Abstract: The invention relates to biomedicine and nanomedicine, and makes it possible to enhance the diagnostic or therapeutic efficiency of an agent administered to the organism. The invention can be used to enhance methods of diagnostics and therapy of various diseases due to a more effective (passive or active) delivery of the agent to cell-targets, improved pharmacokinetic parameters of the agent (circulation time), etc.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the field of gene therapy, i.e. gene delivery into target cells, tissue, organ and organism, and more particularly to gene delivery via viral vectors. The inventors showed that it is possible by chemical coupling to modulate the coupling of a ligand in the surface of the capsid of AAV, for example AAV2 and AAV3b. In particular, the present invention relates to a recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (rAAV) vector particle having at least one primary amino group contained in the capsid proteins, chemically coupled with at least one ligand L, wherein coupling of said ligand L is implemented through a bond comprising a —CSNH— bond and an optionally substituted aromatic moiety. Particularly, the inventors tested the chemical coupling of mannose ligand on AAV2 for subretinally injection to rats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric micelle including a kartogenin derivative, a hyaluronic acid hydrogel including the same, a method for producing the same, and a use thereof, and the polymeric micelle and the hyaluronic acid derivative hydrogel including the polymeric micelle slowly release kartogenin, and thus may be usefully used for the purpose of preventing or treating various cartilage disorder-related diseases such as degenerative arthritis because an effect of regenerating chondrocytes while protecting chondrocytes is excellent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to micro and nanosized capsule compositions and methods of using and making the capsule compositions. The capsule compositions comprise an outer layer of lipids and/or polymers and inner contents comprising semiconductor nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are either metal oxides or quantum dots and will produce reactive oxygen species when irradiated with either electromagnetic radiation or ultrasound. The reactive oxygen species will degrade the outer layer of the capsule and cause the release of the contents, including the reactive oxygen species, into the local environment. The contents may optionally include cancer treating agent, water treating agents, antimicrobials, imaging and/or contracting agents. The outer layer may be further coated to protect it from environmental factors and/or be conjugated with a targeting molecule to increase delivery to a target.

Abstract: Normal or genetically modified cell(s) having magnetic nanoparticle(s) bound (affixed) to their surfaces and methods of delivery to target tissues, e.g. for treatment of disease and/or injury.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for treating Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) in a subject. In one aspect, a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector is provided which includes a nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence encoding Lebercilin. In another aspect, Lebercilin has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In yet another aspect, the nucleic acid molecule has a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 or a variant thereof. In desired embodiments, the subject is human, cat, dog, sheep, or non-human primate.

Abstract: What is described is a compound of formula I consisting of a compound in which R1 is a branched chain alkyl consisting of 10 to 31 carbons; R2 is a linear alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl consisting of 2 to 20 carbons; L1 and L2 are the same or different, each a linear alkylene or alkenylene consisting of 2 to 20 carbons; X1 is S or O; R3 is a linear or branched alkylene consisting of 1 to 6 carbons; and R4 and R5 are the same or different, each a hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl consisting of 1 to 6 carbons; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for producing therapeutic fusion proteins in vivo. The compositions and methods disclosed herein are capable of ameliorating diseases by providing therapeutic protein delivery.

Abstract: Provided herein are synthetic scaffolds engineered to function as a pre-metastatic niche to detect metastasis. In particular, synthetic scaffolds described herein provide detection of the earliest events in metastasis, thereby enabling treatment of metastasis before the disease burden increases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for intraoperatively determining the location of nerves by use of fluorescent dyes. The methods are particularly useful for locating the cavernous nerves innervating the penis.

