Abstract: A stable ophthalmic pharmaceutical composition for relief, treatment, control, alleviation, or prevention of a pathological ocular condition of the eye comprises: (a) a first polymer, a viscosity of which changes with a change in a concentration of an electrolyte, such as a salt, when added to said first polymer; (b) a second polymer that is different from the first polymer and can modify the viscosity of the first polymer; and (c) an oil. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a non-ionic surfactant. The composition can form a stable oil-in-water emulsion on storage, but separate into an oil phase and a water phase when applied in the eye. The emulsion can comprises an ophthalmic active pharmaceutical ingredient dissolved in the oil or water phase. The emulsion can provide enhanced stability to said active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Abstract: A novel type A botulinum toxin preparation is provided. A neuromuscular transmission blocking agent comprising as an active ingredient a highly purified type A botulinum toxin from Clostridium botulinum as infant botulism pathogen and a medicament for treating a disease with a muscle overactivity comprising as an active ingredient said toxin. In particular, the medicament of the present invention, as compared to the conventional known botulinum toxin preparations, has rapid efficacy of potential and is less diffusive and thus, having a broader safety margin, may be used as therapeutic medicament for decreasing local, muscle overactivity in a disease with a muscle overactivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ionic liquid compositions comprising active pharmaceutical, biological, and nutritional compounds, and methods of use. Further disclosed are compositions of matter including liquid ion pairs alone or in solution and their use; compositions of ionic liquids that are ‘solvated,’ for example, ‘hydrated’ and their uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods for treating retroviral infections and/or Hepatitis B viral infections. Some compounds of the invention are described by Formula I: or a stereoisomer, a diastereomer, an enantiomer or racemate thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to fatty acid niacin conjugates; compositions comprising an effective amount of a fatty acid niacin conjugate; and methods for treating or preventing an metabolic disease comprising the administration of an effective amount of a fatty acid niacin conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel conjugates of active principles grafted to a polymer, to the nanoparticles comprising them, to their preparation and to their polymeric intermediates.

Abstract: Short single chain peptides having affinity for a target surface often lack the binding durability required for certain commercial applications. One way to improve durability is to promote multivalent binding by linking together binding sequences using peptide linkers. However, the resulting single chain binding peptides often suffer from linker entropy. It has been discovered that the use of rigid peptide linkers when linking together multiple binding sequences enhances the binding affinity of the resulting single chain peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a terminal sterilization process for biodegradable PEG-based insoluble hydrogels using irradiation. The presence of a protective solvent ensures that the hydrogel remains intact with functionally preserved three-dimensional and physicochemical properties.

Abstract: A thermo-reversible thermoplastic pharmaceutical composition, comprising a botulinum toxin and a biocompatible poloxamer which provides thermoreversibility to the composition and additionally stabilizes the botulinum toxin, is described. The pharmaceutical composition can be administered to a patient as a liquid, and gels after administration into a sustained release drug delivery system from which the biologically active botulinum toxin is released over a multi-day period thereby localizing the drug as a depot and controlling release to enhance the therapeutic effect per dose.

Abstract: An intracellular bacterial infection in a plant or animal is treated by administration to a plant cell or animal cell of a particle to which an infectious bacteriophage is covalently attached, wherein the particle is internalized by the cell. Particles with phage attached and compositions comprising the particles are provided. A formulation, for treatment of a bacterial infection, comprises bacteriophage, liquid carrier and adhesive, which dries so that the adhesive adheres the bacteriophage to a surface, one such formulation comprising liquid carrier: 85%-99.98% by weight; bacteriophage: 0.01%-5% by weight; and adhesive: 0.01%-10% by weight.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method generates a set-point temperature for an evaporative cooler supplying cooled water to a chiller. Under the control of one or more computer systems configured with executable instructions, an achievable temperature for water supplied to the chiller by the evaporative cooler is generated based at least in part on an outside wet bulb temperature. A set-point temperature for the water supplied to the chiller by the evaporative cooler is then generated. The set-point temperature is the greater of the achievable temperature and a minimum temperature for water that can be used by the chiller without causing damage to the chiller.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) in which: >R is a linear or branched (C1-C6) alkyl, >L is a spacer group, >A is a diagnostic agent, and >m is equal to 1 or 2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a selective delivery molecule comprising: (a) an acidic sequence (portion A) which is effective to inhibit or prevent the uptake into cells or tissue retention, (b) a molecular transport or retention sequence (portion B), and (c) a linker between portion A and portion B, and (d) at least one cargo moiety.

