Abstract: Described are methods of treating viral disease using compounds that block inhibitory NK cell receptors, thereby reducing their inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity in killing infected target cells. In one embodiment, the compound is an antibody binding, for example, one or more of the human KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, and KIR2DL3 receptors. In another embodiment, the method further comprises administering a therapeutic antibody or fusion protein which binds an antigen expressed on cells infected with the virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for promoting or reducing T-cell trafficking to a target tissue. Also provided are compositions and methods useful for promoting or inhibiting antigen-presenting cell (APC) activation. The invention is related to discovery of functional characteristics of TIM-3, a molecule that is preferentially expressed on the surface of Th1 cells. The methods are useful for treating disorders including cancer, infectious disease, allergy, asthma, and autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The use of an FGFR1 antibody in the treatment of cancer is disclosed, wherein the FGFR1 antibody binds FGFR1 at an epitope that is positioned in the FGFR1 primary amino acid sequence no more than 50 contiguous amino acids away from the C- or N-terminal of the FGFR1 heparin binding domain.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for minimally-invasive removal of fat from a target area by injecting the area with a solution of photo-absorbing nanoparticles and irradiating the injected area with a beam of near infrared (NIR) light. The NIR emission wavelength excites the nanoparticles to melt and liquefy fat within the target area so that the liquefied fat can be aspirated from the target area. The nanoparticles may be gold nanorods having aspect ratios selected to produce surface plasmon resonance when irradiated with NIR light around 800 nm.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for minimally-invasive selective removal of fat from a target area by injecting the area with a solution of photo-absorbing nanoparticles and irradiating the injected area with a beam of near infrared (NIR) light. The NIR emission wavelength excites the nanoparticles to melt fat within the target area so that the liquefied fat can be aspirated from the target area. The nanoparticles may be gold nanorods having aspect ratios selected to produce surface plasmon resonance when irradiated with NIR light around 800 nm.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for the treatment of lung diseases or disorders and diseases or disorders of the airway passages including pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome is based on the generation of a biocidal anion by an enzymatic reaction catalyzed by a peroxidase. The peroxide utilized by the peroxidase enzyme can be endogenous or can be generated by the action of an oxidase enzyme on a suitable substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel therapeutic combination comprising one or more anti-androgen agents and one or more antibiotic/anti-inflammatory agents or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof, useful for the treatment of a dermatological disorder.

Abstract: Mixtures of Guerbet alcohols, their use in cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations, and also cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations comprising mixtures of Guerbet alcohols are described. Of suitability as petroleum jelly substitute are in particular Guerbet alcohol mixtures with a melting range, measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), between ?20° C. and +70° C., where the width of the melting range comprises at least 30 temperature degrees and the maximum of the melting range is 35±10° C. These are obtainable for example by reacting a) 55 to 95% by weight of cetylstearyl alcohol, b) 5 to 45% by weight of fatty alcohols with a chain length of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms and c) optionally an aliphatic diol having at least 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery system is provided where the drug delivery rates, onset and profiles of at least one active agent are controlled by selectively manipulating the monomeric make up of an acrylic-based polymer in the transdermal drug delivery system. The drug carrier composition may be comprised of (a) one or more acrylic-based polymers having one or more different monomers selected from the group consisting of hard and soft monomers; (b) one or more silicone-based polymers; and (c) one or more active agents where the device provides a desired solubility for the active agent and controls drug delivery rates, onset and profiles of at least one active agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and synthesis methods that pertain to biocompatible polymeric capsules capable of undergoing backbone degradation and cargo release upon exposure to biologically relevant concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (50-100 ?M of H2O2). In the invention, bio-responsive polyester bearing boronic ester triggers groups that degrade upon exposure to low concentrations of H2O2. The degradation is induced by transformation of a boronic ester to a phenol, which undergoes a quinone methide rearrangement to break down the polyester backbone.

Abstract: Provided is an organic-inorganic hybrid composite of a polymerized cyclic nitroxide radical compound and inorganic nanoparticles. Such a composite is capable, for example, of maintaining a stable nanoparticle shape in gastric fluid, and can be used by itself or as a carrier for delivery of another drug to the intestines.

Abstract: Provided is a medicinal agent for medical applications, which can act on the function of a target cell specifically. The medicinal agent for medical applications comprises: a cell-incorporated substance that can be incorporated into a target cell specifically; and an acting substance that can act on the function of the target cell and is bound to the cell-incorporated substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus suitable for selective coupling to thiol groups, such as those contained in the cysteine residues of proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of treating cancer with arginine deiminase, and in particular pegylated arginine deiminase.

