Abstract: Disclosed herein are herbal formulations for relief from symptoms of skin disease. The formulations can also be combined with an active or inactive pharmaceutical ingredient, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: A vapor compression thermal control system having at least one electrically powered evaporator fan and an apparatus for preventing compressor overloading apparatus having a sensor that measures temperature of air entering the evaporator. That measured temperature is compared with at least one predetermined temperature setting to activate a predetermined evaporator blower on/off duty cycle when the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature. Alternatively, the apparatus can have a sensor that measures temperature of air being used to cool the condenser, and that measured temperature is then compared with at least one predetermined temperature setting to activate a predetermined evaporator blower on/off duty cycle when the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature. In either case, it is evaporator air flow that is modulated when the system is operated as a heat pump. For liquid cooled evaporators, however the circulation pump instead of the fan is modulated.

Abstract: There is provided a skin test diagnostic reagent comprising at least one CFP-10 epitope polypeptide, at least one ESAT-6 epitope polypeptide and at least one Rv3615c epitope polypeptide, the reagent eliciting a positive result when administered in a skin test to an animal infected with Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The reagent is useful in that it can be used in a method to determine whether an animal is infected with Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract: Disclosed are the nanoparticle and the method for the same, and the preparing method includes steps of mixing polyethylenimine (PEI) with the poly(acrylic acid)-bound iron oxide (PAAIO) to form a PEI-PAAIO polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) and mixing the PEI-PAAIO PEC with genetic material such as plasmid DNA to form the PEI-PAAIO/pDNA magnetic nanoparticle. The PEI-PAAIO/pDNA magnetoplex is highly water dispersible and suitable for long term storage, shows superparamagnetism, low cytotoxicity, high stability and nice transfection efficiency, and thus the PEI-PAAIO PEC can replace PEI as a non-viral gene vector.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns nucleic acid molecules and methods of use thereof for control of coleopteran pests through RNA interference-mediated inhibition of target coding and transcribed non-coding sequences in coleopteran pests. The disclosure also concerns methods for making transgenic plants that express nucleic acid molecules useful for the control of coleopteran pests, and the plant cells and plants obtained thereby.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the transdermal delivery of substances and, in some embodiments, to the transdermal delivery of beneficial substances by a hostile biophysical environment. In one aspect, various methods for the transdermal delivery of beneficial substances are disclosed. By creating a hostile biophysical environment, beneficial substances may be delivered, according to certain embodiments, through the stratum corneum of the skin into the body. Beneficial substances include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical agents, drugs, vitamins, co-factors, peptides, dietary supplements, and others. The beneficial effects disclosed include, for instance, relief of pain and inflammation, prevention and healing of ulcers of the skin, relief of headache, improved sexual function and enjoyment, growth of hair on the scalp, improving muscle size and/or function, removing body fat and/or cellulite, treating cancer, treating viral infections and others.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise a botulinum neurotoxin from Clostridium botulinum, the neurotoxin being free of the complexing proteins naturally present in the botulinum neurotoxin complex or being chemically modified or being modified by genetic manipulation. Moreover the pharmaceutical compositions of the instant invention have good stability and are advantageously formulated free of human serum albumin.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating, preventing or alleviating the symptoms of and inflammation associated with inflammatory diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, those involving the esophagus. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions useful for the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous ophthalmic composition comprising (A) polyoxyethylene castor oil and (B) sesame oil. According to the aqueous ophthalmic composition of the present invention, defoaming time is reduced, preservative efficacy is enhanced and photostability is improved.

Abstract: Conjugates which comprise a drug and a ligand which includes a first saccharide; wherein the conjugate is characterized in that, when the conjugate is administered to a mammal, at least one pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic property of the conjugate is sensitive to serum concentration of a second saccharide. Exemplary conjugates and sustained release formulations are provided in addition to methods of use and preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diabetes. More particularly, the invention relates to PEGylated insulin lispro compounds that are PEGylated with high molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol), are highly soluble at physiological pH, have an extended duration of action, and characterized by pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and/or activity peak-trough ratios of less than 2. The invention also relates to methods of providing such molecules, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to their therapeutic uses.

