Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel use of ultrafine nanoparticles as an imaging agent in a method for diagnosing a renal disorder. The invention also relates to the use of ultrafine nanoparticles as an imaging agent in methods for monitoring the therapeutic efficacy of a renal disorder treatment.

Abstract: A method of preparing a coated nanoparticle can include decomposing a compound to produce a nanoparticle, oxidizing the nanoparticle to produce an oxidized nanoparticle, and coating the oxidized nanoparticle with a zwitterionic ligand to produce the coated nanoparticle. The coated nanoparticle or the nanoparticle can be used in magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: The present application relates to compositions and methods for imaging and/or detecting tumors. In certain embodiments, the imaging and/or detection is targeted to tumor associated macrophages. In some embodiments, a mannosylated dextran construct is used to target and/or detect tumor associated macrophages. In some embodiments, the tumor may be one or more visceral tumors. In some embodiments, the detected and/or targeted tumor may be one or more metastatic tumors.

Abstract: A germicidal system for use in disinfecting a human interface device includes at least one human interface device. One or more ultra-violet (UV) light sources are used in proximity to the at least one human interface device for disinfecting a touch surface of the human interface device below a surgical grade sterilization. A memory for storing usage data of the at least one UV light source. At least one server is used for providing a central storage location for usage data supplied from the memory and a computer is used in communication with the at least one server for controlling the operational parameters of the at least one UV light source.

Abstract: Provided is a decontamination apparatus including a base, and a source that emits UVC light at a suitable intensity to at least partially decontaminate a target object and render the target object pathogen reduced. An adjustable support is coupled to the base and includes an adjustment mechanism that can be manipulated to adjust a position of the source relative to the base. A controller is operatively connected to the source to control emission of the UVC light and establish at least one of a suitable duration of a decontamination process and a suitable intensity of UVC light to render the target object pathogen reduced.

Abstract: A bag includes at least one panel, an emitter configured to provide a supply of neutralizer, and a gas distribution assembly coupled to the at least one panel. The at least one panel defines an enclosed volume configured to receive at least one item and an opening configured to at least selectively facilitate access to the enclosed volume. The gas distribution assembly defines a gas distribution volume extending along the at least one panel and a series of apertures. The apertures are positioned along a length of the gas distribution volume and configured to fluidly couple the gas distribution volume to the enclosed volume. The gas distribution volume is fluidly coupled to the emitter such that the neutralizer is configured to flow from the emitter, through the gas distribution volume, and into the enclosed volume.

Abstract: A luminaire for disinfecting a target surface includes a disinfecting light source, a non-disinfecting light source, a beam angle adjustor, a motion sensor, and a distance sensor. The radiance of the disinfecting light is calculated based on detected distance to a target surface and beam angle, and may be selected to achieve a predetermined irradiance of the target surface. If no motion is detected by the motion sensor then the disinfecting light source is set to ON and the non-disinfecting light source is set to OFF. If motion is detected and a beam intercept is not detected by the distance sensor then the disinfecting light source is set to DIM and the non-disinfecting light source is set to ON. If motion is detected and a beam intercept is detected then the disinfecting light source is set to OFF and the non-disinfecting light source is set to ON.

Abstract: The gel compositions as described herein, are less affected by changes in humidity, are readily formed into complex shapes, and can contain high loadings of the hydrophobic material, even when the material is not highly hydrophobic, and provide a more controlled release of the hydrophobic material. It is believed that the slow release is achieved by forming the gel to have a tight cross-linked network with small pore-size. The pore size is correlated to the average correlation length as measured using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS). By limiting the average correlation length to less than 8 nm, preferably from 0.3 nm to 8 nm, more preferably from 0.3 nm to 4 nm, a long lasting release of the hydrophobic material is achieved, rather than a blooming effect, whereby the hydrophobic material is released in a short burst.

Abstract: The gel compositions as described herein, are less affected by changes in humidity, are readily formed into complex shapes, and can contain high loadings of the hydrophobic material, even when the material is not highly hydrophobic, and provide a more controlled release of the hydrophobic material.

Abstract: A bottle essential oil diffuser includes a bottle having a bottle mouth, an essential oil substance contained in the bottle, a cap capped on the bottle mouth of the bottle and defining therein a top opening and a breathing film consisting of a fiber fixation layer and a microporous layer and bonded to the cap over the top opening for allowing generated aromatic molecular vapor to pass thereof and prohibiting the essential oil substance from flowing out of the top opening of the cap.