Abstract: Compositions comprising linear PNAI, cyclic PNAI, linear PEI, and/or cyclic PEI, useful for delivering compounds or substances into a cell, are provided, as well as methods of making linear PNAI, cyclic PNAI, linear PEI, and cyclic PEI. Also provided are methods of using compositions comprising linear PNAI, cyclic PNAI, linear PEI, and/or cyclic PEI for introducing substances into a cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds that are useful as near-infrared fluorescence probes, wherein the compounds include i) a pteroyl ligand that binds to a target receptor protein, ii) a dye molecule, and iii) a linker molecule that comprises an amino acid or derivative thereof. The disclosure further describes methods and compositions for making and using the compounds, methods incorporating the compounds, and kits incorporating the compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides novel biocompatible upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) that comprises a core of cubic nanocrystals (e.g., comprising ?-Na Lna, Lnb Lnc F4) and an epitaxial shell (e.g., formed from CaF2; wherein Lnb is Yb), and related methods of preparation and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel class of diagnostically or therapeutically effective compounds comprising novel peptides able to bind fibrin, to a process for their preparation and to compositions thereof for use in therapy and diagnostics. The compounds of the invention bind, in particular, to fibrin present in the extracellular matrix (EC) of tumor or connective tissue of stroma thus acting as targeting moieties able to bring and successfully bound an active moiety linked thereto to fibrin depositions inside solid tumors.

Abstract: Gas-filled microvesicles associated with a polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids, said sequence exhibiting binding affinity for selectins, particularly p-selectin. The gas-filled microvesicles can be used in ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a light fixture. The light fixture includes at least one first light source that emits at a peak wavelength in a range of approximately 380 nm to approximately 420 nm and at least one second light source that emits at a different peak wavelength, wherein a combined light output of the at least one first light source and the at least one second light source emits a colored light that is perceived as white light. The white light is defined by having a color rendering index (CRI) value of more than approximately 50. The at least one second light source that emits at a different peak wavelength consists of an xy coordinate on a International Commission on Illumination (CIE) 1931 xy color space diagram above a black body curve within a bounded area defined by a first line of approximately y=2.23989x?0.382773 and a second line of approximately y=1.1551x?0.195082.

Abstract: A manifold which introduces sterilant aerosol to a sterilization chamber for the disinfection of an article. The manifold defines the terminal portion of a fluid pathway from an aerosol generator to the sterilization chamber and comprises at least one chamber inlet port for introducing aerosol into the sterilizing chamber. The manifold is configured to provide directional aerosol flow tangential to the surface of the article, which is preferably of a known configuration and maintained in a predetermined position with respect to the manifold, such that it does not receive a direct flow of aerosol from the manifold. Preferably, the manifold is U-shaped, or bifurcate and defines a plane and with a chamber inlet ports are directed away from that plane. The chamber inlet ports are preferably paired so they create a circular motion of aerosol that moves around the article. Also sterilization apparatus including the manifold.

Abstract: Present inventions present composites of bone particles and polyurethane(s), as well as methods of making such composite and uses thereof. A porous composite comprises a plurality of bone particles; and polyurethanes with which the bone particles are combined. To prepare a porous composite, a composition comprise a plurality of bone particles, polyurethane precursors including polyisocyanate prepolymers and polyols, water and catalyst. A composition is either naturally moldable and/or injectable, or it can be made moldable and/or injectable. After implantation or injection, a composition may be set to form a porous composite that provides mechanical strength and supports the in-growth of cells. Inventive composites have the advantage of being able to fill irregularly shape implantation site while at the same time being settable to provide the mechanical strength for most orthopedic applications.

Abstract: An extracellular matrix (ECM) structure for tissue regeneration, the ECM structure having a a sheet member comprising small intestine submucosa (SIS), the SIS sheet member being folded and laminated proximate the sheet member edge, wherein a folded laminated ECM structure having a cavity therein is formed, the ECM structure further including an ECM composition that is disposed in the ECM structure cavity, the ECM composition including liver basement membrane, urinary bladder submucosa, a mesenchymal stem cell and a growth factor.

Abstract: Medical dilatation balloons comprise a polymer that has the attribute of memory, and/or is crosslinked to impart memory. Such balloons exhibit a reduced tendency to overinflate at high inflation pressures. Furthermore, such balloons when shrunk radially by the application of heat while restraining axial shrinkage, exhibit customizable linear or non-linear compliance curves and lower crosslinking profile relative to the same balloon when unshrunk. Also disclosed is an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made. In addition, disclosed are (a) processes for preparing crosslinkable polymers, (b) joining crosslinked balloons to catheter systems, (c) forming shrunk balloon elements, and (d) forming an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made.

