Abstract:
A method for generating an enhanced ultrasound image comprises intravenously administering to a subject a plurality of microbubbles of sufficient diameter to lodge in the microvasculature of a subject. An ultrasound image of a portion of the subject is generated wherein the image is enhanced by one or more of the administered microbubbles that has lodged in the microvasculature of the imaged portion. An ultrasound contrast media composition comprises a plurality of gas filled microbubbles. At least about 5% of the microbubbles have a diameter of at least about 4 microns (μm), and wherein the composition is suitable for intravenous administration. The administered microbubbles are of sufficient diameter to lodge in the microvasculature of a subject and can be used enhance ultrasound images small animal subjects including mice, rats and rabbits. The described methods and compositions can be used to enhance ultrasound images produced using high frequency ultrasound.
Abstract:
An abuse-deterrent pharmaceutical composition has been developed to reduce the likelihood of improper administration of drugs, especially drugs such as opiods. In the preferred embodiment, the drug is modified to increase its lipophilicity by forming a salt between the drug and one or more fatty acids wherein the concentration of the one or more fatty acids is one to 15 times the molar amount of the active agent, preferably two to ten times the molar amount of the active agent. In one embodiment the modified drug is homogeneously dispersed within microparticles composed of a material that is either slowly soluble or not soluble in water. In some embodiments the drug containing microparticles or drug particles are coated with one or more coating layers, where at least one coating is water insoluble and preferably organic solvent insoluble. The abuse-deterrent composition prevents the immediate release of a substantial portion of drug, even if the physical integrity of the formulation is compromised (for example, by chopping with a blade or crushing) and the resulting material is placed in water, snorted, or swallowed. However, when administered as directed, the drug is slowly released from the composition as the composition is broken down or dissolved gradually within the GI tract by a combination of enzymatic degradation, surfactant action of bile acids, and mechanical erosion.
Abstract:
Described are microbubble compositions including microbubbles having membranes that incorporate modified surface features that may be useful, for example, in facilitating binding to a target surface or substance. The surface features may include non-spherical attributes such as crenations, folds, projections, or wrinkles, which can increase the deformability of the microbubble membrane. Such microbubble compositions can be incorporated into targeted ultrasound contrast agents and methodologies. Methods for preparing modified microbubble compositions include providing microbubbles having spherical membranes, and converting the spherical membranes to non-spherical membranes having surface features as mentioned above. Targeting substances can be incorporated into the membranes before or after their conversion from spherical to non-spherical forms.
Abstract:
Bactericidal compositions are disclosed that comprise a polymeric compound immobilized on a material. Medical devices are also disclosed which comprise such a bactericidal composition. Methods are disclosed for covalently derivatizing the surfaces of common materials with an antibacterial polycation, e.g., poly(vinyl-N-pyridinium bromide); the first step of the methods involves coating the surface with a nanolayer of silica. Various commercial synthetic polymers derivatized in this manner are bactericidal, i.e., they kill on contact up to 99% of deposited Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whether deposited through air or water.
Abstract:
Non-lyophilized vaccine compositions which contain a poliovirus and, as stabilizer, a compound containing at least two amino or imine groups. The stabilizers include polyimines such as the amino acid lysine or ethylenediamine and polyimines such as poly(ethylenimine).