Abstract: Advantageously, para-chloroaniline (PCA) is minimal in antimicrobial articles prepared according to the method of the invention. A method of forming an antimicrobial article according to the invention comprises steps of: providing a polymerizable composition; incorporating an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one chlorhexidine-containing antimicrobial agent into the polymerizable composition; and, polymerizing the polymerizable composition to form chlorhexidine-containing polymer of the antimicrobial article, wherein processing temperature during the method is less than about 80° C.

Abstract: The disclosure features methods that include: administering to a subject a composition that includes particles, where each one of the particles features at least one targeting group that binds to a structural entity in the subject and at least one reacting group that reacts chemically with a reactive oxygen species in the subject, and where the particle emits luminescence when the reaction occurs; detecting the luminescence emission from the particles; and displaying an image of the subject showing locations of at least some reactive oxygen species in the subject based on the detected luminescence.

Abstract: Percutaneous gas diffusion device. In one embodiment, the percutaneous gas diffusion device includes a core layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer. The core layer may be cylindrical and may include a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable material. The outer layer may peripherally surround the core layer and may include a tissue-integrating material. The intermediate layer may peripherally surround the core layer and may be peripherally surrounded by the outer layer. The intermediate layer may include a barrier that prevents infiltration of tissue from the outer layer into the core layer and that additionally reduces diffusion of gas from the core layer into the outer layer. The percutaneous gas diffusion device may be coupled to a subcutaneous implant device, such as a subcutaneous container holding implanted cells and/or tissue, a subcutaneous electrochemical oxygen concentrator, or a water electrolyzer.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic system and method of use to receive an ultrasound system output from an ultrasound system, via an existing communication port on the ultrasound system. The thermoacoustic system includes a radio-frequency emitter, at least one thermoacoustic transducer, a processor, and a display that is integrated with the processor and configured to display an image that is a function of the ultrasound system output and data from the at least one thermoacoustic transducer. The thermoacoustic system is configured to perform an action, as a result of receiving the ultrasound system output.

Abstract: A flowable birth tissue composition fabricated from birth tissue is provided. Methods of processing a mammal's placental tissue to form a flowable birth tissue composition are provided. Various methods of treatment and uses are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are senolytic agents for selectively killing senescent cells that are associated with numerous pathologies and diseases, including age-related pathologies and diseases. As disclosed herein, senescent cell-associated diseases and disorders may be treated or prevented by administering at least one senolytic agent or pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The senescent cell-associated diseases or disorders treated or prevented by the methods described herein include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular diseases or disorders, cardiovascular diseases and disorders associated with arteriosclerosis, such as atherosclerosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), osteoarthritis, inflammatory diseases or disorders, autoimmune diseases or disorders, pulmonary diseases or disorders, neurological diseases or disorders, dermatological diseases or disorders, chemotherapeutic side effects, radiotherapy side effects, metastasis and metabolic diseases.

Abstract: Provided are compounds comprising two DNA supramolecular binding molecules covalently joined by a linker group. Also provided are multisignal labeling reagents comprising (i) an oligomer of nucleotides or nucleotide analogs; (ii) a DNA supramolecular binding molecule noncovalently bound to the oligomer; and (iii) a first reactive group or a first partner of a first binding pair covalently bound to the oligomer. Additionally provided are methods of producing multisignal labeling reagents.

Abstract: A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a novel agent that promotes chemotaxis of corneal epithelial cells. The problem is solved by an agent that promotes chemotaxis of corneal epithelial cells, comprising PACAP, PACAP derivatives, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as an active ingredient. The agent that promotes chemotaxis of corneal epithelial cells of the present invention preferably comprise 1 or more peptides belonging to a group PACAP, PACAP derivatives, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Concentration of PACAP, PACAP derivatives, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is particularly preferably 1×10?13 mol/L or more and 1×10?7 mol/L or less. An agent that promotes chemotaxis of corneal epithelial cells of the present invention may be widely used as pharmaceuticals and the like for the improvement of symptoms of eye diseases such as dry eyes.

Abstract: In an organ of interest in a patient is emplaced a set of sensors designed to monitor parameters of the organ of interest, including at least nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide level and at least one parameter from among the group consisting of tissue blood flow, blood hemoglobin, and tissue reflectance. Substantially continuously, a vitality index of the organ of interest is computed based at least in part on the parameters monitored by the sensors at the organ of interest. Another point of the patient is monitored continuously for a systemic reference, NADH level and at least two parameters from among the group consisting of blood flow (BFS), blood hemoglobin, and tissue reflectance. Substantially continuously, a systemic vitality index is computed from the measured systemic parameters. The vitality index of the organ of interest and systemic vitality index are monitored for a divergence in the temporal trend.

Abstract: The present invention provides a poxvirus-derived promoter, a vector comprising the same, a method for expressing a transgene using the promoter, and use of the vector in the prevention or treatment of a disease. A promoter according to the present invention can be used for induction of strong expression of a transgene.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic probe with an electromagnetic (EM) energy applicator, a thermoacoustic transducer, and a housing containing the applicator and thermoacoustic transducer and enabling an EM exit window and a transducer front face to be held flush with respect to each other. A first acoustic absorbing material is placed between the EM applicator and the transducer, between the EM applicator and the housing, and between the transducer and the housing as spacers; and a second acoustic absorbing material is injected between the EM applicator and the transducer, between the EM applicator and the housing, and between the transducer and the housing in the spaced gaps, wherein the first acoustic absorbing material and the second acoustic absorbing material are combined to form a sleeve covering the applicator sides and the transducer sides. The acoustic absorbing materials mitigate sound artifacts and noise resulting in cleaner signal data.