Abstract: Stents with coatings comprising a combination of a restenosis inhibitor comprising an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and a carrier. Also provided are methods of coating stents with a combination of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and a carrier. A preferred example of a restenosis inhibitor is cerivastatin. The stent coatings have been shown to release restenosis inhibitors in their active forms.

Abstract: A medical device includes a base material having an immobilized enzyme and dextran sulfate. The dextran sulfate has a molecular weight that is less than 40 kilo dalton (kDa). The medical device is formed from at least a base material. An enzyme is immobilized on the base material. The enzyme is stabilized with a dextran sulfate having a molecular weight of less than 40 (kDa).

Abstract: A drainage pump unit for aspirating body fluids by means of a suction pump has a suction pump arranged in a suction pump housing, wherein a fluid collection container can be secured releasably on the suction pump housing, and wherein a capacitive filling level sensor is arranged on the suction pump housing for detecting a filling level in the fluid collection container. The filling level sensor has at least two electrodes, which are arranged at a distance from each other and extend along a common path. A first of the electrodes is in one piece, and a second of the electrodes is segmented. This arrangement permits the production of inexpensive fluid collection containers while still ensuring a high degree of measurement accuracy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound-stimulating unit comprising a wound-stimulating device for use in combination with a vacuum assisted closure. The closure comprises a hydrophilic body to be placed on a wound surface, a cover sealing the hydrophilic body and a skin portion surrounding the wound surface, and a vacuum system for generating an underpressure in a closure space limited by the wound surface, the skin portion surrounding the wound surface and the cover. Further, the wound-stimulating device comprises a connector provided with an intermediate channel structure having an input section and multiple output sections, the device further comprising a pressure system for supplying wound stimulating agents to the input section of the intermediate channel structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breast pump. The breast pump comprises a main body (21), a breast receiving funnel (23) extending from the main body (21), and a nipple receiving chamber (34) formed in the main body (21) to receive a user's nipple. The funnel (23) and the main body (21) are configured so that at least a portion of a user's nipple is received in the nipple receiving chamber (34) when a user's breast is disposed in the breast receiving funnel (23).

Abstract: A ventricular assist device comprising a housing defining an interior space, at least two ports opening into said interior space, and at least one pump for pumping blood between the ports through said interior space, the ports and interior space providing a continuous blood flow path that is not interrupted by valves.

Abstract: A method for the depletion of at least one component of a fluid medium includes increasing the concentration of the at least one component to be depleted before its depletion. An apparatus for the depletion of the at least one component of the fluid medium has a concentration increasing unit for increasing the concentration of the component of the fluid medium to be depleted and a depletion unit disposed downstream thereof and in fluid communication therewith for the subsequent reduction in the concentration of the component to be depleted.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical tubing installation detection. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes detecting that a tube is incorrectly installed on a drug delivery device by providing an instruction for a motor of the drug delivery device to pump a drug and receiving, after a period of time has passed since providing the instruction for the motor of the drug delivery device to pump the drug, a signal from a fluid detector connected to the tube, the signal indicating an absence of fluid in the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body passage cleansing device suitable for being passed through an internal channel of an endoscope, comprising a distal plug having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said plug comprises channels, apertures and/or nozzles which are capable of allowing the passage of a fluid therethrough from said proximal end to said distal end, wherein said plug is connected to the distal end of a wire or other actuating means; wherein at least an outer portion of said distal plug is capable of being elastically deformed such that the external diameter and/or outline thereof may be reduced in response to inwardly-directed compression forces exerted thereon; and wherein said channels, apertures and/or nozzles are in a closed conformation when said distal plug is subject to said compression forces, and in an open conformation when said plug is not subject to said compression forces.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a plunger rod separate and detached from a syringe barrel and a packaging member, the plunger rod having a sealing member and the packaging member having a first compartment and a second compartment is disclosed. With the syringe barrel received within the first compartment and the plunger rod received within the second compartment, the sealing member of the plunger rod seals the syringe barrel and the plunger rod within the packaging member. In this manner, the syringe assembly is placed in the packaging member in a manner that allows for reduced storage space of the syringe assembly.

