Abstract: The presently described technology provides compositions comprising aryl carboxylic acids chemically conjugated to hydromorphone (4,5-?-epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methyl morphinan-6-one) to form novel prodrugs/compositions of hydromorphone. The hydromorphone prodrugs of the present technology have decreased side effects and decreased potential for abuse compared to unconjugated hydromorphone. The present technology also provides methods of treating patients, pharmaceutical kits and methods of synthesizing conjugates of the present technology.

Abstract: Methods and materials relating to a medicament preparation comprising a curcuminoid component, such as curcumin, and a polymer component having a backbone comprising polymethacrylate or methyl methacrylate provided as a curcuminoid-polymer complex, which enhances the solubility, stability and bioavailability of the curcumin component and are useful for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases and conditions when delivered to the gastro-intestinal tract, including sepsis, mucositis, gastritis, infections, inflammatory bowel disease and cancers of GIT. The curcumin-polymer complex inhibiting the activation of TLR receptors and thereby reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines, such that the curcumin-polymer complexes are more potent than free curcumin in antagonizing on the activation of TLR4.

Abstract: The invention provides for preparing a polymer-active agent conjugate, the method comprising the steps of reacting an amino acid derivative with a biologically active agent under conditions to form a polymer-active agent conjugate.

Abstract: The disclosure describes prodrugs and derivatives of prostaglandins, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists and other drugs, as well as controlled delivery formulations containing such prodrugs and derivatives, for the treatment of ocular disorders.

Abstract: Conjugates which comprise a drug and a ligand which includes a first saccharide; wherein the conjugate is characterized in that, when the conjugate is administered to a mammal, at least one pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic property of the conjugate is sensitive to serum concentration of a second saccharide. Exemplary conjugates and sustained release formulations are provided in addition to methods of use and preparation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a combination of an anti-PD-L1 (Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 1) with an ‘immunotoxin’ for use in a method for treating a tumor in a patient. Experimental results are provided for a combination of an anti POL 1 antibody with the radioisotope Indium 111.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a polymeric material for the production of a non-viral nanoparticle. The polymeric material comprises (i) a hydrophilic linear polymer having a first end and a second end, (iii) a cross-linkable cationic polymer covalently bonded to the first end of the hydrophilic linear polymer, and (iii) at least one targeting/penetrating peptide covalently associated to the second end of the hydrophilic linear polymer. Also disclosed herein are nanoparticles produced with these polymeric material, processes for making the polymeric material and the nanoparticles as well as use of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for modulation of gene expression in the liver including modulation of PCSK9, TTR, SERPINA1, KLKB1 and/or HAO1.

Abstract: The finding that patients with Sjögren's syndrome exhibit a statistically significant increase in expression of BMP6 in the salivary gland relative to healthy control subjects is described. Also described is the finding that overexpression of BMP6 in the salivary glands of mice results in an increase in electrical potential across the salivary gland. Thus, methods of diagnosing a subject as having Sjögren's syndrome, or at risk for developing Sjögren's syndrome, by measuring the level of BMP6 expression in a salivary gland of a subject, measuring electrical potential in a salivary gland of a subject, or both, are disclosed. Also described are methods of treating a subject with Sjögren's syndrome by administering an agent that inhibits expression of BMP6 expression or activity. Further disclosed is the use of XIST and MECP2 as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for male Sjögren's syndrome patients.

Abstract: Fluorescent probes based on N-heterocyclic bisphosphonates or their phosphonocarboxylate analogues are provided. The probes have variable spectroscopic properties, bone mineral binding affinities, and pharmacological activities. Methods for preparing the probes include the use of two complementary linking strategies, one involving an amino group and the other involving a chloride group as a precursor to an amino group. In other versions, bifunctional N-heterocyclic bisphosphonates are provided having an amino group and an azido group as linking moieties. In some versions, the linking chemistry allows attachment of a wide selection of fluorescent dyes in the visible to near-infrared range to any of three clinically important heterocyclic bisphosphonates.

