Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods that effectively support innate immunity and/or disperse pathogenic biofilms using readily available, nontoxic, natural substances, while supporting restoration of normal microbiotic homeostasis. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides anti-biofilm compositions comprising one or more probiotic organisms, anti-microbial honey, and other ingredients such as prebiotic compounds, other hive products, green tea derivatives, other plant derivatives, and vitamin D3.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the control of fungal infection of horn-like envelopes covering dorsal and terminal phalanges in humans and animals and related cerebral protrusions in animals as well as keratin comprising material on surfaces of humans and animals. Agents and natural and synthetic formulations and extracts useful for the control of fungal infection of these envelopes and related protrusions and keratin comprising material are also encompassed by the subject disclosure. In an embodiment, the present disclosure teaches the treatment of fungal infection of nails and in particular onychomycosis in humans.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inhibiting bone loss using FoxP3+ CD8 T-cells (TcREG). Osteoclasts are induced to produce FoxP3+ CD8 T-cells (TcREG) through introduction of a low-dose of a RANK agonist such as RANKL. The RANKL was found to best work when provided in accordance with a schedule resulting in a pulsed administration.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of concentrating a composition comprising a polypeptide of interest and the use of such concentrated composition for the treatment of diseases in mammals, in particular by subcutaneous injection.

Abstract: Materials and methods useful for generating highly mannosylated pseudotyped lentiviral vector particles comprising a Vpx protein are provided.

Abstract: A highly stable nucleic acid-polysaccharide complex of an siRNA and schizophyllan is formed by adding polydeoxyadenine in which at least part of the phosphodiester link portion is phosphorothioated to an siRNA and allowing the siRNA and schizophyllan to form a complex.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated Bacillus cereus sensu lato strain, selected from Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis, in which the htrA gene or any part thereof is silenced, and vaccines comprising the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention report compositions and methods for vaccinating a subject against all dengue virus serotypes. In some embodiments, multiple vaccine compositions may be administered to a subject in different anatomical locations in order to induce a rapid response to all dengue virus serotypes. In certain embodiments, administration of two or more vaccine compositions to a subject against all dengue virus serotypes may include two or more routes of administration.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) vaccines or compositions. The vaccine or composition may be a vaccine or composition containing PEDV antigens. The invention also encompasses recombinant vectors encoding and expressing PEDV antigens, epitopes or immunogens which can be used to protect porcine animals against PEDV.

Abstract: Provided herein are antigen-binding proteins (ABPs) that selectively bind to TIGIT and its isoforms and homologs, and compositions comprising the ABPs. Also provided are methods of using the ABPs, such as therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to, among other things, pharmaceutical compositions, such as solid oral dosage forms, comprising itraconazole, methods of making the compositions, and methods of using the same for treating disorders including, but not limited to, fungal infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alcohol-free cosmetic or therapeutic foam carrier comprising water, a hydrophobic organic carrier, a foam adjuvant agent, a surface-active agent and a gelling agent. The cosmetic or therapeutic foam carrier does not contain aliphatic alcohols, making it non-irritating and non-drying. The alcohol-free foam carrier is suitable for inclusion of both water-soluble and oil soluble therapeutic and cosmetic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment of inflammatory diseases. In particular, the present invention relates to antagonistic DR3 ligands useful for treating inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene delivery system which improves siRNA delivery and the in vivo systemic circulation efficiency thereof More particularly, the present invention is a siRNA gene delivery system for systemic circulation based on polyethylene glycol (PEG) and an arginine 9 (R9) peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carriers, conjugate and pharmaceutical compositions and their use to increase the potency of drugs and to modify the pharmacokinetics of compounds. More particularly, the present invention relates to conjugates comprising the carrier described herein and their use in the treatment and diagnostic of cancer.

Abstract: A compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or conjugates thereof, selected from the group consisting of: wherein: (a) R10 is H, and R11 is OH, ORA, where RA is saturated C1-4 alkyl; (b) R10 and R11 form a nitrogen-carbon double bond between the nitrogen and carbon atoms to which they are bound; or (c) R10 is H and R11 is SOzM, where z is 2 or 3 and M is a monovalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or both M together are a divalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of CD30-expressing cancers are provided. The methods comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a weekly dose of from about 0.8 mg/kg to about 1.8 mg/kg of an antibody-drug conjugate compound having formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: mAb is an anti-CD30 antibody unit, S is a sulfur atom of the antibody, A- is a Stretcher unit, and p is from about 3 to about 5.

