Abstract: The invention relates to a methods and compositions for treating a surface, suspension or solution contaminated with a PrPSc prion protein or a surrogate thereof. The methods and compositions employ a combination of one or more enzymes effective to cleave a prion protein to fragments having a non-infective molecular weight, and one or more agents selected to favor conformational unfolding of the PrPSc prion protein while not denaturing the one or more enzymes.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing systems which automatically sanitize the liquid and liquid-contacting parts of a liquid dispensing system, by periodically flushing the system with a sufficiently heated, liquid and/or gas.

Abstract: A method of controlling unwanted condensation of hydrogen peroxide in a sterilization chamber at a preselected temperature is disclosed. The method includes the steps of maintaining the sterilization chamber at a vacuum pressure below the pressure at which hydrogen peroxide will boil at the preselected temperature, evaporating successive pulses of hydrogen peroxide, and injecting the evaporated hydrogen peroxide into the chamber, whereby the volume of each pulse of hydrogen peroxide is less than 75 ?L, preferably less than 35 ?L, most preferably less than 20 ?L. Sterilization results are improved by controlling unwanted condensation of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method of metering of hydrogen peroxide gas into an evacuated sterilization chamber is disclosed. The method includes the steps of continuously monitoring a pressure in the sterilization chamber; connecting a passage of known volume to the evacuated chamber for evacuating the passage; sealing the passage; connecting the evacuated passage to a supply of hydrogen peroxide solution for a time sufficient to draw the hydrogen peroxide solution into and fill the passage; sealing the passage; and repeating those steps until a preselected pressure increase in the sterilization chamber is detected. The pressure increase is preferably 19 Torr. The known volume of the metering passage is preferably between 75 ?L and 15 ?L to control unwanted condensation of hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization chamber. Expensive peroxide concentration measurement systems are replaced with an economical low cost pressure sensor for control of the hydrogen peroxide concentration.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide delivery system for a sterilizer having a hydrogen peroxide injection unit and a housing is disclosed. The system includes a cradle for supporting a hydrogen peroxide solution container, a drainage arrangement for aspirating the hydrogen peroxide solution from the container, and a delivery arrangement for supplying the aspirated hydrogen peroxide solution to the hydrogen peroxide injection unit. The drainage arrangement includes a needle for penetrating a seal on the container and extending into the hydrogen peroxide solution in the container. A needle drive moves the needle from an at rest position, wherein the needle is retracted to allow insertion of a new hydrogen peroxide container into the cradle, to a penetrating position wherein the needle penetrates the seal of the container and extends all the way to the bottom of the container to ensure complete drainage of the hydrogen peroxide solution from the container.

Abstract: Novel photocatalytic devices are disclosed, that utilize ultrathin titania based photocatalytic materials formed on optical elements with high transmissivity, high reflectivity or scattering characteristics, or on high surface area or high porosity open cell materials. The disclosure includes methods to fabricate such devices, including MOCVD and ALD. The disclosure also includes photocatalytic systems that are either standalone or combined with general illumination (lighting) utility, and which may incorporate passive fluid exchange, user configurable photocatalytic optical elements, photocatalytic illumination achieved either by the general illumination light source, dedicated blue or UV light sources, or combinations thereof, and operating methodologies for combined photocatalytic and lighting systems.

Abstract: An air treatment appliance is provided which includes an appliance housing and a removable cartridge received therein. The removable cartridge includes a receptacle containing a liquid compound to be aerosolized within an interior thereof and a cap assembly coupled to the receptacle. The cap assembly includes a cap, a venturi insert, and a base attached together without welds or separate fasteners to define an air inlet chamber on one side of the venturi insert, a venturi outlet passage on the other side of the venturi insert in fluid communication with the interior of the receptacle, and an aerosol outlet chamber partitioned from the interior of the receptacle by the base and in fluid communication with an outlet of the cap through which aerosolized compound generated by the venturi insert is discharged during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus (100 and/or 200) and corresponding method (500) for air sterilization and disinfection can include an electronics and control module (110 and/or 210), a means for drawing air from the surrounding environment into the apparatus (120 and/or 220), an air management chamber (130 and/or 230), and a housing (170 and/or 270). The means for drawing air from the surrounding environment into the apparatus (120 and/or 220) mobilizes latent pathogens in the environment and draws them into the apparatus (100 and/or 200) for sterilization and disinfection. The air management chamber (130 and/or 230) provides for exposure of the airborne pathogens to UV radiation, via UV LEDs (150 and/or 250), with a dosage sufficient to penetrate the cell walls and destroy the pathogens. The electronics and control module (110 and/or 210) powers the apparatus (100 and/or 200) and interfaces with the electronic components. The housing (170) forms the outer shell of the apparatus (100).

