Abstract: An asthma management system and method are disclosed for collecting environmental and individual health data to predict the onset of asthma symptoms to allow for preventative therapy tailored on an individual basis. In one embodiment a computer system is in electrical communication with an individual user interface and one or more environmental factor collection points via a communications network. The user interface is adapted to send and receive asthma-related data including asthma profile and real-time asthma status data to the computer system via the communication network, and the environmental factor collection points are adapted to send and receive data to the computer system via the communications network.

Abstract: A breath collection and storage apparatus is disclosed for collecting and storing samples of exhaled breath for later analysis of nitric oxide contained in collected breath samples. The described apparatus provides for inhaling air into the lungs via a one-way air inflow portal through an airflow chamber via an inhalation/exhalation portal. Air inhaled into the lungs is then expelled back into the airflow chamber via the inhalation/exhalation portal and flowed into a breath storage vessel. A flow meter monitor, such as a flow meter or pressure gauge can be employed to monitor and control the rate of flow of the exhaled breath. A three-way valve can be incorporated into the air outflow portal to selectively permit discharge of exhaled breath to the outside or into the breath storage vessel.

Abstract: A breath sensor (1) includes a heat exchange portion (41) that allows heat exchange between breath discharged from a second chamber C2 and breath introduced into a first chamber C1. Therefore, breath introduced into the first chamber C1 can be heated by breath discharged from the second chamber C2, to increase the temperature of the introduced breath. Since the temperature of the breath is increased, an effect of reducing power consumption of a heater (29c) in heating a conversion portion (21) and a detection portion (29a) is realized. The heater (29c) heats both the conversion portion (21) and the detection portion (29a) to a temperature in an operation or activation temperature range. Further, power consumption for heating to an operation temperature can be reduced by preheating the introduced breath as described above.

Abstract: A gas sensor including an adjustment unit having a conversion element for converting a gas component contained in exhaled breath introduced into a first chamber to a particular component, a sensor unit having a second chamber and including a detection element, a ceramic wiring board electrically connected to the detection element, and a single heater for heating the conversion element and the detection element. The ceramic wiring board has an opening, and a ceramic thin plate is stacked on the ceramic wiring board to cover the opening. The ceramic thin plate partially constitutes the adjustment unit and the sensor unit and separates the first chamber and the second chamber from each other. The adjustment unit, the sensor unit, and the heater are integrated in such a manner that the adjustment unit and the sensor unit are thermally coupled through the ceramic thin plate.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed that includes features for detecting the presence of biomarkers from a gas sample, such as exhaled breath. An assembly may also includes a plurality of sensors to detect biomarkers present in exhaled breath that are associated with respiratory illness. The biomarkers include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a conversion section for converting NO contained in a gas under measurement to NO2, and a detection section for detecting NO2 concentration in the gas under measurement after having passed through the conversion section. The conversion section includes a substrate portion which defines a flow passage for the gas under measurement, and a porous catalyst layer disposed on a surface of the substrate portion which converts NO to NO2. The flow passage has a hollow space in which the catalyst layer is not present and through which the gas under measurement flows. The catalyst layer has a thickness of 4 to 300 ?m as measured between the substrate portion and an outermost surface of the catalyst layer, the outermost surface being exposed to the hollow space.

Abstract: A breath sensor including a main body into which breath can be introduced, a conversion section for converting a gas component contained in the breath to a specific component, and a sensing section for detecting the specific component. The sensing section constitutes a first unit including an integrated detection element and a first heater. The conversion section constitutes a second unit including an integrated catalyst and a second heater. The first unit and the second unit are disposed inside the main body so as to be separated from each other with a gap therebetween, or are in contact with each other via a heat insulating member. The first unit and second unit are in communication with each other through a pipe that allows the breath to pass therethrough, and the pipe is partially bent.

Abstract: A mixed-potential-type sensor for measuring the concentration of nitrogen oxide contained in a gas under measurement including a solid electrolyte layer having oxygen-ion conductivity, and a pair of porous electrodes formed thereon. One electrode is covered with a first layer containing tungsten oxide as a main component. The other electrode is covered with a gas impermeable second layer. The second layer is in contact with the other electrode without intervention of the tungsten oxide component. The solid electrolyte layer is porous and allows the gas under measurement to permeate from an externally exposed surface of the solid electrolyte layer to the other electrode. The concentration of the nitrogen oxide is detected from a potential difference developed between the electrodes.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a plate-shaped base substrate and three or more mixed-potential-type sensor elements disposed at predetermined intervals on a main face of the base substrate and electrically connected in series. A single heat generation resistor for heating the mixed-potential-type sensor elements and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the base substrate are embedded in the base substrate or disposed on a face of the base substrate opposite the main face. The heat generation resistor has a pattern which overlaps the mixed-potential-type sensor elements, and the maximum value of temperature differences among the mixed-potential-type sensor elements, produced as a result of energization and control of the mixed-potential-type sensor elements to a target temperature using the temperature sensor, falls within 5% of the target temperature.

Abstract: A device for use with a respiratory monitor is disclosed that includes features for collecting and guiding a breath gas sample from a user. The device includes a breath intake structure connected to a handheld body structure. The breath intake structure may include one or more permeable membranes to filter particular substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and microbes, from the breath gas sample before it proceeds through the body structure. The device further includes one or more pre-conditioning elements that pretreats the breath gas sample before it enters a respiratory monitor. In some embodiments, the device may include a mouthpiece and body that are used to collect and guide a breath gas sample to a nitric oxide detection device. Moisture is removed from the breath gas sample using a desiccant loaded into a pre-conditioning cartridge. The mouthpiece may be removably connected to the body and disposable.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for spinal fixation. In one example embodiment, a minimally invasive crosslink apparatus with an elongated shaft portion, a self-drilling tip portion, and a posterolateral delivery device is provided. In this example embodiment, the elongated shaft portion is configured to connect to at least one of a vertical fixation rod and a pedicle screw head.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for spinal fixation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for spinal fixation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for spinal fixation.

Abstract: A rod manipulator including power-base and various assemblies, interchangeably attaching to the base. The power-base is composed of a pneumatic cylinder and piston which affects the function of various assemblies. The piston moves the central component of an assembly toward the fixed portion of that assembly. A bending assembly containing mobile pivots around which a surgical metal rod can be bent. A cutting assembly containing blades in central and fixed portions between which a surgical metal rod can be cut. The distal end of the cut rod is retained by replaceable, sterilizable, eject-grips during and immediately after the cutting operation. The general object of the invention is to provide an improved surgical rod cutter and surgical rod bender, capable of performing both tasks with one power source, requires one-person operation, eliminates the need for significant muscular forces and eliminates the opportunity for an unsafe projectile in the operating room.