Abstract: An analysis method determines a functional parameter of an organ by measuring 13CO2 content in exhaled air of an individual to which a substrate has been administered. The reaction of the substrate in the body of the individual enriches the exhaled air with 13CO2. The maximum reaction rate of the substrate in the body is determined via a change of the measured 13CO2 content in the exhaled air using zero-order enzyme kinetics. An aqueous methacetin solution having a pH greater than 7.0 is used in the analysis method. A face mask separates the exhaled air from inhaled air. The face mask is configured such that inhaled and exhaled air flows essentially completely through the face mask. Exhalation and inhalation valves in the face mask allow a flow of inhaled and exhaled air through the face mask. A diagnostic method is used to determine the functional parameters of the organ.

Abstract: A new peptide derivative is provided.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for chemically stabilizing a polymer stent after sterilization. The stent is exposed to a temperature above ambient for a period of time after radiation sterilization. The exposure reduces the concentration of free radicals generated by the radiation.

Abstract: A light delivery system and method are provided to promote a photochemical reaction for disinfecting a surface. The system includes a light source and a light diffusing element operatively coupled to the light source and further embedded within a surface to be disinfected. The light diffusing element outputs light to the surface to promote a photochemical reaction to disinfect the surface. A low scatter light transmission medium may further be coupled between the light source and the light diffusing element to transmit light from the light source remotely to the light diffusing element.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus of the invention includes: a processing tank including an opening portion; an apparatus main body which performs processing on an endoscope arranged in the processing tank; a lid member which opens and closes the opening portion; an electric actuator which is connected to the lid member and which generates a pressing force for pressing the lid member toward the opening portion; and a control section connected to the apparatus main body and the electric actuator, the control section causing the electric actuator to continue to generate the pressing force for pressing the lid member toward the opening portion in a predetermined period during execution of the processing, and causing the electric actuator to stop generating the pressing force in a period other than the predetermined period.

Abstract: Microfluidic delivery systems and methods for dispensing a fluid composition into the air comprising microfluidic die and at least one heating element that is configured to receive an electrical signal comprising a certain on-time and wave form to deliver a fluid composition into the air.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a base with a plurality of ribs for supporting a peripheral flange of a cartridge having a volatile material containing reservoir. A first removable cover is attached to the base and has at least one aperture and a first regulating plate. The first cover may be removed and replaced by at least a second cover that has at least one aperture and a second, different regulating plate.

Abstract: Fragrance control is provided by articles of manufacture including various solid state fragrancing objects, methods of using such objects, and systems that employ one or more such objects. The solid state fragrancing object can be used to inconspicuously provide fragrance to a user in an environment by disposing the solid state fragrancing object in the environment and configuring the solid state fragrancing object as at least a portion of a fixture within the environment. The fragrancing object can be easy to manufacture, long lasting, provide fragrance that is consistently released over time, provide an indication to the user that the object needs to be replaced, and can hold a desired ratio of fragrance.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for an agricultural pesticide-free air sterilization machine. In one embodiment, the machine employs a liquid-gas mixing device, an ozone generator, a water inlet; and/or a water outlet. The mixing device may have a water inlet, a water outlet, a feed pump, a jet device, and/or a liquid-gas mixer. Further, the ozone generator utilizes an oxygen generator, an oxygen storage container, and a high voltage discharge chamber. In other embodiments, the feed pump is connected to the water inlet of the jet device via a hose, and the ozone generator is connected to the gas inlet of the jet device via a gas tube.

Abstract: A method of making a resilient tampon includes the steps of providing binder fibers having an average fiber length of at least 35 mm; combining the binder fibers to form a loose fleece; activating the binder fibers; and compressing a portion of the loose fleece into a pledget after activating the binder fibers. A resilient tampon includes 70 wt % to 95 wt % absorbent fibers and 5 wt % to 30 wt % bicomponent binder fibers. The binder fibers have an average fiber length greater than 35 mm.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising crosslinked poly(N-vinyl lactam), a swelling agent, and a modifying polymer in an amount sufficient to form a cohesive pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is provided. The composition is useful as a medical secural of percutaneous devices. The composition is also useful as a drug delivery device to deliver antimicrobial agents, pharmaceuticals or other active ingredients to or through skin. A method of preparation of the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-woven fabrics containing growth and differentiation factor proteins. Said fabrics are specifically designed to accelerate tissue regeneration and wound healing processes of mammalian tissues. Furthermore, the invention provides wound dressings, pads or implants comprising the novel non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: A skin dressing is provided comprising a first component including a source of protons, a second component including a nitrite salt, the skin dressing further comprising a non-thiol reductant. The skin dressing is adapted, such that, when the first and second components are brought together and applied to a skin site the nitrite reacts to generate nitric oxide, increasing the pH of the dressing in contact with the skin site from an acidic value to a more neutral value.

