Abstract: The invention relates to a method (S) for generating a plurality of cold-plasma jets at atmospheric pressure in order to treat a target (2), wherein said method includes the following steps: producing (S1) a primary cold-plasma jet (3) at atmospheric pressure using a plasma source (10); placing (S2) a substrate (20, 21, 30, 32, 34) near the target (2) to be treated, said substrate (20, 21, 30, 32, 34) including at least two through-holes; and passing (S3) the plasma through the through-holes (22) of the substrate (20) such as to generate at least two secondary cold-plasma jets (4) at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A system includes a radiation containment chamber, an isolator connected to the radiation containment chamber, a rotating transfer door positioned between the radiation containment chamber and the isolator, and an antimicrobial vapor generator connected to the isolator. The rotating transfer door includes a cavity for receiving a radionuclide generator column assembly, and is rotatable between a first position, in which the cavity is open to the radiation containment chamber, and a second position, in which the cavity is open to the isolator. The transfer door is adapted to rotate while antimicrobial vapor is introduced into the isolator by the antimicrobial vapor generator.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a sensor assembly for continuous measurement of at least one dose control parameter of an electron beam during a substantial part of the duration of a sterilizing process of package material includes an electron beam emitter adapted to emit electron beam (e?) from an electron exit window and a sensor device that includes: a sensor surface having an electron excitable material arranged to be radiated with at least a part of said electron beam (e?), so as to excite said electron excitable material so that said electron excitable material emits luminescence and a detector arranged and adapted to detect said luminescence. The electron beam emitter is adapted to emit a continuous electron beam (e?) during a predetermined time period so as to irradiate and sterilize package material.

Abstract: Improved freshening products comprising an aqueous perfume formulation contained in a pressurized plastic container having a hoop tensile strain of about 0.1% to about 2% are provided.

Abstract: There is a volatile composition dispenser comprising a housing comprising a rear frame having a frame opening, and an inner wall. A push button is movably disposed in the frame opening and the inner wall and is configured to be movable with respect to the inner wall from a first position to a second position wherein the push button is interlocked with the inner wall in the second position.

Abstract: There is a volatile composition dispenser comprising: a housing comprising a rear frame having a frame opening a push button movably disposed within the frame opening; and a cartridge aligned with the push button, the cartridge comprising a container having an orifice and containing a volatile composition, a rupturable substrate sealably attached to and covering the orifice, and rupture elements adjacent the rupturable substrate; and a resilient member aligned with the push button and the rupture elements wherein upon receiving a pressure on the push button, said resilient member moves the rupture elements into a first position in which the rupture elements engage with the rupturable substrate and wherein upon removing the pressure from the push button, said resilient member exerts a force on the push button and moves the rupture elements into a second position in which the rupture elements are not engaged with the rupturable substrate.

Abstract: A volatile composition dispenser includes a housing having opposing first and second walls that are joined along their peripheries to one another. The first wall has an aperture and the second wall has a plurality of apertures. Within the housing, rests a volatile composition cartridge and a gap, which exists between the cartridge and a bottom surface of the housing, wherein said bottom surface is formed from a joinder of a base portion of one or both of the first and second walls, and wherein, upon activation, the exposure percentage of the dispenser is from about 40% to about 90%; wherein at least about 60% of the total surface area of the plurality of apertures results from individual apertures of said plurality that each have an area of at least 30 mm2 and an aspect ratio of at least about 1:2.

Abstract: There is a volatile composition dispenser comprising a housing having a rear fram, a rupturable cartridge disposed within the housing and a button for rupturing the cartridge. The volatile composition dispenser further comprises a guiding mechanism for guiding movement of the button from a first position to a second position when the button is pressed.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a filter for a waste tank, the filter including a housing with a pair of end fittings; an inner tube positioned within the housing, the inner tube having perforated walls; and a negatively charged resin positioned between the housing and the inner tube. The first end fitting may be configured to attach to the tank's vent line, and the second end fitting may be configured to attach to external venting tubes such that fumes from the waste tank are configured to flow from the waste tank, through the inner tube of the filter, and away from the waste tank.

