Abstract: Provided according to embodiments of the invention are systems for monitoring a physiological state of an individual that include a PPG sensor, which optionally includes an auxiliary physiological sensor integrated with or connected thereto; a first signal processing device in electronic communication with the PPG sensor, whereby the PPG sensor transmits PPG signals to the first signal processing device; and a second signal processing device that detects at least a portion of the signals transmitted by the PPG sensor to the first signal processing device, at least a portion of signals transmitted by the auxiliary physiological sensor, or both. Related methods are also provided herein.

Abstract: Provided according to embodiments of the present invention are Hand Hygiene Compliance Confirmation Systems (HHCCS) that include a Hand Hygiene Composition Dispenser (HHCD); a Hand Hygiene Composition Dispenser Monitor (HHCDM) and a Hand Hygiene Compliance Monitor (HHCM). In some embodiments, the HHCDM detects when said HHCD dispenses Hand Hygiene Composition (HHC) and signals said HHCM to start a clock so that if the hands of a person are presented to said HHCM within a pre-defined period of time from the time that said HHCDM sends said signal to said HHCM, said HHCM sends a signal to at least one display to indicate hand hygiene compliance, referred to as a Green Light Condition or GLC. Related apparatus and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Provided according to embodiments of the invention are systems for monitoring a physiological state of an individual that include a PPG sensor, which optionally includes an auxiliary physiological sensor integrated with or connected thereto; a first signal processing device in electronic communication with the PPG sensor, whereby the PPG sensor transmits PPG signals to the first signal processing device; and a second signal processing device that detects at least a portion of the signals transmitted by the PPG sensor to the first signal processing device, at least a portion of signals transmitted by the auxiliary physiological sensor, or both. Related methods are also provided herein.

Abstract: A Hand Hygiene Compliance Confirmation System (HHCCS) is disclosed for confirmation of compliance with Hand Hygiene Compliance Procedures (HHCPs) with minimized Response Time (RT) delay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions, which provide an indicator for location and/or concentration of the composition during application. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator is a compound that is visible at a first pH and invisible at a second pH. The composition includes the indicator and a volatile base or acid. The volatile base or acid enables the composition to be at a first pH so that the indicator is visible when first applied to a desired surface. However, upon evaporation or degradation of the volatile acid or base, the composition will be at a second phi, causing the indicator to disappear.

Abstract: The subject invention provides systems and methods for monitoring prescription medications. In particular, systems and methods are provided for monitoring patient compliance with a given prescribed regimen as well as monitoring the origins of a prescription drug. The subject invention provides a central computer and a portable device, wherein the portable device includes at least one sensor for detecting a target marker. The target marker of the invention represents either the presence of a specific prescribed medication or identify the proper origins of a medication.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices of obtaining plethysmograph readings and utilizing plethysomography to identify when pilots are about to experience GLOC. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the invention pertains to methods and devices designed to warn a pilot that he/she is about to enter GLOC and/or automatically averting catastrophic damage or injuries by directing a plane being piloted to take predetermined corrective actions. Specifically disclosed is a system embodiment for assisting in the prevention of gravity induced loss of consciousness.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing and/or treating diseases as well as monitoring disease treatment. For diagnosis, the present invention uses nanoparticle-based assemblies, which comprise a nanoparticle; a surrogate marker; and a means for detecting a specific chemical entity. In certain embodiments, nanoparticle-based assemblies include a payload for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of disease. In further embodiments, a therapeutic drug and therapeutic drug marker are administered to a patient to monitor disease treatment. Bodily fluid samples are analyzed using sensor technology to detect the presence of surrogate and/or therapeutic drug markers to provide an efficient and accurate means for diagnosing a disease and/or monitoring disease treatment.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for monitoring endogenous compound concentration in blood by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient, wherein such markers are the endogenous compound itself or result from the endogenous compound. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial” or “electronic” noses or tongues, to non-invasively monitor endogenous compound levels in blood. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking endogenous compound concentrations in blood (remote or proximate locations) and providing the necessary alerts with regard to emergent or harmful conditions in a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel tube-in-tube endotracheal tube apparatus that allows for replacement or cleaning of an inner (first) tube without having to re-intubate the patient. The novel endotracheal tube apparatus enables the application of continuous suction or intermittent suction. The endotracheal device also serves to decrease the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for monitoring endogenous compound concentration in blood by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient, wherein such markers are the endogenous compound itself or result from the endogenous compound. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial” or “electronic” noses or tongues, to non-invasively monitor endogenous compound levels in blood. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking endogenous compound concentrations in blood (remote or proximate locations) and providing the necessary alerts with regard to emergent or harmful conditions in a patient.