Abstract: An implantable constriction device for treating an incontinent patient comprises an elongate composite structure adapted to constrict the urethra, urine bladder, anus, colon or rectum of the patient. The elongate composite structure is composed of a base material, such as hard silicone, making the composite structure self-supporting. Property improving material is provided for improving at least one physical property of the composite structure other than self-supporting properties, such as fatigue resistance, liquid impermeability, aggressive body cells resistance, anti-friction properties and lifetime.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for light-activated cation channel proteins and their uses within cell membranes and subcellular regions. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-activated cation channels to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides millisecond-timescale temporal control of cation channels using moderate light intensities in cells, cell lines, transgenic animals, and humans. The invention provides for optically generating electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells useful for driving neuronal networks, drug screening, and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a micro-porous injectable, soft elastic, fully resorbable fibrin-based composition for use as a soft tissue lumen and void filler. The composition of the present application exhibits physical characteristics, such as mechanical properties, typically seen in elastomers and mechanical stability, which is superior to fibrin alone. A variety of properties of the composition of the present invention can be effectively fine-tuned and altered by adjusting type and content of the particles as well as of the plasticizer contained in the void filler composition.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide adhesion barriers having anti-adhesion and tissue fixating properties. The adhesion barriers are formed of fatty acid based films. The fatty acid-based films may be formed from fatty acid-derived biomaterials. The films may be coated with, or may include, tissue fixating materials to create the adhesion barrier. The adhesion barriers are well tolerated by the body, have anti-inflammation properties, fixate, well to tissue, and have a residence time sufficient to prevent post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: Heterogeneous nanowires having a core-shell structure consisting of single-crystal apatite as the core and graphitic layers as the shell and a synthesis method thereof are provided. More specifically, provided is a method capable of producing large amounts of heterogeneous nanowires, composed of graphitic shells and apatite cores, in a reproducible manner, by preparing a substrate including an element corresponding to X of X5(YO4)3Z is a chemical formula for apatite, adding to the substrate a gaseous source containing an element corresponding to Y of the chemical formula, adding thereto a gaseous carbon source, and allowing these reactants to react under optimized synthesis conditions using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and to a method capable of freely controlling the structure and size of the heterogeneous nanowires and also to heterogeneous nanowires synthesized thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for treatment of Parkinson's disease and other conditions for which treatment with a dopamine agonist is therapeutically beneficial. The invention provides a biocompatible nonerodible polymeric device which releases dopamine agonist continuously with generally linear release kinetics for extended periods of time. Dopamine agonist is released through pores that open to the surface of the polymeric matrix in which it is encapsulated. The device may be administered subcutaneously to an individual in need of continuous treatment with dopamine agonist.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy system creates a negative pressure environment in the opening of a wound-dressing unit and a positive pressure environment in the collecting bag. Then a positive pressure detecting procedure is proceeded in the positive pressure environment and a negative pressure detecting procedure is proceeded in the negative pressure environment. The detecting results are sent to determine whether a micro pump is stopped.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for harvesting and processing tissue from patients for grafting. The devices can include a tissue collection chamber for ascetically collecting, processing, and/or re-implanting adipose tissue.

Abstract: A medical drape has at least one suction port disposed. By one approach the medical drape includes a fenestration and the suction port is disposed within the fenestration. By one approach the fenestrated area includes an incise film (which may itself be fenestrated if desired) and the suction port is disposed through that incise film. Suction applied to this suction port facilitates maintaining the incise film in place on the patient. This suction port can have a first end configured to attach to suction tubing. The medical drape can include a patient-side spacer and this spacer can comprise a compressible, resilient material that is substantially permeable to liquids. If desired, such a spacer can be disposed over a patient-side suction opening of the suction port.

