Abstract: The exercise performance monitoring apparatus consists of gloves and shoes that have embedded pressure sensor arrays to measure pressure applied to them during exercise. The gloves and shoes send the pressure data using wireless RF transmitters to a central display control unit located on each glove. The gloves have color LED strips which change color depending on whether the gloves or shoes are measuring equal pressures. The glove displays the state of balance between the glove and shoe pressures using separate LED displays on each glove. The pressure balance is adjustable as well as the selection of colors to display. The user can at a glance see if he or she is in balance when performing the specific exercise by observing the color shown on the glove display. The glove display for either glove or shoe pressure will flash the color representing unbalanced pressures if the pressures are unbalanced on the glove having the highest or lowest pressure depending on user preference.

Abstract: An energy balancing system scales portion sizes of user-selected meal recipes to control a digital scale to prompt the user to measure scaled quantities of meal ingredients to prepare scaled meals. Physical activity tracking devices provide data to generate physical activity energy expenditures for energy burned by physical activity. The physical activity energy is added to a basal metabolic rate of energy expenditure that is a function of sex, weight, height, and age. The total energy expended are scaled down for a weight-loss goal to obtain the total recommended energy. A recipe portion-size optimizer adjusts scaling factors for each recipe so that the total recommended energy is met by the scaled meals. Amounts of nutrients for the recipes can also be scaled by the scaling factors to match recommended nutrient amounts when the meal recipe optimizer generates the scaling factors using an over-determined linear system optimizer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the non-invasive detection of certain breathing conditions, certain sleep disordered breathing conditions, or assessment of the person's myocardial contractility and its dynamic changes, comprising steps of: determining the sleep or wake status of a person, monitoring circulatory pulse waveforms and amplitude normalized pulse wave systolic upstrokes recorded from a person's body and determining at least one index of the upstroke to characterize the strength of the contraction of the heart during the systolic upstroke during a series of heart beats relating to a breathing cycle or an absent anticipated breathing cycle of the patient, and determining that a certain change in a breathing condition, a sleep disordered breathing condition, or assessment of the person's myocardial contractility and its dynamic changes, has occurred when a specific change in the sleep disordered breathing analysis, and the at least one index of the upstroke has been detected.

Abstract: A system for monitoring use of knee joint flexibility rehabilitation apparatus comprises a knee joint flexibility rehabilitation apparatus, a sensor and a monitor configured to receive and display a signal from the sensor

Abstract: A food purchase supporting system includes a wearable terminal device and an image forming apparatus. The wearable terminal device stores a measurement value with respect to an indicator for management of health of a user. The image forming apparatus includes a first communication device, an acquisition section, a determination section, and a generation section. The first communication device communicates with the wearable terminal device. The acquisition section acquires the measurement value from the wearable terminal device via the first communication device. The determination section determines a food ingredient recommended for the user to ingest based on the measurement value and a target value with respect to the indicator for the management of health of the user. The generation section generates a list of food recommended for the user to purchase based on the food ingredient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an instant messaging (IM) status of a user wearing a smart watch are disclosed. A computing device includes: a processor; a memory; and sensors including at least one biometric sensor, at least one location sensor, and at least one orientation sensor. The memory stores a status application that is executed by the processor and is configured to: obtain real time data from at least one of the sensors; determine an instant messaging (IM) status based on the real time data; and transmit the IM status to a server for providing to other IM users.

Abstract: Soft tissue (e.g., gingival) sensors for sensing one or more analytes from the soft tissue while being stably held in position against hard tissue, such as the teeth. Described herein are methods and apparatuses for stably holding a soft tissue sensor relative to the teeth so that the soft tissue sensor can sample, including continuously sample. In particular, described herein are methods and apparatuses for holding a sensor having one or more microneedles in position for sampling from the gingiva.

