Abstract: A method of treating or inhibiting progress of dementia and/or macular degeneration in a mammal involves administering compositions containing siRNA to heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) or heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2), a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, a caspase inhibitor, or a metalloporphyrinan in a manner that permits access to brain sites and/or the macula of the patient.

Abstract: Low molecular weight (LMW) peptides have been discovered that are indicative of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), cognitive impairment and brain microhemmorhages. Evaluating patient samples for the presence of such LMW peptides is an effective means of detecting neurological conditions and monitoring the progression of the disease. The LMW peptides are particularly useful in detecting neurological conditions during the early stages without invasive procedures.

Abstract: A method of treating or inhibiting progress of dementia and/or macular degeneration in a mammal involves administering compositions containing siRNA to heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) or heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2), a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, a caspase inhibitor, or a metalloporphyrin in a manner that permits access to brain sites and/or the macula of the patient.

Abstract: A method of treating or inhibiting progress of dementia and/or macular degeneration in a mammal involves administering compositions containing siRNA to heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) or heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2), a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, a caspase inhibitor, or a metalloporphyrin in a manner that permits access to brain sites and/or the macula of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of markers for neurodegenerative disease. More particularly, it was discovered that forms of IRP-2 protein that are unable to undergo oxidation at critical cysteine residues are diagnostic for neurodegenerative disease including, but not limited to Alzheimer's disease. Embodiments include nucleic acids that encode mutant IRP-2 proteins and fragments thereof, mutant IRP-2 proteins and fragments thereof, antibodies directed to epitopes present on mutant IRP-2 proteins and fragments thereof, methods of making these nucleic acids and polypeptides, as well as, approaches to diagnose neurodegenerative disease in animals, such as humans at risk of contracting Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for safely applying cyanoacrylate or other adhesives to skin lacerations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes an apparatus that can be threaded over a guidewire into place at or adjacent the wound. The apparatus includes a chamber that encloses a hemostatic material therein. When the apparatus is positioned adjacent the wound as desired, the hemostatic material is deployed from the chamber. A blocking member distal of the hemostatic material functions as a barrier to prevent the hemostatic material from entering the wound. Blood contacts the hemostatic material, and blood clotting preferably is facilitated by a hemostatic agent within the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by blood clot formation.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is disclosed which was identified by the fact that an increased level of iron regulating protein-2 (IRP-2) was identified in Alzheimer's patients. Further, diseases of increased cellular metabolism such as cancer showed high levels of both IRP-2 and transferrin receptor. This suggests that, in diseases of increased cellular metabolism, both aspects of iron accumulation are highly expressed, while in Alzheimer's disease only IRP-2 is highly expressed. From these results, a non-invasive test for Alzheimer's disease may be produced using patient samples containing peripheral blood cells and identifying the level of expression of IRP-2 and Transferrin receptor. Those patients which: 1. over-express IRP-2 as compared with normal controls, and 2. have comparable levels of Transferrin receptor expression to normal controls, can be identified as having or prone to AD and MCI.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating the locating and closing of an opening in a blood vessel. The apparatus includes a catheter and retractor that are advanced over a guidewire until they are positioned at or adjacent the vascular wound. The retractor comprises a plurality of members that close upon and engage the catheter. A coupling member selectively maintains the retractor members in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of markers for neurodegenerative disease. More particularly, it was discovered that forms of IRP-2 protein that are unable to undergo oxidation at critical cysteine residues are diagnostic for neurodegenerative disease including, but not limited to Alzheimer's disease. Embodiments include nucleic acids that encode mutant IRP-2 proteins and fragments thereof, mutant IRP-2 proteins and fragments thereof, antibodies directed to epitopes present on mutant IRP-2 proteins and fragments thereof, methods of making these nucleic acids and polypeptides, as well as, approaches to diagnose neurodegenerative disease in animals, such as humans at risk of contracting Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to deployable hemostatic materials comprising chitosan fibers. The hemostatic materials are suitable for use in sealing or controlling active bleeding from artery and vein lacerations and punctures, and for controlling oozing from tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes a guidewire and/or other surgical implement extending from the wound. A hemostatic material is advanced over the surgical implement and into contact with an area of the blood vessel surrounding the wound. The surgical implement is removed. Blood soaks the hemostatic material, and blood clotting is facilitated by the hemostatic agent within the material. A sealing layer of adhesive can be applied to the hemostatic material, confining the blood flow to the material. The vascular puncture wound is sealed by natural blood clot formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for safely applying cyanoacrylate or other adhesives to skin lacerations.

Abstract: This invention relates to deployable hemostatic materials comprising chitosan fibers upon which hemostatic microporous polysaccharide microspheres and a medicament or biologically active substance are deposited. The hemostatic materials are suitable for use in controlling active bleeding from artery and vein lacerations, sealing femoral artery punctures, and controlling oozing from tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to deployable hemostatic materials comprising chitosan fibers upon which hemostatic microporous polysaccharide microspheres are deposited. The hemostatic materials are suitable for use in controlling active bleeding from artery and vein lacerations, sealing femoral artery punctures, and controlling oozing from tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes an apparatus that can be threaded over a guidewire into place at or adjacent the wound. The apparatus includes a chamber that encloses a hemostatic material therein. When the apparatus is positioned adjacent the wound as desired, the hemostatic material is deployed from the chamber. Blood contacts the hemostatic material, and blood clotting preferably is facilitated by a hemostatic agent within the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by blood clot formation.

Abstract: A dressing delivery system comprises an applicator for holding and positioning a wound dressing. The applicator comprises a sleeve having a distal spreading portion. The wound dressing is disposed on or adjacent the spreading portion. The applicator urges the dressing into contact with the wound. The sleeve is advanced to actuate the spreading portion, which increases the diameter of the applicator and preferably deploys the dressing.