Abstract: A diagnostic contrast composition includes a carrier fluid and a non-decaying gas-evolving fluid incorporated in the carrier fluid. The gas-evolving fluid has a vapor pressure sufficient to evolve the gas from a circulatory system within a lung of a patient. The gas-evolving fluid is a composition containing a sufficient quantity of atoms with an atomic number higher than 8 to provide an increased absorption sufficient to increase a Hounsfield Unit measurement in an image in a CT imaging system. The gas-evolving fluid is selected from the group consisting of xenon gas, krypton gas, sulfur hexafluoride, a perfluorocarbon, a brominated perfluorocarbon, and combinations thereof. The carrier fluid is selected from the group consisting of water, saline, saline comprising one or more blood proteins, and saline comprising dissolved lipids.

Abstract: A PSMA targeted nanobubble includes a membrane that defines at least one internal void, which includes at least one gas, and at least one PSMA ligand coupled or conjugated to the membrane. The membrane includes at least one lipid and at least one nonionic triblock copolymer that is effective to control the size of the nanobubble without compromising in vitro and in vivo echogenicity of the nanobubble.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanogel comprising a polyamine-based polymer cross-linked by oxamide bonds, a preparation method of the nanogel, a contrast agent for ultrasound imaging comprising the nanogel, a composition for ultrasound diagnosis of inflammatory diseases comprising the contrast agent, a preparation method of the contrast agent, and a method for providing information for diagnosis of inflammatory diseases using the composition for ultrasound diagnosis.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizing system and method are configured to sanitize at least one surface within an enclosed space. The UV light sanitizing system includes a UV light assembly that is selectively moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The UV light assembly is stowed within a stowage chamber connected to the enclosed space in the stowed position. The UV light assembly deploys out of the stowage chamber and into the enclosed space in the deployed position.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of biofilms and/or the inhibition of biofilm formation. In one embodiment, a biofilm is treated and/or biofilm formation is inhibited by a method comprising contacting a biofilm or a surface with a bifunctional ligand comprising a quorum-sensing-peptide-binding region and a protease-binding region, whereby the biofilm is treated and/or biofilm formation on the surface is inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container, a method and a system for sterilising a medical device. The invention is particularly, although not exclusively, for use with orthopaedic medical devices, such as surgical instruments used in orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Abstract: Methodologies, systems, and devices are disclosed for generating a chemical compound. A reaction chamber holds an amount of a precursor chemical, an activator chamber holds an amount of an activator chemical, and a quenching and neutralizer chamber holds an amount of quenching and neutralizing chemicals. A pump transfers the activator chemical from the activator chamber to the reaction chamber, where the activator chemical reacts with the precursor chemical to form the desired chemical compound. The desired chemical compound is allowed to exit the reaction chamber. Subsequently, the pump transfers the quenching and neutralizing chemicals from the quenching and neutralizer chamber to the reaction chamber, resulting in a quenched and neutralized solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the cleanliness of a surface. Surface marking systems of the present disclosure can include a plurality of retroreflective microspheres dispersed in or dispensed on a carrier. Applicators of the present disclosure can include a container comprising the surface marking system, and a dispenser. Methods of the present disclosure can include applying the surface marking system to at least one discrete site on the surface; illuminating the at least one discrete site on the surface with visible light, after a cleaning; and detecting retroreflection emitted from the at least one discrete site on the surface in response to illuminating the at least one discrete site to determine the effectiveness of the cleaning of the surface.

Abstract: An air freshening device is provided. The device includes a water-based fragrance emitter including water, a water absorbing polymer and a fragrance composition. The fragrance composition includes from about 3% to about 70% by weight of at least one fragrance ingredient exhibiting a standard equilibrium headspace concentration (HSi0) below about 100 ?g/L. The water-based fragrance emitter provides a working signal and an end of life signal upon evaporation. The air freshening device is a warming device.

Abstract: An aroma-diffusing heating device includes a heating base, and a aroma capsule put in the heating base in a replaceable manner and including a heat-transfer container, an aromatic substance placed in the heat-transfer container, a breathing film consisting of a fiber fixation layer with first pores and a microporous layer with second pores and bonded to the heat-transfer container and a sealing cover releasably bonded to the heat-transfer container over the breathing film.

