Abstract: The present disclosure provides assay and method for using assay for streamlined assay preparation and testing. These assay are useful for pathogen (e.g., viral or bacterial) detection. The present disclosure also provides assay assemblies and means to prevent or minimize the formation of bubbles when using puncturing elements in fluidic devices or chambers.

Abstract: A method and system for water-priming carbon micropore filter media using negative pressure. The method includes placing dry filter elements in a polymer bag, applying a vacuum of no more than approximately 33 kPa above zero pressure, and heat-sealing the bag using a heat-set bar; submerging, by a consumer, the vacuum-sealed bag with its the filter elements in water; the filters in the vacuum sealed bag are at least partially submerged, puncturing the bag to form one or more small openings in the bag below the water line. Breeching the vacuum causes the water to flow through the openings into the bag and the filter(s) to equalize the pressure between the water and the previously vacuum environment of the plastic bag, causing the surrounding water to quickly flow into the micro-pores of the filter media, thereby priming the carbon filter for use in the gravity-fed water-purification system.

Abstract: A wireless surgical loupe enables a user to use the wireless loupe to perform a procedure, transmit information acquired by the wireless loupe and display patient information on a wireless loupe display. The transmitted information is able to be used to aid the operating room procedure, enhance education and be recorded for later use.

Abstract: A method of estimating a parameter of physiological significance in the central nervous system (CNS) is provided. The method comprises (a) providing one or more images of the brain or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in a subject to whom a dose of a contrast agent (CA) has been administered; (b) determining, using a computer equipped with image processing software, the concentration or relative concentration of the agent in a region or regions of interest in the brain or CSF, thereby generating concentration data; (c) describing the time-based behavior of concentrations of CA within the brain or CSF using a pharmacokinetic model that is based on a set of pharmacokinetic model parameters; and (d) fitting, using computer code, the pharmacokinetic model to the concentration data, varying one or more parameters, wherein the best fit estimates a parameter of physiological significance in the CNS.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating a parameter of physiological significance. One or more images are provided of a tissue in a subject to whom a dose of a contrast agent (CA) has been administered, using a computer equipped with image processing software, the concentration or relative concentration of the agent in a region or regions of interest in the tissue is determined, thus generating concentration data. The time-based behavior of concentrations of CA within the tissue is determined using a pharmacokinetic model that is based on a set of pharmacokinetic model parameters. Using computer code, the pharmacokinetic model is fit to the concentration data, varying one or more parameters, such that a best fit estimate of a parameter of physiological significance is provided.

Abstract: A feeding tube assembly having a feeding tube, an imaging assembly having a rigid axis and a bending axis transversely oriented relative to the rigid axis is disclosed. The imaging assembly can be preferentially deformable along the bending axis relative to the rigid axis. A marking disposed on at least one of the imaging assembly and the feeding tube can provide an indication of the bending axis. A packaging comprising a curvilinear cavity and a circular cavity can respectively contain the imaging assembly and the feeding tube, in a coiled configuration, which induces the feeding tube assembly into a pre-set, arcuate shape.

Abstract: A feeding tube assembly having a feeding tube, an imaging assembly having a rigid axis and a bending axis transversely oriented relative to the rigid axis is disclosed. The imaging assembly can be preferentially deformable along the bending axis relative to the rigid axis. A marking disposed on at least one of the imaging assembly and the feeding tube can provide an indication of the bending axis. A packaging comprising a curvilinear cavity and a circular cavity can respectively contain the imaging assembly and the feeding tube, in a coiled configuration, which induces the feeding tube assembly into a pre-set, arcuate shape.

Abstract: A method of estimating a parameter of physiological significance in the central nervous system (CNS) is provided. The method comprises (a) providing one or more images of the brain or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in a subject to whom a dose of a contrast agent (CA) has been administered; (b) determining, using a computer equipped with image processing software, the concentration or relative concentration of the agent in a region or regions of interest in the brain or CSF, thereby generating concentration data; (c) describing the time-based behavior of concentrations of CA within the brain or CSF using a pharmacokinetic model that is based on a set of pharmacokinetic model parameters; and (d) fitting, using computer code, the pharmacokinetic model to the concentration data, varying one or more parameters, wherein the best fit estimates a parameter of physiological significance in the CNS.

Abstract: A technique for incorporating odor control agent particles into an absorbent article is provided. More specifically, the odor control particles are “homogenously” distributed (e.g., in a substantially uniform manner) within an airformed fiber matrix of an absorbent core of an absorbent article. An absorbent core containing such a homogeneously distributed odor control particles may possess a greater surface area for contacting malodorous compounds, thereby increasing the likelihood of odor reduction.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating a parameter of physiological significance. One or more images are provided of a tissue in a subject to whom a dose of a contrast agent (CA) has been administered, using a computer equipped with image processing software, the concentration or relative concentration of the agent in a region or regions of interest in the tissue is determined, thus generating concentration data. The time-based behavior of concentrations of CA within the tissue is determined using a pharmacokinetic model that is based on a set of pharmacokinetic model parameters. Using computer code, the pharmacokinetic model is fit to the concentration data, varying one or more parameters, such that a best fit estimate of a parameter of physiological significance is provided.

Abstract: In one example, a mixing header includes a body that defines a fluid passage having an inlet side and an outlet side. The mixing header also includes a flow conditioning element that is connected to the body and arranged for fluid communication with the fluid passage. The flow conditioning element also includes a plurality of elements each connected to, and extending outwardly from, a hub.

Abstract: A wireless surgical loupe enables a user to use the wireless loupe to perform a procedure, transmit information acquired by the wireless loupe and display patient information on a wireless loupe display. The transmitted information is able to be used to aid the operating room procedure, enhance education and be recorded for later use.

Abstract: A feeding tube assembly having a feeding tube, an imaging assembly having a rigid axis and a bending axis transversely oriented relative to the rigid axis is disclosed. The imaging assembly can be preferentially deformable along the bending axis relative to the rigid axis. A marking disposed on at least one of the imaging assembly and the feeding tube can provide an indication of the bending axis. A packaging comprising a curvilinear cavity and a circular cavity can respectively contain the imaging assembly and the feeding tube, in a coiled configuration, which induces the feeding tube assembly into a pre-set, arcuate shape.

Abstract: The present invention features, inter alia, compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer and infectious disease. The compositions include engineered proteins that specifically bind a metal chelate and may be bispecific. For example, the engineered proteins may bind (a) a target (e.g., a cellular protein) on a cancerous cell or a pathogen and (b) a metal chelate comprising DOTA, or an active variant thereof, and a metal ion such as a radionuclide. By virtue of the multiple binding sites, the engineered protein effectively delivers a metal chelate to a cell one wishes to destroy.

Abstract: In one example, a mixing header includes a body that defines a fluid passage having an inlet side and an outlet side. The mixing header also includes a flow conditioning element that is connected to the body and arranged for fluid communication with the fluid passage. The flow conditioning element also includes a plurality of elements each connected to, and extending outwardly from, a hub.

Abstract: In one example, a fluid system component includes a first element and a second element, where one or both of the first and second elements are configured to be exposed to a fluid. The fluid system also includes a flexible diaphragm positioned between the first and second elements. Finally, the fluid system component includes one or more retaining elements, each retaining element having a first portion received in the first element and a second portion received in the second element. The retaining elements also extend through the flexible diaphragm.