Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for generating a biomimetic proteoglycan. The invention includes methods of treating a disease, disorder, or condition of soft tissue using a biomimetic proteoglycan.

Abstract: A device having a biocompatible polymer as a body and regularly spaced radiation seeds and regularly spaced magnetic materials disposed of within the body of the biocompatible polymer, or uniformly distributed liquid radiation and magnetic fluid materials within a polymer slab, hollow thick wall polymer shell, or thin wall polymer balloon, as suitable for surgical placement within a resection cavity for treatment of at-risk tissue in the tumor margin with local hyperthermia in combination with radiation and potentially also with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy that is slowly released from the biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: An electronic patient monitoring system and method of operation that includes one or more generally non-metal, tamper-resistant patient identification and monitoring devices, an observer transmitter/receiver device configured to receive and detect one or more beacon signals that exceed a predetermined threshold from at least one of the not easily removable patient identification and monitoring devices, set a time to hold open a window for a response on the transmitter/receiver device, and send a request for information to the observer with the transmitter/receiver device, and a central computer system. Each of the transmitter/receiver device and the central computer system, including, at least, a computer processor, communications components and system software to communicate with the observer transmitter/receiver device at specified/predetermined time intervals to receive observer- and patient-specific information.

Abstract: An electronic patient monitoring system and method of operation that includes one or more generally non-metal, tamper-resistant patient identification and monitoring devices, an observer transmitter/receiver device configured to receive and detect one or more beacon signals that exceed a predetermined threshold from at least one of the not easily removable patient identification and monitoring devices, set a time to hold open a window for a response on the transmitter/receiver device, and send a request for information to the observer with the transmitter/receiver device, and a central computer system. Each of the transmitter/receiver device and the central computer system, including, at least, a computer processor, communications components and system software to communicate with the observer transmitter/receiver device at specified/predetermined time intervals to receive observer- and patient-specific information.

Abstract: The current invention provides an enclosure that can be placed over a patient in order to contain bodily fluids. The device includes a clear plastic sheet that fits snugly over a frame. The sides of the device contain access ports for physicians or their instruments to enter the patient’s area. These ports may be holes or hanging strips of sheet that overlap so that they form a sufficient seal while also allowing easy access to the patient when pushed aside. The bottoms of the sheet may contain weights to hold the sheet down. There is the possibility of including filters or positive/negative air flow ports. The entire device may be disposable. The frame may be solid, or the frame may pop open like an enclosure or umbrella. The device may also have straps that can be tightened underneath the bed or stretcher to secure the entire device in place.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for generating a biomimetic proteoglycan. The invention includes methods of treating a disease, disorder, or condition of soft tissue using a biomimetic proteoglycan.

Abstract: An electronic patient monitoring system and method of operation that includes one or more generally non-metal, tamper-resistant patient identification and monitoring devices, an observer transmitter/receiver device configured to receive and detect one or more beacon signals that exceed a predetermined threshold from at least one of the not easily removable patient identification and monitoring devices, set a time to hold open a window for a response on the transmitter/receiver device, and send a request for information to the observer with the transmitter/receiver device, and a central computer system. Each of the transmitter/receiver device and the central computer system, including, at least, a computer processor, communications components and system software to communicate with the observer transmitter/receiver device at specified/predetermined time intervals to receive observer- and patient-specific information.

Abstract: An electronic patient monitoring system and method of operation that includes one or more generally non-metal, tamper-resistant patient identification and monitoring devices, an observer transmitter/receiver device configured to receive and detect one or more beacon signals that exceed a predetermined threshold from at least one of the not easily removable patient identification and monitoring devices, set a time to hold open a window for a response on the transmitter/receiver device, and send a request for information to the observer with the transmitter/receiver device, and a central computer system. Each of the transmitter/receiver device and the central computer system, including, at least, a computer processor, communications components and system software to communicate with the observer transmitter/receiver device at specified/predetermined time intervals to receive observer- and patient-specific information.

