Abstract: In one aspect, apparatuses for providing chemical gradients are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus described herein comprises a conduit having a first end and a second end, one or more microchannels disposed in the conduit and extending from the first end toward the second end, and a fiber coiled around the exterior of at least one microchannel, wherein the fiber comprises an active agent that is operable to diffuse into the interior of the microchannel.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for preparing a water extract of ashwagandha, which comprises increasing the amounts of withanone and withaferin A contained as active ingredients in the water extract of ashwagandha leaves. In addition, it is another object of the present invention to more economically and simply provide a pharmaceutical composition comprising ashwagandha leaves. The present invention relates to a method for preparing a water extract of ashwagandha leaves, which comprises extracting ashwagandha leaves with water in the presence of cyclodextrin, and a method for enhancing the anticancer activity of the water extract of ashwagandha leaves. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing cancer, comprising the water extract of ashwagandha leaves. The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising dry powders of ashwagandha leaves and cyclodextrin.

Abstract: Compositions, kits and methods for the treatment or prevention of ocular allergies and inflammation and the symptoms thereof containing alcaftadine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates material that is useful in culturing and transferring cells as well as delivering cells. The material comprises plant derived cellulose nanofibers or derivatives thereof, wherein the cellulose nanofibers are in a form of a hydrogel or membrane. The invention also provides methods for producing these materials and compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibition of human herpes virus replication in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a cardiac glycoside analog, including for example, a digitoxin analog and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Other methods of the present invention include administering a digitoxin analog along with at least one other biologically active compound and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods for inhibition of the ?3 subtype of the Na/K ATPase in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a digitoxin analog are also provided.

Abstract: A quantification of a particular element comprised in magnetic particles enclosed in a volume involves applying a first time-varying magnetic field to the volume, having a first magnitude and a first frequency and applying a second time varying magnetic field, not parallel with the first magnetic field for causing precession of the magnetized particles. The second magnetic field is an RF field having a second frequency equal to the Larmor-frequency of the particular element. Thereafter the resultant magnetization originating from the volume and modulated by the time-varying field is measured, and at least one frequency component of the resultant magnetization is determined. A power and/or voltage of the at least one frequency component is calculated and a quantity of the magnetic particles enclosed in the volume is determined based thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for lyophilizing a composition for multiple target nucleic acid sequence amplification reaction and a lyophilizate prepared by the method. The present method is very effective in lyophilizing a composition containing a high concentration of oligonucleotides. The lyophilizates prepared by the present invention exhibits excellent properties in terms of both sensitivity and specificity, equivalent performance capacity to conventional liquid formulation and furthermore remarkable storage stability. Accordingly, the lyophilizates prepared by the present invention would be very useful in diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel nanotechnology-based strategy for therapeutic neovascularization. Said statin-loaded nanoparticle allows local delivery of statin and thus improves therapeutic efficacy of several kind of diseases which may treated by statin such as ischemic neovascularization.

Abstract: Surface conjugated diamagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (diaCEST) agent carriers and methods of making and using are described herein. The particles are safe alternatives to conventional paramagnetic or superparamagnetic metal-based MRI contrast agents that are often toxic and therefore not biocompatible. The carriers described herein can provide simultaneous monitoring of multiple particle types labeled with ‘multicolor’ diaCEST contrast agents. In some embodiments, the carriers are micro- and/or nanoparticles. In other embodiments, the carriers are liposomes. In some embodiments, the particles and/or liposomes are mucus penetrating. In other embodiments, the particles and/or liposomes are not mucus penetrating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anhydrous cosmetic or dermatological formulation comprising a viscose lipid-containing preparation and propellant gas consisting essentially of one or more substances selected from hydrofluorocarbons, n-butane, isobutane and propane. The formulation permits application to the skin by spraying of an otherwise nonsprayable preparation. The formulation is free from readily volatile solvents, surfactants, and preferably free from silicones.

