Abstract: The present invention provides among other things a composition of a polymeric reagent and an antioxidant, such as butylated hydroxyl toluene.

Abstract: New designed repeat proteins with binding specificity for serum albumin are described, as well as nucleic acids encoding such serum albumin binding proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such proteins, the use of such proteins to modify the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic relevant polypeptides and the use of such proteins in the treatment of diseases. The repeat proteins of the invention have a substantially increased half-life in plasma compared to proteins not binding serum albumin.

Abstract: The invention relates to molecules inhibiting biologically active compounds and further comprising moieties specifically cleavable by a reagent produced by a target cell. More specifically, the invention relates to inhibitors that bind, inhibit, suppress, neutralize, or decrease activity of a biologically active agent. Inhibitors comprise at least one moiety that bind, inhibit, suppress, neutralize, or decrease activity of a biologically active agent and at least one moiety that can be cleaved specifically by a reagent produced by target cells. The cleavage deactivates the inhibitor. Following cleavage, the active agent is liberated into the local environment. Administration of the inhibitor alone or together with the active agent suppress the compound's activity until it reaches the proximity of a target cell. This targeted specific release enables the agent concentration in a site to reach levels that have desired therapeutic effects without systemic toxicity.

Abstract: Described are prodrug conjugates that release a chemotherapeutic agent upon activation by caspase, and methods using such prodrug conjugates to induce apoptosis, amplify apoptosis, and treat cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are trioxacarcin-antibody drug conjugates of Formula (A): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, comprising at least one instance of the group -L1-(A-L2)a-B attached thereto, wherein a is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive, L1 is absent or is a linking group, A is a moiety formed from the reaction of two complimentary groups (X and Y), L2 is absent or is another linking group, and B is an antibody or antibody fragment. Also provided are methods of preparing these antibody-drug conjugates, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of their use and treatment. Further provided are precursors to the trioxacarcin-antibody drug conjugates, novel trioxacarcins without an antibody conjugated thereto, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of their use and treatment.

Abstract: Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions in nanofiber form including one or more bioactive compounds releasably incorporated thereon. In one embodiment a composition is described comprising at least one nanofiber and at least one bioactive compound. The nanofibers are formed from a base material that is solubilized with the bioactive or bioactives in an aqueous based solvent solution and the base material and bioactives are together spun via electrospinning to form dry fibers with the bioactives chemically bonded to the nanofibers and the bioactives remaining stable during storage of the composition under ambient conditions substantially free of moisture. On exposure to moisture, the nanofibers dissolve, thereby releasing the bioactives.

Abstract: Disclosed are tyrosine-modified rAAV vectors, as well as infectious virions, compositions, and pharmaceutical formulations that comprise them. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and methods for using the disclosed tyrosine-phosphorylated capsid protein mutant rAAV vectors in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications including in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy, and large-scale production of rAAV vectors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses biocompatible, stable curcumin or its derivatives coated ultra-small super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPION) for biomedical applications. Disclosed herein is also a simple one-pot process for the synthesis of biocompatible, stable curcumin or its derivatives coated ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in absence of a linker or binder. The curcumin or its derivatives coated ultra-small super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles of the present invention retains the medicinal, radical scavenging and fluorescence properties of curcumin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use of N-(4-isopropylphenyl)-5-amino-isoindoline for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and quantifying amyloid in the brain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as an Ab1 antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat disease or to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level, reduced serum albumin level, elevated D-dimer or other coagulation cascade related protein(s), cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue prior to treatment. The subject therapies also may include the administration of other actives such as chemotherapeutics, anti-coagulants, statins, and others.

Abstract: A sterilizer for toothbrushes, puffs for cosmetic use and cosmetic brushes that dehydrates and sterilizes toothbrushes, puffs for cosmetic use and cosmetic brushes en bloc with ease and includes a housing 10, a cover 20 that is put on and removed from the housing from above, a dehydrating sterilizer member 30 that protrudes vertically upwards from the center of the bottom surface of the housing 10, a lower holder member 40 that is inserted in the housing 10 and has a insertion hole 44 through which the dehydrating sterilizer member 30 is inserted and hold cups 45 that accept toothbrushes and cosmetic brushes, an upper holder member 50 that is placed on the upper portion of the lower holder member 40 and a holder 60 that holds a puff for cosmetic use.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing plastic containers includes a transport device for transporting the containers during the sterilization along a predefined transport path, a clean room within which the containers can be transported during sterilization, wherein the clean room is delimited by at least one wall with respect to the environment, and a first external application device for sterilizing at least a section of the outer wall of the containers. The first external application device has a source of charge carriers for generation of charge carriers, and includes a first moving device which moves the containers at least intermittently in the longitudinal direction during their sterilization.