Abstract: An ear-worn device includes a speaker, an optical emitter, an optical detector, a processor, and a housing configured to be positioned within an ear of a subject, wherein the housing encloses the speaker, optical emitter, optical detector, and processor. The housing includes at least one window that exposes the optical emitter and optical detector to the ear of the subject, and the housing includes at least one aperture through which sound from the speaker can pass. Light transmissive material is located between the optical emitter and the at least one window and is configured to deliver light emitted from the optical emitter to an ear region of the subject at one or more predetermined locations. Light transmissive material is positioned between the optical detector and the at least one window and is configured to collect light external to the housing and deliver the collected light to the optical detector.

Abstract: Provided is a textile band for transmitting an electrical signal, which is stretched by applied tensile force to prevent damage thereto due to tensile force, and a smart wearable using the same. The textile band for transmitting the electrical signal includes yarns used as wefts, elastic threads used as warps, and a plurality of conductive yarns which are used as other warps and are disposed in a zigzag form to be stretched depending on stretching of the elastic yarns. The motion-sensing smart wearable includes an inner skin layer, to which the textile band is attached, a motion sensor module which is attached to the inner skin layer to sense a motion of the human body and transmit a sensed motion signal through the textile band, and an outer skin layer which is separably combined with the inner skin layer.

Abstract: A compact integrated patch may be used to collect physiological data. The patch may be wireless. The patch may be utilized in everyday life as well as in clinical environments. Data acquired by the patch and/or external devices may be interpreted and/or be utilized by healthcare professionals and/or computer algorithms (e.g., third party applications). Data acquired by the patch may be interpreted and be presented for viewing to healthcare professionals and/or ordinary users.

Abstract: A cardiac electrophysiology system including a means for identifying the source of an arrhythmia in the heart is disclosed. The disclosed system may be an electrocardiograph device and may generate an enhanced electrocardiogram (EKG) of a cardiac structure. The disclosed system may include a disclosed catheter inserted into a chamber of the cardiac structure. The disclosed catheter may include electrodes configured to measure an analog electrical signal of the electrical activity of the cardiac structure over time, and a transformer configured to remove a direct current (DC) offset of the analog electrical signal to generate an analog electrical signal centered at 0 volts (V), which may be sampled by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and gain adjusted to a maximum resolution of the ADC to produce an enhanced digital electrocardiogram (EKG) signal.

Abstract: A system measures performance activity of a user using a motion capture device, such as one or more knee sleeves each a plurality of inertial-measurement unit. Captured motion characteristic data is classified against previously captured data and then mapped to particular audio effects, which are then altered in different ways depending on the classification and provided the user. The audio feedback works to improve the user's performance of the activity by changing between negative and positive feedback depending on the user's performance. The system regularly measures the motion capture data, altering audio effects provided to the user, until the user reaches an improvement goal.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus for an imaging device having a table upon which a patient may rest. A first track portion has spaced lips defining a channel with a first longitudinal axis. The lips are separated at their terminal ends to define an elongated slot. A second track portion includes a panel attached to a rod. The rod has a second longitudinal axis and may be disposed in the channel of the first track portion with the first and second longitudinal axes substantially parallel and the panel disposed in the slot. The first track portion is thus longitudinally movable relative to the second track portion. One of the track portions may attach to the table and the other track portion may attach to a band for extending around the patient.

Abstract: An aperture comprises blocking members and for blocking X-rays. The blocking member has: an edge formed on an arc A1 lying on a circumference CF2 of a circle with radius r2 around a focal spot f in an XY-plane; an edge connected to one endpoint of the edge, the edge being formed to lie on the side of the X-ray detector with respect to an arc A11 contiguous to the arc A1; and an edge connected to the other endpoint of the edge, the edge being formed to lie on the side of the X-ray detector with respect to an arc A12 contiguous to the arc A1.

Abstract: A system for medical imaging during a surgical procedure. The system includes an adjustable stand. The system also includes a plurality of emitters coupled to the adjustable stand. The system also includes a receiver configured to capture radiant energy from the plurality of emitters. The system also includes a control unit configured to direct transmission of the radiant energy via the plurality of emitters. The system also includes a display. The system also includes an image processing device in communication with the control unit and the receiver. The image processing device is configured to determine one or more three-dimensional images that correspond to an anatomical structure of a patient based on the data derived from radiant energy captured by the receiver. The image processing device is further configured to provide instructions to display a plurality of images pertaining to the anatomical structure on the display.