Abstract: A wound dressing composition comprising a chitosan and an oxidized cellulose. For example, the composition may be in the form of a sponge formed by freeze drying an aqueous dispersion of chitosan and oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC). The composition is especially suitable for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hygienic products such as sanitary pads and tampons, patient/adult diapers and baby diapers which are made antimicrobial. In the present invention, a mixture of glucopon, chlorhexidine gluconate and triclosan is obtained from the boron compounds called sodium borate, zinc borate, sodium perborate tetrahydrate, borax pentahydrate and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate; and this mixture provides antifungal, anticandidal, antibacterial and antiviral properties to the woven or non-woven textile products and hygienic products. Additionally, the said hygienic products are made hydrophilic by means of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides cyclic antimicrobial pseudopeptides that are useful in a variety of applications. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, products and kits comprising such cyclic antimicrobial peptides and methods of using these antimicrobial peptides for modifying infectivity, killing microorganisms or inhibiting microbial growth or function and for preventing and/or treating an infection or contamination caused by such microorganisms.

Abstract: A chemically foaming hemostat may use a liquid gel, a dried gel, a dry powder, or a solid “plug” like medium including a foaming agent to stop bleeding. The hemostat also may introduce pharmaceuticals and/or other compounds into a wound to control/mitigate shock, calm the patient, administer antibiotics, administer anti-sepsis compounds, control infection, control sepsis, and/or mitigate pain. No foreign matter need be introduced in connection with use of a chemically foaming hemostat. This eliminates the need to surgically remove introduced foreign matter at a later time. Use of a chemically foaming hemostat also may reduce the likelihood of trauma that sometimes occurs when foreign matter is left in place inside a wound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sealing dentinal tubules exposed at the tooth surface as a consequence of enamel defects, based on amorphous calcium polyphosphate (Ca-polyP) nano- or microparticles that strongly bind both to tooth enamel, cementum and dentin surfaces. The inventive method can also be used for the production of morphogenetically active tooth implants. A further aspect of this invention concerns the incorporation of such nano- or microparticles, after encapsulation of retinol (“retinol/aCa-polyP nano- or microspheres”), into wound dressings and related materials that are made, e.g., by electrospinning. The resulting, inventive retinol/aCa-polyP nano- or microspheres fiber mats show antimicrobial and wound healing properties and was found to increase the expression of the genes encoding for leptin and the leptin receptor, as well as the fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) in a synergistic manner.

Abstract: The present invention relate to three dimensional porous polysaccharide matrices able to induce mineralisation of a tissue in osseous site, as well as in non-osseous site, in the absence of stem cells or growth factors.

Abstract: A synthetic construct suitable for implantation into a biological organism that includes at least one polymer scaffold; wherein the at least one polymer scaffold includes at least one layer of polymer fibers that have been deposited by electrospinning; wherein the orientation of the fibers in the at least one polymer scaffold relative to one another is generally parallel, random, or both; and wherein the at least one polymer scaffold has been adapted to function as at least one of a substantially two-dimensional implantable structure and a substantially three-dimensional implantable tubular structure.

Abstract: The invention provides engineered biomaterials derived from plant products. The engineered biomaterials are useful for biomedical applications. The engineered biomaterials are able to support the growth of animal calls.

Abstract: A method for preparing a skin regeneration scaffold is disclosed. The method may include preparing a polymer solution by dissolving a biopolymer in a solvent, and subjecting the polymer solution to a template-assisted extrusion process with a nanoporous material as a template in order to produce polymer nanofibers. Furthermore, the method includes fabricating a multilayer composite nanofibrous scaffold using the polymer nanofibers. The composite nanofibrous scaffold may be seeded with cells. In some cases, the cells may be selected from autologous cells, allogeneic cells, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connective tissue body formation substrate which can form a film-like connective tissue having a desired thickness and both surfaces in a desired surface condition without prolonging the time required for formation of the connective tissue. Specifically, two tissue formation surfaces 2a and 2b are faced with each other with a tissue formation space 3 being interposed therebetween. A slit 9 is formed in the tissue formation surface 2b so that the tissue formation space 3 communicates with an outside of the substrate. A connective tissue body formation substrate 1 is installed in an environment where a biological tissue material is present. A connective tissue intrudes into the tissue formation space 3 from the slit 9. Both surfaces of the film-like connective tissue are formed so as to match the substrate surface.

