Abstract: The gel composition according to the present invention comprises an amphiphilic block polymer that comprises a hydrophilic block chain having 20 or more sarcosine units and a hydrophobic block chain having 10 or more lactate units. The gel composition of the present invention has an excellent sustained releasability of a water-soluble drug, etc. and places a reduced burden on the living body. The gel composition may be provided in the form of an organogel, hydrogel or xerogel. A xerogel can be obtained by removing a dispersion medium from an organogel. A hydrogel can be obtained by wetting a xerogel with water or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cationic nucleic acid scavengers to effectively inhibit the activation of multiple nucleic acid sensing pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to treat an inflammatory or immune response which is induced by a nucleic acid through the activation of the PRRs. The cationic nucleic acid scavengers include water soluble cationic polymers, cationic nanoparticles, and cationic micro-particles, and bind the nucleic acid in a manner that is independent of the sequences, structure or chemistry of the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Compositions are provided, the compositions comprising: (1) a nanoparticle; (2) optionally, a linker and/or masking agent; and (3) a ligand configured to activate peri-tumoral cells to induce scarring by the peri-tumoral cells. In some aspects, administration of the compositions to a subject may generate an environment capable of walling-off and containing invasive tumors.

Abstract: Provided herein are a polymer, a polyplex, and a method of treating a disease. The polymer includes a core-forming block and a zwitterionic corona block. The polyplex includes the polymer complexed with an active agent. The method of treating a disease comprises administering the polyplex to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for activating naïve T cells in vivo. For example, methods of activating naïve T cells in vivo to treat cancer are provided.

Abstract: Provided are ex vivo and in vivo methods utilizing therapeutic genes for treatment of male and female infertility, including non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and comorbid diseases, with or without transmitting the therapeutic gene to offspring of the infertile subject. Germline gene therapy methods are also described to reduce or eliminate disease from families with or without transmission of the therapeutic gene to offspring.

Abstract: Compounds, systems, and methods are provided for the design and assembly of a non-invasive, analyte sensing dressing. The dressing can be therapeutic. The dressing includes a sensor and a matrix. The sensor is capable of detecting analytes such as molecular oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitric oxides, dissolved analytes in plasma, and hydrogen ions. The matrix is at least partially permeable to the analyte. The device emits a detectable signal when the sensor is excited in the presence of the analyte. In one version of the dressing, the sensor includes a meso-unsubstituted metallated porphyrin that is sensitive towards oxygen. The metallated porphyrin can be excited when illuminated at a first wavelength, followed by emission of phosphorescence at a second wavelength whose intensity can be used as an indicator for oxygen concentration.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a competitive glucose binding affinity assay comprising a glucose receptor (typically mannan binding lectin) labeled with an assay fluorophore and a modified glucose analog (typically dextran) labeled with a reference fluorophore. In certain embodiments, the glucose analog is dextran and is coupled to both a reference fluorophore and a quencher dye (e.g. hexamethoxy crystalviolet-1). Optionally the reference fluorophore is blue shifted relative to the assay fluorophore.

Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide an anti-human MUC1 antibody Fab fragment that is expected to be useful in the diagnosis and/or treatment of a cancer, particularly, the diagnosis and/or treatment of breast cancer or bladder cancer, and a diagnosis approach and/or a treatment approach using a conjugate comprising the Fab fragment. The solution is an anti-human MUC1 antibody Fab fragment comprising a heavy chain fragment comprising a heavy chain variable region consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 8 or 10, and a light chain comprising a light chain variable region consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 12, and a conjugate comprising the Fab fragment.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a medical image indicator. More particularly, it concerns the multipurpose medical image indicator including more than one of fluorophores and MRI contrast agent/CT contrast agent and method for manufacturing same. Responding to a demand for non-invasive and effective way of marking lesions, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing the multipurpose medical image indicator including a provision of rubber material fluid composition; a mixing of the rubber material fluid composition and fluorophores; and a transfiguring and drying of the mixture and the multipurpose medical image indicator manufactured according to the method. Further, the present disclosure provides a ligation device for endoscope including the multipurpose medical image indicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging, in which the contrast agent comprises: a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles, wherein each magnetic nanoparticle comprises a core covered at least in part with a layer of metal, wherein the core and the layer of metal are comprised of different materials; and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for identifying and/or distinguishing UCA formulations and specifically activating such formulations to produce UCA suitable for in vivo use.

Abstract: The application relates to a compound with the following formula (I): its preparation method, its synthesis intermediates and its uses as an imaging agent of hypoxia.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-armed high MW polymers containing hydrophilic groups and one or more functional agents, and methods of preparing such polymers.

