Abstract: A carrying case (500) and handle (504) for accommodating a portable topical negative pressure therapy apparatus (200) comprising a device (202) and a waste canister (204) separable therefrom, the waste canister having an aspiration conduit (274) emerging therefrom is described, the carrying bag comprising an apparatus receiving pouch (502), said pouch having opening and closing means (522, 524) at a lower portion thereof and said handle (504) being directly attached to said apparatus.

Abstract: A pre-packaged medical device includes a tray supporting a medical device such as a blood collection set including a needle assembly and a tube holder. The tray defines a first contoured portion supporting at least a portion of the needle assembly and a second contoured portion supporting the tube holder. The tray may have a tray body with a plurality of posts upstanding from a bottom wall in the first contoured portion for engaging the needle assembly. The posts may be positioned to maintain the needle assembly in a defined orientation while preventing the inadvertent actuation of the needle assembly, which may include a spring-driven safety shield. The configuration of the pre-packaged medical device allows sequential removal of the blood collection set, typically in the order of intended use including first removal of a needle assembly, second removal of tubing, and third removal of the tube holder.

Abstract: A visually coordinated absorbent product includes a article component having a body side liner, a garment side outer cover and an absorbent core disposed between the body side liner and the garment side outer cover. The article component has at least a first and second visual characteristic, wherein the first visual characteristic is different than the second visual characteristic. The article component is disposed in a packaging component having at least the first and second visual characteristics. In one embodiment, the packaging component is an individual pouch sized and configured to hold a single, individual article component. In various embodiments, the visual characteristics can include color, embossment, printing, and/or side sealing.

Abstract: A medical seal dispenser having a container molded of plastic and having clamshell portions hinged together. The clamshell portions of the container can be locked together when in a closed position. One clamshell portion includes a core holder for holding a roll of foil-type medical seals removably attached to a carrier strip. During dispensing of a medical seal, the carrier strip is pulled so that it is unrolled from the roll and is routed over an exit hump of the dispenser. The exit hump imparts a curl to the metal foil seal that is opposite that which was incurred when rolled on the roll, thereby straightening the foil seal.

Abstract: A system for packaging a medical implant may include a sleeve for housing the implant within a cavity in the sleeve, with at least a portion of the cavity conforming to the shape of the implant. A flexible material film may cover and substantially conform to the shape of the sleeve so as to aid in stabilizing the sleeve and implant within an outer package. An insertion instrument for inserting the implant within the body of a patient may also be provided with the system. In some embodiments, the sleeve, with the implant inserted in the cavity of the sleeve, is configured for manipulation by a user without contacting the implant, and the implant is connectable to the insertion instrument while in the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising: a packaging box for the flexible material part, dimensioned to hold said part flat; folding means for folding said part without direct handling; and a reception tube for receiving said folded flexible material part. The invention is characterized in that the folding means comprise; a traction suture connected to the flexible material part, which passes through the tube, and, walls forming a funnel whereof the base emerges proximate to the opening of the tube through which the flexible material part is designed to be inserted into said tube, said funnel being designed, when a traction is exerted on the traction suture, to gradually fold down the zones of the part located laterally relative to the tube towards the zone of the part located opposite the opening of said tube, to enable the part to be inserted into the tube.

Abstract: Transfer element (1) and a container for a medical instrument or implant, more particularly for a dental implant (25). The transfer element (1) includes an adapter segment (10) for holding the medical instrument or implant and for attaching the transfer element (1) to a housing of a container, and also a means for handling the medical instrument or the implant by hand and/or with the aid of an auxiliary tool, and, optionally, a holder segment (5) arranged on the first end (7) and connected to the adapter segment (10). The adapter segment (10) has an adapter end region (20) for detachably holding the medical instrument or implant and a connection section (15). The connection section (15) has connection means that are intended to interact with corresponding connection means of the housing. The means for handling the medical instrument or implant by hand and/or by means of an auxiliary tool are arranged on the connection section (15) and/or, optionally, on the holder segment (5).

