Abstract: A patella clamping device has a handle having a first arm and a second arm, the arms each having a first gripping end and a second clamping end. The clamping ends are movable towards the opposite arm by action on the gripping end of each arm. The clamping ends of the first and second arms comprise opposed clamping surfaces. The clamping end of each arm has a body portion having spaced first and second surface defining the opposed surface of each arm. A plurality of pins extend from the first to the second surface. A rotatable toothed jaw member is pivotally mounted on each of the pins. The jaw member has at least one tooth extending outwardly of the opposed surface of each arm for engaging the patella. Each body has a third surface spaced from the second surface to create a slot for receiving a saw blade.

Abstract: A patella clamping device has a handle having a first arm and a second arm, the arms each having a first gripping end and a second clamping end. The clamping ends are movable towards the opposite arm by action on the gripping end of each arm. The clamping ends of the first and second arms comprise opposed clamping surfaces. The clamping end of each arm has a body portion having spaced first and second surface defining the opposed surface of each arm. A plurality of pins extend from the first to the second surface. A rotatable toothed jaw member is pivotally mounted on each of the pins. The jaw member has at least one tooth extending outwardly of the opposed surface of each arm for engaging the patella. Each body has a third surface spaced from the second surface to create a slot for receiving a saw blade.

Abstract: A patella clamping device has a handle having a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms each having a first gripping end and a second clamping end. The clamping end of each arm is movable towards the opposite arm by action on the gripping end of each arm. The clamping end of the first arm comprises a clamping surface opposed to a clamping surface on the clamping end of the second arm. The clamping end of each arm has a body portion having spaced first and second surface defining the opposed surface of each arm. A plurality of pins extend from the first surface to the second surface on each arm clamping end. A rotatable toothed jaw member is pivotally mounted on each of the pins. The jaw member has at least one tooth extending outwardly of the opposed surface of each arm for engaging the patella. Each body has a third surface spaced from the second surface to create a slot for receiving a saw blade.

Abstract: Method and compositions are described for treating an acute medical condition in a subject with a lipophilic agent, where the lipophilic agent is formulated in an oil, the formulation optionally including benzyl alcohol. The formulation is suited for administering the lipophilic agent subcutaneously to achieve rapid uptake by the blood and thereafter sustained delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of conferring protection on a population of cells in a subject following an acute degenerative event, comprising: administering an effective amount of the compound in an oil formulation over a course that includes at least one dose within a time that is effectively proximate to the ischemic event, so as to confer protection on the population of cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of conferring protection on a population of cells associated with ischemia in a subject following an ischemic event, comprising: (a) providing a sulfated form of an estrogen compound intravenously; and (b) administering the effective amount of the compound over a course that includes at least one dose within a time that is effectively proximate to the ischemic event, so as to confer protection on the population of cells. Examples of ischemic events treatable according to the invention are cerebrovascular disease or stroke, subarachnoid subhemorrhage, myocardial infarct, surgery and trauma.

Abstract: Method and compositions are described for treating an acute medical condition in a subject with a lipophilic agent, where the lipophilic agent is formulated in an oil, the formulation optionally including benzyl alcohol. The formulation is suited for administering the lipophilic agent subcutaneously to achieve rapid uptake by the blood and thereafter sustained delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of conferring protection on a population of cells associated with ischemia in a subject following an ischemic event, comprising: (a) providing an estrogen compound; and (b) administering the effective amount of the compound over a course that includes at least one dose within a time that is effectively proximate to the ischemic event, so as to confer protection on the population of cells. Novel methods are provided for the delivery of an estrogen compound. Examples of ischemic events treatable according to the invention are cerebrovascular disease or stroke, subarachnoid subhemorrhage, myocardial infarct, surgery and trauma. A method of treating ischemic damage utilizing non-sex hormones is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of conferring protection on a population of cells associated with ischemia in a subject following an ischemic event, comprising: (a) providing an estrogen compound; and (b) administering the effective amount of the compound over a course that includes at least one dose within a time that is effectively proximate to the ischemic event, so as to confer protection on the population of cells. Novel methods are provided for the intravenous administration of an estrogen compound. Examples of ischemic events treatable according to the invention are cerebrovascular disease or stroke, subarachnoid subhemorrhage, myocardial infarct, surgery and trauma. A method of treating ischemic damage utilizing non-sex hormones is also provided.

