Abstract: The invention provides liquid or semi-solid pharmaceutical compositions for topical administration comprising a semifluorinated alkane. The compositions are useful for the delivery of active ingredients into the deep layers of the skin or skin appendages. Various active ingredients may be incorporated, such as immunosuppressants, antiinfectives, antifungal agents, antiinflammatory agents, and retinoids.

Abstract: 2:1 cocrystals of amino acids and Li+ salts crystallize from hot water to afford water stable cationic networks based upon tetrahedral lithium cations: bilayered square grids, a lithium zeolitic metal-organic material (LiZMOM) and several lithium diamondoid metal-organic materials (LiDMOMs). The compositions may be used as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of suicidality and other disorders that require lithium to penetrate the blood brain barrier and exert therapeutic effects in the CNS. Advantageously, the novel cocrystal forms described herein may be used to lower the oral dose required to achieve therapeutic concentrations of lithium in the brain, thus reducing the peripheral toxicity and potentially broadening the therapeutic index in comparison to conventional lithium forms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diketopiperazine microparticles having high capacity for adsorbing a drug or active agent. In particular, the diketopiperazine microparticle are formed using fumaryl diketopiperazine and can comprise a drug in large doses for the treatment of disease or disorders by pulmonary delivery via oral inhalation.

Abstract: An object is to provide a formulation that includes a particle containing an active ingredient and a surfactant, and a base, and is more excellent in storage stability. For solution, a formulation including a particle containing an active ingredient and a surfactant, and a base, in which the surfactant is contained in a ratio of 5 to 100 parts by weight based on 1 part by weight of the active ingredient, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selective delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a targeted organ or tissue by implanting a biocompatible solid support in the patient being linked to a first binding agent, and administering a second binding agent to the patient linked to the therapeutic or diagnostic agent, such that the therapeutic or diagnostic agent accumulates at the targeted organ or tissue.

Abstract: A drug delivery system composition includes Corynebacterium sp. bacteria or Corynebacterium sp. bacteria-derived minicells. The drug delivery system composition is safer for use in human bodies than other bacteria (for example, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella sp. bacteria, Bacillus sp. bacteria, or the like), or other bacteria-derived drug delivery system. When an anti-cancer drug protein expression construct (protein expression recombinant vector or the like) is included, over-expression of an anti-cancer drug protein, effective protein expression control in vivo, and targeting technique using expression of targeting factor. The drug delivery system composition enables stable drug delivery in vivo, thereby maximizing anti-cancer therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A cocrystalline DHEA composition with at least one additional coformer is disclosed for therapeutic formulations. The cocrystalline DHEA/coformer formulation including at least one coformer chosen from the group consisting of glutaric acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, fructose, and wherein the L-isomer of tartaric acid and the D-isomer of fructose are utilized. The cocrystalline DHEA/coformer formulations include certain excipients as a solubilizer or inhibitor.

Abstract: Novel dual-targeted, bifunctional anti-influenza drugs formed by conjugation with anti-inflammatory agents are disclosed. Exemplary drugs according to the invention include caffeic acid (CA)-bearing zanamivir (ZA) conjugates ZA-7-CA (1), ZA-7-CA-amide (7) and ZA-7-Nap (43) for simultaneous inhibition of influenza virus neuraminidase and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines. Synthetic methods for preparation of these enhanced anti-influenza conjugate drugs are provided. The synthetic bifunctional ZA conjugates act synergistically towards protection of mice lethally infected by H1N1 or H5N1 influenza viruses. The efficacy of ZA-7-CA, ZA-7-CA-amide and ZA-7-Nap conjugates is much greater than the combination therapy of ZA with anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates in some aspects to compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical, nutritional compositions, etc.), formulations, and food or beverage products comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of (a) ?-alanine or a derivative of ?-alanine, and (b) at least one agent that inhibits the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) pathway or a pathway which converges downstream with the NMDA pathway. The compositions, formulations, and food or beverage products are useful for enhancing physical performance, reducing ?-alanine-induced paraesthesia, and improving tolerance and compliance to higher doses of ?-alanine, thereby reducing the length of time it takes to achieve peak effect of ?-alanine, and increasing the magnitude of peak effect on physical performance in a human or animal.

