Abstract: A method of determining whether one or more forms of a nucleic acid analyte are present in a sample. The method includes dissolving an amplification reagent with a first solvent, where the amplification reagent contains oligonucleotides sufficient to amplify and detect a first region of a first form of the analyte, where the first solvent contains one or more oligonucleotides which, in combination with the oligonucleotides of the amplification reagent, are sufficient to amplify and detect a second region of a second form of the analyte, where the one or more oligonucleotides of the first solvent are insufficient to amplify and detect the first or second form of the analyte, and where the first and second regions each comprise a different nucleotide base sequence.

Abstract: A body support assembly includes a seat assembly and backrest assembly supported by a tilt control assembly. Methods of using and assembling the body support assembly are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving product data for products featured in a media asset are described. In some embodiments, the system includes control circuitry that receives from a server data for a plurality of products featured in a media asset. The control circuitry generates for display a list including the plurality of products. The control circuitry determines whether a product in the list is associated with a coupon and/or a preferred vendor. The control circuitry visually distinguishes the product from other products in the list in response to determining that the product is associated with a coupon and/or a preferred vendor.

Abstract: Dialysis systems and methods for operating dialysis machines (e.g., peritoneal dialysis machines) for conducting dialysis treatments are disclosed. The dialysis system may include a dialysis machine for transferring dialysate to a patient from a dialysate bag. The dialysate may flow from the dialysate bag through a disposable cartridge or cassette positionable within the dialysis machine. A filter may be included in, coupled to, etc., the dialysis machine. In use, the filter may be configured to filter out air content from the dialysate. In some embodiments, the filter may be incorporated into and/or operatively coupled to the disposable cartridge or cassette inserted into the dialysis machine.

Abstract: A dialysis system may include a dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis machine or a hemodialysis machine) for transferring a liquid to a patient via tubing. The dialysis system may include an air management device for filtering out air content from the liquid prior to transferring to the patient. The air management device may be a connector cap for use in a peritoneal dialysis system during a priming process. Alternatively, the air management device may be a drip chamber for use in a hemodialysis system. The air management device may include a vent. In addition, the air management device may include a movable element for sealing the vent. In addition, and/or alternatively, the air management device may include a reservoir for receiving an overflow of liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treatment of feedstock to reduce the relative viscosity and promote release of fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treatment of feedstock to reduce the relative viscosity and promote release of fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer blends having a first component of a polymeric material capable of being cross-linked and selected from the group consisting of an ethylene containing polymer, the first component present in an amount by weight of the blend from about 50% to about 95%, the first component having a first melting point temperature determined by DSC; and a second component of a non-readily cross-linkable polymeric material and selected from the group consisting of propylene containing polymers and methyl pentene containing polymers, the second component being present in an amount by weight of the blend from about 50% to about 5%, the second component having a second melting point temperature determined by DSC; and a portion of the first component being cross-linked and the second component is essentially free of cross-linking.

Abstract: A two-piece ostomy appliance is disclosed, one component being a collection pouch and the other an adhesive faceplate for peristomal attachment to a patient. The two components are provided with coupling rings for mechanically and detachably joining them together. One of the rings has a bead-providing collar and a rocking wedge body as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,008. The other ring is of channel-shaped cross section having spaced concentric inner and outer side walls each provided with ribs positioned in direct opposition and extending into the channel along a single plane normal to the axis of that ring. In a preferred embodiment, the rib of the outer wall is interrupted to provide at least one wide notch or recess and an integral pull tab projects radially outwardly from the outer wall at the location of the notch for initiating either partial or complete separation of the rings during use of the appliance.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube attachment device for positively securing an endotracheal tube to a patient and allowing selective lateral positioning and locking of the tube without removing the device or tube from the patient is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated strip of flexible material adapted to be adhesively attached to an upper lip region of a patient and a tube holder which is slideably mounted upon the strip. The tube holder has an arm extending in a direction perpendicular to and away from the strip and a securement strap is provided for positively securing the tube along the length of the arm. Positioning and locking mechanisms are provided for allowing selective lateral positioning of the tube holder along the length of the strip and positively locking the tube holder and tube in a selected position. The tube holder also allows for efficient and easy longitudinal adjustment of the endotracheal tube in the patient's trachea which is often required soon after initial placement of the tube.

