Abstract: A marker for imaging includes a bio-dissolvable material and a contrast agent configured to provide contrast during an imaging procedure. A method can include forming a marker for imaging from a bio-dissolvable material and impregnating the bio-dissolvable material with a contrast agent. A method can include implanting a bio-dissolvable marker for imaging into a patient.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods, compositions, and kits for the treatment of cancer using a combination treatment comprising a locally administered chemotherapy and an immunotherapeutic agent. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods of promoting the combination treatment and instructing a patient to receive the combination treatment are also provided, as well immunotherapeutic, non-immunosuppressive compositions comprising the combination treatment, and methods of using the immunotherapeutic, non-immunosuppressive compositions for treating cancer.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods, compositions, and kits for the treatment of cancer using a combination treatment comprising a locally administered chemotherapy and an immunotherapeutic agent. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods of promoting the combination treatment and instructing a patient to receive the combination treatment are also provided, as well immunotherapeutic, non-immunosuppressive compositions comprising the combination treatment, and methods of using the immunotherapeutic, non-immunosuppressive compositions for treating cancer.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a transducer design for minimally invasive focused ultrasound (MIFU). The present invention allows flexible control of a focused ultrasound wave using mechanical and electrical control. The transducer array is implemented on a flexible substrate that can be mechanically controlled through two or more physical configurations. As with conventional electronic “steering,” the transducer elements can be controlled electronically to provide adjustable focus of the ultrasound. The combination of mechanical and electronic control provides the device a very flexible method for delivering focused ultrasound. The invention also includes a design that allows integration of ultrasound and endoscopic image guidance. The ultrasound guidance includes anatomical visualization and functional imaging (e.g. blood flow and coagulation of vasculature). The ultrasound imaging transducer is used for thermometry within the region of interest for treatment.

Abstract: Local delivery formulations of the antineoplastic and microbicide agent acriflavine, and methods of making and using thereof are significantly more efficacious at increasing the median survival of subjects with proliferative disease than systemic administrations of acriflavine. The local delivery formulations of acriflavine show a dose-dependent increase in the median survival of subjects. The local delivery forms provide the increased efficacy without the toxicity associated with systemic administration of the agent.

Abstract: Local delivery formulations of the antineoplastic and microbicide agent acriflavine, and methods of making and using thereof are significantly more efficacious at increasing the median survival of subjects with proliferative disease than systemic administrations of acriflavine. The local delivery formulations of acriflavine show a dose-dependent increase in the median survival of subjects. The local delivery forms provide the increased efficacy without the toxicity associated with systemic administration of the agent.

Abstract: A marker for imaging includes a bio-dissolvable material and a contrast agent configured to provide contrast during an imaging procedure. A method can include forming a marker for imaging from a bio-dissolvable material and impregnating the bio-dissolvable material with a contrast agent. A method can include implanting a bio-dissolvable marker for imaging into a patient.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods, compositions, and kits for the treatment of cancer using a combination treatment comprising a locally administered chemotherapy and an immunotherapeutic agent. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods of promoting the combination treatment and instructing a patient to receive the combination treatment are also provided, as well immunotherapeutic, non-immunosuppressive compositions comprising the combination treatment, and methods of using the immunotherapeutic, non-immunosuppressive compositions for treating cancer.

Abstract: The additive effect of combined intracranial carmustine (“BCNU”) with intracranial temozolomide (“TMZ”), and particularly in combination with radiation (“XRT”), in the treatment of two rat intracranial glioma models, the 9L gliosarcoma and the F98 glioma, demonstrates that local delivery of both drugs, especially in combination with radiation, is far more effective than delivery of either drug alone or one systemically and one locally, either with or without radiation. The triple therapy showed a significant improvement in survival when compared to controls (p=0.0004), local BCNU (p=0.0043), oral TMZ (p=0.0026), local TMZ (p=0.0105), and the combinations of either BCNU and XRT (p=0.0378) or oral TMZ and local BCNU (p=0.0154).

Abstract: The additive effect of combined intracranial carmustine (“BCNU”) with intracranial temozolomide (“TMZ”), and particularly in combination with radiation (“XRT”), in the treatment of two rat intracranial glioma models, the 9L gliosarcoma and the F98 glioma, demonstrates that local delivery of both drugs, especially in combination with radiation, is far more effective than delivery of either drug alone or one systemically and one locally, either with or without radiation. The triple therapy showed a significant improvement in survival when compared to controls (p=0.0004), local BCNU (p=0.0043), oral TMZ (p=0.0026), local TMZ (p=0.0105), and the combinations of either BCNU and XRT (p=0.0378) or oral TMZ and local BCNU (p=0.0154).

Abstract: Localized delivery of 1,25 D3 directly to a target area using biodegradable polymeric matrices maximizes the efficacy of this drug while minimizing systemic exposure and toxicity. Anticalcemic analogs of 1,25 D3 have also been incorporated into controlled release polymer formulations to achieve efficacious intracranial concentrations of 1,25 D3 analogs for the treatment of intracranial tumors as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease as well as to maximize the efficacy of these analogs in the treatment of systemic malignancies. The therapeutic efficacy of these formulations was demonstrated through a variety of studies in vitro and in vivo. Hybrid analogs of 1,25 D3 were incorporated into biodegradable polymer wafers composed of a polyanhydride copolymer of 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)propane (CPP) and sebacic acid (SA) in a 20:80 molar ratio.

