Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of an irreversible ligand of a serine protease selected from the group consisting of leukocyte elastase, thrombin, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasmin for the molecular imaging of said serine protease and the diagnosis of pathophysiological conditions associated with said serine protease activity.

Abstract: Provided are compounds and compositions for targeting macrophages and other mannose-binding c-type lectin receptor high expressing cells and methods of treatment and diagnosis using such compounds and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel anti-CD146 antibody and derivatives thereof. The antibody and/or derivatives can be used for therapy and/or imaging, diagnosis and/or immunostaining.

Abstract: A water-absorbent carrier for moist heat sterilization can be used in a narrow space and does not have a risk of generating foreign matter. The water-absorbent carrier is obtained by embedding a water-absorbent substance in a synthetic resin. The water-absorbent carrier can be manufactured by impregnating the water-absorbent substance with a water-soluble substance, drying the water-absorbent substance, embedding the water-absorbent substance in a thermoplastic synthetic resin, and washing the water-absorbent substance to remove the water-soluble substance. Alternatively, the water-absorbent carrier can be manufactured by dispersing a water-insoluble synthetic resin in a dispersion medium, mixing the water-absorbent substance in the dispersion medium, pouring the mixture into a mold, and volatilizing the dispersion medium. A medical article to be sterilized includes the water-absorbent carrier packaged in a closed space.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sanitizing an article, the apparatus comprising a housing defining an enclosed internal chamber and having an opening at a door side into the chamber. A door is configured to selectively close the door side of the housing for substantially sealing the chamber. A UV light source is disposed internally of the housing for irradiating the chamber, and an electronic circuit is electrically connected to the UV light source and adapted to power the UV light source for a predetermined period of time. A reflector unit is disposed on one of the walls, the reflector unit including a reflective section projecting outwardly at an angle with respect to the wall. With the article placed in the chamber and the door closed and the electronic circuit activated, the UV lamp is illuminated for the predetermined period of time for sanitizing the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilizing apparatus using wet gaseous chlorine dioxide, the sterilizing apparatus comprising: a chamber provided with a sterilization chamber; a gaseous chlorine dioxide generating part for generating wet gaseous chlorine dioxide from stabilized chlorine dioxide; a photoionization detecting part for measuring the concentration of the gaseous chlorine dioxide in the chamber; an electronic control part for controlling a sterilization process; a gaseous chlorine dioxide adsorption removal part for removing gaseous chlorine dioxide remaining in the chamber after the sterilization process has been completed; an operation panel consisting of an input portion for inputting sterilization conditions and a display portion for displaying a sterilization state; and a printer for outputting a sterilization history.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that produces formulated iodine enriched water for use with multiple applications. The iodine enriched water is transformed through humidification processes within a mobile device producing iodine enriched air within a room or establishment. A portable iodine container can be used to receive the iodine enriched water for use in disinfection applications to the atmosphere and surfaces and in nebulizing applications. The iodine enriched water can include vitamins and/or minerals, if desired.

Abstract: A disinfection element comprising a copper-based microbicidal contact region is intended to allow a particularly wide range of possible uses together with a reliably high level of microbicidal effectiveness in the contact region thereof. For this purpose, according to the invention, the contact region comprises a microbicidal surface layer formed of copper particles embedded in a matrix.

