Abstract: A filler material of a thermoset resin of a diacid/polyol, such as PGS is provided. The filler useful in forming composites, such as those in which the filler and a resin matrix are of the same material to provide a homogenous polymeric composition. Composites in which at least one of the matrix, the filler or both are PGS are also provided. Methods of forming such filler materials and composites are also disclosed. The composites allow extrusion process to form articles from materials that would not otherwise be capable of being extruded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of DNA sequences of group 4 mayor allergens from cereals. The invention also encompasses fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and point mutants having a hypoallergenic action. The recombinant DNA molecules and the derived polypeptides, fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and variants can be utilised for the therapy of pollen-allergic diseases. The proteins prepared by recombinant methods can be employed for in vitro and in vivo diagnosis of pollen allergies.

Abstract: The invention provides an adenovirus or adenoviral vector characterized by comprising one or more particular nucleic acid sequences or one or more particular amino acid sequences, or portions thereof, pertaining to, for example, an adenoviral pIX protein, DNA polymerase protein, penton protein, hexon protein, and/or fiber protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, a biodegradable compound of formula I, and sub-formulas thereof: Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where each X independently is O or S, each Y independently is O or S, and each R1 independently is defined herein; and a liposome composition comprising the cationic lipid of formula I or a sub-formula thereof, and methods of delivering agents, such as nucleic acids including mRNA, in vivo, by administering to a subject the liposome comprising the cationic lipid of formula I or a sub-formula thereof, where the agent is encapsulated within the liposome.

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 particular 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 functionalize 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: Methods and materials providing a route for the use of transgenic plants as bio-factories to produce therapeutic miRNAs are described. The plants can be ingestible and can be used to deliver to a subject in need thereof a therapeutic miRNA by ingestion of the bioengineered plant tissue that carries an exogenous genetic sequence for the therapeutic miRNA. The therapeutic miRNA can be useful in treating a disease state such as cancer. The therapeutic miRNA can be a mammalian tumor suppressor miRNA.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for treating subjects with musculoskeletal diseases or with muscle wasting not associated with a musculoskeletal disease by gene transfer with recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) encoding myostatin inhibitors such as follistatin-344. The rAAV are administered prior to development of diffuse muscle fibrosis in a subject, or the rAAV administration avoids regions of muscle fibrosis in a subject.

Abstract: Simple organic structures, organic/inorganic polymers, and other substrates have been made, all of which have at least one pyrrolidone moiety present, and found to exhibit low toxicity, low complement activation features and may be used to reduce protein interactions with drug conjugates while enhancing in vivo residency times for these conjugates when used as an injectable composition; thus these compounds can be used as substitutes for PEG in PEGaylation. Surprisingly, these compounds also exhibit unique intrinsic fluorescence (IF) or non-traditional fluorescence (NTF) properties that currently cannot be explained by traditional photochemistry and fluorescence paradigms are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to EGFR-specific peptide reagents, methods for detecting pre-cancer, early cancer and/or cancer using the peptide reagents, and methods for targeting pre-cancer cells, early cancer cells and/or cancer cells using the peptide reagents. In one aspect, the disclosure provides reagents consisting essentially of a peptide QRHKPRE (SEQ ID NO: 1), HAHRSWS (SEQ ID NO: 2), YLTMPTP (SEQ ID NO: 3), TYPISFM (SEQ ID NO: 4), KLPGWSG (SEQ ID NO: 5), IQSPHFF (SEQ ID NO: 6), YSIPKSS (SEQ ID NO: 7), SHRNRPRNTQPS (SEQ ID NO: 8), NRHKPREKTFTD (SEQ ID NO: 9).

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic cells comprising single-celled organisms that are introduced into the eukaryotic cell through human intervention and which transfer to daughter cells of the eukaryotic cell, and methods of introducing such single-celled organisms into eukaryotic cells. The invention provides single-celled organisms that introduce a phenotype to eukaryotic cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic cells containing magnetic bacteria. The invention further provides eukaryotic cells engineered with single-celled organisms to allow for multimodal observation of the eukaryotic cells. Each imaging method (or modality) allows the visualization of different aspects of anatomy and physiology, and combining these allows the imager to learn more about the subject being imaged.

