Abstract: Various implementations disclosed herein include a method for aiding disinfection of a room. The method may include collecting, by one or more sensors in a disinfection system, activity data in the room. A computing device or output device may identify one or more hot spots from the activity data, in which the one or more hot spots indicate areas in the room for cleaning, and generate a contamination map containing the one or more hot spots. The output device may output the contamination map to an output device for viewing by a user.

Abstract: Provided is a decontamination apparatus that includes a motorized base with a transport system that is operable to autonomously move the decontamination apparatus. A plurality of UVC bulbs, each of which emits UVC light, are supported at a vertical elevation above the motorized base. A controller controls operation of the transport system to move the decontamination apparatus along a desired route while the UVC bulbs are energized during a decontamination process.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fluorescent marking compositions and their use to determine whether a surface has been cleaned. More particularly, the marking compositions comprise fluorescent polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air purification system (10) comprising an air purifier apparatus (50) for removing a pollutant from air, a sensor (21, 23) for sensing a concentration of the air pollutant and a scent release apparatus (40) responsive to a scent release signal, wherein the air purification system further comprises a processor (31) adapted to monitor the pollutant concentration from sensor data received from the sensor and to generate the scent release signal upon the monitored pollutant concentration falling below a defined threshold. Also disclosed is a method of generating a scented atmosphere in a room housing an air purification apparatus (50) for removing a pollutant from the air in the room.

Abstract: A device for the release, in particular for evaporation, of volatile substances such as fragrances or active substances, has a container for a substance to be released. At least one wick as a capillary element is in contact with the substance to be released and at least partially in the receptacle and has a substance release region. The wick, preferably its substance release region, is assigned a heating element, preferably an electrical heating element. The wick is assigned a squeezing device with a squeezing element, by which a squeezing region of the wick can be subjected to a squeezing force and/or can be compressed, in particular for a defined short period of time and/or temporarily. A defined amount of substance, in particular at least the substance collected in the squeezing region, can be conveyed with a boost in the direction of the substance release region.

Abstract: A device for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile substances such as fragrances and/or active agents, includes a container and a capillary element in contact with said substance to be dispensed that conveys said substance to at least one substance dispensing region by a capillary effect. At least one electrical heating element adjoins said at least one capillary element. An electrical connection element supplies said electrical heating element with electrical energy. The heating element is a constituent part of said container and said container can be releasably connected to said electrical connection element. An electrical contact device is provided for electrically connecting said heating element to said electrical connection element in a releasable manner.

Abstract: A device has a container for a substance to be dispensed. A wick as a capillary element in contact with the substance in the container and forms part of the container. The wick has a wick-side substance dispensing area. A heating element produces a substance air flow, which is enriched with substance and flows away from the device, by heating the wick-side substance dispensing area and a substantially substance-free hot air flow that flows away from the device and is warmer than the substance air flow, by heating the air surrounding the heating element. A flow-guiding and/or deflecting apparatus guides and/or deflects at least one of the air flows, preferably the substance-free hot air flow, such that the air flows hit each other, preferably at a defined angle of incidence, and form a common substance-and-hot-air flow flowing away from the device.

Abstract: A paper air freshener, that may be folded into a multi-layered freshener, and may have other layers of polymer, or the like, applied thereto, with the concept of layering said freshener after being saturated or having absorbed the fragrance material, at the various layer levels, provides for a more gradual and controlled release of the fragrance to the ambient air during usage. The layers of paper may be laminated, or may be folded integrally from a singular paper structure, and secured together by various connectors, in preparation for its usage and application. The other layer of polymer forming a seal layer, and being debossed to form a well, into which fragrance material may be applied, during the assembly of the paper air freshener.

Abstract: A personal air treatment device is used to treat air with UV irradiation and with scents. The scents may be used as an attractant or masking for hunting. Multiple devices may be controlled by a smartphone application to strategically alter scent dispersion according to local wind patterns, user location, and relative device location. Similar air treatment devices may be integrated with a particulate mask or used to otherwise treat the air around a user.

Abstract: A method of removing a liquid from a container (1) for accommodating an ophthalmic contact lens, in particular a soft contact lens, during transporting the container (1) from a liquid bath (13) to a subsequent processing station (14), the method including the steps of: transporting the container (1) from the liquid bath to the subsequent processing station, generating suction (20), and applying the suction (20) to a bottom (11) of the container (1) during the step of transporting the container (1) from the liquid bath to the subsequent processing station, thereby removing the liquid from the container (1).