Abstract: An aroma diffuser with timed heating function includes a housing, a heat insulation tank mounted in the housing, a heat-transfer unit mounted in the tank heat insulation tank, a heater disposed in contact with the bottom side of the heat-transfer unit for heating a disposable aroma capsule, and a control circuit assembly mounted inside the housing and electrically coupled with the heater. The control circuit assembly includes a timing circuit adapted for cutting off power supply from the heater after a predetermined heating time is up and simultaneously turns on one light source to give a visual indication signal to the outside of the housing through an associated light guide column, indicating that the predetermined heating time of said heater is up. The timing circuit is also capable of memorizing the progressive total time length of multiple heating operations of the heater.

Abstract: A plug-in fragrance dispenser with timed heating function contains: a hollow case, a heat transmission unit, a heating element, a control circuit device, a temperature insulation seat, and a base. The hollow case includes a first opening and a second opening. The temperature insulation seat includes a first orifice and a second orifice, wherein the temperature insulation seat is accommodated in the first opening of the case. The base is housed in the second opening of the case and includes a plug unit. The heat transmission unit is accommodated in the first orifice of the temperature insulation seat. The heating element is mounted in the temperature insulation seat and contacts with a bottom of the heat transmission unit, and the control circuit device is coupled with the base and is electrically connected with the plug unit, wherein the heating element is electrically connected with the control circuit device.

Abstract: A floor processing device has a motor-driven floor processing element for processing a floor to be processed, wherein the floor processing element has a hollow space with a hollow space opening that joins the hollow space with the ambient air. A fragrance element is arranged in the hollow space.

Abstract: A fanless negative ionic wind aroma diffuser includes a housing, a control circuit board, an essential oil container, a heating member, and a negative ion generation module. The control circuit board, the essential oil container, the heating member, and the negative ion generation module are mounted in an accommodation space inside the housing. The control circuit board is electrically connected with an external power source for supplying the required power to the heating member and the negative ion generation module. When actuated, the negative ion generation module generates a negative ionic wind for blowing out fragrant particles produced by heating an essential oil in the essential oil container to be quickly diffused around the surrounding, without a fan. In addition, negative ions are beneficial to health.

Abstract: A suture that includes an exterior braid of more than 50% ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, defining a lumen having a lumen diameter. In addition, the suture material includes an interior core, comprised of fibers and having a diameter that is less than 55% of the diameter of said lumen, and wherein the interior core includes four or fewer fibers.

Abstract: Compositions useful as bone fillers or dental composites are provided which may include a sterilizing agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to devices (e.g., patches, plugs, beams, plates, screws, rods, granules, spacers, cages, discs, tape devices, or other shape determined by the geometry or anatomy of the site of application) and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Porous semi-permeable artificial self-attaching scab designed to protect the eroded or injured surfaces. It can be applied on any living being (including plants). The polymerized mesh of the scab is formed when applied on the injured area by a process in which the lysed cells release enzymes that catalyze the reaction. Under this protective surface, the growth of new normal cells that can breathe freely without drying up is promoted. As a result, loss of water, proteins and electrolytes can be avoided; infections can be prevented; and the use of dressing and gauze bandage can be eliminated since they harm the new skin removed. The aqueous thixotropic red-colored fluid applied by brushing or spraying was obtained as a result of the reaction occurred in the container by the combination of the following substances: azosulfamide 1% to 5%+gentian violet 0.004% to 0.007%+dexamethasone 0.001% to 0.003?%+pantothenyl alcohol 0.5% to 2%+gentamicin 0.03% to 0.06%.

Abstract: The invention shows possibilities which allow simplified production of implants or prostheses, specifically of dental implants or prostheses, by applying subtractive processes. For this purpose, the invention proposes the use of a precipitation-hardening or solid-solution-strengthening, biocompatible cobalt-based alloy for the production of blanks. Such blanks are provided in the soft state. Subsequently, each component (implant or prosthesis) is produced from the soft blank by means of material-removing machining. Subsequently, a heat-treatment of the implant or prosthesis then takes place to adjust the hardness thereof by means of precipitation hardening or solid-solution formation.

