Abstract: A metformin-cysteine prodrug. It is believed that the prodrug of the present invention will transport in the LAT1 and LAT2 transporter system. Because the LAT1 and LAT2 transporters are important and effective transporters of amino acids in both the small intestine and colon, it is believed that the LAT-transportable prodrugs of the present invention will be effectively absorbed both in small intestine and in the colon. The increased absorption window provided by the present invention should result in highly sustained plasma concentrations of metformin, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the medication and allowing for a single daily dose.

Abstract: Co-administration of an effective amount of autoantigen and UV light to mucosal associated lymphatic tissue (MALT) in a patient.

Abstract: A shunt system includes a first catheter and a second catheter, each having a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one opening adjacent to its distal end. A proximal end of a drainage catheter is in fluid communication with the proximal end of the first catheter and the proximal end of the second catheter. A first one-way valve is disposed in fluid communication with the first catheter between its proximal end and its at least one opening. The first one-way valve effectively blocks fluid flow from the proximal end to the at least one opening. A second one-way valve is disposed in fluid communication with the second catheter between its proximal end and its at least one opening. The second one-way valve effectively blocks fluid flow from the proximal end to the at least one opening.

Abstract: A biomedical implantable shunt is provided having an enlarged generally circular pump body and a perforated distal and proximal catheter attached to said body. The catheters are intended to have excess length so they can be cut to proper length as necessary to fit a specific patient. The pump body includes a vestibule at the outlet end directly connected to the distal catheter. A pair of one-way miter valves are provided within the pump body. The inlet valve is directly connected to the entrance provided for the proximal catheter while the outlet valve is positioned within the vestibule which is connected to the distal catheter. A longitudinal ridge is provided in the base member of the pump body with one end of the ridge positioned directly under the inlet valve to eliminate the possibility of the valve becoming sealed in the closed position during the pumping operation.

Abstract: A container for a plurality of surgical patties having a recess for receiving a number of surgical patties and a plurality of count slots for receiving locating strings attached to the patties so that each pattie may be readily counted by surgical personnel. Additional slots are provided so that the locating strings can be wound back across the pattie recess to hold the patties in the recess during shipping. Wetting fluid may be introduced into the recesses to wet the patties before they are used in the body. If a plurality of pattie recesses are used, channel recesses are provided to provide fluid communication between the pattie recesses to that wetting fluid may be distributed among the multiple recesses.