Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-CDH6 antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody drug conjugates, and their uses for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double-stranded RNAi agents, targeting the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene, and methods of using such RNAi agents to inhibit expression of AGT and methods of treating subjects having an AGT-associated disorder, e.g., hypertension.

Abstract: The present invention provides amphiphilic telodendrimers that aggregate to form nanocarriers characterized by a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic exterior. The nanocarrier core may include amphiphilic functionality such as cholic acid or cholic acid derivatives, and the exterior may include branched or linear poly(ethylene glycol) segments. Nanocarrier cargo such as hydrophobic drugs and other materials may be sequester in the core via non-covalent means or may be covalently bound to the telodendrimer building blocks. Telodendrimer structure may be tailored to alter loading properties, interactions with materials such as biological membranes, and other characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel benzodiazepine derivatives with antiproliferative activity and more specifically to novel benzodiazepine compounds of formula (I)-(VI). The invention also provides conjugates of the benzodiazepine compounds linked to a cell-binding agent. The invention further provides compositions and methods useful for inhibiting abnormal cell growth or treating a proliferative disorder in a mammal using the compounds or conjugates of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a single-stranded nucleic acid capable of inhibiting expression of a target gene having a delivery function. The nucleic acid contains, from the 5?-side to the 3?-side, a 5?-side region (Xc), a linker region (Lx), an inner region (Z), a linker region (Ly) and a 3?-side region (Yc) in this order, wherein the inner region (Z) is constituted by linkage of the inner 5?-side region (X) and the inner 3?-side region (Y), the 5?-side region (Xc) is complementary to the inner 5?-side region (X), the 3?-side region (Yc) is complementary to the inner 3?-side region (Y), at least one of the inner region (Z), the 5?-side region (Xc) and the 3?-side region (Yc) comprises an expression inhibitory sequence that inhibits expression of a target gene, and at least one of the 5?-terminus, the 3?-terminus, the linker region (Lx) and the linker region (Ly) is bound to a bio-related substance.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel conjugates comprising antisense oligonucleotides that hybridize to a DMPK transcript and a 3E10 antibody or binding fragment thereof. Also considered are these conjugates further comprising MBNL1 polypeptides. Methods of treating myotonic dystrophy using these conjugates and kits comprising these conjugates are also considered. Wherein the conjugates are suitable for delivery to muscle cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for modulating the production of a protein in a target cell. The compositions and methods disclosed herein are capable of ameliorating diseases associated with protein or enzyme deficiencies.

Abstract: Compositions and methods described herein include somatic cells that are competent for reprogramming and malignant transformation and are characterized by a reduction of the levels of Sp100 in the cells, cells having markers of pluripotent stem cells, and methods for preparing same. Methods for reversably regulating aging or reprogramming to pluripotency in a somatic cell involve modulating the expression of Sp100 therein. Methods and compositions for retarding the growth of or suppressing unwanted cell proliferation involve expressing, inducing expression of, or upregulating, Sp100 in a targeted cell that is undergoing unrestricted proliferation or replication or increasing exposure to Sp100 in the environment or microenvironment of the targeted cell. Also disclosed are methods for treating a proliferative disease or condition by increasing expression or levels of Sp100 in the targeted cell or its environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lipid-associated indocyanine green particles for enhanced functional high-resolution near-infrared fluorescence medical imaging of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic abnormalities, tumors, and inflammation.

Abstract: A molecular probe for use in detection of cancer cells expressing an Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecule that binds in a homophilic fashion in a subject includes a targeting agent that specifically binds to and/or complexes with a proteolytically cleaved extracellular fragment of the Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds to image cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present compounds exhibit enhanced uptake in cancerous cells and tissue, suggesting favorable selective activity of compounds according to the present invention, which can be used as effective therapeutic agents against melanoma, including metastatic melanoma. The compounds according to the present invention represent an advance in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention are useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients' response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states, especially melanoma.

