Abstract: Provided is a conjugate including a c-Met targeting compound and a bioactive material and methods of use of the conjugate.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel cell-binding agent-maytansinoid conjugate having a self-immolative peptide linker and more specifically to conjugates of formula (I). The invention also provides novel maytansinoid compounds of formula (II), (III), (IV) or (V). 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: Described herein are platinum-based brush-arm star polymers (Pt-BASPs), or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, for delivery of platinum-based agents, such as oxaliplatin. Also provided are methods and kits involving the Pt-BASPs, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, for treating proliferative diseases such as cancers (e.g., lung cancer, head-and-neck cancer, esophagus cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, pancreas cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, or prostate cancer) in a subject.

Abstract: A compound comprising formula (I): wherein R1 is an alkylamino group or a group containing at least one aromatic group; R2 and R3 are independently an aliphatic group or hydrophobic group; R4 and R5 are independently H, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an acyl group, or an aromatic group, or includes a polymer, a targeting group, or a detectable moiety, and at least one of R4 and R5 includes a targeting group that targets and/or binds to a retinal or visual protein; a, b, c, and d are independently an integer from 1 to 10; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating cancerous tumors is presented herein. The method includes injecting an effective dose of a plasmid encoded for IL-12, B7-1 or IL-15 into a cancerous tumor and subsequently administering at least one high voltage, short duration pulse to the tumor. The electroporation pulses may be administered at al least 700 V/cm for a duration of less than 1 millisecond. The intratumor treatments with electroporation may be administered in at least a two-treatment protocol with the time between treatments being about 7 days. The intratumor treatments with electroporation may be administered in a three-treatment protocol with a time of four days between the first and second treatments and a time of three days between the second and third treatments. It was found that the intratumor treatments using electroporation not only resulted in tumor regression but also induced an immune memory response which prevented the formation of new tumors.

Abstract: The invention provides an adenovirus or adenoviral vector characterized by comprising one or more particular nucleic acid sequences or one or more particular amino acid sequences, or portions thereof, pertaining to, for example, an adenoviral pIX protein, DNA polymerase protein, penton protein, hexon protein, and/or fiber protein.

Abstract: A compound, a method of imaging a cell, and a method of detecting a cancer, an inflammatory disease, or a neoplastic disease are provided. The compound includes a nitroxide derivative of a fluorophore that is activatable upon exposure to free radicals. The method of imaging a cell includes contacting the cell with an activatable nitroxide derivative of a fluorophore. The method of detecting a cancer, an inflammatory disease, or a neoplastic disease includes administering an activatable nitroxide derivative of a fluorophore and then imaging one or more cells contacted with the compound.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a competitive glucose binding affinity assay comprising a glucose receptor (typically mannan binding lectin) labeled with an assay fluorophore and a modified glucose analog (typically dextran) labeled with a reference fluorophore. In certain embodiments, the glucose analog is dextran and is coupled to both a reference fluorophore and a quencher dye (e.g. hexamethoxy crystalviolet-1). Optionally the reference fluorophore is blue shifted relative to the assay fluorophore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the polyol-type synthesis of nanoparticulate magnetite starting from mixtures of Fe0 and FeIII in the presence of a mineral acid. The magnetite particles obtainable from the process have uniform size characteristics and have even presented higher SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) values than those of magnetosomes.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface may include a housing configured to be affixed about at least a portion of said point of contact. The housing may have an interior in or through which the point of contact may be accessed and an anterior opening for access to the interior. The apparatus may further include one or more sources of a sanitizing agent, such as germicidal light, configured to direct the sanitizing agent toward a location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed. One or more of an anterior dome, an inner surface, and a posterior surface may also be configured to reflect the sanitizing agent toward the location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed.

Abstract: A surface disinfecting system utilizing UV radiation emitted from at least on UV lamp, the UV lamp positioned in a light fixture that is positioned in a room to be disinfected. The light fixture is provided with a shaft upon which the light fixture rotates according to a predetermined cycle. The cycle may be programmed to adjust the speed and direction of rotation and intensity of the UV lamps.

Abstract: Various implementations of the invention are directed toward a sanitizing door handle and/or components of such sanitizing door handle. Some implementations of the invention are directed toward a manual sanitizing door handle while some implementations of the invention are directed toward an auto-sanitizing door handle. According to some implementations of the invention, a sanitizing fluid is dispensed directly onto an exterior surface of the sanitizing door handle in connection with an operation of the door handle to sanitize the door handle. According to some implementations of the invention, a sanitizing fluid is dispensed directly onto a user's hand(s) in connection with an operation of the door handle to sanitize the user's hand(s).