Abstract: Simulated tissue products and methods involving an enhanced simulated tissue product, the enhanced simulated tissue product formed from a polyvinyl alcohol material having a molecular chain length in a range of at least approximately 7000 vinyl alcohol repeat units; and water, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol material has a preferred molecular chain length in a range of at least approximately 7150 vinyl alcohol repeat units; wherein the aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution involves an additive, and, wherein the additive involves a plurality of nanoparticles. The simulated tissue products and methods are further useful with multi-metric surgery simulator devices, systems, and methods, such as those for training surgical tasks.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations, and more particularly to formulations containing cannabinoids for administration via a pump action spray. In particular, the invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations, for use in administration of lipophilic medicaments via mucosal surfaces, comprising: at least one lipophilic medicament, a solvent and a co-solvent, wherein the total amount of solvent and co-solvent present in the formulation is greater than 55% wt/wt of the formulation and the formulation is absent of a self emulsifying agent and/or a fluorinated propellant.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer, a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer, and an electrolyte layer having an electrolyte solution containing a non-aqueous solvent. At least one of the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer contains an electrode material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a core part including an electrode active material and a shell part including a conductive material in a base material formed by a gel-forming polymer having a liquid absorption rate with respect to the electrolyte solution of 10 to 200%.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a therapeutic agent to a surgical cavity, including: a porous, mucoadhesive, freeze-dried polymeric matrix having first and second opposed surfaces, the matrix formed by a composition including chitosan; a plurality of particles embedded within the matrix, the particles containing the therapeutic agent and having a coating around the therapeutic agent, the coating including chitosan; and an additive selected from the group consisting of a hydration promoter, a particle adhesion inhibitor, a particle aggregation inhibitor, and combinations thereof. The first surface of the matrix is configured to be applied to the surgical cavity; the device releases the particles through the first surface; the device is also sterilized and provides release of approximately 20% to 100% of the therapeutic agent within 20 minutes of application to the surgical cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition in the form of an injectable aqueous solution, of which the pH is from 6.0 to 8.0, comprising at least: a) amylin, an amylin receptor agonist or an amylin analog; b) a co-polyamino acid bearing carboxylate charges and hydrophobic radicals Hy, said co-polyamino acid consisting of glutamic or aspartic units and said hydrophobic radicals Hy having the following formula I: *GpRrGpAaGpC)p ??I characterized in that the composition does not comprise a basal insulin of which the isoelectric point pI is from 5.8 to 8.5. It also relates to a composition characterized in that it moreover comprises a prandial insulin.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating wound healing dressings, treatments, and other variables. The present invention includes in vitro systems and methods for testing wound dressing materials for bacterial control, moisture control, and surface contact properties. The present invention further includes in vivo systems and methods for testing wound dressings, treatments, and other variables utilizing arrays of wound wells on an experimental subject animal. Wound arrays allow for different wound healing variables to be tested with numerous experimental trials within the same subject animal, giving reliable results and reducing the number of subject animals required for testing.

Abstract: Provided herein are micellic assemblies comprising a plurality of copolymers. In certain instauces, micellic assemblies provided herein are pH sensitive particles.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and medicaments that include a drug are provided for use in the treatment of the prostate by locally administering the drug into the bladder of a patient to achieve a sustained concentration of the drug in urine in the bladder sufficient to produce a therapeutic concentration of the drug in the prostate. The drug may be delivered into the bladder from an intravesical drug delivery device inserted into the bladder, wherein the device continuously releases the drug into the urine in the bladder over an extended period of hours or days.

Abstract: A novel charge-shifting copolymer is provided comprising a first charge-shifting monomer that is cationic under physiological conditions and which possesses cationic groups that may be converted into anionic groups under physiological conditions, a second monomer comprising at least one primary amine that is not convertible to an anionic group under physiological conditions, and optionally, one or more monomers which are polar uncharged monomers. A hydrogel system incorporating this copolymer, as well as a capsule system, are also provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an analyte-measuring sensor using a thermoresponsive polymer, which is a novel analyte-measuring sensor capable of quantitatively measuring a target analyte with higher sensitivity. The analyte-measuring sensor of the present invention comprises a labeled particle capable of specifically reacting with a measurement target analyte, a thermoresponsive polymer, a charged substance exhibiting a positive or negative zeta potential in a solution, and a metal particle, and said metal particle is coated with a copolymer of said labeled particle, said charged substance and said thermoresponsive polymer.

Abstract: Articles having metal, metalloid or non-metal surfaces containing an antimicrobial layer comprising antimicrobial oligomers or polymers are suitable for use in medical devices, sanitary surfaces and other applications. Antimicrobial layers contain an organophosphorus layer deposited on an article surface and antimicrobial oligomers or polymers bonded to the organophosphorus layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a risperidone sustained release delivery system for treatment of medical conditions relating to delusional psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression, obsessive-compulsion disorder, Tourette syndrome, and autistic spectrum disorders. The sustained release delivery system includes a flowable composition containing risperidone, a metabolite, or a prodrug thereof and an implant containing risperidone, a metabolite, or a prodrug thereof. The flowable composition may be injected into tissue whereupon it coagulates to become a solid or gel, monolithic implant. The flowable composition includes a biodegradable, thermoplastic polymer, an organic liquid, and risperidone, a metabolite or a prodrug thereof.

