Abstract: A fragrance releasing article, comprising a rear panel and a front panel, the rear panel having an opening, a decorative element receiving part and a fragrance releasing element receiving part provided in the opening for receiving a fragrance releasing element and a decorative element, respectively; the front panel removably covering and attached to the opening of the rear panel, the front panel comprising a decorative element covering part and a fragrance releasing element covering part for covering the fragrance releasing element receiving part and the decorative element receiving part, respectively, the fragrance releasing element covering part having at least one opening for releasing the fragrance of the fragrance releasing element, and the decorative element covering part having a display window for displaying the decorative element.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a method of managing scent in an environment, which includes disposing at least one scent diffusion device within an environment, wherein the at least one scent diffusion device comprises a communications facility that enables transmitting signals to and receiving signals from a remote computer, receiving at least one target value of a scent parameter for the environment at the remote computer, and controlling, via the remote computer, diffusion of a liquid from a source of the liquid in fluid communication with the at least one scent diffusion device to achieve the target value of the scent parameter. Controlling a diffusion rate of the liquid includes altering at least one of a voltage and a duty cycle applied to at least one component of the diffusion device.

Abstract: A scent dispensing device is disclosed. The scent dispensing device has a housing that has a cavity which forms an interior of the housing and separates the interior from an external environment. The cavity may be sized and dimensioned to receive at least one scent cartridge. The housing may have a number of apertures that each provide a respective flow path between the interior of the housing and the external environment. A number of selectively permeable membranes may be positioned in the flow paths. The selectively permeable membranes may selectively block moisture from reaching the interior of the housing from the external environment and may permit passage of gas between the interior of the housing and the external environment including passage of at least one scent from the interior of the housing to the external environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and products for delivering cells to a biological site. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of delivering cells to a biological site. The method comprises providing a product comprising an alkylamine functionalised substrate and cells for delivery to the biological site attached to the functionalised substrate, wherein the alkylamine functionalised substrate comprises a surface density with an atomic ratio of primary amine to carbon of greater than 0.005, and applying the product to the biological site to allow transfer of the cells from the product to the biological site, thereby delivering cells to the site.

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: Provided herein are in vivo gelling ophthalmic pre-formulations forming a biocompatible retinal patch comprising at least one nucleophilic compound or monomer unit, at least one electrophilic compound or monomer unit, and optionally a therapeutic agent and/or viscosity enhancer. In some embodiments, the retinal patch at least partially adheres to the site of a retinal tear. Also provided herein are methods of treating retinal detachment by delivering an in vivo gelling ophthalmic pre-formulation to the site of a retinal tear in human eye, wherein the in vivo gelling ophthalmic pre-formulation forms a retinal patch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lamellae tissue layer, comprising a grooved silk fibroin substrate comprising tissue-specific cells. The silk fibroin substrates provides an excellent means of controlling and culturing cell and extracellular matrix development. A multitude of lamellae tissue layers can be used to create a tissue-engineered organ, such as a tissue-engineered cornea. The tissue-engineered organ is non-immunogenic and biocompatible.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated therein or thereon, or diffusing from the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition captures and eliminates undesirable cells from the body a mammalian subject. The devices mediate active recruitment, sequestration, and removal or elimination of undesirable cells from their host.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to coating medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure provides materials and methods for coating a portion of a balloon catheter with a pharmaceutical agent using electrodeposition techniques. Although angioplasty and stenting can be effective methods for treating vascular occlusions, restenosis remains a pervasiveness problem. Therefore, coating portions of a balloon catheter with a pharmaceutical agent that inhibits restenosis can reduce the likelihood of restenosis.