Abstract: A scented wafer having a body formed of a heat resistant fibrous material having a predetermined porosity resulting from a selected denier and length of fibers. A scented material is impregnated into the body material and is constructed to melt and release a scent when exposed to heat at a predetermined temperature for aromatherapy, insect repellant, wild life attractant, medicinal use, deodorant and odor control, perfume release, or any other desired or suitable purpose. The body material does not melt at the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Anti-microbial wound dressing and method of producing the same. The wound dressing comprises a non-woven fabric produced by hydroentanglement of a blend of fibres, said blend being formed by first fibres which are coated with elemental silver or contain silver and second fibres which are essentially free from silver. The wound dressing will retain its antimicrobial properties over extended periods of time, and it is suitable for sustained release of silver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid-absorbent article, comprising a water-absorbent core with a basis weight of the fluid-absorbent core at the insult zone of at least 500 gsm, comprising 10 to 100% by weight water-absorbent polymer particles, wherein the water-absorbent polymer particles having a mean sphericity (SPHT) from 0.8 to 0.95 and satisfying the following conditions: (a) the sum of centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) and absorbency under high load (AUHL) being at least 60 g/g, and/or (b) the log10(SFC)>5.7?0.138×CRC, with SFC being not less than 5, wherein the CRC is given in g/g and the SFC in 10?7 cm3?s/g.

Abstract: A composition and a method of applying the composition to a site on or within a body of a mammal. The composition includes a hydrogel matrix that includes at least one polymer cross linked, via ionic or covalent bonding, with both hyaluronic acid and alginic acid. The at least one polymer is chitosan, poly L-Lysine, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a synthetic superabsorbent polymer derived from a first renewable resource via at least one intermediate compound, wherein said superabsorbent polymer exhibits a defined Saline Flow Conductivity value and Absorption Against Pressure value. Alternately, an absorbent article is disclosed having a synthetic polyolefin derived from a first renewable resource via at least one intermediate compound. The synthetic polyolefin exhibits defined performance characteristics making the polyolefin particularly useful in certain components of the absorbent article. Methods for making the aforementioned absorbent articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Temperature-insensitive calcium phosphate cements and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the cements include a dry component having fine and coarse calcium phosphate particulate reactants and a setting fluid which includes a cellulose. The dry component and setting fluid may be combined over a broad temperature range to produce a flowable composition. The resultant flowable composition finds use in a variety of different applications, including the repair of hard tissue defects, e.g., bone defects such as fractures.

Abstract: A bone cement forming kit, comprising a malleable bone cement material, and a flexible membrane encapsulating the malleable bone cement material, wherein the flexible membrane has at least one removable panel and is configured to form an aperture that exposes the malleable bone cement material once the panel is removed.

Abstract: A hemostatic tissue sealant sponge and a spray for acute wounds are disclosed. The sponge comprises hydrophobically modified polymers that anchor themselves within the membrane of cells in the vicinity of the wound. The seal is strong enough to substantially prevent the loss of blood inside the boundaries of the sponge, yet weak enough to substantially prevent damage to newly formed tissue upon recovery and subsequent removal of the sponge. In examples, the polymers inherently prevent microbial infections and are suitable for oxygen transfer required during normal wound metabolism. The spray comprises hydrophobically modified polymers that form solid gel networks with blood cells to create a physical clotting mechanism to prevent loss of blood. In an example, the spray further comprises at least one reagent that increases the mechanical integrity of the clot. In another example, the reagent prevents microbial infection of the wound.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a biodegradable scaffold for replacing tissue or inducing tissue regeneration and a preparation method thereof, wherein the scaffold comprises at least one woven silk tube layer and a collagen layer inside the tube layer. The scaffold is excellent in terms of tissue regeneration and mechanical properties and causes little or no immune response after implantation. Thus, the scaffold can be effectively used as a matrix for the regeneration of ligaments and tendons and the repair of injured muscles.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the repair of articular tissue using collagen material are provided. Compositions of collagen material and related kits are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a matrix scaffold for three-dimensional (3D) cell cultivation, a method of its construction, and its uses. The matrix scaffold results from a crosslinking reaction of a fibroin-like substance prepared by a specific method from silk cocoons or filaments, chitosan and crosslinking agents. This matrix scaffold is more advantageous in terms of degradation stability and benefits to 3D cell cultivation over existing matrix scaffolds. In addition, it can replace extracellular matrices (ECMs) or tissue and organ matrices and is further for use for the in-vitro differentiation and proliferation of cells, tissue and organ reconstruction and antitumor drug screening.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to methods and compositions useful for the production of composites for bone implantation. The invention includes methods for production of lyophilized bone fragments seeded with lyophilized stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrow stem cells, periosteal cells or osteocytes that are derived either from the recipient of the bone implant or from allogeneic sources. The methods of the invention comprise production of bone implant material including the steps of cutting solid bone into fragments, decellularizing the bone fragments, seeding stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrow stem cells, periosteal cells or osteocytes onto the decellularized bone fragments and lyophilizing the complex of bone fragments and cells. The stabilized bone matrix and complex of bone and cells increases the ease of transport, storage and reconstitution of bone and cells for bone implantation.