Abstract: A PSMA-specific imaging agent comprising a compound according to formula I: are described, wherein S1 is an organic spacer group having from 5 to 30 carbons, A is an amino acid forming a portion of a negatively charged peptide oligomer, n is from 3 to 6, S2 is an organic spacer group having from 5 to 15 carbons, and I is an imaging group, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The PSMA-specific imaging agents can be used to image PSMA within a tissue region to guide the treatment of diseases such as prostate cancer.

Abstract: A magnetic graphene-like nanoparticle or graphitic nano- or microparticle exhibits a high relaxivity, and is useful as a MRI contrast agent. A composition for use with MRI imaging, comprising a sufficient amount of the magnetic graphene-like nanoparticles or graphitic nano- or microparticles and one or more physiologically acceptable carriers or excipients. Methods of using the magnetic graphene-like nanoparticles or graphitic nano- or microparticles as MRI contrast agents. Methods of producing the magnetic graphene-like nanoparticle or graphitic nano- or microparticle.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds with imaging moieties for imaging a subject. The present invention also relates to systems, compositions, and methods for the synthesis and use of imaging agents, or precursors thereof. An imaging agent precursor may be converted to an imaging agent using the methods described herein. In some cases, a composition or plurality of imaging agents is enriched in 18 F. In some cases, an imaging agent may be used to image an area of interest in a subject, including, but not limited to, the heart, cardiovascular system, cardiac vessels, brain, and other organs.

Abstract: Provided according to some embodiments of the invention are methods of forming co-condensed silica particles. In some embodiments, the methods include reacting a thiol-containing silane and a backbone alkoxysilane in a reaction solution that comprises water to form thiol-functionalized co-condensed silica particles, wherein the thiol-functionalized co-condensed silica particles include a polysiloxane matrix and at least some of thiol groups are present within the polysiloxane matrix; and reacting the thiol-functionalized co-condensed silica particles with a nitrosating agent to provide the S-nitrosothiol-functionalized co-condensed silica particles. In some embodiments, provided are S-nitrosothiol-functionalized co-condensed silica particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer fiber comprising a thermoplastic polymer comprising the following building blocks A and B: —O—(CH2—CH2—O)n— (A) —O—[CH2]y—O— (B), wherein n is an integer of 10-400, and y is an integer in the range of 2 to 16, wherein A is present in an amount of 15-30 mole %, B is present in an amount of 20-40 mole % and wherein building blocks A and B are linked by the following linking group C: —[(C?O)—NH—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—NH—(C?O)]— (C) wherein C is present in an amount of 45-55 mole %. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a polymer fiber, absorbent articles comprising a polymer fiber and the use of a fiber in a product for treating wounds and/or burns.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a bone cement composition which can have desired biological activity performance and desired radiolucency while enabling the strength of a cured product thereof to be kept. A titanium oxide coating is formed on radiolucent particles to thereby produce composite particles, and the composite particles are added to a bone cement composition. The bone cement composition thus produced can be used suitably for the filling of a bone defect portion and the fixation of an artificial joint and in percutaneous vertebroplasty. The shape of each of the radiolucent particles is preferably granular, and the titanium oxide is preferably of a rutile type.

Abstract: Joint resurfacing and/or replacement devices, systems and methods that include thin film ternary ceramic coatings that are effective to provide reliable articulation and bearing surfaces and protection of both articular and modular junction surfaces from the potential for corrosion, wear, and fretting, and reduce the potential for release of metal ions from the joint systems. Isoelasticity is provided according to the particular joint resurfacing/replacement devices, systems and methods based on parameters that include material of construction, porosity and coating system. The thin film ternary ceramic coatings may be functionalized to enhance hydrophilicity and may be employed in any anatomical articulating joint region. Titanium alloy composite structures are provided that include an ultra-porous structured titanium alloy bone fixation surface and an opposed solid articular surface and a thin film ternary ceramic coating applied to one or both opposed surfaces.

