Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for treatment of opiate addiction and pain. The invention provides a biocompatible nonerodible polymeric device which releases buprenorphine continuously with generally linear release kinetics for extended periods of time. Buprenorphine is released through pores that open to the surface of the polymeric matrix in which it is encapsulated. The device may be administered subcutaneously to an individual in need of continuous treatment with buprenorphine.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for treatment of pain. The invention provides a biocompatible nonerodible polymeric device which releases buprenorphine continuously with generally linear release kinetics for extended periods of time, and exhibits minimal initial burst upon subcutaneous implantation. Buprenorphine is released through pores that open to the surface of the polymeric matrix in which it is encapsulated. The device may be administered subcutaneously to an individual in need of continuous treatment with buprenorphine. Devices of the invention are washed with ethanol for greater than 30 minutes prior to subcutaneous implantation or have release characteristics of a device that has been washed with ethanol for greater than 30 minutes, such as a low peak to steady state plasma level ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for treatment or prevention of biofilm-associated infections in an individual. Methods of the invention include administration of a gallium-containing composition for treatment of an established biofilm or prevention of formation of a biofilm. Some methods include administration of a gallium-containing composition in conjunction with an antibiotic substance. Some methods include treatment or prevention of an orally-associated biofilm with a gallium-containing composition in the form of a dentrifice, mouthwash, or chewing gum composition.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating adverse conditions of the liver in an individual. A pharmaceutical composition including gallium, in the form of a coordination complex of gallium (III), a salt of gallium (III), an inorganic gallium (III) compound other than a gallium salt, or protein-bound gallium (III), together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, is administered to the individual in an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutically or prophylactically effective serum gallium level.

Abstract: An oxyalkylene group containing histone deacetylase(s) inhibitor is used sequentially with another antineoplastic agent to increase antitumor activity in cells and mammals.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the use of gallium in the treatment or prevention of inflammatory arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for treatment of Parkinson's disease and other conditions for which treatment with a dopamine agonist is therapeutically beneficial. The invention provides a biocompatible nonerodible polymeric device which releases dopamine agonist continuously with generally linear release kinetics for extended periods of time. Dopamine agonist is released through pores that open to the surface of the polymeric matrix in which it is encapsulated. The device may be administered subcutaneously to an individual in need of continuous treatment with dopamine agonist.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for administration of nalmefene for treatment of alcoholism, nicotine dependence, or another condition for which treatment with nalmefene is therapeutically beneficial. The invention provides a biocompatible nonerodible polymeric device which releases nalmefene continuously with generally linear release kinetics for extended periods of time. Nalmefene is released through pores that open to the surface of the polymeric matrix in which it is encapsulated. The device may be administered subcutaneously to an individual in need of continuous treatment with nalmefene.

Abstract: Apparatus for purposes such as obtaining information pertaining to human beings or other animals having body cavities wherein fluids from which desired information can be derived are at least temporarily present. A means for collecting a body fluid is situated proximate to the body cavity and left there for a time sufficient to provide for collection of a quantity of fluid suitable, for example, for subsequent analysis. The fluid collected by the collecting means is enclosed in an enclosure which can then be transmitted to a laboratory or the like for subsequent analysis of the fluid.

Abstract: In order to obtain information from a specimen which is initially present at a location such as part of a human being or other animal, there is situated at the latter location a device which includes a material which is capable of absorbing a specimen at the latter location and which with the specimen absorbed thereby can be introduced into a solvent in which the material dissolves while leaving in the solvent the specimen in a form capable of being analyzed. When used in connection with a living being, the device may include a signalling structure which signals the living being that the material has absorbed the specimen to an extent rendering removal of the device desirable, this signal to the individual being created by causing in response to contact with the collected specimen a sensation readily perceived by the living being or an observer.

Abstract: Methods and devices for purposes such as nerve stimulation and sexual stimulation. For purposes of nerve stimulation, a plurality of electrically conductive bodies are suspended in a viscous substance and injected into tissue so as to extend between the outer skin and a nerve, for providing an electrical path from the outer skin to the nerve in order to stimulate the latter. For purposes of sexual stimulation, an energy pulse train is applied with an amplitude envelope varying cyclically in a manner corresponding to pelvic thrusting during sexual intercourse.

