Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles complexed with therapeutic agents configured for treating cardiovascular related disorders, and methods of synthesizing the same. In particular, the present invention is directed to compositions comprising synthetic HDL (sHDL) nanoparticles carrying therapeutic agents configured for treating cardiovascular related disorders, methods for synthesizing such sHDL nanoparticles, as well as systems and methods utilizing such sHDL nanoparticles (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutic agents, imaging agents, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in cardiovascular disease diagnosis and/or therapy, etc.))).

Abstract: A nanoconjugate that includes multiple antibody agents bonded to a single nanoparticles via a linker to form a conjugate having either electrostatic or covalent bonding or that retains original properties of the multiple antibody types prior to formation of the conjugate. Preferred methods provide for multiple antibody types attached to a single nanoparticle via electrostatic attachment, covalent or mixed covalent and electrostatic attachment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a composition for alleviating or treating pain, the composition comprising glutamate decarboxylase and a gene coding for an anti-inflammatory cytokine; and a method for alleviating or treating pain by using the composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to adeno -associated viral vector monoclonal antibody constructs and compositions thereof, methods of improving locomotor function after spinal cord injury, methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery of a GALGT2 polynucleotide. The disclosure provides rAAV and methods of using the rAAV for GALGT2 gene therapy of neuromuscular disorders. Exemplary neuromuscular disorders include, but are not limited to, muscular dystrophies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Congenital Muscular Dystrophy 1A and Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2D.

Abstract: This application provides improved methods of genome editing. Cas9 molecules can be used to create a break in a genomic region of interest. To increase the likelihood that the break is repaired by HDR (homology-directed repair), the cell can be contacted with molecules that bring a template nucleic acid in close proximity to the break, under conditions that allow the cell to repair the break using the template nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel trifunctional targeting construct and related compositions and methods that are useful in therapeutic, diagnostic (including imaging) of various biological and/or pathological conditions and diseases such as cancers and diabetes. The trifunctional targeting construct of the invention provides enhanced clearing step and reduced non-specific background via complete clearance of undesired antibody conjugates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for contrast agents, methods of making contrast agents, and methods of using contrast agents, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling microbial growth on and in medical devices and implants, especially biofilm infections, involves using pulsed electric fields (PEF). To eradicate at least a portion of a biofilm on a medical implant, for example, 1500 volts can be applied through an electrode system, with pulse duration of 50 ?s and pulse delivery frequency of 2 Hz. In the clinical setting, systemic microbial therapy can be combined with PEF to achieve a synergistic effect leading to improved eradication of infections.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (100) including a disinfection system is disclosed. The disinfection system may include one or more ultraviolet light sources (115). The UV light sources may be included in a display (105). The disinfection system may be configured to operate when the display is parallel to a control panel (120) of the ultrasound imaging system. The disinfection system may provide indications of the disinfection status of the ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: A device for decontaminating a medical device, the device including a compartment adapted to contain a medical device and a solution, the solution comprising a photoactivatable substance; and a light system providing 360 degrees of exposure to the compartment. Also, a method for decontaminating a medical device, the method including placing a medical device in a compartment with a solution, the solution comprising a photoactivatable substance; incubating the medical device in the solution to allow the photoactivatable substance to attach to pathogens; and exposing the compartment to 360 degrees of light exposure to activate the photoactivatable substance.

Abstract: An odor detection and filtration device is provided including a housing enclosing a void and having and air inlet and air outlet. The void contains, and the housing encloses, one or more sensors, one or more filters, one or more fans, and a control unit. The control unit may be in electrical communication with the one or more sensors and one or more fans. The control unit may activate the one or more fans upon the one or more sensors detecting the presence of one or more odors in the ambient air surrounding the device. The one or more fans draw ambient air through the air inlet into the void and subsequently downstream through the filter and out the device through the air outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus that help reduce and prevent infection by controlling and/or reducing the level of contaminants, which include pathogens, allergens and/or odor-causing agents including VOCs. Photocatalytic oxidation is performed in a high humidity environment so that hydrogen peroxide molecules are readily produced.

