4827results about How to "Relieve symptoms" patented technology

The present invention teaches a method and apparatus for physiological modulation, including neural and gastrointestinal modulation, for the purposes of treating several disorders, including obesity, depression, epilepsy, and diabetes. This includes chronically implanted neural and neuromuscular modulators, used to modulate the afferent neurons of the sympathetic nervous system to induce satiety. Furthermore, this includes neuromuscular stimulation of the stomach to effect baseline and intermittent smooth muscle contraction to increase gastric intraluminal pressure, which induces satiety, and stimulate sympathetic afferent fibers, including those in the sympathetic trunk, splanchnic nerves, and greater curvature of the stomach, to augment the perception of satiety.

The invention provides an artificial antigen presenting cell (AAPC) comprising a eukaryotic cell expressing an antigen presenting complex comprising a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecule of a single type, at least one exogenous accessory molecule and at least one exogenous T cell-specific epitope. Methods of use for activation of T lymphocytes are also provided.

The present invention provides methods and systems for patient-specific seizure onset detection. In one embodiment, at least one EEG waveform of the patient is recorded, and at least one epoch (sample) of the waveform is extracted. The waveform sample is decomposed into one or more subband signals via a wavelet decomposition of the waveform sample, and one or more feature vectors are computed based on the subband signals. A seizure onset can then be identified based on classification of the feature vectors to a seizure or a non-seizure class by comparing the feature vectors with a decision measure previously computed for that patient. The decision measure can be derived based on reference seizure and non-seizure EEG waveforms of the patient. In another aspect, similar methodology is employed for automatic detection of alpha waves. In other aspects, the invention provides diagnostic and imaging systems that incorporate the above seizure-onset and alpha-wave detection methodology.

An intervertebral disc prosthesis that comprises a deformable flexure with an axial cavity, the axial cavity extending along the axis of the flexure, and a slit defined in the perimeter surface of the flexure to provide flexibility to the disc member, the slit having a slit thickness. The slit may be in the form of a coil to impart a spring-like appearance and function. The intervertebral disc prosthesis further comprises a lower disc support housed in the axial cavity and an upper disc support housed in the axial cavity; with the lower and upper disc supports communicating with one another to provide support to the disc. The lower or upper disc support may alternatively be incorporated into the flexure.

An implantable neurostimulator system for treating pain includes scheduled and responsive therapy capabilities including responsive stimulation applied to the brain and peripheral sections of the nervous system. Methods for treating chronic nociceptive, neuropathic, and psychogenic pain employ an inventive system to advantageously reduce multiple symptoms and components of pain and to address underlying causes of pain.

The present invention is directed to the use of immunomodulatory compounds, particularly members of the class of compounds known as IMiDs™, and more specifically the compounds 4-(Amino)-2-(2,6-dioxo(3-piperidyl))-isoindoline-1,3-dione and 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl)-piperidine-2,6-dione, to induce the expression of fetal hemoglobin genes, genes essential for erythropoiesis, and genes encoding alpha hemoglobin stabilizing protein, within a population of CD34+ cells. These compounds are used to treat hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell anemia or β-thalassemia, or anemias caused by disease, surgery, accident, or the introduction or ingestion of toxins, poisons or drugs.

A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders, by wireless electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by wirelessly stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using a wireless electrode inductively coupled with a radiofrequency field. The source of radiofrequency energy may be internal or external to the patient. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure.

A method and devices for relieving pressure in the left atrium of a patient's heart is disclosed. The method includes using an ablative catheter in a minimally invasive procedure to prepare an opening from the coronary sinus into a left atrium of the patient's heart. Once the opening is prepared, the opening may be enlarged by a technique such as expanding a balloon within the opening. A stent is then placed within the coronary sinus of the patient, with a transverse portion expanding within the opening, allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the coronary sinus and then to the right atrium. Pressure within the left atrium is thus relieved.

The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment, prevention, or reduction of persistent infections, such as chronic infections, latent infections, and slow infections and cancer. The methods and compositions of the invention are also useful for the alleviation of one or more symptoms associated with such infections and cancer.

