Abstract: Imaging agents comprising an isolated polypeptide conjugated with a radionucleide and a chelator; wherein the isolated polypeptide binds specifically to HER2, or a variant thereof; and methods for preparing and using these imaging agents.

Abstract: Methods for detecting ?-synuclein oligomers in vivo comprise administering an antibody to an individual suspected of carrying soluble ?-synuclein, wherein the antibody is produced from a stabilized soluble ?-synuclein oligomer and is capable of binding the stabilized soluble ?-synuclein oligomer, wherein the stabilized soluble ?-synuclein oligomer has a lower formation rate to a non-soluble aggregated form than a non-stabilized soluble oligomer of the ?-synuclein, and wherein the antibody is labelled with a detectable marker; and detecting the presence of any complex formed between the antibody and soluble ?-synuclein by detection of the marker.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting cells or tissue comprising a peptide antigen presented in the context of an MHC or HLA complex. The invention has a wide range of applications including providing a highly sensitive method for detecting cancer cells.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions and methods of use of dual-labeled molecules comprising a fluorescent probe and a radionuclide. The labeled molecules are of use for detection, imaging and/or diagnosis of diseased tissues, such as tumors. In preferred embodiments, the dual-labeled molecules are of use in pre-operative and/or intraoperative imaging, for example to detect margins of malignant tissues to facilitate surgical resectioning. In more preferred embodiments, a radioprotective agent such as an oxygen radical scavenger is used to decrease radiolysis of the fluorescent signal. The labeled molecules bind to a disease-associated antigen, such as a tumor-associated antigen. Exemplary molecules include antibodies, antibody fragments, bispecific antibodies, targetable constructs and targeting peptides, such as bombesin analogues.

Abstract: An agent for removing malodor from a painting booth includes a volatile organic compound (VOC) degrading microorganism and a volatile fatty acid (VFA) degrading microorganism. The VOC degrading microorganism is configured to degrade VOC. The VFA degrading microorganism is configured to degrade VFA generated when the VOC is degraded. A method of removing malodor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an ophthalmic solution of which preservative component, hexamethylene biguanide, contained therein is inhibited from being adsorbed on soft contact lenses and eye droppers. The ophthalmic solution contains, at a specific ratio, (A) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose having 28.0 to 30.0 mass % methoxy groups and 7.0 to 12.0 mass % hydroxypropoxy groups, both with respect to the total amount of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, at a methoxy group/hydroxypropoxy group ratio of 2.5 to 4.0 by mass, wherein a 2 mass % aqueous solution of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose at 20° C. has a viscosity of 50 to 4000 mPa·s; (B) sodium chloride or potassium chloride; (C) hexamethylene biguanide or a salt thereof; (D) 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine/butyl methacrylate copolymer; and (E) water.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article exhibiting excellent absorption speed of body fluid and dryness after absorbing body fluid, even in the case of absorbing body fluid repeatedly. The absorbent article of the present invention comprises: a water absorption layer where a water absorbent resin powder meeting the following requirements (a) to (d) is disposed, (a) a bulk density: 0.45 g/ml to 0.62 g/ml, (b) an absorption speed measured by a vortex method: 20 seconds to 50 seconds, (c) a liquid passing speed under load: 10 seconds or less, (d) a moisture absorption blocking ratio: 5% or less; and a diffusion layer disposed below the water absorption layer and including a cellulose acetate fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feminine hygiene absorbent article comprising water-absorbing polymer particles having a mean sphericity (SPHT) from 0.8 to 0.95 obtainable by spray polymerization of a monomer solution or suspension, wherein the intake ratio of the feminine hygiene absorbent article is less than 0.27.

Abstract: Provided is a water absorbent resin that is useful to sanitary materials such as a disposable diaper, a sanitary napkin, and a blood absorbent for medical use each having a higher liquid permeability and a higher water absorbing speed. Further provided is a water absorbent resin powder that is useful to sanitary materials such as a disposable diaper, a sanitary napkin, and a blood absorbent for medical use each having increased in absorbency of a liquid and in heat retaining property. A gel grinding device to be used to produce a water absorbent resin, includes: a screw; a feed opening; an extrusion opening; a porous plate; and a barrel, the barrel including a return preventing member provided on an inner surface thereof, and the return preventing member satisfying at least one of specific parameters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-woven fabrics containing growth and differentiation factor proteins. Said fabrics are specifically designed to accelerate tissue regeneration and wound healing processes of mammalian tissues. Furthermore, the invention provides wound dressings, pads or implants comprising the novel non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaged probiotic composition which is useful for treating or preventing bacterial colonisation in wounds and tissue. A characteristic feature of the invention is that the probiotic composition contains a probiotic microorganism which is in direct contact with water during storage of the probiotic composition. The invention furthermore pertains to methods of using and producing the probiotic composition.