Abstract: A biodegradable magnesium alloy nerve conduit for nerve defect repair has multiple lines of through holes in the tube wall thereof, the through holes in each line are axially arranged along a circular tube at equal distances, and the through holes in adjacent lines are arranged in a staggered way. A method for preparing the nerve conduit includes steps of: (step 1) processing a 45-degree conical surface at one end of a magnesium alloy tube blank, carrying out extrusion, and obtaining a magnesium alloy intermediate tube material; (step 2) obtaining a capillary tube after carrying out multi-pass rolling and drawing on the magnesium alloy intermediate tube material; (step 3) carrying out stress relief annealing on the capillary tube, laser cutting and punching, and obtaining a porous conduit; and (step 4) carrying out acid pickling on the porous conduit, and then carrying out electrochemical polishing treatment, and obtaining the nerve conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the contacting of one or more surfaces of an implantable medical device with one or more diketopiperazines (DKPs).

Abstract: A solubilized notochordal cell matrix powder dissolved in a carrier solvent or formed as a gel is provided. The notochordal cell matrix powder originates from lyophilized and treated porcine nucleus pulposus tissue containing notochordal cells. The powder contains less than 20% of porcine nucleid acids, and the powder contains a substantially unchanged amount of porcine protein content compared to the originating porcine nucleus pulposus tissue. The solubilized notochordal cell matrix powder is capable of stimulating native or stem cells to proliferate and produce a significant increase inglycosaminoglycansand type-II collagen matrix. Embodiments of the invention can be used for the disc regenerative treatment of discogenic back and neck pain in an orthopaedic and/or pharmaceutical setting/approach.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a scaffold for tissue regeneration and methods for fabricating the scaffold. The scaffold includes a three-dimensional structure composed by alternating layers of various materials including a first medium, a second medium and a third medium. The first medium includes bone particles each having a size of 1 nm to 100 mm with or without organic components. The second medium is a natural or synthetic biocompatible and/or biodegradable polymer. The third medium is a material dissolved in a solvent different than the solvent of the polymer and includes solid particulates alone or in polymeric structures that dissolve when immersed in liquid or gaseous solvent environments or based on temperature differentials. The various materials are arranged according to the shape and the size of a bone gap being generated. The three-dimensional structure has a tunable porosity with interconnected channels and pores along with adjustable dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for repair and reconstruction of defects and injuries to the cornea.

Abstract: This invention relates to biodegradable implants comprising a hydrogel carrier matrix having dispersed therein a multitude of particles, wherein each of the multitude of particles and/or the hydrogel carrier matrix includes an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for the treatment of transected peripheral nerve injuries. Each of the multitude of particles and/or the hydrogel carrier matrix includes pristine polymer particles, preferably the pristine polymer particles may be polymethylmethacrylate polymers and derivatives thereof, preferably poly(methacrylic-co-methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The spheroidal particles may each be formed from an outer shell including a chitosan (CHT) poly(methacrylic-co-methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polyelectrolyte complex (CHT-PMMA-PEC) and an inner core including crosslinked chitosan having dispersed therein PMMA nanoparticles.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate and a hydrophilic polymer layer made of a hydrophilic polymer having a hydroxyl group. The hydrophilic polymer layer having a hydroxyl group is fixed to at least a part of a surface of the substrate and the hydrophilic polymer further has an amide group. A liquid film retention time of the device is 15 seconds or more. The device has a surface of a substrate which is hydrophilized. A method for producing the device by a simple method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A printed tissue construct comprises one or more tissue patterns, where each tissue pattern comprises a plurality of viable cells of one or more predetermined cell types. A network of vascular channels interpenetrates the one or more tissue patterns. An extracellular matrix composition at least partially surrounds the one or more tissue patterns and the network of vascular channels. A method of printing a tissue construct with embedded vasculature comprises depositing one or more cell-laden filaments, each comprising a plurality of viable cells, on a substrate to form one or more tissue patterns. Each of the one or more tissue patterns comprises one or more predetermined cell types. One or more sacrificial filaments, each comprising a fugitive ink, are deposited on the substrate to form a vascular pattern interpenetrating the one or more tissue patterns. The vascular pattern and the one or more tissue patterns are at least partially surrounded with an extracellular matrix composition.

Abstract: An absorbable iron-based alloy medical device implant, comprising an iron-based alloy substrate (11) and a degradable polymer (13) provided on a surface of an iron-based alloy substrate (11), and a zinc-containing protective member (12) provided on the surface of the iron-based alloy substrate (11). The zinc-containing protective member (12) is either a zinc compound or a mixture comprising the zinc compound and at least one of a phosphate-containing compound, a degradable binder, or a water-soluble binder. The weight ratio of the zinc compound in the mixture is ?20% and <100%. The zinc-containing protective member (12) can delay corrosion of the iron-based alloy substrate (11) during an early stage of medical device implantation. The iron-based alloy substrate (11) is essentially corrosion-free during the early stage of medical device implantation, and is therefore able to satisfy clinical requirements of mechanical performance during the early stage of medical device implantation.

