Abstract: The present invention discloses a filtering apparatus for filtering liquid and dispensing the filtered liquid into a bottle separate from the filtering apparatus. The filtering apparatus includes an elongated housing having an interior for holding liquid. The elongated housing includes an opening at one end and a ceiling at another end. The opening encompasses projections extending towards the center of the elongated housing. The filtering apparatus includes a filter configured for insertion and removal from the elongated housing. The elongated housing receives the filter at the interior through the opening. The elongated housing receives a bottle at the opening and the projections hold the bottle at the opening while preventing further entry of the bottle into the interior of the elongated housing. The interior holds liquid and allows the liquid to flow down through the filter. The filter filters the liquid as it flows through. The filtered water enters the bottle for subsequent use, storage or transport.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis and use of several variations of styrene maleic acid-based polymers and the hydrogel tissue bridges that can be formed from such polymers. Specifically, a method is disclosed for synthesizing a styrene maleic acid-based polymer that can be dissolved in DMSO and injected into the vasa deferentia of male subjects, creating a hydrogel tissue bridge. This hydrogel tissue bridge can occlude the vas deferens, thus forming an effective male contraceptive. Additionally, this male contraceptive can be reversed by injecting the lumen of the vas deferens with a basic buffer solution to dissolve and remove the hydrogel tissue bridge.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis and use of several variations of styrene maleic acid-based polymers and the hydrogel tissue bridges that can be formed from such polymers. Specifically, a method is disclosed for synthesizing a styrene maleic acid-based polymer that can be dissolved in DMSO and injected into the vasa deferentia of male subjects, creating a hydrogel tissue bridge. This hydrogel tissue bridge can occlude the vas deferens, thus forming an effective male contraceptive. Additionally, this male contraceptive can be reversed by injecting the lumen of the vas deferens with a basic buffer solution to dissolve and remove the hydrogel tissue bridge.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis and use of several variations of styrene maleic acid-based polymers and the hydrogel tissue bridges that can be formed from such polymers. Specifically, a method is disclosed for synthesizing a styrene maleic acid-based polymer that can be dissolved in DMSO and injected into the vasa deferentia of male subjects, creating a hydrogel tissue bridge. This hydrogel tissue bridge can occlude the vas deferens, thus forming an effective male contraceptive. Additionally, this male contraceptive can be reversed by injecting the lumen of the vas deferens with a basic buffer solution to dissolve and remove the hydrogel tissue bridge.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis and use of several variations of styrene maleic acid-based polymers and the hydrogel tissue bridges that can be formed from such polymers. Specifically, a method is disclosed for synthesizing a styrene maleic acid-based polymer that can be dissolved in DMSO and injected into the vasa deferentia of male subjects, creating a hydrogel tissue bridge. This hydrogel tissue bridge can occlude the vas deferens, thus forming an effective male contraceptive. Additionally, this male contraceptive can be reversed by injecting the lumen of the vas deferens with a basic buffer solution to dissolve and remove the hydrogel tissue bridge.

Abstract: A method for obtaining nucleic acids from a sample, includes: providing the sample including nucleic acids and other components; providing paramagnetic particles including a metal oxide core and a hydroxysilane (preferably a hydroxyalkyltrialkoxysilane) coating; contacting the sample with the paramagnetic particles under binding conditions such that the nucleic acids bind to the paramagnetic particles to provide loaded particles; separating the loaded particles from the other components of the sample; and releasing the nucleic acids from the loaded particle under eluting conditions to obtain the nucleic acids. A paramagnetic particle including a metal oxide core and a hydroxysilane (preferably a hydroxyalkyltrialkoxysilane) coating, and a kit including the particle are also described.