Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions involved in identifying cells that lack apico-basal polarity as well as methods and compositions involved in selectively delivering payload molecules to cells that lack apico-basal polarity, and methods of selecting test compounds that restore apico-basal polarity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for making and using bioactive assemblies of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. In particular embodiments, the bioactive assembly is formed using dock-and-lock (DNL) methodology, which takes advantage of the specific binding interaction between dimerization and docking domains (DDD) and anchoring domains (AD) to form the assembly. In various embodiments, one or more effectors may be attached to a DDD or AD sequence. Complementary AD or DDD sequences may be attached to an adaptor module that forms the core of the bioactive assembly, allowing formation of the assembly through the specific DDD/AD binding interactions. Such assemblies may be attached to a wide variety of effector moieties for treatment, detection and/or diagnosis of a disease, pathogen infection or other medical or veterinary condition.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-PMEL17 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same.

Abstract: This invention relates to the staging, diagnosis, and treatment of cancerous diseases, particularly to the use of monoclonal antibodies, antigen binding fragments thereof, and/or cancerous disease modifying antibodies (CDMAB), optionally in combination with one or more CDMAB, chemotherapeutic agents, and conjugates thereof, as a means for initiating a cytotoxic response to human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The invention further relates to binding assays, which utilize the monoclonal antibodies, antigen binding fragments thereof, and/or CDMAB of the instant invention. The cancerous disease modifying antibodies can be conjugated to toxins, enzymes, radioactive compounds, cytokines, interferons, target or reporter moieties and hematogenous cells. In particular aspects, the CDMAB used in the methods of the invention is an anti-CD44 antibody, which may be the antibody produced by the hybridoma deposited with the ATCC having accession number PTA-4621 and/or a chimeric or humanized version thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles, methods for making nanoparticles, and methods for using nanoparticles. An important attribute of a drug delivery system is its ability to allow for spatial and temporal regulated drug release, thereby minimizing side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy of conventional pharmaceuticals. Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs), specifically Fe304 nanoparticles, possess many appropriate qualities that make them a viable choice for drug delivery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for gene delivery which forms into liquid crystals in an aqueous fluid including chitosan and a liquid crystal formation material. The composition of the present invention including chitosan and a liquid crystal formation material improves the relatively low binding strength between chitosan and a gene, and also considerably increases the stability of a chitosan nanocomposite in blood serum, thereby performing highly efficient gene delivery and providing excellent stability, thus being useful as a gene therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A method for enhancing repair of damaged mammalian tubular epithelial cells involves delivering to the tubular epithelial cells of a subject in need thereof a composition comprising an adeno-associated virus (AAV) comprising an AAV capsid having an amino acid sequence of a selected AAV serotype, and a minigene having AAV inverted terminal repeats and a Sec10 gene operatively linked to regulatory sequences that direct expression of Sec10 in the epithelial cells. In one embodiment, delivery is accomplished by retrograde intrauretal injection. In an embodiment the AAV vector includes a capsid of AAV serotype 2/8. Therapeutic compositions containing such AAV are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) as a reagent for the early diagnosis and/or prognosis of Alzheimer disease, to a kit comprising IGF-1 and a sedative, and to the use thereof in the early diagnosis and/or prognosis of Alzheimer disease.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing and treating a human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumor in a subject is disclosed. The method includes administering to the subject, an effective amount of composition having a peptide 12-20 amino acid residues in length and selected for its ability to bind preferentially to a subtype of human GBM cells identified as brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) or highly invasive glioma cells (HIGCs).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of Magnetic Resonance (MR) detection, in particular 13C-MR detection, by using a diagnostic medium comprising a hyperpolarized ester, in particular ethyl acetoacetate. The method comprises the detection of the MR signal of a hyperpolarized 13C carboxylic ester and of its respective hyperpolarized metabolite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutically acceptable colloidal suspension, which comprises a microcapsule, which is enclosed by a container (“double container”), wherein the microcapsules comprise magnetic particles in a colloidal solution. The invention further relates to the use of said pharmaceutically acceptable colloidal suspension as an oral contrast medium for the diagnostic investigation of the gastrointestinal tract and the use of the contrast medium to diagnose proliferative diseases, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and hormonal and hereditary diseases in the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Provided is a compound having a high ICG content that has high accumulation property in a tumor and has a large intensity of a photoacoustic signal emitted from the tumor even when a time period elapses after administration. Specifically, provided is a hyaluronic acid derivative to which polyethylene glycol and an ICG derivative are conjugated.