Abstract: A biometric method includes: a step (1) for administering, to a target organism from the outside thereof, one of (i) a target molecule A having both an unpaired electron and a magnetic resonance nucleus having a gyromagnetic ratio smaller than the same of 19F, and (ii) a target molecule B and a radical molecule C, the target molecule B having no unpaired electron, and further having a magnetic resonance nucleus having a gyromagnetic ratio smaller than the same of 19F, the radical molecule C having an unpaired electron; and a step (2) for causing electron spin resonance in the unpaired electron of the target molecule A or the radical molecule C by irradiating electromagnetic waves to the target organism, subsequently triggering nuclear magnetic resonance in the magnetic resonance nucleus having a gyromagnetic ratio smaller than the same of 19F in one of the target molecule A and the target molecule B, and further, measuring nuclear magnetic resonance signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns radiopharmaceutical compositions of radioactive halogenated benzylguanidine (such as radioiodinated MIBG) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the composition has at least 97% of radiochemical purity for at least 4 days. Advantageously, the compositions of the present disclosure may be devoid of parabens, which are carcinogenic and yet are used in known radioactive MIBG compositions. The present disclosure also provides processes of preparing a radioactive halogenated benzylguanidine composition. The compositions of the present disclosure can be used in diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

Abstract: Novel cromolyn analogs useful as imaging agents for detecting atherosclerotic plaques and for treating atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease, and methods of making the cromolyn analogs, are disclosed. The cromolyn analogs have the general formula: wherein X is OH, C1-C6 alkoxyl; Y and Z are independently selected from a C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxyl, halogen, un-substituted or C1-C6 substituted amine, 18F, 19F, or H; and n is 1, 2, or 3; and wherein for structure (I), if n are both 1 and Y and Z are both H and X is OH.

Abstract: Multifunctional chelators, metal complexes thereof, compositions thereof, and methods of making and use in diagnostic imaging and treatment of cellular disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various compositions and methods of using these compositions for imaging natriuretic peptide receptors using, for example, positron emission tomography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of radioimmunoconjugates for the treatment of bone marrow associated diseases, particularly AL-amyloidosis.

Abstract: A portable light fastening assembly for use with the human interface of an electronic device includes a lamp housing and an adjustable attachment device extending from the lamp housing. An ultra-violet (UV) light source is at least partially enclosed in the lamp housing such that the adjustable attachment device includes an engagement member and a receptacle housing such that the engagement member can be removably fastened within the receptacle housing for holding the lamp housing in a fixed position.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor having a tube and nozzles may be used to increase the effectiveness of an endoscope reprocessor. Fluid may be delivered into the tube through the nozzle, which may be oriented in various orientations. Energy of the flow within the tube may be increased by introduction of fluid through the nozzles, which may additionally move the endoscope within the tube.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for sterilizing a material with a composition comprising peracetic acid and a short chain organic acid stabilizer, for example, oxalic acid or malonic acid. The use of the short chain organic acid stabilizer results in a reduction of the amount of residue deposited on the heating surface used to vaporize the peracetic acid.

Abstract: Technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) for sanitizing mist humidifiers are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include a sanitization gas system and a connector unit. The connector unit is configured to install into an opening in the mist humidifier that is used in operation to release mist for humidification purposes. The connector unit includes an inlet passageway for supplying sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the humidifier, and an exhaust system for removing sanitizing gas from the reservoir.

Abstract: Perfume testers comprising one or more atomizers are disclosed. The atomizer comprises a liquid compartment and a mixing compartment. The mixing compartment comprises an air inlet and an air outlet. The mixing compartment comprises a mixing opening facing the liquid compartment and the liquid compartment comprises a liquid opening facing the mixing compartment. The mixing opening matches the liquid opening. The atomizer further comprises a wick connecting the liquid compartment and the mixing compartment such that in use the wick fits in the liquid and mixing compartments openings in an airtight manner. The wick extends into the mixing and liquid compartments. A portion of the wick extending into the mixing compartment comprises an outer contact surface and a volume of the mixing compartment is defined such that a ratio between the outer contact surface and the volume of the mixing compartment is at least approximately 0,05:1.