Abstract: A closure container that can house a preset drug applicator in an easily accessible manner with tamper evidencing means. The closure container contains a plurality of dosing ribs and a retainer to retain the syringe in a preset dosage amount and preferably has a window to view the barrel of the syringe. The container is also configured to be removably attached to other closure containers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an anti-free flow mechanism for a finger-type peristaltic infusion pump (DDS) and methods for avoiding anti-free-flow. The mechanism comprises: a passive mechanical interface (MS) which integrally accommodates a portion of the flexible infusion tube, and an anti-free flow valve (AFFV) which is a spring-activated latch, which is incorporated within said MS. The maneuverable latch is secured in the MS either in CLOSED or OPEN configurations: in its CLOSED configuration no flow is provided, and in its OPEN configuration, a free flow is facilitated. Said anti-free flow mechanism is configured in a manner such that when the MS is not properly mounted in the DDS, said AFFV is automatically actuated via one or more integrated springs, to its CLOSED configuration. When the MS is properly mounted in the DDS, said latch is adapted to be automatically switched to the OPEN configuration.

Abstract: Enables an infusion pump battery capacity management and battery charge alert system and method including an infusion pump with rechargeable batteries, a controller, a computer and a user interface. The infusion pump accepts a programmed infusion and selects a battery capacity assessment option to determine one or more recharge options of the batteries, and may optionally select a program delay option to execute an infusion delay and later select the battery capacity assessment option. During the battery capacity assessment option, the infusion pump calculates an anticipated power capacity requirement to execute the programmed infusion, calculates a remaining battery power capacity, compares the calculated anticipated power capacity requirement to the calculated remaining battery power capacity, and determines whether the infusion pump is able to fully execute the programmed infusion based only on the remaining battery power capacity or whether a recharge is required.

Abstract: A fluid infusion device, for delivery of a medication fluid to the body of a user, includes a housing, a fluid reservoir for the medication fluid, a dosing mechanism, an infusion component, and a mechanical actuator. The fluid reservoir and the dosing mechanism are located in the housing, and the dosing mechanism is coupled to receive the medication fluid from the fluid reservoir. The dosing mechanism has an adjustable fluid chamber that defines a variable dosage volume. The infusion component is coupled to the dosing mechanism to receive the medication fluid from the adjustable fluid chamber. The mechanical actuator is coupled to the dosing mechanism such that operation of the mechanical actuator causes the medication fluid to be expelled from the adjustable fluid chamber to the infusion component.

Abstract: An injector system, method and computer program product for detecting a vacuum within a syringe are provided. Various embodiments include an actuator device configured to be engaged with a piston member of a syringe for extending and retracting the piston member within the syringe. A controller device is also provided for detecting an output generated by the actuator device when retracting the piston member. The detected output may be associated with a pressure within the reservoir. The controller device determines, via the detected output, when the pressure comprises a selected negative pressure and provides an indicia of the negative pressure to a user and/or a signal to the actuator device.

Abstract: An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a thermotherapy needling instrument with tissue injection, including: a casing, an outer needle, an inner needle and a working needle. The casing has an inlet, an outlet and an inner channel. The outer needle is connected to the casing, and is in communication with the inner channel. The inner needle is disposed in the inner channel of the casing and the outer needle, and the inner needle has at least one opening. The at least one opening is in communication with the inner channel so that the cooling agent flows in circulation. The working needle is connected to the outer needle so as to receive the injectant for injection and tissue ablation. By using the thermotherapy needling instrument, when sampling or injection is required during thermotherapy, the injection efficacy can be achieved by withdrawing the inner needle only. Therefore, efficacy of tissue injection and ablation thermotherapy can be achieved.

Abstract: An inserter and methods of using embodiments of the inserter are described. The inserter includes a housing having a cannula assembly and an insertion mechanism. Two buttons are located on the inserter and are concomitantly actionable for actuation of the insertion mechanism, wherein the insertion mechanism is configured to place a cannula assembly in a well that is disposed on the cradle. The inserter also includes a first parts and second part, whereby the first part includes a handle and the second part comprises the entire insertion mechanism, whereby the first and second part are connected via an indentation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention utilize a closed-loop feedback control system to ensure accurate drug delivery. This control system may, for example, utilize a flow sensor to measure the volume of delivery and an intelligent control algorithm to anticipate and compensate for overdoses and underdoses. Feedback control systems in accordance herewith can be applied to any piston- or plunger-driven pump system utilizing sensors that measure flow directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, adjustments are made based on the flow “tail” that occurs in a piston- or plunger-type pump as relaxation of the plunger material continues to push fluid out of the drug reservoir; this residual flow eventually ceases after the plunger returns to its natural state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically supplying insulin based on exercise amount are provided. The apparatus includes a blood sugar measurer for measuring a blood sugar level of a patient; a controller for, comparing the measured blood sugar level with a predetermined blood sugar level, if the measured blood sugar level is greater than or equal to the predetermined blood sugar level, determining whether a current time is within a blood sugar change time zone, if the measured blood sugar level is equal to or higher than the predetermined blood sugar level, and if the current time does is not within the blood sugar change time zone, acquiring exercise amount information about the patient and determining a dose of insulin to be injected inject into the patient based on the acquired exercise amount information, if the current time does not fall within the blood sugar change time zone; and an insulin injector for injecting the determined dose of insulin into the patient.

