Abstract: A software application platform which provides a user with the ability to receive customized information relating to an animal's health and/or optimal growth as displayed on a graphical user interface. Specifically, a user may input data (and the system may receive said input data), for example, an animal specific biomarker, and subsequently receive identification relating to a specific subgroup of individual animal(s) who are at risk for growth abnormalities, and further receive information, data, and customized recommendations and/or intervention steps for the specific at risk animal relating to the animal's health, growth abnormality, or similar feature based on an analysis and determination of the biomarker as compared to a reference database.

Abstract: A software application platform which provides a user with the ability to receive customized information relating to an animal's health and/or optimal growth as displayed on a graphical user interface. Specifically, a user may input data (and the system may receive said input data), for example, an animal specific biomarker, and subsequently receive identification relating to a specific subgroup of individual animal(s) who are at risk for growth abnormalities, and further receive information, data, and customized recommendations and/or intervention steps for the specific at risk animal relating to the animal's health, growth abnormality, or similar feature based on an analysis and determination of the biomarker as compared to a reference database.

Abstract: A proprioceptive enhancement device, including methods of use, is described. The proprioceptive enhancement device includes a sock-like garment, with or without a shoe or other footwear, which mechanically and electrically stimulates cutaneous, subcutaneous, and deep tissue mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors to provide feedback to the user. The feedback causes the user to adjust weight distribution during athletic and non-athletic activities for optimal performance and increased overall health. The device includes additional configurations for electrically grounding the wearer to the earth, which may provide additional health benefits. The disclosure includes a method of using the proprioceptive enhancement device to treat wounds of the foot, including but not limited to venous stasis ulcers, arterial insufficient ulcers, traumatic wounds, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of probiotic microorganism in the manufacture of a composition for the prevention or reduction of gastrointestinal Campylobacter infection in a mammalian animal. It also relates to a method for the prevention or reduction of gastrointestinal Campylobacter infection in a mammalian animal, the method comprising administering to said animal, a probiotic microorganism. The invention also relates to a probiotic microorganism, for use in preventing or reducing gastrointestinal Campylobacter infection in a mammalian animal.

Abstract: A particle-removing medical device includes an outer, hollow tube having a tube distal end and a porous braided structure having a distal part and a proximal part. Structure, housed within the tube and having a distal end positioned distally of the tube distal end, is used to move the braided structure from a contracted condition to an expanded condition by moving the distal ends of the tube and the structure towards one another. The braided structure is constructed to inhibit particles from moving completely through the braided structure when in the expanded condition.

Abstract: A medical device includes a radially expandable and contractible tubular element, having proximal and distal ends, sized to pass through the nostril and into the user's upper airway when in the radially contracted condition. The support element may create an air passageway therethrough when in a radially expanded condition. The tubular element may comprise a porous filter section for filtering air passing through the air passageway. The tubular element may comprise a body material and an agent releasable from the body material for delivery to tissue of the user when the tubular element is radially expanded.

Abstract: A biopsy localization device made according to the invention includes an intracorporeal delivery cannula and at least one marker disposed within an inner lumen of the delivery cannula. The marker includes an expandable fibrous body with at least one radiographically detectable marker element. The expandable fibrous body may also be bioabsorbable. Methods of use of the device are also described.

Abstract: A body fat measurement system for mammals includes means for measuring first and second body dimensions having a high correlation with body fat and low correlation respectively. A lookup table provides an output of the percentage body fat on input of the first and second dimensions.

Abstract: A dilating and support apparatus with disease inhibitors and methods for use is disclosed that is particularly useful for repairing and/or serving as a conduit for body passageways that require reinforcement, dilatation, disease prevention or the like. Such apparatuses are utilized to deliver a therapy, that therapy being from a family of devices, drugs, or any of a variety of other elements to a specific location within the body. The instant disclosure provides a system of combining a novel radial deployment and/or drug delivery therapy with existing balloon dilatation therapy into one device. This combination will yield a significant decrease in cost to the healthcare system as well as providing a therapy to the patient with increased safety and efficacy. Further, the instant invention provides a novel and improved platform for synthetic/tissue interface between the device and the body.

Abstract: A device and method to dissolve or eliminate blood clots from a patient relies upon a non-rapid moving mechanism to physically dissolve clots without damaging endothelium of the arteries and veins of a patient. In one embodiment, in addition to mechanical agitation of a clot, a thrombolytic agent is administered simultaneously with such agitation. Preferably, intermittent agitation is utilized over a prolonged period of time to effectuate clot removal.

Abstract: A particle-removing medical device includes an outer, hollow tube having a tube distal a porous braided structure having a distal part and a proximal part. Structure, housed he tube and having a distal end positioned distally of the tube distal end, is used to move the structure from a contracted condition to an expanded condition by moving the distal ends of and the structure towards one another. The braided structure is constructed to inhibit from moving completely through the braided structure when in the expanded condition.

Abstract: Biopsy localization devices and methods made according to the invention include a bioresorbable body, such as a gelatin, polylactic acid, and/or polyglycolic acid. The bioresorbable body preferably carries a radiopaque marker. The bioresorbable body preferably swells to fill the biopsied open region. The bioresorbable body and radiopaque marker permit the biopsy site to be relocated by various techniques, including mammography and ultrasound.

Abstract: Methods for localizing a biopsy site are disclosed. The method includes taking a tissue sample from a biopsy site and positioning a detectable, bioabsorbable element at the biopsy site at the time that the tissue sample was taken. The tissue sample is then tested. The biopsy site is then relocated by finding the bioabsorbable element. The bioabsorbable element may be made of collagen, gelatin, cellulose, polylactic acid, and/or polyglycolic acid. The detectable bioabsorbable element may be relocated using ultrasound or mammography. The bioabsorbable element may also swell upon contact with body fluid.

Abstract: A method for separating a soft tissue section from a body. An elongate shaft, which has a lumen that carries a tubular braid, is inserted into tissue adjacent a target tissue section. The tubular braid has a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state. The tubular braid is advanced from the shaft. As the tubular braid advances beyond the distal end of the shaft, it expands to a radially expanded state.