Abstract: An adhesive bandage with nonprescription skincare medication includes a flexible strip, a pad retaining layer, a flexible pad, a nonprescription skincare medication, and a pull tab. The nonprescription skincare medication is infused into the flexible pad as the flexible pad is concentrically enclosed in between the flexible strip and the pad retaining layer. An outer edge of the pad retaining layer perimetrically connected a middle section of the flexible strip, wherein an inner edge of the pad retaining layer delineates an opening. The pull tab is hermetically attached to the pad retaining layer and encloses the opening so that the nonprescription skincare medication can be protected from drying out.

Abstract: A chromogenic absorbent material for detecting a detectable substance in a water-containing medium, such as animal urine, is provided. The detectable substance may be indicative of a disease or condition, and the water-containing medium may be an excretion, blood, plasma, an aqueous solution or a solid impregnated with an aqueous solution. The chromogenic absorbent material may include a trigger agent, a chromogenic indicator convertible into a chromogenically active substance in the presence of the trigger agent and the detectable substance, and an absorptive material which is porous, for absorbing the water-containing medium. The absorptive material may include a water-absorbing polysaccharide providing absorptive properties to the chromogenic absorbent material. The trigger agent, the chromogenic indicator and the detectable substance are preferably unreactive to the absorptive material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for applying an adhesive composition to the skin of a user and for removing the adhesive composition from the skin. The method includes the steps of providing an adhesive composition including a switchable adhesive; applying the adhesive composition to the skin; exposing the switchable adhesive to a first switch activator, thereby switching the switchable adhesive from an application state to a wear state; exposing the switchable adhesive to a second switch activator, thereby switching the switchable adhesive from the wear state to a removal state; and removing the adhesive composition from the skin of the user.

Abstract: Various compositions of matter, methods of making compositions of matter, and methods of using compositions of matter, e.g. for inducing hemostasis, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a starting fibrin material is subjected to controlled hydrolysis, desirably base-catalyzed, to prepare a fibrin hydrolysate material with increased water sorption capacity. Such fibrin hydrolysate materials, alone or combined with one or more additional substances, can be used in the preparation of hemostasis promoting foams, powders or gels. In some embodiments, a starting dialdehyde starch material is subjected to controlled hydrolysis to prepare a dialdehyde starch hydrolysate material. Such dialdehyde starch hydrolysate materials, alone or combined with one or more additional substances, in some cases combined with a fibrin hydrolysate material, can be used in the preparation of hemostasis promoting foams, powders or gels.

Abstract: A preparation at least useful as a bone implant, which contains a solid component including a lithium compound and a calcium compound. The preparation shows an anti-bacterial ability in comparison with a preparation contains the calcium compound but free of the lithium compound.

Abstract: A metal device that is at least partially formed of a novel alloy or composition.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for glass composites suitable for tissue augmentation, biomedical, and cosmetic applications are provided. The glass microsphere component of the composites are biologically inert, non-reactive and act as a nearly permanent tissue filler. One embodiment provides a tissue augmentation composite containing an effective amount of solid glass microspheres, hollow glass microspheres, porous wall hollow glass microspheres, or combinations thereof with a suitable biocompatible matrix to serve as a bulking agent when injected into a patient. The compositions can be used for soft or hard tissue augmentation as well as delivery of cargos on demand.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue regeneration construct having a good engraftment property and capable of promoting a stable and favorable regeneration to a target site, the tissue regeneration construct being a member to be applied to a target site for transplantation and regeneration to regenerate tissue, including a transplant body, and an engraftment layer arranged overlapping at least a part of an outer surface of the transplant body, wherein: the transplant body includes a support, cells for regenerating the tissue that are arranged at least either one of a space between the supports and a space formed by a pore inside the support, and a base material for retaining the cells; the base material of the engraftment layer is gelatinous; and the engraftment layer is a layer in which the support does not exist.

