Abstract: A probe for endo-ocular photocoagulation procedures provides straight and curved tip configurations. A flexible tubular material, pre-formed with a radius of curvature, allows the tip to be inserted through a trocar cannula and to resume its pre-formed shape for use during a surgical procedure. Alternatively, a tubular material is pre-formed with a radius of curvature, and is stiffened by use of a preferably stainless steel tube. Inside the tubular material is a distal end of at least one optical fiber, inserted such that its tip is coterminous with the tubular material. A tube surrounds the optical fiber and is free to move along the axis of the assembly, acting to straighten the tubular and optical fiber members as it moves forward via a sliding member associated with the hand piece. Illumination energy, laser energy, or both may be supplied to the targeted surgical site.

Abstract: An insertion system includes a handle assembly and a nose assembly removably attached to the handle assembly and including an insertion end. The handle assembly includes a main body, a nose interface and an actuating element. The nose assembly includes a nose, a positioning rod extending from the nose to a distal end, a cutting sheath surrounding a distal end of the positioning rod and including a cutting edge, an actuation member having a proximal end coupled to the actuating element when the nose assembly is attached to the handle assembly and a distal end attached to the cutting sheath, a ventilation tube positioned distal to the distal end of the positioning rod and proximal to the insertion end. The cutting sheath retracts from around the ventilation tube and along the positioning rod when the actuating element on the handle assembly is moved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for phototherapy to treat skin disorders. In particular, described herein are phototherapy dressings for use with phototherapy UV light applicators (sources) to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis. The dressings described herein may include a support body onto which a medicament formed of a hydrogel and coal tar and/or coal tar extract is held. The dressing may be configured so that at least half (50%) of the UV light within a therapeutic range of wavelengths is through the dressing including the medicament to the patient's skin. The dressings may be adapted for use in conjunction with a phototherapy UV light sources.

Abstract: Wound packing material, suitable for use in negative pressure wound therapy, includes a body of a porous material, the body having frangible regions defining a plurality of portions, the frangible regions allowing the portions to be selectively removed from the body. Methods of manufacturing the wound packing material, and methods of its use, are provided.

Abstract: A medical device for delivery of a therapeutic agent to a physiological target site includes a flexible receptacle containing said therapeutic agent, wherein at least a part of the receptacle is formed of a water-soluble or water-dispersible material. The therapeutic agent may include a haemostatic agent and the physiological target site may be a wound.

Abstract: A tampon disposal device includes a tubular stiffener, and a membrane conforming to the stiffener with an opening on one end and an enclosure opposite the opening. The membrane is folded inside the stiffener into a first layer attached to the stiffener; and second and third layers that form a lip surrounding the stiffener near a stiffener rim. The second layer folds over the rim, reversing direction to become the third layer lip portion. The third layer continues inside the stiffener. A weak adhesive attaches the lip to the outside stiffener. Another adhesive attaches the first layer to the second layer inside the stiffener. When a hand grasps a tampon string with the membrane and pulls on the string, the first adhesive allows the lip to separate and be pulled into the stiffener together with the tampon. Pushing inwardly on the stiffener seals the tampon inside the membrane.

Abstract: Absorbent articles that include elastics in multiple layers are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A compact drive assembly for a wheeled transporter, illustrated as a wheelchair, and method convert reciprocating input forces applied by oppositely-directed essentially linear strokes to a drive shaft journaled for rotation in opposite directions of rotation about a central axis of rotation within the drive assembly, into rotation of a drive wheel of the transporter in a given single direction of rotation. Oppositely oriented clutches couple the drive shaft with respective sun gears. Sets of planet gears are engaged with corresponding ones of the sun gears and are overlapped for engagement with one-another. One of the sun gears is coupled to the drive wheel such that upon rotation of the drive shaft alternately in the first direction and the second direction in response to the oppositely-directed strokes, the drive wheel is rotated in the same given single direction of rotation during each direction of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a pivoting assembly, at least one front caster, and at least one rear caster. The pivoting assembly has a first link pivotally coupled to the frame member, a second link pivotally coupled to the frame member, a drive assembly fixedly connected to a first end of the first link, and a third link pivotally connected to the first link and pivotally connected to the second link. The drive assembly causes downward pivotal movement of the first end of the first link and upward pivotal movement of a second end of the first link. The upward pivotal movement of the second end of the first link causes the second link and the caster assembly to undergo upward movement.