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a medical device comprises three steps. First, a disinfectant is contacted with a process indicator and the medical device. The disinfectant comprises at least one aldehyde. The process indicator contains a synthetic amine-containing compound disposed on a substrate. The synthetic amine-containing compound comprises at least one of primary amino groups or secondary amino groups, and is reactive with the disinfectant to form at least one adduct. The synthetic amine-containing compound and the medical device are in fluid communication through the disinfectant. A predetermined disinfectant exposure criterion exists for contacting the disinfectant with the medical device. Second, the process indicator is spectrally observed and at least one parameter is obtained therefrom that is predictive of the predetermined disinfectant exposure criterion. The third step is determining that the predetermined disinfectant exposure criterion has been achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous structure including one or more encapsulated malodor reduction compositions and methods of making and using such a fibrous structure.

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 medical device reprocessor is operable to perform a method of cleaning an internal channel of a medical device. The method entails activating a first pump to deliver a detergent to the internal channel for a first predetermined duration, activating a second pump to deliver water to the internal channel to rinse out the detergent for a second predetermined duration, and activating a third pump to deliver pressurized air to the internal channel to purge out the water or detergent contained within the internal channel for a third predetermined duration. Subsequently, the method involves activating a fourth pump to deliver a predetermined volume of disinfectant to the internal channel, and reactivating the third pump to deliver pressurized air to purge out the disinfectant into a chamber. The method repeats filling the internal channel with detergent, water and disinfectant and the subsequent purging of the internal channel with pressurized air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disinfectant dispenser configured to store and dispense a surface and/or skin disinfectant, the disinfectant dispenser including a first storage container including a disinfectant; a second storage container (4) a including marking agent, wherein the marking agent is inactive in the second storage container; and a mixing section in which the marking agent is mixed with the disinfectant when the disinfectant dispenser is actuated, wherein the marking agent is provided in an inactive state after it is dispensed from the disinfectant dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally developed safety portable incense heater and more particularly to a self-contained incense heater shaped a reversed (L) letter for safely holding, igniting and heating incense (bukhoor wood bricks). The developed safety portable incense heater shaped a reversed (L) letter is going to heat the incense (bukhoor wood bricks) with a certain temperature in order to help the user to direct the smoke flow in the exact direction of the nozzle using the fan thrust. The self-contained developed safety incense heater shaped a reversed (L) letter has a small as pocket size and is portable without any wires to enhance the mobility of the users and the way of using incense or bukhoor wood bricks.

Abstract: An enzyme-degradable system for undergarments and feminine hygiene articles works to decompose the undergarments and feminine hygiene articles upon being triggered by bodily fluids, such as urine. The undergarment or feminine hygiene article comprises an absorbent core, an inner sheet of biodegradable material, and an outer sheet of biodegradable material. The core includes at least one of the following: a cellulose material, a wood pulp, a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources (polylactic acid plastic—PLA), and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The inner and outer sheets comprise a plant based cellulosic nonwoven material. The cellulase enzyme decomposes the absorbent core, the inner sheet, and the outer sheet upon contact with a bodily fluid. The cellulase enzyme may include DIS-1018 Cellulose-AN, a pH buffer, and additives. Fasteners made from a resilient, biodegradable material help secure the undergarments and feminine hygiene articles to the body.

Abstract: Embolic particles are described. The particles are reaction products of a prepolymer solution including at least one polyether macromer and an appropriate monomer.