Abstract: The present application relates to a breast pump system comprising a pump unit, an actuator for driving the pump unit, and a power supply for supplying electrical power to the actuator, and also to a method for use in such as system. An actuator speed regulating module is provided to drive the actuator at a first speed when the pump unit is turned on, and to continue to drive the actuator at a second speed higher than the first speed after a load on the actuator reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: An integrated centrifugal blood pump-oxygenator (1) which has a housing (2) with a top (3) having a blood inlet (4), a blood outlet (5) and a gas inlet (6), and a bottom (7) having a rotational body (8) being rotatably arranged in a rotor-housing (9) of the bottom (7). The integrated centrifugal blood pump-oxygenator (1) further has an oxygenator membrane (10) provided in an interior (11) of the housing (2), wherein in the operation state oxygen (12) is transferred from the gas inlet (6) through the oxygenator membrane (10) to a gas outlet (13) and blood (14) is brought in direct contact with the oxygenator membrane (10) by pumping the blood (14) with the rotational body (8) from the blood inlet (4) to the blood outlet (5). The rotational body (8) is magnetically journalled in a contact-free manner with respect to the rotor-housing (9). There is an extracorporeal life support system (1000), and a method of de-bubbling and priming a extracorporeal life support system (1000).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for oxygenating blood. The system may include an implantable blood pump that may draw a supply of blood from the circulatory system of a mammalian subject, such as a human being. The blood pump may provide the supply of blood to an adaptor, where the supply of blood may be supplied to either or both of a first branch or second branch. The first branch may lead to an external blood oxygenator. The oxygenator may oxygenate the blood, and the blood may be returned to the circulatory system of the mammalian subject. The second branch may bypass the oxygenator and may connect to the circulatory system of the mammalian subject. In this regard, while the blood is supplied to the second branch, the oxygenator may be disconnected and blood may be prevented from entering the first branch.

Abstract: Whole blood is treated extracorporeally to remove substances contrary to health using mesoporous/microporous or macroporopus/microporous carbon in the form of beads or a channel monolith. The carbon may be the result of carbonizing a mesoporous or macroporous phenolic resin. Substances contrary to health include externally introduced toxins such as bacterially derived staphylococcus enterotoxins A, B, TSST-1 or autologous, biologically active molecules with harmful, systemic effects when their activity is excessive or unregulated. Examples include the removal of inappropriate amounts of pro- or anti-inflammatory molecules and toxic mediators of systemic inflammatory response syndrome related to sepsis, cardio-pulmonary by-pass surgery, ischaemic reperfusion injury; the removal of larger molecular weight and protein bound uremic toxins related to kidney and hepatic toxins related to liver failure and the removal of toxins relevant to biological and chemical warfare.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the citrate anti-coagulated extracorporeal blood purification comprising: an extracorporeal blood purification system comprising an extracorporeal blood circuit (202), which comprises a dialysis unit (205), a blood inflow (203) and a blood discharge (204), a citrate metering device (212) for supplying citrate at a citrate supply point (213) upstream of the dialysis unit (205), a substitution medium metering device (214) for supplying a substitution medium at a substitution medium supply point (215) downstream from the dialysis unit (205), at least one ion concentration measuring means (224) for measuring bivalent cations and a controller (225), wherein the controller (225) is adapted to regulate the metering of the substitution medium as a function of a comparison between a setpoint value range and the ion concentration measured by means of the ion concentration measuring means (224), wherein the ion concentration measuring means (224) is adapted for the continuous gener

Abstract: A connector for fluidly coupling proximal and distal tubular segments of a fluid conduit is provided. In one embodiment, the connector can include a connector body having an outer surface defining a first outer perimeter and an inner surface defining a lumen. The connector can also include a connecting device having an open configuration and a plurality of closed configurations. The connecting device can include first and second members configured to engage each other to secure the fluid conduit to the connector. The connecting device can also include a plurality of closed configurations for securing fluid conduits of different sizes.

Abstract: The application relates to a device for an intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance, such as insulin, comprising an injection part and a fluid delivery part (3,4). The fluid delivery part normally comprises a reservoir (4), transferal means e.g. in form of a pump and a house (3), and the injection part normally comprises a base plate (10), a cannula part (1,16) comprising a cannula (9) extending past the proximal side of the base plate and means for fixation of the base plate to the skin of the user. According to the application the device comprises a base plate (10), a cannula part (1, 1b) comprising a body providing a through-going opening leading liquid to a cannula (9) which cannula (9) extends past the proximal side of the base plate (10) and means (21) for fixation of the base plate to the skin of the user wherein a flexible part is arranged in an area between the subcutaneously positioned section of the cannula (9) and the fluid delivery part (3, 4).