Abstract: Systems are provided for a photomultiplier device. In one embodiment, a photomultiplier device includes a microcell including an active area coupled to a quenching resistor and a signal line coupled to the quenching resistor, the signal line including a first side surface, a second side surface, and a base, the first side surface and second side surface angled inward toward each other.

Abstract: A radiographic diagnosis apparatus according to a present embodiment includes: an X-ray source configured to generate an X-ray; an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-ray and to generate an electric signal according to the X-ray; and a collimator provided on an X-ray incident side of the X-ray source and the collimator including an absorption wall configured to absorb a scattered X-ray. The absorption wall includes absorption portions arranged along an incident direction of the X-ray. The absorption portions are arranged at unequal intervals along the incident direction.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed. The imaging system is operable to acquire and/or generate image data at positions relative to a subject. The imaging system includes a drive system configured to move the imaging system.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed. The imaging system is operable to acquire and/or generate image data at positions relative to a subject. The imaging system includes a drive system configured to move the imaging system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a driver, a supporter, and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube including a rotating anode. The driver rotates the rotating anode. The supporter supports the X-ray tube in an inclinable manner. The processing circuitry acquires information indicating an attitude of the supporter and controls the driver based on information indicating the acquired attitude.

Abstract: A source image distance (SID) adjustable X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus may include an arm including a first end and a second end, a first X-ray component arranged at the first end of the arm, and a second X-ray component arranged at the second end of the arm. The first X-ray component and the second X-ray component may be opposite to each other. The first X-ray component may be configured to generate X-rays or receive X-rays. The first end may include a first weight balancing mechanism. When the first X-ray component moves with respect to the first weight balancing mechanism, the SID of the X-ray imaging apparatus may change but the first weight balancing mechanism may maintain a center of gravity of the first end unchanged.

Abstract: A radiation suite includes a room having a floor, a ceiling, and one or more walls, a radiation system including a gantry enclosing a radiation source and a couch, and an image projection system operable to project an image on a projection surface on at least a portion of the gantry and/or the couch, providing a calming environment for a patient to relax. The image projection system comprises a computer and one or more projectors operably controlled by the computer. The computer comprises a mapping software operable to map an image file to the projection surface. The one or more projectors are operable to project the mapped image file on the projection surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are a computing system and method for identifying and visualizing a thrombosis. The method includes: registering an acquired computer tomography (CT) image of an examinee and a computer tomography angiography (CTA) image-based average standard model to each other; identifying a candidate blood vessel region from the CT image based on the results of the registration; acquiring a volume, selected by applying a threshold value for the brightness of the CT image to the candidate blood vessel region, as a first thrombosis candidate region; acquiring at least part of the first thrombosis candidate region as a second thrombosis candidate region based on the size information of the first thrombosis candidate region; and visualizing the second thrombosis candidate region by assigning a visual effect, adapted to distinguish the second thrombosis candidate region from the remaining portion of the CT image, to the second thrombosis candidate region.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating quantitative computed tomography (CT) angiographic images using imaging systems that acquire a set of projection views forming CT angiographic image data of a patient using a projection duration of less than 50 milliseconds. The method may include producing a composite image from the CT angiographic image data that indicates an attenuation value at each composite image pixel of the patient, backprojecting each projection view in the CT angiographic image data and weighting a value backprojected into at image pixel by an attenuation value of a corresponding pixel in the composite image and summing backprojected values for each image pixel to produce a CT image of the patient. The method may further include performing a scatter correction and determining at least one of a flow direction or a velocity of flow with a vessel in the patient to provide the quantitative CT angiographic images.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein determine an objective metric for analyzing health of a patient's liver. In some embodiments, the system may include a scanner that can detect radiation counts responsive to administration of radioactive compound to a patient. Further, the system may include an image detection module that can access image data responsive to the detected radiation counts by the scanner. The image detection module can programmatically identify a first region of interest corresponding to a liver of the patient from the image data. A parameter calculator module can programmatically determine a first attribute associated with the first region of interest and calculate a first parameter indicating health of the liver of the patient based at least in part on the first attribute associated with the first region of interest.

Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) imaging system has at least one processing unit configured to receive operator inputs that include a modified system feature and a clinical task having a task object and also receive operator inputs for determining a task-based image quality (IQ) metric. The task-based IQ metric represents a desired overall image quality of image data for performing the clinical task. The image data acquired using a reference system feature. The at least one processing unit is also configured to determine an exposure-control parameter based on the task object, the modified system feature, and the task-based IQ metric. The at least one processing unit is also configured to direct the x-ray source to generate the x-ray beam during the CT scan, wherein at least one of the tube current or the tube potential during the CT scan is a function of the exposure-control parameter.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for tracking and correcting X-ray focus positions in a computed tomography (CT) device. The device may include an X-ray tube, a collimator, and a detector. The collimator may include an opening, wherein the collimator has a width in a first direction and a length in a second direction. The opening may have an opening width in the width direction of the collimator, and an opening at at least one end of the collimator in the second direction may have an opening width smaller than that of an opening within the middle section of the collimator.

Abstract: An imaging system and detector for obtaining x-ray images of a region of interest (ROI) within an object is provided that does not require movement of the detector and/or object/patient for alignment with the x-ray source. The detector is formed with an array of detector elements disposed on a substrate that has an area larger than the area of the objects/patients to be imaged. In use, the object/patient is positioned between the x-ray source and the detector and the x-ray source is targeted at the ROI. The control mechanism determines the area of the detector aligned with the x-ray source and ROI and operates the selected detector elements in the area struck by the x-rays from the source passing through the ROI of the object/patient. The control mechanism receives image data from the area of the detector formed by the detector elements in order to form images of the ROI.

Abstract: A method for image correction in a mobile X-ray device includes obtaining an X-ray image corresponding to a region of interest, where the X-ray image includes a projection of the region of interest by an X-ray beam on a detector plane. The method further includes receiving a tilt parameter corresponding to the detector plane. Moreover, the method includes generating a corrected X-ray image based on the X-ray image and the tilt parameter using a perspective projection technique, where the corrected X-ray image corresponds to a projection of the region of interest on a corrected detector plane.

Abstract: A metallic diaphragm disk incorporating a piezoelectric material bonded thereto and operatively coupled to a base rim of a housing provides for closing an open-ended cavity at the first end of the housing. In one aspect, plastic film adhesively bonded to at least one of an outer rim of the housing or an outer-facing surface of the disk provides for receiving an adhesive acoustic interface material to provide for coupling the housing to the skin of a test subject. In another aspect, an outer-facing surface of a base portion of the housing provides for receiving an adhesive acoustic interface material to provide for coupling the housing to the skin of a test subject, at least one inertial mass is operatively coupled to a central portion of the metallic diaphragm disk, and the opening in the first end of the housing is closed with a cover.

Abstract: A method of determining a measure of wave speed or wave intensity in a fluid conduit comprises uses ultrasound measurements to determine the conduit diameter, as a function of time, at a longitudinal position of the conduit, and uses ultrasound measurements to determine fluid velocity, as a function of time, in a volume element at said longitudinal position of the conduit. The ultrasound measurement to determine fluid velocity is effected by tracking objects within the fluid flow in successive frames sampling the volume element, and obtaining displacement vectors for the objects. A wave speed may be determined from a ratio of the change in fluid velocity at the longitudinal position as a function of time and the change in a logarithmic function of the conduit diameter as a function of time. A measure of wave intensity may be determined as a function of change in determined conduit diameter and corresponding change in fluid velocity.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic system includes: an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of transducers and configured to obtain a plurality of pieces of ultrasound image data of a subject, the transducers being arranged in a first direction and configured to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject and receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the subject; a moving mechanism configured to move the ultrasonic probe in the first direction and in a second direction; and a controller including a processor configured to perform a process including, causing the moving mechanism to move the ultrasonic probe based on a position of a blood vessel in an ultrasound image, and generating blood vessel map data indicating information related to the blood vessel by referring to an image data storage in which the plurality of pieces of ultrasound image data are stored in association with respective amounts of movement in the first and second direction.

