Abstract: A mathematical model to optimize protocols for the addition or removal of cryoprotectant to or from sperm cells. This disclosure describes the use of four equations to predict optimal protocols to add or remove cryoprotectant to or from sperm cells. The equations particularly require experimentally found data, specific to a species of sperm, regarding the osmotic tolerance of sperm cells, where osmotic tolerance refers to the sperm cells ability to shrink or swell to various changes in osmolality without injury. The equations further require the cryoprotectant permeability coefficient and the water permeability coefficient of the particular sperm cells' plasma membrane. Also disclosed are two particularly preferred methods to add or remove cryoprotectant to or from sperm. These preferred methods are Fixed-Volume-Step addition/removal of cryoprotectant or Fixed-Molarity-Step addition/removal of cryoprotectant.

Abstract: Surgical repair of diseased or damaged endogenous connective tissue can be accomplished using a tissue graft formed from a delaminated segment of intestinal tissue. The tissue graft comprises the intestinal tunica submucosa delaminated from both the tunica muscularis and at least the luminal portion of the tunica mucosa. The graft can be conditioned by stretching and formed as a multilayer composition for high tensile strength and resistance to tearing at its points of attachment to existing physiological structures.

Abstract: A fluidized, injectable tissue graft composition is described. The composition comprises comminuted intestinal submucosa or protease-digested intestinal submucosa. Methods for the preparation and use of injectable tissue graft compositions are described. In preferred embodiments the tissue graft material is prepared from the intestinal submucosa comprising the tunica submucosa, the muscularis mucosa and the stratum compactum of a segment of intestinal tissue of a warm-blooded vertebrate. Effective amounts of the fluidized graft compositions can be injected to promote repair tissue defects by inducing formation of endogenous tissues.

Abstract: Surgical repair of diseased or damaged endogenous connective tissue can be accomplished using a tissue graft formed from a delaminated segment of intestinal tissue. The tissue graft comprises the intestinal tunica submucosa, and basilar mucosa tissue delaminated from the tunica muscularis and the luminal portion of the tunica mucosa. The graft can be conditioned by stretching and formed as a multilayer composition for high tensile strength and resistance to tearing at its points of attachment to existing physiological structures.

Abstract: A multi-purpose gown comprising a front and a back defining a body portion having arm openings and a neck opening. The front portion is dividable into a plurality of segments by various openings releasably closable by a plurality of fasteners. A strap extends in the front of the gown from the top to the bottom of the gown. The strap includes fasteners for attachment to fasteners arranged on the front portions of the gown. Alternatively, the gown may embody a front having overlapping panels that cover the abdomen, wherein each panel has an upper segment adapted to cover a breast, side, and front shoulder region of the wearer. The upper segments are releasably joined to the back by fasteners at the shoulder edges of the gown. When either one of these segments is in its open position, portions of the patient's chest, front shoulder and side torso regions are exposed, while minimizing body exposure and maintaining structural stability of the gown.

Abstract: A device is provided for facilitating oral administration of unit dosages of liquid formulations, particularly to pediatric and geriatric patients. Sealed cartridges containing unit doses of liquid nutrients or medications can be locked into the device and at the same time, breached so that the contained-liquid formulation can flow from the cartridge into a hollow nipple for facile oral consumption. The liquid formulation-contained sealed cartridge includes a container having a side wall collapsible responsive to withdrawal of liquid from the hollow nipple.

Abstract: A percutaneous catheter with encapsulating receptacle comprises a first catheter having a proximal and distal end, several struts attached to the distal end of the first catheter and extending distally therefrom in a cup-shaped form, a second, inner catheter received within the first, and a pocket-shaped sheath received between the several struts and opening in the distal direction, the sheath having a proximal portion secured to the distal end of the second, inner catheter, and a distal portion secured to the distal ends of the several struts, whereby rotation of the first catheter, relative the second catheter, twists and closes the distal end of the sheath. A third, outer catheter is also disclosed within which the first and second catheters, and associated struts and sheath, are receivable. Also disclosed is a method for positioning the catheter adjacent an object, or receiving the object within the sheath and enclosing the sheath about the object to facilitate treatment of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filtering the electrocardiograph (ECG) signal of a patient of unwanted signals, such as contamination signals produced by the use of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging system or muscle artifact signals. In a preferred embodiment, variable filter (2) is used to filter an input ECG signal (1). The filtering characteristics applied to the ECG signal by variable filter (2) vary in response to the logical state of a synchronization signal indicating a patient's biophysical state which is input to variable filter (2) via line (3). In alternative embodiments, a QRS detector (22), a delay circuit (20), and a pulse stretcher (21) may be used to provide a synchronization signal. In another alternative embodiment, a microprocessor (24) with an input ECG signal and with input data is used to control the filtering of the ECG signal in synchronization with a patient's ECG signal.

Abstract: A headwall unit (10) adapted to be attached to a vertically extending wall (W) of a hospital room. The headwall unit (10) has a pair of side portions (12, 14) spaced to receive the end of a bed therebetween. Each side portion (12, 14) has an intermediate compartment (46) and an outer slidable panel (58) exposing a lower inset panel (56) having a plurality of outlets (57A-57D) thereon when raised to an open position.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of shock is disclosed which includes the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of benoxaprofen, which may be administered either as a pretreatment or subsequent to the onset of the shock condition. The benoxaprofen is preferably administered intravenously.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of shock is disclosed which includes the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of fenoprofen, which may be administered either as a pretreatment or subsequent to the onset of the shock condition. The fenoprofen is preferably administered intravenously.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and monitoring an intravenous infusion container. A pulley wheel is rotatably mounted to a base and wrappingly receives a line which is connected to the intravenous infusion container for the suspended mounting thereof. The axle of the pulley wheel extends through a discshaped base having a plurality of markings thereon. A pointer is fixed and mounted to the axle adjacent to the base. The intravenous infusion container when full causes the axle to rotate so as to position the pointer adjacent to a marking. A spring returns the wheel and pulley wheel to an original position as liquid drains from the container.