Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a saliva sample is described herein. In a described embodiment, the apparatus comprises a filter; and a pressure generator operable to generate pressure to cause the saliva sample to be transferred through the filter, the filter being configured to reduce a viscosity of the saliva sample as the saliva sample is transferred through the filter. A method collecting a saliva sample from a user is also described, among other aspects.

Abstract: A cognitive training platform comprises at least one processor that is configured to: obtain a cognitive response function for a user that represents a cognitive state, or change in cognitive state, as a function of one or more stimulus parameters of a stimulus to which the user is exposed; expose the user to a first stimulus that is characterized by respective first values of the one or more stimulus parameters; determine, based on at least one sensor measurement, first cognitive performance values indicative of a response to the first stimulus; determine, using the cognitive response function, respective second values of the one or more stimulus parameters that will result in at least one improved cognitive performance value relative to the first cognitive performance values; and expose the user to a second stimulus that is characterized by the respective second values of the one or more stimulus parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides various functionalized nanodiamond particles. In particular, the present invention provides soluble complexes of nanodiamond particles and therapeutic agents, for example insoluble therapeutics, anthracycline and/or tetracycline compounds, nucleic acids, proteins, etc. The present invention also provides materials and devices for the controlled release of therapeutics, and methods for uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides single sheet and compound para-xylene films for therapeutic uses. For example, the present invention provides single sheet para-xylene films useful as tissue separators and/or adhesion barriers in a subject, where the top and/or bottom surfaces of such films have a water contact angle between 75 and 95 degrees (e.g., to prevent adhesion formation). The present invention also provides compound films composed of at least two para-xylene polymer films with a therapeutic molecule layer in between. Such compound films, when used in vivo (e.g., as a tissue separator and to treat inflammation or atrial fibrillation) allow either therapeutic molecule elution through one of the para-xylene layers, or therapeutic molecule release when the compound film is pierced, such as when it is sutured in place.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating multiple myeloma by providing a pharmaceutically effective amount of each drug in a combination of drugs.

Abstract: An initial phenotypic map is derived for a patient subjected to an initial therapeutic regimen including a first drug, based on values of a therapeutic outcome for the patient and corresponding values of a dose of the first drug administered to the patient. Following a change from the initial therapeutic regimen to an updated therapeutic regimen, an updated value of the therapeutic outcome is received for the patient subjected to the updated therapeutic regimen. The initial phenotypic map is re-calibrated according to the updated value of the therapeutic outcome, and, using the re-calibrated phenotypic map, identification is made of a value of the dose of the first drug to be administered to the patient subjected to the updated therapeutic regimen.

Abstract: A cost function is specified to optimize a combination of N drugs, where the cost function includes at least one phenotypic contribution corresponding to efficacy and at least one phenotypic contribution corresponding to safety, and at least one of the N drugs is a nanomaterial-modified drug, with N being 2 or more. In vitro or in vivo tests are conducted by applying varying combinations of dosages of the N drugs to determine the phenotypic contributions from results of the tests. The results of the tests are fitted into a representation of the cost function, and, using the representation of the cost function, at least one optimized combination of dosages of the N drugs is identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides single sheet and compound para-xylene films for therapeutic uses. For example, the present invention provides single sheet para-xylene films useful as tissue separators and/or adhesion barriers in a subject, where the top and/or bottom surfaces of such films have a water contact angle between 75 and 95 degrees (e.g., to prevent adhesion formation). The present invention also provides compound films composed of at least two para-xylene polymer films with a therapeutic molecule layer in between. Such compound films, when used in vivo (e.g., as a tissue separator and to treat inflammation or atrial fibrillation) allow either therapeutic molecule elution through one of the para-xylene layers, or therapeutic molecule release when the compound film is pierced, such as when it is sutured in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides single sheet and compound para-xylene films for therapeutic uses. For example, the present invention provides single sheet para-xylene films useful as tissue separators and/or adhesion barriers in a subject, where the top and/or bottom surfaces of such films have a water contact angle between 75 and 95 degrees (e.g., to prevent adhesion formation). The present invention also provides compound films composed of at least two para-xylene polymer films with a therapeutic molecule layer in between. Such compound films, when used in vivo (e.g., as a tissue separator and to treat inflammation or atrial fibrillation) allow either therapeutic molecule elution through one of the para-xylene layers, or therapeutic molecule release when the compound film is pierced, such as when it is sutured in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides various functionalized nanodiamond particles. In particular, the present invention provides soluble complexes of nanodiamond particles and therapeutic agents, for example insoluble therapeutics, anthracycline and/or tetracycline compounds, nucleic acids, proteins, etc. The present invention also provides materials and devices for the controlled release of therapeutics, and methods for uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the synthesis of conjugates of paramagnetic metal ions and nanodiamonds, and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention provides synthesis of paramagnetic metal-nanodiamond conjugates and methods using such compositions as molecular imaging probes.

