Abstract: A method may include obtaining variables that represent characteristics related to an optimization problem and weights that correspond to the variables. The variables may be divided into groups that each include a sub-set of the variables. The method may include obtaining a group local field matrix for each group of variables. Each local field matrix may include local field values that indicate interactions between a respective variable and the other variables as influenced by their respective weights. The method may include performing a semi-sequential trial process, which may be a stochastic process that includes performing trials with respect to the variables in which each trial determines whether to change a state of a variable. The semi-sequential trial process may include updating all of the group local field matrices based on the stochastic process results, and a solution to the optimization problem may be determined based on the results.

Abstract: A method of detecting injury to the brain such as stroke, concussion and cognitive dysfunction using a contrast agent and light source. The blood ocular barrier is disrupted when said injury occurs, allowing the entry of contrast agent into the aqueous and vitreous humor. An exemplary method comprises injecting a contrast agent into a peripheral location and then testing for leakage of contrast agent into the eye cavity by observing for light reflection, when a beam of light incidents on the contrast agent in the eye.

Abstract: A minimally invasive system for monitoring and treating high intracranial pressure levels resulting from traumatic brain injury comprises an intravenous access device, an elongate member, a console, and an aspiration and injection catheter. The system is capable of monitoring pressure levels and relocating fluid from the brain to another part of the patient's body to sustain overall constant fluid volume. The method of using the minimally invasive system is also described.

Abstract: A novel glue for embolization of lymphatic leakage. An optimized lymphatic embolization agent (LEA) as described herein comprises a NAM hydrogel and tantalum at a mixture of at or about 1:3 tantalum to NAM hydrogel, wherein said LEA is radiopaque.

Abstract: A minimally invasive system for monitoring and treating high intracranial pressure levels resulting from traumatic brain injury comprises an intravenous access device, an elongate member, a console, and an aspiration and injection catheter. The system is capable of monitoring pressure levels and relocating fluid from the brain to another part of the patient's body to sustain overall constant fluid volume. The method of using the minimally invasive system is also described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for non-invasive condition detection using an all fiber portable terahertz imaging system. An imaging system of the present disclosure may comprise a control module comprising a femtosecond pulsed laser configured to generate an output light beam, a dispersion compensation unit configured to receive the output light beam and transmit a laser light beam generated based upon the output light beam, a beam splitter configured to receive the laser light beam and divide the laser light beam into a pump light beam and a reference light beam; and a rapid scanning optical delay line configured to receive the pump light beam and transmit an exit light beam generated based upon the pump light beam, a patch probe comprising a transmitter module, an optics lens, and a detector module.

Abstract: A portable urine collection device comprising a receiving cup, a discharge tube, and a storage bottle. The device may also comprise snap coupling connectors, an air vent, a one-way valve and a protrusion in the receiving cup for male genitalia. The device may also be used with female genitalia without a protrusion. A support may also be used with the portable urine collection device. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A non-invasive and minimally-invasive system and method of detecting iron content in nail and hair samples to diagnose iron deficiency anemia. The system comprises a portable and ultra sensitive magnetometer. A sample of hair or nail is collected from the patient and placed in the magnetometer. The magnetometer is sufficiently sensitive to detect or otherwise indicate the iron content of the sample. Diagnosis can be made based on the detected iron level.

Abstract: A method of using nanoparticle (NP) spray to treat an infection in the respiratory system and far infrared radiation (FIR) to treat inflammation. The method uses a spray probe inserted into the airway of a patient to apply mSiO2 and FIR to a target site in the upper respiratory tract. FIR applied may be in the 3-10 ?m range. The mSiO2 spray kills any organisms, including COVID-19 and FIR reduces inflammation resulting from infection. The treatment may be applied to intubated or spontaneously breathing patients and via the oral or nasal passages.

Abstract: A method of using ultraviolet (UV) radiation to treat an infection in the respiratory system and far infrared radiation (FIR) to treat inflammation. The method uses a light probe inserted into the airway of a patient to apply UV radiation and FIR to a target site in the upper respiratory tract. The UV radiation applied may be broad-spectrum UV radiation or UVC radiation in the 222 nm range. FIR applied may be in the 3-10 ?m range. The UV radiation kills any organisms, including COVID-19 and FIR reduces inflammation resulting from infection and subsequent UV treatment. The treatment may be applied to intubated or spontaneously breathing patients and via the oral or nasal passages.

