Abstract: The present invention provides dioxetane-based chemiluminescence probes, more specifically fluorophore-tethered dioxetane-based chemiluminescence probes and compositions thereof. The chemiluminescence probes disclosed are useful for both diagnostics and in vivo imaging.

Abstract: A composition including magnetic nanoparticles for use in the treatment of a tissue volume including pathological cells in an individual, wherein a portion only of the tissue volume is occupied by the magnetic nanoparticles upon administration of the composition to the individual and the magnetic nanoparticles are excited by radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods for inflammation and infection imaging and related medical applications thereof. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for the diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for the treatment or prevention of inflammation and/or infection. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for monitoring the effect of inflammation and/or infection treatment, and/or methods for monitoring an inflammation and/or infection treatment regimen. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for selecting subjects for an inflammation and/or infection treatment. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for determining the dosage of a drug for the treatment of inflammation and/or infection.

Abstract: Dual-modality contrast agents are disclosed herein, having the general formula: R1 includes a chelating moiety that is chelated to a Mn2+ isotope. The disclosed contrast agents differentially target a wide range of malignant tumor tissues, and can be simultaneously used as contrast agents for both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission topography (PET) imaging. Accordingly, the disclosed contrast agent can be used in diagnosing and monitoring solid tumor cancers.

Abstract: The present teachings relate generally to conjugates and methods for imaging a tumor microenvironment in a patient, and to conjugates and methods for imaging cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment of a patient. The present teachings relate generally to method of making conjugates comprising a fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for assessing macrophage involvement in the inflammation of one or more joints of a subject. In certain aspects, the disclosed method includes the steps of administering to the subject a composition comprising a mannosylated dextran construct with an imaging moiety conjugated thereto; acquiring one or more planar images of a first joint of the subject; defining a region of interest (ROI) comprising the first joint; defining a joint specific reference region (RR); determining a MARTAD value of the joint by assessing the ratio of average pixel intensity of the ROI to the average pixel intensity of the RR; and comparing the MARTAD of the first joint to a normal MARTAD value for a corresponding joint, and wherein macrophage involvement is indicated by a joint specific MARTAD value that exceeds the normal MARTAD value by a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radioactive labeling method for neuropeptide Y (NPY) compound and a mammalian diagnostic radioactive targeting medicine with NPY peptide being modified at position 27th to 36th, and after binding with the chelating agent and labeling the radiation nucleus 66Ga, 67Ga, 68Ga, 177Lu or 111In to provide a radioactive targeting medicine for multi-type breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: A sterilization enclosure comprises one or more sensors for measuring characteristics within the container during a sterilization process, including one or more characteristics of sterilization agent(s), to determine whether instruments disposed within the container have been exposed to threshold process conditions to ensure a desired level of sterilization for those instruments.

Abstract: A portable communication device includes an apparatus for environmental sensing. The apparatus includes a housing, one or more environmental sensors and an optical source. The housing includes one or more ports for allowing air flow between the surrounding environment and a cavity of the housing. The environmental sensors are coupled to the housing and can sense an environmental agent included in the air flow. The optical source can illuminate the cavity of the housing to decompose unwanted organic compounds inside the port.

Abstract: A disinfecting system includes a housing. An ultraviolet light (UV) source is secured to the housing and configured to emit UV light for disinfection of a target. A processor is secured to the housing in communication with the UV light source. The processor is configured to activate the UV light source for a selected amount of time suitable for disinfection of the target.

Abstract: A system that deodorizes gear, padding, or other apparel by killing the bacteria that cause odor. Articles to be deodorized are placed within a re-sealable airtight bag along with highly pure anhydrous ethanol. As the ethanol vaporizes, the gaseous ethanol readily dissolves within the aqueous environment that envelops the bacteria. Ethanol levels within this moisture gradually increase and eventually become bactericidal.

Abstract: Activated hydrogen peroxide disinfecting compositions are provided especially for low-foaming applications. A concentrate for dilution by an end-user is provided, which includes a hydrogen peroxide source, a non-surfactant organic sulfonic acid or salt thereof, a non-ionic surfactant, and an optional organic acid. Also provided is a ready-to-use hydrogen peroxide, disinfectant solution including a biocidal amount of hydrogen peroxide, a non-surfactant organic sulfonic acid or salt thereof, a non-ionic surfactant, water as solvent and an optional organic acid. An end-user can disinfect a surface of microorganisms by contacting the surface with the disinfecting composition for an amount of time effective to kill a majority of the microbes located on the surface.

