Abstract: The present invention encompasses IL-18 binding proteins, particularly antibodies that bind human interleukin-18 (hIL-18). Specifically, the invention relates to antibodies that are entirely human antibodies. Preferred antibodies have high affinity for hIL-18 and/or that neutralize hIL-18 activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Method of making and method of using the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hIL-18 and for inhibiting hIL-1 activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hIL-18 activity is detrimental.

Abstract: The present invention relates to guanidine compounds of the general formula I corresponding enantiomeric, diastereomeric and/or tautomeric forms thereof as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The present compound further relates to the use of guanidine compounds as binding partners for 5-HT5 receptors for the treatment of diseases which are modulated by a 5-HT5 receptor activity, in particular for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders as well as the associated signs, symptoms and dysfunctions.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that may be used in the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. In particular, the present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies referred to as 10F4 and 3C5 and to other monoclonal antibodies (e.g., murine, human or humanized) having similar properties thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoeximic solid dosage forms for administering pharmaceutical agents, particularly Hydrocodone and acetaminophen, methods for preparing said dosage forms, and methods for providing therapeutic agents to patients in need of treatment.

Abstract: A method of making a stent delivery system is provided in which a delivery catheter has a balloon that extends non-uniformly into interstices of a stent. In accordance with the method a balloon/stent/crimping tube assembly is placed in a crimping tool, the balloon is inflated, and the crimping tool is actuated to compress the stent on the outside of the balloon without application of heat or chemicals, thereby causing creases of the balloon to extend non-uniformly into the interstices of the stent. Optionally, pillows may be formed in the balloon to prevent longitudinal movement of the stent with respect to the balloon during intravascular delivery. One or more secondary crimpings also may be performed to achieve a smoother delivery profile.

Abstract: Superelastic and/or shape memory nickel-titanium alloys having an increased fatigue life that is superior to known nickel-titanium alloys are disclosed. The nickel-titanium alloys have a minimum fatigue life that may be at least about 10 million strain cycles at a strain greater than about 0.75%. The minimum fatigue life may be due, at least in part, to the nickel-titanium alloy having at least one of an oxygen concentration of less than about 200 ppm, a carbon concentration of less than about 200 ppm, the absence of oxide-based and/or carbide-based inclusions having a size greater than about 5 microns (?m), the presence of an R-phase, or combinations of the foregoing. Articles manufactured from such fatigue-resistant nickel-titanium alloys can be more durable because they are more resistant to repetitive strain and crack propagation.

Abstract: Buccal aerosol sprays or capsules using polar and non-polar solvent have now been developed which provide biologically active compounds for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; formulation II: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, optionally flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation III: non-polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; and formulation IV: non-polar solvent, active compound, optional flavoring agent, and propellant.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic protein family members, compositions containing the compounds and uses of the compounds for preparing medicaments for treating diseases during which occurs expression one or more than one of an anti-apoptotic protein family member.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases during which is expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An inflatable member is disposed adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The inflatable member has an inner inflatable member and an outer inflatable member disposed around the inner inflatable member. The inflatable members have different compliant properties.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for carrying out Romanowsky-type stains, specifically Wright-Giemsa and May-Grúnwald stains, quickly and efficiently. The methods greatly reduce the overall amount of time required to complete a Wright-Giemsa stain or a May-Grúnwald stain of sufficient quality on a biological sample. The subject methods can be applied to both manual and automated staining procedures.

Abstract: A blood sample apparatus includes a blood sample tube, a cap, and an indicator. The blood sample tube has an exterior surface, an inner cavity disposed within the exterior surface, and an open end. The cap closes the open end of the blood sample tube. The inner cavity is under a vacuum-seal or connected to a suction device for drawing a blood sample into the inner cavity. The indicator is attached to or includes a portion of the blood sample tube for indicating a type, or lack thereof, of blood additive disposed within the inner cavity. When the cap is removed from the open end of the blood sample tube the indicator remains attached to or still includes the portion of the blood sample tube. If the indicator is a label it extends around at least half of a perimeter of the blood sample tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to assays for the detection of viral infection and/or prognosis of viral infection and associated disease states. In particular, the invention relates to directly labeled viral-related nucleic acids having significant diagnostic, prognostic, and screening utilities and methods of using the same.