Abstract: Certain small molecule amino acid phosphate compounds such as phosphoserine and certain multivalent metal compounds such as calcium phosphate containing cements have been found to have improved properties and form an interpenetrating network in the presence of a polymer that contains either an electronegative carbonyl oxygen atom of the ester group or an electronegative nitrogen atom of the amine group as the bonding sites of the polymer surfaces to the available multivalent metal ions.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions and patches, and associated systems, kits, and methods, are generally described. Certain of the adhesive compositions and patches can be used to treat tissues (e.g., in hemostatic or other tissue treatment applications), according to certain embodiments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyurethane bone-tendon graft biomaterial and method of making the bone-tendon graft biomaterial. The biomaterial has a gradient of mechanical properties through photocrosslinking such that a first end of the biomaterial is crosslinked at a higher degree than a second end, and the first end of the biomaterial has mechanical properties of bone and the second end of the biomaterial has mechanical properties of tendon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a triblock copolymer having a polyethylene glycol-poly(D,L-lactide)-polyethylene glycol skeleton.

Abstract: Provided are a cell carrier for skin tissue regeneration using chitooligosaccharide and a method for producing the same. The cell carrier according to the present invention includes fish-derived collagen (FC), alginate (A), and chitooligosaccharide (COS1) of 1 to 3 kDa, and thus has excellent biocompatibility with dermal fibroblasts and has an excellent effect of being utilized as a cell carrier for skin tissue regeneration.

Abstract: A method for preparing a three-dimensional polymer scaffold (3D-PS) for use in tissue-engineering, the method including the subsequent steps of: providing a polymeric precursor scaffold (p-PS) having at least one biodegradable natural polymer (PA); treating the polymeric precursor scaffold (p-PS) with a cross-linking agent having glutaraldehyde to induce cross-linking of the natural polymer (PA), thereby forming a cross-linked polymer scaffold (x-PS) and subjecting the cross-linked polymer scaffold (x-PS) of step b) to low-pressure plasma treatment involving exposure of the polymer scaffold to an ionized oxygen-containing gas plasma at a pressure in the range of 10?3 to 10?6 bar and a temperature below 40° C.

Abstract: Injectable compositions and use of the injectable compositions in tissue engineering applications are described. The injectable compositions are hydrogel-based compositions that can be crosslinked in situ following placement. The injectable compositions include microcapsules having predetermined erosion profiles that are loaded with nanogels having predetermined sustained release profiles for signaling molecules conjugated to the nanogels. Following crosslinking, the compositions are designed to sequentially release signaling molecules over a predetermined period of time with various release profiles. The compositions can carry additional components to stimulate tissue generation such as stem cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components.

Abstract: Tissue engineering structures with biologically favorable structural and chemical properties are disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to tissue engineered structures having a cryogel scaffold and honey. The tissue engineered structures having a cryogel scaffold and honey can further include at least one biomolecule. The tissue engineered structures can be used to promote cellular chemotaxis, enhance cell proliferation, enhance extracellular matrix production, increase angiogenesis, and provide antimicrobial activity. The nature of the tissue engineered structures provides a template for cellular infiltration and guide tissue regeneration. The tissue engineered structures can be used in the treatment of dermal wounds (burns, chronic wounds, etc.) or as a tissue engineering scaffold in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: Compositions comprising perforated, unseparated amnion/chorion; perforated, separated amnion; and perforated, separated chorion derived from the placenta and methods of preparing and using those compositions are provided. Perforation of placental tissue before or during processing may allow for one or more benefits such as more efficient removal of blood remnants, retention of wound healing and tissue regeneration components, better handling characteristics, or improved healing capacity. The present invention also includes methods of healing a wound of the skin, eye, nerve, tendon, or dura comprising applying the perforated compositions of the invention to the wound.

Abstract: A tissue graft for soft tissue repair or reconstruction comprising a sheet of a biopolymer-based matrix having a plurality of small perforations and a plurality of large perforations. The small perforations are sized to facilitate clotting and granulation tissue development within the perforations which, in turn, facilitates revascularization and cell repopulation in the patient. The large perforations are sized to reduce the occurrence of clotting and granulation tissue development within the perforations so that extravascular tissue fluids accumulating at the implant site can drain through the tissue graft. The large perforations enhance mammal tissue anchoring by permitting mammal tissue to compress into the perforations increasing mammal tissue contact area.