Abstract: Materials and methods for modulating cellular uptake of functionalized nanoparticles are provided. Also provided are materials and methods for modulating the effectiveness of a therapeutic agent with a functionalized nanoparticle.

Abstract: A composition for use in a nasal application, the composition including an aqueous carrier and a viscosity agent. The viscosity agent is in the range of about 4% to about 15% by weight. The viscosity agent is in solution with the aqueous carrier. The solution of the aqueous carrier and the viscosity agent is configured as a thixotropic composition.

Abstract: A nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit configured for surgical implantation through a patient's tympanic membrane. The nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit comprises a gas-permeable cured resin material configured for releasably sequestering therein gas. The gas-permeable cured resin material is charged with nitric oxide gas. The nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit may be optionally coated with an antimicrobial gas-releasing composition. The gas-releasing coating composition may be configured to release nitric oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed are a targeting aptamer for atherosclerosis and a preparation method and application thereof. The targeting aptamer is a targeting aptamer fragment for atherosclerosis obtained through screening of macrophage-derived foam cells together with reverse screening of smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and THP-1 cells using a SELEX method; and the use of the targeting aptamer in preparation of an MRI targeting nano-contrast agent for atherosclerosis allows the specific binding of the MRI targeting nano-contrast agent for atherosclerosis only with the macrophage-derived foam cells, and allows high specific binding thereof with vascular tissues with AS lesion, this improving targeting effect of the MRI targeting nano-contrast agent for atherosclerosis and realizing early specific diagnosis of arterial sclerosis.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include coated medical devices and coatings with salt groups. In an embodiment, a coated medical device is included, the coated medical device including a substrate and a polymeric layer disposed over the substrate. The polymeric layer includes a polymer and has an exterior surface. The coated medical device further includes a plurality of salt groups bonded to the polymer of the polymeric layer and disposed on the exterior surface of the polymeric layer. The salt groups can be the reaction product of a reactive group with an acid or base. In an embodiment, a method of making a medical device is included. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A composition in the form of an injectable aqueous solution, the pH of which is between 6.0 and 8.0, including at least (a) a basal insulin, the isoelectric point pI of which is between 5.8 and 8.5; and (b) a co-polyamino acid bearing carboxylate charges and substituted with hydrophobic radicals. In one embodiment, the compositions also include a prandial insulin and/or a gut hormone.

Abstract: Provided herein are a biocompatible hemostatic product and a tissue sealant, including polyethylene oxide particles with a viscosity-average molecular weight ranging from 100,000 to 7,000,000 Daltons, a particle size ranging from 0.5 ?m to 2000 ?m and a water absorbency capacity ranging from 1 to 500 times of its own weight. Also provided herein is a method for preparing biocompatible hemostatic product and tissue sealant and the use of the biocompatible hemostatic product and tissue sealant in hemostasis, preventing adhesion, avoiding infection, promoting tissue healing, and sealing wound of tissues and organs either on animal's body surface, or inside body's cavity.

Abstract: An antimicrobial polymer for use in an ophthalmic implant, includes at least one antimicrobial monomer; and at least one other monomer selected from an acrylic, silicone, vinyl and collagen monomer.