Abstract: A novel connection device, and method for its use, for connecting a volume displacement detection device and a gas composition detection device in line with an intubation tube is disclosed. The connection device allows a user to combine two systems commonly employed by medical personnel to assess the location of an intubation tube placed into a patient. The two systems have alternate means of assessing the location of an intubation tube in a patient and therefore, when combined into a single unit via the connection device, improve the accuracy of placing a tube in a desired location while reducing or eliminating complications associated with misplacement. A kit comprising components that may be assembled to provide a device for assessing the proper placement of an intubation tube in a patient is also disclosed. The kit may be used in any environment, but is particularly well suited for emergency, pre-hospital settings requiring intubation where quick assembly of the components is essential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optimized gas supply utilizing photoplethysmography. Flow rate, pressure or amount of gas is adjusted as a function of blood oxygen saturation data, photoplethysmography signals, or both, obtained from the pulse oximeter probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the diagnostic analysis of blood samples. The present invention uses sensor technology useful in the analysis of headspace sample from blood to provide an efficient and accurate means for identifying the presence of a volatile marker associated with hematological diseases or conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor technology of the present invention includes detecting means such as RNA oligonucleotide chains or aptamers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods to monitor respiration and abnormal respiration events utilizing plethysmography. The apparatuses and methods provide an alternative to conventional respiration monitoring methods while enabling accurate yet minimally interruptive and invasive monitoring of respiration. The methods and apparatuses may be employed in the context of sleep studies to determine respiratory related sleep disorders.

Abstract: A method for detecting compounds of interest in bodily fluids, including exhaled breath and blood. The present invention uses biosensors that mimic naturally occurring cellular mechanisms, including RNA oligonucleotide chains or “aptamers,” in combination with signaling agents or nanotechnology to provide an effective and efficient method for diagnosing a condition and/or disease within a patient. The subject invention also provides a method for screening those analytes/biomarkers likely to be present in exhaled breath.

Abstract: The subject invention provides systems and methods for monitoring prescription medications. In particular, systems and methods are provided for monitoring patient compliance with a given prescribed regimen as well as monitoring the origins of a prescription drug. The subject invention provides a central computer and a portable device, wherein the portable device includes at least one sensor for detecting a target marker. The target marker of the invention represents either the presence of a specific prescribed medication or identify the proper origins of a medication.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the ex vivo diagnostic analysis of samples of bodily fluids, including exhaled breath and blood. The present invention uses nanostructure-based assemblies in combination with sensor technology to provide an efficient and accurate means for identifying the presence of a target analyte/biomarker in a sample of bodily fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the nanostructure-based assemblies of the present invention include detecting means such as RNA oligonucleotide chains or “aptamers” and releasable surrogate markers such as DMSO.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for monitoring therapeutic drug concentration in blood by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient after the drug is taken, wherein such markers result either directly from the drug itself or from an additive combined with the drug. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial” or “electronic” noses or tongues, to non-invasively monitor drug levels in blood. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking drug concentrations in blood (remote or proximate locations) and providing the necessary alerts with regarding to ineffective or toxic drug dosages in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for detecting humans or human remains by analyzing air, fluid, or soil using electronic sensor technology, including surface acoustic-wave gas sensor technology. The method determines the presence and concentration of the target compound (or a class of compounds) associated with humans or human decomposition. Diagnostic software is used to identify target compounds where a stored library of signatures is compared to the signature obtained from the system. Signal processing and neural networks are preferably utilized in the analysis.