Abstract: Zwitterionic polymer and mixed charge copolymer bioconjugates, methods for making and using the bioconjugates.

Abstract: The conjugation of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) with activated cisplatin using a malonate linker gives rise to a new Platinum-LHRH conjugate that effectively targets tumor cells that express the LHRH receptor. The Pt-LHRH conjugate may be used in a method for killing or inhibiting the growth of a tumor cell, especially in late state, highly invasive and aggressive stage IV tumors and in reoccurring tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic immunoconjugates comprising SN-38 attached to an antibody or antigen-binding antibody fragment. The antibody may bind to Trop-2 or CEACAM5 and the immunoconjugate may be administered at a dosage of between 4 mg/kg and 16 mg/kg, preferably 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, or 16 mg/kg. When administered at specified dosages and schedules, the immunoconjugate can reduce solid tumors in size, reduce or eliminate metastases and is effective to treat cancers resistant to standard therapies, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Surprisingly, the immunoconjugate is effective to treat cancers that are refractory to or relapsed from irinotecan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which are salts of specialized pro-resolving mediators (referred to herein as “SPMs”) which include lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and their aspirin-triggered counterparts. The SPM salts described here contain at least one or two SPM molecules ionically bound to at least one basic function that is provided by a scaffold moiety as described herein, compositions containing same, and methods of using same in the treatment of various diseases and disorders characterized by chronic or excessive inflammation, or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides conjugates having a degradable linkage and polymeric reagents useful in preparing such conjugates. The conjugates as well as the polymeric reagents used to form the conjugates include at least one of each the following: an aromatic moiety comprising an ionizable hydrogen atom, a spacer moiety, and a water-soluble polymer. Methods of making polymeric reagents and conjugates, as well as methods for administering conjugates and compositions, are also provided.

Abstract: A bifunctional polypeptide comprising a specific binding partner for a peptide-MHC epitope, such as an antibody or T cell receptor, and an immune effector, such as an antibody or a cytokine, the immune effector part being linked to the N-terminus of the peptide-MHC binding part.

Abstract: A compound for radio metal complexation includes a chelator and one or more biological targeting vectors TV conjugated to said chelator, wherein the chelator has structure (A) or (B) or (C), based on 1,4-diazepine with groups R1, R2, R3, R4, X1, X2, X3. The compound is particularly suited for complexation of radio-isotopic metals, such as 66Ga(III), 67Ga(III) and 68Ga(III).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selective delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a targeted organ or tissue by implanting a biocompatible solid support in the patient being linked to a first binding agent, and administering a second binding agent to the patient linked to the therapeutic or diagnostic agent, such that the therapeutic or diagnostic agent accumulates at the targeted organ or tissue.

Abstract: A gastrin analog shows high uptake in CCK-2 receptor positive tumors and simultaneously a very low accumulation in the kidneys. This is achieved by a mini-gastrin analog PP-F11 having the formula: PP-F11-X-DGlu-DGlu-DGlu-DGlu-DGlu-DGlu-Ala-Tyr-Gly-Trp-Y-Asp-Phe-NH2, wherein Y is an amino acid replacing methionine and X is a chemical group attached to the peptide for diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention at CCK-2 receptor relevant diseases. Very suitable compounds with respect to a high tumor to kidney ratio are mini-gastrin analogs with six D-glutamic acids or six glutamines. These compounds still possess a methionine which can be oxidized easily which is a disadvantage for clinical application under GMP due to the forms which may occur. The elimination of the methionine leads to a lower affinity to oxidation which in general favors the tumor-kidney-ratio. Ideally, the methionine is replaced by norleucine.