Abstract: Localized delivery of 1,25 D3 directly to a target area using biodegradable polymeric matrices maximizes the efficacy of this drug while minimizing systemic exposure and toxicity. Anticalcemic analogs of 1,25 D3 have also been incorporated into controlled release polymer formulations to achieve efficacious intracranial concentrations of 1,25 D3 analogs for the treatment of intracranial tumors as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease as well as to maximize the efficacy of these analogs in the treatment of systemic malignancies. The therapeutic efficacy of these formulations was demonstrated through a variety of studies in vitro and in vivo. Hybrid analogs of 1,25 D3 were incorporated into biodegradable polymer wafers composed of a polyanhydride copolymer of 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)propane (CPP) and sebacic acid (SA) in a 20:80 molar ratio.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions for delivering an effective dose of an angiogenesis inhibitor consisting of a tetracycline or tetracycline such as minocycline. The effective dosage for inhibition of angiogenesis based on in vitro testing is between one and 500 micromolar. The compositions are delivered topically, locally or systemically using implants or injection. The composition is extremely selective for growth of endothelial cells, inhibiting growth, but is not cytotoxic at the effective dosages.

Abstract: Localized delivery of 1,25 D3 directly to a target area using biodegradable polymeric matrices maximizes the efficacy of this drug while minimizing systemic exposure and toxicity. Anticalcemic analogs of 1,25 D3 have also been incorporated into controlled release polymer formulations to achieve efficacious intracranial concentrations of 1,25 D3 analogs for the treatment of intracranial tumors as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease as well as to maximize the efficacy of these analogs in the treatment of systemic malignancies. The therapeutic efficacy of these formulations was demonstrated through a variety of studies in vitro and in vivo. Hybrid analogs of 1,25 D3 were incorporated into biodegradable polymer wafers composed of a polyanhydride copolymer of 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)propane (CPP) and sebacic acid (SA) in a 20:80 molar ratio. In addition to providing improved treatments for malignancies and neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: A method and devices for localized delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent to solid tumors, wherein the agent does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is characterized by poor bioavailability and/or short half-lives in vivo, are described. The devices consist of reservoirs which release drug over an extended period while at the same time preserving the bioactivity and bioavailability of the agent. In the most preferred embodiment, the device consists of biodegradable polymeric matrixes, although reservoirs can also be formulated from non-biodegradable polymers or reservoirs connected to implanted infusion pumps. The devices are implanted within or immediately adjacent the tumors to be treated or the site where they have been surgically removed.

Abstract: A method and devices for localized delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent to solid tumors, wherein the agent does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is characterized by poor bioavailability and/or short half-lives in vivo, are described. The devices consist of reservoirs which release drug over an extended time period while at the same time preserving the bioactivity and bioavailability of the agent. In the most preferred embodiment, the device consists of biodegradable polymeric matrixes, although reservoirs can also be formulated from non-biodegradable polymers or reservoirs connected to implanted infusion pumps. The devices are implanted within or immediately adjacent the tumors to be treated or the site where they have been surgically removed. The examples demonstrate the efficacy of paclitaxel and camptothecin delivered in polymeric implants prepared by compression molding of biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers, respectively. The results are highly statistically significant.

Abstract: A method and devices for localized delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent to solid tumors, wherein the agent does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is characterized by poor bioavailability and/or short half-lives in vivo, are described. The devices consist of reservoirs which release drug over an extended time period while at the same time preserving the bioactivity and bioavailability of the agent. In the most preferred embodiment, the device consists of biodegradable polymeric matrixes, although reservoirs can also be formulated from non-biodegradable polymers or reservoirs connected to implanted infusion pumps. The devices are implanted within or immediately adjacent the tumors to be treated or the site where they have been surgically removed. The examples demonstrate the efficacy of paclitaxel and camptothecin delivered in polymeric implants prepared by compression molding of biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers, respectively. The results are highly statistically significant.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a reciprocating and multiple step index mechanism to achieve smooth starting and stopping action with controlled acceleration and decleration. It is characterized by extremely flexible kinematic characteristics achieved by the superposition of a constant velocity, fundamental and a higher harmonic component. The mechanism utilizes pairs of rotating drive members and eccentric members mounted in non-rotational relation, the pairs being connected to rotate in a multiple integral angular velocity ratio. An output member is arranged in driving relation to one of the eccentric members and is influenced also by the rotation of the other eccentric member. Power input is directed to one of the pairs of drive members.

Abstract: An intermittent reversible indexing system with a rotary input and rotary output which includes a natural dwell of the output at the end of each cycle with a smooth acceleration to a maximum velocity and subsequent deceleration to another dwell and a simple mechanism for changing the index stroke. A planetary carrier carrying a single planetary gear is driven about a first axis with the planetary gear in mesh with a stationary sun gear concentric about said first axis. A drive member in the form of a shaft eccentric to the axis of said planetary engages and slides in a slot of an output member, thereby driving said output member about a second axis displaced from said first axis. A movable mount for the output member changes the drive relationship with said eccentric shaft to change the index motion.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine construction to improve thermodynamic efficiency by providing, in addition to the standard cylinders and pistons, a supplemental cylinder connected to each combustion chamber of each cylinder and, a piston in each supplemental cylinder associated to move in conjunction with the standard pistons, the relationship of the association being such that the volume of the combustion chamber can be enlarged or ensmalled either by a manual control or an automatic control regulable in response to engine conditions and to modify the volume time relationship.