Abstract: Systems for sterilization of tissues, including acellular tissue matrices, comprising a package having a portion permeable to supercritical carbon dioxide and a portion impermeable to moisture are described. Methods of sterilizing acellular tissue matrices from soft tissues or demineralized bone are provided.

Abstract: During autoclave sterilization, technicians often tighten waste bags too tight not allowing proper steam permeation into the items in the autoclave bag. Additionally, biological indicators (bioindicators) should be used to confirm sterilization of items in the waste bag; however it is recommended that these indicators be placed close to the center of the bag to give a more accurate representation of sterilization. This is not safely feasible due to the need to probe into a waste bag for placement and retrieval of biological indicators after autoclaving. This device addresses both of these technical problems. Placing it in an autoclave bag cinched at the composite collar allows steam to penetrate into the autoclave bag via a pass-through tube close to the center mass of the waste bag. Additionally, this device holds many types of biological indicators allowing them to be safely placed and retrieved from center mass of an autoclave bag.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securely delivering, transferring ownership, storing, accessing and receiving or returning an item from another are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided to securely receive a variety of different sizes and types of packages at one or more locations, including but not limited to on or adjacent a recipient's property. In another embodiment, the system and method allow a user to receive, store and/or return an item without exposing the item to loss, damage, spoilage or other events that would impair the value of the items. Methods of utilizing the systems described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable communication device includes an apparatus for environmental sensing. The apparatus includes a housing, one or more environmental sensors and an ozone source. The housing includes one or more ports for allowing air flow between the surrounding environment and a cavity of the housing. The environmental sensors are coupled to the housing and can sense an environmental agent included in the air flow. The ozone source can generate ozone gas within the cavity of the housing to decompose unwanted organic compounds inside the port.

Abstract: An air freshener includes an electrically powered fragrance dispenser having a connector configured to connect with a fragrance container. A light source transmits a light beam into the fragrance container at a non-normal angle of incidence respective to a wall of the fragrance container, and a photodetector is positioned in the path of one of (i) the light beam after passing through the fragrance container when the light beam is not refracted by fragrance liquid in the fragrance container and (ii) the light beam after passing through the fragrance container when the light beam is refracted by fragrance liquid in the fragrance container. In another approach, the sensor for detecting empty includes a vibrator and a vibration sensor, and an electronic processor is programmed to determine whether the fragrance container is empty of fragrance liquid based on the detected vibration of the fragrance container.

Abstract: Described are bonding modulating coatings configured to provide an improved release profile of a volatile composition from a scent reservoir, wherein the modulating coating includes a barrier substance configured to hinder the release of the volatile composition through the modulating coating. The modulating coating also includes a hygroscopic substance that facilitates the release of the volatile composition through the modulating coating. The barrier substance and hygroscopic substance are mixed in a proportion such that the modulating coating provides a bonding action between adjacent scent reservoirs and may be formulated to maintain bonding even under the application of heat. The bonding modulating coating may then be used to bond a number of scent reservoirs together into a larger, three-dimensional matrix to provide improved scent retention and longevity.

Abstract: A heating and atomizing aroma diffuser includes a cover with an outlet thereof, an atomization core including a heating member and a liquid conduction member surrounding around the heating member, a spice storage, an airflow generator with an inlet thereof and a control unit. The inlet, the airflow generator, the spice storage, the atomization core and the outlet are connected to cooperatively form an air passageway thereof. The control unit is electrically connected to the heating member and the airflow generator to drive the heating member to generate heat, so that spice liquid adsorbed on a surface of the liquid conduction member is atomized into steam by high temperature, and then simultaneously drive the steam to diffuse into the air through the air passageway, thereby the steam can be diffused rapidly and sufficiently into the air, and has widespread spectrum and strong fragrance.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a deodorizer installed on an upper surface of a storage compartment. The deodorizer includes a housing in which a flow path is provided, a suction port provided on a lower surface of the housing to suck air, a discharge port provided in the front of the suction port to discharge air, a photocatalytic deodorizing filter disposed at an inner side of the suction port, and a filter light source configured to irradiate light to the photocatalytic deodorizing filter, the flow path is configured to guide air from a rear lower side where the suction port is positioned to a front lower side where the discharge port is positioned, and the filter light source is disposed above the photocatalytic deodorizing filter to face the photocatalytic deodorizing filter in a state of being spaced apart from each other, and positioned above air passing through the flow path.

