Abstract: A device and method for collecting blood from an anatomical feature of a mammalian subject, the device including a vibrating plate assembly structured and arranged to retain the anatomical feature, a first biasing device releasably attachable to the vibrating plate assembly, a housing portion releasably connectable to the vibrating plate assembly, and a plurality of vibrating motors located beneath the vibrating plate assembly, such that vibrations translated to the anatomical feature enhance blood collection, such that the first biasing device constricts blood flow to the collection point on the anatomical feature, causing blood to pool therein, and low frequency and/or high amplitude vibrations cause vasodilation, encouraging blood flow through the capillaries at the collection point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that allows a blood sample to be collected anaerobically is disclosed.

Abstract: A specimen transfer device adapted to receive a blood sample is disclosed. The specimen transfer device includes a housing and an actuation member. A deformable material is disposed within the housing and is deformable from an initial position in which the material is adapted to hold the sample to a deformed position in which at least a portion of the sample is released from the material. A viscoelastic member is disposed within the housing between the material and the housing and between the material and the actuation member. The viscoelastic member is engaged with the actuation member and the material such that movement of the actuation member from a first position to a second position deforms the material from the initial position to the deformed position.

Abstract: A regulator for in-line modulation of the flow rate of fluid during blood collection includes a fluid transfer device for transferring fluid from a patient to a collection device. The fluid transfer device comprises a fluid passageway defined by a tubular sidewall and a flexible member associated with a portion of the tubular sidewall. The flexible member is configured for movement with respect to the fluid passageway upon exposure of the fluid transfer device to a differential pressure during a blood collection procedure to prevent collapse of a patients blood vessel. The flexible member of the regulator can be a frame surrounding a flexible diaphragm. Alternatively, the flexible member can include a flexible material integrally formed within the tubular sidewall of the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A method for non-invasive video oculographic measurement of eye movements as diagnostic support for (early) detection of neuropsychiatric diseases, using an indicator for a visual stimulus and a camera for video recording. A position of the camera is kept constant in relation to the display and a face of a test person is continuously recorded, at least in parts. A recognition algorithm is started which creates an eye template in which an absolute position of the eye and a pupil of the eye are continuously recorded in the image. Furthermore, a reference range, especially around the eye, is defined and, after selecting a predefined measurement paradigm of the pupil are continuously recorded and analyzed at the end of the stimulus.

Abstract: A method for treating depression in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method includes treating the subject by seizure therapy administered through electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or magnetic seizure therapy (MST). The method further includes evaluating change in complexity of temporal dynamics in the brain of the subject, following treatment, to identify whether complexity of fine time scale temporal dynamics in the fronto-central and/or parieto-occipital region is reduced following treatment. The reduced complexity of fine time scale temporal dynamics in the fronto-central and/or parieto-occipital region following treatment identifies the subject as a responder to the seizure therapy for treating depression. The step of evaluating further comprises identifying change in complexity of coarse scale temporal dynamics in a parieto-central region following treatment.

Abstract: A jaw function measurement apparatus comprises a mastication measurement device having a pliable body, the pliable body defining at least one bite location having at least one force sensor therein. A data collection device is in data communication with the mastication measurement device. Also, a data analysis device is in data communication with the data collection device, which converts data collected by the data collection device into a format suitable for output. Moreover, an input output device is in data communication with the data analysis device 106 that outputs measured bite force.

Abstract: Sleep related conditions of a subject are monitored and/or diagnosed based on both sleep quality and apnea hypopnea index. A first sleep test is performed in which a sleep quality of the subject and an apnea-hypopnea index are determined. A determination is made as to whether results of the first sleep test meet a first condition based on both the sleep quality and apnea-hypopnea index of the subject associated with the first sleep test. Responsive to the results of the first sleep test failing to meet the first condition, a recommendation of a treatment for the subject is provided. An efficacy of the treatment is confirmed in a second sleep test involving the treatment by determining whether results of the second sleep test meet the first condition based on both the sleep quality and apnea-hypopnea index of the subject associated with the second sleep test.

Abstract: A method includes applying electrical stimulation therapy via an electrode relative to an upper-airway-patency-related nerve to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A level of the electrical stimulation therapy is assessed.

Abstract: An eye sensor, system and method for measuring fixational eye movements of an individual's eyeball (e.g., ocular microtremors and microsaccades) to provide a variable voltage biosignal for measuring the individual's brainstem activity is provided. The eye sensor comprises a sensor mounted on the individual's closed or opened eyelid so as to be deflected by the fixational eye movements of the eyeball. A shielded flexible ribbon assembly supplies the biosignal generated by the sensor to an amplifier located on the individual's skin where the biosignal is amplified. The amplifier is interconnected with a signal processor and a display by which graphical and numerical representations of the biosignal are made accessible to an anesthesiologist, intensivist or clinician. A method for analyzing the biosignal to determine the brainstem activity of a patient is also provided.

Abstract: A wound or incision closure apparatus comprises a first and second panel. Each of the panels comprises a bottom adhesive layer, a medial substrate layer, and an upper load distribution layer which connect the two panels. A sensory or therapeutic element is disposed adjacent, within, or between two or more of the layers. The sensory or therapeutic element can provide sensing and/or therapy for the incision and/or monitor the incision so that the therapy can be customized and updated.