Abstract: Modifications of vitamin K-dependent polypeptides that lead to enhanced protein function on a weight or molar basis and/or increase of protein lifetime in the circulation are described. Both objectives are important for using vitamin K-dependent polypeptides for pro- and anti-coagulation therapies, as well as for other uses in the circulation.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and associated methods for the antisense treatment of genetic disorders, infections and various other medical conditions. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of an antisense oligonucleotide compound conjugated with a positively charged polymer (“ON-PCP”) and a negatively charged polymer. Pharmaceutical compositions in accordance with the present invention have demonstrated improved antisense efficiency and reductions in cell toxicity compared to compositions that contain an oligonucleotide compound conjugated with a positively charged polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional protease inhibitor, which may be conjugated to various molecules. The present invention also relates to uses of the protease inhibitor and conjugates thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to bispecific antibodies and antibody fragments against a target protein and a hapten, wherein the hapten is PEG or biotin, most preferably digoxigenin, methods for their production, their use as a delivery platform for therapeutic or diagnostic agents, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides TLR agonists and conjugates thereof useful in vaccines and to prevent, inhibit or treat a variety of disorders including pathogen infection and asthma.

Abstract: The invention provides, in a general sense, a new labeling strategy employing compounds that are N2S2 chelates conjugated to a targeting ligand, wherein the targeting ligand is a disease cell cycle targeting compound, a tumor angiogenesis targeting ligand, a tumor apoptosis targeting ligand, a disease receptor targeting ligand, amifostine, angiostatin, monoclonal antibody C225, monoclonal antibody CD31, monoclonal antibody CD40, capecitabine, a COX-2 inhibitor, deoxycytidine, fullerene, herceptin, human serum albumin, lactose, leuteinizing hormone, pyridoxal, quinazoline, thalidomide, transferrin, or trimethyl lysine. The present invention also pertains to kits employing the compounds of interest, and methods of assessing the pharmacology of an agent of interest using the present compounds.

Abstract: A data management system for a biological process, comprising: a. a single-use component, b. a tag assembly, including a non-volatile memory storage component, that is associated with the single-use component, c. the memory storage component including a unique identification and a memory, and at least one data element that describes a key performance, calibration or control parameter of the single-use component d. a memory reader useable to obtain the identification from the memory storage component.

Abstract: The device for presenting a given fragrance comprises a presenting rod (10) in a confining enclosure (20), this confining enclosure comprising a collar (21) and this presenting rod comprising a porous portion (11) loaded with this fragrance and designed to fit through this collar, and another portion forming a head (12) suitable for grasping and designed to close this collar in a rest configuration such that the porous portion is, inside this confining enclosure, in a region where the fragrance exists in the gaseous state only, the constituent materials of the presenting rod underneath the head and those of the confining enclosure having no smell of their own.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a device for sterilizing the surface of a space-to-be-sterilized which are safe to the human body, which are effective even for sterilizing spore-forming bacteria, which do not require the space-to-be-sterilized to be highly shielded, and which can sterilize the surface of the space efficiently with inexpensive equipment. The disclosed method involves: spraying a low-concentration sterilizing agent in the form of fine particles into the space-to-be-sterilized and making the sterilizing agent adhere to the surface thereof, the low-concentration sterilizing agent being any one of a 1-10 wt % aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, a 0.1-1 wt % aqueous solution of peracetic acid, or a 0.01-0.1 wt % aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid; adjusting the humidity in the space-to-be-sterilized; and air-drying the sterilizing agent. Thus, a high level of sterilization can be achieved in a short time and at low cost.

Abstract: Close proximity, including conversations at closer than three (3) feet apart, facilitates disease transfer via airborne pathogens. This transfer can be mitigated by the present invention, which is directed towards methods, systems and apparatuses to produce a predictably shaped and minimally intrusive air barrier that may comprise an airborne disinfectant, to divert and or render harmless and to divert and negate close proximity airborne pathogens, such as influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome, etc., and other airborne particulates transferred from an infected person towards the face of an unfortunate recipient at normal conversational distances apart from each other, and/or to divert and render harmless such airborne particulates.

Abstract: A system for sanitizing an article includes an ultraviolet light emitting a wavelength of light anywhere between 122-230 nm projected toward the article. A medium dispersed about the article and intersecting with the projected ultraviolet light is also provided. The medium interacts with the frequency of light to generate reactive oxygen species that eliminate microbes on the article. Specific light wavelengths may be used in combination with different mediums.

