Abstract: An antimicrobial therapeutic hydrogel composition comprises a pharmaceutical and/or medical grade silver salt, and an Aloe vera gel or extract. The composition could also include stabilizing agents, a non-ionic surfactant, polyol, and hydrophilic hygroscopic polymers. The resulting product has potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses. The antimicrobial therapeutic composition can serve as a treatment for burns and as a wound/lesion dressing that either donates or receives moisture to provide a physiologic environment for accelerated wound healing and the relief of pain.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical gels and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient are provided, the gel being capable of adhering to the target tissue site and comprising one or more biodegradable depots containing an effective amount of the therapeutic agent. In various embodiments, the gel is sprayable and hardens after contacting the target tissue site.

Abstract: Buffer solutions for pharmaceutical preparations that have bactericidal activity preferentially against gram negative bacteria are provided. The buffers have a pH of greater than about 10 or less than about 4.5 with low buffer capacity. Methods of their use in reducing the occurrence of blood stream infections in a mammal is also provided.

Abstract: A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation is described which has a high protein concentration, a pH of between about 4 and about 8, and enhanced stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to degradation-stabilized, biocompatible collagen matrices which are distinguished in particular by the fact that they contain soluble collagen and peptide constituents, to processes for the preparation of such collagen matrices, which processes include in particular chemical crosslinking with an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent, and to the use of the collagen matrices according to the invention as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent, in particular for topical use, and as a wound treatment agent, as an implant or as a haemostatic agent in humans or animals, and as a scaffold for cell population in the biotechnology, basic research and tissue engineering field.

Abstract: The present invention allows formation of covalent bonds in a bioactive compound having at least one amino group so as to efficiently provide the compound modified with PEG. The present invention thus provides a functionalized polyethylene glycol having a structure that allows reaction of two aldehyde groups with one amino group to form two covalent bonds.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-HER antibodies, including multispecific anti-HER antibodies, compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies. Also provided herein are EGFR/HER3 multispecific antibodies that are less toxic than traditional EGFR antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention provides conjugates of DNA and cells by linking the DNA to a native functional group on the cell surface. The cells can be without cell walls or can have cell walls. The modified cells can be linked to a substrate surface and used in assay or bioreactors.

Abstract: Nanoparticles gene carriers, particularly nanoparticle gene carriers which exhibit increased rates of diffusion through cystic fibrosis (CF) mucus, as well as methods of making and using thereof, are described herein. The nanoparticle gene carriers are formed from a nucleic acid complexed to one or more biocompatible, polycationic polymers. The nanoparticle gene carriers also contain one or more mucus resistant polymers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nanoparticle gene carrier is a nanoparticle formed from one or more nucleic acids, PEI, and a mucus-resistant/diffusive graft copolymer composed of a PEI backbone functionalized by one or more PEG side chains. The nanoparticle gene carriers can efficiently diffuse through CF mucus, and can effectively serve as a vehicle to administer one or more nucleic acids to a patient suffering from CF.

Abstract: The present invention provides radiotherapeutic agents and compositions and methods for making and using the same. In some embodiments, the radiotherapeutic agent is a nanoparticle comprising a radionuclide and a carrier moiety. In some embodiments, the radionuclide is produced by activating a stable activatable particle via neutron activation.

Abstract: A sterilizable particle-size reduction apparatus, component parts thereof and a method of sterilizing and validating sterility thereof are provided. Also provided is use thereof to prepare sterile suspensions of drugs.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing objects using ozone is disclosed having a container defining an enclosed space and a selectively closeable opening for enclosing the space, an ozone generator, an ozone converter, a controller, and a timer working together to generate a predetermined concentration of ozone within the enclosed space and maintain approximately the same concentration for a predetermined period of time. Also disclosed are assemblies and methods detecting and warning of entrapment within the enclosure and halting ozone production when it occurs. Further disclosed are devices and methods for coupling a maintenance device to the sanitizing system to perform various maintenance operations such as adjusting operational control parameters, and observing conditions within the enclosed chamber in real-time such as temperature, humidity, and ozone concentration.

Abstract: The system contains a container, comprising a plurality of sides, each side having a plurality of fluid permeable openings, wherein the plurality of sides form a substantially enclosed unit. The system contains at least one lid. The system contains at least one latch unit for movably attached to a first side of the plurality of sides at a proximate end of the latch unit. The system contains a lid restraint, formed at a distal end of the latch unit whereby the lid restraint restrains the lid when engaged with the lid. Lastly, the system contains at least one locking element formed along the latch unit for engagement with the first side, wherein engagement of the locking element limits the mobility of the latch unit.

