Abstract: An apparatus for loading an endovascular shunt into a delivery catheter includes a base, a boss rod connected to, and extending longitudinally across, the base, and a plurality of guide bosses slidably coupled to the boss rod. The guide bosses include a delivery catheter guide boss coupled to the delivery catheter, a malecot holding tube guide boss, wherein a malecot holding tube is connected to a first lateral side of the malecot guide boss extending towards the delivery catheter guide boss, a claw assembly guide boss, where a claw assembly is attached to a first lateral side of the claw guide boss extending towards the malecot holding tube guide boss, and a chase pin guide boss, wherein a chase pin is connected to a first lateral side of the chase pin guide boss extending towards the claw assembly guide boss.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing protection of at least one tissue layer of a medical device or implant during crimping of the medical device or implant. In various embodiments, an implant tissue protection tool may include an outer portion configured to surround one or more outer segments of at least one tissue layer of a medical device to be implanted into a body of a subject and at least one protrusion (which may be affixed to a surface of the outer portion) configured to minimize or prevent occurrence (or likelihood of occurrence) of the at least one tissue layer (in some cases, leaflet material, or the like) of the medical device passing through at least one opening defined by a frame structure of the medical device during crimping of the medical device by a crimping device in preparation for implantation into the body of the subject.

Abstract: A self-expanding element delivery apparatus includes a catheter having an inner lumen, a self-expanding element, and a delivery wire disposed within and extending through the inner lumen and the self-expanding element. The self-expanding element has a proximal, distal, and an intermediate portion. The element has anchor members, a compressed configuration fitting within the inner lumen, and an expanded configuration dimensioned larger than the catheter. The delivery wire also has proximal and distal portions, an intermediate portion, a dual function bump member disposed approximate to the intermediate portion, and a pusher bump member disposed approximate to the proximal portion of the delivery wire. A bump member distance between the dual function bump member and the pusher bump member is such that so that only one of the dual function bump member and the pusher bump member can contact one of the anchor members.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an implantable device having a frame and a flow restrictor. The frame includes a central portion and an end portion on either end of the frame. The flow restrictor is disposed within a lumen of the frame. The flow restrictor is configured to transition between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. The flow restrictor may include a porosity configured to reduce fluid flow through the flow restrictor without completely occluding fluid flow.

Abstract: A structure assembled by first and second stackable layers having properties allowing for the first and second stackable layers to be shaped into at least first and second different shapes, and at least one fastener to releasably secure the first and second stackable layers together in one of the at least first and second shapes in a semi-rigid or rigid, and unitary construction. The first and second stackable layers are secured into one of the at least first and second shapes by the at least one fastener to form a semi-rigid or rigid, and unitary construction.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a therapy boot for treatment of the ankle or lower leg. The therapy boot comprises a hard outer shell having an open anterior portion, a base portion, a posterior portion, two oppositely disposed side portions, and a pocket with an opening provided in each of the side portions. The therapy boot also comprises an air bladder comprising two inflatable chambers, a corresponding one of the two inflatable chambers being disposed on an inside of each of the side portions. Respective gel packs are also provided which are adapted to be inserted into one of the respective openings of the pockets in between the air bladder and at least one of the lower leg or the ankle. The gel packs are pressed against at least one of the lower leg and the ankle by the corresponding inflatable chamber of the air bladder.

Abstract: An adjustment system is arranged to be mounted on a frame of a body interface, and includes a tensioning device in cooperation with a tensioning element, at least one elastic component, and at least one connector. The adjustment system can adjust at least one of the connectors, which in turn may carry additional components such as assistive devices in an exoskeleton device, assistive device, orthopedic device, or prosthetic device.

