Abstract: An assay measuring protease mediated degradation of type IV collagen and its biomarker potential for identifying cancer patients with a T-cell permissive tumor microenvironment is described.

Abstract: A portable demountable canopy system is provided including a canopy defined by a rim arranged around an outer periphery of the canopy, the rim forming an open area, and a rollable membrane deployed across the open area; a plurality of poles being attached to the canopy; and counterweight elements present in an amount at least equal to an amount of the poles, each of the counterweight elements along outer sides thereof fitted with at least two fastening elements for receiving a lower end of each pole. Also disclosed is a kit with parts for assembling the system.

Abstract: A portable demountable canopy system is provided including a canopy defined by a rim arranged around an outer periphery of the canopy, the rim forming an open area, and a rollable membrane deployed across the open area; a plurality of poles being attached to the canopy; and counterweight elements present in an amount at least equal to an amount of the poles, each of the counterweight elements along outer sides thereof fitted with at least two fastening elements for receiving a lower end of each pole. Also disclosed is a kit with parts for assembling the system.

Abstract: Method, composition, kit and system for isolating amplifiable nucleic acid from specimens preserved in a liquid-based cytology preservative that contains formaldehyde. The technique relies on the use of 2-imidazolidone and a protease enzyme, such as proteinase K, at elevated temperatures. Advantageously, RNA can be isolated and used as a template in nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: Puck and collar alignment device embodiments facilitate simultaneous insertion of free end portions of screw shafts into open end portions of complementary drive couplings. The embodiments have alignment keys that correct deviations in alignment and rotation introduced while moving the screw shafts though a barrel of an extruder. Tapered front faces of the alignment keys incrementally adjust coaxial alignment, and tapered side faces of the alignment keys incrementally adjust rotational position cooperatively between the alignment devices and drive couplings. The coaxial and rotational position adjustments cooperate to simultaneously guide multiple alignment keys to fit within corresponding keyway sections while providing alignment of external splines on the screw shafts to interlock in a timed relationship with internal splines on the drive couplings during the simultaneous insertion.

Abstract: Puck and collar alignment device embodiments facilitate simultaneous insertion of free end portions of screw shafts into open end portions of complementary drive couplings. The embodiments have alignment keys that correct deviations in alignment and rotation introduced while moving the screw shafts though a barrel of an extruder. Tapered front faces of the alignment keys incrementally adjust coaxial alignment, and tapered side faces of the alignment keys incrementally adjust rotational position cooperatively between the alignment devices and drive couplings. The coaxial and rotational position adjustments cooperate to simultaneously guide multiple alignment keys to fit within corresponding keyway sections while providing alignment of external splines on the screw shafts to interlock in a timed relationship with internal splines on the drive couplings during the simultaneous insertion.

Abstract: Method, composition, kit and system for isolating amplifiable nucleic acid from specimens preserved in a liquid-based cytology preservative that contains formaldehyde. The technique relies on the use of 2-imidazolidone and a protease enzyme, such as proteinase K, at elevated temperatures. Advantageously, RNA can be isolated and used as a template in nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for controlled release of an active substance is provided. The active substance is released into an aqueous medium by erosion of at least one surface of the composition. The composition comprises i) a matrix comprising a) polymer or a mixture of polymers, b) an active substance and, optionally, c) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, and ii) a coating.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for controlled release of an active substance, the composition being a matrix composition of: (a) a substantially water soluble or crystalline polymer, (b) an active substance, and optionally, (c) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients having a water solubility of at least 1 mg/ml at ambient temperature. The matrix composition does not contain a water dispersible or water soluble surface active agent that has at least one domain, which is compatible with the polymer in the matrix composition, and which substantially eliminates water diffusion between the interface between the polymer crystals.

Abstract: A controlled release pharmaceutical composition for oral use comprising a solid dispersion of i) at least one therapeutically, prophylactically and/or diagnostically active substance, which at least partially is in an amorphous form, ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer that has plasticizing properties, and iii) optionally a stabilizing agent, the at least one active substance having a limited water solubility, and the composition being designed to release the active substance with a substantially zero order release. The polymer is typically a poly ethylene glycol and/or polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of at least about 20,000 in crystalline and/or amorphous form or a mixture of such polymers, and the active substance is typically carvedilol.

Abstract: A controlled release pharmaceutical composition for oral use comprising a solid dispersion of: i) at least one therapeutically, prophylactically and/or diagnostically active substance, which at least partially is in an amorphous form, ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer that has plasticizing properties, and iii) optionally, a stabilizing agent, the at least one active substance having a limited water solubility, and the composition being designed to release the active substance with a substantially zero order release. The polymer is typically a polyethylene glycol and/or polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of at least about 20,000 in crystalline and/or amorphous form or a mixture of such polymers, and the active substance is typically carvedilol.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for controlled release of an active substance. The active substance is released into an aqueous medium by erosion of at least one surface of the composition. The composition comprises i) a matrix comprising a) polymer or a mixture of polymers, b) an active substance and, optionally, c) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, and ii) a coating. Zero order release is desirable. The matrix typically comprises PEO and the active substance is typically an opioid such as morphine or a glucuronide thereof. The coating comprises a first cellulose derivative which is substantially insoluble in the aqueous medium and at least one of a) a second cellulose derivative which is soluble or dispersible in water, b) a plasticizer, and, d) a filler.

Abstract: A method for controlling the release of at least one therapeutically, prophylactically and/or diagnostically active substance into an aqueous medium by erosion of at least one surface of a pharmaceutical composition. The method comprises adjusting the concentration and/or the nature of the ingredients making up the matrix composition in such a manner so as to obtain an approximately zero order release of the active substance from the pharmaceutical composition when subject to an in vitro dissolution test as described herein. The composition comprises i) a matrix composition comprising a) a polymer or a mixture of polymers that may be substantially water soluble and/or crystalline, b) an active substance and, optionally, c) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, and ii) a coating. Typical polymers are PEO.