Abstract: A biodegradable magnesium alloy nerve conduit for nerve defect repair has multiple lines of through holes in the tube wall thereof, the through holes in each line are axially arranged along a circular tube at equal distances, and the through holes in adjacent lines are arranged in a staggered way. A method for preparing the nerve conduit includes steps of: (step 1) processing a 45-degree conical surface at one end of a magnesium alloy tube blank, carrying out extrusion, and obtaining a magnesium alloy intermediate tube material; (step 2) obtaining a capillary tube after carrying out multi-pass rolling and drawing on the magnesium alloy intermediate tube material; (step 3) carrying out stress relief annealing on the capillary tube, laser cutting and punching, and obtaining a porous conduit; and (step 4) carrying out acid pickling on the porous conduit, and then carrying out electrochemical polishing treatment, and obtaining the nerve conduit.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to ionic polymer compositions, including semi- and fully interpenetrating polymer networks, methods of making such ionic polymer compositions, articles made from such ionic polymer compositions, and methods of making such articles and packaging for such articles.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue graft is provided. The tissue graft includes an extracellular matrix patch and a means for reinforcing the patch.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating select portions of a tissue matrix with a fluid containing at least one agent to produce a tissue matrix with variable mechanical and/or biological properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a decellularised tissue scaffold which comprising treating a sample of tissue with an osmotic reagent and a detergent whilst subjecting the tissue sample to oscillation with a displacement of 1 mm or more and a frequency of 3 Hz or more during these treatment steps. This method may be useful in producing acellular scaffolds that maintain the 3-D architecture and extracellular matrix composition and morphology of the native tissue.

Abstract: A hybrid tissue engineered heart valve leaflet including a polyurethane core, such as a polycarbonate-based thermoplastic polyurethane like carbothane. The polyurethane core is enclosed within one or more layer of a patient's cells and collagen. Also disclosed are hybrid tissue engineered heart valves, including a frame; and at least two leaflets attached thereto in a configuration of a heart valve, wherein the leaflets are hybrid tissue engineered heart valve leaflets, and methods of making a hybrid tissue engineered heart valve for deployment in a patient.

Abstract: Provided are synthetic bone graft substitutes that include bioactive glass and a carrier. Synthetic bone graft substitutes may include bioactive glass, glycerol and polyethylene glycol. Also provided are bone graft substitutes that include collagen and bioactive glass particles. Example bone graft substitutes may include collagen and bioactive glass particles. Other example embodiments may include Type I Bovine Collagen, an angiogenic agent, such as hyaluronic acid, and bioactive glass. Further provided are methods that include administering the present bone graft substitutes to a mammal, e.g., by surgical insertion of the bone graft substitute into the mammal, either alone or in conjunction with one or more implant devices. Further provided are kits that include the present bone grafts.

Abstract: Inserts can be formed with elution characteristics to cause the inserts to elute an antimicrobial agent when subject to a fluid within a medical device. An insert can be formed with a desired geometry to allow the insert to be compression fit within a medical device to prevent the insert from moving or becoming dislodged once inserted into the medical device. The material may also be hygroscopic so that the insert swells when subject to a fluid thereby enhancing the compression fit of the device within the medical device. In some cases, the material can be reinforced using an internal structure. Inserts can be formed in many ways including by casting, thermoforming, or extrusion. In some cases, the inserts can be formed using a peel-away sleeve or material. The peel-away sleeves can be formed of a non-sticky material which facilitates removal of the inserts once the inserts have cured.

Abstract: Inserts can be formed with elution characteristics to cause the inserts to elute an antimicrobial agent when subject to a fluid within a medical device. An insert can be formed with a desired geometry to allow the insert to be compression fit within a medical device to prevent the insert from moving or becoming dislodged once inserted into the medical device. The material may also be hygroscopic so that the insert swells when subject to a fluid thereby enhancing the compression fit of the device within the medical device. In some cases, the material can be reinforced using an internal structure. Inserts can be formed in many ways including by casting, thermoforming, or extrusion. In some cases, the inserts can be formed using a peel-away sleeve or material. The peel-away sleeves can be formed of a non-sticky material which facilitates removal of the inserts once the inserts have cured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microstructure formulation techniques for botulinum toxin. The microstructure formulation techniques for botulinum toxin according to the present invention make it possible to precisely control the concentration of botulinum toxin and to alleviate the pain occurring when botulinum toxin is administered into the human body, and also enable botulinum toxin to be accurately administered to a desired position. Thus, the present invention is expected to greatly contribute to the safe and convenient medical use of botulinum toxin.

Abstract: The disclosed medical examination glove comprises natural or nitrile rubber latex, and a water soluble singlet oxygen generator. The glove can be manufactured by contacting a glove former with a coagulant solution comprising divalent calcium cations and carbonate particles and a water soluble singlet oxygen generator and then contacting the glove former with a natural or nitrile rubber latex dispersion.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a manually-actuated pump and method for applying reduced pressure at a tissue site. The manually-actuated pump includes at least one variable volume chamber that is manually compressible into a plurality of positions. The manually-actuated pump includes a fixed volume chamber in communication with the at least one variable volume chamber. The manually-actuated pump also includes a filter housing having a hydrophobic filter that prevents liquid from entering the at least one variable volume chamber. The fixed volume chamber is coupled to the at least one variable volume chamber via the filter housing. The filter housing is located in between the at least one variable volume chamber and the fixed volume chamber.