Abstract: Targeted molecular imaging agents (TMIAs) are derived from coupling together pre-formed amino acids with imaging agents attached to their side chains. These peptide-based imaging agents may be synthesized from a single or multiple preformed amino acids containing multi-modal, multi-chelated metal, multi-dye imaging agents, or combinations of these, on the side chains of resultant peptides. These imaging amino acids or peptides may be conjugated directly, or activated, or attached to linkers to which targeting groups, such as peptides, proteins, antibodies, aptamers, or small molecule inhibitors, may be conjugated in the final steps of the synthesis to form a wide variety of TMIAs.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of radiopharmaceuticals and their use in nuclear medicine as tracers, imaging agents and for the treatment of various disease states of prostate cancer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce biological carryover using induction heating are disclosed herein. An example method includes washing an aspiration and dispense device. The example method includes generating an alternating electromagnetic field and introducing the aspiration and dispense device into the alternating electromagnetic field. In the example method, the washing is to occur prior to introducing the aspiration and dispense device into the alternating electromagnetic field. The example method includes inductively heating the aspiration and dispense device with the alternating electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A system and method of disinfecting an area using germicidal radiation. The system is configured to capture images of an environment, analyze the images to determine locations of a person or unprotected skin of a person in the environment, and control one or more germicidal radiation emitters to decontaminate the environment where the person or exposed skin of persons in the environment are not located. The system and method allow for safe decontamination of an environment using hazardous levels of germicidal radiation while occupied by a person who may not be fully protected from the radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus designed to control the application of the previously uncontrollable reaction of a peroxide composition and an alkaline composition, and accurately maintain the desired composition ratios for removal of and destruction of microbiological and organic contamination on a surface safely and without waste of the materials. The apparatus may also be used to maintain the highest demulsifying and antimicrobial activity of an organic acid composition blended with a peroxide composition by limiting contact time and the level of degradation of the components of the organic acid composition. A method of using the apparatus is provided for removing biofilm, bacteria, fungal cells, spores, fragments, and hyphae, microbiological slime, and organic contaminants from porous and non-porous surfaces, maintaining the integrity and life expectancy of the substrates, and increasing their resistance to new biofilm formation and microbiological deposition.

Abstract: A system and method of disinfecting an area using germicidal radiation. The system is configured to track person within the environment, and to control one or more germicidal radiation emitters based on user and sensor inputs, such as detecting whether the eyes are protected for the persons in this environment. The system is configured to intentionally and safely expose persons in the environment to germicidal radiation. This provides for safe, electronically controlled, direct decontamination of the surfaces, air, and persons in the environment.

Abstract: A sterilization system is configured to emit energy, such as UV radiation, for sterilizing a surface, such as a door handle, faucet handle, elevator button, or other target surfaces known in the art. The sterilization system is configured to operate automatically in response to detection of a user's hand interfacing with the handle. After a user releases a handle, the sterilization system is actuated to sanitize the handle for subsequent users.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating air includes a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, the housing enclosing an air treatment zone and an ozone removal zone, wherein the ozone removal zone is positioned downstream of the air treatment zone with respect to a flow direction of the air being treated, an ultraviolet (UV) light source in the air treatment zone configured to generate ozone from the air, wherein the UV light from the UV light source and the ozone generated by the UV light source treat the air in the air treatment zone, catalyst in the ozone removal zone that removes at least a portion of the ozone generated by the UV light source, and an air mover positioned near the air outlet configured to draw the air through the air inlet into the air treatment zone from outside the housing.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing odors present in exhaust air extracted from a space via an exhaust air duct, the system including an air intake chamber; an air intake means for bringing environmental air into the air intake chamber and a corona chamber in air flow communication with the air intake chamber, and adapted to receive air from the air intake chamber. The corona chamber includes at least two spaced apart and perforated corona plates with perforated stainless steel mesh providing a dielectric medium into which an electrical spark voltage is provided to generate ozone from oxygen present in the environmental air to thereby transform the environmental air into ozone-rich air. A reaction chamber is also provided and adapted to receive the exhaust air and the ozone rich air allowing the mixing of the exhaust air and the ozone-rich air to thereby neutralize the odors before being discharged via an air outlet into the environment.