Abstract: A plasma-activated coating (PAC) process covalently binds enzymes in their bioactive state, has low thrombogenicity and can be robustly applied to medical devices, resisting delamination when deployed in vivo. Applying this process to attachment of proteins such as enzymes that inhibit thrombosis and anticoagulants such as heparin or heparin fragments, one can produce medical devices and other materials for use in vascular applications having a number of benefits including covalent attachment, not requiring intermediate linkers or chemistry; substrate independent—works on polymers, metals, ceramics, 3D shapes like stents, valves, etc.; bioactivity is retained; surface may retain greater bioactivity over time in vivo; Simultaneously supports endothelialization; can be stored for long periods, following freeze drying, and retains effectiveness when rehydrated and; surface is able to bind many fibrinolytic enzymes such as streptokinase, urokinase, tPA, plasmin).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an embolization particle comprising a microparticle coated with a plurality of nanoparticles, which nanoparticles comprise a metal oxide doped with one or more rare earth elements, wherein the metal oxide is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or cerium dioxide. An embolization particle of the invention for use in the treatment of cancer in combination with X-ray radiation or proton beam radiation, or use in embolization, is also described. The invention also relates to a process for producing an embolization particle comprising a microparticle coated with a plurality of nanoparticles, which nanoparticles comprise a metal oxide doped with one or more rare earth elements, wherein the metal oxide is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or cerium dioxide, which process comprises: (i) providing a microparticle; (ii) contacting the microparticle with a plurality of the nanoparticles; and (iii) heating the microparticle and the nanoparticles to form the embolization particle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns pharmaceutical formulations of ARN-509, which can be administered to a mammal, in particular a human, suffering from an androgen receptor (AR)-related disease or condition, in particular cancer, more in particular prostate cancer, including but not limited to castration-resistant prostate cancer, metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, chemotherapy-naive metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, biochemically relapsed hormone sensitive prostate cancer, or high-risk, non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In one aspect, these formulations comprise a solid dispersion of ARN-509, a poly(meth)acrylate copolymer and HPMCAS. In one aspect, the solid dispersion of ARN-509, a poly(meth)acrylate copolymer and HPMCAS is obtainable, in particular is obtained, by melt-extruding a mixture comprising ARN-509, a poly(meth)acrylate copolymer and HPMCAS and optionally subsequently milling said melt-extruded mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of preparing antimicrobial elastomeric articles that include an elastomeric article having an antimicrobial coating provided thereon. The antimicrobial elastomeric articles exhibit enhanced ability to reduce or eliminate microbes that come in contact with the article. Certain aspects of the invention are further directed to methods of packaging the antimicrobial elastomeric articles, where the packaged antimicrobial articles exhibit antimicrobial effectiveness for an extended period of time as compared to unpackaged antimicrobial articles. Antimicrobial elastomeric articles and packaged antimicrobial elastomeric articles prepared in accordance with the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: TPO was used to promote the growth of bone in both rats and in mice. Gaps in both mouse and in rat bones were treated with a scaffold sized to fit the gap. Scaffolds that included TPO promoted better outcomes than scaffolds that included BMP-2 or scaffolds that did not include either TPO or BMP-2. These data indicate that compounds that exhibit thrombopoietic activity such a recombinant TPO can be used to promote bone growth and healing in mammals.

Abstract: A pro-apoptotic solid dispersion comprises, in essentially non-crystalline form, a Bcl-2 family protein inhibitory compound of Formula I as defined herein, dispersed in a solid matrix that comprises (a) a pharmaceutically acceptable water-soluble polymeric carrier and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. A process for preparing such a solid dispersion comprises dissolving the compound, the polymeric carrier and the surfactant in a suitable solvent, and removing the solvent to provide a solid matrix comprising the polymeric carrier and the surfactant and having the compound dispersed in essentially non-crystalline form therein. The solid dispersion is suitable for oral administration to a subject in need thereof for treatment of a disease characterized by overexpression of one or more anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, for example cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for stimulating collagen synthesis, cosmetic enhancement of soft tissue and/or inhibiting or treating scarring comprising administering a composition to an area to be treated within a soft tissue, wherein the composition comprises a tissue filler medium and a fluorophore; and illuminating the area with light having a wavelength which can be absorbed by the fluorophore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a block copolymer comprising a first block derived from a cyclo-alkyl vinyl monomer, a hydrogenated vinyl aromatic polymer or a hydrogenated vinyl pyridine polymers; and a second block derived from an acrylate monomer. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising reacting a first block derived from a cyclo-alkyl vinyl monomer, a hydrogenated vinyl aromatic polymer or a hydrogenated vinyl pyridine polymers with an initiator to form a macroinitiator; and polymerizing a second block onto the first block to form a block copolymer; where the second block is derived by polymerizing an acrylate monomer; and where the block copolymer has a chi parameter of greater than or equal to about 0.05, when measured at a temperature of 200° C. to 210° C.; where the chi parameter is a measure of interactions between the first block and the second block of the copolymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oral, immediate release, abuse deterrent pill containing at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient susceptible to abuse which is homogenously spread throughout a carrier matrix used to deter abuse. The pill is prepared using hot melt extrusion and a forming unit through a continuous process. The formed pill is abuse deterrent to parenteral administration due at least to particle size, viscosity, or purity limitations.