Abstract: An osteogenic composition suitable for use in bone and soft tissue reparative procedures is provided for herein. Methods for preparing osteogenic composition from blood and bone marrow are also provided for. The osteogenic compositions contain therapeutically effective concentrations of one or more osteogenic agents such as BMP-2, TGF-?, PDGF and VEGF.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in making and using cross-linked platelet material (e.g., cross-linked lysate material from human platelets such as human platelets obtained from platelet blood collection preparations or platelet apheresis preparations). For example, methods and materials for cross-linking platelet material (e.g., lysate material obtained from human platelets) to form a matrix (e.g. a cell-free tissue scaffold) for wound healing or regenerative medicine or to form conjugates or modified molecules are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tissue products produced from extracellular tissue matrices. The tissue products can include acellular extracellular matrices that have been treated in select areas to increase the compressive modulus of the matrix in the selected area while maintaining the ability to support cell growth and tissue regeneration. In addition, the tissue products can include collagen-containing materials that support tissue ingrowth along with a framework of collagenous or polymeric materials such that the combination has a desired compressive or tensile modulus and/or strength while maintaining the ability to support cell growth and tissue regeneration.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a multilaminate or multiple layer implantable surgical graft with an illustrative graft comprising a remodelable collagenous sheet material, the graft including one or more interweaving members to stitch together the graft to help prevent the layers from delaminating or separating during handling and the initial stages of remodeling. The interweaving members may comprise lines of suture, thread, individual stitches, strips of material, etc. that are woven through the layers of biomaterial in a desired pattern. In one embodiment, the interweaving members comprise a pharmacologically active substance, such as a drug, growth factors, etc. to elicit a desired biological response in the host tissue. In another embodiment, the graft further comprises a reinforcing material, such as a synthetic mesh, within the layers of remodelable biomaterial and stitched together by one or more interweaving members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant preform made of plastic, which comprises an assembly of at least one biocompatible—being intended for contact with a biological material—thermoplastic plastics unit (A) having an elasticity modulus EA and at least one thermoplastic plastics unit (B) having an elasticity modulus EB, where for the elasticity moduli of these plastics units EA<EB, and the plastics units in their assembly zone are seamlessly connected thermally to one another. The invention also relates to the production of the implant preform made of plastic and also to the use of the implant preform as an implant or for fabrication of an implant therefrom, more particularly to the use thereof as a dental implant or for fabrication of a dental implant. The invention can also be applied to other bone implants.

Abstract: A double-structured tissue implant (DSTI) and a method for preparation and use thereof for implantation into tissue defects. The double-structured tissue implant for differentiation, growth and transformation of cells, stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow stem cells. DSTI comprising a primary scaffold and a secondary scaffold consisting of a soluble collagen solution in combination with a non-ionic surfactant generated and positioned within the primary scaffold.

Abstract: A biodegradable device includes a substrate and a nano-ceramic/polymer composite coating thereon. The substrate may include MgY, AZ alloys, MgCa, MgZn, MgZnCa, MgZnCaZr, MgZnSr, MgLi, Ti, Ti-6Al-4V, CoCr, and CoCrMo. The composite coating may include a nano-ceramic and a polymer.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide adhesion barriers having anti-adhesion and tissue fixating properties. The adhesion barriers are formed of fatty acid based films. The fatty acid-based films may be formed from fatty acid-derived biomaterials. The films may be coated with, or may include, tissue fixating materials to create the adhesion barrier. The adhesion barriers are well tolerated by the body, have anti-inflammation properties, fixate, well to tissue, and have a residence time sufficient to prevent post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an impermeable flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. In other embodiments, the impermeable flexible overlay comprises suction assistance means, such as channels, which assist in the application of reduced pressure to the area of the wound and removal of exudate from the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, the appliance may include a suction drain.