Abstract: A modular, integrated, combination air purification and aroma diffuser includes a UV and catalytic oxidation germicidal cell and multiple filtrations as pre-treatment of air diffusing essential oils or other liquids as ultra-fine droplets entrained in airflow into enclosed, habitable spaces. Liquid microbicide, insecticide, fumigant, or aroma therapy is kept cleaner by eradication of microbes. Comparatively larger droplets are separated out and recycled to the reservoir after initial atomization. An electrical module, between a purifier and filters upstream and a diffuser downstream, includes a pump, a fan, and a controller for both. Staged, double-eduction, triple-separation processes include a micro-cyclone for quiet, well diffused flow of ultra-fine droplets.

Abstract: A medical dressing containing an antimicrobial agent is disclosed. The medical dressing comprises a layered fabric comprising an inner layer of substantially hydrophilic material, an outer layer of substantially hydrophobic material on both sides of the inner layer; and an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may be releasably impregnated into the fabric, coated on said fabric or a combination thereof. The antimicrobial agent may be a biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). The fabric inner layer material may be substantially a cellulose fiber, preferably substantially rayon, and the fabric outer layer material may be substantially polyester, e.g., a combination of textile matrix grade polyester fiber and amorphous binder grade polyester fiber. The fabric is preferably treated with an aqueous solution of surfactant and PHMB to have about 1500-3500 ppm of extractable PHMB.

Abstract: A hemostatic device, method of making, and method of using for internal and external applications to wounds in the body of a patient to induce hemostasis at an anatomical site.

Abstract: There is provided a gel sheet that has high biocompatibility and safety, can contain both a hydrophilic medicinal agent and a hydrophobic medicinal agent, and provides an excellent feel in use during the application onto human skin or others. A gel sheet including: a lipid peptide gelator including a low molecular weight lipid peptide having a molecular weight of 1,000 or less or a pharmaceutically usable salt of the lipid peptide; and a polymeric compound, wherein the polymeric compound is included in an amount of more than 1% (w/w) and less than 50% (w/w) with respect to the total mass of the gel sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed are advantageous methods for patterning and/or mineralizing biomaterial surfaces. The techniques described are particularly useful for generating three-dimensional or contoured bioimplant materials with patterned surfaces or patterned, mineralized surfaces. Also provided are various methods of using the mineralized and/or patterned biomaterials in tissue engineering, such as bone tissue engineering, providing more control over ongoing biological processes, such as mineralization, growth factor release, cellular attachment and tissue growth.

Abstract: Mono- and multi-layered implants include at least one porous layer made from a freeze dried aqueous solution containing chitosan, the solution having a pH of less than about 5.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cohesive soft tissue fillers, for example, dermal and subdermal fillers, based on hyaluronic acids and optionally including proteins. In one aspect, hyaluronic acid-based compositions described herein include zero-length cross-linked moieties and optionally at least one active agent. The present hyaluronic acid-based compositions have enhanced flow characteristics, hardness, and persistence compared to known hyaluronic acid-based compositions. Methods and processes of preparing such hyaluronic acid-based compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are medical devices for implantation in patients having suffered the loss of or damage to at least part of their esophagus. The medical device connects the esophagus or remaining part thereof with the stomach to form a gastro-esophageal junction that promotes healing and encourages new host tissue growth while distributing the load and decreasing tension at the anastomotic site. The medical device comprises extracellular matrix shaped into a conformation that more closely approximates the geometry of the native gastro-esophageal junction than does direct attachment of the stomach to the shortened esophagus. Molds useful in manufacturing the medical device and methods of use of the device are also described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-purpose implant for use in surgery, such as for reconstruction of soft tissues, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the implant includes elastic polymer film made from a suitable biologically compatible polymer. The implant also includes a reinforcement element formed from a polyurethane mesh or other strong and stable woven or unwoven synthetic material. The reinforcement element can be fully enclosed by the film so that only the film comes into contact with the organs and tissues. Anti-adhesive properties or control over implant's integration into a body can be determined by the preset surface structure of the implant, while physical and mechanical properties, such as strength and elasticity of the implant, are obtained by virtue of reinforcement element geometry.