Abstract: A sterilization system having a controllable non-ionizing microwave radiation source for providing microwave energy for combining with a gas to produce atmospheric low temperature plasma for sterilizing biological tissue surfaces or the like. A plasma generating region may be contained in a hand held plasma applicator. The system may include an impedance adjustor e.g. integrated in the plasma applicator arranged to set a plasma strike condition and plasma sustain condition. The gas and microwave energy may be transported to a plasma generating region along an integrated cable assembly. The Integrated cable assembly may provide a two way gas flow arrangement to permit residual gas to be removed from the surface. Invasive surface plasma treatment is therefore possible. The plasma applicator may have multiple plasma emitters to produce a line or blanket of plasma.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a white light emitting device including a first light emitting diode and a wavelength converter including wavelength conversion substances to convert light of the first light emitting diode, and a second light emitting diode emitting light suitable for sterilizing at least one pathogenic microorganism, in which the first and second light emitting diodes emit light having a central wavelength in a range of about 300 nm to about 420 nm, and in a range of about 400 nm to about 420 nm, respectively, the lighting apparatus emits light generated in the white light emitting device and the second light emitting diode to the outside, and, in irradiance spectrum of the white light, an irradiance at the central wavelength of light emitted from the first light emitting diode is less than that at a peak wavelength of blue light emitted from a blue wavelength conversion substance.

Abstract: An analyzer that has a simple configuration, that is inexpensive, that can improve safety, and that can inhibit proliferation of microorganisms using ultraviolet light is realized. A first electric power switch, a second electric power switch, and a third electric power switch are connected in series between an ultraviolet LED that irradiates an interior of a shared reagent storage container with ultraviolet light and a power supply that supplies electric power to the ultraviolet LED. The first electric power switch, the second electric power switch, and the third electric power switch are configured with two contact points and a connection section that connects and disconnects the two contact points. The first electric power switch is opened when a reagent storage door is opened, and the second electric power switch is opened in response to an action of extracting an ultraviolet irradiation section from a shared reagent storage container.

Abstract: A cleaner for a bed includes a cleaning body provided to be movable forward or backward with respect to a surface of a mattress of the bed to suck foreign matter from the mattress, and thus the mattress may be easily cleaned.

Abstract: To provide a light source module device capable of controlling the light distribution of ultraviolet light with a small and simple structure. A light source module device 7 includes a substrate 4, a light source 3 mounted on the substrate 4 and emitting ultraviolet light, a reflector 8 mounted on the substrate 4 so as to surround the light source 3 and reflecting the ultraviolet light by its inner surface to guide the ultraviolet light toward an irradiation target, and a cap-like optical member 9 mounted so as to cover the outer circumference of the reflector 8 and condensing or diffusing the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: UV hard-surface disinfection system that is able to disinfect the hard surfaces in a room, while minimizing missed areas due to shadows by providing multiple UV light towers that can be placed in several areas of a room such that shadowed areas are eliminated and that can be transported by a cart that is low to the ground such that the towers may be loaded and unloaded easily by a single operator. The system is able to be controlled remotely, such that during activation of the system, no operator is present, and to automatically cut power to all towers in the event that a person enters the room.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to devices, methods and systems for cleaning, disinfecting and/or sterilizing a medical device, medical hoses and tubes and accessories thereof with ozone gas, in particular the disclosure relates to devices, methods and systems with multiple receptacles for providing closed-loop fluid pathways to distribute ozone gas to inner passageways and the outer compartments of medical devices. The devices in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure have two or more receptacles for distributing ozone gas, a gas-tight compartment, an ozone operating system, and one or more connector units configured to fluidly migrate ozone in closed-loop treatment systems.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a device and method for sanitizing a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and a device for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The device has an ozone compartment, an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distribute ozone to a continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may further include a heater adapter unit to connect heating systems in CPAP devices while distributing ozone to sanitize the CPAP device in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: There is provided a safety cabinet in which a good operability is attained and it is possible to secure a sterility assurance level. There is provided a safety cabinet including an operation chamber, a front door that covers part of an opening of a front surface of the operation chamber, an operation opening below the front door, into which an operator can insert an hand and perform an operation, and a front slit, which takes in air inside the operation chamber and air in a room through the operation opening, on a front surface side of a lower portion of the operation chamber, the cabinet including sterilization gas generating means; and sealing means for sealing the operation opening during a sterilization operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus that has a convenient and effective method of cleaning internal conduits inside the apparatus. The breathing assistance apparatus is preferably a gases supply and humidification device. The cleaning method is a method of disinfection that is automated so minimal training is required to disinfect in particular an internal elbow conduit within the device. It is therefore not necessary to dismantle the gases supply and humidification device, therefore, inadvertent damage to the internal parts of the device is avoided. The present invention also provides a method of disinfecting a heated breathing conduit and a patient interface.