Abstract: A shoulder-immobilizing apparatus includes a forearm sling. The forearm sling is configured to receive an elbow, forearm and wrist of a first arm of a user and includes a first fastener configured for fastening a posterior strap to a proximal portion adjacent to the elbow, a second fastener configured for fastening an anterior strap to a distal portion adjacent to the wrist, and a contralateral strap holder. The contralateral strap holder includes a circumferential shoulder strap configured to wrap around a shoulder of a second arm of the user to form a substantially ellipsoid opening that seats against a pectoral region, a scapular region and one of an underarm region or a lateral outside portion of the shoulder of the user's second arm. The posterior and anterior straps each have swivel fasteners rotatably coupled to respective posterior and anterior portions of the circumferential shoulder strap. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A monitor device for an ostomy system and a method of monitoring an ostomy appliance is provided. The monitor device includes a processor; memory; and a first interface connected to the processor and the memory, the first interface including a plurality of terminals including a ground terminal and a first terminal for collecting ostomy data from an ostomy appliance of the ostomy system via the first interface. The processor is configured to process the ostomy data according to a processing scheme, the processor including an ostomy processing controller configured to control the processing scheme, wherein to control the processing scheme includes applying a first processing scheme or a second processing scheme different from the first processing scheme.

Abstract: A method and an accessory device for an ostomy system comprising a monitor device and an ostomy appliance, the ostomy appliance comprising a base plate is disclosed.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance has a waste collection container and an anti-reflux component disposed inside of the waste collection container. The anti-reflux component is connected to the top end portion of the waste collection container only above a center of an inlet opening for a stoma.

Abstract: A female external urinary device useful in managing urine output of a female, such as for surgical use, includes a core having a suction channel and an interior reservoir fluidically communicating with the suction channel, an absorbent layer, and a fabric cover. Desirably, the urinary device includes a moderately absorbent soaker layer disposed inwardly with respect to the core. A urinary device assembly includes the core and a pelvic belt that may be secure to the core and positioned to collect urine from a female patient.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to a device for collecting intravaginal fluid. The device is defined by a hollow collector and a flexible fluid collection bag, wherein the device is configured such that when inserted into the vagina, the hollow collector forms a seal with the inner walls of the vagina, while the fluid collection bag extends outside the body. By allowing fluid to collect outside the body rather than inside the, the device is permitted to be narrow in diameter (such as, for example, the diameter of a tampon), to increase user comfort. Flaps at the opening of the hollow collector may be used to seal fluid within the device when it is extracted from the body.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of eggs in a uterine tube formed by a uterine tube wall of a patient. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the uterine tube wall) at least one portion of the uterine tube wall to influence the flow of eggs in the uterine tube, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to further influence the flow of eggs in the uterine tube. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow of eggs in the uterine tube, or for actively moving the fluid in the uterine tube, with a low risk of injuring the uterine tube.

Abstract: Hyperthermia system for raising the body temperature of the body of an individual to a predetermined target temperature Tb and for stabilizing the body temperature at the target temperature Tb, including: a thermally insulated cabinet for receiving the individual, equipped with channeling means to channel fluids into the body of the individual; at least one thermal device to raise the body temperature of the individual, when placed inside said cabinet, and to subsequently maintain the target temperature Tb of the individual; one or more devices for heating fluids to be channeled into the body of the individual via the channeling means; one or more sensors to monitor the temperature and/or heat flux of the individual; and a controller to control the at least one thermal means and the one or more devices for heating fluids. The sensors are connected to the controller to provide temperature values and/or heat flux values.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to intracameral implants for treating and/or preventing corneal disorders, diseases, and/or conditions, such as corneal endothelial dystrophies. The intracameral implants can be configured to provide a sustained release of a therapeutic agent, such as a Rho kinase inhibitor, for a prolonged period of time. The intracameral implants can include a non-bioresorbable anchor or a bioresorbable matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is a breath deflector apparatus and method of use. The apparatus comprises a breadth deflector preferably connected to a goggle frame, with the goggle frame being connected to an adjustable securement device that is adjustably connected to a preferably cold weather helmet. The breath deflector apparatus is preferably adjustable by twisting a knob mounted to the front of the helmet and is preferably adapted such that once adjusted, the breath deflector moves in synchronization or unison with the movement of a user's head within the helmet and thus prevents loss of securement and maladjustment of the breath deflector while using the breath deflector and during movement of the user's head.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure. The support structure comprises a base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. The patient transport apparatus also includes a first and a second caster assembly respectively coupled to the support structure to facilitate movement of the support structure along a floor surface, with the first caster assembly comprising a first brake assembly and the second caster assembly comprising a second brake assembly. The patient transport apparatus also includes an actuator assembly operatively coupling the first and second brake assemblies, with the actuator assembly comprising a first and second actuator respectively operatively coupled to the first and second brake assemblies. The actuator assembly further comprises a cable assembly interconnecting the first and second actuator that places the operatively coupled first and second brake assemblies in the braked state or the unbraked state.