Abstract: A composition comprising a first material and a second material, wherein said first material is cross-linkable by a first cross-linking reaction and said second material is cross-linkable by a second cross-linking reaction, wherein said first cross-linking reaction and said second cross-linking reaction are inducible by a common activator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture substrate containing a nanofiber composed of a biodegradable polymer on a support composed of a biodegradable polymer. It also provides a method of culturing cells, which includes seeding cells on the substrate, and stationary culture of the cells. Furthermore, the present invention provides an agent for cell transplantation therapy, which contains the substrate and cells cultured on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a ciliary marginal zone stem cell induced to differentiate from a pluripotent stem cell, including either the following step (1) or step (2), or both of these steps: (1) a step of floating culturing cells obtained from a cell aggregate containing a ciliary marginal zone-like structure induced to differentiate from pluripotent stem cells, thereby obtaining a retinosphere; and (2) a step of collecting stage specific embryonic antigen-1 positive cells from cells obtained from a cell aggregate containing a ciliary marginal zone-like structure induced to differentiate from pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocomposites comprising a polymeric matrix and a magnesium filler such as a water soluble magnesium salt. The use of elemental magnesium or magnesium alloy in the biocomposite is minimized and preferably avoided. The magnesium biocomposites can be used as bone implants.

Abstract: Osteoconductive synthetic bone grafts are provided in which porous ceramic granules are embedded in a biocompatible matrix material. The grafts, which may also include one or more of a coating, a reinforcing bio-absorbable mesh, and an osteoinductive protein or peptide, are generally porous and may incorporate fenestrations.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrogels polymerized with or around a solid biofunctional moiety, biodegradable or permanent, designed to be implantable in a mammalian body, intended to block or mitigate the formation of tissue adhesions, and intended to aid in functional healing. The hydrogels of the present invention are characterized by comprising multiphasic structural elements: a) at least one gel phase, b) at least one solid phase, c) optional polymeric chains connecting gel and solid phases, d) optional shape designs that provide for an interpenetrating geometry between gels and solids, e) optional shape designs that enhance a tissue-hydrogel interface, and f) optional shape designs that provide a biofunctional aspect. The hydrophobicity of the various phases is chosen to reduce tissue adhesion and enhance tissue healing. The morphology of the polymers comprising the gel phase is typically of high molecular weight and has morphology that encourages entanglement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a free-standing biodegradable patch suitable for medical applications, especially intravascular, minimally-invasive and intraoperative surgical applications are provided, wherein the patch comprises a free-standing film or device having a mixture of a solid fibrinogen component and a solid thrombin component that, when exposed to an aqueous environment, undergoes polymerization to form fibrin. In alternative embodiments the patch may comprise a solid fibrinogen component, with or without an inorganic calcium salt component. The patch may take a non-adherent form during delivery to a target location within a vessel or tissue, and thereafter may be activated to adhere to vessel wall or tissue, and may include a number of additives, including materials to improve the mechanical properties of the patch, or one or more therapeutic or contrast agents.

Abstract: The invention concerns a high performance polyethylene (HPPE) member comprising at least 5 wt-% of a radiopaque component, the HPPE member is biocompatible and the radiopaque component is a particulate at least partially arranged inside a HPPE filament of the HPPE member. Furthermore, the radiopaque component has a particle size of at most 1 ?m, preferably the radiopaque component has a particle size of at most 0.5 ?m. The invention also concerns a method of making the HPPE member and various medical devices and repair products comprising the HPPE member.

Abstract: An anchorage device is provided that is configured to surround an implantable medical device. The anchorage device includes a first component having a first substrate and a second component having a second substrate. The second component is positioned within the first component. One of the first and second substrates includes a hemostatic agent and the other of the first and second substrates includes an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An anchorage device is provided that is configured to surround an implantable medical device. The anchorage device includes a substrate formed from a first material and a second material. At least one of the first and second materials includes a hemostatic agent. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An anchorage device is provided that is configured to surround an implantable medical device. The anchorage device includes a substrate having a hemostatic agent and an active pharmaceutical ingredient selectively positioned on the substrate. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a catheter locking solution having both antimicrobial and anticoagulant properties including a local anesthetic and a viscosifying agent. The local anesthetic of the present invention may be an amino amide; an amino ester; an aminoacylanilide; an aminoalkyl benzoate; an amino carbonate; an N-phenylamidine compound; an N-aminoalkyl amid; an aminoketone, or combinations and mixtures thereof. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the local anesthetic is tetracaine or dibucaine.