Abstract: Biomaterial having a multi-dimensional structure and comprising demineralized bone matrix dispersed within differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) tissue, wherein MSCs are adipose tissue-derived stem cells. Method for producing this biomaterial comprising incubating MSCS in osteoblastic and/or chondrongenic medium in presence of demineralized bone matrix. Use of this biomaterial for alleviating or treating a bone or cartilage defect, supporting or correcting a congenital or acquired abnormality, supporting a bon or articular bone replacement following surgery or trauma, and/or supporting a musculoskeletal implant.

Abstract: A catheter balloon exhibiting improved pressure resistance of the entire membrane is formed of a membrane as a laminate of at least two layers including a polyamide elastomer layer and a polyamide layer, in which the polyamide elastomer layer is disposed at the inner side of the polyamide layer, a refractive index nr1 in the circumferential direction of a cross-section perpendicular to the axis in the inner side surface of the polyamide layer is greater than a refractive index nr2 in the circumferential direction of a cross-section perpendicular to the axis in the inner side surface of the polyamide elastomer layer, and the difference between the refractive index nr1 and the refractive index nr2 is 0.01 or greater.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a free-standing biodegradable patch suitable for medical applications, especially intravascular, minimally-invasive and intraoperative surgical applications are provided, wherein the patch comprises a free-standing film or device having a mixture of a solid fibrinogen component and a solid thrombin component that, when exposed to an aqueous environment, undergoes polymerization to form fibrin. In alternative embodiments the patch may comprise a solid fibrinogen component, with or without an inorganic calcium salt component. The patch may take a non-adherent form during delivery to a target location within a vessel or tissue, and thereafter may be activated to adhere to vessel wall or tissue, and may include a number of additives, including materials to improve the mechanical properties of the patch, or one or more therapeutic or contrast agents.

Abstract: Compositions containing chlorhexidine gluconate solubilized in hydrophobic vehicles are described. Resin systems containing such chlorhexidine gluconate compositions, including adhesives and articles incorporating such resin systems, including medical articles such as drapes are also described.

Abstract: A surgical cassette clamping system includes a mounting plate having a first side and a second side. A bracket system may be disposed adjacent the first side of the mounting plate. A clamp motor may be disposed adjacent the mounting plate and fixed relative to the mounting plate. The clamp motor may be operably connected to the bracket system to displace the bracket system relative to the mounting plate. The system may also include a plurality of pivot arms pivotably connected to the bracket system and extending adjacent the second side of the mounting plate. An engagement portion may be attached to each of the plurality of pivot arms that cooperatively engages the second side of the mounting plate, the engagement portion being operable to pivot the pivot arms when the bracket system moves relative to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A drainage and/or collection system (1) for biological fluids includes at least one conduit (40) for transporting a biological fluid (F) from a catheter (10) to a collection device (50) and a gas pressure source (70) configured to feed a gas (G) into the at least one conduit (40) between the catheter (10) and the collection device (50). The gas (G) causes the biological fluid (F) arranged in the at least one conduit (40) to drain into the collection device (50). A method includes inserting a catheter (10), draining a fluid (F) into a collection device (50) via a conduit (40), and introducing gas (G) into the conduit (40) so as to force fluid (F) remaining in the conduit (40) into the collection device (50).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) cannula that includes multiple independent sensors may help decrease the incidence of ventricular collapse and provide automatic speed control. A cannula may include two or more independent sensors. One sensor may measure ventricular pressure, while another may measure ventricular volume and/or ventricular wall location. With this information an automatic control system may be configured to adjust pump speed to minimize the likelihood of ventricular collapse and maximize LVAD flow in response to physiologic demand. Typically the volume sensors are conductance sensors. Further embodiments provide LVADs that are powered by RF energy.

Abstract: A blood pump system is implantable in a patient for ventricular support. A pumping chamber has an inlet for receiving blood from a ventricle of the patient. An impeller is received in the pumping chamber. A motor is coupled to the impeller for driving rotation of the impeller. A motor controller is provided for tracking systolic and diastolic phases of a cardiac cycle of the patient and supplying a variable voltage signal to the motor in a variable speed mode to produce a variable impeller speed linked to the cardiac cycle. The impeller speed comprises a ramping up to an elevated speed during the diastolic phase in order to reduce a load on the ventricle at the beginning of the systolic phase.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a circuit includes a radio frequency coil tuned to at least one frequency and at least one switching circuit directly connected to the radio frequency coil. The radio frequency coil is characterized by a high impedance.

