Abstract: A substrate surface may be modified with a polymer coating to render the surface suitable for plasma functionalization. The polymer coating is deposited onto the surface at ambient temperature to a thickness of less than 0.1 ?m. The polymer coating includes poly(p-xylylene) or a derivative thereof, and is capable of penetrating into pores of a porous substrate while no substantially altering the porosity of the substrate. The coated substrate is selected from a material lacking a primary or secondary aliphatic hydrogen atom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for extracting an alkaloid. Particularly, the present invention relates to a process for extracting Rauwolscine from plant parts of Rauwolfia genus. Specifically, the present invention relates to a process for extracting Rauwolscine with an enhanced purity i.e. >95%.

Abstract: A substrate surface may be modified with a polymer coating to render the surface suitable for plasma functionalization. The polymer coating is deposited onto the surface at ambient temperature to a thickness of less than 0.1 ?m. The polymer coating includes poly(p-xylylene) or a derivative thereof, and is capable of penetrating into pores of a porous substrate while no substantially altering the porosity of the substrate. The coated substrate is selected from a material lacking a primary or secondary aliphatic hydrogen atom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for extracting an alkaloid. Particularly, the present invention relates to a process for extracting Rauwolscine from plant parts of Rauwolfia genus. Specifically, the present invention relates to a process for extracting Rauwolscine with an enhanced purity i.e. >95%.

Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for the extraction of pygeum from the plant of the family rosacaea, amygdales tribe, genus Prunus species domestica (Indian Prunus) and related species (as herein defined) comprising the steps of collecting the plant material i.e. stem cuttings/twigs, removing the leaves and drying till moisture content is about 10-15%, powdering the stem material, extracting with chlorinated organic solvents and water-alcohol mixture, in ratio of 1:4, filtering and drying the extract under vacuum at 30 degree Celsius to obtain a greenish mass with bitter almond smell, the mass being referred to as ‘pygeum’ wherein in the improved process, a ‘renewable plant source’ i.e. stem cuttings/twigs, are used for extraction of pygeum instead of a ‘non-renewable’ source such as bark of the tree. The pygeum obtained by the new process has a pharmacopeia profile similar to the product ‘pygeum’ obtained from a ‘non-renewable source’ i.e. bark of Pygeum africanum.

Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.

Abstract: Biomarkers are provided that are useful for the detection or diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The biomarkers are also useful for determining whether the ovarian cancer is active, is in remission, or is recurring. Preferred biomarkers for detecting or diagnosing ovarian are provided in Table 1. Exemplary combinations of these biomarkers are described in FIGS. 2-6.

Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for the extraction of pygeum from the plant of the family rosacaea, amygdales tribe, genus Prunus species domestica (Indian Prunus) and related species (as herein defined) comprising the steps of collecting the plant material i.e. stem cuttings/twigs, removing the leaves and drying till moisture content is about 10-15%, powdering the stem material, extracting with chlorinated organic solvents and water-alcohol mixture, in ratio of 1:4, filtering and drying the extract under vacuum at 30 degree Celsius to obtain a greenish mass with bitter almond smell, the mass being referred to as ‘pygeum’ wherein in the improved process, a ‘renewable plant source’ i.e. stem cuttings/twigs, are used for extraction of pygeum instead of a ‘non-renewable’ source such as bark of the tree. The pygeum obtained by the new process has a pharmacopeia profile similar to the product ‘pygeum’ obtained from a ‘non-renewable source’ i.e. bark of Pygeum africanum.

Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for depositing metals, metal blends and alloys onto substrate surfaces, including microporous substrates utilizing a plasma operation undertaken at room temperature. In the process, a liquid solution of a monomer or comonomer precursor having a metallic component is utilized to wet the surface of the substrate, with the solvent portion thereafter being removed to leave the substrate surface coated with a dry deposit. The coated substrate is then introduced into a plasma reaction chamber with RF energy being applied across spaced electrodes to create a plasma glow along with the introduction of a plasma supporting gas. The substrate is exposed to the plasma glow for conversion of the precursor to dissociated form to create a deposit consisting essentially of the metallic component in elemental form as a cohesive film on the substrate surface. Preferred metals include such noble metals as platinum, gold and silver, as well as other metals.