Abstract: The present method relates to a novel means of safely applying peracetic acid (peroxyacetic acid or PAA) to inert solid surfaces and non-inert surfaces such as those found on various agricultural products including citrus fruit, pome fruit, potatoes, and vegetables to achieve an enhanced microbial effect. This is useful as a low cost means of sanitizing agricultural products in situ in the storage facility while simultaneously sanitizing the storage facility itself.

Abstract: Methods for disinfecting or sterilizing an article are provided. One method includes vaporizing a solution comprising a biocide in a solvent having a first biocide:solvent ratio, directing a flow of the vapor to a first side of a membrane; directing an alternate flow of a gas to a second side of the membrane to increase the first biocide:solvent ratio on the first side to a second biocide:solvent ratio greater than the first biocide:solvent ratio thereby producing a concentrated vapor on the first side of the membrane, and contacting the article with the concentrated vapor for a time sufficient to disinfect or sterilize it.

Abstract: Provided is an antimicrobial raw material having excellent antibacterial and corrosion-resistance properties, which can be directly formed as a film even on a plastic substrate with low heat-resistance or a substrate whereof the color or properties are likely to change due to heat, and this can be achieved at relatively low cost. The antimicrobial raw material is a laminated structure which comprises a substrate layer and a copper-tin alloy layer disposed on the substrate layer, and which has a thickness ranging from 5 nm to 200 nm. The substrate layer is made of resin, natural fiber, or paper, the resin having the deflection temperature under load being 115° C. or lower when measured in accordance with ASTM-D648-56 under a load of 1820 kPa. The copper-tin alloy layer contains over 60 at % but no more than 90 at % of copper and 10 at % or more but less than 40 at % of tin.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance includes at least one nonwoven layer adhesively attached to at least one of the pouch walls with a sound absorbing adhesive therebetween. The sound absorbing adhesive comprises a vinyl-bond rich triblock copolymer. The ostomy appliance has improved sound absorbing properties to insulate flatus gas noise.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue-bonding adhesive composition having a polyol of functionality N. The polyol being terminated has at least one polyisocyanate in solution with at least (N?1)% of the solution having free polyisocyanate. N may be in the range 1.5-8. The polyol may be a branched polypropylene/polyethylene oxide copolymer.

Abstract: A medical implant comprises a biodegradable magnesium-based alloy of which at least a part of its surface layer comprises a magnesium carbonate. A method for the manufacture of a biocompatible, corrosion-inhibiting protective surface layer on a medical implant comprising a magnesium-based alloy, comprises: providing an implant comprising a magnesium-based alloy to be coated; placing the implant into a reactor chamber; exposing at least part of the surface of said implant to an atmosphere comprising humid carbon dioxide to produce a coating on the surface of the implant comprising a magnesium carbonate of the formula x MgCO3.y Mg (OH)2, whereby x+y=1; removing the implant from the reactor chamber; and drying the surface of the implant.

Abstract: A kneadable and moldable bone-replacement material includes a mixture of calcium-containing ceramic particles and a hydrogel or a substance which can be swelled into a hydrogel. The ceramic particles are of fully synthetic origin and the individual ceramic particles have a structure which is at least partially cohesive and porous. In addition, the majority of the ceramic particles have a non-spheric shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant, e.g. a stent, bone replacement material, a prosthesis, a scaffold or similar, which comprises a coating at least in those surface areas that come into contact with hard and/or soft tissue when implanted. To ensure that the active ingredient contained in the coating (bisphosphonate) is released into the surrounding tissue or can act in the latter in a controlled manner at the correct speed, the coating is characterized in that it contains bisphosphonate, the respective pharmaceutically compatible salts or esters of the latter, in addition to at least one amphiphilic component, selected from the group containing branched or linear, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or partially unsaturated C10-C30 alkyl-, alkenyl, alkylaryl-, aryl-, cycloalkyl-, alkylcycloalkyl-, alkylcycloaryl-carboxylates, -phosphates or -sulfates or mixtures thereof and/or a water-soluble ionic polymer component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a cross-linked sterile and homogeneous hydrogel for injection, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (a) preparing an aqueous solution containing a polymer derived from cellulose and at least one water-soluble polymer, the total polymer content ranging from 0.5 and 5 wt %, preferably from 1 to 4 wt % and more preferably from 1.5 to 3 wt %; (b) optionally adding sold particles; (c) pouring the resulting liquid mixture with the optional solid particles into a vessel and closing dais vessel using a water-tight and gas-tight system; and (d) exposing said vessel containing the liquid and the optional solid particles to a radiation dose of between 5 and 50 kGy, preferably between 20 and 30 kGy, and more preferably of about 25 kGy. The invention also relates to a hydrogel obtained according to the above method and to the use thereof in medical applications.

