Abstract: Methods for transdermal delivery of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are disclosed, comprising applying ultrasound to the skin followed by topical administration of one or more GAGs optionally complexed with a polysaccharide carrier. When GAG is hyaluronic acid complexed with a modified starch, a transdermal delivery method is provided for facilitating delivery of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid into deep layers of the epidermis and to the dermis in a non-invasive, convenient and painless way. This transdermal delivery method may be applied in treatment of skin aging phenomena associated with collagen and/or hyaluronic acid depletion or loss.

Abstract: A controlled release system including surfactant protein D (SPD) and a carrier suitable for controlled release that can be polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The system can be in the form of a nanoparticle. A pharmaceutical composition including the system and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of treatment of a disease, disorder or condition associated with a decreased level of SPD in a subject, or for pulmonary delivery of SPD, include administering the pharmaceutical composition to a subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: Stable and durable polymeric microbubbles of a 1-10 ?m size range are disclosed. The microbubbles are synthesized from the co-polymer poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), which provides a plurality of PLGA microbubbles presenting diverse cavitation activities. The PLGA microbubbles are particularly suitable for cavitation enhancement purposes and are applicable in various clinical procedures such as ablation or enhancement of uptake of chemical or biological therapy in cells and tissue.

Abstract: Provided herein methods for treating a subject suffering from a disease or a disorder associated with hyperproliferating cells, by irradiating the cells with low-frequency ultrasound at an intensity that is either below the cavitational threshold intensity for the ultrasound frequency, or is characterized by a low-frequency mechanical index below 2.5. The methods may further comprise determining an elasticity value of the cells, and adjusting the ultrasound intensity accordingly.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject suffering from a disease or a disorder associated with hyperproliferating cells. The method includes non-invasively administering to the subject ultrasound at a low intensity in a dose effective to selectively prevent the growth of the hyperproliferating cells or to eliminate the hyperproliferating cells in the subject, while substantially not affecting the cell viability of normal cells of the subject. The low intensity is pre-determined to be lower than a cavitational threshold intensity for a selected frequency.

Abstract: A controlled release system including surfactant protein D (SPD) and a carrier suitable for controlled release that can be polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The system can be in the form of a nanoparticle. A pharmaceutical composition including the system and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of treatment of a disease, disorder or condition associated with a decreased level of SPD in a subject, or for pulmonary delivery of SPD, include administering the pharmaceutical composition to a subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: A controlled release system includes surfactant protein D (SPD) and a carrier suitable for controlled release that can be polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The system can be in the form of a nanoparticle. A pharmaceutical composition includes the system and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of treatment of a disease, disorder or condition associated with a decreased level of SPD in a subject, or for pulmonary delivery of SPD, include administering the pharmaceutical composition to a subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a complex comprising at least one phosphoinositide and at least one positively charged modified polysaccharide, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the complex, methods for treatment of a disease, disorder or condition associated with impaired phosphoinositide-mediated signaling comprising administering the complex to an subject in need, and methods for delivery of a phosphoinositide into cells, comprising contacting the cells with the complex of the invention.

Abstract: A controlled release system includes surfactant protein D (SPD) and a carrier suitable for controlled release that can be polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The system can be in the form of a nanoparticle. A pharmaceutical composition includes the system and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of treatment of a disease, disorder or condition associated with a decreased level of SPD in a subject, or for pulmonary delivery of SPD, include administering the pharmaceutical composition to a subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The use of at least one modified polysaccharide selected from starch, amylose, amylopectin and dextrin or a mixture thereof substituted with one or more amine and/or ammonium groups, as an antimicrobial agent, is provided by the present invention, as well as compositions comprising a polymer material blended with the modified polysaccharide. Also provided by the present invention are antimicrobial articles produced from the compositions of the invention and antimicrobial surface, fabric, foam or sponge produced by coating, soaking or dipping in a solution comprising modified polysaccharides. The present invention further provides non-therapeutic methods for killing microorganisms, inhibiting their growth, and/or preventing formation of a biofilm, and for producing an antimicrobial surface, article, fabric, foam or sponge from modified polysaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a complex comprising at least one phosphoinositide and at least one positively charged modified polysaccharide, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the complex, methods for treatment of a disease, disorder or condition associated with impaired phosphoinositide-mediated signaling comprising administering the complex to an subject in need, and methods for delivery of a phosphoinositide into cells, comprising contacting the cells with the complex of the invention.

