Abstract: This invention relates to methods of identifying, synthesizing, optimizing and profiling compounds that are inhibitors or activators of proteins, both naturally occurring endogenous proteins as well as certain variant forms of endogenous proteins, and novel methods of identifying such variants. The method accelerates the identification and development of compounds as potential therapeutically effective drugs by simplifying the pharmaceutical discovery and creation process through improvements in hit identification, lead optimization, biological profiling, and rapid elimination of toxic compounds. Implementation results in overall cost reductions in the drug discovery process resulting from the corresponding increases in efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates to agents that are inhibitors or activators of variant forms of endogenous proteins and novel methods of identifying such variants. Of particular interest are inhibitors and activators of endogenous protein variants, encoded by genes which have mutated, which variants often arise or are at least first identified as having arisen following exposure to a chemical agent which is known to be an inhibitor or activator of the corresponding unmutated endogenous protein.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include an annuloplasty member having one or more contact points along a portion of the annuloplasty member in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing, spaced relation to the annuloplasty member. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the annuloplasty member to the second anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a syringe body and a plunger. The syringe body defines a volume configured to contain a medicament. A proximal end portion of the syringe body includes an engagement portion, and a distal end portion of the syringe body includes a delivery tip. A side wall of the syringe body includes a transparent window. The plunger has a distal end portion configured to move within the volume of the syringe body to convey the medicament. An engagement portion of the plunger is configured to interface with the engagement portion of the syringe body to limit rotation of the plunger about a longitudinal axis of the plunger. An outer surface of the plunger includes a series of indicia, at least one which is visible through the transparent window.

Abstract: A system for closure of a fascial opening is disclosed. The system may include a first capture device for pulling one end of a suture through fascial tissue on one side of a fascial opening, and a second capture device for pulling an opposing end of the suture through the fascial tissue on an opposite side of the fascial opening. A trapping device for locating and engaging the first capture device can be used, prior to the capture device being pulled through the fascial tissue, so that the trapping device can subsequently pull the suture to facilitate closure of the fascial opening. Methods and apparatuses for closure of a fascial opening are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extraction of implanted articles are disclosed. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a system for extraction of an implanted article that includes an elongated member, guide member disposed at a distal section of the elongated member and having a pathway in substantially parallel relationship to the elongated member, through which pathway an implanted article can be accommodated, and a cutting mechanism, situated between the distal section of the elongated member and the guide member, for severing a fibrous adhesion about the implanted article to allow the implanted article to be extracted.

Abstract: A gas flow alarm includes a main barrel with a proximal end and a distal end. The main barrel defines a gas flow direction from the proximal end to the distal end. A cap is disposed slidingly on the main barrel between a proximal position and a distal position. The proximal position of the cap defines a compressed condition of the gas flow alarm and the distal position of the cap defines an expanded condition of the gas flow alarm. A noise generating device is disposed within the main barrel. The noise generating device is adapted to generate noise from the gas flow when the gas flow alarm is in the expanded condition.

Abstract: A labeling system includes one or more labels, each having a front side and a back side. The front side includes a first indicia of an object such as a medication. The front side and/or the back side includes a second indicia of the object, such as a matrix or linear bar code. The back side has an adhesive on a portion thereof opposite the first indicia. The back side also has an area free of adhesive. The area free of adhesive is aligned with the second indicia.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a syringe body and a plunger. The syringe body defines a volume configured to contain a medicament. A proximal end portion of the syringe body includes an engagement portion, and a distal end portion of the syringe body includes a delivery tip. A side wall of the syringe body includes a transparent window. The plunger has a distal end portion configured to move within the volume of the syringe body to convey the medicament. An engagement portion of the plunger is configured to interface with the engagement portion of the syringe body to limit rotation of the plunger about a longitudinal axis of the plunger. An outer surface of the plunger includes a series of indicia, at least one which is visible through the transparent window.

Abstract: A labeling system includes one or more labels, each having a front side and a back side. The front side includes a first indicia of an object such as a medication. The front side and/or the back side includes a second indicia of the object, such as a matrix or linear bar code. The back side has an adhesive on a portion thereof opposite the first indicia. The back side also has an area free of adhesive. The area free of adhesive is aligned with the second indicia.

