Abstract: The invention provides analgesic conjugates having a mu opioid receptor agonist linked to a mGluR5 antagonist, and to methods for producing analgesia using such compounds.

Abstract: Polypeptides, such as a multi-valent polypeptide designated svD2, useful in pharmaceutical compositions for stimulation of the adaptive arm of the immune system. svD2 demonstrated in vivo activity in a syngeneic mouse model. svD2 is biologically active at nanomolar concentrations. These properties are believed to result as a consequence of the ability of svD2 to cross-link cell-surface receptors.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition having 13 distinct polysaccharide-protein conjugates and optionally, an aluminum-based adjuvant, is described. Each conjugate contains a capsular polysaccharide prepared from a different serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F) conjugated to a carrier protein. The immunogenic composition, formulated as a vaccine, increases coverage against pneumococcal disease in infants and young children globally, and provides coverage for serotypes 6A and 19A that is not dependent on the limitations of serogroup cross-protection. Methods for making an immunogenic conjugate comprising Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A polysaccharide are also provided in which the serotype 19A polysaccharide is co-lyophilized with a carrier protein and conjugation is carried out in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) via a reductive amination mechanism.

Abstract: In one aspect, an active agent-conjugate, methods of preparing the active agent-conjugate, and uses thereof is provided.

Abstract: A polypeptide conjugate for use in a method for binding and/or internalization of the polypeptide conjugate to a mammalian cell having a transferrin receptor (TFRC) and/or receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). The polypeptide conjugate may be used in a method for targeting of a drug delivery system or diagnostic delivery system.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention is directed to the discovery that hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4?; also known as NR2A1), a transcription factor, reverses hepatocyte dysfunction in an animal model of cirrhosis, resulting in improvement in hepatic function, treatment of cirrhosis, and prolonged survival.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expression system for systemic administration comprising a sequence encoding a protein, said expression system allowing: the expression at a therapeutically acceptable level of the protein in the target tissues including skeletal muscles and/or the peripheral nervous tissue; and the expression at toxically acceptable level of the protein in tissues other than the target tissues, especially in the heart.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bispecific peptide conjugate comprising an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting peptide, an ?v?3 integrin targeting peptide, and a linker, where the linker is conjugated respectively to the EGFR targeting peptide and the ?v?3 integrin targeting peptide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disinfecting a storage area and/or items within a storage area can include at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed within a storage area and a monitoring and control system. The monitoring and control system can be configured to monitor at least one of the storage area or a set of items located in the storage area and control ultraviolet radiation generated by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source based on the monitoring by delivering targeted ultraviolet radiation to at least one designated zone within the storage area.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a light source configured to generate light toward one or more surfaces or materials to inactivate one or more pathogens on the one or more surfaces or materials. The light includes an inactivating portion having wavelengths in a range of 280 to 380 nanometers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sterilizing a room are disclosed, including using a laser to generate a pulsed laser beam; using a robotic arm to direct the pulsed laser beam to a scattering optical element and to change the position of the scattering optical element; and using the scattering optical element to substantially isotropically scatter the radiation of the pulsed laser beam to sterilize the room. The scattering optical element comprises a hollow fused silica bulb filled with solid fused silica spheres or a fiber optic bundle and in some embodiments the scattering optical element is rotated. The pulsed laser beam comprises a wavelength ranging between about 200 nm to about 320 nm and in some embodiments comprises nanosecond or picosecond light pulses. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Discussed herein are systems, apparatuses, and methods for reversing a flow through a conduit loop. A system may include a flow reversing loop having an inlet, an outlet in communication with a drain, a first port on a first side of the flow reversing loop, and a second port on a second side of the flow reversing loop, the first and second sides separated by the inlet and outlet, a conduit loop including one or more flow paths, wherein the flow reversing loop includes a first flow path from the inlet to the first port so that the treatment fluid can flow through the conduit loop in a first direction to the outlet of the flow reversing loop, and a second flow path from the inlet to the second port so that the treatment fluid can flow to the drain in a second direction, opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sterilization of the interior surface of packaging containers with electron beam, comprising an emitter provided with an electron exit window. The emitter is adapted to emit charge carriers, such as electrons, through the electron exit window, said electrons forming an electron cloud. The device comprises at least one outlet adapted to provide a flow of sterile gaseous medium adapted to maintain a local aseptic zone around at least an emitter portion including the electron exit window, thus preventing any flow of medium from outside the local aseptic zone from coming into the local aseptic zone. The invention also relates to a method.