Abstract: A chair assembly includes a chair portion and an armrest portion coupled to the chair portion movable between an upright position and an extended position. The armrest portion includes a body. A support is attached to the body disposed adjacent to the seat. In the upright position, the support is disposed generally perpendicular to the seat. In the extended position, the support is disposed generally parallel to the seat. A structure includes a rod being pivotably attached to the support. The structure also includes a brace pivotably attached to the rod and the chair portion movable between a storage position and a load bearing position. In the storage position, the rod is disposed generally parallel to the support with the armrest portion in the upright position. In the load bearing position, the rod is disposed generally perpendicular to the support with the armrest portion in the extended position.

Abstract: A method can be provided that includes measuring sound waves using a sound measuring device, determining, at a central controller of an air mattress system, one or more parameter values of the sound waves, comparing the one or more parameter values with values, ranges, or patterns indicative of snoring, identifying a snoring state of a user, and initiating, with the central controller, a change to one or more adjustable features of the air mattress system.

Abstract: A personal lifting includes a housing that may be positioned on a support surface. The housing is divided into an upper half and a lower half of the housing. A motor is coupled to the lower half of the housing. A pump is coupled to the lower half of the housing and the motor. A scissor lift is coupled between the top and bottom halves of the housing. A piston is coupled between the bottom half of the housing and the scissor lift. The piston urges the scissor lift in a lifting position. The scissor lift may lift a user lying on the upper half of the housing. The piston urges the scissor lift in a lowering position. A handle is coupled to the top half of the housing. An actuator is coupled to the handle and the motor. The actuator actuates and de-actuates the motor.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting a visually impaired user including a time of flight camera, a processing unit for receiving images from the time of flight camera and converting the images into signals for use by one or more controllers, and one or more vibro-tactile devices, wherein the one or more controllers activates one or more of the vibro-tactile devices in response to the signals received from the processing unit. The system preferably includes a lanyard means on which the one or more vibro-tactile devices are mounted. The vibro-tactile devices are activated depending on a determined position in front of the user of an object and the distance from the user to the object.

Abstract: A system for treating amblyopia through the visual stimulation of the brain through a predetermined regime is provided. The system for treating amblyopia comprises a headmountable visual content display device, a controller unit, a visual content source, a data storage device, a graphic processing unit and an audio source. A protocol useful for treating amblyopia by visual stimulation of the brain is also provided. A predetermined regime useful for treating amblyopia by stimulation of the brain is additionally provided.

Abstract: A touch-to-activate structure for make-up pen with function of vibration massage receives and contains therein a liquid and includes a container body, a base, a vibration device, a shielding lid, a cover, a leakage prevention valve, a contact massage lid, and a hold-down cap. The shielding lid possesses elasticity blocks external moisture, and supports the vibration device to provide a waterproof effect. The vibration device includes a spring conductor. The container body, the base, the shielding lid, and the cover are in communication with each other and the leakage prevention valve that has a valve hole is movably mounted in an opening of the cover, whereby when the contact massage lid is touched and pressed down, the leakage prevention valve is moved to press and push the spring conductor so as to automatically activate a vibration function of the vibration device and also to have the valve hole shielded.

Abstract: A CPR guidance device for placement and use on the chest of an adult patient. The device guides a rescuer in the application of an adult CPR protocol. The device also senses patient characteristics indicative of an infant patient. If the device senses that the patient in an infant, it appropriately warns the rescuer that the device is for adult patient use only.

Abstract: A childproof packaging for individual doses, in particular for preparations for administration in film form, wherein the packaging constitutes a bag produced by sealing, which has at least one each side a covering layer which is provided at least on one side with local weak points which do not touch the edge of the packaging, wherein the local weak points form a cohesive pattern which runs around the individual dos in an arc or a curve and overlaps an angular region of at least 90° when considered from the main area of the individual zone.

