Abstract: A needle access assembly and method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy. The method can include selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle and in line with the selected target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for an integrated phototherapy system that can include integrating a bili light, radiometer, and transcutaneous bilirubin sensor are disclosed. In some embodiments, the integrated phototherapy system has a control system that can receive and send data and automate features of the phototherapy system. Data that can be input by a healthcare provider and/or measured by the system can include treatment time, distance between the patient and the bili light, intensity level, irradiance level, bilirubin level, temperature, and the light intensity or irradiance of other light sources or pieces of equipment. The phototherapy system can be compatible with any electronic healthcare records system, and measured data can aggregated and uploaded to such a system.

Abstract: Surgical tools for use during scarless or near scarless surgical procedures. At least some of the surgical tools can include a handle portion and a working end removably connected to the handle portion.

Abstract: The subject technology relates generally to compositions and methods for producing plasmid DNA of a desired quality. In addition, it relates to the discovery of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria with a constitutive methylase gene stably incorporated into the chromosomal DNA and uses thereof.

Abstract: A system and method of illuminating one or more foot pedals with an optically brightened layer positioned to fluoresce responsive to activation of one or more ultraviolet (UV) illuminating devices positioned adjacent or attached to the one or more foot pedals. The optically brightened layer may include an optically brightened coating covering at least a portion of each of the one or more foot pedals, or may include an optically brightened material layer positioned to cover and protect each of the one or more foot pedals from debris or moisture during use. A friction portion may be attached to the optically brightened material layer, the friction portion being positioned adjacent a lower surface of the foot pedal when the optically brightened material layer surrounds the foot pedal, the friction portion being configured to prevent sliding of the foot pedal against the floor or other surface.

Abstract: A needle access assembly and method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy is disclosed. The method includes selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle and in line with the selected target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target.

Abstract: A system and method of illuminating one or more foot pedals with an optically brightened layer positioned to fluoresce responsive to activation of one or more ultraviolet (UV) illuminating devices positioned adjacent or attached to the one or more foot pedals. The optically brightened layer may include an optically brightened coating covering at least a portion of each of the one or more foot pedals, or may include an optically brightened material layer positioned to cover and protect each of the one or more foot pedals from debris or moisture during use. A friction portion may be attached to the optically brightened material layer, the friction portion being positioned adjacent a lower surface of the foot pedal when the optically brightened material layer surrounds the foot pedal, the friction portion being configured to prevent sliding of the foot pedal against the floor or other surface.

Abstract: Gene-modified, lymphoid-tissue-homing dendritic cells that comprise a 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene and a retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene, where the 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene is expressed to produce functional 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme and the retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene is expressed to produce functional retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene enzyme. A method for treating one or more than one inflammation-related condition or disease, the method comprising administering gene-modified, lymphoid-tissue-homing dendritic cells that comprise a 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene and a retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene, where the 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene is expressed to produce functional 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme and the retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene is expressed to produce functional retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene enzyme.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions for promoting hemostasis are provided. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a porous non-fibrous substrate impregnated with a hemostatic agent, wherein the porous non-fibrous substrate comprises a hydrophilic polyurethane foam. Methods of promoting hemostasis in a subject using such compositions, and methods of manufacturing such compositions, are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of illuminating one or more foot pedals with an optically brightened layer positioned to fluoresce responsive to activation of one or more ultraviolet (UV) illuminating devices positioned adjacent or attached to the one or more foot pedals. The optically brightened layer may include an optically brightened coating covering at least a portion of each of the one or more foot pedals, or may include an optically brightened material layer positioned to cover and protect each of the one or more foot pedals from debris or moisture during use. A friction portion may be attached to the optically brightened material layer, the friction portion being positioned adjacent a lower surface of the foot pedal when the optically brightened material layer surrounds the foot pedal, the friction portion being configured to prevent sliding of the foot pedal against the floor or other surface.

Abstract: Methods for preventing, delaying the onset of, or treating rejection of an allograft using a DNA vaccine, where the vaccine can comprise a polynucleotide encoding a pro-apoptotic protein, like BAX and/or a polynucleotide encoding an autoantigen or donor antigen, like secreted glutamic acid decarboxylase 55. Administering one of the DNA vaccines to a transplant recipient, as described herein, can induce a donor specific tolerogenic response.

