Abstract: An electronic gas blender system includes a pressurized oxygen supply connected in-line to a first proportional valve, a first check valve and a first flow sensor by a first circuit of gas lines, a pressurized air supply connected in-line to a second proportional valve, a second check valve and a second flow sensor by a second circuit of gas lines, and a port disposed between the second check valve and the second flow sensor on the second circuit of gas lines for providing airflow access to a low pressure source. The port includes a plug configured to open and close the airflow access, and a control module is electrically coupled to the first proportional valve, the first flow sensor, the second proportional valve, and the second flow sensor. The electronic gas blender system can be used to blend two high pressure gas sources under dynamic control or one high pressure and one zero or low pressure gas flow source through a slave/master relationship.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an inspirable gas for delivery to a patient is disclosed that includes a branched breathing circuit having a first branch conduit and a second branch conduit. The first branch conduit is fluidly connected to a first gas source and the second branch conduit is fluidly connected to a second gas source, and the first and second branch conduits merge into a patient delivery conduit. The system includes a first flow sensor in the first branch conduit, a second flow sensor in the second branch conduit, and a third flow sensor in the patient delivery conduit. A control unit is electrically coupled to the first, second and third flow sensors. The control unit is configured to determine a blend of gas in the patient delivery circuit based on a measured flow from the third flow sensor and a measured flow from at least one of the first and second flow sensors. A method for monitoring an inspired gas concentration in a branched breathing circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling or electing the harshness of inhaled nicotine powder formulations is described. The method includes the steps of identifying a concentration of nicotine for a subject to inhale to achieve a desired level of harshness per inhalation, identifying the total dose of nicotine to be inhaled by the subject, and providing the subject with an amount of a formulation comprising nicotine particles having the identified concentration of nicotine, such that the total amount of nicotine particles in the formulation equals the total dose of nicotine.

Abstract: A method of reducing nicotine cravings is described. The method includes inhalation of a dry powder formulation containing a dose of nicotine by a subject seeking nicotine cravings reduction. The formulation includes amounts and concentrations of nicotine that are significantly lower than cigarettes or nicotine replacement therapies.

Abstract: The present invention provides dry powder formulations comprising nicotine, methods of using the same, and methods for making the same. The dry powder formulations may further comprise excipients, therapeutic agents, and flavor components. The dry powder formulations may be manufactured by dry processes and wet processes.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of treating a subject diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, but not having a pathological bacterial colonization in either lung. The method includes administering gaseous nitric oxide at a concentration of between about 40 ppm and about 400 ppm to the subject's lungs wherein said nitric oxide is administered by inhalation, and further wherein said nitric oxide induces conformational change in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the cells of the lung of the subject. Another aspect of the invention provides a kit comprising: an apparatus for administering gaseous nitric oxide to a subject and instructions for administering the gaseous nitric oxide according to one or more of the methods described herein.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient having a lung condition that includes identifying a target haemoglobin-carbon monoxide level in the blood of the patient. The method also includes administering, to the patient, carbon monoxide at a first concentration for an initial time period, and measuring the haemoglobin-carbon monoxide level in the blood of the patient. The method also includes calculating, based on the measured haemoglobin-carbon monoxide level and the target haemoglobin-carbon monoxide level, a dose of carbon monoxide required to attain the target haemoglobin-carbon monoxide level within a determined time period. The method also includes administering, to the patient, the calculated dose of carbon monoxide for the determined time period to attain the target haemoglobin-carbon monoxide level in the blood of the patient.

Abstract: A spirometry coaching system and method is described. The system includes a spirometer comprising at least one detection element, a patient interactive display, and a control unit communicatively connected to the detection element and the patient interactive display, wherein the control unit directs an audio and visual presentation of at least one test instruction on the patient interactive display, and wherein the control unit directs an audio and visual presentation of at least one test result on the patient interactive display based on a measurement received from the at least one detection element.

Abstract: An animal intranasal administration device, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. The animal intranasal administration device can include a nasal passage nozzle for each nostril configured to receive fluid from a fluid source. The animal intranasal administration device can also include a biasing mechanism to bias the nozzles toward a septum such that the device is secured in place about the septum during administration of the fluid into nasal passages.