Abstract: Disclosed are biodegradable magnesium having a biodegradation rate which is determined by controlling an atom packing density of a surface contacting a living body, and a method for controlling the biodegradation rate of magnesium, wherein the biodegradation rate is determined by controlling an atomic packing density of the surface in contact with a living body.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a therapeutic, moisturizing coating composition for elastomeric articles which is applied directly onto the skin-contacting surface of the article as part of the manufacturing process. The coating composition is thermally stable and subsequently hydrates when contacted with a moisturized skin surface to convert into a liquid “lotion” form during wearing of the article. The coating composition provides therapeutic benefits to the wearer's skin as a result of wearing the article, such as improved skin moisturization, softness of feel, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced redness and irritation. The invention is particularly useful in medical gloves, including examination and surgical gloves.

Abstract: Medical device are provided for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. In certain embodiments, the additive has a hydrophilic part and a drug affinity part, wherein the drug affinity part is at least one of a hydrophobic part, a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by hydrogen bonding, and a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by van der Waals interactions. In embodiments, the additive is water-soluble. In further embodiments, the additive is at least one of a surfactant and a chemical compound, and the chemical compound has a molecular weight of from 80 to 750 or has more than four hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: An artificial lung is provided having a plurality of porous hollow fiber membranes for gas exchange, in which the hollow fiber membranes have outer surfaces, inner surfaces forming lumens, and opening portions through which the outer surfaces communicate with the inner surfaces, any one of the outer surfaces and the inner surfaces is coated with a colloidal solution of an antithrombotic material containing a polymer as a main component, and an average particle size of the colloid is at least 1.5 times a diameter of the opening portions of the hollow fiber membranes. An artificial lung is provided that can effectively suppress leakage of blood plasma components after blood circulation (blood plasma leakage).

Abstract: Breathing devices deliver at least one treatment to a subject and include at least two components comprising at least one of a ventilation unit for supplying a gas to the subject, a humidification unit for humidifying a gas supplied to the subject, a nebulizer unit for supplying a medication to the subject, a suction unit for suctioning a portion of an airway of the subject, and a cough assist unit for simulating a cough within the subject. Methods of providing a treatment to a subject may be provided with a breathing device.

Abstract: A device for collecting human breast milk is provided. The device may include at least one evacuated container capable of connecting to at least one first container that is configured to receive expressed human breast milk. The at least one evacuated container mat be connected to the least one first container by a flow unit permitting communication of human breast milk from the first container to the evacuated container. Further provided are methods of collecting breast milk.

Abstract: A connection system implantable within a living body having an exterior skin includes a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft having an exterior surface surrounding the axis, at least one shaft contact carried on the shaft and exposed at the exterior surface, and a retaining element mounted to the shaft. The female connector includes a structure defining a bore extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, at least one bore contact mounted to the structure and exposed within the bore and a catch element mounted to the structure. The catch and retaining elements allow the shaft to be inserted into the bore to align the contacts. A locking element rotatably locks the shaft in the bore. A method of implanting the system is also provided.

Abstract: In order to produce a pulsatile blood flow pattern that includes time periods of relatively high blood flow rates and time periods of relatively low blood flow rates, the operating speed of a blood pump can be selectively controlled to produce an operating speed pattern that includes time periods of relatively high rotation speeds and periods of relatively low rotation speeds. For example, the blood pump is rotated at a first speed for a first period of time. The speed of the blood pump is then decreased from the first speed to a second speed and is operated at the second speed for a second amount of time. The speed of the blood pump is then decreased to a third speed for a third amount of time. If desired, the operating speed pattern can be repeated to continue the pulsatile blood flow pattern.

Abstract: A system for treating heart disease, such as pulmonary hypertension or right heart failure, including an implantable component and external components for monitoring the implantable component is provided. The implantable component may include a compliant member, e.g., balloon, coupled to a reservoir via a conduit. Preferably, the compliant member is adapted to be implanted in a pulmonary artery and the reservoir is adapted to be implanted subcutaneously. The external components may include a clinical controller component, monitoring software configured to run a clinician's computer, a patient monitoring device, and a mobile application configured to run on a patient's mobile device.