Abstract: This invention provides implantable medical devices having at least one moiety attached to the surface capable of catalyzing a reaction in vivo. The implantable medical device has a body such as a stent with a surface adapted to be placed adjacent to a biological tissue or fluid. The body has at least one moiety attached to the surface which is capable of catalyzing a first reaction upon contacting a first substrate in the biological tissue or fluid. The moiety remains attached to the surface after the first reaction and is capable of catalyzing at least a second reaction upon contacting a second substrate. In preferred embodiments the moiety is capable of catalyzing a multitude of reactions as substrates come into contact and then leave the surface of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing medical devices wherein the medical device has a surface treated to promote the migration of cells onto the surface of the medical device. In particular, the surface of the medical device has at least one topographical feature formed therein.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a medical product comprising a hollow body (2), wherein at least part of a wall of the hollow body (2) is coated at least on the inside with a layer comprising a polymer; at least the part of at least the inside of the wall of the medical product is brought into contact with a mixture (6) of the polymer and the polymer is deposited from the mixture (6) on at least the part of the inside of the wall. And a medical product comprising a hollow body (2) with a wall consisting of one or more structural elements (16), at least a section of the wall being coated with a layer (15) comprising native chitosan, wherein both on the inside and the outside of the hollow body (2) at least some of the one or more structural elements (16) of the wall of the hollow body (2) are at least partly coated with the native chitosan layer (15). And a method for electrodepositing a polymer on an electrode from an acidic mixture of the polymer, wherein the mixture (6) comprises a multibasic acid.

Abstract: The invention comprises a modified implant useful to assess bone by imaging. The modified implant comprises a medical implant and at least one detectable marker element associated with the implant that serves as a reference point in medical imaging. Preferably, the implant and the detector marker elements have different radiolucencies such that one element can be seen through the other in medical imaging.

Abstract: A medical delivery system having a container and a dosing assembly, and wherein one of the container and the dosing assembly comprises a rotatable element adapted to engage the other one of the container and the dosing assembly. A container suitable for use in said medical delivery system. A dosing assembly suitable for use in said medical delivery system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a reduced pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters. Certain embodiments are directed to connectors used to connect fluid passage tube used in transmitting negative pressure to a fabric channel used in a suction adapter.

Abstract: Apparatus (130) for use in wound therapy of mammals is described, the apparatus (130) comprising: a dressing covering the wound, the dressing being substantially sealed to prevent ingress of ambient atmospheric air to the wound; aspiration means (132) operably connected to a space between the dressing and the wound by an aspiration conduit (142) sealed to the point of entry between wound and dressing against ingress of ambient atmosphere, said conduit (142) being for aspiration of said wound and for removal of fluid from said space between said wound and said dressing; a waste container (148) for receiving aspirated fluid to be discarded operably connected to said aspiration conduit; and heating means (144) for heating said fluid in order to increase the vapor pressure thereof and to cause evaporation to reduce the volume of the fluid in the waste container (148). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the waste fluid is also provided with a sparge gas.

Abstract: A remote sensing catheter system including an injection catheter and a collection catheter. In one method of use, an external sensor of the system determines the timing of operation of the collection catheter. In another method of use, a sensor determines the volume of medium in the injection.

Abstract: A system for controlled delivery of medical fluids to a patient includes an inlet conduit attached to a source of a medical fluid and an outlet conduit connected to the patient. The inlet and outlet conduits are interconnected by a multiple stage control valve assembly and a pair of syringes. The control valve assembly is alternated between a first state wherein the inlet conduit communicates with a first syringe for transmitting fluid from the source to the first syringe, a second state wherein the first syringe communicates with a second syringe and is isolated from the inlet conduit and the outlet for transmitting fluid from the first syringe to the second syringe, and a third state wherein the second syringe communicates with the outlet and is isolated from the inlet and the first syringe for transmitting fluid from the second syringe to the patient through the outlet.