Abstract: Disclosed are: (a) controlled release matrix particles containing 10-70 wt. % of a hydrophobic active ingredient, 21-72 wt. % of a polysaccharide, 3.80-12 wt. % of a crosslinking agent, 1.00-6 wt. % of a catalyst and 0.10-5 wt. % of a silica flow aid; (b) controlled release core/shell particles containing 10-70 wt. % of a hydrophobic active ingredient, 1.0-3.2 wt. % of an epoxidized oil, 21-64 wt. % of a polysaccharide, 7.6-23% of an amine-functionality containing material, and 0.10-5 wt. % of a silica flow aid; and (c) hybrid particles wherein the core/shell particles are contained in a matrix. Also disclosed are methods for making the particles and compositions containing the particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polyesteramides (PEAs) comprising hydrophobic alpha-amino acids, diols, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and optionally diamines whereby at least one of the dicarboxylic acids, diols or diamines comprises disulphide linkages. The present invention also relates to the use of the polyesteramides in medical applications such as cancer treatment, ophthalmic applications, therapeutic cardiovascular applications, veterinary applications, pain management applications, MSK applications and vaccine delivery compositions. The present invention also relates to a drug delivery composition comprising the PEA's and to a drug delivery system such as micro- or nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, polymerosomes, micro- and nanogels, polymerosomes or nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the bioavailability and/or prolonging ophthalmic action of a drug, the method comprising instilling into the eye an aqueous suspension comprising reversible clusters of drug loaded nano-resin particles, said clusters having a D50 value of at least 2 micrometer and said drug loaded nano-resin particles have a particle size distribution characterized in that the D90 value is 70 nanometer to 900 nanometer. The present invention further relates to an aqueous suspension comprising reversible clusters of drug loaded nano-resin particles, said clusters have a D50 value of at least 2 micrometers and said drug loaded nano-resin particles have a particle size distribution characterized in that the D90 value is 70 nanometers to 900 nanometers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a composition that serves as an efficient arginine substrate for inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in tumor. The present invention provides a polyion complex (PIC) of PEG-b-poly(L-Arg) or poly(L-Arg)-b-PEG-b-poly(L-Arg) and a polyanionic polymer, and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transdermal device including porous microparticles capable of containing an active principle, in particular nicotine, and to the use thereof as a drug, in particular for tobacco cessation. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a transdermal device including porous microparticles filled with an active principle.

Abstract: Biodegradable, bioabsorbable cross-linked polymer tissue scaffolds for filling a void in human or animal soft tissue, such as a surgical or other wound, are disclosed. Drugs incorporated into the polymer backbone and/or loaded into the matrix are released directly to the target site. Additional non-toxic chemical constituents can be used to tune the hydrophilio hydrophobic and other physical properties of the cross-linked polymer tissue scaffolds, and incorporating brominated or iodinated constituents provides radio-opacity. The radio-opaque cross-linked polymer tissue scaffolds can assist in the targeting of radiation therapy.

Abstract: A water treatment solution may include a metal salt and a base product fluid. The base product fluid may include a molecular compound that is a chelating compound. The molecular compound may have the formula: ((NH4)2SO4)a.(H2SO4)b.(H2O)c.(NH4HSO4)x. In the formula, a may be between 1 and 5, b may be between 1 and 5, c may be between 1 and 5, and x may be between 1 and 10. The water treatment solution may be formed by adding the metal salt to the base product fluid and water. The water treatment solution may be added to water in need of treatment. The water in need of treatment may be a static body of water.

Abstract: A polymer-micelle complex suitable for use as an aid to preparing fibers, particularly nanofibers, by electrospinning. The polymer-micelle complex may be designed to impart viscosity, surface tension and conductivity properties optimal for electrospinning. By incorporating the complex as a secondary ingredient, one may electrospin sparingly soluble or low molecular weight polymers. Moreover, the polymer-micelle complex can be used as a generic carrier for preparing fibers incorporating other desired materials, such as rigid or globular (hard-to-spin) polymers, enzymes, cells, viral particles and nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable implants sized for implantation in an ocular region and methods for treating medical conditions of the eye. The implants are formed from a mixture of hydrophilic end and hydrophobic end PLGA, and deliver active agents into an ocular region without a high burst release.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one active ingredient with low aqueous solubility, said active ingredient being present therein in a form noncovalently associated with nanoparticles formed by at least one POM polymer of formula (I), and in which said active ingredient is present in a proportion of at least 5 ?mol/g of POM. It is also directed towards the use of such nanoparticles, noncovalently associated with an active ingredient, with a view to increasing the aqueous solubilization of said active ingredient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for forming an injectable hydrogel. The composition includes 1% by weight or less of a graphene-based material and 5% by weight or more of a triblock copolymer. The triblock copolymer may be a copolymer represented by Formula 1: wherein n is an integer from 8 to 540, m is an integer from 16 to 70, and R is H or a vinylcarbonyl group (CH2?CHCO—). When R in Formula 1 is a vinylcarbonyl group, the triblock copolymer may be crosslinked through the vinylcarbonyl group to form a nanogel. The composition can be prepared by a simple mixing process. In addition, the composition is substantially free from in vitro and in vivo stability problems encountered with conventional hydrogel compositions. Furthermore, the composition has high biocompatibility as well as excellent mechanical properties such as high storage modulus.