Abstract: Improved compositions are disclosed that inhibit ammonia volatilization from poultry litter and other animal enclosures. In some variations, a composition for use in reducing ammonia generation in animal enclosures comprises metal sulfate, an organic acid with pKa of about 3 or higher, and optionally a buffer. In some variations, a composition for use in reducing ammonia generation in animal enclosures comprises metal sulfate, an inorganic acid with pKa of about 1 or higher, and a buffer. A method of reducing ammonia concentration in an animal enclosure (e.g., a chicken house) includes introducing any of the compositions described herein. In some embodiments, the animal enclosure is a chicken house. The ammonia concentration may be maintained below 50 ppm NH3, preferably below about 25 ppm NH3.

Abstract: Compositions having a mixture of functional perfume components are provided. In one embodiment, the functional perfume components comprise iso-nonyl acetate, dihydro myrcenol, linalool, and benzyl acetate. In one embodiment, the functional perfume component may be present in an amount from about 75% to about 100%, by weight of said mixture, wherein said composition is substantially free of a VOC.

Abstract: A resilient coform nonwoven web that contains a matrix of meltblown fibers and an absorbent material is provided. The meltblown fibers may constitute from 45 wt % to about 99 wt % of the web and the absorbent material may constitute from about 1 wt % to about 55 wt % of the web. The meltblown fibers may be formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one propylene/?-olefin copolymer having a propylene content of from about 60 mole % to about 99.5 mole % and an ?-olefin content of from about 0.5 mole % to about 40 mole %. The copolymer may have a density of from about 0.86 to about 0.90 grams per cubic centimeter and the thermoplastic composition may have a melt flow rate of from about 200 to about 6000 grams per 10 minutes, determined at 230° C. in accordance with ASTM Test Method D1238-E. The coform web may be imparted with a three-dimensional texture by, for example, using a three-dimensional forming surface.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising embolic particles, that optionally comprise pharmaceutical actives, in oil or emulsion formulations that are useful in therapeutic embolisation procedures, particularly for the treatment of vascularised neoplasias, such as liver carcinomas.

Abstract: Featured are a biocompatible, injectable, self-setting, cohesive, bone-bonding and remodeling calcium phosphate composite material and its use in methods of repairing defective bone, e.g., in vertebroplasty augmentation and kyphoplasty.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a system and method of artificially retarding fibrin-based blood clot degradation via the sustained release of a protease inhibitor, such as, for example, aprotinin or tranexamic acid (“TA”). The sustained release of the protease inhibitor is accomplished through incorporation within a biodegradable polymer microsphere to produce a protease inhibitor formulation. Next, the formulation along with fibrinogen and thrombin is applied to a wound site where an outer surface of the polymer microsphere degrades in a proteolytic environment to expose and release the incorporated protease inhibitor to the surrounding hydrogel or sealant or clot matrix at the wound site.

Abstract: Methods for incorporating chlorhexidine salts into solvent based adhesives are described. The methods involve freeze drying an aqueous solution of the chlorhexidine salt and obtaining the chlorhexidine salt in a particulate form. The dry powder can then be dissolved into an appropriate solvent used with the adhesive of interest. Also described are particles including chlorhexidine salts that are incorporated in adhesives. Also described are various medical products utilizing the adhesive and chlorhexidine compound, and related methods of use.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrogel compositions formed by the mixture of a tetramethylmethane substituted with one or more polyethylene glycols, and wherein each polyethylene glycol substituent is independently further substituted with one or more electrophilic groups, and a tetramethylmethane substituted with one or more polyethylene glycols, and wherein each polyethylene glycol substituent is independently further substituted with one or more nucleophilic groups. Disclosed are also methods of preparing the above hydrogels. The hydrogel compositions can further comprise pharmaceuticals, such as analgesics or local anesthetics. Disclosed are also methods of sealing a wound, preventing post-surgical adhesion, and reducing post-surgical pain using the disclosed hydrogels.