Abstract: A method of administering a reduced pressure tissue treatment to a tissue site includes percutaneously inserting a tube through a skin tissue of a patient to place a distal end of the tube adjacent the tissue site, the tube having at least one passageway. A balloon associated with the tube is positioned adjacent the tissue site, and the balloon is inflated to dissect and form a void adjacent the tissue site. A manifold having a plurality of flow channels is delivered through the passageway to the tissue site. The manifold is positioned such that at least one of the flow channels is in contact with the tissue site, and a reduced pressure is applied to the tissue site through the flow channels of the manifold.

Abstract: Provided is a platelet-rich plasma separator which can carry out the separation of a platelet-rich plasma with a small number of gamma radiation sterilized instruments and a platelet-rich plasma separation method. The platelet-rich plasma separator comprises a first syringe and a second syringe. The first syringe comprises a first syringe cylinder provided with a first port on which a blood collection needle can be mounted, a first cap detachable from the first port, a first gasket for sealing the first syringe cylinder fluid-tightly, which first gasket is reciprocated within the first syringe cylinder, and a first plunger provided detachably on the first gasket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suction sequence which is considered to produce advantageous results, particularly for mothers with newborn infants. The sequence comprises a process of stimulation, expression, and pausing to closely mimic a newborn's sucking pattern.

Abstract: A rotary blood pump includes a casing defining a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a blood inlet and a tangential blood outlet. One or more motor stators are provided outside of the pumping chamber. A rotatable impeller is within the pumping chamber and is adapted to cause blood entering the pumping chamber to move to the blood outlet. The impeller has one or more magnetic regions. The impeller is radially constrained in rotation by magnetic coupling to one or more motor stators and is axially constrained in rotation by one or more hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces on the impeller.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tool is employed in filling a drug-delivery device. The tool may include, for example, a needle that is admitted through a fill port of the drug-delivery device.

Abstract: Reciprocating positive-displacement diaphragm pump (1) intended for liquids and for medical use, has a driving part (10) within which there are an electromagnetic actuator (11), incorporating at least one coil (12) and activating a piston (14) of a moving member (15) capable of cyclic linear motion. The pump comprises a pump body (20) within which there is a pre-loaded diaphragm (22) able to undergo a translational movement by elastic deformation from a normal rest position to an adjacent position through the transmission of the work from a piston (14). It incorporates a device (30) for detecting out-of-tolerance variations in the intensity of the supply current by measurements (33), a device (40) for continuously measuring the position of the moving member (15) and devices (30, 45) for processing and analyzing the measurements, which are able to generate at least one malfunctioning alarm signal (35) indicating the detection of at least one malfunction of the pump.

Abstract: A patient device includes a case and a user interface for interaction between a patient and the patient device. The case may include a projection unit which projects information onto a surface separate from the case. The user interface may include a display unit for displaying information relating to the patient device integrated into the case and an additional display unit for displaying information relating to the patient device, which is external to the case. The externally provided display unit may be coupled to the case such that it can be at least one of folded, tilted, pulled out or unrolled relative to the case.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood purifier which shows a decreased amount of hydrogen peroxide extracted from its selectively permeable separation membranes, and thus is highly reliable in its safety in use for hemecatharysis. The present invention relates to a blood purifier which comprises selectively permeable separation membranes as a main component and which is characterized in that the amount of hydrogen peroxide which is extracted from the selectively permeable separation membrane removed from the blood purifier after 3 months or longer has passed since the sterilization of the blood purifier by exposure to a radioactive ray and/or an electron ray is not larger than 10 ppm.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid cassette-based membrane blood pump; a dialyzer in fluid communication with the blood pump; first and second dialysis fluid cassette-based balance chambers each having (i) a fresh dialysis fluid compartment in fluid communication with the dialyzer and (ii) a spent dialysis fluid compartment; a dialysis fluid cassette-based fresh dialysis fluid membrane pump in fluid communication with the fresh dialysis fluid compartments of the first and second balance chambers; a dialysis fluid cassette-based spent dialysis fluid membrane pump in fluid communication with the dialyzer and the spent dialysis fluid compartments of the first and second balance chambers; and which is configured to receive a data transfer including a prescription entry for the system.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus includes a housing; a first electrical contact carried by the housing; a hydrogel material located within the housing; a second electrical contact connected to the hydrogel material, the hydrogel material located so as to be contacted by a liquid flowing through the housing; and wherein the hydrogel material expands as the material absorbs the liquid such that the second electrical contact is moved and eventually engage the first electrical contact.