Abstract: A device having a compartment with cavities disposed on opposite sides, each cavity disposed for receiving at least one pill case. The pill cases are disposed on mounts in the cavity using pressure to hold in place. A drawer is disposed in a cavity opening on a top surface. The device is held upright by a support structure to allow a user to access pill cases from each side of the device. The pill cases may be disposed between rails. An indicator may be attached to the rails thus allowing a user to indicate which pill cases, or compartments in pill cases do not have an adequate supply of medicine. An indicator may be stored in the drawer when not in use in the pill cases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a smart IV bag with a structurally integrated optical tag for IV drug identification and monitoring. The optical tag comprises a flow cell with a fluid channel in communication with the IV bag to sample a portion of the IV fluid onto an optical surface embedded in the flow cell. The optical surface causes a light beam to interact with the sampled IV fluid to produce a spectroscopic signal. The spectroscopic signal is then analyzed to obtain the content and concentration information of the IV fluid. Unlike traditional IV bag labels, the optical tag provides real-time, in-situ monitoring of IV fluid content and concentration, which greatly reduces the risk of mislabeling induced IV error.

Abstract: A closed fluid transfer system for fluidly interconnecting a syringe to any one of a patient I.V. set, a vial and an I.V. bag, is provided and includes a housing defining an open distal end and an open proximal end, a base supported in the open proximal end of the housing and including a syringe adapter luer connector, a collar slidably and rotatably supported in the housing, the collar defining a longitudinal opening therethrough, a shuttle slidably extending through longitudinal opening of the collar, the shuttle defining a shuttle lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, a barrel supported on and extending over a distal end of the shuttle, a biasing member interposed between the collar and the shuttle for urging the collar away from the shuttle, and a seal interposed between the shuttle and the barrel, wherein the seal extends across the shuttle lumen and the central opening of the barrel.

Abstract: A tablet cassette is provided that can easily adjust the tablet separating position depending on the size of a table to be dispensed. The tablet cassette includes a plurality of tablet holding members that is rotatable together with the rotor and is elastically deformable so as to enter the table guide groove from an opening end thereof and to press a table in the table guide groove, the plurality of table holding members being provided corresponding to the plurality of tablet guide grooves; and a pressing member that is mounted on the cassette body and presses the table holding member toward the table guide groove when the table guide groove is located at a position corresponding to a tablet outlet provided in the cassette body.

Abstract: A support system for a baby bottle has a support body having a generally cylindrical portion. A channel is defined within the support body. A slot is defined between slot edges of the support body extending between a first end portion and a second end portion. First and second handle portions are coupled to the support body. The first and second handle portions are coupled to the support body at an angle less than about 120 degrees apart from each other about a surface of the support body. The support body is sized and configured to support a baby bottle positioned within the channel defined within the support body. In some embodiments, the first and second handle portions have handle grip portions that are coupled to the support body at an angle between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees relative to a surface of the support body.

Abstract: Described herein are injectable alloplastic implant compositions that are particularly useful for soft tissue defect augmentation. The compositions include microparticles, such as polymethylmethacrylate particles, and collagen as a suspending agent, wherein the collagen contains a reduced amount of low molecular weight gelatine compared to high molecular weight collagen. By controlling the molecular weight of the collagen in the compositions, the injectability, stability, and antigenicity of the alloplastic implant compositions can be improved.

Abstract: Described herein are injectable alloplastic implant compositions that are particularly useful for soft tissue defect augmentation. The compositions include microparticles, such as polymethylmethacrylate particles, and collagen as a suspending agent, wherein the collagen contains a reduced amount of low molecular weight gelatine compared to high molecular weight collagen. By controlling the molecular weight of the collagen in the compositions, the injectability, stability, and antigenicity of the alloplastic implant compositions can be improved.

Abstract: Slurry powder cosmetic composition comprising particulates coated with a binder composition, a silicone gel composition, and the evaporation residue of an aqueous based composition and a method for making the composition.

Abstract: Described herein are oral care compositions comprising (i) a whitening complex comprising crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide, and (ii) a thickening agent comprising a crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, the composition further comprising (iii) a nonionic rheology modifier selected from at least one of a polysorbate surfactant and an alkylene glycol ester of a C6-C12 fatty acid, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Powdery compositions comprising core-shell particles are provided. The shell contains particles of at least one hydrophobized metal oxide powder and the liquid core contains, based on the weight of the core, about 20.0% by weight to 100.0% by weight, in particular about 50.0% by weight to 100.00% by weight, of at least one polyol of formula (I), wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4. The powdery compositions are suitable for temporarily shaping keratin-containing fibers. For example, the use of said compositions on human hair resulted in an elastic hairstyle having volume. Hair so treated was given natural gloss.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hexylresorcinol/water concentrates that are high in clarity, easily handled, and readily blended with other ingredients to form skin care compositions.