Abstract: The invention is directed a hemostatic foam, to a process for preparing a biodegradable hemostatic foam, and to the use of said foam. The hemostatic foam comprises a blend of a chitosan hemostatic agent and a polymer, which polymer provides the foam with a porosity of 85-99% and a foam density of 0.01-0.2 g/cm3.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet wherein at least a portion of the topsheet has been treated to become hydrophobic; a backsheet joined to said topsheet; an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet, said absorbent core having an inner surface oriented toward the skin of the wearer when said absorbent article is being worn and an outer surface oriented toward the garment of the wearer when said absorbent article is being worn; and a surfactant applied to at least a portion of said outer surface of said topsheet wherein the topsheet has been treated hydrophobic and wherein the hydrophilic surfactant is added to the areas treated hydrophobic.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid and frozen haemostatic materials and dressings consisting essentially of a fibrinogen component and a fibrinogen activator. Also disclosed are methods of treating internal wounded tissue in a mammal by applying one or more of these haemostatic materials and dressings.

Abstract: The patent provides a superabsorbent polymer hydrogel xerogel sponge and a preparation method and an application thereof. The sponge is a three-dimensional network porous sponge with chitosan as its skeleton, superabsorbent polymer as its branched chain, and macromolecule or polymer with flexible structure as its cross-linking agent. The sponge can be prepared by a one-pot method. The product has porous structure, having the characteristic of superabsorbent and maintaining integrity and certain mechanical strength after water absorption. The material can be used in the emergency hemostasis of large arteriovenous hemorrhage. The effect is better than that of the existing materials in the market. The superabsorbent hydrogel xerogel sponge provided by the invention has the advantages of simple preparation process, low cost. The product has outstanding hemostatic effect, good safety, with no heat production and no residue, and has significant medical value and industrial potential.

Abstract: This invention provides novel synthetic bone grafting materials or tissue engineering scaffolds with desired structural and biological properties (e.g., well-controlled macroporosities, spatially defined biological microenvironment, good handling characteristics, self-anchoring capabilities and shape memory properties) and methods of their applications in vivo.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the repair of articular tissue using collagen material are provided. Compositions of collagen material and related kits are also provided.

Abstract: A copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-polyallyl mercaptan (PEG-PAM) material is used as a drug-containing coating for medical implants. In one embodiment, a mixture of multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), polyallyl mercaptan (PAM), a photoinitiator, organic solvent, and one or more drugs, medicaments, or pharmaceutical compounds is applied to a surface of the implant and is exposed to a polymerizing light source to form a PEG-PAM material coating that is formed in situ on the implant. The PEG-PAM coating may be used by surgeons to incorporate antibacterial drugs or the like into coatings that are applied in the operating room setting to medical devices such as orthopedic implants. The type of drug and dosing can be customized during the coating operation and tailored to the patient's needs. PEG-PAM may also be applied as a coating on or within tissue or an injectable gel.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of transplanting cells by grafting strategies into solid organs (especially internal organs) are provided. These methods and compositions can be used to repair diseased organs or to establish models of disease states in experimental hosts. The method involves attachment onto the surface of a tissue or organ, a patch graft, containing the donor cells. The donor cells may be a mixture of stem cells/progenitors with supporting early lineage stage mesenchymal cells. The patch graft promotes migration of the donor cells into the host organ and supports the successful integration of donor cells with host cells to repair the diseased organ.

Abstract: Medical devices, substrates and biologic therapies for bone repair and guided tissue regeneration are disclosed. More particularly, bone graft substitutes and bone void fillers which comprise a porous collagen matrix and calcium deficient hydroxyapatite ceramic granules for delivery of osteoinductive or other therapeutic agents are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) include a matrix of chitosan and mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) wherein the chitosan is electrostatically bonded to the MCT to form MCT-chitosan composite material. The MCT can be isolated from invertebrate marine organisms, such as sponges, jellyfish, mollusks and echinoderms. The MCT-chitosan composite material can be formulated as a biofilm, a 3D-sponge, a hydrogel, or as an electrospun nanofiber, or the MCT-chitosan composite material can coat a biomaterial surface. The devices can include wound dressings and tissue sponges, including 3D sponges. Applications include tissue engineering and wound healing, as well as burns and other related guided tissue regeneration applications. MCT and MCT-chitosan composite material, contained in a pharmaceutically acceptable topical carrier, also has cosmeceutical applications, for treating scars, as well as skin discoloration and various pigmentation issues, including melasma/chloasma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neural implant comprising a biomaterial having an outer surface with a stochastic nanoroughness (Rq), and the application of said stochastic nanoroughness in the diagnosis and/or treatment of a neurological disorder, such as, for example, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, glioblastoma and/or for disrupting, and/or preventing glial scars in the context of mammalian mechanosensing ion channels selected from the family of PIEZO-1 and PIEZO-2 ion channels.