Abstract: Biological-based polyurethanes and methods of making the same. The polyurethanes are formed by reacting a biodegradable polyisocyanate (such as lysine diisocyanate) with an optionally hydroxylated biomolecule to form polyurethane. The polymers formed may be combined with ceramic and/or bone particles to form a composite, which may be used as an osteoimplant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dry blends of polyanionic and polycationic macromolecules, solvating fluids serving as cell suspension fluids, hybrid gel compositions, and methods for treatment of patients with endocrine disorders by transplantation with such compositions. Hybrid gel compositions that promote a microenvironment suitable for cell viability and growth while maintaining a sufficient structural integrity for three-dimensional cell culture are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scaffold material comprising a plurality of particles of a highly porous polymeric material, characterized in that said scaffold material becomes a shapeable paste once hydrated. The specific features of the particle material impart a special behavior to the scaffold, which can be easily shaped and even highly reversibly compressed, so that in certain aspects it can, if needed, be injected, said capacity to be shaped being maintained over a high range of hydration conditions. A particular aspect of the invention relates, therefore, to the use of such scaffold material for the manufacturing of shapeable body implants, such as breast implants, to the shapeable body implants themselves as well as to non-invasive methods for using thereof in creating or reconstructing a three-dimensional volume in a subject's body part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implants, methods for the production thereof and the use thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to polymer foams are generally described. Some embodiments relate to compositions and methods for the preparation of polymer foams, and methods for using the polymer foams. The polymer foams can be applied to a body cavity and placed in contact with, for example, tissue, injured tissue, internal organs, etc. In some embodiments, the polymer foams can be formed within a body cavity (i.e., in situ foam formation). In addition, the foamed polymers may be capable of exerting a pressure on an internal surface of a body cavity and preventing or limiting movement of a bodily fluid (e.g., blood, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bag for biological waste, such as urine, containing inside thereof a powder apt to release a biocide when the bag is filled up with the liquid, wherein the biocide is chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reduced pressure tissue treatments, including a multi-orientation canister. The canister includes an inlet for receiving fluids from a tissue site, and a main chamber in fluid communication with the inlet for receiving fluids from the inlet. The canister includes a filter chamber separated from the main chamber by one or more filter chamber walls. The one or more filter chamber walls includes a primary hole having a first diameter and a secondary hole having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The primary hole provides a first path of fluid communication between the filter chamber and the main chamber. The canister includes an outlet for providing fluid communication between the filter chamber and a reduced pressure source.

Abstract: Vacuum pump (18) for a medical aspirator (10), the pump (18) comprising a tubular member (20); a piston (22) slidably arranged within the tubular member (20); a piston rod (24) connected to the piston (22); and a coupling mechanism (36) for detachably and functionally connecting the piston rod (24) to a motor (38) for driving the pump (18), wherein the piston rod (24) is configured to reciprocate linearly during operation of the pump (18).

Abstract: A dressing (2) and an apparatus (1) comprising the dressing, for cleansing the wounds (5) in which an irrigant fluid from a reservoir (12) connected to a conformable would dressing and would exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (18) (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow Path (6, 7, 9, 10) which passes through the dressing with a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, to provide a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting would healing over the wound bed.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment apparatus includes a charging chamber storing a first pressure less than an ambient pressure and a regulated chamber storing a second pressure less than the ambient pressure. The first pressure is less than the second pressure. A conduit provides fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the charging chamber. A regulator member is operably associated with the conduit to prevent fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure is less than or equal to a desired therapy pressure and to allow fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure exceeds the desired therapy pressure.