Abstract: Oral care compositions comprising isobutyl magnolol and n-butyl magnolol. A method of enhancing the solubility of isobutyl magnolol in an oral care composition comprises admixing n-butyl magnolol with an orally acceptable carrier comprising isobutyl magnolol. The composition may be used to treat diseases or conditions of the oral cavity such as caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth yellowing and halitosis.

Abstract: A composition including arginine or a salt thereof, a zinc salt, preferably arginine bicarbonate and zinc carbonate (ABZC), in combination, plus one or more physiologically acceptable excipients, administered for the modification of cutaneous microfloras, generally to inhibit the growth of pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and also promote the growth of non-pathogenic Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria, and methods for using such composition.

Abstract: A subject-matter of the present invention is a composition for dyeing keratinous fibers, in particular human keratinous fibers, such as the hair, comprising: —at least 25% by weight of at least one fatty substance not comprising a carboxylic acid functional group; —at least one aminopyrazolopyridine oxidation base chosen from the bases of formula (I), the bases of formula (II) and their addition salts, their solvates and the solvates of their salts: —at least one coupler; and —at least one oxidizing agent. The composition of the invention is suitable for use in oxidation dyeing and results in a coloration with shades which are varied, intense or chromatic, powerful, attractive, not very selective and highly resistant to the various assaults which the hair may be subjected to, such as shampooing operations, sweat, permanent reshapings and light. In particular, it makes it possible to obtain an optimized color result with a good power, a good dyeing capacity and a good equal depth.

Abstract: The compositions and methods of this invention relate to skin care compositions containing: (a) hydrophobic and hydrophilic, linear cellulose particles having an average length of from about 1 to about 1000 ?m, a particle aspect ratio from about 1000 to about 2 and a thickness of from about 1 to about 500 ?m; (b) amphiphilic linear cellulose particles derived from sources selected from the following group: citrus pulp, sugar beet pulp, banana pulp, mango pulp, apple pulp, passion fruit pulp and tomato pulp and the like, said particles having an average size of from about 1 to about 1000 ?m, a particle aspect ratio from about 1000 to about 2 and a thickness of from about 1 to about 500 ?m; wherein the ratio of ingredient (b) to ingredient (a) is from about 1:10 to about 10:1; and a cosmetically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A mouthrinse containing chitosan or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof with fluoride ions, for use against erosive tooth demineralization, and kits containing chitosan or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof with fluoride ions, wherein one of the two active agents is comprised in a mouthrinse, are described. The mouthrinse may furthermore comprise dissolved tin, in particular stannous ions. Mouthrinses containing chitosan or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof with fluoride ions are tested in the treatment or prevention of erosive tooth demineralization caused by citric acid.

Abstract: The present invention is related to novel oral compositions comprising an irreversible gastric H+/K+-ATPase proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as a gastric acid secretion inhibitor and one or more small carboxylic acid molecules as parietal cell activators in the gastric lumen. Unexpectedly, the compositions of the present invention are capable of enhancing the anti-acid activity of PPI in the stomach. The present invention further relates to a method of using such compositions to reduce gastric acid secretion in a mammal.

Abstract: Biopolymers, and natural and bio additives are process-sensitive materials, prefer minimized steps and mild parameters. With all of prior achievements in making products from biopolymers, biopolymers have less than 1% of total polymers global usage after over a century of growth. A process is disclosed to make fibers from biopolymers and to incorporate the fibers with additives during the fiber forming steps via minimized steps and mild parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable fixed dose aqueous pharmaceutical composition (e.g., contained in a container) for nasal administration to a human, comprising mometasone or its salt, olopatadine or its salt. The composition may further include a hydrocolloid. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the pharmaceutical composition, and the use of the pharmaceutical composition in the treatment of rhinitis in a subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to, in part, methods and compositions that are useful for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a blinding eye disease, including in the discovery of drugs that are efficacious against these diseases. Diseases include, for example, age related macular degeneration and reticular pseudodrusen disease, and the methods described herein include, for example, the method named delayed near infrared analysis (DNIRA).

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a method of treating an ophthalmic disease affecting an eye of a patient comprising forming a covalently-crosslinked hydrogel in situ at a peri-ocular, intra-ocular, or intra-vitreal site for controlled release of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, this invention sets forth compositions, methods, and uses regarding a nanoemulsion composition that comprises a fat-soluble vitamin K and can therapeutically replace Phytonadione Injectable Emulsion, USP.