Abstract: A complex includes RNA and a positively charged modified polysaccharide selected from starch, amylose, amylopectin, galactan, chitosan, or dextrin. The complex can be formed into a pharmaceutical composition. The complex can be used in methods for RNA transfection, gene therapy and treatment of a disease, disorder or condition. The positively charged modified polysaccharide can be used in connection with RNA transfection into cells.

Abstract: A complex includes RNA and a positively charged modified polysaccharide selected from starch, amylose, amylopectin, galactan, chitosan, or dextrin. The complex can be formed into a pharmaceutical composition. The complex can be used in methods for RNA transfection, gene therapy and treatment of a disease, disorder or condition. The positively charged modified polysaccharide can be used in connection with RNA transfection into cells.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for enhancing transdermal transport is disclosed. The method includes the steps of increasing a permeability an area of a membrane with a permeabilizing device. The membrane may be, inter alia, biologic skin or synthetic skin. The permeabilizing device may be an ultrasound-producing device. A substance is transported into and through the area the membrane. The substance may be a drug, a vaccine, or a component of interstitial fluid.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject suffering from a disease or a disorder associated with hyperproliferating cells. The method includes non-invasively administering to the subject ultrasound at a low intensity in a dose effective to selectively prevent the growth of the hyperproliferating cells or to eliminate the hyperproliferating cells in the subject, while substantially not affecting the cell viability of normal cells of the subject. The low intensity is pre-determined to be lower than a cavitational threshold intensity for a selected frequency.

Abstract: Transdermal analyte monitoring systems (TAMS) having increased longevity and improved analyte detection are described herein. Kits for use with the TAMS and methods of using the TAMS and kits are also described. In a preferred embodiment, the TAMS includes a protective, semi-permeable membrane covering the surface of the hydrogel. The protective, semi-permeable membrane contacts with the skin of a user and prevents contamination or fouling of the hydrogel. Optionally, the hydrogel comprises one or more humectants and/or an immobilized enzyme. In another preferred embodiment, the TAMS contains at least one channel or pocket for increasing the amount of oxygen provided to the hydrogel. In one embodiment, a method for improving analyte detection by the TAMS is provided. For example, after the skin porosity is increased by an appropriate pretreatment, a skin preparation wipe is applied to the treated skin area and then the TAMS is applied to the treated area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laxative-free colonoscopy include an ultrasound transducer housing positioned at or near the operable end of the flexible tube, the housing including an ultrasound transducer to generate ultrasound energy. The flexible tube with ultrasound transducer is inserted into a gastrointestinal tract. A water flow channel delivers water to the gastrointestinal tract. The ultrasound energy and water liquefy stool in the gastrointestinal tract, and the liquefied stool is removed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for enhancing transdermal transport is disclosed. The method includes the steps of increasing a permeability an area of a membrane with a permeabilizing device. The membrane may be, inter alia, biologic skin or synthetic skin. The permeabilizing device may be an ultrasound-producing device. A substance is transported into and through the area the membrane. The substance may be a drug, a vaccine, or a component of interstitial fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for trans-fetal membranes transport. A source of ultrasound sonication is used to deliver ultrasound sonication to fetal membranes to enhance the permeability of the fetal membranes of a gestational sac. In one embodiment, a device is used to collect substances transported from the interior of the gestational sac to the exterior of the gestational sac, such as amniotic or coelomic fluid. In another embodiment a device is used to deliver one or more substances, such as a drug, to an external surface of the fetal membranes.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for enhancing transdermal transport is disclosed. The method includes the steps of increasing a permeability of an area of a membrane with a permeabilizing device. The membrane may be, inter alia, biologic skin or synthetic skin. The permeabilizing device may be an ultrasound-producing device. A substance is transported into and through the area of the membrane. The substance may be a drug, a vaccine, or a component of interstitial fluid.