Abstract: A system for providing therapy to a tissue site is described. The system can include a light sensor, a motion sensor, and a controller. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the source of negative pressure, the light sensor, and the motion sensor. In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to receive a first signal from the light sensor indicative of ambient light, receive a second signal from the motion sensor indicative of activity, and activate alert based on the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: Described herein are alarm systems for suction devices for reduced pressure therapy. Alarms systems provide alerts to the patient and/or practitioner regarding the ability of the suction device to continue to provide negative pressure to a tissue region. Alarm systems comprise a sensor mechanism, which is capable of detecting the position of a slidable seal within the suction device, and generating an alert. Certain variations of alarms systems comprise magnetic field sensitive switches and/or electric switches. Other variations of alarm systems comprise rotary encoders to detect the motion and location of constant force springs, which signal the notification mechanism to issue alerts accordingly. Described herein are alarm devices configured to retain a suction device therein and to attach the suction device to a patient. The alarm devices disclosed herein detect the depleted state of the suction device and are capable of retaining the suction device in a plurality of orientations.

Abstract: A blood mixer comprises a support structure supporting the components of the mixer (10), a tubing fastening and guiding arrangement, configured to secure a blood collecting tubing in the mixer (10), a tray (18) adapted to house a blood collecting bag (16) having a blood tube (14) attached thereto, and configured to measure the weight of the collected blood in the blood collecting bag (16) and a pump (20) configured to draw blood from the donor (12) to a blood collecting bag (16) through said tubing (14). The pump (20) is configured to exert a kneading action on the blood supply tubing (14) by means of at least two kneading elements arranged to alternatingly displace the contents of the tube in the direction towards the bag (16). There is also provided a cooling arrangement (19) configured to cool the blood in the blood collecting bag (16).

Abstract: There is provided a pressure oscillation damper in order to reduce the level of the pressure oscillations by the use of for a fluid extraction system. The pressure oscillation damper comprises a wall enclosing a main volume, at least two inlets, arranged in the wall and adapted to be connected to fluid extraction units, at least two outlets, arranged in the wall and adapted to be connected to pumping units, and at least one flexible member, arranged in the first volume so as to divide the first volume into at least two secondary volumes, each secondary volume forming a channel between the at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the flexible member being configured to bend toward a secondary volume having a lower pressure.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for reducing pressure at an outflow of a duct such as the thoracic duct or the lymphatic duct. A catheter system can include a catheter shaft configured to be at least partially implantable within a patient's vein, a flexible membrane attached to the catheter shaft, the flexible membrane being a collapsible, tube-like member having a lumen extending therethrough, and a single selectively deployable restriction member formed over a portion of the flexible membrane at substantially a midpoint between a proximal end of the flexible membrane and a distal end of the flexible membrane, the restriction member being configured to control a size of the lumen so as to direct a controlled volume of fluid from an upstream side of the restriction member to a downstream side the restriction member.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes two blood pumps, which may be implanted into a patient. The blood pumps may comprise VAD pumps. Control devices and methods operate the pumps such that they can function as a total artificial heart.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a mechanical circulatory support system are disclosed herein. An implantable power supply can be part of a mechanical circulatory support system. The implantable power supply can include one or several energy storage components, a power source, a voltage converter, and an output bus. Power can be provided to the voltage converter from one or both of the power source and the first energy storage component. The voltage converter can convert the voltage of the power from a first voltage to a second voltage and can power the output bus.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for supplying power to a medical device employ self-charging serially-connectable portable batteries. A system includes a base module and external battery modules. The base module is operatively coupled with the medical device and includes a base module input connector. Each of the external battery modules includes one or more battery cells, an output connector, an input connector, and a controller. The output connector is configured to output electrical power from the external battery module. The input connector is configured to receive electrical power from another of the plurality of external battery modules. The controller is operatively coupled with the one or more battery cells, the output connector, and the input connector. The controller is configured to control distribution of electrical power received via the input connector to charge the one or more battery cells and/or to be output via the output connector.

Abstract: A device for extracorporeal blood treatment includes a balancing system and calculates an ultrafiltration volume (UFD) as a volume withdrawal on the basis of a pressure difference (?P) and a temperature difference (?T) at an inlet and an outlet of at least two balance chambers. To this end, pressure sensors are arranged directly behind an inlet and an outlet of the at least two balance chambers, respectively, and determine a fluid pressure at their respective position, and temperature sensors are arranged at inputs of the at least two balance chambers and determine a temperature in the inlet and the outlet of the balance chamber. The ultrafiltration volume (UDF) is calculated using the pressure difference (?P) established on the basis of fluid pressure values determined by the pressure sensors, and the temperature difference (?T) established on the basis of temperature values determined by the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A system for hemodialysis can include a first dialysis system and a second dialysis system configured to be used in alternate fashion to provide hemodialysis for a patient, wherein the first dialysis system is configured to be worn by the patient, and wherein the second dialysis system is configured to be positioned on a support independent of the patient. The first dialysis system can be configured to be coupled to a belt worn by the patient around a waist of the patient during its operation. The second dialysis system can configured to be coupled to a stationary support during its operation.