Abstract: A method for preparing a composition for external treatment of wounds includes charging at least 90% of the oxygen binding sites of hemoglobin with carbon monoxide during or after isolation from its natural environment. The method further includes adding at least one further ingredient selected from the group consisting of electrolyte(s), preservative(s), stabilizer(s), anti-flocculant(s), anticoagulant(s), pH buffering agent(s), solvent(s), antioxidant(s), film-forming agent(s) and crosslinking agent(s). The method can further include packaging the composition, such as in an aerosol can.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for body augmentation by mixing hyaluronic acid (HA) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to form an HA-PVA hydrogel; and exposing the HA-PVA hydrogel to one or more freeze-thaw cycles or to an amount of radiation effective to crosslink the HA to the PVA to crosslink the HA to the PVA.

Abstract: A cartilaginous tissue repair device with a biocompatible, bioresorbable three-dimensional silk or other fibre lay and a biocompatible, bioresorbable substantially porous silk-based or other hydrogel partially or substantially filling the interstices of the fibre lay; with or without an integral means of firmly anchoring the device to a patient's hone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a fibrillar collagen matrix, which is advantageously transparent or composite, suitable for being used as a biomaterial, in particular as a corneal substitute.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process, and to the related apparatus, for the in vitro preparation of a biomimetic tissue prostheses of the tympanic membrane from mesenchymal stem cells; such prostheses are used for repairing or reconstructing the injured tympanic membrane in patients needing it, for example as a consequence of various trauma or pathologies.

Abstract: Methods and kits for producing cellular fractions enriched in adipose derived stem cells. Methods are provided where adipose tissue obtained from liposuction is enzymatically treated using a solution containing collagenase and divalent cations prior to the application of traditional methods of stromal-vascular fraction isolation. The enzymatic solutions may contain collagenase types I and II to a final concentration of about 0.001 mg/ml to 0.010 mg/ml. The divalent cations may be present as calcium, magnesium, and zinc chloride. The final concentration of calcium, magnesium, and zinc may range from about 0.001 to 0.1 micromolar; about 0.005 to 0.5 micromolar; and about 0.0015 to 0.15 micromolar, respectively. The enzymatic solutions may be generated using a kit where the collagenase and divalent components are held in separate containers until just prior to use. The cellular fractions isolated in this manner may be used in autologous fat grafts in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A scaffold for tissue repair or wound dressing comprising: a material layer; a polymer fibre layer; and an adhesive component between the material layer and the polymer fibre layer, wherein the adhesive component comprises material having a lower melting temperature (Tm) than the material layer and the polymer fibre layer.

Abstract: A method for improving bioactivity of a surface of an implantable object comprising titania, titanium, an alloy of titanium, and/or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and implantable objects prepared thereby provides forming an accelerated neutral beam derived from an accelerated gas-cluster ion-beam (GCIB) in a reduced-pressure chamber, introducing an implantable object into the reduced-pressure chamber, and irradiating at least a first portion of the surface of said implantable object with a GCIB-derived neutral beam.

Abstract: Methods of regenerating tissue using progenitor cells in combination with primary cells from a target tissue are disclosed. The progenitor cells catalyze proliferation and tissue production by primary cells allowing the use of fewer primary cells from a target tissue for effective tissue regeneration. Cell-based therapies combining progenitor cells and primary cells can be used for repair and regeneration of damaged tissue and organs for treating bodily injuries and degenerative diseases. In particular, adipose-derived stem cells and chondrocytes, co-encapsulated in a mixed culture in a polyethylene glycol-based hydrogel comprising an extracellular matrix molecule such as chondroitin sulfate methacrylate, hyaluronic acid methacrylate, or heparan sulfate methacrylate, effectively produce cartilage that can be used for treatment of traumatic injuries or diseases involving cartilage degeneration.