Abstract: A mounting plate for a medical device support system includes opposed major surfaces in a thickness direction. A group of plate mounting orifices is arranged in a hexagon pattern and extends through the opposed major surfaces and defines a perimeter of an area at the major surfaces. A primary orifice extends through the opposed major surfaces, and a group of primary spindle mounting orifices surround the primary orifice and extend through the opposed major surfaces, the primary orifice and the primary spindle mounting orifices located within the defined area. An auxiliary orifice extends through the opposed major surfaces and a group of auxiliary spindle mounting orifices surrounds the auxiliary orifice and extend through the opposed major surfaces, the group of auxiliary spindle mounting orifices defining a perimeter of an auxiliary spindle mounting area at the major surfaces, one of the plate mounting orifices located within the auxiliary spindle mounting area.

Abstract: A surgical table for supporting a patient over a floor and including a base assembly, a support column assembly and a patient support structure. The base assembly supported on the floor and including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a member extending along a base longitudinal axis between the first and second ends. The support column assembly moveably coupled with the base assembly and configured to translate between the first and second ends of the base assembly along the member extending therebetween, the support column assembly being the only support column assembly coupled with the base assembly. The patient support structure including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, the second end of the patient support structure supported off of the support column assembly in a cantilevered fashion.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a wheelchair braking device, the wheelchair braking device including: at least two brake mechanisms, wherein, when the wheelchair braking device is engaged in a brake position on a wheelchair, at least one brake mechanism engages with a first of a plurality of wheels on the wheelchair and at least a second brake mechanism engages with a second of the plurality of wheels on the wheelchair; a connection component extending between the at least two brake mechanisms; and a brake handle connected to the connection component and causing movement of the at least two brake mechanisms simultaneously with respect to the plurality of wheels. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An adjustable anatomical support and seat cushion apparatus for wheelchairs according to some embodiments of the disclosure includes a base member formed of at least one layer of a thermoplastic honeycomb material, a generally rectangular, resilient cushion member formed of upper, intermediate and lower layers of thermoplastic honeycomb material which are bonded together, and at least one pad removably insertable into a pocket in the lower layer. The base member is pivotally attached to the cushion member. The cushion member is rotatable between a non-parallel disposition and a parallel disposition relative to the base member. An open end of the pocket faces the base member when the cushion member is in the parallel disposition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the reduction of tissue interface pressure. The present invention provides a method to immerse an individual to a desired depth into a support surface. The method of the present invention maintains a desired level of immersion over time independent of the motion of the individual or changes in the position of the support surface or externally applied loads to the support surface, alone or in combination. The method of the present invention is an improvement to using an individual's weight or height or other sensor to determine inputs to an algorithm for immersing the individual to a certain depth into the surface. No pressure measurements or displacement measurements are required in accordance with the present invention, and the height and weight of the individual is not required.