Abstract: A method and kit for placing an implant in a patient. The method includes placing an implant consisting of at least one from the group consisting of an electronic device and an electromechanical device into a tissue cavity of the patient and evacuating fluid from the cavity and urging tissue surrounding the cavity to abut the implant.

Abstract: A dialysis machine comprising: a microphone; an alert module for producing an audible alert related to an operating condition of the dialysis machine; and a processing module configured for: receiving, from the microphone, information related to measured noise; determining, based on the information related to measured noise, an audible alert that will not be masked by the measured noise when the audible alert is produced by the alert module; and providing, to the alert module, instructions for producing the audible alert.

Abstract: A hemodialysis machine includes a main body and a door connected to the main body. The door and the main body cooperate to define a non-removable chamber. The door is openable relative to the main body of the hemodialysis machine to allow a salt to be placed into the non-removable chamber when the door is in an open position. The main body further includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a pumping mechanism. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in fluid communication with the non-removable chamber. The pumping mechanism is configured to deliver a fluid from a fluid source to the non-removable chamber through the fluid inlet to mix with salt within the non-removable chamber to form a salt solution that exits the non-removable chamber through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: An artificial lung is provided that includes a plurality of porous hollow fiber membranes for gas exchange comprising a hydrophobic polymer material, wherein the hollow fiber membranes have inner surfaces forming lumens and outer surfaces, and wherein at least one of the inner surfaces or the outer surfaces is coated with a polymer-containing solution that has a surface tension of 40 to 55 dyn/cm and that contains a solvent and a polymer having a structural unit represented by Formula (I): wherein in Formula (I), R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R1 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Mobile electronic devices can be used as remote user interfaces for medical devices such as dialysis machines. For example, this disclosure describes various ways mobile electronic devices can be networked with medical devices, and various ways users can remotely control the medical devices via the mobile electronic devices.

Abstract: A blood purification apparatus employing a single-needle double-pump method and being capable of automatically discharging a priming solution that has undergone substitution from a blood circuit during blood removal. A blood purification apparatus includes a blood circuit to which an only puncture needle is connectable, a dialyzer that purifies blood flowing in the blood circuit, a first blood pump, a second blood pump, and a control device that allows the blood of a patient to be extracorporeally circulated through the blood circuit by causing the first blood pump and the second blood pump to alternately undergo normal rotation. During blood removal, the control device operates to substitute a priming solution in the blood circuit with the blood of the patient and to discharge the priming solution having undergone the substitution from the blood circuit by causing the first blood pump to undergo normal rotation and the second blood pump to undergo reverse rotation.

Abstract: The example systems, apparatus and methods use a local perfusion extracorporeal circuit (LPEC) for perfusing a local target region of a body, with a systemic perfusion extracorporeal circuit (SPEC) coupled to the core region of the vasculature using a peripheral placed loop to the body, and a control procedure to cause the local target region of the body to be at a specified pattern of temperature values that are different than the temperature of the core of the body.

Abstract: Dialysis systems that remove air from a blood circuit are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid circuit, a blood circuit including an arterial line, a venous line, and an enclosure in fluid communication with the venous line, the enclosure configured to release air through a hydrophobic vent for priming the blood circuit, a blood pump configured to pump fluid through at least the arterial line, a first valve operable with the arterial line and a second valve operable with the venous line, and a pumping and valving algorithm operated after priming to remove air from the blood circuit to control the first and second valves and the blood pump to replace priming fluid with blood from a patient.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a method and a remote-controlled guidance system for delivering and applying medicines to a region of the body that may not otherwise be easily accessible (e.g., to the perianal region). The system is designed to enable the user to administer their medicine at a desirable angle they control, while the user is in a relatively comfortable and efficacious position for the treatment. The device can present a safer, more hygienic, and more effective alternative method to self-administer perianal medicines than any option currently available. To this extent, the system can present a discreet, “hands-free” alternative to the current options, or couple to other system, such as a bidet toilet seat system, thereby substantially eliminating any discomfort, ineffectiveness, and/or embarrassment a user might otherwise experience.