Abstract: A sterilization device includes a sterilizing light source and an outer housing configured to accommodate and secure the sterilizing light source and shield light emitted by the sterilizing light source. The outer housing has a foldable structure to be selectively in an unfolded state or a folded state, wherein the outer housing in the unfolded state occupies a larger volume than that occupied by the outer housing in the folded state.

Abstract: To provide a medical sheet with which a surface (a portion) subjected to ion bombardment, and a surface (a portion) which has not been subjected to ion bombardment can be distinguished from each other; and a production method therefor. When ?b refers to the difference between value b1, which is the b value of a roughened surface portion 3, and value b2, which is the b value of a second surface 7, this medical sheet has a ?b in the range of 1.5-11 inclusive. A production method for the medical sheet includes: a surface roughening step in which a portion or the entirety of a first surface 5 of a sheet including polytetrafluoroethylene is subjected to surface roughening treatment to form a roughened surface portion 5; and a heating step in which the sheet which includes the polytetrafluoroethylene and which has undergone the surface roughening step is heated to obtain the medical sheet.

Abstract: A self-adhesive film for covering at least a portion of a surface of three-dimensional (3D) objects such as primary medical devices, body tissues, or anatomical structures is described. When wrapped around a three-dimensional object a consistent adhesive bond between the overlapping layers of the self-adhesive film is created, independent of the substrate material of the 3D object surface. The self-adhesive film is capable of delivering actives, such as antimicrobials, drugs, and other biologically active agents to the 3D object, and also in the vicinity of the 3D object and/or adjacent tissue. Various self-adhesive film designs and methods for delivering one or multiple active agents with various controlled release modes, are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are various bioactive grafts and/or biocompatible materials and methods of making the same. In one embodiment, bone material is harvested from a donor. The harvested bone material is exposed to a lysing agent, the lysing agent configured to release growth factors and bioactive materials from cellular material of the harvested bone material. The harvested bone material is then rinsed with a rinsing agent. The pH of the harvested bone material is substantially neutralized. In another embodiment, an orthopaedic implant includes an antibacterial polysaccharide. The implant may also include an osteostimulative agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a homogeneous aqueous solution of injectable chitosan containing a chitosan having a degree of acetylation lower than 20%, said solution containing between 0.1 and 3.5% by weight of chitosan, said solution presenting a pH lower than 6.2, and said aqueous solution being capable of forming crystalline particles of chitosan after injection. The present invention also relates to compounds containing such a homogeneous aqueous solution of chitosan. The invention also relates to such compounds for their use as dermatological or cosmetic compounds, or for their use as a medical device, advantageously as a bioresorbable implant.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition, wherein the composition is a porous scaffold, wherein the pores of the scaffold are from 1 to 500 microns, the composition comprising: a) a cross-linkable protein selected from the group consisting of collagen and gelatin; b) a cross-linker which induces cross-linking of the cross-linkable protein; and c) a liquid.

Abstract: Methods of forming a composition for treatment, compositions for treatment, and methods of treatment with the compositions are provided. The methods can include coating a synthetic material substrate with a biologic material. A portion of the biologic material can be acid-swelled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an Autologous Bone Graft Substitute composition (ABGS) for inducing new bone formation, promoting bone growth and treating of bone defect, a preparation method of the Autologous Bone Graft Substitute composition, and a kit for preparing the Autologous Bone Graft Substitute composition of implant. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to an injectable/extrudable/implantable Autologous Bone Graft Substitute composition for use in treatment of bone defects, inducing new bone formation and promoting bone growth for bone fracture healing, spinal fusions and to repair bone defects in bone reconstructive procedures of orthopedic and oral maxillofacial-dental surgeries.

Abstract: Compositions and methods thereof include bone fibers made from cortical bone in which a plurality of bone fibers are made into shapes that are used to augment fixation of orthopedic implants and screws. Sheets of bone fibers may be used as an interface between bone and tissue, tendons, and/or ligaments. Cylindrical shaped implants that may be placed in drilled holes in bone prior to screw placement to enhance fixation of the screw. The physical presence of the fibers provides initial fixation, while the use of an osteoinductive material provides long term enhancement of bone formation around the screw and hence fixation. The bone fiber compositions may be in the form of a cylinder or a tube. A delivery system and methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for developing a decellularized tissue and biomaterials for use as biomimetic grafts or in vitro cellular scaffolds formed with the decellularized tissue are described. The biomaterials are particularly well suited for use as an intervertebral disc graft. The decellularized tissue is formed from an intervertebral disc source tissue and can be substantially decellularized and substantially free of potential immunogenic material (e.g., DNA and RNA), while maintaining ECM materials including both glycosaminoglycan and collagen.