Abstract: The degassing system can include a degassing vessel and can utilize a vacuum pump and a fluid pump located downstream of the degassing vessel to control the pressure within the degassing vessel in order to control the concentration of gases in fluid exiting the degassing system. The degassing system can further comprise sensors in communication with the pumps to control the rate of flow and pressure through the degassing system. The degassing system may be placed in a dialysate flow path to remove dissolved gases including carbon dioxide from the dialysate.

Abstract: A blood based solute monitoring system for measuring at least one blood solute species that has a first recirculation flow path in fluid communication with a dialyzer. The first recirculation flow path is configured to allow a fluid to recirculate through a dialyzer such that the concentration of at least one solute species in the fluid becomes equilibrated to the solute species concentration of the blood in a blood compartment of the dialyzer. The blood solute monitoring system has at least one sensor to measure a fluid characteristic.

Abstract: A method for delivering a target volume of fluid to a destination is provided. The method includes delivering a first volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume, the first volume of fluid being less than the target volume and delivering a second volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume, the second incremental volume being less than the first incremental volume, such that the sum of the first volume and the second volume is approximately equal to the target volume.

Abstract: A device includes (i) a housing defining an interior, wherein the interior has a blood compartment, a plasma compartment, and a fluid compartment; (ii) a first filter disposed in the interior of the housing, and (iii) a second filter disposed in the interior of the housing. The first filter separates at least a portion of the blood compartment from at least a portion of the plasma compartment. The first filter is configured to allow plasma components, but not cell components, of blood to pass through the first filter from the blood compartment to the plasma compartment. The second filter separates at least a portion of the plasma compartment from at least a portion of the fluid compartment. The second filter is configured to allow fluid and small molecules, but not larger components, to pass through the second filter from the plasma compartment to the fluid compartment. The device may include a sorbent in the plasma compartment to remove or reduce the concentration of selected components of the plasma.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating a suspension of cellular material comprising at least two differently-sized cell types using a spinning membrane separator. The method comprises selecting the cell type to be separated by passing through the membrane; determining a concentration of the selected cell type in the suspension; selecting an inlet flow rate for the suspension; selecting a rotational speed for the spinning membrane separator related to one or more of the concentration and relative size of the selected cell type in the suspension; rotating the spinning membrane separator at the selected rotational speed so that the selected cell type tends to migrate to regions of the shear field adjacent the porous membrane; and flowing the suspension through the spinning membrane separator.

Abstract: A method for temporarily interrupting an extracorporeal treatment of blood of a patient by use of a blood treatment apparatus includes activating or controlling a control device which is provided and configured to bring the blood treatment apparatus into a state in which the blood treatment session of the patient can be interrupted with the intention to continue the blood treatment session. The present invention further provides a control device, a blood treatment apparatus, a digital storage means, a computer program product as well as a computer program.

Abstract: An aspiration probe tip for use in surgical procedures includes a body defining a first channel therein for aspirating material therethrough from a surgical region along a first vector. The body includes a straight portion connected to a first end and a curved portion connecting the straight portion to a second end. A fluid sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the body and defines a second channel between the fluid sleeve and the body for injecting a fluid into the surgical region along a second vector. An end of the fluid sleeve securely fits over the body to substantially seal the end of the fluid sleeve. The fluid sleeve further defines an aperture for injecting fluid along the second vector from the second channel into the surgical region. A combination of the aspiration of the material into the first channel from the surgical region along the first vector and injection of fluid into the surgical region from the second channel creates a cyclonic movement within the surgical region.