Abstract: An overhead lift includes a lift strap, a motor, an electromagnetic brake, and a release assembly. The motor includes a rotatable shaft coupled to the lift strap. The electromagnetic brake is coupled to the rotatable shaft and has an engaged state and a disengaged state. The release assembly is engaged with the electromagnetic brake. The release assembly incudes a release lever engaged with the electromagnetic brake and a release strap. The release lever is moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the release lever switches the electromagnetic brake to the disengaged state when in the second position. The release strap is coupled to the release lever. Tensioning of the release strap moves the release lever from the first position to the second position thereby switching the electromagnetic brake to the disengaged state.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes a chamber formed by an upper layer coupled to a lower layer, the chamber configured to be inflated and supported by a support surface in contact with the lower layer. The patient transfer device further includes a port configured for connection to an air flow device. In various embodiments, the patient transfer device includes a low-friction sheet coupled to a bottom surface of the lower layer, wherein the low-friction sheet is configured to slide against itself to facilitate sliding of the chamber relative to the support surface. In other embodiments, the patient transfer device includes at least one air-expelling region disposed within a bottom surface of the lower layer, wherein the region is configured to expel air from within the first chamber along the bottom surface of the lower layer to facilitate sliding of the first chamber relative to the support surface.

Abstract: A massage device includes a shell configured to be inserted into a vagina along an insertion direction and a first massage module mounted in the shell. A first massage portion is provided at a middle of the shell along the insertion direction. The first massage module includes a first motor and a swinging bar. The swinging bar is rotatably connected to the shell by a pivot extending along a lateral direction of the shell, one end of the swinging bar is connected to the first motor in a transmission way, and another end of the swinging bar extends into the first massage portion of the shell. The swinging bar is swingable about the pivot under the driving of the first motor, and the first massage portion is swingable together with the another end of the swinging bar to slap on a vaginal wall around the shell.

Abstract: A percussive therapy system includes a percussive therapy device that includes a housing, an electrical source, a motor positioned in the housing, a switch for activating the motor, a push rod assembly operatively connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor, and an attachment configured to be operatively connected to a distal end of the push rod assembly of the percussive massage device and to provide at least one therapeutic effect to a user. The attachment may include at least one of an actuator configured to provide the at least one therapeutic effect to the user and a sensor configured to obtain at least one of biometric data of the user and information regarding operation of the percussive therapy device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for end effectors having an aperture are disclosed. An end effector may be driven by a reciprocating driver that drives the end effector in a reciprocating manner. The end effector may have an aperture therethrough and may be formed from a flexible high rebound material. When driven, the end effector may transfer energy from the reciprocating driver to a target treatment area on a recipient for therapeutic purposes. Energy may pass from the reciprocating driver and be temporarily stored within the end effector before being released and imparted to the target treatment area. The end effector may contract about the aperture and rebound to deliver the energy.

Abstract: A method for treating a kidney with focused extracorporeal shockwaves in a noninvasive manner. The method configured for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) at any one of CKD stage 1 to CKD stage 4. The method of treatment comprising using non-invasive extracorporeal shockwaves having an energy density of 0.02 to 0.18 mJ/mm2 that are delivered to at least one treatment zone selected from various focal zones encompassing renal structures.

Abstract: A robotic assistant provides active support for disabled users and may take the approximate form of a cane or a walker.

Abstract: An external defibrillator system includes one or more compression sensors; one or more physiological sensors; and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: receive and process chest compression signals and physiological signals from the sensors, determine values for chest compression depth and/or chest compression rate based on the received chest compression signals, determine a trend of at least one physiological parameter over a period comprising multiple chest compressions based on the received physiological signals, adjust a target chest compression depth and/or target chest compression rate based on the determined trend of the at least one physiological parameter, compare the determined values for chest compression depth and/or chest compression rate to the adjusted target compression depth and/or the adjusted target compression rate, and provide feedback about the quality of chest compressions performed on the patient.

Abstract: A portable device and method for transmitting electromagnetic waves. In one aspect, when arranged at a surface, the device is capable of transmitting waves having a power flux density of at least 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter of surface area and a frequency value of between 3 and 120 gigahertz. The device is further capable of simultaneously exposing at least 2.5 square centimeters of the surface to the waves.