Abstract: The multi-panel sterilization assembly includes a barrier panel formed of permeable material having barrier properties, side wings that can include grip portions for folding or unfolding the barrier panel; and a fold protection panel. The fold protection panel and/or either or both wings may be made from a stretchable material.

Abstract: A device for delivering a volatile fluid in a continuous manner, over a period of time and without leakage, is disclosed. The device includes a flexible sheet and a semi-rigid sheet that are sealed along their edges to form a closed pocket or reservoir for containing a volatile fluid. The semi-rigid sheet is sealed on a first side to a flexible sheet and sealed on a second side to a vapor permeable membrane. The semi-rigid sheet contains a volatile fluid in the reservoir during storage, preventing contact of the volatile fluid with the vapor permeable membrane before the device is activated. The semi-rigid sheet has a differential score to guide the bounds of an opening that is formed upon activation. Once activated, the vapor permeable membrane provides continuous emission of a volatile fluid from the device.

Abstract: A method for delivering a volatile fluid in a continuous manner, over a period of time and without leakage, to the atmosphere is disclosed. The method includes activating a device by breaching a semi-rigid sheet to release volatile fluid to the atmosphere. The device includes a flexible sheet and a semi-rigid sheet that are sealed along their edges to form a closed pocket or reservoir for containing a volatile fluid. The semi-rigid sheet is sealed on a first side to a flexible sheet and sealed on a second side to a vapor permeable membrane. The semi-rigid sheet contains a volatile fluid in the reservoir during storage, preventing contact of the volatile fluid with the vapor permeable membrane before the device is activated. The semi-rigid sheet has a differential score to guide the bounds of an opening that is formed upon activation. Once activated, the vapor permeable membrane provides continuous emission of a volatile fluid from the device.

Abstract: An air freshener comprises a scent capsule carried by a housing. The scent capsule comprises a reservoir containing a fragrant material, and with an opening to a cavity therein and covered by a permeable membrane through which a fragrance can permeate, and a releasable seal sealed over the opening and the permeable membrane to resist fragrance release until removed. An absorptive pad is disposed behind the releasable seal between the scent capsule and the housing, and is capable of absorbing the fragrant material that permeates through the permeable membrane.

Abstract: A device comprises a delivery engine comprising a volatile composition and a microporous membrane, and an evaporation assistance element. In some embodiments the device includes a fan is configured to move a volume of air over the microporous membrane to facilitate evaporation of the volatile composition into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A UVC radiation system for producing decontaminated air which flows into the surroundings of the system while blocking UVC radiation from entering the surrounding environment. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first housing forming a first air chamber and having multiple side walls each having one or more UVC lamps adjacent thereto. Each side wall has air vent openings in a pattern which confronts substantially the entire length of the one or more adjacent lamps. A second housing surrounds the first housing and lamps and forms a second air chamber having one or more walls containing an air filter to permit air to flow through the filter into the surrounding environment and to prevent UVC radiation from entering the environment.

Abstract: An air treatment device having a plasma generator electrostatic precipitator assembly, is provided. The assembly includes an electrostatic precipitator configured to charge airborne particles in the vicinity of the electrostatic precipitator to provide charged airborne particles, and a plasma generator positioned in proximity to the electrostatic precipitator and configured for cooperation with the electrostatic precipitator. The plasma generator is configured to discharge plasma and provide an inactivation zone in the region of the plasma generator operable to inactivate airborne particles. The air treatment device directs the charged airborne particles generated by the electrostatic precipitator into the inactivation zone such that the air treatment device is adapted to generate charged airborne particles and then immediately, to direct the charged airborne particles into the inactivation zone so as to expose the charged airborne particles to plasma in the inactivation zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-adhesion polymer composition capable of supporting growth factor, which effectively exhibits anti-adhesion function and, at the same time, has an excellent adhesive property so as to be able to easily and continuously adhere to a wound site, has antibacterial and hemostatic properties, and is composed of an injectable formulation suitable for use in minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery or the like. The anti-adhesion polymer composition capable of supporting growth factor comprises: 24-50 wt % of a polyethyleneglycol-polypropyleneglycol-polyethyleneglycol (PEG-PPG-PEG) block copolymer having a polyethyleneglycol (PEG) content of 65-85 wt % and a molecular weight of 6,000-20,000 Da; 0.03-5 wt % of gelatin; 0.03-5 wt % of chitosan; and distilled water.

Abstract: A hemostatic material as a high-performance medical material is described, which is capable of stopping bleeding in short time and is easy to handle and produce. The hemostatic material contains a nano-fiber that contains: a polymer, and a polypeptide having a peptide fragment represented by formula (1): -(Pro-Y-Gly)n-??(1) wherein Y represents hydroxyproline or proline, and n represents an integer ranging from 5 to 9000.