Abstract: A method comprising: coupling a foam to a vibrator, wherein (a)(i) the foam includes first and second cells that share a ring of struts that provide structural support for the first and second cells, and (a)(ii) a membrane directly contacts the ring of struts; coupling an array of needles to the foam; vibrating the foam with the vibrator; in response to vibrating the foam, (b)(i) contacting at least one of the needles against at least one of the struts, (b)(ii) decoupling the at least one needle from the at least one strut and then coupling the at least one needle to the membrane, and (b)(iii) puncturing the membrane with the at least one needle and then puncturing additional membranes, also included in the foam, with the at least one needle to form a contiguous path configured to allow fluid to flow through the reticulated membranes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to injectable compositions capable of forming a scaffold in situ at an intervertebral disc site, the composition comprising: (a) a biocompatible polymer; and (b) a biocompatible solvent system in sufficient amount to solubilize the biocompatible polymer in sufficient degree to allow injectable delivery to a disc site.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a polyelectrolyte coating comprising at least one polycationic layer consisting of at least one polycation consisting of n repetitive units having the formula (1) and at least one polyanionic layer consisting of hyaluronic acid. The polyelectrolyte coating has a biocidal activity and the invention thus further refers to the use of said polyelectrolyte coating for producing a device, in particular a bacteriostatic medical device, more particularly an implantable device, comprising said polyelectrolyte coating, and a method for preparing said device and a kit.

Abstract: Tissue product compositions and methods for treating a patient are provided. The tissue product composition may include a flowable carrier including a hyaluronic acid based material and acellular tissue matrix particles mixed within the carrier. Methods of producing the tissue product composition and an injection device filled with the tissue product composition are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of enhancing wound healing using silk-derived proteins (SDP), including low molecular weight SDP fragments. Also described are compositions for the treatment of wounds, including corneal wounds, skin wounds, surgical incisions, burns, and skin ulcers, comprising SDP fragments, including low molecular weight SDP fragments.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis. More specifically, a drug-eluting scaffold is implanted in the middle meatus to treat chronic sinusitis for weeks to months.

Abstract: An implantable medical product and method of use for substantially reducing or eliminating harsh biological responses associated with conventionally implanted medical devices, including inflammation, infection and thrombogenesis, when implanted in in a body of a warm blooded mammal. The bioremodelable pouch structure is configured and sized to receive, encase and retain an electrical medical device therein and to allow such device to be inserted into the internal region or cavity of the pouch structure; with the pouch structure formed from either: (a) first and second sheets, or (b) a single sheet having first and second sheet portions. After receiving the electrical device, the edges around the opening are closed by suturing or stapling. The medical device encased by the bioremodelable pouch structure effectively improves biological functions by promoting tissue regeneration, modulated healing of adjacent tissue or growth of new tissue when implanted in the body of the mammal.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed herein that includes isolated ECM-derived nanovesicles and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods are producing the ECM-derived nanovesicles are also disclosed. These ECM-derived nanovesicles can be included in pharmaceutical compositions, bioscaffolds, and devices. Methods for using these ECM-derived nanovesicles are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing a polymeric scaffold for use in tissue engineering applications or soft tissue surgery, as wellto the produced scaffolds and an associated kit. The method features a first fast drying step of applying a as mechanical compression on a polymeric gel layer and a second slow drying step of the gel up to reach a polymer mass fraction of at least 60% w/w in the final scaffold. The method allows the production of scaffolds with high regeneration and healing properties of a grafted tissue via host cell invasion and colonization, and a good suturability. These goals are achieved through the formation within the scaffold of a non-uniform architecture creating softer and stiffer areas, which is maintained even upon re-swelling of the scaffold upon hydration of the final dried product.

Abstract: Decellularized plant tissues and the use of these plant tissues as scaffolds are disclosed herein. Particularly, decellularized plant tissues are functionalized such to allow for human cell adhesion, thereby allowing for their use as scaffolds for human cells. These scaffolds can then be used in a number of applications/markets, including as research tools for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and basic cellular biology.

Abstract: This invention provides cross-linked dermal scaffolds, dermal replacements and methods for making the same in which particles or granules of biological tissue are cross-linked with quercetin and/or genipin. The cross-linked tissue is prepared by decellularising biological tissue and cross-linking the biological tissue with quercetin and/or genipin, with the tissue being grown into particles or granules either before or after cross-linking.