Methods and compositions for treating, preventing, or diagnosing epidermal or dermal disorders, e.g., psoriasis, are disclosed. The methods and compositions of the invention use binding agents, e.g., antibodies, specific for the extracellular domain of human prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

The present invention features compositions, methods, and kits useful in the treatment of viral diseases. In certain embodiments, the viral disease is caused by a single stranded RNA virus, a flaviviridae virus, or a hepatic virus. In particular embodiments, the viral disease is viral hepatitis (e.g., hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, hepatitis E). Also featured are screening methods for identification of novel compounds that may be used to treat a viral disease.

Disclosed are improvements in human nutrition involving a unique combination of natural products constituting anti-inflammatory compositions which can reduce cardiovascular disease risks as well as play a positive role in other conditions and diseases for which key indicators, especially selected from the group consisting of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lypoxygenase (5-LOX) expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) biosynthesis or any combination of these, are indicators. Therapeutic compositions preferably comprise curcumin, bilberry extract, grape seed extract, green tea extract and apple extract, in effective amounts individually and combined to provide a therapeutically significant reduction in one or more key indicators. Another exemplified therapeutic composition comprises: omega-3 rich refined fish oil, resveratrol, blueberry extract, grape seed extract, green tea extract and gamma and / or delta tocopherol, in effective amounts individually for the above benefits.

A method and device for creating an afferent stimulus for preventing obstructive sleep apnea are disclosed. The device includes at least one electrode and a stimulator, of which at least one electrode stimulates the genioglossus muscle of a patient having obstructive sleep apnea. The electrode is capable of conducting selected electrical stimulation generated by the stimulator, and the system is capable of delivering the selected electrical stimulation during a selected time of day. The electrical stimulation is selected to maintain sufficient muscle tone of the genioglossus muscle to prevent it from obstructing the airway during sleep, preferably at a stimulus intensity low enough to avoid awakening the patient during sleep. A removable mouthpiece having a battery, at least one electrode, and a controller, and optionally a sensor, can be used for providing the stimulation.

A method and device for treating a mood and / or anxiety disorder are disclosed which comprise electrical, chemical or magnetic stimulation of certain areas of the brain to modulate neuronal activity of areas associated with symptoms of mood disorders. In certain embodiments, deep brain stimulation is combined with cranial nerve stimulation to enhance symptomatic relief of the disorder. Certain embodiments also employ a sensing capability to optimize the therapeutic treatment regimen.

A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders, by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by electrically stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an implantable pulse generator. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. Reduced food intake may occur through a variety of mechanisms that reduce appetite and cause satiety. Increased adrenal gland hormone levels will result in increased energy expenditure. Fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which are also increased by sympathetic nerve activation, will accompany the increased energy expenditure.

The invention provides methods, uses and compositions for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. The invention describes methods and uses for treating psoriatic arthritis, wherein a TNFα inhibitor, such as a human TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is used to psoriatic arthritis in a subject. Also described are methods for determining the efficacy of a TNFα inhibitor for treatment of psoriatic arthritis in a subject.

An intra-luminal device for gastrointestinal electrical stimulation is self-powered and self-contained within a capsule-like housing, and is capable of non-surgical implantation within the patient. The device includes an implantable pulse generator and one or more electrodes mounted within a common device housing. The device housing is capable of endoscopic introduction to a desired location within the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, via the esophagus. The device may be appropriate for short-term, mid-term or trial stimulation applications.

The invention provides methods, uses and compositions for the treatment of Crohn's disease. The invention describes methods and uses for treating Crohn's disease, wherein a TNFα inhibitor, such as a human TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is used to induce and maintain remission of Crohn's disease in a subject. Also described are methods for determining the efficacy of a TNFα inhibitor for treatment of Crohn's disease in a subject.

An improved corneal contact lens for use in orthokeratology wherein the lens has an anterior surface, posterior surface and includes a tear zone which defines a tear reservoir located on the posterior surface of the lens. The improvement involves providing at least one fenestration surface located in the tear zone which defines an opening extending through the contact lens from the anterior surface to the posterior surface. The openings in the tear zone relieve fluid pressure which was found to cause certain symptoms, such as lens adhesion, tightening and general wearing discomfort. The fenestrations in the tear zone provide enhanced wearing comfort without adversely affecting the cornea-shaping properties of the lens.