Abstract: Compositions of, methods of making, and methods of using alkaline earth phosphate bone cements are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of, methods of making, and methods of using alkaline earth phosphate bone cements are disclosed.

Abstract: Described is a spray-on hydrogel comprising water-soluble PEG polymers that cross-link in situ to form a hydrogel such that the cross-links are reversible. The hydrogel can be useful as a drug delivery composition, wound dressing or surgery adjuvant. Polyethylene glycol polymer and cross-linker solutions are sprayed simultaneously through a common orifice. Cross-linking via formation of thioether or disulfide bonds is initiated upon mixing, providing rapid gelation. The hydrogel components can be derivatized with RGD peptides or analogs thereof to promote retention in/on a body compartment such as the skin, surface of the eye, or a mucosa such as the vaginal mucosa. The cross-links are reversed using a reducing solution enabling easy removal of the hydrogel by dissolution. Processes for preparation of the cross-linker, RGD derivatized PEG and RGD-linked agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Controlled release vascular implants, such as vascular grafts, stents, wraps, and gels comprising a biocompatible polymer and all trans retinoic acid (ATRA), or its derivatives, can be used to treat, prevent, or inhibit thrombosis and/or neointimal hyperplasia which may otherwise be induced by prosthetic implantation. In particular, the implants herein can inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation, neointimal hyperplasia, and upregulate antithrombotic genes and nitric oxide production in the vasculature. Further, the implants are capable of delivering controlled and predictable localized concentrations of ATRA.

Abstract: Fumaric acid or a salt thereof, such as a fumaryl halide (e.g. fumaryl chloride), which contains unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds that can be used for in situ crosslinking, is copolymerized with poly(caprolactone) diol in the presence of an alkali metal salt. The resulting photocrosslinkable biocompatible and bioresorbable poly(caprolactone fumarate) biomaterial is useful in the fabrication of injectable an in-situ hardening scaffolds for application in skeletal reconstruction.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a multi-layered tissue graft comprising a collagen layer and at least one separated and washed placental tissue component and/or umbilical cord component, wherein the collagen is human collagen substantially free of non-human antigens.

Abstract: Three-dimensional solid contractile collagen scaffolds having improved biological properties and electromechanical performance are provided. The scaffolds can be used for cell transplantation, including the fixation of biocompatible reagents and adhesion molecules which control cell adhesion, apoptosis, survival and/or differentiation simultaneously. Grafting adhesion molecules to the collagen matrices renders the scaffold suitable for use in vascular and cardiothoracic surgery/medicine, as well as in cell therapy for the heart and in artificial heart muscle engineering. Also, a method for grafting and optimizing the presentation of adhesion peptides or biological agents in the scaffold is provided.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis has a surface area which comprises a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic, a platic material or a fiber-reinforced plastic material, and is uninterruptedly covered with a tissue-inductive or anticoagulant coating, at least partially. The surface area to which the coating is applied has been provided prior to that application with nanostructures having a height and a width in the range of 5 to 999 nm. A method for producing the endoprosthesis provides an endoprosthesis having these features.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an animal acellular tissue matrix material and a tissue matrix material manufactured by the same. The tissue matrix material manufactured by the method retains an original basic scaffold structure of a tissue extracellular matrix, with an antigen causing immunological rejection in a human body being effectively removed from the animal tissue. An animal dermal matrix manufactured by the method retains the biological integrity of a natural dermal tissue matrix and can be used for restoration and repair of lesion and missing tissues.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises the reaction product of (i) citric acid, a citrate, or an ester of citric acid with (ii) a polyol, and (iii) a monomer comprising one or more alkyne moieties and/or azide moieties. The reaction product, in some instances, comprises a polymer. Further, in some cases, a composition described herein comprises a plurality of polymers. In some embodiments, the polymers are selected to be reactive with one another through a click chemistry reaction scheme to form a polymer network. In another aspect, medical implants and medical devices are described herein, the implants and devices comprising a polymer or polymer network described herein.