Abstract: Described herein are high oil-content emulsions and compositions for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. The emulsions may be formulated as aerosol compositions. The aerosol propellant may be a hydrofluoroalkane propellant. The emulsions or compositions may comprise active agents, such as corticosteroids. Also described are methods of treating inflammatory skin disorders, comprising the step of applying to an affected area of a subject in need thereof a therapeutically-effective amount of an inventive emulsion or aerosol composition.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a long-acting injectable drug (insulin) delivery nano-carrier system and a method of synthesizing the same. The insulin entrapped nanoparticles are prepared using a lipid/phospholipid core which is coated by a polymer. The lipid and phospholipid are dissolved in organic solvent. This solution is transferred into an aqueous phase consisting of distilled water or a buffer and dissolved insulin. A solution of polymer is added drop wise. The drug entrapped nanoparticle formation is achieved by diffusion of the organic solvent within the aqueous solvent to obtain the nanoparticles. The drug gets entrapped within the formed nanoparticles via the anti-solvency effect of the aqueous matrix. The resulting drug nanocarriers are capable of releasing the drug in a slow rate upon injection. The synthesized drug carrying nanoparticles are cryopreserved stored for future administration. For better storage the nanodispersion is dried to form a powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for delivery of therapeutic agents to a subject using multi-component liposomal systems. The methods include administration of a therapeutic liposome containing an active agent, followed by a administration of an attacking liposome that induces release of the agents from the therapeutic liposome.

Abstract: A method for producing triblock copolymer-coated metallic nanoparticle seeds which increases the size and shape homogeneity of the triblock copolymer-coated metallic nanoparticle seeds. A quantity of triblock copolymer-coated metallic nanoparticle seeds. A method for producing triblock copolymer-coated metallic nanoparticles which increases the size and shape homogeneity of the triblock copolymer-coated metallic nanoparticles. A quantity of triblock copolymer-coated metallic nanoparticles. A method for producing modified metallic nanoparticles which increases the size and shape homogeneity of the modified metallic nanoparticles. A quantity of modified metallic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for delivering bioactive agents, such as vitamins, hormones, nutrients and drugs, by stabilizing and or solubilizing these agents in a polymer matrix. The carrier polymers can be used in drug delivery and are useful for delivery of small molecules. The carrier polymers also can be used in scaffolds for regenerative medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel solid pharmaceutical dosage forms for oral administration comprising a bisphosphonate, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which bisphosphonate is present in an amount not therapeutically effective when the bisphosphonate is orally administered alone, and a modified amino acid carrier, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which modified amino acid carrier is present in an amount effective to facilitate absorption of the bisphosphonate in the gastrointestinal tract such that the bisphosphonate is therapeutically effective. The ratio of bisphosphonate to modified amino acid carrier is from about 1:30 to about 1:1, respectively. These novel solid pharmaceutical dosage forms are useful in the treatment or control of bone diseases and particular disorders in calcium metabolism, including, for example, osteoporosis, hypercalcaemia of cancer, and the treatment of metastatic bone pain.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a fatty acid oil mixture and at least one free fatty acid in a coated capsule or a coated tablet form suitable for oral administration, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. Further disclosed are preconcentrates comprising a fatty acid oil mixture, at least one surfactant, and optionally at least one free fatty acid, in a coated capsule or a coated tablet form, and methods of use thereof. The preconcentrates are capable of forming a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), or self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by administering a composition comprising nanoparticles that comprise a taxane and an albumin. The invention also provides combination therapy methods of treating HCC comprising administering to an individual an effective amount of a composition comprising nanoparticles that comprise a taxane and an albumin and another agent, such as an agent that inhibits microtubule disassembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patch having a backing and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the backing, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer contains a pressure-sensitive adhesive base composed of a polymer having a hydroxyl group, a drug, polyvinylpyrrolidone and a multivalent metal chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and dominant optic atrophy with tocotrienol quinones, including alpha-tocotrienol quinone, in order to alleviate symptoms of the disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of inflammatory diseases of the peripheral nervous system. More particularly, it concerns methods for treating inflammatory diseases of the peripheral nervous system by modulating sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor activity. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a subject with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) or other autoimmune neuropathies comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of FTY720.