Abstract: A reagent comprising a nanodiamond particle linked to a paramagnetic ion for use as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in which T2-weighted magnetic images are obtained, and in particular in which both T1- and T2-weighted magnetic images are obtained, are described and claimed. Also claimed are novel reagents of this type, methods for their preparation and their use in diagnostics.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of controlled elution devices for therapeutic delivery. There exists a need for a stand-alone capable device for the localized and extended delivery of a therapeutic. This need is overcome by the present invention having an examplary embodiment comprised of a microfilm base (12), a reservoir of a therapeutic (14) disposed about the microfilm base (12) and a top layer (24) that is (i) a plurality of laminated layers (24) of para-xylyelne polymer and/or (ii) para-xylyelne polymer endowed with oxidatively functionalized para-xyele units. The thicknesses of the device is optimally in the range of about 10 to about 200 microns. The device is usable for the localized release of broad spectrum therapeutics for interventional and preventative medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides single sheet and compound para-xylene films for therapeutic uses. For example, the present invention provides single sheet para-xylene films useful as tissue separators and/or adhesion barriers in a subject, where the top and/or bottom surfaces of such films have a water contact angle between 75 and 95 degrees (e.g., to prevent adhesion formation). The present invention also provides compound films composed of at least two para-xylene polymer films with a therapeutic molecule layer in between. Such compound films, when used in vivo (e.g., as a tissue separator and to treat inflammation or atrial fibrillation) allow either therapeutic molecule elution through one of the para-xylene layers, or therapeutic molecule release when the compound film is pierced, such as when it is sutured in place.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of controlled elution devices for therapeutic delivery. There exists a need for a stand-alone capable device for the localized and extended delivery of a therapeutic. This need is overcome by the present invention having an examplary embodiment comprised of a microfilm base (12), a reservoir of a therapeutic (14) disposed about the microfilm base (12) and a top layer (24) that is (i) a plurality of laminated layers (24) of para-xylyelne polymer and/or (ii) para-xylyelne polymer endowed with oxidatively functionalized para-xyele units. The thicknesses of the device is optimally in the range of about 10 to about 200 microns. The device is usable for the localized release of broad spectrum therapeutics for interventional and preventative medicine.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of controlled elution devices for therapeutic delivery. There exists a need for a stand-alone capable device for the localized and extended delivery of a therapeutic. This need is overcome by the present invention having an exemplary embodiment comprised of a microfilm base (12), a reservoir of a therapeutic (14) disposed about the microfilm base (12) and a top layer (24) that is (i) a plurality of laminated layers (24) of para-xylyelne polymer and/or (ii) para-xylyelne polymer endowed with oxidatively functionalized para-xyele units. The thicknesses of the device is optimally in the range of about 10 to about 200 microns. The device is usable for the localized release of broad spectrum therapeutics for interventional and preventative medicine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanofilm coatings for implantable medical devices comprising a diblock or triblock copolymer (PEO-PMMA or PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA, respectively). Such nanofilms, may be used, for example, as amphiphilic supports for therapeutic agents. These materials are conducive towards the formation of active substrates for a suite of biological and medical applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanofilm coatings for implantable medical devices comprising a diblock or triblock copolymer (PEO-PMMA or PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA, respectively). Such nanofilms, may be used, for example, as amphiphilic supports for therapeutic agents. These materials are conducive towards the formation of active substrates for a suite of biological and medical applications.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of controlled elution devices for therapeutic delivery. There exists a need for a stand-alone capable device for the localized and extended delivery of a therapeutic. This need is overcome by the present invention having an exemplary embodiment comprised of a microfilm base (12), a reservoir of a therapeutic (14) disposed about the microfilm base (12) and a top layer (24) that is (i) a plurality of laminated layers (24) of para-xylyelne polymer and/or (ii) para-xylyelne polymer endowed with oxidatively functionalized para-xyele units. The thicknesses of the device is optimally in the range of about 10 to about 200 microns. The device is usable for the localized release of broad spectrum therapeutics for interventional and preventative medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the synthesis of conjugates of paramagnetic metal ions and nanodiamonds, and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention provides synthesis of paramagnetic metal-nanodiamond conjugates and methods using such compositions as molecular imaging probes.