Abstract: This present invention concerns a new combination of balloon catheters and formulations containing active substances that adhere to the surface of the balloon membrane. Furthermore the present invention concerns coating processes for the manufacture of these balloon catheters as well as their use in the treatment and prophylaxis of vascular diseases.

Abstract: Coatings, materials, and devices with biohealing properties are described. A biohealing coating may include a base material and biohealing particles. The base material may include a polymer. The biohealing particles may include one or more of metal particles, alloy particles, metal oxide particles, carbon particles, carbide particles, and nitride particles. The biohealing coating may be applied to an implantable device. A biohealing material may include a base material in bulk form and biohealing particles. The biohealing material may be used to manufacture an implantable device. An implantable device may include one or both of a biohealing coating and a biohealing material.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure Implantable drug delivery devices include a housing defining a reservoir, a first unit within the reservoir, and a second unit within the reservoir. The first unit contains a drug and the second unit contains a functional agent that facilitates release of the drug. Intravesical drug delivery devices include a housing portion containing a drug formulation and a housing portion containing an excipient, and are configured to release the drug according to a first release profile and the excipient according to a second release profile. Methods include inserting any of these devices into a patient and releasing drug from the device.

Abstract: System and methods for stimulating cartilage formation at a first tissue site through a second tissue site is presented. The system includes a fluid source for supplying a therapeutic solution, a reduced pressure source for supplying reduced pressure, a fluid delivery manifold for deploying adjacent the first tissue site, and a vacuum manifold for deploying within the second tissue site. The fluid delivery manifold extends between a proximal end fluidly coupled to the fluid supply and a distal end having at least one aperture for delivering the therapeutic solution to the defect adjacent the articulating surface of the first tissue site. The vacuum manifold extends between a proximal end fluidly coupled to the reduced pressure source and a distal end having at least one aperture for delivering the reduced pressure to the first tissue site adjacent the opposing surface of the first tissue site.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound dressing including an enclosure housing and a wound contact layer is provided. The enclosure housing has an opening, the opening of the enclosure housing has a barrier layer therein to separate the enclosure housing into an exudate receptacle and a contact layer receptacle. The wound contact layer is contained in the contact layer receptacle. The exudate receptacle of the enclosure housing includes a negative pressure deliver tube connecting the exudate receptacle and a negative pressure source, and a discharging tube disposed in a vicinity of the harrier layer for discharging exudates stored in the exudate receptacle. The barrier layer includes at least one conduit with openings respectively toward the exudate receptacle and the wound contact layer for draining wound exudates from the wound contact layer to the exudate receptacle when a negative pressure is delivered from the pressure source via the negative pressure delivery tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of wounds. In particular, the invention relates to systems, devices, and methods enabling treatment (e.g., debridement) of wounds with liquid, gas, or particles in a non-controlled setting while providing containment of contaminated liquid, gas or particles, thereby preventing exposure of individuals and surfaces in proximity to the patient to infectious materials. In certain embodiments, the systems and devices are conformable to the contours of a non-planar surface, such as the human body (e.g., to seal or partially seal the device or system to a portion of a human body).

Abstract: A medical device is provided comprising a first port; a second port in fluid communication with the first port; and a third port in selective fluid communication with both the first port and the second port; a sealing membrane disposed between the third port and both the first port and the second port, the sealing membrane is configured to move between a first position preventing fluid communication between the third port and both the first port and the second port and a second position allowing fluid communication between the third port and the first port, wherein movement of a fluid supplied to the medical device at the third port moves the sealing membrane from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A surgical method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, drying an osteochondral defect using a suction swab. The drying step includes suctioning moisture from the osteochondral defect through the suction swab or communicating a gas to the osteochondral defect through the suction swab.