Abstract: A decontamination process device includes a chamber that contains a decontamination target, a heating device that generates decontamination vapor, an air sending part that sends the decontamination vapor into the chamber, a ventilation system that ventilates the chamber, a controller that controls operations of the decontamination process device. The controller performs a supply process that supplies the decontamination vapor into the chamber and an elimination process that eliminates a decontamination component after the supply process. The ventilation system adjusts an ventilation amount and the controller is set to repeat the supply processes at multiple times, and to perform a dry process between the repeated supply processes and to maintain the chamber at a positive pressure during the dry process.

Abstract: A scent warmer may include an at least substantially hollow member having at least one inner surface defining an internal cavity therein, a receptacle disposed at a first longitudinal end of the at least substantially hollow member for holding scented material therein, and a support structure configured to support at least one lighting module within the internal cavity of the at least substantially hollow member. The support structure may be a separate member from the at least substantially hollow member. The at least substantially hollow member may be configured to conceal at least substantially all of the support structure when the at least substantially hollow member is placed over the support structure on a flat surface.

Abstract: Scent warmers may include a base structure and a modular assembly structurally and electrically coupled with the base structure by an Edison screw fitting. The modular assembly may include a lighting module and a heating module. The lighting module and the heating module may be fastened to one another in a releasable manner. Methods of assembling scent warmers may involve fastening a lighting module to a heating module in a releasable manner to form a modular assembly. The modular assembly may be structurally and electrically coupled with a base structure by an Edison screw fitting.

Abstract: A particulate water absorbing agent of the present invention is a water absorbing agent containing a water absorbing resin as a main component, the particulate water absorbing agent containing a polyvalent metal cation and satisfying: (1) the polyvalent metal cation is contained in an amount between 0.001 wt % and 5 wt % relative to the amount of the water absorbing agent; (2) an absorbency without pressure (CRC) is not less than 28 (g/g) and an absorbency against pressure (AAP 4.83 kPa) is not less than 10 (g/g); (3) the absorbency against pressure and the absorbency without pressure satisfy 77 ?AAP (4.83 kPa)+1.8×CRC?100; and (4) a moisture content of the water absorbing agent is between 5 wt % and 20 wt %. This provides a water absorbing agent which has blocking resistance after moisture absorption, is excellent in stability to shock and suppresses Re-Wet when used in a diaper.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides filaments and/or surgical sutures which include an inner core, an outer sheath and a plurality of barbs on a surface thereof. The filaments and/or surgical sutures further include at least one adhesive precursor material which transitions from a non-adherent material to an adhesive material to attach a portion of the filament and/or suture to the surrounding area, such as tissue and/or other portions of the filament.

Abstract: Compositions comprising biomedical polymers, and in particular unique blends of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are provided. Methods of forming polymer fibers using such compositions and solution blow spinning techniques are also provided, as well as methods of delivering the blow spun polymer fibers onto a surface (e.g., such as tissue for use as a surgical scaffold, sealant or tissue adhesive).

Abstract: A bioscaffolding can be formed within a post-myocardial infarct region sufficient to cause attenuation of a rate of myocardial infarct expansion. A bioscaffolding may further be formed in the post-myocardial infarct region to cause an increase in posterior left ventricular wall thickness. The gel or bioscaffolding can be formed from a mixture of gel components of different gelation systems. For example, a bioscaffolding can be formed by mixing at least two different components of at least two different two-component gelation systems to form a first mixture and by mixing at least two different components (other than the components that make up the first mixture) of the at least two different two-component gelation systems to form a second mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preparing a bone matrix solution, a bone matrix implant, and variants thereof. The invention also relates to methods of cell culture using the same. The invention further relates to bone matrix scaffolds comprising one or more bone matrix nanofibers, methods of preparing, and methods of use thereof. The invention also relates to methods of culturing cells and promoting differentiation of stem cells using the same.