Abstract: A system and method of illuminating one or more foot pedals with an optically brightened layer positioned to fluoresce responsive to activation of one or more ultraviolet (UV) illuminating devices positioned adjacent or attached to the one or more foot pedals. The optically brightened layer may include an optically brightened coating covering at least a portion of each of the one or more foot pedals, or may include an optically brightened material layer positioned to cover and protect each of the one or more foot pedals from debris or moisture during use. A friction portion may be attached to the optically brightened material layer, the friction portion being positioned adjacent a lower surface of the foot pedal when the optically brightened material layer surrounds the foot pedal, the friction portion being configured to prevent sliding of the foot pedal against the floor or other surface.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques, including systems and methods, for processing imaging data to identify an installed component. Embodiments include a component identification system that is configured to receive imaging data including an installed component, extract features of the installed component from the imaging data, and search a data store of components for matching reference components that match those features. A relevance score may be determined for each of the reference components based on a similarity between the image and a plurality of reference images in a component model of each of the plurality of reference components. At least one matching reference component may be identified by comparing each relevance score to a threshold relevance score and matching component information may be provided to an end-user for each matching reference component.

Abstract: A kit for performing a reduced radiation percutaneous procedure is provided. The kit includes a needle access device having a needle connected to a hub portion having an opaque cap portion, a non-opaque body portion positioned between the opaque cap portion and the needle, and a channel extending through the opaque cap portion; a sticker having an adhesive side adapted to adhere to the skin of a patient, and a display surface opposite the adhesive side configured to enhance visualization of the sticker in low light; and a guidewire having a floppy portion with a distal end, an intermediate region connected to the floppy portion, such that the intermediate region is less floppy than the floppy portion; and an ultrasonic-profile-enhancing feature disposed within 3 centimeters of the distal end of the floppy portion.

Abstract: A system and method of illuminating a foot pedal with an illuminated protective covering. The illuminated protective covering can include a plurality of illuminating devices surrounding at least a majority of a perimeter of the foot pedal. The illuminated protective covering can also include a sheet surrounding the upper surface and the lower surface of the foot pedal and the plurality of illuminating devices, the sheet being configured to protect the foot pedal from debris during use. A friction portion can be attached to the sheet, the friction portion being positioned on the sheet such that the friction portion is adjacent the bottom surface of the foot pedal when the sheet surrounds the foot pedal, the friction portion being configured to prevent sliding of the foot pedal against the floor or other surface.

Abstract: Surgical tools for use during scarless or near scarless surgical procedures. At least some of the surgical tools can include a handle portion and a working end removably connected to the handle portion.

Abstract: A pedicle screw and pedicle screw assembly for use in supporting a spinal rod, the pedicle screw including a threaded shank, a screw head, and a screw neck connecting the threaded shank and the screw head. The screw head can include an arcuate upper surface to engage a lower surface of a modular head. A pair of arcuate channels positioned on either side of the screw head can receive a bottom flange portion of the modular head therein so as to secure the modular head to the pedicle screw. An upper surface of the modular head can define a rod recess for receiving the spinal rod. The relative configuration of the screw head and the modular head can be arranged so that once engaged, the modular head is freely slidable along the arcuate upper surface of the screw head, but the screw head and the modular head remain coupled.

Abstract: Compositions having a drug-loaded microparticle and bone cement and methods of making such compositions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of employing such compositions for the treatment of injected joint spaces and bone disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies relating to proton computed tomography. In some implementations, detection of protons can yield track information before and after an object for each proton so as to allow determination of a likely path of each proton within the object. Further, measurement of energy loss experienced by each proton allows determination that a given likely path results in a given energy loss. A collection of such data allows characterization of the object. In the context of energy loss, such a characterization can include an image map of relative stopping power of the object. Various reconstruction methodologies for obtaining such an image, including but not limited to superiorization of a merit function such as total variation, are disclosed. In some implementations, various forms of total variation superiorization methodology can yield excellent results while being computationally efficient and with reduced computing time.

Abstract: A system and method of illuminating a foot pedal with an illuminated protective covering. The illuminated protective covering can include a plurality of illuminating devices surrounding at least a majority of a perimeter of the foot pedal. The illuminated protective covering can also include a sheet surrounding the upper surface and the lower surface of the foot pedal and the plurality of illuminating devices, the sheet being configured to protect the foot pedal from debris during use. A friction portion can be attached to the sheet, the friction portion being positioned on the sheet such that the friction portion is adjacent the bottom surface of the foot pedal when the sheet surrounds the foot pedal, the friction portion being configured to prevent sliding of the foot pedal against the floor or other surface.