Abstract: An air purifying operation is performed with a consideration for an influence of a purifying material on a person, and user's comfort and efficiency of the air purifying operation are both achieved. An air purifier includes a casing, an inlet, outlets, blowers, a decontamination unit, air ducts, movable louvers, a horizontal rotation mechanism, an ozone generation mechanism, human detection means, a control unit, or the like. The control unit detects whether or not there is a person in a room by the human detection means. Then, the control unit controls at least one of parameters including an ozone generation amount, a wind direction, an amount, and a speed of blown-out air based on the human detection result. Thus, if there is a person in the room, for example, a human avoiding operation, a human area operation, or the like can be performed. If there is no person, an indoor air purifying operation for uniformly purifying air throughout the room can be performed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compositions, methods, and uses for treating skin wounds, including chronic wounds such as venous ulcers. Certain embodiments provide methods for treating a skin wound, where the entire wound is exposed to zinc, especially in the form of zinc gauze. Certain embodiments provide methods for treating a skin wound, where only a peripheral rim of the wound is exposed to zinc, especially in the form of zinc oxide gauze. Other embodiments provide wound dressings and wound dressing kits, where the dressing and dressing kits include central gauze free of zinc to contact a central drainage zone of the wound and a second zinc gauze to contact a peripheral healing zone of the wound. In certain embodiments, the central gauze is optional.

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; dehydrating while still elongated the double-network hydrogel to form a substantially-dehydrated double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: The present application is concerned with an improved wound dressing for use in the treatment of skin wounds with some level of exudation, especially for use in those wounds which are infected or under risk of being infected by microorganisms.

Abstract: A hemostatic paste comprising a hemostatic component; and a light-curable component.

Abstract: A patellar implant including a base portion formed of a porous metallic material, a polymeric portion formed of a polymeric material and attached to the base portion, and a membrane embedded between the base portion and the polymeric portion to provide a barrier between the porous metallic material and the polymer material.

Abstract: A process of preparing a biodegradable single-phase cohesive hydrogel composition includes preparing 2 to 5 hydrogels that are independently crosslinked so that each hydrogel has a degree of crosslinking in a range from 0.02 to 0.4, and mixing the 2 to 5 hydrogels to obtain a homogenous mixture of 2 to 5 intertwined hydrogels that interpenetrate each other to form a single phase without covalent bonding between the hydrogels, wherein each hydrogel is prepared by a process that comprises independently crosslinking a polymer and the total polymer concentration of the composition is in a range from 5 to 50 mg/g.

Abstract: An implant comprises a substrate and a coating on a surface of the substrate, and the coating includes silicon nitride and has a thickness of from about 1 to about 15 micrometer wherein the silicon nitride coating has a composition defined by SixNyWz, where W is C, H and/or O, 2<x<4, 3<y<5, and z is such that the coating contains less than 20 atomic percent of C, H and O.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of using blood or fractions thereof, e.g., serum, obtained from a mammal subjected to liver surgery, for example, obtained following a partial hepatectomy, to increase the engraftment, proliferation and/or functionality of cells on a biocompatible scaffold.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a cartilage regenerative material that is capable of regenerating bone and cartilage using cells. Provided is a cartilage regenerative material including a cell construct, which includes biocompatible polymer blocks and stem cells, in which a plurality of the biocompatible polymer blocks are disposed in gaps between a plurality of the stem cells.

Abstract: The invention provides biocompatible implants (“scaffolds”) for use in the treatment of tendon injury and/or modulation of the biomechanical properties of tendon. More particularly, the invention provides biocompatible implants capable of delivering microRNA 29 and precursors and mimics thereof to the tendon. In some embodiments the implant comprises a bioresorbable substrate to avoid the need for surgical removal of the implant once healing or re-modelling is complete.

Abstract: A modular engineered tissue construct includes a plurality of fused self-assembled, scaffold-free, high-density cell aggregates. At least one cell aggregate includes a plurality of cells and a plurality of biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles and/or microparticles that are incorporated within the cell aggregates. The nanoparticles and/or microparticles acting as a bulking agent within the cell aggregate to increase the cell aggregate size and/or thickness and improve the mechanical properties of the cell aggregate as well as to deliver bioactive agents.