Abstract: A catheter connector assembly which may be included with a corporeal drainage system, and a method of draining fluid from a bodily cavity. The catheter connector assembly may include a catheter connector and a drainage line connector. The catheter connector may include a connector body with a coupling feature, a deformable sealing element, and a retaining member. The drainage line connector may include a drainage line body first and second hinge clips, and an actuator. The actuator is designed to deform the deformable sealing element when the drainage line connector is coupled to the catheter connector.

Abstract: A securement device may have a release strip, a release layer, a film having an adhesive and/or a back layer. The release strip and/or the release layer may be removable from the adhesive. The release strip may have a first aperture that may extend through the release layer. The film and/or the adhesive may have a second aperture that may extend through the film and/or the adhesive. The release layer may be positioned between the release strip and the film. The release layer may have a third aperture that may be larger in diameter than the first aperture and/or the second aperture. The release strip may be removed from the securement device which may expose the adhesive. A suction port may be adhered to the adhesive. The securement device and/or the suction port may be secured to a dressing which may be used in negative pressure wound therapy.

Abstract: To offload forces from a tissue site being treated with reduced pressure, an offloading pressure component may be used as part of a reduced-pressure treatment system. A reduced-pressure source of the reduced-pressure treatment system vents positive pressure exhaust into the offloading pressure component to inflate the offloading pressure component. The offloading pressure component disperses forces away from the tissue site. Other devices, methods, and systems are presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure.

Abstract: A blood pump includes a rotor having a flared portion downstream proximate a downstream bearing that supports the rotor. The flared portion of the rotor includes a width greater than a width of an upstream portion of the rotor. A blood pump also includes a housing having an internal wall with a flared portion downstream of a motor stator and proximate a transverse outlet.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump (10) includes a housing (26), an impeller (28) that is rotatably disposed inside the housing (26), a shaft (62) that is provided at a center rotational axis of the impeller (28), and bearings (70) that pivotally support the shaft ends (66). At least one of the shaft ends (66) has surface roughness Ra equal to or less than 0.21 ?m and/or surface roughness Ry equal to or less than 1.49 ?m.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling the speed of a pump based on a valve state index and/or for deriving a valve state from time-series signal representing a pressure difference or a flow rate. The methods may be employed in blood pump systems or in blood pump control systems.

Abstract: Endovascular variable aortic control catheters (EVACC) are provided that are adapted to augment upstream blood pressure and regulate downstream blood flow for patients in shock. The EVACC devices provide improved treatment for truncal wounds, which may be used for example on a battlefield, thereby increasing survivability of injured soldiers. The devices are a catheter-based system having a proximal hand piece for controlled deployment of the device through a delivery sheath. A collapsible, wire framework supports an expandable and collapsible occlusion barrier. The wire basket and occlusion barrier expand to fit within the lumen of the aorta. Various movable elements are used to adjust an adjustable passageway to regulate controlled anterograde blood flow.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for use of an inductive link for a communication channel in a transcutaneous energy transfer system.

Abstract: A remote monitoring mobile application may be installed and executed on a remote interface device. By streaming a log of the treatment data, attending HCPs may have continual access to the dialysis machine and patient data at the treatment center. In various embodiments, the data may be streamed to a server accessible by the remote interface device and/or directly to the remote interface device. The operator is able to log into the application on the remote interface device to access dialysis machine data and/or patient data during treatment. The HCP, through the application, is able to monitor the data at the treatment center and may set “soft” limits to warn the HCP of problems during the treatment before alarms or other treatment-disruptive actions occur at the dialysis machine. The remote monitoring mobile application may be software downloaded from a network and/or otherwise installed on the remote interface device.