Abstract: Interventional catheter assemblies, operating systems and adaptive interface components allow operation of a variety of interventional catheter assemblies, including infusion catheters, aspiration catheters and interventional catheters that provide both infusion and aspiration, using a common control console housing infusion and aspiration systems. Adaptive tubing cassettes having a handle and one or more preformed tubing loops route aspiration and/or infusion tubing in a predetermined configuration to mate with aspiration and infusion systems on a control console.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein include low cost infusion devices having basal and/or bolus fluid delivery options. Embodiments of the device include a housing, a reservoir to contain the fluid, a source of pressure to exert a force to expel the fluid contained in the reservoir, a bolus port adapted to receive an optional extra dose of fluid, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir and the bolus port. The cannula is adapted for insertion into the user's skin for delivery of the fluid to the user's body. The device can provide a continuous delivery of the fluid along a first fluid flow path from the reservoir to the cannula and the optional extra dose of fluid along a second fluid flow path from the bolus port to the cannula.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a housing with at least one pressure communication channel or aperture, which distributes a negative fluid pressure across its base to draw tissue against the device. The device can also include a porous, adhesive layer over the channel(s) or aperture(s), for attaching to tissue. The device can also include a pressure sensor for determining whether there is proper attachment. Further, a bladder may be used instead of the adhesive layer for attaching the device. The bladder, in a partially inflated state, can apply constant pressure across a contact surface causing a flexible adhesive layer attached to the bladder to confirm and adhere to the tissue. Subsequent evacuation of the bladder causes it to deflate and collapse or retract, thereby causing the flexible adhesive layer to pull and stretch the tissue toward the base.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.

Abstract: A safety medical connector includes a composite inner pipe, a first resilient element, a sealing element, and a housing. The first resilient element hermetically seals the entrance of the housing, and the sealing element hermetically seals the exit of the housing; hence, thanks to the double hermetic seal structures, the safety medical connector is leakproof and airtight. When in use, part of the composite inner pipe is secured and stationary, thereby enhancing structural stability.

Abstract: A safety medical connector includes a composite inner pipe, a first resilient element, and a second resilient element. The first resilient element hermetically seals the entrance of the composite inner pipe. In operation, the first resilient element is pushed aside such that the entrance of the inner pipe opens. After use, the second resilient element drives the composite inner pipe and the first resilient element to restore position. Hence, the safety medical connector advantageously features reduced liquid residue and enhanced structural stability.

Abstract: A device 2 for the administration of fluids to a human or animal body comprising a housing 3 with a first inlet 28, at least one second inlet 29, 30, one outlet 31 and a collecting point, wherein the first inlet 28 communicates with the collecting point through a first channel and the outlet 31 communicates with the collecting point. The second inlet 29, 30 communicates with the collecting point or an indicator chamber 24, 25 through a second channel 21, 22 in which a valve 26, 27 is arranged, the valve 26, 27 being adjustable between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position of the valve 26, 27, the second channel 26, 27 communicates with the indicator chamber 24, 25 and, in the second position of the valve 26, 27, the second channel 21, 22 communicates with the collecting point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-chambered autoinjector as well as to the methods of administering medicaments to a human using the three-chambered autoinjector. In certain embodiments, the autoinjector includes a first medicament in liquid form, a second medicament preferably in solid form, and a liquid composition for diluting the second medicament, and utilizes a three-chambered design so as to administer the first medicament and a solution comprising the second medicament and the liquid composition at different injection depths into the body of a human. In an alternative embodiment an autoinjector is provided that delivers medicaments at the same injection depth.