Abstract: Some illustrative embodiments of a dressing for treating a tissue site may include a manifold, a paddle, and a tail. The manifold may be adapted to distribute fluid and may include an insertion end and a connection end. The insertion end of the manifold may be adapted for insertion at the tissue site. The paddle may include at least one surface protrusion, and the paddle may be positioned in fluid communication with the manifold proximate to the insertion end. The tail may be proximate to the connection end of the manifold. Further, the tail may be adapted to be positioned proximate an external opening at the tissue site. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a fluid communication path to a wound site through a drape. The apparatus comprises a body portion having a lower surface and an upper surface, at least one connection port, at least one suction port and at least one fluid communication passageway between the connection port and the suction port. A connector at an end of at least one tubular conduit is locatable through the drape into an orifice in the connection port to thereby provide a fluid communication path through the drape between the tubular conduit and the wound site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve (1) for controlling the flow of a medium from a first system (24) to a second system (26) comprising a deformable dome-shaped structure (3) forming a reservoir (25) and including a flow path opening (9), a valve cover (5) including a first connector opening (15) to connect the valve (1) to the first system (24) and a contact element (23) for interacting with the flow path opening (9) to open and close it and a valve base (7) being airtightly connected to the valve cover (5) and to the dome-shaped structure (3) and including a second connector opening (17) to connect the valve (1) to the second system (26) and being coupled to the reservoir (25) The deformable dome-shaped structure (3) is configured such that in an open state of the valve (1) the deformable dome-shaped structure (3) is deformed and the flow path opening (9) is not connected to the contact element (23) to allow a medium to flow from the first system (24) to the second system (26) through the first (15) a

Abstract: Breast pump adapter, breast pump system, and adapter kit are provided, as well as a method of using same. The adapter allows coupling of a breast shield assembly with a storage container (e.g., milk bottle), with an airtight, sealed fluid path. Compatibility of a bottle coupling of the breast shield assembly with a milk bottle, for example, is not necessary with the adapter. The breast pump adapter can include an elongated body having a first end and a second end and an intermediate central region. At least one of the first and second ends can be formed of a flexible material configured to stretch around a breast shield assembly bottle coupling or around a storage container opening to form an airtight seal. A housing can optionally be included as part of a breast pump adapter kit.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for optimizing intracardiac filling pressures and cardiac output in patients with heart failure, conduction disease, and atrial fibrillation. The system is able to adjust and optimize intracardiac filling pressures and cardiac output by adjusting heart rate and the effective amount of total body blood volume. The device includes an adjustable member that may create a mean pressure differential in order to manifest an effective “mechanical diuresis” by sequestering extraneous blood volume to the high-capacitance of the venous vasculature. The system is therefore designed to reduce intracardiac filling pressures while maintaining or even increasing cardiac output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for circulatory support of the heart and to a corresponding method with a holding means which is configured such that it can be implanted intracardially in the left and/or right ventricular outflow tract of the heart by means of a catheter, preferably using an endovascular method, through a femoral access and/or a percutaneous transventricular, transseptal, transapical or transvenous access, wherein the holding means comprises an anchoring means which can be fixed in the subcommissural triangle underneath the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve, respectively in the flow direction of the blood on the ventricular side of the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve, respectively, a pump which is configured such that it can be fixed in the holding means by means of a catheter, preferably using an endovascular method, through a femoral access and/or a percutaneous transventricular, transseptal, transapical or transvenous access, wherein the pump (a) can either be inserted releasably

Abstract: A cardiac assist device comprising: an implantable pump having a first and second end and adapted to be mounted within a blood vessel, wherein the pump further comprises an impeller that rotates about an axis parallel to the flow of blood through the pump and wherein the impeller lateral movement is restrained between the first and second end by bearings positioned at respective first and second ends; and wherein the pump is powered by a first implanted coil and a second external coil mounted on either side of a skin barrier of a patient, wherein the first and second coils are in electrical communication to relay power across the skin barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a distributed transformer or extension cord component for a transcutaneous energy transfer system used to transfer electric power to an implanted medical device. The extension cord component may enable power transfer to occur at various points on or near the body of the subject within whom the medical device is implanted. In this way, the subject may gain greater flexibility and high levels of convenience in connection with use of the transcutaneous energy transfer system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood treatment device, in particular a device which can perform haemodialysis and haemodifiltration procedures. This is achieved using an interconnected pump and valve arrangement which can be controlled to direct fluid across a dialysis membrane or parallel to said membrane depending on the type of processing required. This allows dynamic variation between modes of operation and treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable article for use in dialysis treatment which has at least one sensor for determining a measured value relating to the dialysis. The invention further relates to a dialyzer having a disposable article in accordance with the invention. The invention furthermore relates to a dialyzer and to a water preparation plant for dialysate having at least one sensor for determining at least one measured value relating to the dialysis, at least one transmitter which is connected to the sensor and is configured such that it enables a wireless transmission of the measured value to at lease one receiver and at least one energy converter for providing energy, preferably electrical energy, to the sensor and to the transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-reservoir port, catheter and non-coring needle systems that support high-flow applications such as hemodialysis and apheresis. In particular, the present invention relates to improvements to each of these systems to provide optimal flow rates and septum life with minimal intraluminal pressure; both individually and in combination.