Abstract: According to preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, a medical injection system employs a single pump for the injection of multiple fluids, rather than employing a pump for each type of fluid, for example, like the prior art system described above. Embodiments of pumps disclosed herein preferably include a disposable pump cartridge configured to be contained within a hull of a medical injection system, wherein the hull may be formed when a pressure plate member is closed against a base plate; and, when the pressure plate member is opened with respect to the base plate, the disposable pump cartridge may be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly is described, including a cap, a housing movable relative to the cap from a first position adjacent the cap to an extended second position spaced from the cap, a hollow needle secured in and extending from the housing, and a collapsible sheath secured to both the cap and the housing. The sheath is concentrically disposed about the needle in a collapsed state with the housing in the first position. The sheath is extendable from the collapsed state to an extended state in response to movement of the housing from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drug infusion system comprising a drug infusion device having a reservoir, a window for viewing the contents of the reservoir, a cannula arranged to be deployed beneath the skin of a patient, and an actuator configured to be manually actuated to drive a medicament from the reservoir to the cannula. The system also has a cannula cover and a needle handle that holds a needle for insertion into the patient. The cannula cover and needle handle are detachably attached to the drug infusion device, and each is attachable to the other. The device further comprises a septum and a septum pincher to seal the device. The device also comprises a pumping mechanism, part of which are a last-dose lock-out mechanism and an occlusion detection mechanism, both of which operate on the same actuator.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for configuring an unmanned aerial device to participate in the performance of tasks, for using data resulting from such a configuration or performance, or for facilitating other interactions with such devices.

Abstract: An autoinjector includes a body (10, 12), a syringe (13) or cartridge disposed within the body, and a plunger (60) moveable during operation between a first and a second position to effect an injection, the plunger including a transverse passage (66) containing a moveable magnetic element (68) of a magnetic pair, the body including another magnetic element (54) at a position such that, on the plunger reaching and/or nearing its second position, the magnetic attraction therebetween causes a sound-emitting impact, the plunger (60) including a magnetic keeper element (72) mounted adjacent the transverse passage and adapted to hold the movable magnetic element (68) against movement until attraction by the other magnetic pair element (54), wherein the keeper element (72) is disposed on the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a drive means configured to act on a medicament container for expelling a medicament; a holding means configured to hold said drive means in a pre-tensioned state; an activation means configured to interact with said holding means for releasing said drive means from the pre-tensioned state; wherein the device further comprises feedback means configured to interact both with said holding means and with said drive means for generating an audible and/or tactile and/or visual signal indicating that the medicament has been completely expelled.

Abstract: Described is a syringe carrier comprising a body adapted to receive a barrel of a syringe. The body includes a longitudinal slot and a distal end having resilient distal clamps with shoulder sections. The shoulder sections are adapted to engage a circumferential gap between the barrel of the syringe and a needle shield covering a needle of the syringe.

Abstract: Syringe for dispensing foam having a syringe barrel, a nozzle and a bore to receive a syringe plunger having a front end and a back end. The syringe plunger includes at the front end thereof a waste container defined by a cylindrical side wall, a front end wall and a rear end wall, the walls being arranged such that an external cylindrical surface of the walls forms a seal with an internal surface of the syringe barrel. The waste container has an inlet aperture in the front end wall which is in communication with the syringe nozzle when the plunger is fully depressed into the syringe barrel. The waste container further has a hydrophobic vent in the rear end wall thereof which allows air to escape from the waste container while substantially preventing foam from escaping the waste container when the syringe is in use.

Abstract: Disclosed are applicators and methods injecting of a liquid anesthetic into a dental patient with no or minimal pain. In accordance with one embodiment the applicator is for intraligamentary injection and includes an elongated, thin member having an open distal free formed of a resilient and somewhat conformable material suitable for producing a substantially fluid-tight interface with the anatomic structures at the gingival sulcus to inject the anesthetic therein. In another embodiment the applicator includes a flexible skirt surrounding a sharpened cannula, with the cannula being movable with respect to the skirt. The skirt is arranged to receive the anesthetic to anesthetize the gum, whereupon the cannula can then pierce the gum to inject the anesthetic into the underlying anatomic structure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic nebulizer including a circuit unit, a nebulization module, and a frequency sweeping unit. Constant electric power in the nebulization module of the ultrasonic nebulizer is maintained by automatic compensation of electric power consumption and/or current consumption. A fixed current consumption and electric power consumption of the nebulization module of the ultrasonic nebulizer is achieved by auto compensation, thereby improving nebulization performance.