Abstract: A medical device such as a stent (10) or medical balloon (40) is functionalised prior to coating with a bioactive material (54), specifically by acidification or basification the contact surface or surfaces (50) of the medical device. Functionalisation with subsequent coating of bioactive agent directly onto the functionalised surface provides a significantly more consistent and reliable coating of bioactive agent on a medical device without requiring containment or time release devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) are configured for sustained-release of anti-proliferative drug into the wall of a blood vessel (to prevent in-stent stenosis), and for sustained-release of leptin antagonist into the lumen to be carried by the blood and be uptaken by tissue cells that were subjected to IRI.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system, method, and apparatus for providing instillation therapy with a negative-pressure source is described. The apparatus includes a housing having an ambient chamber and a negative-pressure chamber fluidly isolated from each other. The apparatus also includes a moveable barrier disposed in the housing between the ambient chamber and the negative-pressure chamber. The moveable barrier is operable to move between a charge position and a discharge position in response to negative pressure. A fluid source is disposed in the negative-pressure chamber and is collapsible in response to movement of the moveable barrier to the discharge position. The apparatus also includes a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid source, a negative-pressure port in fluid communication with the negative-pressure chamber and configured to be coupled to a negative-pressure source, and a vent formed in the housing and fluidly coupled to the ambient chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying negative pressure to a wound site. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a source of negative pressure, a processing element, and a memory comprising instructions configured to, when executed on the processing element, cause the apparatus to attempt to generate, via the source of negative pressure, a desired negative pressure at the wound site. If the desired negative pressure has not been generated after a first predetermined period of time, the instructions cause the apparatus to: deactivate the source of negative pressure for a second predetermined period of time, and subsequently attempt to generate the desired negative pressure at the wound site.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for instilling fluid to a tissue site in a negative-pressure therapy environment are described. Illustrative embodiments may include a pneumatically-actuated instillation pump that can draw a solution from a solution source during a negative-pressure interval, and instill the solution to a dressing during a venting interval. A pneumatic actuator may be mechanically coupled to a disposable distribution system that can provide a fluid path between the solution source and a distribution component. A bacterial filter may be disposed in the fluid path between the actuator and the distribution component to prevent contamination of the actuator during operation. The distribution system may be separated from the actuator and disposed of after operation, and the actuator may be re-used.

Abstract: Provided are systems, dressings, and methods suitable for treating a tissue site, such as an incision or linear wound. The systems, dressings, and methods relate to a dressing assembly that may include a dressing bolster and a sealing ring. The sealing ring may be adapted to provide a fluid seal around the tissue site, and to absorb fluids from the tissue site. In some embodiments, the sealing ring may be extruded around the tissue site. In other embodiments, the sealing ring may be coupled to the dressing bolster. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved intravascular blood pump and related methods involving the broad inventive concept of equipping the intravascular blood pump with guiding features such that the intravascular blood pump can be selectively positioned at a predetermined location within the circulatory system of a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for extracorporeal blood treatment, especially for hemodialysis, wherein blood of a patient is flushed with a dialysate in a dialyzer and wherein a variable correlated with the plasma sodium concentration of the blood is measured. The composition of the dialysate then is adjusted in response to the variable measured so that the plasma sodium concentration of the blood at least at the end of the blood treatment has the same value as at the beginning. For measuring the variable correlated with the plasma sodium concentration of the blood, for example a bypass operation can be implemented in which the dialysate is guided past the dialyzer so that a residual volume on the side of the used dialysate at least partially adopts the concentration of the substances dissolved on the blood side.

Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments concern systems and methods of preparing dialysate for use in a home dialysis system that is compact and light-weight relative to existing systems and consumes relatively low amounts of energy. The method includes coupling a household water stream to a dialysis system; filtering the water stream; heating the water stream to at least about 138 degrees Celsius in a non-batch process to produce a heated water stream; maintaining the heated water stream at or above at least about 138 degrees Celsius for at least about two seconds; cooling the heated water stream to produce a cooled water stream; ultrafiltering the cooled water stream; and mixing dialysate components into the cooled water stream in a non-batch process.

Abstract: A device hereof includes a first volume for flow of a first fluid therethrough, a second volume for flow of a second fluid therethrough, a membrane separating the first volume from the second volume, which is permeable to transfer/exchange of at least one component between the first volume and the second volume and a drive system or actuator system to induce oscillation in the membrane.