Abstract: A totally-fused pellet and a process and a device for preparing the totally-fused pellet are provided. Conditions are applied to the pelleting material to melt the material uniformly such that the phase transition of all of the material occurs approximately simultaneously. The material is removed from the melting conditions immediately upon the melting of the material and the material is subjected immediately to cooling conditions. The resulting totally-fused pellet contains no thermal degradation impurities.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing the biological fluid level of a lipid soluble waste in a subject are provided. The methods involve selecting a subject diagnosed as having a hyperlipidemia-associated condition and subcutaneously introducing into the subject a biodegradable implant containing a pro-inflammatory lipid that promotes formation of an angiogenic tissue capsule containing a plurality of foam cells. The pro-inflammatory lipid is delivered in an amount sufficient to attain a detectable reduction in the biological fluid level of the lipid soluble waste.

Abstract: A non-reusable syringe is disclosed, as well as a needle guard for use in the syringe. The needle guard is a chamber for enclosing a syringe needle and has a heat-labile material disposed on a surface thereof. The heat-labile material can melt and flow onto the needle when heated and, when cooled, the material will solidify and encapsulate the needle within the chamber.A syringe for use with the needle guard has a needle that is retractable inside the syringe body.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for delivering a clinically relevant agent to a mammalian recipient in vivo are provided. The methods involve forming a foam cell from an isolated foam cell precursor in vitro, incorporating an agent into the foam cell, and administering the foam cell containing the agent to the mammalian recipient. In a preferred embodiment, the foam cell precursors are isolated from a human recipient, treated, and returned to the patient in the form of a foam cell containing a therapeutically effective amount of the agent.

Abstract: A bioerodible pellet capable of administering an even and continuous dose of a peptide over a period of up to a year, when subcutaneously implanted, is provided. The bioerodible implant is a partially-fused pellet, which pellet has a peptide drug homogeneously-bound in a matrix of a melted and recrystallized, nonpolymer carrier. Preferably, the nonpolymer carrier is a steroid and in particular is cholesterol or a cholesterol derivative. In one embodiment, the peptide drug is growth hormone-releasing hormone. A method for making the bioerodible pellet also is provided.

Abstract: A bioerodible pellet capable of administering an even and continuous dose of a peptide over a period of up to a year, when subcutaneously implanted, is provided. The bioerodible implant is a partially-fused pellet, which pellet has a peptide drug homogeneously-bound in a matrix of a melted and recrystallized, nonpolymer carrier. Preferably, the nonpolymer carrier is a steroid and in particular is cholesterol or a cholesterol derivative. In one embodiment, the peptide drug is growth hormone-releasing hormone. A method for making the bioerodible pellet also is provided.

Abstract: A device for subcutaneous implantation of a plurality of solid, elongated medicinal pellets. The device includes a needle-like, hollow cannula within a barrel. The hub has a manually engageable knob thereon so that the hub and cannula may be easily moved with respect to the barrel with the thumb of one hand during the implantation process. An obturator extends from the rear of the barrel into the proximal end of the cannula. The obturator is composed of two or more sections which allow it to telescope during operation.

Abstract: A process for aliquotting precise amounts of an active ingredient and a carrier for forming pellets is provided. The active ingredient and carrier are dispensed separately and then are mixed together. The mixture is combined with a liquid to form a paste. A precise amount of the paste is dispensed and the liquid is evaporated out of the paste leaving a dry, homogeneous mixture. The dry mixture then is formed into a pellet containing the active ingredient and the carrier in precise relative amounts.

Abstract: A device for subcutaneous implantation of a plurality of solid, elongated medicinal pellets. The device includes a needle-like, hollow cannula within a barrel. The hub has a manually engageable knob thereon so that the hub and cannula may be easily moved with respect to the barrel with the thumb of one hand during the implantation process. An obturator extends from the rear of the barrel into the proximal end of the cannula. The obturator is composed of two or more sections which allow it to telescope during operation.

Abstract: A process and a device for preparing a fused pellet from nonethindrone and cholesterol are provided. Conditions are applied to the pelleting material to melt the material uniformly such that the phase transition of all of the material occurs approximately simultaneously. The material is removed from the melting conditions immediately upon the melting of the material and the material is subjected immediately to cooling conditions.

Abstract: A special effects system for simulating physical sensations in an audience during the presentation of a motion picture. Relatively high intensity, very low frequency random noise is acoustically coupled to a theater space to produce psychological and physiological sensations, much as earthquake movements, in the audience. The special effects are controlled by a control sub-channel which is either frequency multiplexed onto a conventional optical audio track or, in a magnetic stripe film format, the control sub-channel is placed on an accompanying optical track. The presence and amplitude of two control frequencies in the sub-channel are detected and logically combined, providing four separate digital function control signals and two analog control signals which are variable in amplitude.