Abstract: A multi packaging system for packaging of sterile implants includes a carrier plate and a plurality of packings removably attached to the carrier plate. Each of the plurality of packings contains an implant and is individually removable from the carrier plate.

Abstract: A topical formulation comprising a tetracycline comprises two separate parts: (i) a first part comprising a tetracyline in solid form suspended in a first vehicle; and (ii) a second part comprising a second vehicle in which the tetracycline is soluble. Preferably the tetracycline is crystalline minocycline base. Suitably, a neutral vehicle is used for the first part of the formulation. The two parts of the formulation may be packaged in separate containers and are preferably topically applied therefrom simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a preparation for oral administration which can reduce the residual amount of a medicinal composition and facilitate the swallowing of the medicinal composition. A preparation for oral administration comprises an enclosing member that is formed of an edible film. A medicinal composition is enclosed in the enclosing member. The enclosing member has a wall part. The wall part is formed by rolling the edible film into a tubular shape. The wall part has a part where the edible film overlaps. The part where the edible film overlaps is formed by rolling a single edible film sheet.

Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. The voiding apparatus also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container and adapted for draining urine from the reservoir.

Abstract: A process for overwrapping a catamenial device such as a tampon includes the steps of providing a substantially cylindrical overwrapper material, inserting a catamenial device into the overwrap material, and closing the open end of the overwrapper material. The overwrapper material has an open end, a closed end, and a first length. The catamenial device has a tapered insertion end, a longitudinal axis, and a length less than the first length, such that the open end of the overwrapper material extends beyond the insertion end of the inserted catamenial device. Concave clamping jaws are applied to the open end of the overwrapper material to urge it toward the longitudinal axis of the catamenial device; to conform portions of the overwrapper material to the insertion end of the catamenial device; and to fold overwrapper material between adjacent clamping jaws to form fins extending outwardly from the conformed portions.

Abstract: Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly purified omega-3 fatty acid formulations. Certain formulations provided herein have contain greater than 85% omega-3 fatty acids by weight. Certain other formulations provided herein contain EPA and DHA in a ratio of from about 4.01:1 to about 5:1. The invention also provides methods of using the dosage forms to treat a variety of cardiovascular, autoimmune, inflammatory, and central nervous system disorders by administering a formulation of the invention to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, uses and compositions for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The invention describes methods and uses for treating rheumatoid arthritis wherein a TNF? inhibitor, such as a human TNF? antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof. Also described are methods for determining the efficacy of a TNF? inhibitor for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a subject.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems for imporving the safety in medication use. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of matching drug name voice templates as a threshold mechanism for unlocking a medication container.

Abstract: A sensor storage container is provided that allows sensors to be checked visually from the outside. A container is used for storing sensors including an oxidation-reduction enzyme that oxidizes or reduces an object to be analyzed, a mediator that mediates the transfer of electrons caused by oxidation or reduction, and a detection means that detects the oxidation or reduction reaction. The container is transparent or semi-transparent in whole or in part and thereby the sensors can be checked visually from the outside of the container. This container may be composed of a container body and a lid. The container body may be provided with a scale. Preferably, the sensors are those produced using a ruthenium metal complex as the mediator.

Abstract: A fixing means (1) for a drug delivery device (6) comprises at least two clip elements (2) for releasably securing at least one drug delivery device (6) to said fixing means (1), wherein each of the two clip elements (2) comprises a flexible holding member (3) and wherein the clip elements (2) share one flexible holding member (4) with each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is an outer package (10) for containing an inner package (20) that is marked on its surface with a bar code (25). The outer package includes a cut out area (15) on its surface. The bar code marked on the inner package is displayed through the cut out area of the outer package when the inner package is completely inserted into the outer package. The outer package can be made of a hard plastic shell or a paperboard container. The inner package can be a blister pack or a box small enough to fit within the outer package.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a pharmaceutical packaging system comprising: a receptacle comprising an openable seal for accessing the interior of the receptacle; a pharmaceutical dosage form contained in the receptacle; and an activatable color-changing material, wherein upon activation, the material exhibits a visually discernible color change upon the lapsing of a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: A circular bar-code for encoding information regarding at least one of a body or a content of a body is provided. The bar-code encircles a central point and is configured such that the information encoded by the bar-code is readable along a closed line encircling the central point. The circular bar-code may be used for encoding a drug container, wherein the bar-code is located at the front face of the drug container such that the information encoded by the bar-code is readable from a front view to the drug container. The circular bar-code may be applied to an element configured to be attached to the front end of the drug container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved child resistant carton and methods for using the same. The improved child resistant carton comprises housing (1) and an insert (4). The housing comprises a locking mechanism (3). The housing (1) may be made from multiple panels. The panel may be of any shape and may be more than one. The housing (1) may be made of card board.