Abstract: A method for coating at least regions of a medical implant includes providing a medical implant having a surface to be coated, and immersing the surface of the medical implant into a liquid including at least one pharmaceutically active substance, whereby the liquid is transferred to the surface of the medical implant due to the immersing. The method also includes pulling the surface of the medical implant out of the liquid, whereby part of the liquid remains adhering to the surface of the medical implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, the body of which comprises at least predominantly a material with iron as the main constituent. For accelerating the degradation, the material comprises sulfur as first minor constituent with a concentration of more than 0.2% by weight and not more than 1% by weight, preferably not more than 0.5% by weight, and comprises as second minor constituent at least one element of the group which comprises calcium, manganese and magnesium. Furthermore, a method for producing such an implant is described.

Abstract: Compositions of P4HB with high purity have been developed. The compositions are prepared by washing P4HB biomass prior to solvent extraction, and precipitating P4HB from solution. The same solvent is preferably used to wash the P4HB biomass, and as a non-solvent to precipitate the polymer from a P4HB solvent solution. The highly pure P4HB compositions are suitable for preparing implants. The implants may be used for the repair of soft and hard tissues.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suction device. The suction device includes a sensor unit which measures a breathing condition of a patient, a tube unit which is inserted into a bronchus of the patient in order to suck foreign material generated in the bronchus of the patient, when the values measured by the sensor unit exceeds a predetermined reference value, and a control unit which controls to drive the tube unit based on the measured value received from the sensor unit. According to the present invention, there is provided the suction device which is automatically operated by directly determining whether foreign material is generated in the bronchus of the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to surgical aspiration and irrigation devices, including methods regarding the same.

Abstract: A breast pump system (1) comprises a breast pump arranged to extract milk from a user; and a breathing guidance means configured to provide a suggested breathing pattern to the user. The breathing guidance means may be produced by a motorized breast pump unit (10), or may be a series of stimuli at a stimuli frequency, which are perceivable by the user. The system (1) may include a heart rate monitor for measuring the heart rate of the user, and the suggested breathing pattern may be coupled to the measured heart rate.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes an extracorporeal circuit, a dialysis fluid circuit including first and second balance chambers, a fresh dialysis fluid pump in fluid communication with first and second fresh compartments of the first and second balance chambers, respectively. The first and second fresh compartments are in fluid communication with a fresh dialysate fluid inlet of the dialyzer, and a used dialysis fluid pump is in fluid communication with first and second spent compartments of the first and second balance chambers, respectively. The system is configured to run a blood rinseback sequence in which (i) at least one of the fresh used dialysis fluid pumps is operated to pump dialysis fluid through the dialyzer and into the extracorporeal circuit and (ii) the blood pump is operated to push blood back to a patient connected to the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: An example of a nitric oxide delivery device includes a medium, a working electrode in contact with the medium, and a reference/counter electrode in contact with the medium and electrically isolated from the working electrode. The medium includes a source of nitrite ions and a Cu(II)-ligand complex. A nitric oxide permeable material separates the medium from an external environment that is to contain blood.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are centrifuge-free self-contained systems for aseptically separating components of whole blood comprising at least one cassette for receiving whole blood; at least one red blood cell exclusion filter; at least one leukocyte reduction filters; at least one platelet exclusion filter; a plurality of product cassettes; and optionally a plurality of pumps and valves; and wherein the filters, pumps, valves, and cassettes are fluidly connected by tubing and the system does not include a centrifuge. Also disclosed are methods for obtaining blood components using the system.

Abstract: A control module for a medical injection system generates an injection control signal based on sensed internal pressure of a user activated control device, for example, in response to an applied external force that causes the sensed internal pressure to increase from a baseline pressure, and continues to sense the internal pressure of the device, following release of the applied external force, so that, if the sensed internal pressure drops below the baseline pressure, the control module may generate a notification. Thus, an operator of the system may monitor internal pressure of the control device for a drop below the baseline pressure, and then, if such a drop is detected, inspect the control device for leaks and reconnect, replace or repair the control device, or simply reconnect or replace the control device.

Abstract: A drug delivery system includes drug containers, a pump assembly, a sensor, and a controller. The drug containers each contain a different predetermined drug co-formulation of predetermined first and second drugs, wherein the first drug has a sedative effect. The sensor is adapted to sense a variable associated with the drug containers and output a different drug co-formulation identification signal associated with each of the drug containers based on the sensed variable. The controller is programmed to identify the drug co-formulation for the drug container operatively connected to the pump assembly from the associated identification signal and to control the pump assembly to deliver the drug co-formulation of the one drug container to the patient during a medical procedure according to a corresponding drug delivery algorithm which is different for each of the drug containers. A method is also disclosed which uses the drug delivery system.