Abstract: A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid and frozen haemostatic materials and dressings consisting essentially of a fibrinogen component and a fibrinogen activator. Also disclosed are methods of treating internal wounded tissue in a mammal by applying one or more of these haemostatic materials and dressings, particularly for the treatment of injured tissue via endoscopic or minimally-invasive surgical techniques.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel implant drug delivery systems for long-acting delivery of antiviral drugs. These compositions are useful for the treatment or prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Abstract: Biodegradable antimicrobial films are provided that are solid at room temperature and substantially liquefy in situ after implantation into a mammal, such as a human patient. Methods of using the films to cover a medical device, such as a breast implant, prior to insertion into a subject are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compounds and compositions for bone formation, fracture treatment, bone grafting, bone fusion, cartilage maintenance and repair, and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions comprising one or more compound(s) disclosed herein derivatives, or salt thereof, for use in bone growth processes. In a typical embodiment, a bone graft composition is implanted in a subject at a site of desired bone growth or enhancement. In certain embodiments, compounds disclosed herein are useful for managing obesity and diabetes or other metabolic syndromes by modulation of brown fat.

Abstract: Provided is an indwelling catheter which is stiff when being inserted into a vessel such as a blood vessel, softens after indwelling in the vessel, and conforms to a shape in a direction in which the vessel runs. In the indwelling catheter, the maximum value of a catheter repulsive force in a dry state at 25° C. is 0.10 N or more; the maximum value of the catheter repulsive force when immersed in warm water at 37° C. is 0.01 to 0.25 N; a ratio of the maximum value of the catheter repulsive force in a dry state at 25° C. to the maximum value of the catheter repulsive force when immersed in warm water at 37° C. is in a range of 3.5:1 or more; and the maximum value of the catheter repulsive force when immersed in warm water at 37° C. is 0.027 N or less after 5 minutes from indwelling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-electrode composition including a silicone bonded to a sulfonamide salt, wherein the sulfonamide salt is shown by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 represents a linear, branched, or cyclic alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms optionally having an aromatic group, an ether group, or an ester group, or an arylene group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms; Rf represents a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and containing at least one fluorine atom; M+ is an ion selected from a lithium ion, a sodium ion, a potassium ion, and a silver ion. This can form a living body contact layer for a bio-electrode that is excellent in electric conductivity and biocompatibility, light-weight, manufacturable at low cost, and free from large lowering of the electric conductivity even though it is wetted with water or dried.

Abstract: A material that is less populated by biofilms than known materials and is well tolerated by the body is provided. The material is an element introducible into or attachable on a human or animal body and includes a glass and/or glass ceramic and/or ceramic material at least in some areas thereof, which inhibits the formation of biofilms and/or on which human or animal cells grow if the element is introduced into the human or animal body or attached thereto, wherein the glass and/or glass ceramic material comprises at least: SiO2 in a range from 60 to 75 wt % and ZnO in a range from 1 to 7 wt %.

Abstract: A process for the sequential processing of opaque and transparent biological fluids such as whole blood, apheresis blood, bone marrow blood, umbilical cord blood, buffy coat or cultured cells by processing steps in a hollow cylindrical centrifugal processing chamber (300) which is part of a disposable set. At least three different procedures selected from washing, incubation, transduction, separation, density gradient separation, dilution and volume adjustment are each carried out once or repeated a number of times according to a given processing profile in the processing chamber. Each procedure involves an input into the processing chamber, an operation in the processing chamber and an output from the processing chamber by displacement of a piston (310). The at least three different procedures are sequentially chained one after the other to constitute an overall sequential operation in the processing chamber and its disposable set.