Abstract: In some aspects, a dialysis machine support assembly includes a platform configured to support a dialysis machine and a drive assembly configured to move the platform vertically.

Abstract: A method that includes pumping medical fluid out of or drawing medical fluid into a chamber of a medical fluid cassette, calculating a theoretical volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber, and multiplying the theoretical volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber by a correction factor to determine a corrected volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood treatment device having at least one metering line which opens into a fluid circuit, wherein a conveyor module is arranged in the metering line and comprises a membrane pump and a valve which is arranged at the pressure side thereof and which can act both as a blocking valve and as a restricting valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out an extracorporeal blood treatment in which a substitution fluid is administered to the patient, wherein the apparatus comprises an extracorporeal blood circuit and a substitution line opening into the extracorporeal blood circuit, wherein the substitution line has a pump for conveying substitution fluid into the extracorporeal circuit, wherein at least two, and preferably more than two, containers for the provision of a substitution fluid are connected separately and at the intake side of the pump to the substitution line, and wherein at least one pressure valve is arranged between the pump and at least one of the containers, said pressure valve allowing a flow of substitution fluid to the pump on an exceeding of an opening pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blood treatment apparatus having of each at least one control device; one user interface; one receiving section for releasably receiving an organizer, wherein the organizer comprises components releasably connected thereto for the extracorporeal blood treatment options, in particular dialysis method being executable by the blood treatment apparatus, wherein the blood treatment apparatus comprises in particular in the area of its reception section or in the area corresponding thereto a device for the releasable fastening or fixing of the organizer (on) to the blood treatment apparatus and/or at least a device for acting on components of an organizer which is releasably received in or on the receiving section. Furthermore, an organizer is specified.

Abstract: A extracorporeal system for lung assist includes a housing, a blood flow inlet in fluid connection with the housing; a blood flow outlet in fluid connection with the housing; a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers adapted to permit diffusion of gas between blood and an interior of the hollow gas permeable fibers, the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers being positioned between the blood flow inlet and the blood flow outlet such that blood flows around the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers when flowing from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet; a gas inlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with inlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; a gas outlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with outlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; and at least one moving element to create velocity fields in blood flow contacting the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and administering an enema and vaginal cleaning includes a container with an opening and a port. A fitting is provided having a threaded portion, and a neck portion. A nut is configured to engage the threaded portion, with a first seal seated between the flange portion and the container, and a second seal seated between the nut and the container. A hose has a first end and a second end, with the first end coupled to the fitting adjacent the neck portion, and a tip has an insertion end for inserting into the hose. The tip is configured for emitting the fluid from the hose, as the liquid moves from the container, through the hose, and out of the tip under gravity.

Abstract: A portable medical apparatus for administering a fluid drug in doses, including a first housing including a reservoir unit with an outlet into a fluid path for conducting the drug, a second housing including a conveying unit for dispensing the drug from the reservoir unit in doses and a suitable controller for controlling the conveying unit, an adaptor including a coupling structure for receiving the first housing and the second housing and an attaching structure for extra-corporeally carrying the adaptor on a patient, wherein the conveying unit and the reservoir unit can be joined together to form an integrated mechanical and fluidic unit, and coupled to and decoupled from at least two differently configured adaptors, wherein at least one of the adaptors is configured to be directly attached to the surface of the skin and at least one of the adaptors is configured to be worn on or carried by an article of clothing or a wearing system (e.g., a belt).

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for intravenous delivery line organization. The apparatus includes a body and a retention channel that includes an open portion and at least one retention tab. The system includes a plurality of apparatuses, each apparatus including a body and a retention channel that includes an open portion and at least one retention tab. The method includes providing an apparatus that includes a body and a retention channel that includes an open portion and at least one retention tab; and placing an intravenous delivery line into the retention channel of the apparatus.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) pole assembly includes a non-conductive support element, distribution rails respectively disposed along a length of the non-conductive support element and a clamping element. The distribution rails are respectively configured for power distribution along the length of the non-conductive support element. The clamping element includes a hinged clamp, which is attachable to the non-conductive support element at an attachment point defined along the length of the non-conductive support element, and a connector by which power is selectively transmittable from the distribution rails to a powered device supportable on the hinged clamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wearable injection device (1) for subcutaneous injection of a therapeutic agent, wherein the dose is injected over a specified period of time after the device is activated.