Abstract: A surgical method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, drying an osteochondral defect using a suction swab. The drying step includes suctioning moisture from the osteochondral defect through the suction swab or communicating a gas to the osteochondral defect through the suction swab.

Abstract: A surgical tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a collection chamber. The sealant layer functions so as to create a sealed enclosure, or space between it and the surface of a patient, by forming an airtight seal around a surgical area of skin trauma. The closed incision tissue therapy device also comprises a collection chamber, which may comprise an elongate tubular chamber with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings. The collection chamber may be configured to be in fluid communication with the sealant layer and the area of skin trauma and functions as to distribute the negative pressure applied to a surgically closed area of skin trauma. Preferably, the pressure under the sealant layer is reduced by expanding the volume of the enclosure space and thereby decreasing the density of air molecules under the sealant layer. The collection material may comprise a material and/or a configuration that permits length changes based upon the length of the corresponding surgical wound or incision.

Abstract: A ventricular assist system and a blood pump controller including a blood pump usable in a state where a first slide surface and a second slide surface are brought into contact with each other, and a cool sealing liquid is supplied to a gap formed between the first slide surface and the second slide surface; a first sub controller having a first cool sealing liquid reservoir, a cool sealing liquid pump, a first pipe joint upstream side, and a fourth pipe joint downstream side; and a second sub controller having a blood pump drive circuit, a battery, a first pipe joint downstream side, a second pipe joint upstream side, a third pipe joint downstream side, and a fourth pipe joint upstream side. The first sub controller and the second sub controller are detachably connected by a first pipe joint and a fourth pipe joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible shaft arrangement having a flexible hollow shaft (1, 2) which has an, end at the drive side and an end at the output side, wherein the hollow shaft is reinforced sectionally between these ends by a core (3, 4) extending in its interior. Stiffer and more flexible sections can hereby be selectively positioned within the shaft arrangement.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for securing a driveline to a portion of skin are disclosed herein. The driveline can connect an external controller to an implantable blood pump. The skin anchor can include a driveline capture portion. The driveline capture portion can receive the driveline and fix a position of the driveline with respect to the driveline capture portion. The driveline capture portion includes: a driveline receiver that can receive the driveline; and a driveline anchor that can engage the driveline to fix the position of the driveline with respect to the driveline receiver. The skin anchor can include a force distribution portion. The force distribution portion can engage a portion of skin and fix a position of the portion of skin with respect to the force distribution portion.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for sealing to a pathway of a mounting structure includes a body; and a port including a threaded portion extending from the body and a non-threaded portion extending from the threaded portion, the non-threaded portion carrying a gasket, the gasket positioned along the non-threaded portion such that the mounting structure to which the connection apparatus is mounted contacts the gasket prior to the threaded portion engaging a mating threaded portion of the mounting structure, the port providing fluid communication between the body and the pathway of the mounting structure. The body may be that of a valve that supplies any of air, water or oil as an operating fluid to, for example, inlet and outlet valves and a pump chamber of a medical fluid pump of a medical fluid delivery machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system which is a device suitable for carrying out removal of a dialysate volume fraction during a stasis phase so as to optimize ultrafiltration, the safety of the patient, the comfort of the patient, and/or the operation of the cycler.

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

Abstract: Provided is an accelerated method for preparing platelet rich plasma (PrP) without centrifugation or filtration. The method comprises contacting a sample of whole blood with an anti-coagulant and an inducer of Rouleaux formation; allowing the mixture to stand thereby depleting the sample of RBCs, and collecting the platelet-rich plasma fraction. The PrP volume obtained by the present method is about 10-60% of the volume of the starting whole blood sample, and contains less than 200,000 RBCs and at least 100,000 platelets per microliter.