Abstract: The invention describes methods for producing a biphasic nanocomposite scaffold comprising custom polymer-based core-shelled nanospheres by the physical and chemical attachment of two disparate polymeric materials whose composition can be readily modified with tissue-specific nanomaterials and products created using such methods. The custom nanospheres are constructed via co-axial wet electrospraying and can be employed to deliver compounds to the polymeric materials.

Abstract: A composition suitable for bone replacement is provided. The composition is a nanocomposite matrix, resembling both the structure and the properties of natural bone, including morphology, composition and mechanical characteristics. The nanocomposite is preferably porous and comprises: (1) micro or nano scale cellulose crystals or fibres; (2) hydroxyapatite nanoparticles; (3) Poly L-Lactide Acid or poly glycolic acid; and (4) a coupling agent, for example a surfactant, preferably an anionic surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate. The composition is useful as an artificial bone replacement or bone graft, is preferably biomimetic, and can be suitable for use, for example, in trabecular bone substitution and osteoanagenesis applications. A method of fabrication of the nanocomposite is also provided.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a method for obtaining an injectable hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid containing lidocaine hydrochloride and an alkaline agent, sterilized with heat, having hyaluronic acid concentration and flow properties, equivalent to those of the corresponding hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid not containing any lidocaine hydrochloride. The present invention also relates to various uses of the aforementioned hydrogel.

Abstract: Adult autologous stem cells cultured on a porous, three-dimensional tissue scaffold-implant for bone regeneration by the use of a hyaluronan and/or dexamethasone to accelerate bone healing alone or in combination with recombinant growth factors or transfected osteogenic genes. The scaffold-implant may be machined into a custom-shaped three-dimensional cell culture system for support of cell growth, reservoir for peptides, recombinant growth factors, cytokines and antineoplastic drugs in the presence of a hyaluronan and/or dexamethasone alone or in combination with growth factors or transfected osteogenic genes, to be assembled ex vivo in a tissue incubator for implantation into bone tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a biological implant which exhibits high binding ability to a biological tissue after having been embedded in a living organism, which secures an appropriate strength depending on a site to which the implant is applied, and in which a micropore structural portion is less likely to be removed from a macropore structural portion. The biological implant includes a macropore structural portion which defines macropores of the biological implant, and a micropore structural portion which has micropores therein, the micropores having a pore size smaller than that of the macropores, the biological implant being characterized in that the macropore structural portion has substantially no pores therein; the micropore structural portion is provided on the surface of the macropore structural portion; the macropore structural portion and the micropore structural portion are formed of the same engineering plastic material; and the macropore structural portion is formed of a single material.

Abstract: A vascular access catheter is disclosed that has a catheter shaft with a distal end portion with a distal tip having a sloped face that is positioned at an acute angle from the distal tip relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft. A first, second, and third lumen extend longitudinally through the catheter shaft. The third lumen is configured for receiving a guidewire and may extend a partial length of the catheter or substantially the entire length of the catheter. The first lumen has an aperture located in the angled edge distal end portion of the catheter next to the distal tip and communicates with the first lumen. The second lumen has an aperture that is positioned in the outer surface of the catheter shaft that is in communication with the second lumen, and is spaced proximally from the first lumen aperture. The catheter includes a fluoropolymer additive with specific compositions and/or purity levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to balloon catheters having a polymer-free coating on the balloon surface, said coating comprising at least one limus substance in crystalline form, and to methods for the polymer-free coating of balloon surfaces, in particular balloon catheters, with crystalline limus substances.

Abstract: A medical assembly is disclosed comprises a stent and a catheter having a balloon, wherein the coefficient of friction and/or the adhesion at the stent/balloon interface are reduced.

Abstract: Techniques, mixtures and improved porous materials (interconnected porous constructs) that are capable of maintaining a sufficient porosity while conferring improved mechanical and physical strength to the final construct. A sacrificial construct (for example, a sacrificial material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)) is used to obtain an inverse porosity of the construct it was molded into. The process provides a less porous end material that may be used as an arthroplasty device or surgical implant (for example, an interference screw of suture anchor) among many other applications. The process employs a sacrificial material to reduce the porosity of the final construct to about 35%.