Abstract: Methods of preparing biological tissue for bioprosthetic valves include providing fresh biological tissue; treating the tissue with an aqueous cellulose solution for a time sufficient to allow the fluid in the tissue to be replaced by the aqueous cellulose solution; and cross-linking the tissue, wherein the treating step is performed prior to, during, after, or both prior to and after the cross-linking step. The methods may include storing the cellulose-treated and cross-linked tissue in an aqueous solution; or drying the cellulose-treated and cross-linked tissue by a vacuum-drying or lyophilization process, and storing the dried tissue in a dry, ambient environment. The treated tissue may be in the form of a tissue component for a bioprosthetic valve, a valve assembly for a bioprosthetic valve or a fully assembled bioprosthetic valve incorporating the tissue.

Abstract: Provided are synthetic bone graft substitutes that include bioactive glass and a carrier. Synthetic bone graft substitutes may include bioactive glass, glycerol and polyethylene glycol. Also provided are bone graft substitutes that include collagen and bioactive glass particles. Example bone graft substitutes may include collagen and bioactive glass particles. Other example embodiments may include Type I Bovine Collagen, an angiogenic agent, such as hyaluronic acid, and bioactive glass. Further provided are methods that include administering the present bone graft substitutes to a mammal, e.g., by surgical insertion of the bone graft substitute into the mammal, either alone or in conjunction with one or more implant devices. Further provided are kits that include the present bone grafts.

Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for stimulating collagen synthesis, cosmetic enhancement of soft tissue and/or inhibiting or treating scarring comprising administering a composition to an area to be treated within a soft tissue, wherein the composition comprises a tissue filler medium and a fluorophore; and illuminating the area with light having a wavelength which can be absorbed by the fluorophore.

Abstract: A layer having individual elements made of an elastic material, with the length thereof exceeding the diameter thereof, which are secured on a carrier at a distance to one another, wherein the elements can be moved towards and away from one another, the elements can contact when moving towards one another, the outer surfaces of the elements provided with a surface modification, and the surface modification containing substances that can form reversible, non-covalent bonds. Also, a method for producing the layer, and the use of the layer.

Abstract: A combined treatment for nerve injury is provided. Accordingly there is provided a composition comprising a hyaluronic acid, a laminin polypeptide, an antioxidant and an anti-gliotic agent. Also provided are matrices and hydrogels of the composition and methods of using same.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a porous gelatin sheet having cell proliferation properties; a porous gelatin sheet having cell proliferation properties; and use thereof. According to the present invention, there is provides a method for producing a porous gelatin sheet that includes chambers, in which at least half of the chambers are spherical, and/or at least half of the chambers have a diameter that is within ±30% of an average chamber diameter, and the chambers have an average diameter of less than 100 ?m.

Abstract: A composite comprising: a barrier, said barrier being configured to selectively pass water, and said barrier being degradable in the presence of water; a matrix material for disposition within said barrier, wherein said matrix material has a flowable state and a set state, and wherein said matrix material is degradable in the presence of water; and at least one reinforcing element for disposition within said barrier and integration with said matrix material, wherein said at least one reinforcing element is degradable in the presence of water, and further wherein, upon the degradation of said at least one reinforcing element in the presence of water, provides an agent for modulating the degradation rate of said matrix material in the presence of water.

Abstract: Polymer devices are disclosed with microstructured surfaces that modify their absorption pathway. Polymers which generally degrade in water by fracturing into high surface energy fragments, are modified to degrade in vivo without the formation of sharp fragments. Devices are disclosed that possess improved handling characteristics and degrade in an aqueous environment in a uniform and continuous way that favors the formation of soluble monomers rather than solid particulate. Absorbable medical implants with the disclosed surface modifications are more biocompatible, with reduced foreign body response, and dissolution into metabolizable molecular species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soluble microneedle and, more particularly, to a microneedle and a microneedle patch comprising the same, wherein the microneedle is used to perforate skin, and the microneedle, when inserted through the perforated skin, is then dissolved, thereby administering the target material from inside the microneedle into the skin. The microneedle according to the present invention, when used, has appropriate levels of mechanical strength, viscosity, and hardness and can be easily inserted into skin without undergoing shape change, for example, bending or breaking, thereby enabling efficient skin perforation. In addition, as the microneedle according to the present invention is dissolved through the perforated skin, the target material penetrates the skin at an excellent ratio. Accordingly, there is no need to apply strong force, and the target material can be effectively delivered into the skin regardless of which part of the microneedle contains the target material.

