Abstract: Devices and methods for inserting a pre-loaded intracanalicular plug for the treatment of dry eyes. In one embodiment, an intracanalicular plug inserter device includes: (a) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, the body having: an inserter end, wherein the inserter end has an opening therein; and a distal end, wherein the distal end is longitudinally opposing the inserter end; and (b) a plug ejector, wherein the plug injector comprises: a slider; and a rod coupled to a first end of the slider, wherein the plug ejector is configured to be moveable between a first position adjacent an opening in the inserter end and a second position that is further from the opening. The plug is mounted within the body and abuts first end of the rod adjacent the opening in the inserter end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of dry eyes by providing a single apparatus for measuring the diameter of the lacrimal punctum and, based on the measured punctal diameter, inserting therein an appropriately sized punctum plug.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of dry eyes by providing a single apparatus for measuring the diameter of the lacrimal punctum and, based on the measured punctal diameter, inserting therein an appropriately sized punctum plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a talus component for a multipart ankle joint prosthesis, which talus component has a bottom side facing the osseous talus after implantation, and is characterized in that the bottom side facing the osseous talus is configured as a concave spherical segment.

Abstract: Alpha 1-antitrypsin is prepared by growing in a fermentor methylotropic yeast transformants containing in their genome at least one copy of DNA encoding alpha 1-antitrypsin, in operational linkage with DNA encoding a signal sequence, which is effective for directing secretion of proteins from the host cells, DNA constructs and recombinant yeast strains used for the expression and secretion of alpha 1-antritrypsin are also provided. The fermentation medium requires a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The fermentation is at a pH between 5 and 6.8.

Abstract: A punctum plug includes a distal tip, a proximal cap and a body connecting the tip to the cap. The cap has a proximal surface which remains exposed in the eye upon implantation of the punctum plug. A passage for an insertion tool extends distally in the punctum plug from an opening along the proximal surface. One or more recesses in the proximal surface collect tear fluid by surface tension, and each recess is laterally offset in its entirety from the opening and does not overlap or align with the opening. The number of recesses is indicative of the size of the punctum plug. A method of punctal occlusion involves collecting tear fluid in the one or more recesses and adhering the tear fluid in the one or more recesses by surface tension.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for healing burns and wounds in mammals, which contains a cromolyn compound or the combination of a cromolyn compound and hyaluronic acid a corticosteroid. Advantageously, elements found in amniotic fluid are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the treatment of a patient suffering from a collagen related disease utilizing a serine protease inhibitor. The treatment includes the use of a corticosteroid that is administered separately or in combination. The serine proteases preferred are alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 2-macroglobulin and secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the treatment of an individual suffering from lupus erythematosus utilizing a serine protease inhibitor. The treatment includes the use of a corticosteroid that is administered separately or in combination. The serine proteases preferred are alpha 1-antitrypsin, secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor, alpha 2-macroglobulin or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and composition for treating eye and ear inflammation and eye and ear infections. The compositions contain a cromolyn compound alone or in combination with a corticosteroid. A steroidal antiphlogistic compound, a non-steroidal antiphlogistic compound and optionally hyaluronic acid may be added.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the treatment of an individual suffering from infections from herpes virus or human papilloma virus by utilizing a cromolyn compound. The treatment includes the use of a corticosteroid or L-lysine that can be administered separately or in combination.

Abstract: A lubricating composition for use in mucosal areas is provided to enhance sexual performance. The composition contains combination of a compound which enhances blood circulation to body parts and/or increase nitrous oxide levels at the site of administration together with a compound which can generate heat without any substantial irritation or create the feel of heat in a lubrication base. Preferably, the composition is homeopatic.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions and methods are provided for revitalizing the skin especially where it is placed in an environment that can cause injury to the skin. The compositions contain an effective amount of cromolyn compounds to provide a prophylactic or repairing effect.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for healing burns and wounds in mammals which contains the combination of hyaluronic acid and a serine protease inhibitor. Advantageously, elements found in amniotic fluid are also included.

Abstract: A cat litter composition is provided which contains on the litter particles an antimicrobial composition, which is the admixture of a diquat, a polycarboxylic acid, at least one phenol compound and a carrier, which is water or alcohol-water.

Abstract: A peristaltic infusion pump. According to one embodiment, the pump comprises a tubing set and a pump adapted to receive the tubing set. The tubing set includes an elbow with indicating tabs for indicating the size of the tubing set. The pump determines the size of the tubing set from the indicating tabs on the tubing set.

Abstract: A device for transverse spinal connection, comprises a transverse bar (4) secured to at least one spinal osteosynthesis rod (2) with a connecting/blocking member (5) between the transverse bar and the osteosynthesis rod. The transverse bar and osteosynthesis rod are adapted to be connected to each other in situ by the connection/blocking device which is constituted of a first part (6) in the shape of a jaw (8), provided with a passage (10) for the transverse bar (4) and a blocking screw (22) adapted to project into the passage. The connecting/blocking device also includes a second part (7) in the form of an oppositely directed jaw (18) pivoted on the first part (6). The bar (4) in place in the passage (10) being adapted, during screwing in of the screw (22), to come to bear both against the first part (6) and against the second part (7) and to cause the two jaws (8, 18) to move toward each other.