Abstract: Compounds, such as cathinone derivatives, and pharmaceutical formulations that include the compounds. The compounds may have a first selectivity for a first receptor subtype that is at least 10 times greater than a second selectivity for a second receptor subtype from the same class of receptors. Methods of treating patients, which may include administering to a patient a pharmaceutical formulation that includes a compound, such as a cathinone derivative.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one microneedle containing a vaccine for transdermal delivery of the vaccine to a patient includes preparing microparticles or nanoparticles of encapsulated vaccine by preparing a solution comprising a vaccine antigen and a biocompatible polymer matrix; and spray drying the solution to form the microparticles or nanoparticles. The method includes the further steps of preparing a film composition including at least one pre-polymer solution; preparing a suspension comprising the microparticles or nanoparticles and the film composition; loading the suspension into a 3D printer; printing, via the 3D printer, at least one microneedle made from the suspension; and, converting the pre-polymer solution into a cross-linked biopolymer by exposing the at least one microneedle to UV light. Also disclosed are microneedles containing a vaccine for transdermal delivery.

Abstract: An oral dissolving film containing nano- or micro-encapsulated bioactive material and methods of forming the film. The film may be prepared by dispensing a mixture of a film-forming agent, a crosslinking agent, a solution of nano- or micro-encapsulated bioactive material, and a photoinitiator into a plurality of wells in a tray using a 3D printer. The dispensed material is exposed to radiation in order to crosslink the material and form a film.

Abstract: Mercury capture systems are disclosed. Methods of making and using mercury capture systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming microspheres containing bioactive material, comprising dissolving a polymer matrix, such as albumin or beta-cyclodextrin, in an aqueous medium in a first vessel; contacting the dissolved polymer matrix with a crosslinking agent, such as glutaraldehyde, to crosslink the polymer matrix and the crosslinking agent; neutralizing with sodium bisulfate any excess crosslinking agent remaining after crosslinking is substantially complete; solubilizing in a second vessel a bioactive material in an aqueous solution; mixing the solubilized bioactive material together with the neutralized crosslinked polymer matrix in solution to form a mixture; and, spray drying the mixture to produce nanospheres, whereby substantial bioactivity of the biomaterial is retained upon cellular uptake.

Abstract: A method for forming microspheres containing bioactive material, comprising dissolving a polymer matrix, such as albumin or beta-cyclodextrin, in an aqueous medium in a first vessel; contacting the dissolved polymer matrix with a crosslinking agent, such as glutaraldehyde, to crosslink the polymer matrix and the crosslinking agent; neutralizing with sodium bisulfate any excess crosslinking agent remaining after crosslinking is substantially complete; solubilizing in a second vessel a bioactive material in an aqueous solution; mixing the solubilized bioactive material together with the neutralized crosslinked polymer matrix in solution to form a mixture; and, spray drying the mixture to produce nanospheres, whereby substantial bioactivity of the biomaterial is retained upon cellular uptake.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery system of microneedles containing a bioactive material, comprising at least one layer of a support material; at least one biodegradable needle associated with the support material, each needle comprising at least one biodegradable polymer and at least one sugar, wherein each biodegradable needle is hollow and is adapted to retain a bioactive material.

Abstract: A method of transdermal delivery of a vaccine, comprising preparing microparticles of encapsulated vaccine by spray drying a mixture of the vaccine and at least one polymer, and injecting the microparticles transdermally using a microneedle delivery apparatus.

Abstract: Provided are alternative splicing constructs and methods for their use. In particular, CD44 based alternative splicing constructs are provided that include CD44 exon 5. These alternative splicing constructs are useful in high-throughput assays for testing the effects of compounds on splicing and for achieving targeted cell death.

Abstract: A method for forming microspheres containing bioactive material, comprising dissolving a polymer matrix, such as albumin or beta-cyclodextrin, in an aqueous medium in a first vessel; contacting the dissolved polymer matrix with a crosslinking agent, such as glutaraldehyde, to crosslink the polymer matrix and the crosslinking agent; neutralizing with sodium bisulfate any excess crosslinking agent remaining after crosslinking is substantially complete; solubilizing in a second vessel a bioactive material in an aqueous solution; mixing the solubilized bioactive material together with the neutralized crosslinked polymer matrix in solution to form a mixture; and, spray drying the mixture to produce nanospheres, whereby substantial bioactivity of the biomaterial is retained upon cellular uptake.

Abstract: Inhalation airflow regulation devices and inhalers are disclosed. Methods of making and using inhalation airflow regulation devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices containing an artificial foot are disclosed. Methods of making and using prosthetic devices containing an artificial foot are also disclosed. The artificial foot may be in the form of a thermoformed foot member having at least one foot member curved section between a foot member first end and a foot member second end opposite the foot member first end such that (a) a first portion of a foot member inner surface overlaps and faces a second portion of the foot member inner surface, (b) a foot member second end surface is positioned (i) between and connecting a foot member outer surface and the foot member inner surface to one another and (ii) over and facing the foot member second end surface along the at least one foot member curved section.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for health related inquires, such as inquiries for information about a drug, disease, or other condition, to be received and responses to the inquiries to be delivered to the requester. The inquiries may be submitted electronically and the response may likewise be returned electronically. It may be determined whether the requester is a healthcare provider or a patient and the formulation of the response proceeds based on which type of requester submitted the inquiry. Delivery characteristics may be specified for the inquiry such as the delivery type and a timeframe for delivery. An account may be provided for requesters to provide information including a default delivery type and credentials to establish the requester type. Additional features may be provided including newsfeed subscriptions related to the inquiry to provide ongoing information subsequent to the submission of the inquiry.

Abstract: Compositions containing a reaction product of gellan gum and polyethylene glycol are disclosed. Methods of making controlled-release gellan gum nanoparticles and methods of using controlled-release gellan gum nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Symmetrical differential capacitive sensors are disclosed. Methods of making and using symmetrical differential capacitive sensors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming microspheres containing bioactive material, comprising dissolving a polymer matrix, such as albumin or beta-cyclodextrin, in an aqueous medium in a first vessel; contacting the dissolved polymer matrix with a crosslinking agent, such as glutaraldehyde, to crosslink the polymer matrix and the crosslinking agent; neutralizing with sodium bisulfate any excess crosslinking agent remaining after crosslinking is substantially complete; solubilizing in a second vessel a bioactive material in an aqueous solution; mixing the solubilized bioactive material together with the neutralized crosslinked polymer matrix in solution to form a mixture; and, spray drying the mixture to produce nanospheres, whereby substantial bioactivity of the biomaterial is retained upon cellular uptake.

Abstract: A method of forming microspheres of a bioactive material, such as a protein polymer or drug by nebulizing a solubilized form of a material to be encapsulated and an encapsulating material, such as albumin, in a stirred chilled solvent system comprising a vegetable oil, mineral oil and/or a lower alcohol such that the formed microspheres demonstrate intracellular bioactivity when taken up by macrophages.

Abstract: A method of forming microspheres of a bioactive material, such as a protein polymer or drug by nebulizing a solubilized form of a material to be encapsulated and an encapsulating material, such as albumin, in a stirred chilled solvent system comprising a vegetable oil, mineral oil and/or a lower alcohol such that the formed microspheres demonstrate intracellular bioactivity when taken up by macrophages.