Abstract: Endoscopic cannulas and methods of their use are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoscopic cannula may include an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A viewing channel and a working channel may extend through the elongated body. The viewing channel can be configured for passing therethrough an endoscope to the distal end of the elongated body for viewing outside the elongated body, while the working channel can be configured for passing therethrough an injection needle distally of the elongated body. The cannula may also include a suction pod disposed on a bottom surface of the elongated member, the suction pod being in communication with a suction channel extending through the elongated body to create suction between the suction pod and a tissue surface to temporary attach the elongated body to the tissue surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a syringe body and a plunger. The syringe body defines a volume configured to contain a medicament. A proximal end portion of the syringe body includes an engagement portion, and a distal end portion of the syringe body includes a delivery tip. A side wall of the syringe body includes a transparent window. The plunger has a distal end portion configured to move within the volume of the syringe body to convey the medicament. An engagement portion of the plunger is configured to interface with the engagement portion of the syringe body to limit rotation of the plunger about a longitudinal axis of the plunger. An outer surface of the plunger includes a series of indicia, at least one which is visible through the transparent window.

Abstract: The present invention provides bariatric therapy systems. One system includes a gastrointestinal implant device and a delivery mechanism therefor. The device can include a sleeve for placement into a small intestine and to minimize absorption of nutrients by its walls. An anchoring mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the sleeve and designed to be secured within the stomach can be provided. A passageway extending through the anchoring mechanism and the sleeve can also be provided, along which food can be directed from the stomach to the small intestine. The delivery mechanism can include a housing for accommodating the device, and a deploying balloon situated within the housing and which can be actuated to direct the sleeve of the device from within the housing to the site of implantation. Methods for providing bariatric therapy are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include a first anchor having one or more contact points along a portion of the first anchor in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing relation to the first anchor. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the first anchor to the second anchor.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of identifying, synthesizing, optimizing and profiling compounds that are inhibitors or activators of proteins, both naturally occurring endogenous proteins as well as certain variant forms of endogenous proteins, and novel methods of identifying such variants. The method accelerates the identification and development of compounds as potential therapeutically effective drugs by simplifying the pharmaceutical discovery and creation process through improvements in hit identification, lead optimization, biological profiling, and rapid elimination of toxic compounds. Implementation results in overall cost reductions in the drug discovery process resulting from the corresponding increases in efficiency.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include an annuloplasty member having one or more contact points along a portion of the annuloplasty member in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing, spaced relation to the annuloplasty member. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the annuloplasty member to the second anchor.

Abstract: A system for closure of a fascial opening is disclosed. The system may include a first capture device for pulling one end of a suture through fascial tissue on one side of a fascial opening, and a second capture device for pulling an opposing end of the suture through the fascial tissue on an opposite side of the fascial opening. A trapping device for locating and engaging the first capture device can be used, prior to the capture device being pulled through the fascial tissue, so that the trapping device can subsequently pull the suture to facilitate closure of the fascial opening. Methods and apparatuses for closure of a fascial opening are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system allows for rapid intraosseous delivery of fluids from a fluid reservoir via an intraosseous port having a tip disposed within the bone marrow of a patient. The system includes a housing with a chamber and a plunger. An actuator is moveable between first and second positions to move the plunger between the distal and proximal positions. A valve housing includes a first one-way valve fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a second one-way valve fluidly coupled to the intraosseous port. The valves of the valve housing are oriented such that movement of the actuator from the first to the second position moves the plunger from the distal to the proximal position, drawing fluid from the fluid reservoir through the first valve and into the chamber. Movement of the actuator from the second to the first position moves the plunger from the proximal to the distal position, driving fluid from the chamber through the port and second valve and through the intraosseous port.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a general method for the chronic treatment, potential cure, or prevention of various metabolic and related diseases in people, including diabetes, by modulating IRS2 activity in cells and tissues in the body. IRS1 and IRS2 are part of the insulin or insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway. By upregulating the levels or functional activity of IRS2, insulin is used more efficiently by the body to control nutrient levels. By upregulating IRS2 levels or functional activity in pancreatic ?-cells, glucose sensing and insulin secretion are enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-way valve case that has a top member, bottom member, closure member, three openings, and a hinge allowing the case to be opened and closed. The case may be adapted to receive a three-way valve. Apart from a case adapted to receive a three-way valve, a three-way valve case apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a three-way valve having three ports, a base, and an operator; and a case having a top member, bottom member, hinge, openings to receive the ports of the valve, and a closure member to support the closed state of the case.