Abstract: An interbody spinal implant, such as a solid-body or composite implant. The implant has at least one integration surface with a roughened surface topography including a repeating pattern, without sharp teeth that risk damage to bone structures, adapted to grip bone through friction generated when the implant is placed between two vertebral endplates and to inhibit migration of the implant. The repeating pattern is formed of at least three at least partially overlapping repeating patterns. The repeating patterns may radiate at a fixed distance from at least one point and may include recesses having a slope of thirty degrees or less relative to the integration surface. Also disclosed are processes of fabricating the integration surfaces.

Abstract: Biological-based polyurethanes and methods of making the same. The polyurethanes are formed by reacting a biodegradable polyisocyanate (such as lysine diisocyanate) with an optionally hydroxylated biomolecule to form polyurethane. The polymers formed may be combined with ceramic and/or bone particles to form a composite, which may be used as an osteoimplant.

Abstract: A composition suitable for bone replacement is provided. The composition is a nanocomposite matrix, resembling both the structure and the properties of natural bone, including morphology, composition and mechanical characteristics. The nanocomposite is preferably porous and comprises: (1) micro or nano scale cellulose crystals or fibers; (2) hydroxyapatite nanoparticles; (3) Poly L-Lactide Acid or poly glycolic acid; and (4) a coupling agent, for example a surfactant, preferably an anionic surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate. The composition is useful as an artificial bone replacement or bone graft, is preferably biomimetic, and can be suitable for use, for example, in trabecular bone substitution and osteoanagenesis applications. A method of fabrication of the nanocomposite is also provided.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a conduit comprising an insulating material in a form of a tube having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: Provided are devices for bone tissue engineering, comprising a metal or metal-based composite member comprising an interior macroporous structure with porosity varying from 0-90% (v), the member comprising a surface region having a surface pore size, porosity, and composition designed to encourage cell growth and adhesion thereon, to provide a device engineered for a particular recipient subject. Engineered devices may further comprises a gradient of pore size, porosity, and material composition extending from the surface region throughout the interior of the device, wherein the gradient transition is continuous, discontinuous or seamless to promote cell in-growth.

Abstract: An MRI compatible medical device includes a non-magnetic metal alloy portion having a bulk portion including a first and a second metal. A surface of the metal alloy portion includes an integral MRI heating resistant surface structure having a thickness ?3 nanometers. The non-magnetic metal alloy portion is structurally different from the bulk portion and includes a lamellar nanostructure or microstructure. The MRI heating resistant surface structure can include (i) a matrix phase including the first and second metal having nanometer or micron scale particles, precipitates and/or inclusions that differ in chemical composition and physical characteristics of the matrix phase and are discontinuously distributed therein; (ii) a level of crystallinity at least 5% less than the bulk portion; and/or (iii) metal atoms different from the first and second metal having a concentration profile evidencing diffusion into the metal alloy portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides a stent-graft for insertion into a body vessel that comprises hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel cuffs and an elongated cylindrical body. This stent-graft exhibits an enhanced ability to maintain its original position when placed into a patient and resist the potential of migration without causing excessive discomfort to the patient. Upon exposure to bodily fluids, the cuffs of the stent-graft expand to exert a sealing or anchoring force against the wall of the body vessel. Such a stent-graft overcomes many of the problems associated with conventional stent-grafts as currently used in many different applications, for example, endovascular repair and ureteral drainage.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include a steroid and an auxiliary agent, where the auxiliary agent is present in an amount sufficient to lessen the severity of at least one side effect compared to the use of an otherwise identical implant lacking said auxiliary agent. The steroid and the auxiliary agent may be present on the same intraocular implant or on different implants. The steroid and auxiliary agent may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. Or, the steroid may be associated with a polymeric coating having one or more openings effective to permit the steroid to be released into an external environment. The implants containing the steroid and an auxiliary agent may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions while reducing the side effects otherwise accompanying steroid use.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices may be utilized to locally delivery one or more drugs or therapeutic agents to treat a wide variety of conditions, including the treatment of the biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the implantable medical device. These therapeutic agents may be released under controlled and directional conditions from a stent so that the one or more therapeutic agents reach the correct target area, for example, the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The bioabsorbable implant described has a porous body formed of bioabsorbable materials that have an in vivo life span of at least 2 weeks, preferably at least three weeks and not greater than 20 weeks, preferably no greater than ten weeks. The implant has a scaffolding structure which facilitates tissue in-growth and ultimately tissue replacement of the scaffolding structure. The implant has a radiopaque imaging agent at least at the exterior margins and an orientation plurality of radiopaque elements in the interior of implant. The implant preferably has three radiopaque elements within the interior that form a plane within the implant interior.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable device having a biosoluble coating comprising a polyelectrolyte and a counterion and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure canister includes a canister body having a fluid reservoir, an inlet for receiving fluids from a patient, and an integral hydrophobic filter formed within a side or top portion of the canister body. The integral hydrophobic filter has a plurality of pores in the canister body that are covered by a hydrophobic coating. Other canisters, methods, and systems are also presented.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site. In one illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a membrane having a substantially uniform membrane wall thickness and a first, tissue-facing surface. The membrane may be shaped to form a plurality of protrusions on the tissue-facing surface. The plurality of protrusions at least partially defines at least one channel operable to transfer the reduced pressure along the tissue-facing surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative 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.