Abstract: Monitoring of the performance of a blood fluid removal medium of a blood fluid removal device includes monitoring of condition, such as fluid flow rate or concentration of blood waste product, downstream of the medium. Upstream monitoring of the condition may also be performed to enhance the ability to determine whether the blood fluid removal medium is performing within predetermined ranges.

Abstract: A package (1) is configured to store a powdery material (2) which is to be mixed with a solvent to form a medical solution, such as a dialysis solution. The package (1) comprises a filled cavity portion (6a) containing the powdery material (2), optionally separated into groups of different composition, and a tab portion (9) integrally formed with the filled cavity portion (6a) and being swept around the filled cavity portion (6a) so as to define a roll-up package. The tab portion (9) forms a protective barrier that shields the powdery material (2), e.g. by counteracting transport of moisture into and out of the package. The tab portion (9) may also stabilize the package. The roll-up package is compact, and simple to manufacture and handle.

Abstract: One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be serious. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks, but none is perfect. This tends to limit the use of such equipment in unsupervised settings, such as the home will be limited. Some leak detection schemes can be made sensitive enough to detect the barest of leaks, but when this is done, they result in too many false positives. The invention combines information from multiple inputs to enhance sensitivity in leak detection and reduce the problem of false positives.

Abstract: A filtering device receives a signal from a pressure sensor in an extracorporeal fluid circuit connected to a subject and processes the signal to separate physiological pulses, e.g. from the subject's heart, from interference pulses, e.g. from a pump in the fluid circuit. The device repeatedly (iteratively) processes a signal segment by alternately subtracting (S3) a template signal from the signal segment, and applying a refinement processing (S6) to the resulting difference signal to generate a new template signal. By proper selection (S2) of the initial template signal, consecutive difference signals will alternately approximate the sequence of interference pulses in the signal segment and the sequence of physiological pulses in the signal segment. The refinement processing (S6) aims at alternately cleaning up unwanted residuals from interference pulses and physiological pulses, respectively, in the respective difference signal, so as to improve the accuracy of the template signal between the subtractions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning a colon or other portion of an intestine include optional use of sensors to detect conditions of blockage of flow of materials within an evacuation channel used to remove fecal material from the body; and devices and methods for purging such blockages from the evacuation channel.

Abstract: A drug storage and dispensing system that includes a packaging unit and an injection device for pre-filled containers having a needle shield and containing a medication is disclosed. The drug storage and dispensing system of the present disclosure provides for drug administration while minimizing the space occupied by such containers in the cold chain. The packaging unit minimizes the risk of a needle-stick injury, as a healthcare worker does not have to manually remove the needle shield. The injection device provides a novel way of auto-disabling a container, such as a syringe, as a plunger rod is not engaged with the container until the container is actually used. The drug storage and dispensing system provides for a reduction in the number of steps required to perform an injection, and thus a productivity and efficiency gain in mass immunization campaigns.

Abstract: A closure container that can house a preset drug applicator in an easily accessible manner with tamper evidencing means. The closure container contains a plurality of dosing ribs and a retainer to retain the syringe in a preset dosage amount and preferably has a window to view the barrel of the syringe.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: A system and method of processing information regarding medical devices in wireless communication with each other is provided in which a controller device has a first wireless communication link with a first medical device, such as an analyte sensor, and a second wireless communication link with a second medical device, such as a delivery device. A processor in the controller device monitors the status of the first and second wireless links and upon noting a degradation of either one, compares the first wireless link status with the second wireless link status and provides guidance for resolving a communication problem based on the comparison. The latency of the communicating medical devices is considered.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an implantable drug-delivery device features drug-delivery and electrolysis chambers incorporated as separate structures within the device. For example, one or both of these chambers may be manufactured in the form of a bladder that “floats” within the main device housing.