Abstract: The inventive method relates to a method for the determination of susceptibility or diagnosis of autism or autism spectrum disorders. Diagnosis or determination of susceptibility determinations are predicated on quantitative analysis of endocannibinoid levels or endocannibinoid receptor expression.

Abstract: Conjugates derived from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and methods of use thereof are disclosed, useful for, inter alia, identifying and localizing the site of pathology and/or inflammation responsible for the sensation of pain in a patient; for identifying the sites of primary, secondary, benign, or malignant tumors; and for diagnosing infection or confirming or ruling out suspected infection. The NSAID-based conjugates contain an imaging moiety. The conjugates concentrate at sites of increased cyclooxygenase expression, thus revealing the sites of increased prostaglandin production, which is correlated with pain and inflammation, and correlated with tumor presence and/or location. Identifying areas of increased COX expressing can also aid in screening for infections.

Abstract: A synthesis method of labeling histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDAC inhibitors) SC027 with Gallium-67 or Gallium-68 radionuclide, wherein a labeled precursor DOTA-SC027 which comprises DOTA-NHS-ester (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid-N-hydroxysuccinimide-ester) and HDACi-SC027 is prepared for the synthesis to label HDACi-SC027 with Gallium-67 or Gallium-68 radionuclide for producing imaging tracers for tracking the HDACi.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and methods for the treatment, inhibition and/or reduction, and detection of metastatic tumors. In some embodiments, the inventive methods include systemic (e.g., intravenous) administration of a chlorotoxin agent that may or may not be labeled. In some embodiments, the inventive methods allow treatment, inhibition and/or reduction, and detection of metastases in the brain. In some embodiments, neovascularization is inhibited and/or newly formed vessels are caused to regress.

Abstract: This invention relates to kits for tumor imaging and methods for preparing the kits using a composition having the structure— His-Ser-Asp-Gly-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asp-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Arg-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Ala-Ala-Val-Leu-yAba-Lys (R) (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein the y-amino group of the lysine residue is coupled to a chelator disclosed in this application.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for diagnostic and imaging techniques for detecting and localizing the biomarker Plectin-1. The present invention provides multimeric peptide ligand complexes for targeting Plectin-1, such as the multimeric peptide ligand complex having the formula (?AKTLLPTPGGS(PEG5000))4 KKKKDOTA?A-NH2, to which imaging agents and/or therapeutic agents can be conjugated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation and sterilization of a viscous fluid containing a temperature sensitive compound diluted into a viscous matrix, characterized in that it includes: a heat treatment unit, fed with the viscous matrix, wherein the viscous matrix is sterilized, a mixing unit, fed with the sterilized viscous matrix and the sterile temperature sensitive compound, wherein the temperature sensitive compound is incorporated into the sterilized viscous matrix to form the viscous fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterilising device (1), comprising at least one chamber (2) for sterilising products (4), a primary fluid circuit (3) connected to the chamber (2) for providing hot water and/or hot steam to the chamber, a secondary fluid circuit (8) for heating and/or cooling the primary fluid circuit (3), wherein the secondary fluid circuit (8) is connected to the primary fluid circuit (3) by means of a second heat exchanger (5), and a stratified storage tank (11) in the secondary fluid circuit (8) having a plurality of temperature zones (12), wherein the temperature zones (12) can be separately charged with and discharged of the fluid of the secondary fluid circuit (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing instruments at atmospheric pressure is provided. The apparatus includes a receiver, a sterilant reservoir, a rinsant reservoir, a waste reservoir, a microwave source, and a controller. The receiver receives the instruments to be sterilized and is made of a non-microwave absorptive material. The sterilant reservoir contains a sterilant fluid that is absorptive of microwave energy and has a boiling point greater than 100° Celsius. The rinsant reservoir contains a chemical rinsant fluid that is capable of solvating or displacing the sterilant fluid and does not support microbial viability or growth. The microwave source is positioned with respect to receiver so as to emit microwave energy into the receiver. The reservoirs are each in selective fluid communication with the receiver and the controller selectively moves the sterilant fluid or the chemical rinsant fluid from the reservoirs to the receiver and from the receiver to the waste reservoir.