Abstract: A method for labeling exosomes with a radioactive substance using an amine group on surfaces of the exosomes includes providing a cell-derived exosome, treating a surface of the exosome with N-hydroxysuccinimide-azadibenzocyclooctyne (NHS-ADIBO), and mixing the treated exosome with N3-introduced chelator-radioactive substance to conduct a reaction between the chelator and an amine group present on the surface of the exosome, wherein the radioactive substance is introduced inside the exosome by the above reaction. The exosomes can be stably labeled at high labeling efficiency, and the exosomes can be favorably used as an agent for nuclear medicine imaging and therapeutic imaging for confirming the biological distribution of exosomes and whether the exosomes move to target organs and target diseases in animals including a human being.

Abstract: A gas delivery system (50) for delivering a flow of breathing gas to a patient (54) includes a blower assembly (100) structured to generate the flow of breathing gas. The blower assembly includes a gas flow path including an inlet manifold, an assembly (130) structured to adjust a pressure and/or flow rate of the flow of breathing gas, and an outlet manifold structured to be coupled to a patient circuit. The gas delivery system additionally includes a light system structured to generate sanitizing light and deliver the sanitizing light to one or more internal surfaces of at least one of the inlet manifold, the assembly and the outlet manifold for sanitizing the one or more internal surfaces.

Abstract: In an example, a light-control system includes UV light sources for emitting UV light when activated, a power sensor for measuring an amount of power available, and an activation-control system. The activation-control system can: (a) determine a subset of the UV light sources that are ready to be activated, (b) indicate, in a queue, each UV light source of the subset, (c) arrange, in the queue and based on a hierarchy, the subset in a sequence, and (d) activate, in the sequence, each UV light source of the subset by: (i) determining an amount of power required to activate a next UV light source in the sequence, (ii) determining when the amount of power available is equal to or greater than the amount of power required, (iii) responsively activating the next UV light source in the sequence, and (iv) repeating acts (i)-(iii) until all of the subset has been activated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling humidity. Methods can include providing a chamber configured to receive objects to be sterilized; injecting a first quantity of water into the chamber; determining a pressure rise and a pressure drop in the chamber resulting from the first injection; calculating an absorption ratio (AR) as the ratio of the pressure drop to the pressure rise; sensing the humidity of the chamber after the first injection to determine a first humidity value (RHchamber); comparing the first humidity value to a pre-selected humidity value (RHsetpoint) to determine a humidity error (RHerror), wherein RHerror=RHsetpoint?RHchamber; and injecting a second quantity of water into the chamber, wherein the second quantity of water is calculated based on the absorption ratio (AR) and the humidity error (RHerror). Systems can perform the method; and the systems and methods can be employed in a sterilizer.

Abstract: An odor reducing composition comprising a scent and silver nanoparticles is disclosed, together with methods of making and using the same, and methods for reducing an odor.