Abstract: An air treatment system includes a particulate filtration portion and a disinfecting portion that may be configured within a single enclosure, such as a conduit. The disinfecting portion may include a UV light source that emits UV light onto the interior surface of the conduit that has a photocatalyst surface. A disinfecting portion may include an X-ray portion, wherein an X-ray emitter is configured within the conduit. In one embodiment, the X-ray emitter is configured to emit X-rays along the conduit and toward a photocatalytic mesh that is also configured within the conduit. The particulate filtration portion may be configured upstream of the disinfection portion.

Abstract: Use of a sheet-like composite material for the manufacture of an immobilization element, wherein the sheet-like composite material is made from a material comprising a thermoplastic polymer containing carbon nanotubes as a fibrous reinforcing material, obtainable by dispersing carbon nanotubes in a dispersing liquid in which the thermoplastic polymer does not dissolve, subjecting the dispersion to an ultrasonic treatment, adding of particles thermoplastic polymer to the dispersion and mixing of the thermoplastic polymer with the dispersion of carbon nanotubes, removing of the dispersing liquid, forming of the thermoplastic polymer impregnated with carbon nanotubes into a sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to catheter balloons and balloon catheters with such catheter balloons coated with at least one layer containing at least one antiproliferative, immunosuppressive, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-restenotic and/or anti-thrombotic agent and a top coat consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol—polyethylene glycol graft copolymer as well as the use of these balloon catheters for the prevention of restenosis.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a sugar chain-polypeptide complex that may form a transparent and homogeneous hydrogel in a broad pH. The present invention provides a sugar chain-polypeptide complex, characterized in that said polypeptide is a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence consisting of 8-34 amino acid residues in which polar and nonpolar amino acid residues are alternately arranged, and one or more sugar chains are bound to said polypeptide.

Abstract: Mono- and multi- layered implants include at least one porous layer made from a freeze dried aqueous solution containing chitosan, the solution having a pH of less than about 5.

Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant includes collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may include, or have blended in, an additive, such as an osteoinductive factor, for example biocompatible ceramics and glass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing an osteoconductive bone paste by heating an initial mixture containing an aqueous solution and a granular material including collagen and minerals. A portion of the collagen and the minerals are contained in grains of bone matrix. The initial mixture is heated enough to transform a portion of the collagen into gelatine and thus to obtain a cohesive bone paste having a predefined viscosity.