Abstract: An aqueous composition is described herein that is safe, convenient, and effective for cleansing dental appliances. The primary cleansing agent in this composition is a surfactant, which allows for fast and effective cleaning without damaging or discoloring the plastic of the dental appliance. The stable aqueous composition does not require dissolving in a reservoir and may be applied directly to the dental appliance. The aqueous composition is safe for natural teeth and therefore easy to incorporate into a regular oral hygiene routine.

Abstract: A sanitizing device used to sanitize a bulb syringe. The device preferably includes a base, a bulb receiver, and a sanitization system. The sanitization system produces a sanitizing gas that is propelled into and possibly around a bulb syringe in order to sanitize the surfaces of the syringe. The sanitization system preferably includes an ionization module, a fan, electrodes, and a power supply. Preferably, the sanitization system is housed in a conical housing which includes a central nozzle and an array of openings centered around the nozzle exit. The sanitization device preferably includes an automatic switch that is activated by the presence of a bulb syringe or upon placing a cover over the device.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing at least one surgical instrument. The container includes at least one sensor for measuring an environmental characteristic of the container during the sterilization of the instrument. The measure of the environmental characteristic is supplied to a processor. The processor compares the measurement of the container environment to a validated measurement for the sterilization process. If the measured environmental characteristic is at least equal to the validated sterilization process measurement, the processor presents an indication that the surgical instruments was properly sterilized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, compositions and articles comprising olfactory-active compositions. An article of the present invention comprises a structural component and an olfactory-active composition. The article may control the release, release rate or absorption of the olfactory-active composition. The article may be of various shapes and sizes. A method of use of an article comprises providing fragrance to an environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile power pack with fragrance feature is disclosed. An outer surface of the housing is formed with an accommodating space, and a power module is installed in the housing. A heating element is disposed in the housing and corresponding to the accommodating space, and the heating element is electrically connected with the power module. A fragrant shim is disposed in the accommodating space, and the fragrant shim is heated by the heating element for producing aromas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for delivering volatile substances, comprising: (i) a vapor permeable outer enclosure, said outer enclosure preferably being formed by a first laminate comprising a mesh material layer and a vapor permeable material layer laminated onto the mesh material layer; and (ii) a vapor impermeable inner enclosure placed inside the outer enclosure and defining an interior space for accommodating the volatile substances, said inner enclosure being formed by a second laminate comprising a metal foil layer and a rupturable material layer laminated onto the metal foil layer, wherein at least one die cut line to define a preformed hole is formed through the rupturable material layer. The invention also provides a method for delivering volatile substances.

Abstract: The dispensing device comprising an active substance dispensing element (1) and adjustment means of the dispensing of said active substances, said active substance dispensing element (1) being housed inside a casing (2) formed by a first body (3) and a second body (4) that can be coupled to each other and that can rotate with respect to each other, said adjustment means comprising an opening (5) provided in said first body (3) and at least one tab (6), such that the relative position between said first (3) and second (4) bodies determines the degree of closure of said opening (5) by means of said tab (6), and in that said first body (3) comprises holes (7) supplementary to a protrusion (8), the position of said protrusion (8) inside one of said holes (7) determining varying adjustment positions of the degree of closure of said opening.

Abstract: A vent stick air freshener has a pair of vent rods extending rearwardly from an annular head with a hollow therein, an open front end and an open rear end defining an air tunnel. At least one body is carried by at least one of the pair of vent rods. An insert is at least partially received in the hollow of the annular head. A space is defined between the insert and the annular head. The at least one body or the insert or both has a desired scent material interspersed therein and diffusible out over time.

Abstract: A system and for diffusing. The system includes a diffuser body and two angled sides. The diffuser also includes a removable cover which is coupled to the diffuser body via a coupling device. Further, a shield is coupled to the diffuser body. The diffuser houses a container which is at least partially filled with a fragrance which is to be emitted by the diffuser. The removable cover hides the container from view. The diffuser is shaped to allow the diffuser to be placed in a corner. Further, because the cover can be removed, the cover can be customized and adjusted for a more aesthetically pleasing diffuser.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a cooling system, where the cooling system comprises one or more cooling agents which are selected oxalic acid derivatives. The cooling system is stable, does not require special packaging and still provide a cooling sensation even after storage of the products.