Abstract: Wax melt compositions loaded with a volatile agent for release therefrom having beneficial performance properties and behavior are disclosed and described. In certain embodiments, such was melt compositions can include a wax component, a releasable volatile agent, a first inorganic thickener that is hydrophobically modified, and a second inorganic thickener.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for apparatuses and methods relating to a mobile device holder and air freshener. The mobile device holder and air freshener may include a body, a fastening component, a removable cap, a flexible arm, and a mount. The fastening component may secure a mobile electronic device to the apparatus. The removable cap may allow scented material to be installed within the body. The fastening component may secure a mobile electronic device to the apparatus. The flexible arm may be coupled to the body at a first side and the mount on a second side. The mount and the flexible arm may support the mobile electronic device. The body may allow air that has entered the apparatus through a first vent of the apparatus to become scented and flow out of the apparatus through a second vent of the apparatus.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recycling municipal domestic waste comprises subjecting the waste to steam at 150° C.-200°. After steam treatment, the resultant material is separated into constituent parts and biomass and/or plastics subjected to further treatment. The further treatment preferably produces bioethanol from the biomass and diesel from the plastics. As an alternative, some or all of the biomass may be gasified in order to produce hydrogen which may, in turn be fed to a fuel cell to produce an electrical output. The bio diesel or bioalcohol can also be used to produce electricity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of cleaning and disinfecting a contact lens. The method includes instructing a consumer to disinfect their contact lens comprising the following steps: remove a contact from an eye and position the lens in a lens assembly that includes a cap member; add a disinfection solution to the lens case such that the lens is submerged in the solution upon closure of the lens case with the cap member. The disinfection solution will comprise 0.5 wt. % to 6 wt. % hydrogen peroxide or a chemical precursor of hydrogen peroxide, and a P-metal modulating compound. The presence of the P-metal modulating compound in the disinfection solution decreases the neutralization rate of the hydrogen peroxide. The disinfection system exhibits a pseudo first-order, half-life of hydrogen peroxide from 12 minutes to 30 minutes over an initial sixty minutes of neutralization following exposure of the disinfection solution to a catalyst comprising a P-metal.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic component which is set up in the implanted state to penetrate in a controlled manner into adjoining bone material.

Abstract: A biocompatible and biodegradable medical device patch actuating primarily as soft tissue structural reinforcement. The device has a layered architecture, where the primary serves as suturing layer and mechanical support to a thick porous scaffold which can be coated with a mimic-like extra cellular matrix (ECM). The device can be provided to the end user under the format of independent layers that can be cut and assembled to the specific need to the end user and patient. The layers are assembled without the need of any adhesive. Totally haemocompatible and of behavior superior to polytetrafluoroethylene used for any soft tissue repaired, the field of this invention is demonstrated for cardiovascular therapy but should not be limited to it. It is of practical relevance of vein, tendon and hernias and dermal treatments.

Abstract: The disclosure provides implants containing a plurality of particles containing at least one population of viable osteogenic cells adherent to and resident in an osteoconductive matrix or at least one viable population of osteogenic cells caused to be in contact with the osteoconductive matrix; methods of fabricating the implants; and use of the implants in bone repair. The implant further contains an osteoinductive component. An example of an osteoinductive component is a demineralized bone matrix in the form of particles or fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissues derived from animals, which lack any expression of functional alpha 1,3 galactosyltransferase (alpha-1,3-GT). Such tissues can be used in the field of xenotransplantation, such as orthopedic reconstruction and repair, skin repair and internal tissue repair or as medical devices.

Abstract: Adjunct material to promote tissue growth is provided. In general, an implantable adjunct can be configured to be applied to tissue by a surgical stapler in conjunction with staples. The adjunct can have one or more medicants releasably retained therein that are effective to provide a desired effect on tissue in-growth in a predetermined manner. One or more characteristics associated with the adjunct can be altered between various implementations to promote organized tissue remodeling in a desired manner during wound healing, such as by encouraging tissue growth to be in a certain direction and/or by discouraging tissue growth in a certain area and/or on a certain structure.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for aspirating a biological tissue from a subject. The device can comprise a flexible, hollow shaft and an ultrasound assembly. The shaft can have a central portion that extends between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. The shaft can include a first lumen that extends between the proximal and distal ends. The ultrasound assembly can be connected to the distal end of the shaft. The ultrasound assembly can include a casing, at least one ultrasound transducer disposed within the casing, and a second lumen that extends through the ultrasound assembly and is in fluid communication with the first lumen. The at least one ultrasound transducer can be configured to generate acoustical waves having an intensity and frequency sufficient to disrupt, but not substantially damage, the biological tissue so that the biological tissue can be aspirated through the device.