Abstract: A method for venting a dialyzer which has a dialyzate chamber, a blood chamber and a semi-permeable dialyzer membrane separating these two chambers. An overpressure is generated in the dialyzate chamber with respect to the blood chamber for removing air inclusions lying at the surface of the membrane at the dialyzate chamber side after a filling of the dialyzate chamber and before a filling of the blood chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to treat a stenosis. A delivery device is provided that has an elongate tubular member coupled therewith. The elongate tubular member has an outside surface that is configured to prevent adherence of in vivo matter. The tubular member has a proximal end and a distal end and is reinforced along its length to maintain open lumen under a transverse load. The tubular member is placed in the vasculature such that the distal end of the elongate tubular member is disposed distal of a stenosis. The proximal end of the elongate tubular member is disposed inside the vessel, preferably at a location proximal of the stenosis. Thereafter, after a therapeutic period, the elongate tubular member is removed intact.

Abstract: Manifolds suitable for use in hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration, and peritoneal dialysis are provided. One or more of the manifolds can include a manifold body and an external tube. The manifold body can include at least one conduit including a first conduit and at least one port including a first port in fluid communication with the first conduit. The external tube can be in fluid communication with the first port and can include a main segment, a first branch segment, and a second branch segment containing at least one bacterial filter. The first branch segment and/or second branch segment can include at least one flow restrictor. Dialysis machines, systems, and kits including one or more such manifolds are also provided, as are methods of performing hemodiafiltration using such manifolds.

Abstract: A failsafe system for a medical fluid procedure, comprising a medical fluid processing apparatus comprising a sealer and a programmable controller driven by software, wherein the programmable controller is programmed to recognize a failure event from input from hardware components of the medical fluid processing apparatus. The system also comprises a disposable fluid circuit configured to associate with the medical fluid processing apparatus and comprising a tubing segment configured to fit within the sealer. The programmable controller is configured to seal the tubing segment by activating the sealer surrounding the tubing segment in response to an occurrence of the failure event.

Abstract: A method for collecting plasma includes determining the weight, height, and hematocrit of a donor, and calculating a donor plasma volume and a target plasma collection volume. The target plasma collection volume is based on the donor plasma volume and a target percentage of plasma. The method then withdraws blood from the donor through a line connected to a blood component separation device, and introduces anticoagulant into the withdrawn blood. The blood component separation device separates the blood into a plasma component and a second blood component, and the plasma component is collected from the blood component separation device and into a plasma collection container. The method may then calculate the volume of pure plasma collected within the plasma collection container, and continue processing/collecting until the calculated volume of pure plasma equals the target plasma collection volume.

Abstract: An irrigator that is powered by a surgical tool capable of driving an implement. The irrigator includes a pump contained in a pump housing adapted for attachment to the tool. The irrigator includes a tip assembly connected to the pump by a flexible supply tube. Thus the tip assembly can be position against tissue against which the irrigating fluid is to be applied without having to likewise position the tool and the pump.

Abstract: A pressure jacket includes a barrel having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal end and the distal end along a longitudinal axis. The pressure jacket also includes at least one retaining member having at least one first lug protruding radially outward relative to an outer surface of the sidewall. The at least one first lug has at least one third surface tapered axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel in a proximal direction. The at least one first lug is configured for engagement with a locking mechanism associated with a port on a fluid injector to releasably lock the pressure jacket with the fluid injector. At least a portion of the at least one third surface axially ejects the pressure jacket upon rotation of the pressure jacket about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A two-stage infusion set inserter system is disclosed. The inserter system includes an inserter assembly including a housing including a rotatable button assembly comprising ramps and and tab indents and a non-rotatable portion of housing, a sliding component comprising sliding component tabs, a needle carrier connected to an introduction needle, the needle carrier slidably movable from a starting position to an injection position and then to a second ending position, a sliding component spring, and a needle spring, wherein the rotatable button assembly rotates from a locked to an unlocked position, wherein when force is applied onto the rotatable button assembly, the sliding component and needle carrier are forced downward by the sliding component spring, and wherein when the needle carrier reaches the injection position, the needle spring forces the needle carrier upward towards the second ending position.

Abstract: A system including a tube and a force sensor coupled to a wall of the tube via a restraining element and configured to obtain a value of a tubing force when the tube is deformed by the restraining element. The system includes a processor to determine parameters for fitting a curve including the value of the tubing force, to determine a fluid pressure value for a fluid in the tube based on the parameters for fitting the curve, and to activate an alarm responsive to the fluid pressure value and to the parameters for fitting the curve when an occlusion condition is identified in the tube. The parameters for fitting the curve comprise at least one time-decaying parameter(s) associated to the tubing force. A method for using the system and a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions to perform the above method are also provided.