Abstract: A composite for osteochondral defect repair includes a porous scaffold and a periosteal graft secured to a surface of the scaffold. The composite provides cartilage growth from autologous periosteum chondrogenesis. Biological resurfacing of large osteochondral defects, or a complete joint is feasible using the porous scaffold/autologous periosteal composite. The use of this composite eliminates the necessity of using normal cartilage surface as a donor site and its respective associated morbidity. In one form, the strong bone integration capacity of a porous metal (e.g., tantalum) scaffold and the high grade of integration observed from periosteal chondrogenesis into the normal cartilage eliminates the lack of chondral-chondral integration observed in the autologous osteochondral graft technique.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a regenerated corneal endothelial cell sheet, comprising the steps of allowing corneal endothelial cells collected from a tissue to be cultivated on a cell culture support having its surface covered with a polymer of which the hydrating force varies in a temperature range of 0-80° C., and after the culture, (1) adjusting the temperature of the culture solution to the temperature at which the polymer on the substrate surface is hydrated, (2) bringing the cultured corneal endothelial cell sheet into close contact with a carrier, and (3) detaching the sheet together with the carrier. The regenerated corneal endothelial cell sheet obtained by the process will adhere very well to living tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injectable dermal filler composition that can be injected into the skin of the orbital trough of a patient without aggravating darkness around the eyes of the patient. In fact, this composition can be used to lighten such dark areas which have developed over time. The present invention more specifically discloses an injectable dermal filler composition comprising crosslinked hyaluronic acid, a white colorant, and a yellow colorant. The present invention further reveals a method for treating wrinkles and firming an area of skin on a human patient comprising injecting an injectable dermal filler composition comprising crosslinked hyaluronic acid, a white colorant, and a yellow colorant, into the area of skin on the human patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides anti-thrombogenic compositions, including anti-thrombogenic vascular grafts. In certain embodiments, the compositions comprise decellularized tissue coated with an anti-thrombogenic coating. The present invention also provides methods of preparing anti-thrombogenic compositions and methods of treatment comprising implanting the anti-thrombogenic compositions into a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dry blends of polyanionic and polycationic macromolecules, solvating fluids serving as cell suspension fluids, hybrid gel compositions, and methods for treatment of patients with endocrine disorders by transplantation with such compositions. Hybrid gel compositions that promote a microenvironment suitable for cell viability and growth while maintaining a sufficient structural integrity for three-dimensional cell culture are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for inhibiting bacterial attachment to a surface, the method comprising forming the surface from a polymer, or applying a polymer to the surface, wherein the polymer is a homopolymer formed from a (meth) acrylate or (meth) acrylamide monomer or a copolymer formed from one or more (meth) acrylate or (meth) acrylamide monomers, wherein the (meth) acrylate or (meth) acrylamide monomers are of formula (I) or (II): [H2C?CR?—C(?O)—O—]nR??(I) [H2C?CR?—C(?O)—NH—]nR??(II) wherein n is 1, 2 or 3, R? is independently H or CH3, R is an organic group having a total of from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein the organic group includes an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety and wherein the organic group does not include any hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for rendering a surface resistant to bio-film formation by a combination of an alkanediol and an antimicrobial agent (and, optionally, an organic hydroxy acid). The invention provides for compositions which may be used to render surfaces bio-film resistant, articles having bio-film resistant surfaces, and methods for their preparation. The present invention may be advantageously applied to medical articles as well as articles used in non-medical contexts, such as child care or food preparation.

Abstract: A coating composition capable of forming a drug coating layer insusceptible to peeling in the process of delivery of a water-insoluble drug to a target tissue is provided. The coating composition contains the water-insoluble drug and a basic compound which is positively charged at physiological pH. A medical device coated with the coating composition is further provided.

Abstract: Provided is a coated implantable medical device, comprising: a substrate; and a coating disposed on said substrate, wherein said coating comprises at least one polymer and at least one pharmaceutical agent in a therapeutically desirable morphology and/or at least one active biological agent and optionally, one or more pharmaceutical carrying agents; wherein substantially all of pharmaceutical agent and/or active biological agent remains within said coating and on said substrate until the implantable device is deployed at an intervention site inside the body of a subject and wherein upon deployment of said medical device in the body of said subject a portion of said pharmaceutical agent and/or active biological agent is delivered at said intervention site along with at least a portion of said polymer and/or a at least a portion of said pharmaceutical carrying agents.

Abstract: Provided herein is a coated coronary stent, comprising: a. stent; b. a plurality of layers deposited on said stent to form said coronary stent; wherein at least one of said layers comprises a bioabsorbable polymer and at least one of said layers comprises one or more active agents; wherein at least part of the active agent is in crystalline form.

Abstract: Provided are surface-modified metals such as metal medical devices, e.g. guide wires, syringe needles, and metal tubes in medical devices or equipment, and methods for modifying a metal surface, wherein a lubricant layer is firmly bonded to the metal surface to impart lubricity to the metal surface and further to improve the durability of the lubricant layer on the metal surface, thereby suppressing deterioration of the sliding properties. Included is a surface-modified metal at least partially having a treated surface, the treated surface being obtained by treating a surface of a metal with a silane coupling agent, followed by adsorbing a hydrogen abstraction type photopolymerization initiator onto the surface and then polymerizing a monomer in the presence of an alkali metal salt.

Abstract: A method for forming metal nanoparticles on halloysite nanotubes. The method provides a water-based suspension solution containing about 0.002% to about 0.1% by weight of halloysite nanotubes. The suspension solution is maintained between about 2° C. and about 98° C. and under sufficient mixing that the nanotubes are maintained in substantially constant suspension. At least one positive and at least one negative metal electrode is positioned in the suspension solution, wherein the metal electrodes are at least 98% pure metal. A voltage is maintained across the electrodes of between about 10 and about 300 volts for a time sufficient to form metal ions on at least about 10% of a surface of the halloysite nanotubes.