Abstract: A refill comprises, a container having a body forming a reservoir and an opening in communication with the reservoir, a first composition disposed within the reservoir, a second composition disposed within the reservoir and substantially separated from the first composition, a single wick in contact with the first and second compositions and configured to sequentially emit the first and second compositions. A method of emitting the first and second compositions includes the steps of emitting the first composition until the first composition is substantially depleted and emitting the second composition after the first composition is substantially depleted.

Abstract: An anti-condensation housing includes a connector to connect to a diffusing head configured to nebulize a product to diffuse. The housing includes a conduit having an inlet for a nebulized product, an outlet opening at a diffusing end, of the conduit, a fan at an insufflating end of the conduit. The fan generates a flow of air between the insufflating end and the diffusing end of the conduit. An internal surface of the conduit extending along a direction perpendicular to the direction of the air flow creates an obstacle for the progress of the air flow in the conduit. A retainer to retain the nebulized product stopped by the internal surface. A device to diffuse a product implementing the anti-condensation housing and a method for diffusing a product using such a device are provided.

Abstract: A device and methods for air disinfection of microorganisms and biological agents by the method of their inactivation by electrostatic fields and filtering by the method of electrostatic precipitation is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: creating a flow (A) of air to be disinfected; subjecting said flow to constant with electrostatic fields alternating in direction of intensity vector, said electrostatic fields being sequentially arranged along the flow, and created by transversely spaced air permeable electrodes (1); and filtering the treated flow with an electrostatic filter. Electrostatic field concentrators in the form of projections (3) are located on the surface of the electrodes (1), in particular nanoscale projections. This provides a fast, effective, and reliable cleaning of air from any kind of microorganisms and viruses, as well as the aerosol particles having size of 0.08 ?m.

Abstract: A thermoplastic article for orthopaedic application comprising a substrate, the substrate including in the range 57 to 95 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer and in the range 5 to 30 wt % of a wax; wherein, the article is plastic at a temperature in the range 40° C. to 60° C. Together with a method of a thermoplastic article for orthopaedic application comprising a substrate, the substrate including in the range 57 to 95 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer and in the range 5 to 30 wt % of a wax; wherein, the article is plastic at a temperature in the range 40° C. to 60° C. and a use of the article together with a computer readable medium which when executed on a processor allows the article to be made.

Abstract: The present invention provides hemostatic compositions comprising components of the flowers of pharmaceutical chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), the leaves of dioecious nettle (Urtica dioica), kaolin, chitosan, fibrinogen and thrombin. Further inclusion of a biocompatible polymeric base, particularly an alignate, generates a composition with superior and broad spectrum hemostatic capabilities, including the ability to arrest arterial hemorrhage. The invention further provides methods of using the inventive compositions in to reduce or stop bleeding, as well as a variety of apparatuses useful in hemostatic contexts that incorporate the inventive compositions. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides hemostatic dressings in which a polymeric layer incorporating chamomile, nettle, kaolin, chitosan, fibrinogen and thrombin components is applied to a textile or fabric material, for example a non-woven viscose.

Abstract: Bioadhesives and crosslinked gels therefrom are disclosed. The bioadhesives can be applied to a vessel for occluding the vessel. The present disclosure also describes kits that comprise the various components for preparing and applying the bioadhesives. Bioadhesives of the present disclosure include: (i) a biopolymer having one or more first chemically reactive amine groups; (ii) a biocompatible crosslinker having at least two second chemically reactive groups that can chemically react with the one or more first chemically reactive amine groups of the biopolymer; and (iii) a biocompatible rheological modifier.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides amine-modified polymer foams, which may be used for wound dressing materials. For example, the modified materials can include a covalently attached molecule comprising free amine groups. Such amine groups can be used, for instance, to conjugate biologically active polypeptides and/or linkers. Methods for using modified polymers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of peri-implant diseases, in particular peri-implant disease characterized by the destruction of the crest of the alveolar bone supporting the implant. Specifically, the method comprising the step of applying to a peri-implant bone displaying crestal resorption a 5 pharmaceutical composition comprising biocompatible bone augmentation material coated with a matrix composition which provides local controlled and pro longed release of at least one pharmaceutically active agent at the bone loss site.