Abstract: The present specification provides a reservoir bag for containing a dialysate during a dialysis treatment. The bag has four walls and a membrane extending from a first wall to a second opposing wall which divides the bag into a first and a second sub-reservoir having changeable volumes. The maximum volume of each sub-reservoir is between 80 to 100% of the entire volume of the bag. The bag further includes at least an inlet and an outlet positioned in at least one of the walls for enabling fluid entry into and exit out of the first sub-reservoir and at least an inlet and an outlet positioned in at least one of the walls for enabling fluid entry into and exit out of the second sub-reservoir.

Abstract: A combination of an AV shunt for hemodialysis patients and a protective sleeve that protects the shunt and the shunt site. The sleeve includes a clear window and technology to monitor and detect a weakening pulse, allowing for early intervention before more serious problems develop.

Abstract: A control system controlling the blood flow rate in a blood supply system (1) in which a pump (18) transports blood from a reservoir (10) toward multiple outlets (30, 26, 26a) of which one or more outlets are openable to permit flow and closable to block flow, wherein the control system comprises a monitoring arrangement (22, 32, 32a) to determine the flow rate through a first outlet (30), and a controller responsive to the monitoring arrangement and controlling the pump (18) to maintain the flow rate through the first outlet (30) at a pre-determined level. This allows a flow rate through the first outlet to be maintained independently of any active blood diversions.

Abstract: The present application provides a self-powered drug-delivery device. The device includes a chamber having a wall. The chamber contains a fluid and is in connection with an administration means. The device also includes a displacement-generating battery cell. The device further includes an electrically-controlled battery unit, which includes the displacement-generating battery cell coupled to the chamber by a coupling means. The displacement-generating battery cell includes an element that changes shape as a result of charge or discharge of the battery cell so as to cause a displacement within the battery unit. The arrangement of the battery unit, the coupling means, the wall, the chamber, and the administration means is such that the displacement derived from the battery unit is conveyed by the coupling means to cause displacement of the wall of the chamber such that the fluid is expelled from the chamber to force a drug towards the administration means.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drug delivery device for dispensing of a liquid medicament, the device comprising: a housing to accommodate a cartridge filled with the medicament and having a piston slidably displaced inside the cartridge along an axial direction and sealing a proximal end of the cartridge, a drive mechanism having a piston rod extending along the axial direction and being at least displaceable from a proximal end position in distal direction to displace the piston in distal direction, at least one distal support facing in proximal direction to axially abut a distally facing support face of the cartridge, wherein an axial distance between the distal support and a distal end of the piston rod when in the proximal end position is smaller than an effective length of the cartridge, which effective length is determined as the axial distance between a proximal face of the piston and the distally facing support face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and products for demonstrating that intravenous access devices are substantially or completely void of residual drug products. The methods and products involve the use of colored liquids to allow the visual assessment of whether or not an intravenous device has been flushed.

Abstract: An infusion device (1) for acting onto a tube set (2) to transport a medical fluid through the tube set (2) comprises a first housing element (10) constituted to receive a tube section (200, 201) of the tube set (2) and a second housing element (11) being movable with respect to the first housing element (10) such that, in a closed position of the second housing element (11), the first housing element (10) and the second housing element (11) are constituted to receive the tube section (200, 201) in between each other. A sensor device (3) is arranged on the first housing element (10) and having a sensor element (30) for measuring a force on the tube section (200, 201) of the tube set (2). Herein it is provided that the sensor device (3) is arranged on the first housing element (10) in an elastically displaceable manner, wherein the sensor device (3) is supported on the first housing element (10) via at least one spring element (33).