Abstract: A system for treating multiple tissue sites of a patient includes a first dressing filler adapted to be positioned at a first of the tissue sites. A second dressing filler is adapted to be positioned at a second of the tissue sites. A bridge manifold is positioned between the first tissue site and the second tissue site to provide fluid communication between the first and the second tissue site. A reduced pressure source is fluidly connected to at least one of the bridge manifold, the first tissue site, and the second tissue site. A valve is operably associated with one of the first and the second tissue sites to allow fluid to flow from the one of the first and the second tissue sites, but precluding flow towards the one of the first and the second tissue sites.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a cuff for attachment to a heart includes an attachment component configured to engage a blood pump to attach the cuff to the blood pump and a sewing ring for attachment to the heart. The sewing ring is coupled to the attachment component, and the attachment component and the sewing ring each define a central opening configured to admit an inflow cannula of a blood pump. The sewing ring comprises a member that provides rigidity to flatten a portion of a myocardium of the heart when the cuff is attached to the heart.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a cuff for attachment to a heart includes an attachment component configured to engage a blood pump to attach the cuff to the blood pump and a sewing ring for attachment to the heart. The sewing ring is coupled to the attachment component, and the attachment component and the sewing ring each define a central opening configured to admit an inflow cannula of a blood pump. The sewing ring comprises a member that provides rigidity to flatten a portion of a myocardium of the heart when the cuff is attached to the heart.

Abstract: A left ventricular assist device includes an outer tube, which includes a ventricle section located in the left ventricle and an artery section located in the aorta, the ventricle section is provided with first suction meshes, and the artery section is provided with first discharge meshes, and the outer tube is in communication with an external drive device; a ventricular-side suction component provided in the ventricle section; and a discharge-section balloon catheter, is provided with second discharge meshes, and the second discharge meshes and the first discharge meshes are arranged to be staggered and not overlapped. With the suction and inflating of the external drive device, blood is sucked into the outer tube from the left ventricle by the ventricular-side suction component, and forced out of the outer tube into the aorta by the discharge-section balloon catheter, to pump blood in the left ventricle into the aorta.

Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include a control system that can adjust the volume of fluid infused into the peritoneal cavity to prevent the intraperitoneal fluid volume from exceeding a pre-determined amount. The control system can adjust by adding one or more therapy cycles, allowing for fill volumes during each cycle to be reduced. The control system may continue to allow the fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity as completely as possible before starting the next therapy cycle. The control system may also adjust the dwell time of fluid within the peritoneal cavity during therapy cycles in order to complete a therapy within a scheduled time period.

Abstract: A wound irrigation device, comprising: a cap structure configured to engage a bottle containing an irrigation solution at a first end; a protective rim disposed about a periphery of the cap structure at a second end, wherein the protective rim is selectively disposed about or in proximity to a wound to be irrigated when in use; one or more conduits for selectively communicating a compressed gas through the cap structure and into an interior of the bottle to form a compressed irrigation solution; and a longitudinal wall structure disposed within the cap structure and defining one or more channels for selectively communicating the compressed irrigation solution through the cap structure and to the wound. The wound irrigation device further comprising a vent conduit in fluid communication with the one or more conduits for selectively venting the compressed gas through the cap structure and into the environment.

Abstract: A devise for retracting or opening a tissue wound employs two retractor arms that do not enter or penetrate into the wound. The retractor arms engage the tissue on either side of the wound and apply outward pressure on the tissue surface to open the wound.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump can be configured to sequentially inject solutions from multiple syringes. The medical infusion pump can be configured to automatically sequence the injection either by creating differential fluid pressures during injection or by employing a sequencer that creates differential forces on poppets which form seals between different input ports of the sequencer.