Abstract: A method of supplying power to a storage tank, can include attaching a power supply connector to a submersible pump wherein the power supply connector is dispersed between a pump motor and a pump head or wherein the power supply connector is dispersed above the pump head, wherein the submersible pump is located within a storage tank, wherein the storage tank comprises a decontamination region containing fuel and an ultraviolet light source located in the decontamination region; supplying power to the pump motor, wherein the pump motor power simultaneously supplies power to the ultraviolet light source; and irradiating the fuel with the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses and methods for cleaning and disinfecting probes. A cleaner is utilized to remove foreign materials (e.g., bioburden, soil, and other like material) from the probe after it is removed from the patient by soaking and/or flushing the foreign materials from the probe. The cleaner may be an enzymatic detergent that has bacteriostatic properties to inhibit bacterial growth within the apparatus. The multiple enzymes in the cleaner attack the foreign material, and include low-foam properties for effective recirculation across cycles within the cleaning step. The probe is rinsed after the cleaning step, and after rinsing a disinfectant process is applied to the probe. The disinfectant soaks and/or flushes the probe for a specified amount of time across cycles of recirculation to disinfect the surface of the probe, and afterwards the probe is rinsed thoroughly to remove the disinfectant from the probe.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method for decontamination of a space and an integrated device that completes the decontamination cycle extremely fast while still being compact, lightweight, simple to operate and easy to move as a single unit. The method of the present invention delivers less biocide than is used in prior art methods at a very high rate of flux, allows the biocide to reside in the space being decontaminated to achieve a predetermined kill level, and then aerates the space. Because a nominal amount of biocide is used, there is less biocide to remove from the space than in prior art methods thereby reducing the time required for aeration and shortening the downtime for safe entry of the facility.

Abstract: A multi-walled titanium-based nanotube array containing metal or non-metal dopants is formed, in which the dopants are in the form of ions, compounds, clusters and particles located on at least one of a surface, inter-wall space and core of the nanotube. The structure can include multiple dopants, in the form of metal or non-metal ions, compounds, clusters or particles. The dopants can be located on one or more of on the surface of the nanotube, the inter-wall space (interlayer) of the nanotube and the core of the nanotube. The nanotubes may be formed by providing a titanium precursor, converting the titanium precursor into titanium-based layered materials to form titanium-based nanosheets, and transforming the titanium-based nanosheets to multi-walled titanium-based nanotubes.

Abstract: Various devices for sterilizing a surface and an object in contact with the surface are disclosed. For example, a first device includes an ultraviolet light source, a touch sensor, a processing system, and a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium stores instructions which, when executed by the processing system, cause the processing system to perform operations that include detecting, via the touch sensor, a tactile state of the device, detecting a tactile state of at least one additional device, determining, based upon the tactile states, that the device is on an edge of a pattern of contact between an object and a surface comprising the device and the at least one additional device, and implementing an action associated with the ultraviolet light source in response to determining that the device is on the edge of the pattern of contact.

Abstract: A novel herbal vaporization device (HVD) and method is disclosed. The HVD includes a recharging unit for storing therein of a vaporization unit having a heating chamber disposed at a first end thereof for receiving of loose leaf herbal material and for providing of heat thereto, the vaporization unit comprising a second end disposed opposite the first end with a fluid pathway between the two ends. In a first mode of operation the vaporization unit is for being recharged from the recharging unit and in a second mode of operation the vaporization unit is for use in vaporizing of loose leaf herbal material inserted into the heating chamber for having at least partially vaporized loose leaf herbal material and ambient air to flow through the fluid pathway.

Abstract: A photocatalytic honeycomb assembly and a photocatalytic purification apparatus, which can maximally increase a contact area between polluted air and a photocatalyst while maximally ensuring that the surface of the photocatalyst receives sufficient irradiation of ultraviolet light, and can also make the flow resistance to air flowing in a channel meet requirements in the field of ventilation systems which have high requirements on flow resistance. The photocatalytic honeycomb assembly is formed of one or more photocatalytic honeycomb cores and a photocatalytic honeycomb assembly housing. The one or more photocatalytic honeycomb cores are arranged in a honeycomb form. The photocatalytic honeycomb core is formed of three or more basic core units and a light guide member that is Y-shaped in an end view.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical diagnostics and more specifically, to identification of amniotic fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates provides synthetic medical adhesives which exploit plant derivatives to form covalent bonds with amines and thiols on tissue surfaces.

