delivering cells across the surface of a tissue, the method comprising distributing the cells on and/or within a sheet of biomaterial to form a cell bandage and applying the cell bandage to the surface, wherein, after application of the cell bandage to the surface of the tissue, the cells are released from the cell bandage. Further provided is a method for bonding two or more tissues, the method comprising providing a cell bandage in intimate contact with the surfaces to be joined, wherein the cell bandage comprises a sheet of biomaterial, said biomaterial having cells distributed on and/or within it. Also provided is a cell bandage for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are an anti-Ang-2 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to an angiogenesis-inducing factor Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), related compositions and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for using such compositions and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modified cecropin protein comprising a cecropin or a variant thereof fused to a hydrophilic tail lacking a C-terminal glycine. The present disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions, methods and uses of the modified cecropin protein or nucleic acid for treating or preventing endoparasites, such as Plasmodium, and bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precursor of positron emission tomography (PET) radioactive medical supplies, a preparation method thereof, and an application thereof, and more specifically, to a precursor having a tetravalent organic salt leaving group, a preparation method, and a method for preparing desired PET radioactive medical supplies in a high radiochemical yield within a short preparation time by introducing 18F using the same through a single step. The precursor having a tetravalent organic salt leaving group of the present invention can simplify the known complex multistep preparation of radioactive medical supplies into a single step, can save production costs because an excessive amount of a phase transfer catalyst is not required, facilitates separation of a compound after reaction, and enables rapid reaction velocity. The features are appropriate for the mass production of PET radioactive medical supplies by an automated synthesis system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for separating nanoparticles with a controlled number of active groups is disclosed. First, a plurality of nanoparticles are provided, wherein the surface of the nanoparticle comprises a plurality of first active groups. Next, a plurality of functional ligands are provided, wherein the functional ligand comprises at least one second active group and at least one third active group. Then, a binding process is performed to bind the nanoparticle with the functional ligand, wherein the first active group connects with the second active group. After the binding process, a separation process is performed to isolate a plurality of nanoparticles with a controlled number of the third active groups. The controlled number is integers from 0 to 10.

Abstract: The inventions provided herein relate to compositions, methods, delivery devices and kits for repairing or augmenting a tissue in a subject. The compositions described herein can be injectable such that they can be placed in a tissue to be treated with a minimally-invasive procedure (e.g., by injection). In some embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a compressed silk fibroin matrix, which can expand upon injection into the tissue and retain its original expanded volume within the tissue for a period of time. The compositions can be used as a filler to replace a tissue void, e.g., for tissue repair and/or augmentation, or as a scaffold to support tissue regeneration and/or reconstruction. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used for soft tissue repair or augmentation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ocular implant of siRNA complexed with a transfection agent such as cationic lipids and short cell penetration peptides, wherein the complex is associated with a biocompatible polymer. The biocompatible polymer includes a polymeric matrix configured to release the complex into the eye of a patient at therapeutic levels for a time sufficient to treat an ocular condition or disease.

Abstract: A solid substrate for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of proteins is provided. The substrate includes: a polysaccharide, such as melezitose under a substantially dry state. The substrate is configured to extract proteins from a sample and stabilize the extracted proteins in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for collecting and recovering the proteins stored in the dry solid substrate are also described.

Abstract: A composition is provided that consists essentially of a first polymer system and a second polymer system. The first polymer system has a first modulus of about 180 ksi to about 335 ksi. The first polymer system consists essentially of a thermosetting acrylate. The second polymer system consists essentially of a thermosetting epoxy system and an epoxy curing agent. The thermosetting epoxy system comprises a first epoxy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid oral pharmaceutical composition comprising naloxone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as an active substance, wherein the composition releases the active substance in a prolonged manner. In order to provide a composition that is suitable for an administration period of at least twelve-hours for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation, it is proposed that the composition should have an in vitro release rate of the active substance measured using the paddle stirrer method according to Ph. Eur. at 75 rpm in 500 ml 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at 37° C., of 0% to 75% in 2 h, of 3% to 95% in 4 h, of 20% to 100% in 10 h, of 30% to 100% in 16 h, of 50% to 100% in 24 h, and of more than 80% in 36 h, wherein the composition has a IC50/Cmax value of at least 40. In an alternative embodiment, the composition can be a multilayer tablet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a contact lens manufactured at least partially from an intelligent polymer, the lens having a relaxed state which, upon application of a first stimulus forms a first corrective shape and which, upon application of a second stimulus, forms a second corrective shape, wherein the corrective effect provided by the lens in the relaxed state is intermediate to the corrective visual effects provided by the first and second corrective shapes.

Abstract: Parenteral (injectable) celecoxib emulsions and nanoemulsions are disclosed as are their use to treat pain in patients so afflicted. The emulsions are generally oil in water emulsions often comprised of an oil phase including an oil and a lecithin wherein the mean droplet size of the discontinuous oil phase is about 200 nanometers or less.

Abstract: The invention provides allergen containing pharmaceutical products and in particular fast-dispersing solid allergen dosage forms. In particular, fast-dispersing, non-compressed solid dosage forms suitable for oromucosal administration comprising a matrix and at least one allergen are provided. Suitable matrices are gelatine, starch and mannitol. Methods for the dosage forms are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention methods and novel compounds for facilitating tissue repair and regeneration when the extracellular matrix is damaged. Specifically, binding of the beta 1 integrin is shown to provide a modulation of its functional activity resulting in up regulation of extracellular matrix anabolism. The invention therefore provides a method and novel compounds which can facilitate tissue regeneration in many systems such as the lung, skin, liver and bone. In particular, the binding of the JB1a antibody to a site of amino acid residues 82 to 87 of the mature beta 1 integrin is shown to be particularly effective in mediating the described tissue repair effect.