Abstract: A motorized drug delivery device configured to administer at least one pre-set dose of a medicament contained within a medicament container. The delivery device comprising a user activation system (13), a motor (22), a gear train (15) operatively coupled to the user activation system and the motor, and a piston plunger system (200) operatively coupled to the gear train. The piston plunger system comprises a piston plunger (50) and at least one plunger extension (42; 44) for extending a length of the piston plunger. The piston plunger system is configured to act on a stopper contained within the medicament container to deliver at least one pre-set dose of medicament. The user activation system comprises a mechanical automatic reset activation system for automatically resetting the drug delivery device after administration of the pre-set dose.

Abstract: A drive mechanism suitable for use in drug delivery devices is disclosed. The drive mechanism may be used with injector-type drug delivery devices, such as those permitting a user to set the delivery dose. The drive mechanism may include a housing, a dose dial sleeve, and a drive sleeve. A clutch is configured to permit rotation of the drive sleeve and the dose dial sleeve with respect to the housing when the dose dial sleeve and drive sleeve are coupled through the clutch. Conversely, when the dose dial sleeve and drive sleeve are in a de-coupled state, rotation of the dose dial sleeve with respect to the housing is permitted and rotation of the drive sleeve with respect to the housing is prevented. In the de-coupled state, axial movement of the drive sleeve transfers force in a longitudinal direction for actuation of a drug delivery device.

Abstract: A medial assembly comprises a logging first unit adapted to be mounted on a drug delivery device second unit from a fully un-mounted to a fully mounted position along a path. The first unit comprises a switch operatable between an off- and an on-state when the first unit is mounted on the second unit, the switch being in the on-state when the first unit is mounted within a first distance from the fully mounted position, and in the off-state when the first unit is mounted outside the first distance from the fully mounted position, and a snap lock operatable from an initial state through an expanded state to a snap-in state when the first unit is mounted on the second unit, the snap lock being in the snap-in state when the first unit is mounted within a second distance from the fully mounted position, the second distance being shorter than the first distance. By this arrangement it is ensured that the switch will be in the on-state before the snap lock is in the snap-in state.

Abstract: It is possible to feed an injection objective substance to a depth of a skin structure of an objective living body without using any injection needle. A syringe having no injection needle comprises an enclosing unit which encloses the injection objective substance, a pressurizing unit which pressurizes the injection objective substance enclosed in the enclosing unit, and a flow passage unit which defines a flow passage so that the injection objective substance, which is pressurized by the pressurizing unit, is allowed to inject to an injection target area.

Abstract: A syringe has a syringe main body, a syringe unit, and a piston. An end surface of the piston disposed on a forward end side is brought in contact with an end surface of a plunger disposed on a proximal end side so that the plunger is slidable toward a discharge port in a state in which a rod portion is accommodated in an accommodating hole in an attached state. In the attached state, the syringe unit is attached to the syringe main body, and a position of the plunger in a charging chamber is determined at a predetermined position at which an amount of an injection objective substance in the charging chamber is a predetermined amount on the basis of a position of the piston arranged in a through-hole of the syringe main body. Accordingly, the syringe is easily handled and the injection objective substance can be correctly charged.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ceramic filter for a syringe and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly to a ceramic filter for a syringe, which has filter performance equal to or higher than that of a metal filter and which includes alumina (Al2O3) and a sintering aid, thus solving various problems encountered while using the filter, and to a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A priming mechanism for operating an automatic injection apparatus to ensure medication contents are properly delivered prior to a needled syringe of the apparatus being injected. The priming mechanism includes a push rod to move plunger(s) within the syringe; a releasable support including bendable supporting arms, which limiting motion of the syringe relative to an upper housing body before and during priming; and a recess element inside the lower housing body to release said bendable arm to allow motion of the syringe relative to the upper housing body in distal direction after priming. In one form, the priming mechanism is used for removing air bubble before injection to ensure delivering correct dose. In another form, the priming mechanism is used to mix different contents in a dual chamber syringe before injection.