Abstract: A device and methods are disclosed herein for fluid removal during wound treatment or for removal or dialysis of components from blood or tissue. A device is disclosed that includes a multilayer membrane including a plurality of layers; an electroactive polymer within each layer; and a controller operably connected to sequentially activate the electroactive polymer to alter one or more sizes of the plurality of the variably-sized pores within one or more layers of the multilayer membrane. A device is disclosed that includes a multilayer membrane including a plurality of layers; an actuator operably attached to the plurality of layers of the multilayer membrane; and a controller operably activating the actuator to alter a relative lateral position of the two or more layers of the multilayer membrane to align two or more of the plurality of pores within the plurality of layers of the multilayer membrane.

Abstract: A method comprising: receiving patient assessment information concerning one or more subjective characteristics of a patient; determining a patient assessment score based on the received patient assessment information; and modifying operation of a medical fluid treatment machine based on the patient assessment score.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood circulator includes a control unit and a speed manipulation section. A rotation display section displays a lower limit rotation setting value of a pump motor in accordance with a command of the control unit. The lower limit rotation speed setting value is a minimum rotation speed for preventing backflow of blood inside a circulation circuit A manually adjusted speed setting request from the manipulation section controls the pump speed, except that the controller enforces the lower limit speed setting unless receiving confirmation from a manipulator.

Abstract: A vascular access port can include a base that can be attached to a vessel and a body extending away from the base in at least a vertical direction. A height of the body in the vertical direction can be sufficiently small such that the entire port can be implanted subcutaneously in a patient. The port can include a guidance passageway that is at least partially defined by the body and can direct an access device into a vessel of a patient when the port is attached to the vessel. In some arrangements, the guidance passageway includes a funnel region that decreases in size from a proximal end of the guidance passageway toward a distal end of the guidance passageway that defines an opening through the bottom surface of the port.

Abstract: A fluid pump system having a first fluid pump for pumping fluid from a source to a surgical site and a second fluid pump for removing fluid from the surgical site at a first predetermined rate, wherein said fluid pump system intermittently operates in conjunction with a surgical tool which, when operational, removes fluid from the surgical site at a second predetermined rate greater than said first predetermined rate, the improvement including a sensor for sensing a predetermined parameter of the surgical tool and providing an output signal indicating that the surgical tool is operating; and an actuating means responsive to said output signal to actuate said second fluid pump to remove fluid from the surgical site at second predetermined rate.

Abstract: A handpiece for cleansing wounds with a fluid jet includes a main body, which has a front end with an emergence opening for the emergence of the fluid jet, wherein a porous body is present on the front end, which porous body surrounds the emergence opening and protrudes beyond the latter in the direction of the fluid jet outlet and forms a space through which the fluid jet can pass unimpeded. The handpiece according to the invention combines the advantages of cleansing by a fluid jet with the advantages of mechanical cleansing and, at the same time, provides effective protection against aerosols.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for syringe organization including a backing, a plurality of pockets coupled to the backing and a coordination scheme indicating the contents of individual pockets.

Abstract: A liquid medicament dispenser includes a housing and a pump carried by the housing, a reservoir applied to the housing and containing a pre-filled sterile liquid medicament, a sterile tubing set routed through the pump, a sterile administration line carried outside of the housing and coupled aseptically to the sterile tubing set in fluid communication, and an aseptic connector coupled to the reservoir and the sterile tubing set and changeable from a storage state to a use state. In the storage state, the aseptic connector prevents the liquid medicament in the reservoir from moving to the sterile tubing set. In the use state of the aseptic connector, the aseptic connector defines a sterile passageway for the flow of the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the sterile tubing set.

Abstract: An infusion adapter for connection with an infusion fluid container includes a connection portion configured to engage an injection port of an infusion fluid container, and a port configured to connect to an intravenous line, with the port in fluid communication with the connection portion. The connection portion includes a retaining ring extending radially outward from the connection portion, with the retaining ring configured to securely connect the infusion adapter to the infusion fluid container to substantially prevent disconnection of the infusion adapter from the infusion fluid container once the infusion adapter is connected to the infusion fluid container. The retaining ring includes an indicator configured to provide visualization of insertion of the connection portion into an injection port of an infusion fluid container.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.