Abstract: This invention relates to nicotine microparticles formulations made with the help of a diketopiperazine compound, in particular fumaryl diketopiperazine (FDKP). The invention relates to the various types of microparticles that can be made, in particular nicotine-coated and nicotine-loaded microparticles. The invention further relates to the various methods that can be used in making the microparticles. One particular method involves making FDKP microparticles which are further surface-coated with nicotine. Another particular method involves mixing nicotine with FDKP2? and/or FDKP and then forming microparticles which contain nicotine throughout their volume. The invention also relates to the use of this microparticles in tobacco related therapies, such as tobacco replacement or tobacco withdrawal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treatment by delivering nitric oxide at a pressure greater than 1 atmosphere (atm) to a subject in need thereof. Thus, the present invention provides an improved method of treating the skin surface of a subject, and below the skin surface of a subject.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus used in medical fluid sampling. The apparatus includes a valve assembly, first and second ports, and a cap. The valve assembly comprises a body rotatably assembled to a housing and defining a passageway and at least two recesses defined by an interior surface of the housing and the body which is formed separate from the passageway. The ports extend from the housing and are configured for connection to medical devices. The valve assembly is operable to interchangeably align the passageway and the recesses with the ports. Finally, the cap is connected to the housing, and forms an opening for coupling to a specimen container.

Abstract: A bruxism guard is described. The bruxism guard includes a first U shaped tray having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface including a trough with a dental insert positioned therein, wherein the dental insert substantially conforms to a full arch of a subject's teeth, and a second U shaped tray having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface including a trough with a dental insert positioned therein, wherein the dental insert substantially conforms to a only a partial arch of the subject's teeth, wherein the bottom surfaces of the first and second trays oppose each other when positioned within the subject's mouth. Also described is a bruxism guard having a removable T-Bar that permits the bruxism guard to be interlocked in at least four different configurations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treatment by delivering nitric oxide at a pressure greater than 1 atmosphere (atm) to a subject in need thereof. Thus, the present invention provides an improved method of treating the skin surface of a subject, and below the skin surface of a subject.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for treating a respiratory condition using gNO delivered from a nitric oxide releasing solution (NORS) are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, the respiratory condition may be bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDc).

Abstract: An adapter assembly including a manifold and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a seat and a valve body having a circular base and a wall. The wall extends from a trailing side of the base to form a dome-like shape terminating at an end at which a slit is formed, with the wall defining opposing sealing edges at the slit. The seat has an upper circumferential surface and a lower circumferential surface. The upper surface engages a leading side of the base, whereas the lower surface engages a trailing side. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces forms a segment of increased height. Upon final assembly, the valve body is disposed across a passageway of the manifold, with the slit providing a selectively openable path. A force imparted by the segment of increased height flexes the base and biases the sealing edges into engagement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid nitric oxide releasing solution (NORS) comprised of at least one nitric oxide releasing compound and at least one acidifying agent, wherein the NORS provides an extended release of a therapeutically effective amount of nitric oxide gas (gNO). The present invention also relates to a liquid NORS comprised of at least one nitrite compound having a concentration of no greater than about 0.5% w/v and at least one acidifying agent, wherein the NORS releases a therapeutically effective amount of gNO. The present invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a wound in a human, the method comprising administering to the human a liquid NORS comprised of at least one nitric oxide releasing compound and at least one acidifying agent, wherein the NORS provides an extended release of a therapeutically effective amount of gNO.

Abstract: The present invention provides for systems and methods for inhaled CO therapy to prevent, attenuate, or delay processes that accelerate the loss of organ or tissue function, thereby increasing the lifespan of transplanted organs or tissues, or slowing the decline of native organs or tissues, or delaying the need for replacement of diseased native organs with organ transplants. Such biological processes that are prevented, attenuated, or delayed include chronic persistent inflammation, fibrosis, scarring, as well as immunologic or autoimmune attack.

Abstract: A method and corresponding device are described for combating microbes and infections by delivering intermittent high doses of nitric oxide to a mammal for a period of time and which cycles between high and low concentration of nitric oxide gas. The high concentration of nitric oxide is preferably delivered intermittently for brief periods of time that are interspersed with periods of time with either no nitric oxide delivery or lower concentrations of nitric oxide. The method is advantageous because at higher concentration, nitric oxide gas overwhelms the defense mechanism of pathogens that use the mammalian body to replenish their thiol defense system. A lower dose or concentration of nitric oxide gas delivered in between the bursts of high concentration nitric oxide maintains nitrosative stress pressure on the pathogens and also reduces the risk of toxicity of nitric oxide gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for administering high concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient without the need to provide supplemental oxygen to the patient. The systems and methods can be used to administer high therapeutic amounts of NO gas, for example a gas comprising 160 ppm NO, while forming little or no residual nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The method is based on using a NO gas source with a relatively high NO concentration, for example 5,000 ppm, while rapidly mixing the gas from the NO gas source with air immediately prior to administering the gas to a patient.