Abstract: A laminated gasket (13) to be used for a medical syringe is provided, which includes a main body (14) made of an elastic material, and a film (15) provided on a surface of the main body (14). The gasket (13) has a circumferential surface portion (17) to be brought into contact with an inner peripheral surface (16) of a syringe barrel (11) of the syringe. The gasket (13) further includes a projection (22) provided on a surface portion of the film (15) present in the circumferential surface portion (17) as extending circumferentially of the gasket. The projection (22) has a height of not less than 15 ?m and not greater than 55 ?m and a width of not less than 30 ?m and not greater than 75 ?m. With this arrangement, the laminated gasket is excellent in sealability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gasket excellent in properties such as sliding properties and resistance to liquid leakage. The present invention relates to a gasket having at least two annular projections and at least one annular valley on its sliding surface, the sliding surface being at least partially provided with immobilized polymer chains, the annular projections including a first projection nearest to the top surface and any other projection, the outer diameters of the other projection and the annular valley being in the range of 94 to 98% and 85 to 92%, respectively, with respect to the outer diameter of the first projection taken as 100%.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device is presented having an elongated housing extending in a longitudinal direction, which housing is arranged to accommodate a medicament container, an end cap arranged with a first attachment element designed to engage with a second attachment element on the housing for attaching the end cap to the housing, a rotator rotatably arranged inside the housing, an activator axially slidable with respect to the housing from an extended position to a retracted position and operably connected to the rotator such as to rotate the rotator from an initial non-activated rotational position and an activated rotational position when the activator is moved from the extended to the retracted position. The rotator further comprises a blocking element arranged to cooperate with the first attachment element for preventing disengagement of the first attachment element from the second attachment element when the rotator is in the activated rotational position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medicament delivery device, comprising: a tubular body having a distal end, a cap adapted to be connected to the distal end (of the body, wherein the body comprises a first clip having a first stop and a first ramp, wherein the cap comprises a second clip having a second stop and a second ramp, wherein the first ramp and the second ramp are adapted to be mutually engaged when the cap is connected to the body in a first position, wherein the first ramp and the second ramp are adapted to resiliently deflect at least one of the first clip and the second clip when the cap is being moved from the first position towards a second position, wherein in the second position the first stop and the second stop abut each other to prevent the cap from being moved into the first position. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method for assembling the medicament delivery device.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies having a connection mechanism for securely connecting a hub to fluid storage containers in a luer slip relationship are described. An exemplary medical device includes a hub forming a cavity, a second indicating element disposed within the cavity that engages the hub. Additional features of the medical device include a second indicating element contoured to form a line contact with the hub. In a specific configuration, the hub includes a first indicating element attached to the hub and extending proximally into the cavity having a protrusion. In a more specific configuration, the medical device includes a fluid storage container that has an indication system for visually indicating optimal fluid-tight engagement of the hub and the fluid storage container.

Abstract: A device includes a thermal element capable of instantly activating to change a temperature of the thermal element for thermal transfer between the thermal element and a fluid, and tubing made of a flexible material having a hollow core that forms a conduit for a flow of the fluid through the tubing. At least a portion of the tubing may be coiled around the thermal element to provide a predetermined surface area of engagement between the tubing and the thermal element for thermal transfer between the thermal element and the fluid when the thermal element is instantly activated and the fluid is flowing through the tubing.

Abstract: A flow sensor is provided to enable volumetric dose data to be acquired automatically by sampling flow rates of insulin measured by a flow sensor exposed to a flow manifold though which the insulin flows. The flow sensor preferably connects to a standard insulin pen on one end, and to a standard pen needle on the other end. Particular geometries and algorithms are utilized to accommodate the unique requirements of insulin flow determination during an injection event.

Abstract: A medication delivery system for delivering an inhalable medication includes an electronic cigarette that may be sucked. A capsule is provided. The capsule is infused with a fluid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease medication. The capsule is removably positioned within the electronic cigarette. Thus, the electronic cigarette delivers the fluid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease medication when the electronic cigarette is sucked.