Abstract: Methods of treating acute heart failure in a patient in need thereof. Methods include inserting a therapy delivery device into a pulmonary artery of the patient and applying a therapy signal to autonomic cardiopulmonary fibers surrounding the pulmonary artery. The therapy signal affects heart contractility more than heart rate. Specifically, the application of the therapy signal increases heart contractility and treats the acute heart failure in the patient. The therapy signal can include electrical or chemical modulation.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a medical fluid to a patient includes a pump system including a pressurizing unit to pressurize the medical fluid and a drive system in operative connection with the pressurizing unit. The pump system exhibits variation in pressure during operation. The system further includes a compensating system in fluid connection with the medical fluid pressurized by the pressurizing unit. The compensating system defines a displacement volume in fluid connection with the pressurized medical fluid that is altered in a predetermined manner to alter the variation in pressure. The compensating system can, for example, reduce pulsatility of pressure during flow.

Abstract: An infusion set has a disposable inserter that can insert a needle at a controlled rate of speed to a depth to deliver insulin or other medicament to the upper 3 mm of skin surface, and a skin securing, adhesive layer to secure the skin surface at the insertion site such that the inserter that can insert a needle without a risk of tenting of the skin surface. Position of the inserted needle can be maintained by providing a separated inner and outer hub of the infusion set that can isolate the inserted needle from external forces such that the needle can be maintained at a depth to deliver insulin or other medicament to the upper 3 mm of skin surface during normal use.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an occlusion sensor that can be used to detect when an occlusion exists in the fluid path between the medicine reservoir and the infusion site on the user's skin. Such an occlusion may occur, for example, when the fluid flow line (e.g., a cannula, infusion set tubing, or the like) is kinked. If the medicine dispensation path to the user is occluded, the user may receive no dosage or a lower dosage of the medicine. As such, the occlusion sensor can be used to indicate when the fluid is flowing or not flowing, thereby permitting the infusion pump system to communicate an alarm to the user if an occlusion exists.

Abstract: A medical fluid communication system is disclosed comprising a pump controller and a fluid detector. The fluid detector detects characteristics of the fluid and provides fluid measurements to the pump controller, which detects if the fluid is flowing in the medication delivery system. In the event fluid is not flowing due to an occlusion, the pump controller may attempt to resolve the occlusion or may provide a warning to a user that an occlusion is occurring.

Abstract: A system for use with a drug delivery device includes a sensor unit and a deactivation unit operatively coupled to an output of the sensor unit and to a drug-retaining region of the drug delivery device, wherein the drug-retaining region contains a drug. The sensor unit is configured to detect a characteristic of a local environment and generate an output corresponding to a value of the detected characteristic. The deactivation unit is configured to render the drug ineffective when the output of the sensor unit satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A system and method for providing closed loop infusion formulation delivery which accurately calculates a delivery amount based on a sensed biological state by adjusting an algorithm's programmable control parameters. The algorithm calculates a delivery amount having proportional, derivative, and basal rate components. The control parameters may be adjusted in real time to compensate for changes in a sensed biological state that may result from daily events. Safety limits on the delivery amount may be included in the algorithm. The algorithm may be executed by a computing element within a process controller for controlling closed loop infusion formulation delivery. The biological state is sensed by a sensing device which provides a signal to the controller. The controller calculates an infusion formulation delivery amount based on the signal and sends commands to an infusion formulation delivery device which delivers an amount of infusion formulation determined by the commands.

Abstract: A plunger for use with a syringe has a plunger body with a proximal end, a distal end, and a circumferential sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end along a plunger longitudinal axis. The plunger further has at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member having a first segment attached to the plunger body and a second segment protruding toward the distal end of the plunger body and deflectable relative to the first segment. The plunger further has at least one actuation member associated with the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member. The at least one actuation member interacts with a piston to deflect the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member upon rotation of the plunger relative to the piston. The plunger is engagable with the piston regardless of a rotational orientation of the piston relative to the plunger.

Abstract: Provided is a delivery device that has an initial locked position, an intermediate priming position, and a final delivery position. The device is configured such that individual dose setting and activation of delivery is prevented until a cap is removed.

Abstract: An injection device including a barrel, a hollow plunger having a portion structured and arranged to move within the barrel, a needle unit, and a safety system that one of automatically causes the needle unit to retract into the plunger when the plunger reaches a substantially fully depressed position. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A novel neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of an embodiment of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.

Abstract: A pre-filled syringe assembly having a tamper evident tip cap is provided for indicating if the contents of the syringe assembly have been compromised. The syringe barrel has an interior chamber which defines a pressure therein and is sealed at the proximal and distal ends by a first and second seal, respectively, to maintain this pressure. The second seal is formed of a deformable material and a tip cap is located about the second seal and distal end of the syringe barrel. This tip cap includes a viewable indicator representing a change in state of the syringe contents. The indicator has a portion positioned in contact with the second seal such that the first distinguishing feature is viewable through a portion of the cap. Tampering of the contents within the interior chamber causes a change in pressure and movement of the indicator indicating tampering of the syringe assembly.