Abstract: This diagnostic imaging system is provided a control unit configured to associate an ultrasonic image capable of identifying a sampling position at the time of sampling a specimen from a subject among ultrasonic images captured by the ultrasonic imaging unit with information for identifying the specimen sampled from the subject.

Abstract: A sonar-based contactless monitoring system comprises a sonar system (308), a contactless sensing assembly (310), and a controller (302) configured to read out measurements transmitted by the sonar system and the contactless sensing assembly and calculate posture and activity of a subject. The sonar system may include a microphone (314) and a speaker (316), wherein the microphone is configured to sense a first acoustic signal in a frequency range associated with the sound and/or motion made by the subject, and a second acoustic signal in a frequency range associated with the reflection of an acoustic signal transmitted by the speaker. The contactless sensing assembly senses at least one of vital and environmental conditions, such as a heart rate, respiratory rate, activity, snoring, subject's position, and subject's movement, or noise level, weather condition, light exposure, time and radiation level.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer interface pad includes a substrate layer having a first surface and a second surface. A hydrophilic layer is formed on the first surface of the substrate. The hydrophilic layer is configured to be hydrated to provide an acoustic coupling between the ultrasound transducer and a patient during use.

Abstract: A portable ultrasonic diagnostic device, according to the present invention, comprises: a transducer for generating an ultrasonic pulse from an applied electrical pulse, irradiating the ultrasonic pulse to a subject to be diagnosed, and receiving an echo signal; and a main circuit unit for generating an electrical pulse which is to be applied to the transducer, generating scanline data from the echo signal, and transmitting to a portable terminal the scanline data or frame data which comprises a predetermined number of scanline data items, wherein the main circuit unit transmits the scanline data or the frame data, during the time other than the time in which the echo signal is received, and generates the electrical pulse during the time other than the time in which the scanline data or the frame data is transmitted.

Abstract: For measurement point determination in imaging with a medical scanner, the user selects a location on the image. Rather than using that location, an “intended” location corresponding to a local boundary or landmark represented in the image is identified. The medical scanner uses the simple user interface to more exactly determine points for measurement. One or more rays are cast from the user selected location. The actual location is found by examining data along the ray or rays. For 2D imaging, the rays are cast in the plane. For 3D imaging, the ray is cast along a view direction to find the depth. The intensities along the ray or around the ray are used to find the actual location, such as by application of a machine-learnt classifier to the limited region around the ray or by finding intensities along the ray relative to a threshold.

Abstract: A system may include an ultrasound probe and a controller unit configured to communicate with the ultrasound probe. The controller unit may be further configured to select an aiming mode for the ultrasound probe; select a first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; select at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; toggle between obtaining and displaying ultrasound images associated with the first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode and obtaining and displaying ultrasound images associated with the at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; receive a selection of a three-dimensional (3D) scan mode; and perform a 3D scan using the ultrasound probe, in response to receiving the selection of the 3D scan mode.

Abstract: To fasten the examination time in an Ultrasound system in a vascular Exam routine, it is desirable to: automatically position in the best way Color Doppler ROI and/or Sample Gate; select the best Color Doppler/Beamline Steering angle; and set the Doppler Correction angle. An algorithm is able to process in real time the Doppler Signal to identify the Doppler Area where the most significant flow is present then it analyzes the ‘Shape’ of such Color Doppler Area identifying the Position and direction of the “main” Flow. The vascular Examination routine can be made easier and faster.

Abstract: The present approach relates to extracting a heart cycle signal from ultrasound sequences (e.g., echocardiograms) without complex spatial image processing and without finding or assuming the knowledge of the position of heart reference points. The present heart cycle signal is computed by determining temporal changes in low-resolution versions of the echocardiographic frames, such as temporal information of the heartbeat.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope has an ultrasonic transducer array in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged; a backing material layer on a back side of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a wiring board including a plurality of electrode pads that are connected to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers; a plurality of shield cables each including a signal wire and a shield member, a wiring portion in which the plurality of signal wires are electrically connected to the plurality of electrode pads; a ground portion that is electrically connected to the shield members and that have heat conductivity; and a first heat conductive member that extends beyond the backing material layer to a side opposite to the ultrasonic transducer array with respect to the backing material layer and that is thermally connected to the ground portion.