Abstract: Compositions including a surface or film comprising nanofibers, nanotubes or microwells comprising a bioactive agent for elution to the surrounding tissue upon placement of the composition in a subject are disclosed The compositions are useful in medical implants and methods of treating a patient in need of an implant, including orthopedic implants, dental implants, cardiovascular implants, neurological implants, neurovascular implants, gastrointestinal implants, muscular implants, and ocular implants.

Abstract: The invention is an improved biocompatible surface for a variety of medical purposes. The biocompatible surface employs a unique tight microstructure that demonstrates enhanced cellular response in the body, particularly when placed in contact with blood. As a blood contact surface, the present invention can be beneficially employed in a wide variety of implantable devices and in many other devices and equipment that come in contact with blood.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include preforms used to be formed into an immobilizer for use with a patient. The preform includes a preform member that is formed from a thermoplastic material and a filler material. The preform member is relatively rigid at a first temperature and formable at an elevated second temperature. The preform member is opaque at the first and second temperatures. The preform also includes at least one indicator associated with the preform member. The at least one indicator is formed from a thermoplastic material and is opaque at the first temperature and translucent at the second temperature. The at least one indicator can provide a visual indication of readiness to form the preform into the immobilizer upon heating the preform member to the second temperature at which the indicator is translucent.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an appliance for administering medical treatment to a person, as well as methods of using the appliance. In various embodiments, the appliance may be comprised of a medical device, an electronic processor, an electronic display (such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)), an audio output device (such as a piezoelectric speaker/microphone), electronic controls for controlling the operation of the electronic processor, and an electronic input receptacle (such as a DVD drive or USB port) adapted to receive and electronically access an electronic storage device (such as a DVD or flash memory device). The electronic processor or electronic storage device or both have information related to use and operation of the medical device digitally stored therein, so that the user of the appliance has ready access to instructional materials. Thus, the appliance includes an internal system for instructing the user in the use of the medical device.

Abstract: A rotordynamic pump for delivering continuous flow of fluids, such as blood, is provided. In one embodiment, the pump includes a stator housing having an inlet and an outlet. A rotor hub is disposed within the stator housing having a first, mixed-stage impeller and a second, axial-flow stage impellers. One or more stator vanes and extend radially inwardly from the stator housing. In one particular embodiment, the second stage impeller is disposed nearer to the outlet than to the inlet. The stator vanes may include a first set of stator vanes disposed between the first and second stage impellers, and a second set of stator vanes positioned between the second stage impellers and the outlet.

Abstract: In general, a dialysis device includes a first processing device for monitoring dialysis functions of the dialysis device, a second processing device, a display device, and memory. The memory is configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the dialysis device to provide, on the display device, a first display region and a second display region, where the first display region is associated with the first processing device and the second display region is associated with the second processing device. At least a portion of the first display region cannot be obscured by the second display region.

Abstract: A device for conveying a fluid to a filter unit of a medical treatment apparatus, in particular for conveying a dialyzing fluid to a filter unit, in particular a blood treatment unit of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus. The device includes one or more devices for measuring pressure in the fluid system. Moreover, a method for measuring the pressure in the fluid system of such a supply device.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine including a membrane pump and a touch screen display that includes a mode-indicating portion and an operation-descriptive portion, the mode-indicating portion having a plurality of touch sensitive indicia each indicating one of a plurality of modes in which the machine can operate, the display being used to keep a patient continually informed of which one mode of at least three operating modes the machine is operating in, as the operation-descriptive portion changes to display details of a specific operation being carried out within the one mode, the indicia for each of the three operating modes always being visible to the patient while the machine is operating, the operating mode being selected by the patient touching one of the indicia on the screen.

Abstract: A system and methods are described for improving the management of ischemic cardiac tissue during acute coronary syndromes. The system combines a catheter-based sub-system which allows for simultaneous balloon dilation of a coronary artery and infusion of a carefully controlled perfusate during percutaneous coronary intervention. The system allows for modulation of levels of oxygen at the time of percutaneous intervention. In addition, catheters and systems are provided for administration of fluids with modified oxygen content during an intervention that incorporate upstream flow control members to compartmentalize the perfusion of the target coronary artery and the remainder of the heart.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter with an integrated means of displacing away from each other portions of a distal end of a tube assembly. The displacement serves to allow a fibrous sheath to be disrupted without removing the catheter from a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buffy coat extraction kit including: a kit body having a cylindrical plasma part that has an internal volume for forming a plasma layer, a cylindrical buffy coat part which extends in the longitudinal direction while communicating with the lower part of the plasma part and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the plasma part and an internal volume for forming a buffy coat layer, and a cylindrical erythrocyte part which extends in the longitudinal direction while communicating with the lower part of the buffy coat part and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the buffy coat part and an internal volume for forming an erythrocyte layer, wherein the free end part of the plasma part and the free end part of the erythrocyte part are respectively opened; a lower packing movably accommodated in the erythrocyte part while maintaining an air-tight state; and a pusher moving the lower packing.