Abstract: Embodiments provide devices, systems and methods for preventing deep vein (DV) thrombosis (DVT). One embodiment provides a DVT prevention device including a cuff that fits over a patient's knee, an applanator coupled to an inside cuff surface, an expandable member (EM) coupled to the applanator, a pressure source fluidically coupled to the EM and a controller for controlling EM inflation. When the EM is inflated, it applies a force to the applanator which is transmitted to the knee back surface causing a popliteal vein (PV) under the cuff to be compressed so as to increase backpressure behind the compressed PV and subsequently increase the velocity of blood flow in the leg DVs when the EM is deflated. The EM can be inflated in a cycle including pulsed inflation, inflation hold and relaxation. The cycles can be repeated and adjusted to achieve a desired increase of blood flow/velocity in leg DVs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for sterilizing raw hazardous medicine and the filling and capping syringes disposed within closed and sterile plastic bags to provide sterile medical preparations apart from laminar flow hoods and like equipment. Of particular note, such methods are particularly applied to providing syringes filled with sterilized hazardous drugs while reducing concern for unintentional spills and sterilizing medical preparations and filling large numbers of syringes with steps reduced by novel apparatus and methods. Also, a capping plate is disclosed which provides a method for capping a plurality of male syringe luer fittings by a single displacement step followed by facile release of cap and associated syringe from the capping plate for use in a medical procedure.

Abstract: A strengthened glass container or vessel such as, but not limited to, vials for holding pharmaceutical products or vaccines in a hermetic and/or sterile state. The strengthened glass container undergoes a strengthening process that produces compression at the surface and tension within the container wall. The strengthening process is designed such that the tension within the wall is great enough to ensure catastrophic failure of the container, thus rendering the product unusable, should sterility be compromised by a through-wall crack. The tension is greater than a threshold central tension, above which catastrophic failure of the container is guaranteed, thus eliminating any potential for violation of pharmaceutical integrity.

Abstract: A container for blood or a blood component is provided, the container comprising one or more container walls defining an interior chamber, the container walls comprising one or more layers, the layers comprising or consisting of a composition comprising one or more polymeric materials and at least one extractable agent selected from the group consisting of a terephthalate ester, a cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid ester, a citrate ester, and a polyol ester, wherein the container further comprises one or more additional components, wherein the container comprises less than about 3% (w/w) of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), preferably wherein the container comprises less than about 3% (w/w) of phthalates. Thereby, improved blood products are provided in which the DEHP or overall phthalate content is reduced.

Abstract: A characteristic of a blood product in a blood product container is determined. Using a smartphone, an image is acquired of a blood bag or tubing of the blood product container disposed in front of the smartphone. The image is processed using a processing circuit of the smartphone or a remote computer in wireless communication with the smartphone. The processing identifies a characteristic of the blood product from the image. A visual notification is generated on a display of the smartphone of the identified characteristic of the blood product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to parenteral cannabinoid formulations, and more particularly to cannabinoid containing intravenous (IV) formulations. Preferably the parenteral containing formulation comprises a cannabinoid; an isotonic agent; a surfactant; and one or more stability enhancers. Furthermore the cannabinoid may be selected from one or more of cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromenic acid (CBCV), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerol propyl variant (CBGV), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of focal seizures. In one embodiment the patients suffering from focal seizures are children and young adults. CBD appears particularly effective in reducing focal seizures in patients suffering with etiologies that include: Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex; Dravet Syndrome; CDKL5; Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL); febrile infection related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES); Aicardi syndrome and brain abnormalities in comparison to other seizure types. Significantly CBD additionally is very effective in the reduction of a sub-type of focal seizures, focal seizures with impairment.

Abstract: A system and method for producing pain-management formulations that amplify and improve the effects of lower doses of the active ingredients in existing pain-management medications is disclosed. Active ingredients in medications are combined in smaller doses, for example, 25% of typical approved or prescribed doses with a natural ingredient used to amplify the effects of the active ingredient without adversely affecting a human's organs. In one embodiment, the combined formulation comprises an active drug ingredient, for example naproxen, combined with a designated amount of a natural ingredient in a symbiotic relationship in a natural USP grade carrier oil to formulate a blended composition that is effective yet safe. The symbiotic relationship between the synthetic and natural ingredients serve to amplify the effects of the active synthetic ingredient for pain management while preventing the adverse effects caused by increased medication potency on a human body's organs.