Abstract: Use of cyclosporin A (CsA) or a derivative thereof for increasing the efficiency of transduction of an isolated population of human haematopoietic stem and/or progenitor cells by a vector derived from HIV-1, HIV-2, FIV, BIV, EIAV, CAEV or visna lentivirus.

Abstract: The present application relates to biocompatible polymers that exhibit a shape-memory effect, devices made using the materials and methods of producing such materials and devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing injectable microgel scaffolds, including methods of producing, purifying and concentrating microgel particles therein. The microgel scaffolds of the present disclosure are useful for a wide range of applications, such as stabilizing an implanted medical device in an implant site in a subject. The microgel scaffolds are fluidic during application and annealed or crosslinked after application to the implant site in the subject. The microgel scaffolds may contain various therapeutic agents, including antibiotics and analgesics, throughout the gel.

Abstract: An antimicrobial medical device that includes a substrate having a metal surface that is made from a metal or metal alloy that may include stainless steel, cobalt, and titanium. Disposed on the metal surface is a first antimicrobial oxide layer that includes an antimicrobial metal that may include silver, copper, and zinc, and combinations thereof. The atoms of antimicrobial metal in the first antimicrobial oxide layer are of a first concentration. The first antimicrobial oxide layer is positioned in a direction opposite that of the metal surface. The device further includes a second antimicrobial oxide layer that includes an antimicrobial metal that may be silver, copper, and zinc, and combinations thereof. The atoms of the antimicrobial metal present in the second antimicrobial oxide layer are of a second concentration. The first concentration and the second concentration are not equal. Methods for making the antimicrobial medical device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is an object surface coating comprising one or more polymers and a peptide covalently linked to at least one of said one or more polymers, said peptide comprising a) a first cleavage site, wherein said first cleavage site is cleaved by a first compound specifically provided by a microbe belonging to a first group consisting of a limited number of microbial strains, species or genera, and not cleaved by any compound provided by any microbe not belonging to said first group, b) a first fluorescent agent having an emission wavelength of 650-900 nm, c) a first non-fluorescent agent having an absorption wavelength of 650-900 nm, for quenching said emission of said first fluorescent agent, wherein cleavage of said first cleavage site results in the release of said first non-fluorescent agent from the coating, the release of said first non-fluorescent agent being indicative for the presence of a microbe belonging to said first group.

Abstract: A porous material of a medical implant material, the material body of which is a hierarchical porous material with multilevel pore cavities graded according a pore size of the material. The permeability of the hierarchical porous material is more than 0.5×10?9 m2. The hierarchical porous material can fully ensure blood flow, achieve transmission of adequate nutrients and growth factors, migration of cells, and remove cell fragments and stimulate tissue growth, and has various functions, thus fully satisfying the requirements of human tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The present specification discloses porogen compositions comprising a core material and shell material, methods of making such porogen compositions, methods of forming such porous materials using such porogen compositions, biocompatible implantable devices comprising such porous materials, and methods of making such biocompatible implantable devices.

Abstract: A catheter (1) has a distal side and a proximal side and includes a tip part (10) and a main body part (20) disposed proximal to the tip part (10), the main body part (20) includes a first layer (21) and a second layer (22), the first layer (21) contains 60% by mass or more of an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, the second layer (22) is disposed inside of the first layer (21) in a radial direction of the catheter (1) and contains 60% by mass or more of a polyamide resin, and a cantilever bending load of the tip part (10) is smaller than a cantilever bending load of the main body part (20).

Abstract: Lubricious coatings for medical devices and their uses are described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include drug delivery coatings and devices including the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a drug delivery coating including a polymeric layer. The polymeric layer can include a hydrophilic outer surface. The coating can also include a matrix contacting the hydrophilic outer surface. The matrix can include a particulate hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a cationic agent. The polymeric layer can further include a hydrophilic polymer having pendent photoreactive groups and a photo-crosslinker including two aryl ketone functionalities. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A crystallized bioabsorbable polymer scaffold comprises a polymer composition of poly (L-lactide-co-tri-methylene-carbonate) or poly (D-lactide-co-tri-methylene-carbonate) or poly (L-lactide-co-?-caprolactone) or poly (D-lactide-co-?-caprolactone) in the form of block copolymers of blocky copolymers, wherein the scaffold is cold-bendable.