Abstract: A method of recovering progenitor cells from bone marrow aspirate. A bone void filler preparation container is provided. The bone void filler preparation container has an inlet port and an outlet port. A bone graft matrix having a particle size of between about 1,000 ?m and about 2,000 ?m is placed in the bone void filler preparation container. A bone marrow aspirate is passed through the bone void filler preparation container. Progenitor cells in the bone marrow aspirate are retained in the bone void filler preparation container. A selectivity ratio of the progenitor cells retained in the bone void filler preparation container to a total number of nucleated cells retained in the bone void filler preparation container is greater than about 3.

Abstract: The disclosed method presents a method of fabrication of wrapped multi-scale nano-to-micro fibrous structures near-similar to extracellular matrix (ECM) structure. The resulting materials finely mingle nano-scale fibers on micro-scale fibers to form a composite structure with defined responsibility of each fiber category for diffident application including soft-tissue engineering. This composite-like structure of the fibrous material may be helpful in cell differential regulation when different cell types are necessary in a tissue. This hierarchically structure of nanofibers, as a cell-adhesive matrix, on the micro-scale fibers, as an elastomeric structural component, present a favorable structure most similar to the natural ECM and therefor acts as a growth factors for recruitment and cell proliferation within the structure.

Abstract: Provided herein according to some embodiments is a biocompatible scaffold comprising stem cells (e.g., a pliable scaffold) suitable for intracavity administration after surgical removal of a tumor, wherein the scaffold allows the stem cells to migrate away from the scaffold and towards a cancerous or damaged tissue, wherein the stem cells are loaded with a therapeutic agent and/or a reporter molecule. Methods of forming the scaffold, and methods of use thereof, are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to polymer foams are generally described. Some embodiments relate to compositions and methods for the preparation of polymer foams, and methods for using the polymer foams. The polymer foams can be applied to a body cavity and placed in contact with, for example, tissue, injured tissue, internal organs, etc. In some embodiments, the polymer foams can be formed within a body cavity (i.e., in situ foam formation). In addition, the foamed polymers may be capable of exerting a pressure on an internal surface of a body cavity and preventing or limiting movement of a bodily fluid (e.g., blood, etc.).

Abstract: Various irrigation fluid containment systems and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises a medical kit and/or an irrigation kit. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises a medical basin and/or an irrigation basin. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises an irrigation shield. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises a suction hose.

Abstract: Medical waste collection manifolds that that may connect to a vacuum system to create suction, such that liquid, semi-solid, or solid biological or medical waste may be collected are provided. The manifold may be configured to collect hazardous waste in a manner to ensure proper containment.

Abstract: A system and methodology for the preservation of red blood cells is described in which red blood cells are oxygen or oxygen and carbon dioxide depleted, treated and are stored in an anaerobic environment to optimize preparation for transfusion. More particularly, a system and method for extended storage of red blood cells from collection to transfusion that optimizes red blood cells prior to transfusion is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breastshield for use in a breastpumping system for expressing milk, the breastshield being of such a construction that substantially limits the amount of air between the breast/nipple and the breastshield surrounding the breast/nipple, and most preferably virtually eliminates any air at least in the area of the breast and nipple. In some embodiments, any air in the breastpumping system is substantially eliminated. With the amount of air limited, the mechanism used for generating the pressure difference in the breastshield (e.g., vacuum or negative pressure), such as a diaphragm pump, does not need to do as much work. Less energy is required for the expression of milk, and thus the size of pump used can be decreased, thereby reducing the overall cost of the device.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device includes a pump including a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a moveable element disposed in the housing for urging blood from the inlet to the outlet. An outflow cannula having a proximal end attached to the pump housing, a distal end remote from the pump housing, an interior bore in communication with the outlet of the pump housing, and at least one outlet aperture communicating with the interior bore remote from the pump housing is included. At least one sensor mounted to the outflow cannula and configured to detect a parameter of blood flowing at least one from the group consisting of through the outflow cannula and about an exterior of the outflow cannula is included.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to improved medical blood pump devices, systems, and methods. For example, blood pumps may be provided that include a housing defining a blood flow path between an inlet and an outlet. A rotor may be positioned in the blood flow path. A motor stator may be driven to rotate the rotor to provide the blood flow through the pump. Axial and/or tilt stabilization components may be provided to increase an axial and/or tilt stabilization of the rotor within the blood flow path. In some embodiments, biasing forces are provided that urge the rotor toward a bearing component. The biasing force may be provided by adjusting drive signals of the motor stator. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more magnets (e.g., permanent/stator magnets) may be provided to bias the rotor in the upstream and/or downstream direction (e.g., toward a bearing (chamfer, step, conical), or the like).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a catheter pump assembly is disclosed. The catheter pump assembly can include an impeller assembly. A catheter body can be coupled with the proximal end of the impeller assembly, the catheter body having a reduced stiffness section disposed proximally of the impeller assembly. A sheath assembly can be configured to be translate over the catheter body relative to the impeller assembly from an impeller assembly delivery position to an impeller assembly deployment position. When the sheath assembly is in the impeller assembly deployment position, a reduction in stiffness is provided between the distal end of the sheath assembly and the impeller assembly.