Abstract: A cannula ingress system may include a tip stabilization mechanism having a tip stabilization mechanism distal end and a tip stabilization mechanism proximal end, a fixation mechanism, a hypodermic tube having a hypodermic tube distal end and a hypodermic tube proximal end, and a tip having a tip distal end and a tip proximal end. The tip may be disposed within the hypodermic tube wherein the tip distal end extends from the hypodermic tube distal end. The fixation mechanism may be disposed within a fixation mechanism channel of the tip stabilization mechanism. The tip stabilization mechanism may be disposed over the tip and the hypodermic tube distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing and dispensing a pen needle for an injection device, including a packaging assembly including a pliable outer cover, the outer cover having a hub portion, a needle portion disposed at a distal end of the hub portion, and a flange disposed at a proximal end of the hub portion, the hub portion having internally protruding splines or other structures for engaging a hub of a pen needle. The hub portion is sufficiently pliable for a user to press gripping portions of the hub portion so that corresponding internal portions of the hub portion between the splines contacts the pen needle hub to increase a surface area contact between the outer cover and a pen needle therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bottle holder (1) for an injection or infusion device, with a bottle receiver (2) for receiving a storage bottle, and with a spike secured on the bottle holder (1) for the purpose of punching an outlet opening into the storage bottle, or a holding means (3) for applying an exchangeable spike (4). In a development of such a bottle holder with which the infusion or injection device can be equipped as easily and as quickly as possible with a filled storage bottle, the invention proposes that the bottle receiver (2) is movable with respect to the spike (4) or with respect to the holding means (3) for the spike (4), and, when the bottle receiver (2) moves in the direction of the spike (4), a storage bottle arranged in the bottle receiver (2) is placed onto the spike (4) in such a way that the spike (4) punches an outlet opening into the storage bottle.

Abstract: A unified dispenser for holding, mixing, and dispensing a drug includes a housing holding a diluent reservoir, a drug reservoir, and a tubing set connecting and defining a fluid communication path therebetween. A first occlusion is at the diluent reservoir, and a second occlusion is at the drug reservoir. In a storage state of the dispenser, the first and second occlusions are entirely encased within the housing and occlude the fluid communication path. First and second pull assemblies extend outside the housing. The first and second pull assemblies are coupled to the first and second occlusions, respectively, so that removal of the first and second pull assemblies removes the first and second occlusions and joins the diluent reservoir to the drug reservoir in fluid communication through the tubing set, thereby arranging the dispenser from the storage state to a use state.

Abstract: A medical fluid communication system is disclosed comprising a pump controller and a fluid detector. The fluid detector detects characteristics of the fluid and provides fluid measurements to the pump controller, which detects if the fluid is flowing in the medication delivery system. In the event fluid is not flowing due to an occlusion, the pump controller may attempt to resolve the occlusion or may provide a warning to a user that an occlusion is occurring.

Abstract: An auto injector having sequential control of needle insertion and dose injection is disclosed. A syringe with a needle is movably positioned in a housing between a first position in which the needle is accommodated inside the housing and a second position in which the needle protrudes outside the housing. A plunger rod tube has at least one locking member configured to normally lock a plunger rod to the plunger rod tube. A syringe driver applies a force to the syringe to move the syringe together with plunger rod tube, plunger rod and plunger rod driver from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the locking member is unlocked and releases the plunger rod to thereby activate the plunger rod driver to advance the plunger rod in the syringe for delivering of at least one dose of medicament.

Abstract: A cartridge holder, which has a distal end and a proximal end, comprises a coupling housing portion in which a cartridge can be inserted at least partly. The coupling housing portion is configured to be coupled to a part of a drug delivery device. The cartridge holder further comprises a fixing member which is connected with the coupling housing portion. The fixing member is moveable radially inwardly to a position in which the fixing member is suitable for securing the cartridge against distal displacement of the cartridge.