Abstract: A new microsphere formulation (composition) for controlled- or sustained-release delivery of therapeutic ingredient(s), mainly peptides and proteins not over 10K in molecular weight, comprises at least a therapeutic ingredient, a helping agent (such as PH sensitive agent whose solubility is a function of pH) and a biodegradable polymer. The therapeutic ingredient(s) and the helping agent are in the form of fine particles, less than 1O um in diameter, encapsulated in the polymer which forms the microsphere matrix. A method for preparing the composition comprises a step of in-situ precipitating the therapeutic ingredient(s) and the helping agent to the fine particles and successive steps for forming the microspheres. Such a microsphere formulation offers a well-controlled release profile for prolonged period and encapsulation efficiency over 95%.

Abstract: A method for producing a cross-linked hyaluronic acid in accordance with the present invention comprises: (a) cross-linking at least one polymer at a temperature, from about 35° C. to about 60° C., for a reaction time of from about 0.1 hour to about 72 hours with a cross-linking agent; and (b) lowering the temperature in step (a) to form about 10° C. to about 30° C. for a reaction time of from about 48 hours to about 28 days to obtain the cross-linked hyaluronic acid, whereby, a cross-linking agent content in a product of the method can be decreased so the product does not require purification.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for repairing a ruptured connective tissue are disclosed. The composition may include a first biocompatible material to provide a scaffold for connective tissue cell growth and tissue repair. This first biocompatible material may withstand a tensile load of up to 250 N. The composition may also include a second biocompatible material including at least one bioactive agent that can stimulate connective tissue cell growth and tissue repair. The method may include positioning a first end of the first biocompatible material adjacent a first end of a ruptured connective tissue, positioning a second end of the first biocompatible material adjacent a second end of the ruptured connective tissue, and anchoring the first biocompatible material to the first and second tendon ends. The method may alternatively comprise or further include positioning a second biocompatible material between the first and second ends of the ruptured connective tissue.

Abstract: A medical device includes a base material having an immobilized enzyme and dextran sulfate. The dextran sulfate has a molecular weight that is less than 40 kilo dalton (kDa). The medical device is formed from at least a base material. An enzyme is immobilized on the base material. The enzyme is stabilized with a dextran sulfate having a molecular weight of less than 40 (kDa).

Abstract: Methods for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising administration of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) based compositions directly to damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue associated with the cardiovascular disorder, and provision of ventricular assistance.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery for immune modulation. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for transdermal delivery, and treatment of hair related conditions. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications, including causing or promoting hair growth and/or hair pigmentation. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin, e.g., onto the scalp, or other suitable portion of the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a collagen fiber membrane, which has sufficient strength and can be used as a cell culture substrate, a scaffold material for regenerative medicine (for example, material for tissue engineering of cartilage, bone, ligament, corneal stroma, skin, or liver), an implantation material (for example, wound dressing material, bone grafting material, hemostatic material, anti-adhesive material) or a carrier for drug delivery. The object of the present invention can be solved by a fish-derived collagen fiber membrane, characterized in that (1) a tensile strength is 30 MPa or more, (2) a density determined by the gravimetric method, is 0.4 g/cm3 or more, and (3) an average membrane thickness is 1 ?m to 2 mm, and a variation in membrane thickness is plus or minus 30%, relative to the average membrane thickness.

Abstract: System and methods for isolation of collagen and other fibrous tissue from adipose tissue are described herein. The method of the present invention isolates the collagen from adipose tissue by sonication. The tissue to be sonicated is placed in a container or a flow cell transparent to ultrasound waves. After sonication the sonicated material is filtered out through the bottom of the flow cell and the sonicated collagen is trapped in the filter, which may be taken for further processing. The isolated collagen can then be combined with a suitable carrier for re-injection to correct various tissue defects such as wrinkles, to form a carrier for the stem cells, a filler, and matrix for new collagen production by injecting into the desired area of the host.

Abstract: Thermostable polysaccharide based lyophilized vaccines are disclosed, particularly polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines and methods for preparation thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, a stabilized vaccine composition consists essentially of at least one polysaccharide-protein conjugate, at least one amorphous excipient, and a buffer component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hemostatic composition in powder form comprising collagen of the fibrillar type comprising a content of fibrous collagen and/or fibrillar collagen of at least 70% by weight relative to the total weight of the collagen, and at least one monosaccharide, and optionally, at least one compound selected from coagulation factors and glycosaminoglycans. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such composition, and to a unit comprising such composition and a spraying device.

Abstract: Multi-layer structures are useful as surgical patches.

Abstract: Effective treatments of pain and/or inflammation are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of at least analgesic and/or at least one anti-inflammatory agent at or near a target site, one can reduce, prevent or treat inflammation and pain.

Abstract: Methods for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising administration of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) based compositions directly to damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue associated with the cardiovascular disorder, and provision of ventricular assistance.

Abstract: Methods for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising administration of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) based compositions directly to damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue associated with the cardiovascular disorder, and provision of ventricular assistance.