Abstract: Various “contactless” bearing mechanisms including hydrodynamic and magnetic bearings are provided for a rotary pump as alternatives to mechanical contact bearings. In one embodiment, a pump apparatus includes a pump housing defining a pumping chamber. The housing has a spindle extending into the pumping chamber. A spindle magnet assembly includes first and second magnets disposed within the spindle. The first and second magnets are arranged proximate each other with their respective magnetic vectors opposing each other. The lack of mechanical contact bearings enables longer life pump operation and less damage to working fluids such as blood.

Abstract: A artificial ventricle comprises an inlet for receiving blood, an outlet for discharging blood, and a chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet. There is also a mechanism for actuating the artificial ventricle between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. In the expanded configuration, blood flows into the inlet. In the contracted configuration, blood flows out of the outlet. There may be a one-way valve at the outlet for preventing blood flow back into the chamber. The one-way valve may be a diaphragm valve. The chamber may have a resilient outer wall. The chamber may have an ovoid shape.

Abstract: A dialysis system, comprising: a dialysis machine; an authentication component configured to determine that a source of a voice command received by the dialysis system is an authorized user of the dialysis system; and a processor configured to carry out a function determined based on the voice command.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for use with a fluid delivery system having good sensitivity at low pressure, but also configured to remain in operating condition after being exposed to high pressures is disclosed herein. In one variation, the pressure sensor includes a fluid path set, a deformable element associated with the fluid path set and configured to deform in response to an external pressure, and a pressure transducer for monitoring deformation of the deformable element. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to measure fluid pressure within the range of between about 0 mm Hg to about 300 mm Hg. However, the sensor pressure is also be configured to remain functional after being exposed to pressure in excess of about 60,000 mm Hg.

Abstract: A pump clip for a fluid infusion device is provided. The pump clip includes a clip base having a first end opposite a second end. The clip base defines an aperture through the clip base between the first end and the second end. The clip base is pivotable between a first position and a second position along a first pivot axis. The pump clip includes a clip pivot base coupled to the clip base along the first pivot axis. At least a portion of the clip pivot base is received within the aperture in the first position. The pump clip includes a clip coupled to the clip pivot base along a second pivot axis and the clip cooperates with the clip pivot base to receive an article.

Abstract: A pump clip for a fluid infusion device is provided. The pump clip includes a mount. The mount includes wings defined on opposed sides of the mount, a first lock tab to couple the pump clip to the fluid infusion device and a lip. The pump clip includes a base coupled to the mount that defines a second lock tab that engages with the lip to retain the mount in a first position. The mount is pivotable about a first pivot axis into a second position in which the mount is spaced apart from the base. The pump clip includes a clip coupled to the base, the clip pivotable about a second pivot axis relative to the base between a first, clamped position and a second, released position to receive an article.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a compact, modular infusion pump and a delivery mechanism for accurate dispensing of very small amounts of medication. The infusion pump comprises a tubular, curved medication reservoir, and a flexible, one-piece drive train configured to push very small amounts of medication out of the medication reservoir. A method of measuring a level of medication inside the medication reservoir or cross-checking the accuracy of medication delivery is also described.