Abstract: An adipose tissue (AT) transfer system includes, on the aspiration side, an aspiration cannula, an aspiration pump, a container, and flexible tubing connecting the aspiration cannula to the container. On the reinjection side, the system includes a reinjection cannula, flexible tubing connecting the inlet of the reinjection cannula to the container, and a reinjection pump imposing positive-displacement pumping action on the flexible tubing and causing movement of AT in a continuous or pulsed mode. The aspiration pump operates to continually supply harvested AT to the second flexible tubing while the reinjection pumps causes continuous or pulsed deposition of the AT at the injection site. To ensure that internal pressure and/or flow of the AT through a channel of delivery of the AT to the reinjection site does not exceed a predetermined value, the system contains an external pressure sensor configured to measure such internal pressure in absence of a part that is in direct contact with the AT.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transcatheter method for providing fluid communication between two anatomical compartments. The present invention also relates to a transcatheter system comprising an intracorporeal connector for fluid communication between two anatomical compartments through at least one anatomical wall, wherein said connector is adapted to receive a flow regulating device, a connector, a flow regulating device and an insertion device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for optimizing management of one or more implanted artificial heart pumps. An example method includes wirelessly retrieving, via one or more portable diagnostic devices, data regarding the one or more implanted artificial heart pumps. The example method further includes analyzing, by a server device, performance characteristics of the one or more implanted artificial heart pumps based on the retrieved data. The example method further includes causing rendering of the performance characteristics. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are contemplated.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment comprises a sensor (10) for emitting a signal indicating a variation in blood volume (?Bv?) of an individual (7) subjected to extracorporeal blood treatment and a sensor (14) for emitting a signal indicating a weight loss of the individual. A control unit (20) receives the signals, compares the ratio between the relative variation of blood volume (?Bv/BV) and the relative variation of weight loss (AWL/TW) of the individual with a desired value, and controls the weight loss of the individual on the basis of the comparison. The apparatus enables automatically controlling a dialysis, preventing some complications due to hypotension.

Abstract: A package (1) is configured to store a powdery material (2) which is to be mixed with a solvent to form a medical solution, such as a dialysis solution. The package (1) comprises a filled cavity portion (6a) containing the powdery material (2), optionally separated into groups of different composition, and a tab portion (9) integrally formed with the filled cavity portion (6a) and being swept around the filled cavity portion (6a) so as to define a roll-up package. The tab portion (9) forms a protective barrier that shields the powdery material (2), e.g. by counteracting transport of moisture into and out of the package. The tab portion (9) may also stabilize the package. The roll-up package is compact, and simple to manufacture and handle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of water for various uses including blood treatment are described. In embodiments, fluid is passed through a first filtration step which is effective for creating purified water and a pair of ultrafilters placed at the outlet. The ultrafilters are separated by an intervening flow path to prevent grow-through from the outlet end upstream. In embodiments, a recirculation path with an air removing filter helps to eliminate air from the ultimate product water.

Abstract: A system for performing an apheresis procedure on a human subject includes an apheresis device having a communication channel in communication with a data storage device remote from the apheresis treatment device, an input device configured to receive an identity input data, wherein the identity input data comprises a combination of data, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to compare the identity input data to an identity of a human subject downloaded from the data storage device and, if the combination of data is consistent with two or more subject-specific information for a subject data entry, to provide access to an apheresis procedure operated according to the pre-programmed parameters on the apheresis device. The processing circuit is configured to derive an operating parameter for the apheresis procedure based on at least one of the subject-specific information of the human subject and to operate the apheresis procedure using the derived operating parameter.

Abstract: This document provides bioartificial liver (BAL) devices. Methods for making and using BAL devices also are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for extracorporeal blood treatment comprising an extracorporeal blood circulation having at least one tube and at least two sensor units measuring on the tube with different operating principles, wherein portions of the tube are adapted to be coupled to the at least two sensor units for measurement. According to the invention, each sensor unit consists of a sensor-specific component and a sensor-neutral component, wherein the sensor-neutral components of the sensor units are formed to be identical whereas the sensor-specific components are different in response to the operating principle and comprise a respective specific sensor system.