Abstract: A wound-healing and hemostatic sponge of squid ink polysaccharide/chitosan, a preparation method and use thereof are provided. The sponge comprises squid ink polysaccharide and chitosan as carriers and calcium chloride as an initiator for blood coagulation, and the wound-healing and hemostatic sponge of squid ink polysaccharide/chitosan is achieved via a lyophilization technology. Particularly, the preparation method comprises slowly adding a squid ink polysaccharide solution to a chitosan solution to form a uniformly mixed solution, adding a calcium chloride solution to the uniformly mixed solution, forming a gel followed by the gel being frozen and then lyophilized, and achieving the product. The wound-healing and hemostatic sponge has a good absorbing-errhysis effect, a good pro-coagulant effect, fast hemostasis and a complete hemostatic effect, without secondary re-hemorrhage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a therapeutic device (graft) comprising a collagen membrane having an aligned uniaxial or biaxial structure such that mammalian cells plated on the membrane align mainly along the direction of the collagen fibrils. In a further aspect, a graft comprising a substantially tubular body, wherein the body has an exterior surface, an interior surface, and at least one lumen extending therethrough such that a fluid flow through the lumen can direct mammalian cell migration. In a further aspect, mammalian cells or growth and angiogenic factors can be optionally attached to the exterior and/or interior surface of the substantially tubular body. In various aspects, the graft can be used as a vascular prosthesis, a stent, or a nerve regeneration scaffold. Methods of preparing and implanting same are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are described for generating autologous tissue grafts, including generating grafts at the point of care, which include isolated cell populations that are enriched with stem cells and are mixed with biological fillers including hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof. The hyaluronic acid localizes the cells to a desired injection site and stimulates collagen production thus enhancing the viability and the longevity of the graft.

Abstract: Methods for treating a bioprosthetic tissue are described herein. The methods comprise contacting the bioprosthetic tissue with at least one nucleophile and/or at least one electrophile in the presence of a catalytic system comprising at least one or a combination of a fluoride-based salt, a cesium-based salt, a potassium-based salt, a rubidium-based salt, or a carbonate-based salt. The methods may be used to alter functional groups on biological tissue which represent actual and potential calcium binding sites and also processes for cross-linking bioprosthetic tissue. Both processes may be used in conjunction with known fixative techniques, such as glutaraldehyde fixation, or may be used to replace known fixative techniques.

Abstract: A tissue scaffold for repair and regeneration of bone hard tissue or muscle, skin, or organ soft tissue, including load-bearing bone tissue, the scaffold comprising a core of biocompatible, biodegradable inorganic glass fibers; and a biocompatible, biodegradable, flexible polymer film surrounding the core and adhered to the core.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods of winding collagen fiber to make medical constructs and related collagen fiber tube and patch devices.

Abstract: Provided is a biological implant which exhibits high binding ability to a biological tissue after having been embedded in a living organism, which secures an appropriate strength depending on a site to which the implant is applied, and in which a micropore structural portion is less likely to be removed from a macropore structural portion. The biological implant includes a macropore structural portion which defines macropores of the biological implant, and a micropore structural portion which has micropores therein, the micropores having a pore size smaller than that of the macropores, the biological implant being characterized in that the macropore structural portion has substantially no pores therein; the micropore structural portion is provided on the surface of the macropore structural portion; the macropore structural portion and the micropore structural portion are formed of the same engineering plastic material; and the macropore structural portion is formed of a single material.

Abstract: Sliceable bone repair material is a porous block-shaped scaffold containing a hydrogel, wherein the hydrogel is formed by Michael type addition of at least two precursor molecules. Said scaffold is made of a synthetic ceramic material and has interconnected macropores having a diameter above 100 ?m. In addition said scaffold has a total porosity of 60 to 80%. The total volume of the hydrogel is smaller than the total volume of the interconnected macropores.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical catheter is provided. The catheter may comprise one or more hydrophobic barrier layers made from an ethylene-pertfluoroethylenepropylene (“EFEP”) copolymer. Additionally, the catheter may comprise another polymer layer made from a reactive polar polymer. In at least one embodiment, the reactive polar polymer may be a modified-poly(ether block amide) (“PEBA”) copolymer, such as an amine-terminated PEBA. Moreover, in various embodiments, a composition is provided that may comprise a reactive polar polymer bonded to an EFEP copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous non mechanical valve which retards or prevents the passage of bodily fluids and is resistant to being occluded or blocked by exposure to the surgical fumes or aerosols encountered during surgical procedures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automatically switching different aspiration levels to an ocular probe are disclosed herein. The probe may be a phacoemulsification probe. A first aspiration level, supplied by a first pump, may be applied to the probe simultaneously with ultrasonic energy. A second aspiration level, supplied by a second pump, may be automatically switched from the first aspiration level. Control feed back of the pumps may be varied according to set thresholds.