Abstract: A wearable patch for the transdermal delivery of cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabidiol is delivered in in the form of a CBD mixture which comprises CBD oil loaded into liposomes. The CBD mixture can be delivered without the use of dermal enhancers. A transdermal patch is preloaded with the CBD mixture and placed upon the skin to penetrate the dermis layer, where the CBD mixture will diffuse into the interstitial body fluid. The patch comprises microneedles and the CBD mixture which is preloaded into or on the needles depending on the type of microneedles used.

Abstract: A portable urine collection device comprising a receiving cup, a discharge tube, and a storage bottle. The device may also comprise snap coupling connectors, an air vent, a one-way valve and a protrusion in the receiving cup for male genitalia. The device may also be used with female genitalia without a protrusion. A support may also be used with the portable urine collection device. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A microneedle device comprising a membrane having an adhesive thereon and a microneedle substrate adhered to the membrane via the adhesive. The microneedle substrate may have a plurality of microneedles coupled thereto, or the microneedle substrate can comprise the plurality of microneedles. The microneedle device can be mated with a reagent container and the microneedles aligned with wells on the reagent container said wells configured to hold reagents thus comprising a system for detecting opioids or other drugs. In another embodiment, the device comprises a sweat-absorbent swatch adhered to a membrane. This embodiment can be mated to a screening pad comprising blisters of reagents on the base layer of the screening pad. Upon mating, a needle device can be used to pierce the blisters such that the reagents are released and react with the sweat absorbent swatch to indicate the presence of opioids or other drugs.

Abstract: A portable urine collection device comprising a receiving cup, a discharge tube, and a storage bottle. The device may also comprise snap coupling connectors, an air vent, a one-way valve and a protrusion in the receiving cup for male genitalia. The device may also be used with female genitalia without a protrusion. A support may also be used with the portable urine collection device. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of removing calcium and other deposits from peripheral and other vessel walls using ultrasound waves. In an exemplary method of treating a deposit in a patient's peripheral artery, the method comprises the steps of generating an ultrasound wave outside of the patient and directing the ultrasound wave toward a peripheral artery of the patient.

Abstract: Non-invasive and minimally-invasive detection of serum iron in real time. In a method for detecting serum iron content disclosed herein, the method includes positioning a device relative to a nonpigmented epithelial layer covering capillaries of a mammalian subject, operating the device to obtain optical data relating to the capillaries, and determining serum iron content of blood within the capillaries based upon the optical data.

Abstract: An assembly for treating sleep apnea comprising a perforated tube comprising a proximal flare and an expandable distal flute and a perforated outer sheath slidably disposed over said perforated tube and having a second proximal flare and comprising a length shorter than the perforated tube. The distal flute may be goblet shaped or spiral shaped such that it is resistant to collapse of soft tissue at the oropharyngeal area of a patient. The assembly may be deployed through the nostril of a patient.

Abstract: A minimally invasive system for monitoring and treating high intracranial pressure levels resulting from traumatic brain injury comprises an intravenous access device, an elongate member, a console, and an aspiration and injection catheter. The system is capable of monitoring pressure levels and relocating fluid from the brain to another part of the patient's body to sustain overall constant fluid volume. The method of using the minimally invasive system is also described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for non-invasive condition detection using an all fiber portable terahertz imaging system. An imaging system of the present disclosure may comprise a control module comprising a femtosecond pulsed laser configured to generate an output light beam, a dispersion compensation unit configured to receive the output light beam and transmit a laser light beam generated based upon the output light beam, a beam splitter configured to receive the laser light beam and divide the laser light beam into a pump light beam and a reference light beam; and a rapid scanning optical delay line configured to receive the pump light beam and transmit an exit light beam generated based upon the pump light beam, a patch probe comprising a transmitter module, an optics lens, and a detector module.

Abstract: The primary objective of the present method and apparatus is to provide a transportable diagnosis system for a reliable method to examine the conditions of a human eye lens. The method provides precise and safe technique for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) which is not involved brain surgery or biopsy. The detection of deposited amyloid plaque in the eyes of the patient has been discovered to be a possible diagnosis solution. The disclosed method uses Terahertz waves in both time and frequency domains instead of laser for scanning the eye of the AD patient to precisely image the amyloid layer non-evasively in real time and to map the deposited plaque with high resolution which can easily distinguish the abnormality of an AD patient with the comparison of the patient eye lens test to the available signature of a normal person and the signature of a person with common age-related cataracts.