Abstract: An automated smear making apparatus used to prepare and smear samples on glass slides. In one embodiment, there is provided a smearing subsystem that generally includes a smear cartridge having: an input reel; at least one roll bar; a take-up reel; and a smearing tape. The smearing tape is initially wound within the input reel and coupled to the take-up reel such that the smearing tape can be drawn from the input reel and into the take-up reel. The smearing tape may include a plurality of perforations formed therein. The smearing tape may then be wrapped around the roll bar such that each of the plurality of perforations forms a blade that extends from the smearing tape to expose a smear surface as the smearing tape is drawn into the take-up reel. Alternatively, the smearing tape may be bent such that an edge of the smearing tape forms a smear surface between two roll bars. A slide transport surface is also provided to move a slide across the smear surface.

Abstract: A hematology instrument with liquid level detection for liquid in a container is provided. The hematology instrument includes a probe disposed next to a container site. The probe is displaceable relative to the container site to enter a container when positioned at the container site. Further, the probe is electrically grounded. The hematology instrument includes a capacitive sensor having at least one capacitive electrode disposed next to the container site. The capacitive sensor also has a detection module to detect capacitive changes at the at least one capacitive electrode when the probe contacts liquid in the container. The hematology instrument also includes a calibration module configured to calibrate the capacitive sensor a plurality of times as the probe displaces relative to the container site to enter the container. Kits and methods related thereto are also provided.

Abstract: Herein is provided a simple, reliable and accurate method for cellular analysis on hematology analyzers. In various aspects, the methods provide separation and/or differentiation between red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) by utilizing a fluorescent dye to selectively stain WBCs such that they emit stronger fluorescence signals. The method provides optimal detection limits on WBCs and RBCs, thereby allowing analysis of samples with sparse cellular concentrations. As few as one reagent may be used to prepare a single dilution for body fluid analysis, in order to simplify the body fluid analysis. Minimal damage to WBCs is attained using the lysis-free approach described in aspects of the disclosure.

Abstract: The present application relates to isolated proteins, particularly monoclonal antibodies, in particular CDR-grafted, humanized antibodies which bind to RAGE protein. Specifically, these antibodies have the ability to inhibit the binding of RAGE to its various ligands. The antibodies or portions thereof of described in the present application are useful for treating a disease or disorder characterized by or induced by pathophysiological ligands of RAGE, for example missfolded proteins like amyloid ? and advanced glycation-end-products.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of the PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. As described in greater detail below, the suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by a pair of needles that penetrate the tissue adjacent to the opening. A knot is then loosely tied with the length of suture and advanced to the site of the PFO. The tails of the suture extending from the knot are then cut and removed. It is also contemplated that a pre-formed or pre-tied knot may be disposed on the device, wherein after deployment of the suture through the tissue adjacent to the PFO and removal of the device a loop of suture having a pre-tied knot will remain, wherein the pre-tied knot may then be tightened to close the PFO. Further still it is contemplated that other means may be utilized to retain the sutures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel monoclonal antibodies which may be used in the detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). These antibodies exhibit an unusually high degree of sensitivity, a remarkably broad range of specificity, and bind to novel shared, non-cross-reactive epitopes. In particular, the monoclonal antibodies of the present invention may be utilized to detect HIV-1 antigen and HIV-2 core antigen in a patient sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are configured to coat a medical device, such as a stent, with a beneficial medicinal agent using one or more liquid feeds and one or more micromist nozzles. In one implementation, an agent coating rig includes a vertical adjustment means, a rotation means, and a traverse adjustment means for moving a medical device along virtually any point on an x or y axis. In additional or alternative implementations, the agent coating rig can further include a secondary horizontal adjustment means that allows adjustment along virtually any point on a z axis. Furthermore, methods and apparatus are provided for distributing the beneficial agent on the medical device, including delivering the beneficial agent efficiently over time.