Abstract: An intra-cardiac device component (ICDC) is inserted into one to four chambers of the heart. The ICDC in the right atrium and left atrium expands while the tricuspid and mitral valves are open during the first-time epoch. The expansion in the right atrium and left atrium pushes blood from these atriums into their respective ventricles. The ICDC in the right ventricle and left ventricle contracts at this time epoch and the pulmonary and aortic valves are closed. In the succeeding time epoch, the ICDC in the right atrium and left atrium contracts while the tricuspid and mitral valves are closed, and the right atrium and left atrium are filling with blood. The ICDC in the right ventricle and left ventricle expand in this time epoch while the pulmonary and aortic valves are open. This sequence increases blood flow into the pulmonary artery and aorta and helps to remedy the decreased ability to pump blood in heart failure patients.

Abstract: A medical device includes a constant-flow pump configured to pump a fluid through a fluid conduit and a rotary valve fluidically connected to the pump. The rotary valve includes at least one rotatable valve member configured to be operatively connected to and rotate relative to the fluid conduit. The rotatable valve member includes at least one aperture. The rotatable valve member is capable of being positioned in a plurality of positions relative to the conduit. The position of the at least one first aperture of the rotatable valve member controls fluid flow through the rotary valve, and thereby through the conduit.

Abstract: A dialysis system, comprising: a dialysis machine; a voice recognition component configured to identify a voice command in audio information received by a microphone of the dialysis system; an authentication component configured to determine a source of the voice command; and a processor configured to perform a function determined based on the voice command.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dialysis machine that comprises a dialyzer, a fluid source, a first line connected to the fluid source, and a container containing bicarbonate. The container connects to the first line and the fluid flows from the fluid source, through the first line, to the container. The dialysis machine further includes a second line connected to the container, a flow rate sensor connected to at least one of the lines, a pressure sensor configured for detecting fluid pressure of the container, a display, and a data processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus is configured to receive signals from the flow rate sensor and the pressure sensor. The data processing apparatus is configured to calculate a size of the container based on the received signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an assembly for calibrating devices 11 for detecting blood or blood components in a liquid, in particular dialysate, which devices comprise a light transmitter 17 and a light receiver 18, and an evaluation unit 20 that receives the signal from the light receiver 18 and is designed such that blood or blood components in the liquid are detected on the basis of the weakening of radiation passing through the liquid. The method according to the invention is based on the fact that the calibration of the devices 11 for detecting blood or blood components is carried out without the use of blood. The calibration is carried out using an absorption standard 30, which has predetermined optical properties in relation to the absorption of the light in blood, the absorption standard 30 being arranged in the beam path 19 between the light transmitter 17 and the light receiver 18.

Abstract: In one aspect, a peritoneal dialysis system includes a tray for supporting a bag that can receive dialysate from a source of dialysate, multiple force sensors disposed adjacent a portion of the tray that is in contact with the bag when the bag is supported by the tray, and one or more processors configured to receive data from the multiple force sensors and to determine, based on the data, an amount of dialysate contained in the bag.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods can be used to deliver temperature-controlled medical fluids to patients. For example, this disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for controlling the temperature of dialysate delivered to a patient during a peritoneal dialysis treatment.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system includes a dialyzer; a dialysis fluid circuit including a fresh dialysis fluid pump, and a used dialysis fluid pump; a blood circuit including a blood pump operable with an arterial line upstream of the dialyzer, a medical fluid source in fluid communication with the arterial line between a patient end of the arterial line and the blood pump, a drip chamber located along a venous line; a blood rinseback sequence wherein blood is transferred to the patient by the medical fluid, wherein the medical fluid is introduced from its source into the arterial line between an arterial line patient end and the blood pump, and flowed through the dialyzer, through the venous drip chamber along the venous line; and a blood circuit priming sequence initiated in the blood circuit via the arterial line.

Abstract: A medical wetness sensing device includes a base adapted to be disposed on a wearer of the medical wetness sensing device. The base includes a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor electrically insulated from the first electrical conductor. The first electrical conductor includes a hinge portion enabling a first portion of the first electrical conductor to deflect, at the hinge portion, relative to a second portion of the first electrical conductor. The medical wetness sensing device includes a controller electrically connected to the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor. The controller is configured to detect a presence or an absence of a medical fluid electrically connecting the first and second electrical conductors.