Abstract: Fluid delivery and measurement systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An infusion set has an integrated ballistic inserter that can insert a needle at a controlled high rate of speed to a depth to deliver content to the upper 3 mm of skin surface, and a skin securing, adhesive layer to secure the skin surface at the insertion site such that the inserter that can insert a needle without a risk of tenting of the skin surface. A driving spring of the ballistic inserter is captured within the ballistic inserter, and can be released by user operation, to insert a needle at such a controlled rate of speed.

Abstract: Pending medication orders are presented on the controller of an infusion pump to which a patient has been identified. All pending medication orders are displayed on the screen of the controller and any may be selected by the clinician. Selecting a pending order at the controller that involves an infusion to the patient also results in automatic programming of the infusion pump in accordance with that order. Selection of an oral medication at the controller results, as does selection of any other order, in notification to the healthcare facility server that the order is being administered. Such notification resolves open controlled item transactions as well as provides information that may be relevant to a patient's EMAR. Selection of a pending order may occur manually or automatically through identification of a medication.

Abstract: An automatic injection device for delivering a dose from a medicine containing syringe includes a housing for containing the syringe, a force applicator for applying a force to eject medicine from the syringe, a trigger coupled to the force applicator for releasing the force applicator to cause an injection, a boot covering a needle attached to the syringe to protect and maintain sterility of the needle, and a mechanical interlock. The mechanical interlock prevents actuation of the trigger prior to removal of the boot. When the boot is removed, the mechanical interlock allows for actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: Automatic injection device includes a housing, a syringe, a plunger, and a syringe carrier. The housing includes a barrel. The barrel includes an elongated window to allow viewing of contents inside the housing. The syringe is disposed within the housing and has a reservoir. The plunger is at least partially disposed within the syringe and includes a visual indicator. The syringe carrier is disposed within the housing and configured to contain the syringe and displace the syringe within the housing between a first position and a second position. The syringe carrier can have at least one opening and at least one pair of legs defining at least a portion of the at least one opening.

Abstract: A medication cartridge plunger including a sealing member, which is formed of a resilient material, and a force distributing member, which is attached to sealing member and formed of a material more rigid than the resilient material. The force distributing member is shaped complementary with the sealing member to distribute to the sealing member a medication expelling force that may be applied to the force distributing member by an external drive element to drive the plunger forward. The force distributing member includes a radial periphery fit within a hollow of the sealing member. The radial periphery has a plurality of apex regions connected by spanning regions, which apex regions are disposed along a common circle centered on an axial center of the medication cartridge plunger. The spanning regions are disposed within the common circle, and each apex region, relative to the common circle, is not in diametric alignment with any of the other apex regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gasket for prefilled syringes having both airtightness and operability. The present invention relates to a gasket for prefilled syringes, the gasket including a plurality of circular ribs that are to be in sliding contact with the inner wall of a syringe, the gasket being laminated with an inert film, the plurality of circular ribs including a front circular rib having a front corner with a radius of curvature R1 and a rear corner with a radius of curvature R2, a ratio of the radius of curvature R2 to the radius of curvature R1 being more than 1.

Abstract: A photo-resist is applied in a pattern of vertical columns having the dimensions of holes or pores of the aperture plate to be produced. This mask pattern provides the apertures which define the aerosol particle size, having up to 2500 holes per square mm. There is electro-deposition of metal into the spaces around the columns. There is further application of a second photo-resist mask of much larger (wider and taller) columns, encompassing the area of a number of first columns. The hole diameter in the second plating layer is chosen according to a desired flow rate.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler including a main body, a plurality of individual reservoirs, such as blisters, each containing a single dose of powder, and disposed one behind another on a flexible strip, and an opening mechanism provided for opening an individual reservoir each time the device is actuated. The device includes first a displacement mechanism adapted to displace an individual reservoir to face the opening mechanism before and/or after each actuation, and a second displacement mechanism adapted to displace an individual reservoir against the opening mechanism on each actuation. The first displacement mechanism having an indexer wheel provided with a recess that receives an individual reservoir, the recess defined by a bottom wall and an inner side wall of said indexer wheel, and by an outer side wall formed on a separate adjustment element assembled on the indexer wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI) and components for use in said method, in particular, a pMDI compatible tablet (i.e. one that is able to be dispersed or disintegrates within a liquid phase, such as a propellant, used in a pMDI formulation) which contains at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and, optionally, one or more excipients.