Abstract: The venous reservoir is omitted from an extracorporeal blood circuit system by substituting a blood reservoir in parallel with the arterial pump. The reservoir has an inlet connected to the outlet of the pump and an outlet connected to the inlet of the pump. At least three blood flow paths can be configured. A main path has the inlet and outlet of the reservoir blocked while pumped blood flows through the venous cannula, the oxygenator, and the arterial cannula. An accumulator path has the inlet to the oxygenator and the outlet of the reservoir blocked while blood flows through the venous cannula and the inlet to the reservoir. A discharge path has the inlet of the reservoir blocked while the outlet is open whereby blood from the reservoir flows into the oxygenator. In a fourth configuration, the ECC fluid can be recovered in the reservoir and hemoconcentrated for autologous transfusion.

Abstract: An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.

Abstract: An improved intravascular blood pump and related methods involving the broad inventive concept of equipping the intravascular blood pump with guiding features such that the intravascular blood pump can be selectively positioned at a predetermined location within the circulatory system of a patient.

Abstract: Methods of treating a medical condition include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to promote neural remodeling within the brain of the patient. Systems for treating a medical condition include an implantable stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to promote neural remodeling within the brain of the patient.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques implemented by a medical device, such as an implantable medical device (IMD). The IMD may be configured to detect a posture state of a patient, and deliver posture-responsive therapy. In particular, the IMD not only detects the posture state of a patient, but also detects timing associated with the detected posture state, such as the time of day, the day of the week, or a specific time of day associated with a specific day. In this way, the posture-responsive therapy delivered by the IMD may be dependent not only on the posture state of the patient, but also on the timing associated with the posture state. The same posture state, therefore, may result in different types of therapy to the patient if the same posture occurs at different times of the day.

Abstract: An implantable fluid delivery system for use in hearing systems includes an implantable fluid pump having a fluid chamber having at least one wall with a membrane, an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, and a floating mass transducer coupled to the membrane. The membrane is configured to move in a first direction increasing a volume of the fluid chamber and to move in a second direction decreasing the volume of the fluid chamber, and the floating mass transducer is configured to cause the membrane to move in the first and second directions. The system further includes an implantable hearing device having one or more fluid channels in fluid communication with the fluid pump.

Abstract: A medical pump or the like provides for a multi-function flow monitor that provides for capacitive plates positioned on opposite sides of the IV line to sense changes in the electrical environment within the IV line to deduce IV line pressure, the presence of IV fluid bubbles, the presence of the IV line within the pump, and/or correct pump operation. Each of these conditions may be determined by different analysis of the capacitance across the capacitive plates.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on a series of measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system.

Abstract: Implantable infusion apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a sensor that is associated with the catheter outlet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for translating a continuous-delivery delivery profile into a plurality of periodic bolus deliveries.

Abstract: An electronically and remotely controlled pill (500) or medicament delivery system is provided. The pill (500) includes a housing (102); a medicament reservoir (104) for storing a medicament; an electronically controlled release valve or hatch (106) for dispensing one or more medicaments stored in the medicament reservoir (104) while traversing the gastrointestinal tract; control and timing circuitry (108) for opening and closing the valve (106); and a battery (109). The control and timing circuitry (108) opens an closes the valve (106) throughout a dispensing time period in accordance with a preset dispensing timing pattern which is programmed within the control and timing circuitry (108). RF communication circuitry receives control signals for remotely overriding the preset dispensing timing pattern, reprogramming the control and timing circuitry (108) or terminating the dispensing of the medicament within the body.

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 system and method to automatically initiate an injection procedure of a medicament into a patient. In the system, a delivery assembly includes an injector for infusing the medicament into the patient. Further, the system includes a monitor for detecting a parameter characteristic of the procedure, for instance, a pressure indicative of a partial vacuum between the injector and the injection site, a pressure exerted by the patient against the delivery assembly, a conductance, a capacitance, or an optical blood reading. Also, the system includes a timer for determining compliance of the parameter within a predetermined range during a first time interval. In response to the timer, an actuator initiates the injection procedure at the expiration of the first time interval. Further, the actuator may stop the injection procedure if the parameter is outside the predetermined range during a second time interval.