Abstract: A system for delivery of medication in treatment of disorders of the pelvis is disclosed. The system includes a medicament applied to an implantable device and an insertion tool. The implantable device has a first end opposite from a second end, with the first end of the implantable device insertable into tissue within the pelvis. A retrieval string is coupled to the second end of the implantable device. The insertion tool includes a shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle coupled to the proximal end of the insertion tool and the distal end of the insertion tool is adapted to couple with the implantable device. The handle includes a notch adapted to releasably secure the retrieval string.

Abstract: Provided are a peptide compound prepared by additional synthesis in a drug having an effect of inhibiting restenosis, a composition for inhibiting restenosis and promoting re-endothelialization including the peptide compound, and a stent having a surface coated by using the composition, in order to overcome a restenosis problem in the stent.

Abstract: Devices and to methods for thoracic drainage for a patient having an air fistula. A vacuum is produced in the pleural cavity of the patient by means of a suction device. In order to adjust the vacuum on the basis of objective criteria, a suitable size measure for the air fistula is determined and the vacuum produced by the suction device is controlled according to said size measure. An adaptive algorithm includes: (a) determining a first value of a size measure for the air fistula; (b) changing the vacuum by a first difference value; (c) determining a second value of the size measure after a first waiting period; (d) changing the vacuum by a second difference value having the opposite sign if the second measure is greater than the first measure; (e) repeating steps (a) to (d) after a second waiting period.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for providing reduced pressure to a defect in a nerve is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a nerve conduit having a generally tubular shape that has walls including a luminal wall surrounding the tissue site to contain fluids within a luminal space between the tissue site to contain fluids within a luminal space between the tissue site and the luminal wall. The apparatus further comprises a manifold having a porous body and a connector for receiving reduced pressure, wherein the manifold is positioned within the luminal space adjacent the tissue site to distribute the reduced pressure to the defect. Additionally, a method for providing reduced pressure to a defect in a nerve is disclosed that includes implanting the nerve conduit and manifold at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.

Abstract: A directed media separation system includes components for directing a consistent collapse of a media separation device in response to a varying pressure from a pressure source. The media separation device can be removably connected to a directing element. The directing element can have a directing geometry that affects the collapse of the media separation device. The media separation device can have a preset geometry that collapses in a predictable and repeatable manner from the applied pressure.

Abstract: A visible valve system for a breastmilk expression system is set forth. The visible valve system includes an outer member, graspable by a human hand. The outer member provides a visual indication that the system is properly assembled. The visible valve system can reduce spillage from a breastmilk container by providing at least a portion of a spill reducing tortuous path in the system, or the spill-reducing tortuous path may be provided in another component of a breastmilk expression system of which the visible valve system is a part.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for illuminating milk flow during breast milk pumping are provided. In one aspect, the apparatus is an illumination device that may comprise a light source and an attachment mechanism configured to couple the illumination device to a breast pump and/or one or more of its components in a way that allows the light source to aim into the milk flow channel. The apparatus may further comprise an activation control and a power supply. The apparatus may be configured to attach to a breast shield, a breast shield adaptor/connector, or a milk flow channel. The apparatus may be configured to be permanently or removably affixed to a breast pump and/or one or more of its components.