Abstract: A portable pump is provided for negative pressure wound therapy for drawing a vacuum from a wound site via a tube. The pump includes an inlet configured to attach the tube from the wound site; a canister in fluid communication with the inlet for collecting fluids drained from the wound site; and a manually-actuated pump mechanism for creating the vacuum. The pump mechanism includes a vacuum chamber in fluid communication with the canister; a piston disposed in the vacuum chamber; and a pump handle coupled to the piston to move the piston in the vacuum chamber between first and second positions to create the vacuum. The pump handle moving between a retracted position and an extended position. The piston is in the first position when said pump handle is in the retracted position and is in the second position when said pump handle is in the extended position.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a suction device handle for use with a vacuum supply conduit to suction a fluid or tissue, the handle comprising: a hand-grippable body defining a chamber; the hand-grippable body comprising a distal end configured to support a suction tip; the suction tip including a distal end of a vacuum supply conduit extending within an outer cannula, the vacuum supply conduit being offset from a distal end of the outer cannula by a predetermined distance; wherein the distal end of the hand grippable body is connected to a proximal end of the outer cannula and the chamber is connected in fluid communication with the suction pressure or vacuum generated at the distal end of the vacuum supply conduit. Additional embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A skin treatment device used for cellulite treatment, skin tightening or body contouring which combines negative pressure treatment and RF treatment, where the RF treatment uses variable frequencies during a treatment cycle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of fluid to a wound therapy dressing. In exemplary embodiments, a pressure sensor measures the pressure at the wound therapy dressing and restricts fluid flow to the wound therapy dressing when a predetermined pressure is achieve.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure includes a connector having a connector body. The connector body includes a cavity and a cavity aperture. The connector also includes a conduit port fluidly coupling a conduit to the cavity. The connector further includes a base adjacent the cavity aperture that is configured to be positioned adjacent a drape. The cavity is configured to be fluidly coupled to a manifold through an aperture of the drape. The connector also includes a sensing probe having a proximal end configured to be fluidly coupled to the conduit and a distal end extending to the cavity aperture. The distal end is configured to be positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with a manifold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a reduced-pressure interface for connecting a multi-lumen conduit to a distribution manifold. The interface includes a housing having a flange portion and a cavity wall portion. The cavity wall portion forms a cavity having a tissue-facing cavity opening. The interface further includes an attachment device, a conduit port, and a multi-lumen conduit. The attachment device is coupled to a tissue-facing side of the flange portion for coupling the housing to a sealing member. The conduit includes a distal end and a proximal whereby the distal end extends through a conduit aperture and past the cavity wall portion into the cavity. The conduit further includes a primary lumen and a plurality of sensing lumens. The primary lumen and the plurality of sensing lumens extend from the proximal end of the conduit to the distal end. The conduit is adapted to contact the distribution manifold.

Abstract: A catheter pump is disclosed. The catheter pump can include an impeller and a catheter body having a lumen in which waste fluid flows proximally therethrough during operation of the catheter pump. The catheter pump can also include a drive shaft disposed inside the catheter body. A motor assembly can include a chamber. The motor assembly can include a rotor disposed in the at least a portion of the chamber, the rotor mechanically coupled with a proximal portion of the drive shaft such that rotation of the rotor causes the drive shaft to rotate, the rotor including a longitudinal rotor lumen therethrough. The motor assembly can also comprise a stator assembly disposed about the rotor. During operation of the catheter pump, the waste fluid flows from the lumen into the chamber such that at least a portion of the waste fluid flows proximally through the longitudinal rotor lumen.

Abstract: Dialysis systems comprising actuators that cooperate to perform dialysis functions and sensors that cooperate to monitor dialysis functions are disclosed. According to one aspect, such a hemodialysis system comprises a user interface model layer, a therapy layer, below the user interface model layer, and a machine layer below the therapy layer. The user interface model layer is configured to manage the state of a graphical user interface and receive inputs from a graphical user interface. The therapy layer is configured to run state machines that generate therapy commands based at least in part on the inputs from the graphical user interface. The machine layer is configured to provide commands for the actuators based on the therapy commands.

Abstract: Systems and methods of generating a customized dialysate solution are provided. The system and methods use stock concentrates, with the addition of spikes to generate a customized dialysate solution based on the needs of the patient.