Abstract: An absorbent structure having HIPE foam that comprises polyurethane foam.

Abstract: The invention provides a solid foam wound dressing useful for hemorrhage control and wound repair, as well as methods for making such a wound dressing.

Abstract: Devices, such as dressing and implants, for treatment of chronic wounds comprising controlled delivery systems for butyric acid or salts, polymers, or derivatives thereof are provided. These devices are particularly useful when it is desirable to promote angiogenesis in a chronic wound. In the preferred embodiment, the implants are resorbable, provide a temporary scaffold for the in-growth of cells, tissues, and blood vessels to help regenerate the extracellular matrix, and deliver butyric acid to the chronic wound. The dressings and implants may also contain one or more antibiotics to treat or prevent infection in the wound, and/or inhibitors of proteases to modulate protease activity in the wound.

Abstract: Adding gas-filled microbubbles to both the saline solution of either a kyphoplasty balloon or a vertebroplasty cement allows the clinician to assess via ultrasound both the location and expansion of the balloon and the location of the cement during vertebral body augmentation procedures without the use of fluoroscopy.

Abstract: This invention provides solid substrates for mitigating or preventing cell or tissue adherence and/or vascularization, which solid substrate comprises a marine organism skeletal derivative and is characterized by a specific fluid uptake capacity value of less than 40%, which specific fluid uptake capacity value is determined by establishing a spontaneous fluid uptake value divided by a total fluid uptake value and processes for selection of an optimized marine organism skeletal derivative-based solid substrate for mitigating or preventing cell or tissue adherence and/or vascularization and applications of the same. This invention also provides solid substrates for mitigating or preventing cell or tissue adherence and/or vascularization, which solid substrate is characterized by having a contact angle value of more than 60 degrees, when in contact with a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human corneal endothelial cell sheet having a curvature fitting a human corneal endothelial surface, particularly, the human corneal endothelial cell sheet supported by a cell support having a curvature fitting a human corneal endothelial surface, and a production method of a human corneal endothelial cell sheet having a curvature fitting a human corneal endothelial surface, which includes the following steps: (1) a step of gelling a gelatin aqueous solution poured into a template having a curvature fitting a human corneal endothelial surface; (2) a step of forming a sheet-like gelatin by drying the gelled gelatin obtained in (1); (3) a step of obtaining a gelatin sheet by thermally crosslinking the sheet-like gelatin obtained in (2); (4) a step of seeding human corneal endothelial cells on the gelatin sheet obtained in (3) to form a human corneal endothelial cell layer.

Abstract: Porous material made with metal or metal alloy, which may be a coating, can be made from a first intermediate and then a second intermediate. For instance, the first intermediate may be provided by providing the metal or metal alloy, and a pore-holding substance; and combining the metal or metal alloy, and the pore-holding substance. The second intermediate can be provided, for instance, by forming from the first intermediate, a matrix of metal or metal alloy, in which is dispersed the pore-holding substance, for example, with thermal spraying. The porous material can be made by contacting the second intermediate with a pore-forming substance under conditions such that pore-holding substance in the matrix contacted with the pore-forming substance is reduced in size or removed to leave pores in remaining metal or metal alloy to provide a constituent of a metal or metal alloy with pores.

Abstract: A bone graft substitute for use in orthopedic bone grafting procedures comprising a radiolucent bone graft substitute combined with a temporary radiopaque agent. Methods of making and using the composition are also disclosed. Bone graft substitutes have become an effective means of regenerating bone in orthopedic procedures where bone loss results from surgically created defects or traumatic injury to the bone. Bone graft substitutes include mineral-based materials such as hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphates, and calcium phosphosilicates as well as allograft-derived materials and xenograft-derived materials such as collagen-based matrices and demineralized bone matrices.

Abstract: Radiopaque polymer compositions and methods for making the compositions are provided. These radiopaque polymer compositions include polymer compositions comprising a crosslinked polymer network, the network comprising a first repeating unit derived from a monofunctional monomer and a second repeating unit derived from a multifunctional non-iodinated monomer wherein neither of the two monomers is fluorinated. Devices formed from radiopaque polymer compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric materials made of biodegradable, bioabsorbable triblock copolymers and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) containing such polymeric materials. The polymeric materials may also contain at least one therapeutic substance. The polymeric materials are formulated so as to improve the mechanical and adhesion properties, degradation, biocompatibility and drug permeability of such materials and, thus, implantable devices formed of such materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings with crystallized active agent(s) and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for coating a medical device including selecting a solvent and a polymer, selecting a concentration of an active agent of at least a certain amount of saturation, forming a coating composition having the selected concentration of the active agent, and applying the coating composition to the medical device. In an embodiment, the invention includes an elution control coating disposed on a medical device, the elution control coating including a polymer, and an active agent, wherein the active agent is at least about 80% crystallized within one week of being disposed on the medical device.