Abstract: A dressing for treating a tissue site may include a base layer, a sealing member, a first and a second wicking layer, and an absorbent layer. The base layer may have a plurality of apertures and may be adapted to cover the tissue site. The sealing member and the base layer may define an enclosure. The first and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure with the absorbent layer positioned between the first and the second wicking layer. A conduit comprised of an absorbent material that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable may be in fluid communication with the dressing for providing reduced pressure to the dressing. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented that facilitate the provision of reduced pressure to a tissue site by using a delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge, which separates liquids and gases and provides a flow path for reduced pressure. In one instance, a delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge includes a delivery manifold for delivering reduced pressure to a treatment manifold at the tissue site and an absorbent layer proximate the delivery manifold adapted to receive and absorb liquids. The delivery manifold and the absorbent layer are encapsulated in an encapsulating pouch. A first aperture is formed proximate a first longitudinal end of the delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge for fluidly communicating reduced pressure to the delivery manifold from a reduced-pressure source, and a second aperture is formed on a patient-facing side of the delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge. Reduced pressure is transferred to the tissue site via the second aperture. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A blood bag system includes: a first bag in which blood containing multiple components is stored; a second bag in which a relative medium-density component is stored; a third bag in which a relative low-density component is stored; a first tube through which the relative low-density component and the relative medium-density component are transported from the first bag to the second bag; and a second tube through which the relative low-density component is transported from the first bag to the third bag. A blood treatment method involves: centrifuging blood containing multiple components in a first bag, transporting a low-density component from the first bag to a third bag through a first tube and transporting a relative medium-density component from the first bag to the second bag through the first tube.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus can include a first magnet coupled to a catheter and a second magnet configured to couple to a patient's skin. When the catheter and the first magnet are positioned within a patient's body, the second magnet can exert a magnetic force on the first magnet that stabilizes the catheter relative to the second magnet. The second magnet can be directly attached to the patient's skin or secondary devices such as straps can be used to place the second magnet in a fixed position relative to the patient's body. In some implementations, a plurality of magnets can facilitate holding the catheter in a substantially fixed position within the patient.

Abstract: An improved intravascular blood pump and related methods involving the broad inventive concept of equipping the intravascular blood pump with guiding features such that the intravascular blood pump can be selectively positioned at a predetermined location within the circulatory system of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of performing an evidence Dialysis modality of Batch, Tidal or a combination of both. The system: isolates cavity volume changes due only to ultrafiltrate; determines the volume of a patient cavity; determines a full cavity; determines an objective time to initiate an exchange; and determines an empty cavity. One or more combination of these features provide for evidence base Fill, Dwell, and Drain sequences. The system comprises: a cassette having a heated region and a sensor region for measurements. A valve manifold supplies a patient connection with fluid. A microprocessor receives pressure measurements, controls the heated region and activates a volumetric pump to deliver or extract discrete increments of the fluid to the cassette from bags. Filtering pressure measurements to remove rapid fluctuations determines an accumulated pressure in the patient cavity. The volume of fluid in the patient cavity correlates to the accumulated pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hemodialysis membrane for the treatment of hemolytic events, especially acute episodes of hemolysis which lead to elevated levels of plasma free hemoglobin. The present disclosure further relates to methods of removing hemoglobin from the blood of patients undergoing a hemolytic event. The treatment and method encompasses using a hemodialysis membrane which is characterized in that it comprises at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer and in that it has a MWRO of between 15 and 20 kD and a MWCO of between 170-320 kD, or, in the alternative, has a MWRO of between 9 and 14 kD and a MWCO of between 55 kD and 130 kD.

Abstract: A filtration unit to selectively remove leukocytes from fluids containing platelets and systems including a filtration unit are provided. In one embodiment, a filtration unit is provided including an outer casing enclosing a porous element which includes a leukocyte-removal medium with a coating. The coating includes a polymer containing a main hydrophobic chain and a hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) side chain and having a mass average molar mass in the range of from about 1,000 g/mol to about 20,000 g/mol. The hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) side chain includes from 9 to 50 ethylene oxide units, and the mass percentage of the poly(ethylene oxide) side chain is less than about 50% of the mass average molar mass of the polymer.

Abstract: A blood reservoir (20) for storing blood includes a first storage section (21), a second storage section (22), and a third storage section (23) that is provided between the first storage section and the second storage section, and communicates with the first storage section and the second storage section. A volume of the blood reservoir (20) can be adjusted by changing the amount of expansion or contraction of a bellows structure (28) using a bellows adjustment mechanism (83, 93).

Abstract: A portable irrigation system comprising a reservoir for an irrigating liquid, a probe for arrangement in a user, an electrical system, a control unit for controlling the transfer of irrigation liquid and tubing providing fluid communication between said reservoir, control unit and probe.

Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration system for irrigating and aspirating a surgical site includes an irrigation flow path for directing fluid towards the surgical site via an irrigation connection, and an aspiration flow path for directing fluid away from the surgical site via an aspiration connection. A membrane pump is arranged for pumping fluid through the irrigation flow path and/or the aspiration flow path. The membrane pump includes a main pump chamber, at least two valves for opening and/or closing the main pump chamber and an auxiliary pump chamber arranged between the irrigation connection and/or aspiration connection and the main pump chamber for compensating movement of a main pump plunger element in the main pump chamber to provide for an approximately even fluid flow to and/or from the surgical site.

Abstract: A syringe adapter for holding various sizes of syringes. A syringe includes a tip, a barrel, a plunger, a flange, and a syringe axis extending from the tip to the plunger. An example syringe holder attaches to a fluid delivery system and includes a syringe clamp. The syringe holder holds a syringe stationary in the syringe clamp. The syringe clamp is offset from the fluid delivery system such that the syringe, or connections to the syringe, does not interfere with other components of the fluid delivery system. The syringe holder may include a support bar, which the syringe clamp can slide along. Alternatively, the syringe clamp may be rotatable.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a valve structure that comprises a flexible structure having a distal portion configured for attachment to a first member and a proximal portion configured for attachment to a second member. The flexible structure is configured such that when the first member is extended distally relative to the second member, the flexible structure adopts a reduced width profile and such that when the first member is retracted proximally relative to the second member to a point of maximal retraction, the flexible structure adopts an expanded width profile, which is more resistant to deformation due to fluid pressure in a proximal direction than it is to deformation due to fluid pressure in a distal direction. The present disclosure is also directed to devices and methods pertaining to such a valve structure.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) pole assembly comprising: an IV pole having a pole, a plurality of hooks mounted to the pole, and a base with a plurality of wheels, wherein the plurality of hooks are for holding a container of intravenous fluid; and a decorative equipment including a decorative element and a connector bracket attached to the decorative element, the connector bracket for mounting on a top of the pole, the connector bracket comprises a shaft that defines a plurality of slots on one end of the shaft.

Abstract: A precision syringe pump employing a syringe comprises a motor, a lead screw and a syringe driving head connected to the lead screw. The syringe comprises a cylinder and a plunger. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to drive the syringe driving head and push the plunger to move within the cylinder. The syringe pump further comprises: a magnetoresistive sensor, at least one permanent magnet and an MCU, the at least one permanent magnet being located on the lead screw and rotating therewith; the magnetoresistive sensor can sense the magnetic field generated by the at least one permanent magnet; the input end of the MCU is connected to the magnetoresistive sensor, and the output end of the MCU is connected to the motor; the MCU receives signals from the magnetoresistive sensor and controls, according to the signal feedback, the direction and velocity of the lead screw rotated by the motor.

Abstract: A medical device system is disclosed. The medical device system includes a first medical device and a second medical device. A remote interface including a touch screen is also included. The remote interface is in wireless communication with the first medical device and the second medical device. The remote interface is configured to provide a user interface to the first medical device and the second medical device. The remote interface is configured to receive user input through a touch screen. Also, a charging device is included. The charging device is configured to receive at least the first medical device and the remote interface and the charging device is configured to recharge a first medical device battery and the charging device is configured to recharge an interface battery in the remote interface. The charging device is connected to a personal computer wherein the personal computer provides information to the remote interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ambulatory therapeutic fluid delivery device. The device includes at least one housing connectable to a cannula, the at least one housing retaining a reservoir to hold the therapeutic fluid. The device also includes a mechanically powered pumping mechanism to cause delivery of at least some of the fluid from the reservoir, and a power-transfer mechanism to transfer manually-delivered power provided by a user to mechanically actuate the pumping mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear actor arrangement, comprising a linear actor with two ends whose distance is variable depending on an energizing of the linear actor, wherein each end is attached to a respective first or second coupling element which engage a coupling surface, wherein the coupling surface and the coupling elements exhibit mating surface structures in such a manner that the coupling elements are prevented from moving in a direction while being allowed to move in an opposite direction.

Abstract: An infusion pump assembly includes a locking tab and a pump barrel inside a pump barrel housing, where the pump barrel accommodates a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a plunger rod. The infusion pump assembly also includes a locking disc at a terminus of the pump barrel. The locking disc includes a clearance hole for the plunger rod. The locking disc also includes at least one locking tab notch in close proximity with the locking tab. The locking tab is in moveable engagement with the locking tab notch, and the reservoir moves the locking tab from a locked position to an unlocked position when the plunger rod is inserted through clearance hole. The locking disc rotates upon torque being applied to the reservoir assembly, the locking disc rotating from a non-loaded position to a loaded position with respect to the plunger rod and a drive screw.