Abstract: An method for labeling and sealing medical samples prevents tampering, saves time, and reduces user error in matching medical samples to patients. The label has two portions, one portion being detachable and each portion having a barcode containing the patient's information as well as areas for the patient's signature, and/or the label also acts as a tamper strip for the sample container, and/or the patient's information is embedded or pre-printed on the sample container, as well as a label to do the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rectal cleaning device and a method associated with the device. It consists of a unique wipe attached to the inside finger portion and/or palmar surface of a glove. The core component of the glove component, portion or part of the invention is nitrile, latex, vinyl or rubber, etc. However, the wipe component, portion or part is composed of a desired fiber. The wipe comes in wet and dry varieties. The modified glove with unique wipe (wet wipe) attached is placed on the dominant hand which is then followed by a wiping motion of the rectal area. The now soiled modified glove is removed from the hand by turning the glove inside out in the standard fashion and is appropriately discarded. A second modified glove can be employed as the first. Additionally, a third modified glove can also be applied as deemed necessary.

Abstract: A method of analyzing vaginal fluid includes collecting vaginal fluid in a vaginal fluid collecting system and transporting the collected vaginal fluid to a location for analysis. The analysis can be stored in and retrieved from a secure cloud storage data base.

Abstract: A biopsy tissue sample transport device and method of using thereof including a tissue storage assembly having a sample container, having a holding structure to hold a tissue sample, the holding structure having a sample access opening formed in a sidewall; a housing that receives the tissue storage assembly, the housing comprising an assembly insertion opening through which the tissue storage assembly is inserted into the housing; a sealing member configured to engage and substantially seal the sample access opening of the holding structure of the sample container of the tissue storage assembly; and a lid to engage and substantially seal the assembly insertion opening of the housing.

Abstract: A handheld biopsy device is provided which includes an elongate base having a slider movable relative thereto between a stowed condition and at least one operative condition. An elongate blade which is resiliently flexible in its length is secured between the base and the slider such that with the slider in the stowed condition the blade extends generally parallel to the base, and with the slider in the at least one operative condition the blade flexes away from the base into a bowed shape.

Abstract: A cooling device may be configured to cool a shape-memory alloy member. The cooling device may include: a cooling unit configured to cool the shape-memory alloy member or a part that is to make contact with the shape-memory alloy member; a refrigerant supply pipe including one end connected to a refrigerant supply source and other end connected to the cooling unit, the refrigerant supply pipe configured to supply a refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant supply source to the cooling unit; and a refrigerant discharge pipe including one end connected to the cooling unit, the refrigerant discharge pipe configured to discharge the refrigerant discharged from the cooling unit from other end of the refrigerant discharge pipe.

Abstract: Medical adhesive applicators are disclosed which allow medical adhesives to have long storage life and be easily dispensed in a controlled manner. In one embodiment, the applicator has a frangible glass vial with the medical adhesive. The frangible glass vial is held in a plastic enclosure with a dispensing tip. Attached to the plastic enclosure is a squeeze tube capable of imparting air pressure into the enclosure. To dispense medical adhesive quickly and with precision, one simply breaks the frangible glass vial and pushes on the squeeze tube. In another embodiment, the applicator has a proximal chamber containing medical adhesive, a distal chamber for dispensing medical adhesive and one or more rupturable membranes between them. To achieve long shelf life, the applicator chambers and membrane(s) are formed from fluorinated plastic. To dispense medical adhesive, one ruptures the membrane(s) and pushes on the sides of the proximal chamber.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing improved ultrasound visibility of medical devices intended for intravascular use are described. The inclusion of gas/solid boundary regions within a medical devices improves the resolution of the device under ultrasound visualization. Gas/solid boundary regions may be provided through the use of embedded gas-filled microlumens, microwells, or enclosed pockets within the medical device.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to tissue retraction devices and related delivery systems and methods.