Abstract: An electronic patient monitoring system and method of operation that includes one or more generally non-metal, tamper-resistant patient identification and monitoring devices, an observer transmitter/receiver device configured to receive and detect one or more beacon signals that exceed a predetermined threshold from at least one of the not easily removable patient identification and monitoring devices, set a time to hold open a window for a response on the transmitter/receiver device, and send a request for information to the observer with the transmitter/receiver device, and a central computer system. Each of the transmitter/receiver device and the central computer system, including, at least, a computer processor, communications components and system software to communicate with the observer transmitter/receiver device at specified/predetermined time intervals to receive observer- and patient-specific information.

Abstract: An electronic patient monitoring system and method of operation that includes one or more generally non-metal, tamper-resistant patient identification and monitoring devices, an observer transmitter/receiver device configured to receive and detect one or more beacon signals that exceed a predetermined threshold from at least one of the not easily removable patient identification and monitoring devices, set a time to hold open a window for a response on the transmitter/receiver device, and send a request for information to the observer with the transmitter/receiver device, and a central computer system. Each of the transmitter/receiver device and the central computer system, including, at least, a computer processor, communications components and system software to communicate with the observer transmitter/receiver device at specified/predetermined time intervals to receive observer- and patient-specific information.

Abstract: An electronic patient monitoring system and method of operation that includes one or more generally non-metal, tamper-resistant patient identification and monitoring devices, an observer transmitter/receiver device configured to receive and detect one or more beacon signals that exceed a predetermined threshold from at least one of the not easily removable patient identification and monitoring devices, set a time to hold open a window for a response on the transmitter/receiver device, and send a request for information to the observer with the transmitter/receiver device, and a central computer system. Each of the transmitter/receiver device and the central computer system, including, at least, a computer processor, communications components and system software to communicate with the observer transmitter/receiver device at specified/predetermined time intervals to receive observer- and patient-specific information.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for generating a biomimetic proteoglycan. The invention includes methods of treating a disease, disorder, or condition of soft tissue using a biomimetic proteoglycan.

Abstract: A device having a biocompatible polymer as a body and regularly spaced radiation seeds and regularly spaced magnetic materials disposed of within the body of the biocompatible polymer, or uniformly distributed liquid radiation and magnetic fluid materials within a polymer slab, hollow thick wall polymer shell, or thin wall polymer balloon, as suitable for surgical placement within a resection cavity for treatment of at-risk tissue in the tumor margin with local hyperthermia in combination with radiation and potentially also with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy that is slowly released from the biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a new method of treating or osteoarthritis in a mammal in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting at least one biomimetic proteoglycan with the affected joint of the mammal. The biomimetic proteoglycan comprises a core structure and at least one bristle. The biomimetic proteoglycan resists endogenous enzymatic degradation and integrates with the existing tissue matrix.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a new method of treating or osteoarthritis in a mammal in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting at least one biomimetic proteoglycan with the affected joint of the mammal. The biomimetic proteoglycan comprises a core structure and at least one bristle. The biomimetic proteoglycan resists endogenous enzymatic degradation and integrates with the existing tissue matrix.

Abstract: The present invention novel methods of preparing biomimetic proteoglycans, such as bottle-brush, chondroitin sulfate-containing, biomimetic proteoglycans. In certain embodiments, the methods of the invention comprise contacting a core polymer comprising at least one acyl chloride group with a GAG comprising a terminal primary amine.

Abstract: The present invention provides hydrogel-based compositions that are suitable for replacing or supplementing the nucleus pulposus in a subject. The compositions of the invention are useful for treating, ameliorating or reverting degradation of the nucleus pulposus in the subject. The present invention also provides methods of preparing and using such compositions.

Abstract: An electronic patient monitoring system that includes a not easily removable patient identification and monitoring device, an observer transmitter/receiver device to communicate with the not easily removable patient identification and monitoring device when within a specified visual range of each other within a predefined time interval, and a central computer system including, at least, a computer processor, communications components and system software to communicate with the observer transmitter/receiver device at specified/predetermined time intervals to receive observer- and patient-specific information.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a new method of treating or preventing urinary incontinence in a mammal in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting a composition comprising at least one biomimetic proteoglycan with the urethral or periurethral tissue of the mammal.