Abstract: A child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer comprises a cap, a dispensing tip configured to receive the cap thereon, and a base secured to the dispensing tip and secured to a dispenser bottle. The tip has a slot defined therein that comprises a wider insertion/removal portion for inserting or removing a downwardly extending leg and a narrower locking portion for engaging the leg to lock the cap to the dispensing tip. The cap is selectively secured to the dispensing dip by rotating the cap such that the leg moves from the wider portion of the slot to the narrower portion of the slot, such that the narrower portion of the slot engages leg. The leg extends downward through the slot to contact the top of the base so as to allow for the sprayer pump unit to be locked out from operation.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser, in particular a metered dose inhaler, which is able to count the number of time the dispenser is activated and then disable the device, which then prevents any additional medicament from being dispensed. Additional embodiments include a medicament dispenser which are adapted to display either the number of activations that have occurred or the number of activations remaining.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivery of a medicament to a user including a container defining a reservoir storing the medicament, a body in which the container is received, a spray nozzle arranged on one of the body and the container for receiving medicament expelled from the container, and a pusher actuatable for pushing the medicament from the container reservoir through the nozzle, said pusher being movable from a rest position to a fully activated position relative to said body in response to an actuating force. The assembly is particularly applicable to nasal syringes where it is desirable to deliver the medicament in the form of a spray.

Abstract: A recovery and collection assembly for an atomized material inhalation device is provided. The recovery and collection assembly includes an outer tubular housing and an input tube. The outer tubular housing includes a sidewall defining an outer chamber, an upper end piece attached to an upper end of the sidewall, and a lower end piece attached to a lower end of the sidewall. The lower end piece has at least one air flow opening allowing fluid communication between an interior of the outer chamber and an atmosphere surrounding the outer tubular housing. The input tube extends through the lower end piece and has a first end in fluid communication with the atomized material inhalation device. The input tube also has a second end disposed in an upper half of the outer chamber and in fluid communication with the outer chamber and defines an inner chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laryngeal mask airway device to facilitate lung ventilation in a patient, comprising an airway tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end and opening, at the distal end, into the interior of a hollow mask portion shaped to fit readily in use into the actual and potential space behind the larynx and to seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet without penetrating into the interior of the larynx, wherein the device comprises a conduit adapted to direct a liquid substance through the glottic opening. The invention further relates to a kit comprising the laryngeal mask airway device and a method for using the laryngeal mask airway device.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for preventing or treating ventilator associated pneumonia in a mammalian subject. The device includes an endotracheal tube having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and one or more closed cell layers in contact with the exterior surface and circumferentially surrounding one or more longitudinal portion of the endotracheal tube, wherein the closed cell layer is flexibly shaped to reversibly form a seal in a trachea of a mammalian subject.

Abstract: Tracheostomy devices and methods of use are provided herein. An exemplary device may include a substrate having an opening that is disposed centrally on the substrate, the opening being configured to receive a connector of a tracheostomy tube, the substrate comprising a plurality of mounting holes disposed on opposing ends of the substrate, the substrate having a slit that extends below the opening which allows the substrate to be removed from the connector when the connector is connected to an airway hose.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a nasal prong assembly including a pair of nasal prongs structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use and headgear to maintain the nasal prong assembly in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear includes side straps and rigidizers provided to respective side straps. Each rigidizer includes a first end portion that provides a connector structured to engage a respective end of the nasal prong assembly and an inwardly curved protrusion in the form of a cheek support that curves inwardly of the connector. The cheek support is adapted to follow the contour of the patient's cheek and guide a respective end portion of the side strap into engagement with the patient's cheek to provide a stable cheek support.

Abstract: Branch flow channels configured respectively to supply compressed air to two sieve beds respectively are provided with air supply valves each including a diaphragm valve and an electromagnetic pilot valve for driving the diaphragm valve and configured to open and close the respective branch flow channels, a pilot flow channel configured to supply pilot air to the electromagnetic pilot valves is branched from the branch flow channels, and a check valve for preventing pilot air from flowing reversely is provided in the pilot flow channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a software-based system, which may include a social networking website, implemented on a stand-alone computing device or over a network using computing devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to modifying the neurological structure or neurochemistry of a user of the system by improving mood, positivity level, or resilience level either over the Internet or on a stand-alone computing device so as to provide cognitive benefits to the user.