Abstract: A pressure activated valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a medical device, the pressure activated valve comprises a housing including a lumen extending therethrough and a flow control membrane extending across the lumen of the housing to control the flow of fluid through the lumen by opening when a pressure threshold has been reached.

Abstract: A method of separating blood into two or more components and subsequently washing a component, comprising providing a blood storage container containing an initial blood composition, and a blood separation circuit comprising a separator. The method also comprises separating and washing cellular material within the same blood separation circuit.

Abstract: A kit for blood component processing comprising a fluid circuit into which blood is drawn, wherein the fluid circuit comprises a plurality of pathways; wherein the first pathway is configured to receive blood drawn from a blood source and leads to a separation device, wherein the separation device is configured to separate the blood into components; wherein the second pathway is configured to receive a first component from the separation device and transport at least a portion of the first component to a first processing device, wherein the first processing device may alter the first component to produce a first output; and wherein the third pathway is configured to receive a second component from the separation device and transport at least a portion of the second component to a second processing device, wherein the second processing device may alter the second component to produce a second output.

Abstract: A locking system for locking a medical device at a holding structure, the medical device and the holding structure each provided with retaining structures which can cooperate with one another. The locking system includes a retaining lock for retaining the medical device when connected to the holding structure and being movable by a first manual control mechanism between a retaining position, in which the lock retains the medical device on the holding structure, and a free position, in which the lock does not retain the medical device on the holding structure. The locking system also includes a security lock which is movable by an automatic control device between active and inactive positions. The security lock, in the active position, prevents the medical device from being removed from the holding structure. In the inactive position, the security lock does not prevent the medical device from being removed from the holding structure.

Abstract: A modular medical pump system provides separate pump units that may be pre-associated with flexible tubes. Multiple pump units may be installed in a controller that coordinates operation of the pump units for delivery of multiple medicaments to a patient. The pump units may carry drug information and the controller may hold patient information allowing drug delivery and interaction to be assessed by the controller.

Abstract: Device for delivering a beneficial agent includes a cassette including a cassette housing with a fluid reservoir and a cassette base region. The device also includes a delivery tube. The device also includes a pump including a pump housing containing a pump assembly having a fluid drive component. The pump housing has a receiving region to receive the cassette base region. The fluid drive component is proximate the receiving region. A lock member is coupled to the pump housing and movable between an open position and a closed position. The cassette is capable of being inserted into and removed from the receiving region when the lock member is in the open position, and the cassette is secured to the pump with the cassette base region within the receiving region and the delivery tube in operative engagement with the fluid drive component when the lock member is in the closed position.

Abstract: In a syringe type pump with a barrel (2) and a piston (4) movable in the interior of the barrel the barrel has the shape of a segment of a toroidal tube (2) and the piston is moved by means of a driving rod (6) which is guided and supported by the inner surface of the barrel wall. By the toroidal shape the overall size of the pump is significantly reduced and by guiding and supporting the driving rod of the piston by the inner surface of the barrel wall intrinsic problems of tightness, stick-slip phenomena and blockage are solved. A device for injecting fluid into a patient's body or removing body fluid therefrom is using a syringe type pump with a toroidal barrel and a driving rod of the piston guided and supported by the inner surface of the barrel wall.

Abstract: A medical therapy system including liquid detection is disclosed. A medical therapy includes a case with an interior and an exterior. Within the interior of the case is the liquid detection system that includes a first electrode set with a first positive electrode and a first negative electrode. The liquid detection system further includes an impedance measurement circuit coupled to the first electrode set to determine impedance values between the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode. A threshold detector compares impedance values between the first electrode set to a first threshold impedance. A microprocessor is programmed to initiate an alarm when measured impedance from the first electrode set is below the first threshold impedance.