Abstract: A method for collecting fluids present at the body of a human being or animal. An enclosure is temporarily situated at a cavity of the body, this enclosure having within itself a hollow interior for receiving a body fluid while shielding the body from the interior of the enclosure and while a part of the enclosure is situated at the body cavity in proximity to a location where a body fluid which is to be collected is situated. The enclosure carries a transfer structure which creates between the interior of the enclosure and the above location of the body fluid conditions for only inward transfer of the body fluid from this latter location into the interior of the enclosure, the inward transfer conditions being maintained effective during at least part of the time while the enclosure remains at the body cavity. Thereafter, when the enclosure is separated from the body cavity, the desired body fluid will be situated in the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: Methods for purposes such as obtaining information pertaining to human beings or other animals having body cavities wherein fluids from which desired information can be derived are at least temporarily present. A means for collecting a body fluid is introduced into the body cavity and left therein for a time sufficient to provide for collection of a quantity of fluid suitable, for example, for subsequent analysis. The fluid collected by the collecting means is enclosed in an enclosure which can then be transmitted to a laboratory or the like for subsequent analysis of the fluid.

Abstract: In a control system and method which utilize at least two magnetically retentive bodies, each of which has a given magnetic domain orientation, preferably at least one of these bodies is supported by a supporting structure for movement or balance with respect to the other to assume due to its natural magnetic interaction with the other body a monostable position or force interaction providing between the bodies a first magnetic relationship which achieves a first effect which is monostable under the influence of random disturbances. A structure capable of temporarily creating a polarizing magnetic field of sufficient strength is utilized for changing at least one of the above magnetic domain orientations thereby eliminating the first magnetic relationship.

Abstract: By way of a suitable syringe, for example, there is injected into the tissue of a living being an absorbable viscous substance in which a plurality of solid bodies are suspended to an extent sufficient to be distributed throughout the viscous substance and in an amount sufficient to change the characteristics of the tissue receiving the injection. The absorbable viscous substance with the solid bodies suspended therein may be initially enclosed in a plunger assembly capable of being connected with an injection needle.

Abstract: A method for collecting fluids present at the body of a human being or animal. An enclosure is temporarily situated at a cavity of the body, this enclosure having within itself a hollow interior for receiving a body fluid while shielding the body from the interior of the enclosure and while a part of the enclosure is situated at the body cavity in proximity to a location where a body fluid which is to be collected is situated. The enclosure carries a transfer structure which creates between the interior of the enclosure and the above location of the body fluid conditions for only inward transfer of the body fluid from this latter location into the interior of the enclosure, the inward transfer conditions being maintained effective during at least part of the time while the enclosure remains at the body cavity. Thereafter, when the enclosure is separated from the body cavity, the desired body fluid will be situated in the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting body fluids at an internal cavity of the body of a living being. An enclosure is introduced into a body cavity with the enclosure in a contracted or evacuated condition. The enclosure has structure permitting body fluid to enter into the enclosure but not to flow out of the latter. A suitable triggering structure is provided to respond to the presence of a body fluid in order to trigger the release of the enclosure for collection, whereupon the enclosure sucks body fluid into the interior of the enclosure, with the enclosure having a structure such as a one-way valve which provides conditions permitting the fluid to flow into the enclosure but not to flow out of the latter. Thereafter, the enclosure is removed from the body cavity so that information can be obtained with respect to the fluid which is collected in the enclosure. The enclosure preferably contains an additive for providing a predetermined desired result with respect to a collected body fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a living being with an implant which is absorbed into the body. The implant is situated in the body adjacent the outer skin. The implant is injected in a liquid, molten condition, but assumes a solid condition at body temperature. The composition of the implant is such that the implant will be absorbed by the body at a greater rate when the temperature of the implant is increased. By situating the implant adjacent the outer skin it is possible to elevate the temperature at the outer skin so as to increase the rapidity with which the implant is absorbed by the body. A syringe which contains the implant in solid condition is provided with a heating structure which is operated for the purpose of converting the composition into a liquid molten condition in preparation for injecting the composition into body tissue.

Abstract: Cultures of microorganisms can be grown in a body cavity by situating therein a nutrient on a suitable carrier while maintaining the nutrient exposed to a predetermined gaseous atmosphere, so that microorganisms which require a particular atmosphere can grow directly in the body cavity on the nutrient. After a time sufficient for culture growth the carrier with the nutrient thereon are removed from the body cavity and inspected, for example, under a microscope with suitable dyes being used to stain the growth for rendering the latter easily visible. The carrier for the nutrient may take the form of a plastic sheet material having small protuberances which are thicker than a nutrient layer carried by the plastic sheet material and which serve to maintain apart from each other surfaces of the plastic and nutrient which otherwise might engage each other to prevent exposure of the nutrient to the predetermined atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and structure capable of treating body fluids with cells therein for facilitating examination of cells. The body fluid sample is placed in a cylinder at one end of which is a filter, and then treating liquids are drawn into the cylinder through the filter while also being discharged out of the cylinder through the filter so that it is possible to carry out washing steps for washing out of the sample undesired components therein as well as placing in contact with the cells which are subsequently to be examined staining solutions, for example, so that a thorough staining is achieved. Thereafter the specimen remaining in the cylinder is placed on a slide and examined under a microscope.