Abstract: A drug-eluting product is disclosed comprising an at least partially bioabsorbable element and an active pharmaceutical agent having a morphology, a solubility, and an average particle size which are selected so that the active pharmaceutical agent continues to dissolve during the biodegradation of the bioabsorbable element. The morphology is a crystalline, semi-crystalline or amorphous morphology, the solubility is less than 100 ?g/ml and the average particle size is grater that about 100 nm.

Abstract: A stent for the controlled release of at least two active principles having anti-proliferative activity and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively, with different release kinetic profiles from each other.

Abstract: Polymer compositions having the following chemical structure: wherein L1 represents a polymeric linker having the structure shown connecting ethylene oxide oligomers and their use in surgical devices containing the above composition is also described.

Abstract: A biosorbable magnetisable endoprosthesis, may be useful in the therapy of restenosis. A method for the treatment of prevention of restenosis or a disease of the coronary artery, comprises fitting a patent with an endoprosthesis according to the invention, which has either been magnetized prior to placement in the body or which is magnetized in situ, and administering to the patient magnetized cells capable of repairing an artery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials vessel graft systems used in cardiovascular applications and other medical applications, the components utilized in the vessel graft systems and the methods of making and using such systems. More specifically the present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials vessel graft systems used in various medical applications and/or the devices used in such vessel graft systems including, but not limited to, vessel grafts as drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, protein biomaterial sutures and biomeshes, protein biomaterial adhesives and glues, and other biocompatible biocoacervate or biomaterial devices used in the vessel graft systems of the present invention.

Abstract: Devices, methods and compositions for treating cardiovascular disorders are configured for sustained-release of leptin antagonist into a blood vessel in order to down-regulate an expression or activity of leptin in a cardiovascular tissue that is affected by a disorder.

Abstract: A catheter for treatment of a defect internal of a human or animal body. The catheter may comprise a tube adapted for insertion into the body; an applicator disposed within and moveable relative to the tube; and a porous medium attached to the applicator; wherein the porous medium is capable of fitting inside the tube, whereby the applicator can be controlled at a proximal end of the tube to deploy the porous medium from a distal end of the tube so as to treat the defect.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for filtering and surgical procedures. An exemplary apparatus includes an evacuation tube having a filter, a long axis and a hollow conduit extending through the long axis, the hollow conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, the filter located within the hollow conduit operable to remove particles from a flow passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet to the tube outlet.

Abstract: A method of managing a medical suction device through a network may be embodied by the management server through the steps of: storing operation information of at least one medical suction device in a storage unit provided in the management server, generating an operation start determination reference value of the medical suction device based on the operation information, receiving information on conditions of a patient from a medical suction device installed at an outside, and determining whether to start an operation of the medical suction device that has transmitted the information on conditions of the patient based on the operation start determination reference value and the information on conditions of the patient.

Abstract: A cleaning catheter insertable into a ventilation tube and an input module are provided, the input module coupled to the cleaning catheter and including (i) an inflation module, including an inflation chamber and a one-way air inlet valve; (ii) a flow regulator operable to assume first and second fluid-control states; and (iii) a mechanical user control element operable (a) to mechanically and non-electrically set the fluid-control states, (b) to assume first and second configurations, and (c) to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in an interior of an inflation chamber of the cleaning catheter during a transition of the mechanical user control element from the first configuration to the second configuration. The one-way air inlet valve is arranged to allow air to flow into the inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanical user control element from the second configuration to the first configuration.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing negative pressure to a tissue site are disclosed. Illustrative embodiments may include an apparatus or system for delivering negative-pressure to a tissue site, which can be used in conjunction with low-profile distribution components for wound therapy. Such apparatus may include a low-profile dressing interface or connector comprising at least two side-by-side fluid pathways fluidly coupled to a recessed space of the connector, one for providing negative pressure to a tissue interface or manifold and the other for sensing the negative pressure within the recessed space adjacent the tissue interface. In some embodiments, for example, the apparatus may comprise a first layer of polymeric film having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a plurality of features extending from the inner surface, and a second layer of polymeric film coupled to the first layer.