Abstract: A modified liquid electrical vaporiser is disclosed with a modified chimney that provides enhanced distribution of actives.

Abstract: An aroma diffuser includes a housing, a burner, a thermal conducting device and a hollow annular fragrance capsule. The burner and the thermal conducting device are combined in the housing. The thermal radiation of the thermal conducting device can be continuously and effectively transmitted to the donut-shaped fragrance capsule and the fragrance substance to quickly produce a stable aroma. The fragrance capsule is provided with a breathable film that prevents the fragrance substance from flowing to the outside of the fragrance capsule to contaminate the burner or the surroundings. The breathable film is formed of a fixing film and a microporous film. The fixing film combined with the microporous film is not deformed or ugly when heated, and the aroma can be diffused outward from the breathable film. The fragrance substance can be quickly replaced with another fragrance capsule after use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scent diffuser (1) comprising a housing (2) having openwork parts (5), a substrate (6) housed inside the housing (2) and in which a fragrant substance or composition is adsorbed or absorbed, and means (7) for keeping the substrate (6) inside the housing (2). The housing (2) comprises a bottom (3) and a cover (4), one of the openwork parts (5) of the housing (2) is formed in the bottom (3) and the other is formed in the cover (4) of the housing (2), the substrate (6) is a block (61) provided with through-openings (62) through which an air flow that passes through the housing (2) is able to pass, and the means (7) for keeping the substrate (6) inside the housing (2) comprise first holding means (711, 712) made in one piece with the housing (2) and second holding means (721, 722) made in one piece with the substrate (6).

Abstract: A system for releasing flavor comprises: a plurality of compartments adapted to receive a respective plurality of capsules, each capsule containing therein a flavor material; a dispenser system configured for dispensing into an environment a fluid obtained from at least one flavor material; and a controller configured for automatically selecting a dispensing protocol, for signaling the dispenser system to dispense fluids obtained from at least one flavor material contained in at least one capsule of the compartments, and for automatically re-executing the selecting and the signaling, according to a shuffle protocol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device releasing substances in a controllable and changing way, particularly the present invention relates to the configuration of such a device (1) and the inner portion (2) of such device and to the use of such device to provide the release of the substances to the surrounding environment in a targeted way.

Abstract: A new diffuser for essential oils and the like is rendered more compact by integrating the entire diffuser into a form of cap threaded to fit a bottle operating as a reservoir. The motor and pump system are integrated into a package sleeved inside a housing that then receives in a silo beside the pump and motor the entire reservoir and diffuser system. Simplified control algorithms provide a limited set of buttons that are more intuitive by which a user need only define total time of operation, some level of intensity of scent, and an indication of the comparative size of the space to be conditioned by the diffused scent.

Abstract: Contact lens treatment systems and methods for disinfecting contact lenses are described. These systems and methods utilize a coated catalytic disc, which contains a support disc and a manganese oxide present on at least a portion of the support disc. The coated catalytic disc contains 300 ?g to 1800 ?g of manganese, often in the form of manganese dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to agents and devices for promoting hemostasis and tissue sealing and, more particularly, to hemostatic pads comprising bioabsorbable scaffolds that can deliver lyophilized hemostasis promoting proteins, such as fibrinogen and thrombin, to a wound site or injured organ or tissue.

Abstract: Novel, lubricious coatings for medical devices are disclosed. The coatings provide improved lubricity and durability and are readily applied in coating processes a low temperatures that do not deform the device. The present invention is also directed to a novel platinum catalyst for use in such coatings. The catalyst provides for rapid curing, while inhibiting cross-linking at ambient temperatures, thereby improving the production pot life of the coatings.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a hyaluronate-coated high-functional suture and a high-functional suture manufactured thereby, and more particularly to a method of manufacturing a high-functional suture and a high-functional suture manufactured thereby, wherein a suture for internal and external surgery derived from a conventional chemical synthetic material is coated with a hyaluronate as a biocompatible material, thus improving biocompatibility, functionality and ease of use. Upon application of the hyaluronate-coated suture of the invention to the human body, the hyaluronate applied on the surface of the suture is rapidly swollen by body fluids and can thus function as a lubricant, thus being convenient to use by a surgical doctor and reducing the pain of a patient and maximizing the functions of skin filling or skin regeneration in the body.