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting an infusion device for supplying a fluid to a body of a user, and a sensor for monitoring a body characteristic of the user, the apparatus including a bridge including a rigid body and comprising an infusion device end and a sensor end, the bridge further including an infusion device introduction needle attached to the infusion device end, a sensor introduction needle, the sensor introduction needle attached to the sensor end, an infusion device, operatively coupled to the infusion device introduction needle, for infusing a fluid to an infusion site, and a sensor introduction needle operatively coupled to an electrochemical sensor having a sensor electrode for determining at least one body characteristic of the patient at a sensor placement site, an infusion device release for releasing the infusion device from the infusion device introduction needle, and a sensor release for releasing the sensor from the sensor introduction needle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for treating diverticular disease. The method can include injecting a sterile fluid between a mucosal layer of the diverticulum and a serosal layer of the diverticulum to form an expanded cavity in the diverticulum comprising the sterile fluid; injecting a filler material in the expanded cavity; and removing at least a portion of the sterile fluid from the expanded cavity. The device can include a flexible overtube having a lumen; a flexible shaft at least partially disposed within the lumen of the flexible overtube; a cutting tip at a distal end of the flexible shaft; an input port fluidly coupled to the lumen of the flexible shaft; and an output port fluidly coupled to a proximal end of the lumen of the overtube. Also disclosed herein are systems and kits for treating diverticular disease.

Abstract: A system, for use in determining a volume in a reservoir, includes a bulkhead, a plunger assembly, and a base. The plunger assembly is connected to the bulkhead. The plunger assembly includes a first plunger and a second plunger. The first plunger has a corresponding first biasing member. The second plunger has a corresponding second biasing member. The base of the reservoir is connected to the first plunger. Movement of the base causes compression or expansion of the first biasing member, which causes compression or expansion of the second biasing member. The bulkhead, the first plunger, and the base define a first portion of the reservoir. Positions of the first plunger and the base, relative to the bulkhead, are based on the volume in the reservoir.

Abstract: A system includes a medicament delivery device and a container configured to receive at least a portion of the medicament delivery device. The medicament delivery device includes an actuator and a first electronic circuit system. The actuator is configured to initiate delivery of a medicament into a body when the actuator is moved from a first position to a second position. The first electronic circuit system is configured to output a first electronic signal when the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position. The container includes a second electronic circuit system configured to receive the first electronic signal. The second electronic circuit system is configured to output a second electronic signal associated with the first electronic signal.

Abstract: A dosing device for an injection device, including a dosing element moveable or rotatable in a first direction to select a dose and a guiding element for guiding a component of the injection device, the dosing element being moved or rotated relative to the guiding element to select the dose, wherein the guiding element is rotated or moved along with the dosing element when the dosing element is moved or rotated against the first direction to adjust the selected dose. A method of adjusting a dose selected by a dosing device is encompassed, the method including selecting the dose by moving or rotating a dosing element relative to a guiding element which is moved or rotated along with the dosing element during the selecting and adjusting the selected dose by moving or rotating the dosing element in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A needle guard device mountable to a pre-filled syringe in its ready-to-fill state. The device includes a lock collar and a device shield biased to move relative to the lock collar. The lock collar interfaces with the syringe neck to attach the device to the syringe. A flexible member interconnects the lock collar and device shield. With the removal of a needle shield assembly comprising rigid and soft needle shields, the device shield is free to move proximally along the syringe neck. As the device moves proximally, rotation arms of the lock collar interact with angled cutouts in the device shield, causing the device shield to rotate relative to the lock collar disengaging one or more keys on the device shield from one or more keyways in the lock collar triggering the device shield to move from a first configuration in which the device shield is retractable to expose a syringe sharp to a second configuration in which the device shield is fixedly positioned to cover the syringe sharp.

Abstract: A needle guard having a housing defining an interior cavity, and a transitional member disposed within the interior cavity is disclosed. The transitional member includes a pivoting arm having a first end and a second end, the first end adjacent an interior portion of the housing. The transitional member also includes a needle tip sensing element, and a transverse barrier, such that the needle tip sensing element and the transverse barrier are oriented on opposing sides of the pivoting arm adjacent the second end. The needle guard may be adapted for transition from a restrained position when the needle tip is exterior to the interior cavity, to an activated position when the needle tip is within the interior cavity. The transitional member may also have a needle tip sensing element for contacting a needle in the restrained position, and a binding edge for engaging the needle in the activated position.

Abstract: A device for administering injections includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end including a bottom surface with an injection needle opening, and an axis extending between the upper and lower ends. The device includes an injection needle disposed within the housing for moving between a retracted position and an extended position.