Abstract: In the present invention, a packaging component having an outer surface and an interior volume contains within the interior volume a plurality of absorbent personal care articles. Each absorbent personal care article has a garment facing surface and a body facing surface. A portion of the plurality of the absorbent personal care articles in the packaging component are first absorbent articles having a first pattern embossed or printed on at least a portion of one of the surfaces. In addition, a portion of the plurality of the absorbent personal care articles in the packaging component are second absorbent articles having a second pattern is embossed or printed on at least a portion of one of the surfaces. In this aspect of the present invention, the first and second patterns are different from each other in at least one aspect. Further, a portion of the plurality of absorbent personal care articles may also contain additional absorbent articles which have yet another pattern embossed on one of the surfaces.

Abstract: A universal surgical screw caddy. An enclosure includes a cover secured to a frame. A flexible sheet is located between and affixed to the cover and frame. A plurality of holes formed in the cover allow the surgical screws to be inserted into the caddy past a plurality of movable portions of the flexible sheet releasably holding the screws in the caddy.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on flagellin adjuvant used to enhance immune responses directed against Streptococcus pneumoniae, in particular, to enhance immune responses to polypeptide antigens (e.g., PspA) and capsular polysaccharide from S. pneumoniae. In representative embodiments, the invention provides a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and one more polypeptide antigens from S. pneumoniae. In other embodiments, the invention provides a conjugate comprising a flagellin adjuvant covalently linked to a capsular polysaccharide from one or more serotypes of S. pneumoniae. Also provided are compositions comprising the fusion proteins and/or conjugates of the invention as well as immunogenic formulations comprising the inventive fusion proteins, conjugates and/or compositions. The invention also provides methods of producing an immune response against S. pneumoniae and methods of protecting a subject from S.

Abstract: Adapalene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof formulated into a pharmaceutical composition is useful for reducing the number of acne lesions, via daily topical application, in combination or in association with benzoyl peroxide (BPO); such treatment may be via administration of a pharmaceutical composition combining adapalene and BPO or by a concomitant application of two pharmaceutical compositions, one containing adapalene and the other containing BPO.

Abstract: An earplug container is combined with a reusable clip such as a snap bolt fastener and the clip is rigidly attached to a wall of the container, for example by an E-clip. The resulting clip-on earplug container provides a secure and compact earplug case for attachment to the exterior of clothing of an active user such as a lumberjack or tree trimmer. Other exemplary embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a pharmaceutical for transient application includes a tray having a sealed compartment, a vial of an ophthalmic formulation of mitomycin-C, a diluent carrier containing sterilized water, and a syringe that are all contained together in a single package. The component parts of the apparatus are used together to reconstitute the contents of the vial with the water in the diluent carrier, and then draw the reconstituted drug into the sealed compartment of the tray by a suction force produced by the syringe. In the tray compartment, the reconstituted drug is absorbed in an absorbent pad. The tray is opened to remove the pad and the absorbed drug from the tray compartment for use of the pad in transient application of the drug.

Abstract: A cartridge for storing and implanting an intraocular lens comprises a first part and a second part that are movable relative to one another from a storage configuration, in which interior surfaces of the first and second portions define a storage chamber for storing the IOL in an unfolded state, to an implanting configuration, in which the interior surfaces of the first and second portions together define a smooth-bored implanting chamber for retaining the IOL in a folded state. According to a first aspect, the first and second portions are hinged together, whereas according to a second aspect, the first and second portions are slidably interconnected.