Abstract: A nanoglue is formed with one or more bioadhesive polymers, one or more dendrimers, and optionally one or more therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic agents. The bioadhesive polymers and dendrimers are modified with functional groups to permit crosslinking upon one or more stimuli, e.g., ultraviolet irradiation, and form hydrogel in situ at tissue sites. In the repair of corneal wounds, the nanoglue leads to improved rate of healing with less scarring and less inflammation, compared to non-treated cornea or ones treated with sutures. Therapeutic agents can be covalently conjugated to the precursor components and be delivered to specific eye compartments, providing a more efficacious treatment formulation of ocular disorders than delivering drugs in their free forms. Methods of making and using the hydrogel and hydrogel precursor compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved hemostatic compositions comprising cellulose-based fibers supplemented with compounds, preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: A surgical implant having a plastic (e.g., PEEK) component having an exposed surface, wherein at least a portion of the exposed surface has a plurality of parallel microgrooves that (i) enhance bone growth and osseointegration with adjacent bone and, after the osseointegration, (ii) increase pull-out force of the surgical implant from the adjacent bone. In certain embodiments, the microgrooves have widths of less than or equal to 12 micrometers, depths of less than or equal to 12 micrometers, crests of less than or equal to 12 micrometers, and a periodicity of less than or equal to 24 micrometers.

Abstract: Methods and devices for repair of a torn or ruptured ligament using a scaffold device are provided. Aspects of the present disclosure include method of placement and fixation of sutures using a fixation device. In aspects of the present disclosure, the method includes notchplasty and delayed rehabilitation.

Abstract: The application pertains to the field of biomaterials and their use, in particular for the production of implants to support the growth and recovery of biological tissues. More particularly, a fibrous polymer material is described comprising a first layer of aligned fibroin fiber, a second layer of fibroin fibers, wherein the fibroin fibers are randomly oriented within said second layer, a third layer of aligned fibroin fibers; and polymer scaffolds comprising thereof.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing collagen fibers comprising any one, a combination or all of the following: at least partially decellularizing a collagenous tissue; homogenizing the collagenous tissue; separating at least a portion of collagen fibers from the collagenous tissue; exposing the collagen fibers to an acidic solution before or after the separating; and forming at least one of a suture, a woven structure, a knitted structure, or a bioprosthetic device with the collagen fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for improving cardiac function. Specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating a subject having a disorder or condition associated with aberrant cardiac tissue function, comprising contacting a patient having a disorder or condition associated with aberrant cardiac tissue function with a construct, or a construct associated with therapeutic cells, or a construct associated with fibroblast cells and therapeutic cells.

Abstract: Provided are an absorbable biomedical composite material and a preparation method therefor. The absorbable biomedical composite material comprises: substrate granules containing a calcium-phosphorus compound; an intermediate layer which is coated on the surface of each of the substrate granules and has a first glass transition temperature, the first glass transition temperature being not higher than normal human body temperature; and a polymer matrix which is formed on the outer surface of the intermediate layer and has a second glass transition temperature, the second glass transition being higher than the first glass transition temperature. The absorbable biomedical composite material has increased mechanical strength and also improved toughness.

Abstract: A method for preparing a scaffold, said method comprising the steps of providing a solution comprising fibre-forming molecules; subjecting the solution to a cooling medium to establish a temperature difference at an interface between the cooling medium and solution; and cooling the solution as a result of the temperature difference to induce solvent crystallisation and alignment of fibres in the scaffold.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a coating apparatus and method for applying a coating of a therapeutic agent, comprising an openable and sealable device compartment, a therapeutic agent positioned in communication with the device compartment, a thermal source for vaporizing the therapeutic agent, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the device compartment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, substrates and compositions for modifying, repairing, and/or engineering blood vessel tissue, and in particular the use of such compositions for treating a diseased blood vessel.

Abstract: Provided are formulations and related methods, for coating or impregnating a medical device, as well as a coated or impregnated medical device, for example, a device that is a catheter or cannula, where a different formulation may be used for interior surface of device and for exterior surface of the device.

Abstract: A biocompatible electrical connection includes: a substrate; a ferrule having a concentric flange at a first end of the ferrule; a first adhesive; and a second adhesive. The substrate includes a hole having a diameter that is a specified amount larger than an outside diameter of the ferrule forming an annular space between the hole and the ferrule, the first adhesive adheres a first surface of the concentric flange of the ferrule to a first surface of the substrate, and the second adhesive fills the annular space between the hole and the ferrule.

Abstract: Fatty acid-derived biomaterials, methods of making the biomaterials, and methods of using them as drug delivery carriers are described. The fatty acid-derived biomaterials can be utilized alone or in combination with a medical device for the release and local delivery of one or more therapeutic agents. Methods of forming and tailoring the properties of said biomaterials and methods of using said biomaterials for treating injury in a mammal are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable surface coating for inhibiting/delaying erosion/corrosion or degradation of solid materials for medical applications and their integration into cell assemblies.

Abstract: Methods are provided for promoting cartilage growth and/or repair. The methods include, administering locally to a site in a subject in need thereof, bone marrow stromal cells attached to fibrin microbeads comprising crosslinked hyaluronic acid and thereby producing stable cartilage locally at the site in the subject.