Methods and compositions for inhibiting interleukin-21 (IL-21) / IL-21 receptor (MU-1) activity using antagonists of IL-21 or IL-21 receptor (“IL-21R” or “MU-1”), are disclosed. IL-21 / IL-21R antagonists can be used to induce immune suppression in vivo, e.g., for treating, ameliorating or preventing autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, including, e.g., inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), transplant / graft rejection, psoriasis, asthma, fibrosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

A pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises phenylepherine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a second drug. The dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the second drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of phenylepherine. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Methods of modulating the activity of the TAR element of HIV are provided. Oligonucleotides having 6 to 50 bases and at least one 2'-O alkyl modification and selected sequences are disclosed.

Methods of making and using recombinant AAV vectors and virions for gene delivery to the lung are described. The recombinant AAV virions are derived from caprine AAV and bovine AAV, both of which display tropism for lung tissue.

Disclosed is a composition of matter of the formula (X1)a—(F1)d—(X2)b—(F2)e—(X3)c  (I) and multimers thereof, in which F1 and F2 are half-life extending moieties, and d and e are each independently 0 or 1, provided that at least one of d and e is 1; X1, X2, and X3 are each independently -(L)f-P-(L)g-, and f and g are each independently 0 or 1; P is a toxin peptide of no more than about 80 amino acid residues in length, comprising at least two intrapeptide disulfide bonds; L is an optional linker; and a, b, and c are each independently 0 or 1, provided that at least one of a, b and c is 1. Linkage to the half-life extending moiety or moieties increases the in vivo half-life of the toxin peptide, which otherwise would be quickly degraded. A pharmaceutical composition comprises the composition and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also disclosed are a DNA encoding the inventive composition of matter, an expression vector comprising the DNA, and a host cell comprising the expression vector. Methods of treating an autoimmune disorder, such as, but not limited to, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, contact-mediated dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, asthma, allergy, restinosis, systemic sclerosis, fibrosis, scleroderma, glomerulonephritis, Sjogren syndrome, inflammatory bone resorption, transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease, and lupus and of preventing or mitigating a relapse of a symptom of multiple sclerosis are also disclosed.

Disclosed are fusion proteins comprising a biologically active molecule and an immunoglobulin (Ig) Fc domain which is linked to the biologically active molecule. The Fc domain is a hybrid human Fc domain of (i) IgG1, IgG2 or IgG4 or (ii) IgG4 and IgD. The hybrid Fc is useful as a carrier of biologically active molecules.

Human mesenchymal stromal cells can be induced to differentiate into oligodendrocytes and neurons, respectively. For these cell types, therefore, MSCs can be a therapeutic source, either in vitro or in vivo, in the context of treating pathologies of the central nervous system which are characterized by neuron loss, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and stroke, as well as head trauma, or by dysfunction in ganglioside storage or demyelinization, such as Tay-Sachs disease, G1 gangliosidosis, metachromatic leukodystrophy, and multiple sclerosis.

Engineered protein kinases which can utilize modified nucleotide triphosphate substrates that are not as readily utilized by the wild-type forms of those enzymes, and methods of making and using them. Modified nucleotide triphosphate substrates and methods of making and using them. Methods for using such engineered kinases and such modified substrates to identify which protein substrates the kinases act upon, to measure the extent of such action, and to determine if test compounds can modulate such action. Also engineered forms of multi-substrate enzymes which covalently attach part or all of at least one (donor) substrate to at least one other (recipient) substrate, which engineered forms will accept modified substrates that are not as readily utilized by the wild-type forms of those enzymes. Methods for making and using such engineered enzymes. Modified substrates and methods of making and using them. Methods for using such engineered enzymes and such modified substrates to identify the recipient substrates the enzymes act upon, to measure the extent of such action, and to measure whether test compounds modulate such action.