Abstract: The invention discloses an energy-providing bone-repair degradable porous scaffold, a preparation method thereof, and an application thereof. The invention obtains an energy-based biomaterial solution by compositing gelatin, a polyatomic acid and derivatives thereof, a dibasic alcohol and derivatives thereof, and a tribasic alcohol and derivatives thereof in a chemical cross-linking manner by using diisocyanate, and further obtains a porous scaffold through a drying method. The porous scaffold can avoid the problem of an acidic microenvironment caused by in vivo implantation of the existing biomaterial and keep the activity of an osteoblast cell, thereby improving the rate of repairing the damaged bone tissue with the energy-based biomaterial. The porous scaffold of the invention can be used as a filling material for bone repair in a surgical operation.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tissue integration device. The tissue integration device can be produced by forming a polymer mixture into a shape. The polymer mixture can include a polymer resin and a growth-promoting medium. Next, at least one polymer forming the polymer resin can be oriented in at least one direction. The shaped polymeric material can then be formed into the tissue integration device.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an implantable device is provided, comprising a substrate on which at least one surface portion is provided. The chemical composition of the surface portion selectively enhances the cell-adhesion to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing biomimetic hydroxyapatite (HAp) and boron-doped HAp (B-HAp) with the support of microwave and a method for coating tissue scaffolds with HAp and/or B-HAp.

Abstract: Products, such as devices, prostheses, and materials, whose surfaces have been modified in order to impart beneficial properties to these products are disclosed. The surface-modified products have improved biocompatibility compared to a corresponding product that lacks the modification. Following implantation in a subject, the surface-modified products induce a lower foreign-body response, compared to a corresponding unmodified product.

Abstract: Described herein are placental tissue grafts produced by chemical dehydration followed by freeze-drying the placental tissue to produce the tissue graft. The tissue grafts retain their biological properties preferably at the same level as the placental tissues before they are processed. The placental tissue grafts have numerous medical applications. Methods for making the tissue graft compositions are also described herein.

Abstract: A bone implant comprising cancellous bone that is essentially free of blood cells, and which has been treated with at least a loosening agent, such as collagenase and/or a digestive enzyme, for a time and at a concentration to loosen the osteogenic cells in the cancellous bone matrix. The osteogenic cells in the matrix are viable cells. The treatment of the cancellous bone with at least one loosening agent enables the osteogenic cells to be more available for carrying out their osteogenic function and to provide for an increased rate of bone formation.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of making an aligned ECM scaffold useful in refractive correction of the eye and repair of the cornea. Methods of use of the scaffold as well as a scaffold construct are provided.

Abstract: A biocompatible sleeve designed to encase an assembly of small 3D muscles that have been cultured in vitro. The sleeve is formed from polymer fibers in such a way that pushing the two ends of the sleeve towards each other increases the diameter of the sleeve so as to facilitate insertion of the engineered muscles. Subsequent pulling at the ends of the sleeves decreases the diameter of the sleeve to facilitate a secure fit around the engineered muscle during implantation of the sleeve into a patient. The composition of the polymer fibers can be tuned to achieve the desired mechanical properties and rate of degradability.

Abstract: A stent is formed by encasing or encapsulating metallic rings in an inner polymeric layer and an outer polymeric layer. At least one polymer link connects adjacent metallic rings. The stent is drug loaded with one or more therapeutic agent or drug, for example, to reduce the likelihood of the development of restenosis in the coronary arteries. The inner and outer polymeric materials can be of the same polymer or different polymer to achieve different results, such as enhancing flexibility and providing a stent that is visible under MRI, computer tomography and x-ray fluoroscopy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a nitric oxide-generating adherent coating, comprising: preparing a buffer solution containing polyphenol compounds, organic selenium or sulfur compounds and soluble copper salts; then contacting a base material with the solution, and washing and drying to obtain a target product. The nitric oxide-generating material prepared by the method can be used for any medical device, such as an intravascular stent, or materials and any complex-shaped base material, and has the capability of scavenging free radicals and catalyzing RSNO to produce nitrogen monoxide, and also has a response function of reduced glutathione (GSH), an antimicrobial function and all the physiological functions possessed by nitrogen monoxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug eluting device for preventing and treating restenosis and neointimal formation after vascular procedures and/or implantation of implants comprising an implantable or non-implantable device, such as stent, balloon or graft containing an effective amount of at least one retinoid receptors ligand as active ingredient and a coating system.