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus includes a housing, a shell, a fiber bundle, and an elastic tube. The housing has a blood inlet and a blood outlet and the shell is situated in the housing and configured to receive blood through the blood inlet. The shell includes a surface and one or more apertures extending through the surface to permit the blood to flow to an exterior of the shell. The fiber bundle includes gas exchanger hollow fibers situated about the shell such that gas flows through and the blood flows across the gas exchanger hollow fibers. The elastic tube includes a fiber web situated about the fiber bundle and configured to elastically constrain and protect the gas exchanger hollow fibers during the insertion into the housing. The fiber web has a pore size that permits the blood to flow across the fiber web without filtering micro-emboli from the blood.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a water purifier, a cycler, and a disposable set operable with the cycler. The disposable set includes a pumping cassette including a water inlet port, a heater/mixing container in fluid communication with the pumping cassette, a water accumulator, a first water line segment, and a second water line segment. The first water line segment is in fluid communication with the water inlet port and the water accumulator. Additionally, the second water line segment is in fluid communication with the water accumulator and the water purifier.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a disposable set, source(s) of concentrate(s), a water purifier, a sensor, and a control unit. The disposable set includes a water port, an inlet port, a drain port, a water line in fluid communication with the water port, a drain line in fluid communication with the drain port, and a container to hold a dialysis fluid prepared by mixing water and the concentrate(s). The source(s) of concentrate(s) are in fluid communication with the inlet port, and the water purifier is configured to purify water and feed the water towards the water port so the sensor can detect a fluid property. The control unit is configured to deliver dialysis fluid mixed in the disposable set to the drain line and water purified by the water purifier along the water line, into the disposable set, and out the drain line to push dialysis fluid to the sensor.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a cycler including a pump actuator, a heater and a heating pan operable with the heater, and a disposable set operable with the cycler. The heating pan includes a sidewall forming a slot. The disposable set includes a pumping cassette and a heater/mixing container. The pumping cassette includes a pump chamber configured to be actuated by the pump actuator. Additionally, the heater/mixing container is in fluid communication with the pumping cassette and is sized to be received at the heating pan. The heater/mixing container includes a port configured such that when the port is slid into the slot of the heater pan sidewall, the port is prevented from rotating about an axis transverse to a direction of flow through the port.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a treatment unit, an extracorporeal blood circuit and a fluid evacuation line. The apparatus comprises a control unit connected to a pressure sensor and configured to move a blood pump, generating a variable flow with a constant component equal to a desired blood flow value and a variable component having a nil mean value; the variable flow generates, in the expansion chamber, a pressure progression that is variable over time with a pressure component oscillating about a mean value. The control unit receives a plurality of values over a period of time comprising a plurality of oscillations of the pressure about the mean value, calculates a control value representative of the oscillating pressure component, and then determines the verification or not of a condition of variation of the blood level in the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A system and method enabling the receipt of image data of a patient, identification of one or more locations within the image data depicting symptoms of lung disease, analyzing airways and vasculature proximate the identified locations, planning a pathway to the one or more locations, navigating an extended working channel to one of the locations, identifying the direction of blood flow within vasculature serving the location, positioning a catheter proximate the location, and temporarily isolating a portion of the identified vasculature serving the location depicting symptoms of lung disease.

Abstract: A method of delivering a medicament to a limb of a patient body includes isolating a circulatory system of the limb from a circulatory system of the patient body, wherein the limb circulatory system is substantially all limb arteries and substantially all limb veins located between an isolation region and an end of the limb. A perfusion catheter is inserted into a limb artery in an antegrade position, while a collection catheter is inserted into a limb vein in a retrograde position. The blood flow of the limb circulatory system is then circulated by collecting the blood flow with the collection catheter and delivering the blood flow with the perfusion catheter. A medicament is perfused into the limb circulatory system with the perfusion catheter.

Abstract: An assembly for an extracorporeal life support system with a suction line that features a venous cannula and a pressure line that features an arterial cannula furthermore includes a pump that is arranged between the suction line and the pressure line. This assembly has a discharge line with a discharge cannula, wherein the discharge cannula is longer than the arterial cannula, and wherein the discharge line is connected to the suction line or the pressure line.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing online extracorporeal photopheresis of mononuclear cells are disclosed. Whole blood is removed from a patient and introduced through a processing set into a separation chamber to separate the desired cell population from the blood. The separated cell population is processed through the set which is associated with a treatment chamber where the cells are treated. Once treated, the cells are returned to the patient. The processing set remains connected to the patient during the entire ECP treatment procedure and provides an online, sterile closed pathway between the separation chamber and the treatment chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with some configurations, systems and methods for guided removal from an in vivo subject are provided. In some configurations, a method for removing an object is provided. The method comprising, guiding a flexible tube through a passageway of an in vivo subject, wherein the flexible tube comprises at least a first passageway and a second passageway. Positioning a distal end of the first passageway in proximity to the object. Infusing liquid through the second passageway substantially continuously. Removing the object through the first passageway with at least a portion of the liquid while suction is not being provided.