Abstract: A two-chamber type combined container-syringe includes an outer tube (10) formed in a tubular shape having a uniform inner diameter about an axis (O) thereof throughout the axis direction and provided with a bypass groove (11a) concaved from an inner circumferential surface in a portion in the axis direction, wherein the inner diameter of the outer tube (10) is 6.0 mm or more and 10.0 mm or less, the plurality of bypass grooves are formed in the circumferential direction of the axis at intervals, a cross-sectional area of the bypass groove perpendicular to the axis is 0.13% or more and 0.24% or less of an inner circumferential cross-sectional area of the outer tube perpendicular to the axis, and a depth of the bypass groove concaved from the inner circumferential surface is 2.7% or more and 3.8% or less of the inner diameter of the outer tube. As a result, solution can smoothly flow through the bypass groove, and an amount of solution remaining in the bypass groove can be reduced.

Abstract: A needle-less injector device for delivering a dose of fluid intradermally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly to an animal or human. The device includes an inner housing having opposed ends. A syringe is disposed in one end of the inner housing. The syringe includes a nozzle for delivering a dose of fluid held within the syringe. A plunger is movably disposed within the syringe. A spring powered hammer is movably disposed within the inner housing. The hammer cooperates with the plunger to drive the dose of medicament from the nozzle. An injection delivery spring for powering the hammer is positioned and compressed between the other end of the inner housing and the spring powered hammer. An outer housing slideably supports the inner housing. A skin tensioning spring is mounted between the inner housing and the outer housing, the skin tensioning spring biasing the nozzle of the syringe against the animal or human.

Abstract: An I.V. flush syringe assembly includes a barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal end with a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. An elongate plunger having a proximal end, a distal end and a stopper is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with the inside surface of the barrel for drawing fluid into and out of the chamber by movement of the stopper relative to the barrel. The plunger includes anti-reflux structure for minimizing stopper deflection when fluid has been delivered from the chamber and the stopper is being forced against the distal end of the chamber.

Abstract: A drug delivery device having a collar and a linkage component. The drug delivery device includes a variable dose setting mechanism, a fixed dose setting mechanism, a single dose setter, a collar, and a linkage component. The variable dose setting mechanism is operably coupled to a primary reservoir holding a first medicament and/or fluid. The fixed dose setting mechanism comprises a fixed dose piston rod that is operably coupled to a secondary reservoir holding a second medicament and/or fluid. Further, the single dose setter is operably coupled to the variable dose setting mechanism, and the collar is disposed on the variable dose setting mechanism. Still further, the linkage component may be disposed on the fixed dose setting mechanism, wherein the linkage component is capable of engagement with the collar. The delivery device is capable of delivering the second medicament and/or fluid by way of at least one discrete pulse of the second medicament and/or fluid.

Abstract: A drug delivery device having a trigger biasing member that provides dispense assistance. The drug delivery device includes a variable dose setting mechanism that is operably coupled to a primary reservoir holding a first medicament. The drug delivery device also includes a fixed dose setting mechanism that is operably coupled to a secondary reservoir holding a second medicament. The fixed dose setting mechanism comprises a trigger biasing member or spring. In addition, the drug delivery device includes a mechanical coupling that operably couples the variable dose setting mechanism and the fixed dose setting mechanism. During dose setting, activation of a single dose setter sets a variable dose of the first medicament. Setting of a minimum dose of the first medicament causes a fixed dose of the second medicament to be automatically set, and, during dispense, the trigger spring at least assists with the dispense of the fixed dose of the second medicament.

Abstract: The invention refers to an auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament (M), the auto-injector having a distal end (P) and a proximal end (D) with an orifice intended to be applied against an injection site and comprising: an elongate housing arranged to contain a syringe with a hollow needle and a stopper for sealing the syringe and displacing the medicament (M), wherein the syringe (3) is slidably arranged with respect to the housing, a drive means capable of, upon activation: pushing the needle from a retracted position into an advanced position through the orifice and past the proximal end (P), and operating the syringe to supply the dose of medicament (M), a plunger for transmitting power from the drive means to the syringe and/or stopper, activating means arranged to lock the drive means in a compressed state prior to manual operation and capable of, upon manual operation, releasing the drive means for injection, characterized in that translation of the needle and the syringe and/