Abstract: Reinforced biocomposite materials. According to at least some embodiments, medical implants are provided that incorporate novel structures, alignments, orientations and forms comprised of such reinforced bioabsorbable materials, as well as methods of treatment thereof.

Abstract: A medical implant comprising a plurality of layers, each layer comprising a polymer and a plurality of uni-directionally aligned continuous reinforcement fibers.

Abstract: Hydrogel compositions and methods of using hydrogel compositions are disclosed. Advantageously, the hydrogel compositions offer the ability to promote cellular expansion and/or cellular differentiation of various cells.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an impermeable flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. In other embodiments, the impermeable flexible overlay comprises suction assistance means, such as channels, which assist in the application of reduced pressure to the area of the wound and removal of exudate from the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, the appliance may include a suction drain.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece includes a housing gripped by a user; an aspirating flow path member that is accommodated in the housing, and aspirates a liquid; and an aspiration pipe that is held by the housing, and is connected to the aspirating flow path member via interference fitting so as to aspirate the liquid. At least one of the aspirating flow path member and the aspiration pipe includes a sealing portion for realizing the interference fitting, which is bulged toward a mating member of the interference fitting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closed suction catheter for removing respiratory secretions secreted from a patient's airway, the closed suction catheter including: a tube (10) covered with a flexible outer skin (20); a suction controller (30); and a connection adaptor (40), wherein the suction controller (30) includes a main body (31) being connected to the flexible outer skin (20) by a coupling ring (32) and including: two tube holes (311 and 312) formed in the main body (31); a longitudinal groove (313) formed between the tube holes (311 and 312), with a roller (33) installed in the groove (313); a guide portion (315) formed on a side wall (314) of the groove (313); and a bottom surface (316) inclindly formed at the main body (31) with the tube (10) placed on the bottom surface (316), such that an opening ratio of the tube (10) is controlled by movement of the roller (33).

Abstract: Aspects of embodiments of the present invention disclose a suction adapter used in aspirating fluid from a particular site. The adapter device may include a nozzle configured to connect with suction tubing connected with a suction source, a drain end, structurally configured to connect the adapter with a drain tube, where the drain tube may be used to aspirate a site such as a surgical site. The adapter may also include: a channel within the adapter enabling fluid flow and a suction controlling fenestration extending from the channel to the adapter's external surface. The fenestration enables a user, by progressively opening or closing the fenestration, to vary suction within the suction adapter which, in turn, varies the flow of fluid through the adapter.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for instilling a solution to a tissue site are disclosed. In some embodiments, an instillation regulator may be fluidly coupled to a solution source and to a dressing, and the instillation regulator may draw a solution from the solution source during a negative-pressure interval may instill the solution to the dressing during a venting interval.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a wound-care assembly The wound-care assembly includes a base layer. A film layer is operatively coupled to the base layer and a fluid conductor is in fluid communication with a wound and a vacuum source. The wound-care assembly further includes a fiber-optic patch comprising a plurality of fiber-optic strands. The fiber-optic strands are pressed into contact with an interior surface of the wound by the fluid conductor. The fiber-optic patch provides ultraviolet light to the wound and the relative vacuum is applied to the wound via the vacuum source and the fluid conductor.

Abstract: A method for assisting blood circulation in a patient includes drawing a flow of blood from a patient's heart into a blood flow channel formed by a housing. The flow of blood is passed through a motor stator to a rotor disposed within the blood flow channel. The motor stator is arranged circumferentially around the blood flow channel. The rotor has permanent magnetic poles for magnetic levitation and rotation of the rotor. The motor stator is controlled to act as a radial bearing for magnetic levitation of the rotor and to rotate the rotor within the blood flow channel. The rotor is levitated within the blood flow channel in the direction of the rotor axis of rotation via passive magnetic interaction between the rotor and the motor stator. The flow of blood is output from the blood flow channel to the patient.