Abstract: A two-piece ostomy appliance is disclosed having a faceplate component and a pouch component, the faceplate component including a flexible attachment ring having an annular outer flange portion and an inner collar portion for insertion into the side opening of the pouch component when the two are releasably joined together. The flushable pouch has a pair of side walls joined together along their outer margins with each wall comprising a primary layer of strong but water-soluble material and a protective inner layer of relatively weak but water-insoluble material. When the components are adhesively joined together, the protective collar of the faceplate attachment ring extends into the side opening of the pouch to shield the edge (or edges) of the water-soluble layer (or layers) from exposure to fluids and other matter discharged through the stoma-receiving opening of the faceplate into the pouch, thereby protecting the water-soluble layer(s) from premature disintegration.

Abstract: A collection bag for receiving and collecting body fluids comprising, a receptacle having a pair of opposed walls defining a chamber, with one of the walls having an opening communicating with the chamber, and a connector having a cavity to receive the body fluids. The connector is attached to the one wall over the opening with the connector cavity communicating with the receptacle chamber to permit passage of fluids from the connector into the chamber for collection therein, and the connector may be ruptured from the one wall after use of the bag to permit access to the collected fluids through the opening.

Abstract: An anti-reflux device comprising, a drainage receptacle having a chamber and a wall defining a lumen communicating with the chamber. The receptacle has an annular valve seat facing away from the lumen. The device has an elastic valve element having an elongated stem, and a disc connected to one end of the stem and having an upper surface normally sealingly engaging against the seat. The valve element has a retaining member for retaining the other end of the stem to the wall with the disc biased against the seat and with the retaining member defining an opening to permit passage of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: A collection bag for receiving and collecting body fluids comprising, a receptacle having a pair of opposed walls defining a chamber, with one of the walls having an opening communicating with the chamber, and a connector having a cavity to receive the body fluids. The connector is attached to the one wall over the opening with the connector cavity communicating with the receptacle chamber to permit passage of fluids from the connector into the chamber for collection therein, and the connector may be ruptured from the one wall after use of the bag to permit access to the collected fluids through the opening.

Abstract: A device for collecting the mid-stream portion of a urine discharge comprising, a receptacle having a lower wall and a side wall defining a cavity, with the receptacle having an upper rim defining an opening communicating with the cavity. The device has a protective member comprising a retaining portion having an inner circumferential flange and an outer circumferential flange connected to the inner flange, with the inner and outer flanges being spaced from each other a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the receptacle rim such that the inner and outer flanges define an annular groove to snugly receive the container rim. The protective member has an outwardly flared skirt depending from the outer flange and extending around at least a substantial portion of the receptacle when the receptacle rim is received in the retaining groove. The protective member also has an outwardly directed handle to facilitate manipulation of the device.

Abstract: An irrigation solution device comprising, a syringe having a barrel, a container having a solution receiving chamber, and a barrier member extending from an upper portion of the container into the chamber. The barrier member has an inner end portion defining an opening communicating with the chamber, and defines a channel having a sufficiently large width to receive the barrel of the syringe and a sufficient length to substantially cover the syringe barrel when inserted into the channel. The device has a closure member to releasably close the channel from passage of air between the atmosphere and the chamber.

Abstract: A manometer for recording maximum pressures from a liquid supply comprising, a closed air chamber, an elongated channel communicating with the supply adjacent a lower end of the channel and communicating with the chamber through an opening adjacent an upper end of the channel, and an overflow cavity positioned to receive and collect liquid passing through the channel and opening such that the quantity of liquid collected in the cavity provides an indication of the maximum pressure achieved by the supply.