Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering and deploying cardiac anchors, such as for an atrioventricular heart valve regurgitation reduction implant. An active puncturing tool integrated into an anchor deployment system more accurately insures the location of anchor deployment. One lead of an EKG system connects to a rear end of a puncturing needle which has a conductive tip. Operating the EKG system along with one or both of fluoroscopy and echocardiography systems enables accurate placement of the needle tip. Once located, one or more anchors are deployed from or around the needle. One grappling-hook style anchor has sutures in tension that hold embedded tines from withdrawing from the tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a handle, a catheter shaft, and a steering mechanism. The catheter shaft extends from the handle to a flexible distal end portion. The steering mechanism is configured to steer the flexible distal end portion. The steering mechanism can include a steering element a control member, and one or more actuation elements. Actuating the control member can move the steering element to increase and/or decrease tension in one or more actuation elements.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a tissue anchor in tissue of a patient, in particular to ensure proper deployment of a cardiac tissue anchor by regulating the force or pressure of a deployment tool against the tissue. One way to ensure proper deployment force is to visualize the distal end of the tissue anchoring catheter from outside the body using a display for an imaging sensor, where the distal end of the catheter changes configuration when it is pressed against the tissue. Another method involves automatically regulating the pressure applied to the tissue prior to deployment of the tissue anchor, which may also be used in conjunction with visualization. Several safety locks to prevent deployment of the tissue anchor prior to establishment of the proper pressure are disclosed, which again may be used with visualization and/or an automated pressure regulator.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a tissue anchor in tissue of a patient, in particular to ensure proper deployment of a cardiac tissue anchor by regulating the force or pressure of a deployment tool against the tissue. One way to ensure proper deployment force is to visualize the distal end of the tissue anchoring catheter from outside the body using a display for an imaging sensor, where the distal end of the catheter changes configuration when it is pressed against the tissue. Another method involves automatically regulating the pressure applied to the tissue prior to deployment of the tissue anchor, which may also be used in conjunction with visualization. Several safety locks to prevent deployment of the tissue anchor prior to establishment of the proper pressure are disclosed, which again may be used with visualization and/or an automated pressure regulator.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making a modified lecithin by conducting an enzymatic conversion of a naturally derived lecithin to form a modified lecithin, e.g., having an enhanced level of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, or a combination thereof. Compositions prepared from the modified lecithin and use to inhibit lipid oxidation are described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a tissue anchor in tissue of a patient, in particular to ensure proper deployment of a cardiac tissue anchor by regulating the force or pressure of a deployment tool against the tissue. One way to ensure proper deployment force is to visualize the distal end of the tissue anchoring catheter from outside the body using a display for an imaging sensor, where the distal end of the catheter changes configuration when it is pressed against the tissue. Another method involves automatically regulating the pressure applied to the tissue prior to deployment of the tissue anchor, which may also be used in conjunction with visualization. Several safety locks to prevent deployment of the tissue anchor prior to establishment of the proper pressure are disclosed, which again may be used with visualization and/or an automated pressure regulator.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making a modified lecithin by conducting an enzymatic conversion of a naturally derived lecithin to form a modified lecithin, e.g., having an enhanced level of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, or a combination thereof. Compositions prepared from the modified lecithin and use to inhibit lipid oxidation are described.

Abstract: A retaining system for maintaining a refuse container in a substantially upright position, said retaining system comprising: a retaining device for removably receiving a handle bar of said container, said retaining device fixedly attached to a rigid mount; a platform for receiving a base of said container and elevating said container above a support surface; an enclosure disposed around said container, said enclosure having an enclosure opening to facilitate depositing of said refuse into said container and removal of said container from said retaining device and said enclosure, and placement of said container in said enclosure.

Abstract: A retaining system for maintaining a refuse container in a substantially upright position, said retaining system comprising: a retaining device for removably receiving a handle bar of said container, said retaining device fixedly attached to a rigid mount; a platform for receiving a base of said container and elevating said container above a support surface; an enclosure disposed around said container, said enclosure having an enclosure opening to facilitate depositing of said refuse into said container and removal of said container from said retaining device and said enclosure, and placement of said container in said enclosure.

Abstract: The present teachings show that co-addition of a series of redox active antioxidants with diverse chemical structures dramatically increases the chemical stability of dietary phenolic compounds, enhanced their biological activities in cells, and boosted the circulating concentrations of these compounds in animal models.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a modified material is a packaging material in which, at least one side, the product contact side, has been modified to sequester ions in order to prevent the ions from being available to promote degradative reactions in biological or chemical products such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, cosmetics, paints and chemicals. The invention described herein also includes methods of making the packaging materials and methods of using the packaging materials for preserving the integrity of biological and chemical compounds.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a modified material is a packaging material in which, at least one side, the product contact side, has been modified to sequester ions in order to prevent the ions from being available to promote degradative reactions in biological or chemical products such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, cosmetics, paints and chemicals. The invention described herein also includes methods of making the packaging materials and methods of using the packaging materials for preserving the integrity of biological and chemical compounds.

Abstract: Liposome compositions and related methods of preparation which can comprise one or a plurality of biopolymer components.

Abstract: Emulsion compositions and related methods as can be used to improve food products and/or reduce the fat content thereof.

Abstract: Beverage compositions and related methods, including using emulsion coating components for degradative stability.

Abstract: Coated emulsion compositions which can be dried to particulate form, and related methods of use and preparation.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions and related methods as can be used to enhance stability and/or maintain antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: Coated food compositions and related methods as can be used to provide protection and stability against degradation.

Abstract: An emulsion system and method for controlling the digestion of a fat or an oil component is provided including a substantially hydrophobic food-grade component, and at least one of an emulsifier component, and one or more of polymeric components, wherein at least one of the emulsifier component and the polymeric component comprises a substantially indigestible food-grade material, such as an indigestible dietary fiber. The emulsifier component and/or the polymeric component can be selected so that the overall interfacial membrane is indigestible to humans and/or animals.

Abstract: A distributed token ring (TR) bridge has a logical switch fabric that is distributed over a TR switching network of switches interconnected by trunk links. The distributed TR bridge includes a plurality of TR switches, each having a Bridge Relay Function (BRF) logically coupled to at least one Concentrator Relay Function (CRF). Distribution of the switch fabric essentially comprises logically distributing the BRF function among the network of switches.