Abstract: A syringe including a barrel having an internal reservoir for containing a volume of medication, a plunger received within the barrel and axially movable relative thereto to change the volume of medication in the reservoir, and a dosage indicator movable with the plunger, the dosage indicator in contact with the barrel such that at least one of an audible alert and a tactile alert is produced upon movement of the dosage indicator relative to the barrel.

Abstract: A plunger for advancing a substance in a syringe toward a dispensing nozzle. The plunger has a plunger rod and a seal and being formed of a plastic composition. The plastic composition includes a polymer and a filler which is non-uniformly distributed within the polymer to provide the plunger rod and the seal with different mechanical properties depending on the filler content in the portions of the plastic composition plunger forming the rod and the seal. The invention preferably provides a dental syringe which can be conveniently used, and further helps minimizing costs in the manufacturing of the dental syringe.

Abstract: A drug delivery device comprises a first component and a second component, wherein a substance is provided on at least one of the first component and the second component. An inner friction of the substance is great enough to stabilize at least one of the orientation and the position of the first component and the second component with respect to one another. The inner friction of the substance is small enough to allow relative movement of the first component and the second component necessary for the intended operation of the device. Furthermore, a method for assembling a drug delivery device is provided.

Abstract: A mechanism for preventing setting of a dose, which exceeds the amount of a medicament in a reservoir in an injection device. The device can contain a threaded piston rod, a limiter and a driver. The three elements can be arranged such that during dose setting, the limiter is moved towards an end-of-content position, wherein dose setting is limited. The invention contains an accumulative and a non-accumulative embodiment. The invention further relates to a mechanism for preventing ejection of a dose exceeding the set dose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injectors, such as pen-type injectors, that provide for administration of medicinal products from a multidose-cartridge and permit a user to set the delivery dose. The injector may include a housing, a piston rod adapted to operate through the housing, a dose dial sleeve located between the housing and the piston rod, and a drive sleeve located between the dose dial sleeve and the piston rod. The dose dial sleeve may have a helical thread of first lead and the drive sleeve may have a helical groove of second lead. The first lead of the helical thread and the second lead of the helical groove may be the same.

Abstract: Described is a needle shield assembly comprising an inner body adapted to receive a needle and an outer body coupled to the inner body. The inner body comprises a proximal portion having a first outer diameter (D4) and a distal portion having a second outer diameter. The first outer diameter is larger than the second outer diameter. The outer body has a third outer diameter (D3) substantially equal to or less than the first outer diameter.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a needle assembly is provided, including: a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel located therebetween, the body being configured to be mounted to an injector; a needle fixed to the body, the needle having proximal and distal ends, the distal end extending distally from the distal end of the body and being formed for insertion into a patient, the proximal end of the needle being in communication with the channel; and, a filter disposed in the channel proximally of the proximal end of the needle. Advantageously, a needle assembly is provided which permits mixing of at least two substances in preparation for injection, without modification to the associated injector.

Abstract: Described herein is a smart module configured to work with injection devices. The smart module may include electronics such as sensors and indicators, and be programmed to detect environmental parameters. If the sensors detect that a parameter is outside of a predetermined boundary or range, then the indicators may be activated to notify the user that the injection device may not be safe for administering medicine.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a body (1), a fluid reservoir (2), a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on said reservoir (2), and a dose indicator device for indicating the number of doses of fluid that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from said reservoir, the dispenser being characterized in that said dose indicator device includes a first safety system for actuating the dose indicator device once the dispenser has performed a predetermined incomplete actuation stroke, even if the dispenser does not perform the complete actuation stroke.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling ventilation of a patient includes receiving a target expiratory CO2 concentration, measuring an actual expiratory CO2, and comparing the actual expiratory CO2 concentration to the target expiratory CO2. A ventilation rate for the patient is then calculated based on the comparison of the actual expiratory CO2 concentration and the target expiratory CO2 in order to maintain the actual expiratory CO2 within a predetermined range of the target expiratory CO2. The patient is then automatically ventilated based on the calculated ventilation rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices, methods, and kits. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved endotracheal tubes or patient ventilation tubes which prevent the leakage of proximal secretions to the distal airways.