Abstract: Stable Phytonadione compositions for parenteral administration are provided which comprise (E) isomer of phytonadione at or greater than 97% w/w as the active ingredient, and is substantially free of (Z) isomer. Said compositions are stable, sterile, and particulate-free. Further, said compositions reduce or avoid allergic reactions to benzyl alcohol and polysorbate. In some aspects, the compositions are free or substantially free of benzyl alcohol and/or reduced amounts of polysorbate. Methods of manufacture and methods of administration also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions utilizing 2-aminoindan derivatives collectively represented by Formula I as described and defined in the specification for regulating binge behavior, particularly binge drinking, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides methods of prevention and/or treatment of breast cancer in a subject by inhibiting expression of PAX2. In the cancer treatment methods disclosed, the method of inhibiting expression of PAX2 can be by administration of a nucleic acid encoding an siRNA for PAX2. A method of treating cancer in a subject by administering DEFB1 is also provided. Similarly, provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by increasing expression of DEFB1 in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides topical dosages and formulations of lidocaine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are efficacious, chemically stable and physiologically balanced for safety and efficacy, particularly for debridement pain, and increase the duration of pain relief, and thereby provide more effective treatment to chronic open wounds, particularly those in non-mucosal tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunosuppressant comprising TSAHC or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. TSAHC treatment suppressed the expression and secretion of cytokines/chemokines such as IL6, IL1?, TNF?, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL6, CXCL8, CCL2, CCL5, CCL20, CXCL10 and CCR10 according to the expression of TM4SF5 gene and protein, and the cytokines or chemokines mediated by the expression of TM4SF5 induced abnormalities in the inflammatory response and metabolic function of liver tissues, hepatic epithelial cells and macrophages, and correlated with liver tissue damage and immune cell recruit in TM4SF5 transgenic animals. Therefore, a composition comprising TSAHC or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient can be effectively used as an immunosuppressant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing liposomes, said liposome comprise an external lipid bilayer; and an internal aqueous medium including a weak acid drug with a half-life of less than 2 hours. Also provided is the use of the pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein to treat pulmonary hypertension with reduced dosing frequency.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an endogenous Retrovirus K protein (ERVK) with an alternative envelope protein titled CTXLP. Said CTXLP peptide is represented by the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1. Additionally, antibodies that specifically recognize the epitope(s) set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 are and methods of use thereof and kits comprising the peptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 are also included in the present disclosure.

Abstract: Pentacyclic triterpene weight loss agents are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical formulations containing a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the weight loss agents, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The pharmaceutical formulations can be administered to a pre-obese, obese, or morbidly obese patient to induce weight loss, reduce body fat, reduce food intake, improve glucose homeostasis, prevent obesity, or a combination thereof. The weight loss agents can also be co-administered with leptin or a leptin analog.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating endothelial dysfunction by administering an effective amount of citrulline to a patient. The patients may be suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, or infection by COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019); COVID-19 patients may be at risk of developing endothelial dysfunction, or they may be experiencing endothelial dysfunction. The effective amount of citrulline is sufficient to reduce the uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) or to reduce the formation of free radicals. Citrulline may be administered orally; intravenously; or both orally and intravenously in a sequential manner. Sequential administration of citrulline may be in three phases, such as (a) an initial phase in which citrulline is administered orally, (b) an intermediate phase wherein citrulline is administered intravenously, and (c) a final phase wherein citrulline is administered orally.

Abstract: A method of stimulating ventilatory and/or respiratory drive in a subject in need thereof includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a cystine ester or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Embodiments described herein relate to compositions and methods of stimulating ventilatory and/or respiratory drive in a subject in need thereof, and particularly relates to compositions and methods of treating breathing diseases and/or disorders associated with impaired ventilatory and/or respiratory drive.