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: A method for synchronizing operation of a heart assist pump device to a patient's cardiac cycle includes obtaining a signal from a motor of a heart assist pump device and filtering the signal to remove noise. The method also includes determining a speed synchronization start point at which time the motor of the heart assist pump device will begin a change in speed of operation based on the filtered signal. The method further includes modulating a speed of the motor of the heart assist pump device to a target speed at the speed synchronization start point, thereby synchronizing the change in speed of operation with a patient's cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A blood pump having a rotor and a stator, in which the rotor has a filled core channel and a plurality of filled radial channels configured to maximize the communication of magnetic flux.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new artificial lung inserted within the human chest. The principles governing functionality of this device are gravity dependent rotation and separation of the oxygen from circulatory system by gravity, different diameters of pores on the oxygen tube with angled channels in the vertical mesh septum and incorporation of one-way valves. Other advantages of the design: it does not contain porous fibers and its inherent resilience and capacitance may play decisive role in long-term management of patients with respiratory failure and substituting need for lung transplants. Moreover, the design has a relatively small prime blood volume and takes into consideration prevention of right ventricular strain by maintaining pulmonary arterial pressure within the physiologic range. It's placement within pulmonary circulation in parallel anastomosis is considered to be least stressful for the heart. The relative simplicity of the device to prior art is another striking advantage.

Abstract: A system for controlling the position of a diaphragm in a diaphragm-containing pressure pod, is provided. The system can include a peristaltic pump, a pressure pod having a flow-through fluid side and a gas side that are separated by a diaphragm, and a pressure sensor operatively connected to the gas side. The pressure sensor is configured to sense pulses of pressure resulting from movement of the diaphragm and caused by the action of the peristaltic pump. A gas source and a valve can be in fluid communication with the gas side of the pressure pod and can be configured to provide gas to, or vent gas from, the gas side. A controller receives pressure signals from the pressure sensor and controls the valve in response, and in so doing, controls the position of the diaphragm. Methods for positioning the diaphragm are also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to extracorporeal blood circuits, and components thereof (e.g., hollow fiber membranes, potted bundles, and blood tubing), including 0.005% to 10% (w/w) surface modifying macromolecule. The extracorporeal blood circuits have an antithrombogenic surface and can be used in hemofiltration, hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, hemoconcentration, blood oxygenation, and related uses.

Abstract: Embodiments include an infusion pump providing safe and reliable touchless control. The infusion pump includes a pump housing, a pumping mechanism coupled to the pump housing that selectively delivers medicament to a patient, a pump control system including a processor and a memory programmable to control operation of the pumping mechanism, and a touchless control module for relaying commands to the pump control system. The touchless control module includes a first touchless user interface configured to receive a touchless programming command for the infusion pump from a user and a second touchless user interface configured to confirm the touchless programming command by receipt of a touchless confirmation command from the user.

Abstract: Aseptic drug delivery systems, drug delivery systems, drug delivery modules, and methods of manufacturing, assembling and using the systems are disclosed. The drug delivery system including a housing, a motion plate coupled to the housing, and a module moveably coupled to the motion plate. The drug delivery module including a plate with a first end and a second end, a cartridge positioned on the plate, and a cover positioned over the cartridge. Methods of manufacturing, assembling and using the aseptic drug delivery system and a method of manufacturing a drug delivery cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inserter and methods of using embodiments of the inserter are described. The inserter includes a housing having a cannula assembly and an insertion mechanism. Two buttons are located on the inserter and are concomitantly actionable for actuation of the insertion mechanism, wherein the insertion mechanism is configured to place a cannula assembly in a well that is disposed on the cradle. The inserter also includes a first parts and second part, whereby the first part includes a handle and the second part comprises the entire insertion mechanism, whereby the first and second part are connected via an indentation.

Abstract: A fluid administration system includes a fluid pump, main tubing connected between a fluid storage container and an input of the fluid pump to supply main fluid to the fluid pump, and secondary tubing. A valve device is located along the secondary tubing. The valve device includes a fluid flow constriction device configured to allow fluid flow through the secondary tubing in an “open” position and to prevent fluid flow through the secondary tubing when in a “closed” position and a user-control device configured to control a position of the fluid flow constriction device between the “open” position and the “closed” position. The valve device includes a user feedback device configured to display an open and closed state of the fluid flow constriction device with a color code, having a first color representing the “open” position and a second color representing the “closed” position.

