Abstract: A plurality of heterogeneous microparticles can be provided, each having a shell, a payload, and a cap. The shell can define a core and an orifice in fluid communication with the core. The payload can be disposed within the core. The cap can be coupled to the shell so as to seal the orifice. The shell and cap of the microparticles can be formed by an additive manufacturing method, for example, by patterning of photomaterials using electromagnetic radiation or a particle beam. When subjected to a triggering event, at least a portion of each orifice can be exposed from the respective cap so as to release, through the exposed orifice portion, the corresponding payload from the core of the shell. The microparticles can be used in various applications, such as controlled delivery of drugs, chemicals, or biological agents, self-healing or self-lubricating materials, and failure prevention or mitigation.

Abstract: A delivery system that allows for targeted released of therapeutics in selected regions of the GI tract is provided. The delivery system is adapted to deliver a certain type of therapeutic, such as a protein-based therapeutic, to a certain area of the GI tract, such the colon of a subject. The delivery vehicle comprises a microbead coated with layers that include: a subcoat layer and a therapeutic agent layer. The delivery vehicles may also include an enteric coating layer and/or a sustained release layer.

Abstract: A hip stem centralizer datum guide and method are provided for positioning a proximal portion of a hip stem component within bone cement in an intramedullary canal of a femur. The datum guide is positionable in a predetermined position relative to the intramedullary canal and is able to create a datum that records the predetermined hip stem component position relative to the intramedullary canal. The datum is able to be referenced to position the hip stem component in the predetermined hip stem component position in the bone cement in the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to verify and identify pharmaceutical products through their product signatures in order to combat counterfeiting and reduce dispensing errors, using methods such as near infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, in order actively evade pharmaceutical product counterfeiting, a method is disclosed where an amount of one or more of the inactive ingredients is varied over time; the variation provides a different product signature, but falling within a level deemed permissible by a regulatory body.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to verify and identify products through their product signatures in order to combat counterfeiting and reduce dispensing errors, using methods such as spectral analysis (e.g., near infrared spectroscopy). Furthermore, in order to actively evade product counterfeiting, a method is disclosed where an amount of one or more components of the product are varied (e.g., over time); the variation provides a different product signature, but falling within a desirable or necessary range.

Abstract: A prosthetic hip stem for use in a prosthetic hip joint. The hip stem generally includes a core having a stem portion and a neck portion, a polymer matrix layer substantially covering the stem portion of the core, and a porous metal layer substantially covering the polymer matrix layer. The polymer matrix layer connects the core and the porous metal layer, and may be injection molded therebetween. The neck portion of the hip stem has a relatively thin or slender profile which allows for an increased degree of articulating movement of the hip stem with respect to the acetabular component of a prosthetic hip joint. The neck portion of the hip stem additionally includes a version indicator element, such as a bump or a protrusion, which may be tactilely felt by a surgeon to aid the surgeon in positioning the hip stem during a minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty procedure, for example, where direct visualization of the hip stem by the surgeon may not be possible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positioner for controlling the position of a femoral hip implant within the intramedullary canal of a femur.