Abstract: A navel cleaning device features a housing, a capsule containing a cleaning agent, and a dispensing mechanism that can be actuated to release the cleaning agent. The device may include a base circumscribing an aperture of the housing, and may include an applicator adjacent to or within the aperture. Upon placing the navel cleaning device on the abdomen of a user, actuation of the dispensing mechanism releases cleaning agent into the applicator for delivery to the navel. After the cleaning process, a clinician or user may then remove any liquid or residue from the navel. The navel cleaning device provides a means to cleanse the navel prior to surgical procedures performed therethrough, leading to a reduction in the overall time and expense of the operation.

Abstract: A light control film comprises a light input surface and a light output surface opposite the light input surface. Alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions are disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30 and the alternating transmissive region and absorptive regions have a relative transmission at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 75%.

Abstract: A light control film is described comprising alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between a light input surface and a light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30. In some embodiments, the alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions have a transmission as measured with a spectrophotometer at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 35, 40, 45, or 50% for a wavelength of the range 320-400 nm (UV) and/or at least 65, 70, 75, or 80% for a wavelength of the range 700-1400 nm (NIR). In another embodiment, the absorptive regions block light at the light input surface and light output surface and the maximum surface area that is blocked is less than 20% of the total alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions. Also described are various optical communication systems comprising the light control films described herein and methods.

Abstract: A package that is suitable for packaging an article for collecting or administering a pharmaceutical active substance is disclosed. The package includes a first packaging component that includes a product-contacting sealant layer that includes a first ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. The package includes a second packaging component that includes a product-contacting sealant layer that includes a second ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. The ethylene content of the second ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is equal to or less than about 38 percent and the ethylene content of the first ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is greater than the ethylene content of the second ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer.

Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob when an instrument shaft is engaged with the handle. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler and can provide certain motor drive profiles for predetermined positions of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.

Abstract: A composition includes a target pharmaceutical or biological agent, a solution containing the target pharmaceutical or biological agent, and substrate that is soluble in the solution. The substrate is capable of being solidified via a solidification process and the solidification process causes the substrate to become physically or chemically cross-linked, vitrified, or crystallized. As a result of the solidification process, particles are formed. The target pharmaceutical or biological agent within the solution retains proper conformation to ultimately produce a desired effect.

Abstract: A composition includes a target pharmaceutical or biological agent, a solution containing the target pharmaceutical or biological agent, and substrate that is soluble in the solution. The substrate is capable of being solidified via a solidification process and the solidification process causes the substrate to become physically or chemically cross-linked, vitrified, or crystallized. As a result of the solidification process, particles are formed. The target pharmaceutical or biological agent within the solution retains proper conformation to ultimately produce a desired effect.

Abstract: A composition includes a target pharmaceutical or biological agent, a solution containing the target pharmaceutical or biological agent, and substrate that is soluble in the solution. The substrate is capable of being solidified via a solidification process and the solidification process causes the substrate to become physically or chemically cross-linked, vitrified, or crystallized. As a result of the solidification process, particles are formed. The target pharmaceutical or biological agent within the solution retains proper conformation to ultimately produce a desired effect.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the use of nerve conduits as scaffolds for nerve regeneration, including spinal cord regeneration. The conduit may be hollow or contain a luminal filler such as agar or other biocompatible material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a helical coil comprising multiple reversing sense helical coil units that are capable of drug elution, come in lengths appropriate for long, diffuse lesions, have the ability to have a step-wise tapering diameter, and provide all the benefits of a small closed cell stent design while maintaining high flexibility, high radial force and crush resistance due to an underlying helical coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fiber compositions comprising gels or hydrogels. The invention further relates to the composition of a gel or hydrogel loaded biodegradable fiber and methods of fabricating such fibers. The present invention further provides tissue engineering and drug-delivery compositions and methods wherein three-dimensional matrices for growing cells are prepared for in vitro and in vivo use. The invention also relates to methods of manipulating the rate of therapeutic agent release by changing both the biodegradable polymer properties as well as altering the properties of the incorporated gel or hydrogel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a helical coil comprising multiple reversing sense helical coil units that are capable of drug elution, come in lengths appropriate for long, diffuse lesions, have the ability to have a step-wise tapering diameter, and provide all the benefits of a small closed cell stent design while maintaining high flexibility, high radial force and crush resistance due to an underlying helical coil.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue engineering compositions and methods wherein three-dimensional matrices for growing cells are prepared for in vitro and in vivo use. The matrices comprise biodegradable polymer fibers capable of the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. The spatial and temporal distribution of released therapeutic agents is controlled by use of defined nonhomogeneous patterns of therapeutic agents in the matrices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fiber compositions comprising gels or hydrogels. The invention further relates to the composition of a gel or hydrogel loaded biodegradable fiber and methods of fabricating such fibers. The present invention further provides tissue engineering and drug-delivery compositions and methods wherein three-dimensional matrices for growing cells are prepared for in vitro and in vivo use. The invention also relates to methods of manipulating the rate of therapeutic agent release by changing both the biodegradable polymer properties as well as altering the properties of the incorporated gel or hydrogel.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue engineering compositions and methods wherein three-dimensional matrices for growing cells are prepared for in vitro and in vivo use. The matrices comprise biodegradable polymer fibers capable of the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. The spatial and temporal distribution of released therapeutic agents is controlled by use of defined nonhomogeneous patterns of therapeutic agents in the matrices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fiber compositions comprising gels or hydrogels. The invention further relates to the composition of a gel or hydrogel loaded biodegradable fiber and methods of fabricating such fibers. The present invention further provides tissue engineering and drug-delivery compositions and methods wherein three-dimensional matrices for growing cells are prepared for in vitro and in vivo use. The invention also relates to methods of manipulating the rate of therapeutic agent release by changing both the biodegradable polymer properties as well as altering the properties of the incorporated gel or hydrogel.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue engineering compositions and methods wherein three-dimensional matrices for growing cells are prepared for in vitro and in vivo use. The matrices comprise biodegradable polymer fibers capable of the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. The spatial and temporal distribution of released therapeutic agents is controlled by use of defined nonhomogeneous patterns of therapeutic agents in the matrices.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue engineering compositions and methods wherein three-dimensional matrices for growing cells are prepared for in vitro and in vivo use. The matrices comprise biodegradable polymer fibers capable of the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. The spatial and temporal distribution of released therapeutic agents is controlled by use of defined nonhomogeneous patterns of therapeutic agents in the matrices.