Abstract: A computer-based system for monitoring medication compliance. The system can include one or more processors configured to process and manage data. Additionally, the system can also include one or more medication packagings comprising a machine-readable medium. Notably, the machine-readable medium can comprise medication information among other types of information. The one or more processors can be configured to receive the medication information of the machine-readable medium. The machine-readable medium and corresponding medication information can be adjustable based on a dispensing of a medication from the one or more medication packagings.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal apparatus for receiving and retaining waste articles, such as catheter fittings, and the like, for controlled and facilitated handling and disposal of such waste articles, during and following the performance of treatment procedures on a patient by a practitioner. The waste disposal apparatus includes a first retaining member, mounted on a base panel, for receiving and retaining a waste article placed there by a practitioner during a treatment procedure, and further includes at least one side panel, for covering the waste article, after placement of the waste article on the first retaining member. Alternative configurations of retaining members are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are combination vaccines comprising antigens for protecting a subject against at least diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Hib, wherein: (a) the antigen for protecting against Hib is a conjugate of a Hib capsular saccharide; (b) the concentration of the Hib conjugate in the vaccine is <15 ?g/ml; and (c) the Hib conjugate has never been lyophilised.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a human antibody that specifically binds to human interleukin-4 receptor (hIL-4R). The formulations may contain, in addition to an anti-hIL-4R antibody, at least one amino acid, at least one sugar, or at least one non-ionic surfactant. The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention exhibit a substantial degree of antibody stability after storage for several months.

Abstract: A container and method of using the container to maintain an excised tissue specimen in a fixed orientation during transport and imaging is described. The container includes a body, a flexible, soft retainer capable of holding various sized specimens, an adjustable soft retainer that interacts with the body to retain the specimen against the soft retainer without significant compression or distortion, and a lid that snaps tightly to the body reducing bodily fluid leakage when the container is placed in a horizontal position, and preventing contamination of the specimen.

Abstract: A universal surgical screw caddy. An enclosure includes a cover secured to a frame. A flexible sheet is located between an affixed to the cover and frame. A plurality of holes formed in the cover allow the surgical screws to be inserted into the caddy past a plurality of movable portions of the flexible sheet releasably holding the screws in the caddy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising N-[4-[4-(1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl)-1-piperazinyl]-(2R,3R)-2,3-tetramethylene-butyl]-(1?R,2?S,3?R,4?S)-2,3-bicyclo[2,2,1]heptanedicarboximide or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. In detail, the composition relates to a sustained release formulation for injection which maintains an effective blood level of the above-mentioned compound.

Abstract: Various embodiments of transdermal patch disposal devices are disclosed. Each such disposal device utilizes a containment having a patch disposal slot. A transdermal patch may be directed through this patch disposal slot for retention within an internal chamber of the containment. This patch disposal slot may be configured to reduce the potential of being able to withdraw a transdermal patch back out of the containment through the patch disposal slot. The interior of the containment may include one or more ribs which may reduce the potential of being able to withdraw a transdermal patch back out of the containment through the patch disposal slot.

Abstract: Formulations containing complexed human growth hormone crystals are described. Also described are needleless injection systems for crystalline proteins.

Abstract: An implant storage and insertion system for a shape memory orthopedic implant allows the implant to be constrained in a deformed state, protected, insulated, held for insertion, and properly positioned in bone. The implant storage and insertion system includes a restraining block having an impact surface. The restraining block engages an implant at a first end, and further a medical instrument engages the restraining block and positions the restraining block at a bone such that the impact surface may be impacted to insert a second end of the implant into the bone.

Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge and surgical stapling instruments. In various embodiments, the surgical staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body fabricated from compressible material that supports at least one line of unformed staples therein. The staples may be oriented in linear and/or non-linear arrangements in staple lines. Various forms of staples may be used including staples that have base support members molded or otherwise attached to the base portions of the staples. The surgical stapling instrument has an anvil that is responsive to closing motions to selectively bring the anvil into forming contact with the non-moving staples in the compressible staple cartridge body. The anvil may have a common staple pocket that serves to form all of the staples in a single line of staples.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a compressible, collapsible, and/or crushable cartridge body and fasteners embedded within the cartridge body which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein the first jaw can be positioned opposite a second jaw, or anvil. The anvil can be engaged with the fastener cartridge to compress, collapse, and/or crush the cartridge body and deform, or otherwise deploy, the fasteners contained therein. As the fasteners are deformed or deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the cartridge body therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened. In various embodiments, the cartridge body can comprise a plurality of bioabsorbable layers. These bioabsorbable layers can be comprised of materials which can be bioabsorbed at different rates.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a compressible, collapsible, and/or crushable cartridge body and fasteners embedded within the cartridge body which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein the first jaw can be positioned opposite a second jaw, or anvil. The anvil can be engaged with the fastener cartridge to compress, collapse, and/or crush the cartridge body and deform, or otherwise deploy, the fasteners contained therein. As the fasteners are deformed or deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the cartridge body therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened. The staple cartridge can further comprise a support retainer. The support retainer can be detachably connected to the cartridge body such that the cartridge body can be implanted and the support retainer can remain with the first jaw.

Abstract: Products based on salt of peroxymonosulfuric acid are suitable for treating or/and preventing diseases and other debilitating medical conditions caused by bacterial, eukaryotic, prion, and viral pathogens and by non-pathogenic inflammation. The products may alternatively be based on inorganic halide and an oxidizing agent reactable in water with the inorganic halide to generate hypohalite ions. In addition, the products can be employed in other applications such as commercial and industrial applications.

Abstract: Topical patch preparations that contain an odorless physiological cooling agent, and methods for using the same are provided. The subject topical patch preparations are made up of an adhesive gel composition that is present on a support, where the adhesive gel composition includes the odorless physiological cooling agent, a water-soluble polymer gel, water and a water holding agent. In using the subject topical patch preparations, the topical patch preparations are applied to a skin surface of a subject and maintained at the site of application for a period of time sufficient for an effective amount of the an odorless physiological cooling agent to be administered to the subject. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The stem cells that can be propagated and maintained for extended periods of time in culture in the absence of a feeder layer, and can be used to repair tissue damage. These cells are derived from fetal tissues and are able to repair different types of damage in musculoskeletal system, with significantly greater efficacy than stem cells derived from adult tissues. These cells are hypoimmunogenic and can be used for allogeneic transplantation to vertebrate hosts having disease and/or damage in musculoskeletal and other tissues. The cells can be administered by direct injection to the site in need of repair or by systemic (e.g., intravenous) administration. The stem cells of the invention are capable of migrating to the sites in need of repair, and of adopting a phenotype most appropriate to the nature of the damage, injury or disease.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment.

Abstract: Hardpack devices including a cartridge and a cap are useful for protecting sterile medical instruments. The cartridge includes a body having an open end and a closed end, and defines an internal cavity. The cap is adapted for placement over the open end of the body for enclosing the internal cavity of the cartridge. A laser heat seal mark is scored at the interface between the cartridge and the cap to seal the device.

Abstract: Adapalene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof formulated into a pharmaceutical composition is useful for reducing the number of acne lesions, via daily topical application, in combination or in association with benzoyl peroxide (BPO); such treatment may be via administration of a pharmaceutical composition combining adapalene and BPO or by a concomitant application of two pharmaceutical compositions, one containing adapalene and the other containing BPO.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (110, 210) comprising a catheter (130, 230) and a receptacle (120, 220) is disclosed. The receptacle is arranged to accommodate at least part of said catheter and having at least one opening (123) for withdrawal of said catheter. Further, the receptacle is provided with an antimicrobial compound (301) at least in the vicinity of the opening and at least on the outer surface of the receptacle, said antimicrobial compound inhibiting microbes from being transferred to said catheter while being withdrawn through said at least one opening.