Abstract: A fluid control system for delivery of a liquid includes a pneumatic drive that incorporates a linear actuator to effect known volume changes in a gas reservoir. The gas reservoir is in fluid communication with a gas-side reservoir that is separated from a fluid-side reservoir by a flexible membrane. Movement of the linear actuator effects positive or negative volume differences on the gas in the gas-side reservoir, resulting in a decrease or increase in pressure of the gas that is transmitted to the fluid-side reservoir to draw fluid, primarily liquid, in from a source or deliver liquid out to a sink. In another aspect, a mechanism is provided for the detection and elimination of air bubbles in the fluid path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for translating a continuous-delivery delivery profile into a plurality of periodic bolus deliveries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of giving an injection of Ringer which can grasp the living body data of the patient and the Ringer remainder data and automatically control the injection amount or the injection speed of the Ringer, or can inform this to the medical team or the protector through an external instrument and immediately change the injection condition of the Ringer according to the condition of the patient.

Abstract: A system for controlling environmental parameters can include one or more body worn sensor devices that detect and report one or more physical, physiological, or biological parameters of a person in an environment. The sensor devices can communicate sensor data indicative of the one or more physical, physiological, or biological parameters of a person to a hub that processes the data and communicates with one or more devices or systems that can be used to change environmental. In some embodiments, the environment includes a device or machine, such as a motorized vehicle and the hub can communicate with the device or machine to cause a change in the operation or function of the device or machine. For example, the motorized vehicle can be caused to stop or slow down in response to sensor data indicating that the operator is experiencing stress or becomes disabled.

Abstract: A control unit for an electronically controlled pump unit controls the pump unit to infuse insulin into a diabetic's body in a substantially continuous way according to a preset infusion schedule as a function of time. The control unit includes an intervention unit that continuously evaluates a blood-glucose indicative input for detecting an actual or expected hypoglycaemia and executes, in response to an actual or expected hypoglycaemia, a temporary hypoglycaemia intervention. The intervention includes, for an intervention time interval, overriding the preset infusion schedule by temporarily suspending insulin infusion or temporarily reducing insulin infusion below the preset infusion schedule. The intervention unit adapts its way of operation with respect to executing the hypoglycaemia intervention in accordance with a control signal that is separate from the blood-glucose indicative input. The control unit automatically generates the control signal as a function of time and/or based on sensor input.

Abstract: An injection device 1 comprises a plunger (60) for expressing medicament from a syringe (20). An actuation mechanism (40) is arranged in use to provide a biasing force to urge the plunger (60) from a first rearward position to a second forward position to express a dose from the syringe (20). The device further comprises a latch member (50) comprising an aperture (54) through which the rearward end of the plunger (60) extends in its rearward position so as to be retained against the force of the actuation mechanism (40). A trigger (70) is provided for releasing the plunger (60) from the latch member (50). The rearward end of the plunger is provided with an enlarged head (66) and the latch member (50) is arranged to at least partially radially displace such that the aperture (54) may expand to release the enlarged head. The trigger (70) is moveable between (1) a primed position in which it prevents displacement of the latch member (50) and a release position in which it allows displacement of the latch (50).

Abstract: A syringe augmentation device and methods for using the same may be adapted to receive a disposable syringe. The syringe augmentation device may include a handle body having front and back members, and a syringe injector. The syringe injector may be configured to drive forward a ratchet shaft, which is attachable to an actuating horn. The syringe augmentation device may also include an attachment body configured to attach to the syringe injector. The attachment body may house a compression sleeve configured to receive a disposable syringe. When positioned within the compression sleeve, the actuating horn may abut a plunger of the syringe. In this configuration, as an operator squeezes the handle body, it may drive the ratchet shaft through the syringe injector. In turn, the ratchet shaft may direct the actuating horn against the syringe's plunger, causing the syringe to compress.