Abstract: In one aspect, nerve growth inhibition devices are described herein. In some embodiments, a nerve growth inhibition device described herein comprises a tube having a proximal end and a distal end. A matrix material is disposed in the tube, and the matrix material comprises one or more microchannels. The proximal end of the tube comprises an opening operable to receive nerve tissue, the distal end of the tube is sealed, and the microchannels of the matrix material extend from the proximal end of the tube toward the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sizing fat parcels are provided. In particular, a parcelizer device that includes a container and a displacement insert or filter element is provided. Tissue containing fat parcels is passed through the parcelizer. The parcelizer can include multiple displacement inserts or filter elements. Alternatively or in addition, a plurality of displacement structures that each include one or more displacement inserts or filter elements can be provided. In general, the displacement inserts or filter elements are configured to progressively reduce the size of fat parcels included in tissue.

Abstract: A surgical kit for draining a body cavity of a patient includes a sterile enclosure, a body cavity drainage device with a sterilized drainage tube having one or more lateral openings through a side wall thereof, and a sterilized body cavity drainage tube placement tool configured to be inserted through a lateral opening of the one or more lateral openings. The body cavity drainage device and the placement tool are contained within the sterile enclosure. Methods relate to providing surgical tools for draining a body cavity of a patient.

Abstract: A body cavity drainage device includes a drainage tube with a distal end configured for insertion into the body cavity of a patient, a fluid outlet at a proximal end of the drainage tube; and an activation apparatus coupled to the drainage tube between the proximal end of the drainage tube and the distal end of the drainage tube. The activation apparatus may be configured to alter a position of the distal end of the drainage tube in response to an input at a control device of the activation apparatus, and a first portion of the drainage tube extending from the activation apparatus toward the distal end may be at least substantially coaxial with a second portion of the drainage tube extending from the activation apparatus toward the proximal end. Methods relate to forming a body cavity drainage devices.

Abstract: A body cavity drainage device placement tool for placing a body cavity drainage tube at least partially within a body cavity of a patient. The body cavity drainage device includes a shaft, a handle attached to or integral with a proximal end of the shaft, and a distal end of the shaft sized and configured for insertion through a lateral opening of the body cavity drainage tube and at least partially through a central lumen of the body cavity drainage tube to proximate a distal end of the body cavity drainage tube. Methods relate to using a body cavity drainage device placement tool.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes a pump that is to be implanted in a patient and a control unit disposed externally of the patient. A percutaneous cable section is configured to pass percutaneously through an incision in the patient and has first and second ends. The second end is connectable to the pump. An extension cable section has second ends, and the second end is connectable to the control unit. The first and of the cable sections removably mate together and include a push-pull electrical connector covered by a secondary threaded mechanical connector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the operation of, and providing power for and to, implantable ventricular assist devices which include a brushless DC motor-driven blood pump, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a control system for driving an implantable pump is provided. The digital processor is responsive to data associated with the operation of the pump received at the data transfer port, and from the program data stored in memory, (i) to determine therefrom, the identity of the pump, (ii) to determine therefrom, electrical characteristics and features of the identified pump, and (iii) to adaptively generate and apply to the data port, control signals for driving the identified pump. Latch mechanisms, an elongated flexible electrical cable with a strain relief segment, and a lower housing portion that is heavier than an upper housing portion, may also be provided with the control system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medical appliance, in particular an apparatus for the extracorporeal blood treatment, with a housing including a door and with a handle mechanism arranged at the door, by means of which the door can be locked with the housing via a locking mechanism, wherein a part of the locking mechanism is formed at the handle mechanism in its part protruding into the housing and wherein a form-fit unit is provided which includes at least one form-fit means and at least one form-fit means counterpart, wherein on locking and/or closing the door the at least one form-fit means at least partly engages in the at least one form-fit means counterpart.