Abstract: A medical device includes a first valve and a second valve. The first valve includes a manifold having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and an element movable within the manifold and spring-biased to close the first opening. When biased to close the first opening, air flows from the second opening to the third opening. The second valve is configured to provide a flow of pressurized gas to the first valve, to move the element to close the third opening. The first valve and the second valve are configured, upon moving the element to close the third opening, to interrupt the flow of air from the second opening to the third opening and to allow the flow of the pressurized gas to exit the second opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly and the wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to a wound via a fluid flow path. The system can be configured to efficiently deliver negative pressure and to detect and indicate presence of conditions, such as a blockage in a fluid flow path. Monitoring of the conditions can be performed by detecting a level of activity of a pump of the pump assembly.

Abstract: A method for increasing urine output rate from a patient having venous congestion is provided. The method includes: deploying a urinary catheter into the patient such that flow of urine from the ureter and/or kidney is transported within a drainage lumen of the catheter; applying negative pressure to the ureter and/or kidney through the drainage lumen of the catheter to extract urine from the patient; periodically measuring an edema value of the patient; and if the measured edema value is less than or equal to Grade 1 in which the depth of indentation is less than about 2 mm after about 10 seconds, ceasing the application of the negative pressure to the ureter and/or kidney.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification console including two cassettes within the system for use during cataract surgery. An irrigation cassette which is retained in the system for the duration of surgical procedures and an aspiration cassette which is replaced after each and every surgical procedure. The irrigation cassette is connected to the aspiration cassette via a valve having elastomeric properties.

Abstract: A fluid exchange system may include a control unit comprising a processor; a tube set attachment removably connected to the control unit, the tube set attachment comprising a tube set fluidly connected to a fluid source and a drainage receptacle; a catheter fluidly connected to the tube set; and at least one sensor positioned on at least one of the control unit and the tube set attachment, wherein the control unit may be configured to supply fluid to a patient through the tube set and drain fluid from the patient via the tube set, and wherein the control unit may be configured to receive measurements from the at least one sensor to adjust the supply of the fluid to the patient and the drainage of the fluid from the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a tissue site comprising a negative-pressure source configured to be fluidly coupled to the tissue site; an instillation source configured to be fluidly coupled to the tissue site; and a controller operatively coupled to the negative-pressure source and to the instillation source. The controller can be configured to operate the negative-pressure source and the instillation source to intermittently deliver negative pressure to the tissue site for a negative-pressure interval and deliver instillation fluid to the tissue site for an instillation interval. A purge volume of instillation fluid may be delivered to the tissue site at a purge frequency. In some examples, the purge volume may be delivered through the second fluid conductor and removed through the first fluid conductor during a negative-pressure interval.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering materials from biologic fluids are discussed. Embodiments may be used to filter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a human or animal subject. In an example, CSF is separated into a permeate and retentate using a tangential flow filter. The retentate is filtered again and then returned to the subject with the permeate. During operation of the system, various parameters may be modified, such as flow rate and waste rate.

Abstract: An actuation system includes a virtual or computer-modeled portion that is coupled to a physical portion. The virtual portion is a computer model that models or otherwise simulates a function or action, such as a physiological function or action, including for example an action potential, a calcium transient, and/or a chemical reaction. The computer model may model or simulate a chemical action, a mechanical action (such as movement of a wing) or any other action. The virtual portion drives or controls one or more physical actuators, which can be sized on a microscopic scale, such as on a nanometer scale. The actuation system can be used as or part of an artificial anatomical structure or organ, such as an artificial heart.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a left-ventricular assist device that includes a tube configured to traverse a subject's aortic valve, with a distal portion of the tube disposed within the subject's left ventricle. A frame is disposed within the distal portion of the tube. A pump disposed within the frame pumps blood through the tube. A distal-tip element defines a straight proximal portion that defines a longitudinal axis, and a curved distal portion that is shaped such as to curve in a first direction with respect to the longitudinal axis before passing through an inflection point and curving in a second direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, such that the curved distal portion defines a bulge on one side of the longitudinal axis. Other applications are also described.