Abstract: A method and system optimize a thermoacoustic transducer functionality that is utilized in a thermoacoustic imaging system. The method and system select a pre-determined transducer geometry for the thermoacoustic imaging system, utilize the thermoacoustic imaging system with the pre-determined transducer geometry to generate at least one impulse in a field of view, acquire data from the impulse, reconstructing the data to generate N-dimensional impulse responses based upon respective channel responses, respective view responses, and a function of the acquired data, utilize the N-dimensional transforms for each image to generate a value for the pre-determined transducer functionality, and utilize the value for the pre-determined transducer functionality to determine an optimum thermoacoustic transducer functionality.

Abstract: Various implementations include a device for assisting with and controlling stretching of a limb of a patient. The device includes a limb support for receiving the limb, a base, and a coupling that rotatably couples the limb support and the base. The coupling allows the limb support to rotate through various axes of rotation individually, depending on the range of motion expected for the limb. For example, for a device designed for the foot, the coupling allows a foot support to rotate about a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, wherein the three axes are orthogonal to each other. In other implementations, the device may be designed for other portions of limbs, such as the hand, the forearm, the upper arm, the lower leg, and the upper leg.

Abstract: A container includes a vial, cap, and one or more wireless transponders secured to the cap, the vial or a jacket to store and identify samples of biological material at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., vitrified biological samples), for instance held by cryopreservation storage devices. A specimen holder may be extend from the cap. The vial and/or cap includes ports or vents. A carrier includes a box, thermal shunt, thermal insulation to store and identify arrays of containers that hold cryopreservation storage devices with samples of biological material at cryogenic temperatures. Various apparatus include wireless transponders positioned and oriented to enhance range, and allow interrogation while retained in a carrier. Various apparatus can maintain the biological material at or close to cryogenic temperatures for prolonged period of times after being removed from a cryogenic cooler, and can allow wireless inventorying while maintaining the biological samples at suitably cold temperatures.

Abstract: A method for minimally invasive laser ablation of a target tissue within a patient while sparing tissue within a safety zone proximate to the target tissue, comprising: guiding a laser fiber within a patient with a guidance tool; measuring a temperature within the target tissue and the safety zone based on an invasive and a non-invasive thermal sensor; computing a thermal profile in conjunction with a real-time tissue image adapted for guidance of the laser fiber with the guidance tool within the patient; and controlling a laser to deliver energy through the laser fiber, to deliver a minimally therapeutic ablation therapy to the target tissue while ensuring that the safety zone is maintained in a non-ablation condition, based on at least a treatment plan, the measured temperature, and the thermal profile.

Abstract: A method for determining a parameter of a material of interest comprises: directing, using a radio frequency (RF) source, RF energy into a region of interest, the region of interest comprising the material, a known reference and a boundary between the material and the known reference; detecting, using an acoustic receiver, at least one thermoacoustic multi-polar signal generated in response to the RF energy; and determining, by the one or more processors, a parameter of the material as a function of the at least one thermoacoustic multi-polar signal and a transmitted power correction factor.

Abstract: A method for determining a material type of an object of interest comprises: directing, using a radio frequency (RF) source, RF energy into a region of interest, the region of interest comprising the object of interest, a known reference and a boundary between the object of interest and the known reference; detecting, using an acoustic receiver, at least one thermoacoustic multi-polar signal generated in response to the RF energy; correlating, by one or more processors, the at least one thermoacoustic multi-polar signal to a transmitted power correction factor to generate a corrected thermoacoustic multi-polar signal; and determining, by the one or more processors, the material type of the object of interest as a function of the corrected thermoacoustic multi-polar signal and a transmitted power of the RF energy.

Abstract: A method and system for simultaneously performing ultrasound and thermoacoustic imaging includes directing RF energy with an RF emitter through a surface of the RF emitter and toward a region of interest within the object, wherein the region of interest has a material, a reference, and a boundary between the material and the reference, wherein the RF energy thermoacoustically induces an ultrasound signal at the surface of the RF emitter that travels through the object and reflects at the boundary; using the thermoacoustic system to receive a thermoacoustic multi-polar signal from a specific location on the boundary, wherein the thermoacoustic multi-polar signal is induced by the RF energy; receiving the reflected ultrasound signal; utilizing the thermoacoustic system and the reflected ultrasound signal to map the specific location within the object; and utilizing the thermoacoustic system and the thermoacoustic multi-polar signal to determine a parameter at the specific location.

Abstract: Provided are methods for labeling target molecules, such as nucleic acids, with fluorescent dye compounds having the formula One method embodiment includes contacting reactive group Z of the fluorescent dye compound with the target molecule such that reactive group Z reacts with the target molecule to form a covalent bond between the group and the target molecule. Another method embodiment includes contacting a fluorescent dye compound that further includes a first member of a binding pair, with a target molecule that includes a second member of the binding pair. Also provided are target molecules labeled with the fluorescent dye compounds.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one parameter of interest of a material comprises directing, using a radio frequency (RF) applicator, one or more RF energy pulses into a region of interest, the region of interest comprising a material having a parameter of interest and at least one reference, the material and the reference separated by at least one boundary; detecting, using an acoustic receiver, at least one multi-polar acoustic signal generated in the region of interest in response to the RF energy pulses; processing the at least one multi-polar acoustic signal to determine an electric field strength at the boundary; calculating a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the one or more RF energy pulses; and determining the at least one parameter of interest of the material based at least on the determined electric field strength and the VSWR.