Abstract: A cognitive alteration system includes a storage unit at least to store one or more scripts, each to control a cognitive alteration process where the process comprises first and second in session media-based treatment processes and an out of session reinforcement stimulus process between the first and second in session processes, and where the storage unit stores both a script per in session process and a script per out of session process; a script handler at least to run at least one script; at least one of a wearable and a non-wearable element to sense an attribute of a subject or to provide an output to the subject during one of the in session and out of session processes; an information analyzer at least to perform analysis of the readings of the at least one element, an integrator to integrate the analysis and a script updater to update at least one of the scripts.

Abstract: Computer implemented biofeedback is used to facilitate discussions. Preferred embodiments include the steps of identifying a concept used by at least one of the participants during a discussion, sourcing additional content from outside the discussion, detecting use of a trigger expression by one of the participants, and then further to detecting use of the trigger expression rendering at least some of the additional content to one or more of the participants as an electronic biofeedback signal.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for detecting, measuring and classifying meals for an individual based on analyte measurements. These results and related information can be presented to the individual to show the individual which meals are causing the most severe analyte response. These results can be organized and categorized based on preselected criteria or previous meals and results so as to organize and present the results in a format with reference to glucose as the monitored analyte. Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, systems, and software applications intended to engage an individual by providing direct and timely feedback regarding the individual's meal-related glycemic response.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a flexible hydration sensor that can be implemented in a wearable device. A hydration monitoring device can include at least one flexible electrode comprising a plurality of silver nanowires embedded within a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. Processing circuitry can be configured to measure a hydration level of an individual wearing the hydration monitoring device based at least in part on a measurement of a skin impedance of the individual. In some embodiments, the hydration monitoring device can also generate a hydration metric based on the level of hydration and display the hydration metric.

Abstract: A method is provided of systematically evaluating and treating dynamic autonomic dysregulation in a subject. The method includes having the subject sequentially assume a plurality of distinct postures that may include, for example, walking, standing, sitting or supine. In each posture of the subject, the subject is subjected to sensory stimulation while measuring at least one autonomic physiological response of the subject. The autonomic physiological response may include, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, pupillary response, blood pressure, sweat production, pseudomotor activity or respiration. The physiological responses in each of the distinct postures are evaluated to identify a posture wherein the subject exhibits a least amount of dysfunction.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking athletic movements, the system has one or more sensors, a computing unit, and external computing devices. The sensors generate electrical signals descriptive of detected physical movement of an athlete during a sporting event. The computing unit obtains the electrical signals generated by the sensors in real time. The computing unit determines athletic performance parameters in real time based on the electrical signals. The computing unit also computes performance assessments for the athlete based on the performance parameters. The performance assessments correspond specifically to a sport of the sporting event and indicate a peak athletic performance metric for the athlete.

Abstract: A living body-attachable electrode includes a substrate that has a first main surface and a second main surface and is made of a material having stretchability, a first electrode pair that is formed on/in the first main surface and includes two opposite electrodes, a second electrode pair that is formed on/in the first main surface and includes two opposite electrodes sandwiching the first electrode pair, and a plurality of gel electrodes that are formed on the second main surface and are in a one-to-one correspondence with the electrodes in the first and second electrode pairs. Each of the electrodes in the first and second electrode pairs and corresponding one of the gel electrodes are electrically connected to each other via a plurality of via conductors penetrating through the substrate.

Abstract: A method for treating diarrhea in a subject and/or for reducing Bristol stool scores of fecal matter of a subject using a vibrating ingestible capsule ingested by the subject and activated in a targeted zone of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject.

Abstract: A method of obtaining health data of a toilet user using one or more sensors is disclosed. One or more sensors are used by a toilet user while the toilet user is using the toilet to take health measurement readings of the user. Dynamic heart stress readings may be obtained and monitored over weeks, months and years. Rolling averages of heart function and heart health may be determined and deviations from the rolling averages may trigger notifications. Other health related measurements and functions such as temperature, respirations, heart rate, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and stethoscope sounds are also recorded and stored for trending and data analysis.

Abstract: There is provided a biological information monitoring system for monitoring biological information of a subject on a bed, the system comprising: detectors which detect load of the subject; a center of gravity position calculating unit which acquires temporal variation of a center of gravity position of the subject based on the detected load; a body motion information determining unit which acquires information on body motion of the subject based on the acquired temporal variation; and a respiratory rate calculating unit which calculates a respiratory rate of the subject based on the acquired temporal variation and the information on the body motion of the subject. The body motion information includes information on large and small body motions of the subject, and the body motion information determining unit includes first and second body motion information determining units which determine the information on the large and small body motions of the subject, respectively.

Abstract: A photoplethysmography (PPG) circuit or non-contact camera obtains PPG signals at a plurality of wavelengths. A signal processing module obtains at least a first spectral response around a first wavelength and a second spectral response around a second wavelength. The signal processing device generates PPG input data using the PPG signals, wherein the PPG input data includes one or more parameters obtained from each of the first spectral response and the second spectral response. A neural network processing device generates an input vector including the PPG input data and determines an output vector including health data, wherein the health data includes for example, an oxygen saturation level, a glucose level or a blood alcohol level.

Abstract: An apparatus for early detection of sepsis in a host is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first sensor to directly measure a glucose level, a second sensor to directly measure a lactate level and a third sensor to directly measure a tissue oxygen level. The first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor all being inserted at a single point of entry in a subcutaneous space of the host such that a predetermined correlation between the glucose level, lactate level, and tissue oxygen level signals conditions related to sepsis.

Abstract: A method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, including: storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data.

Abstract: A COVID-19 Symptoms Alert Machine (CSAM) scanner, or apparatus, is described herein. This apparatus employs Artificial Intelligent (AI) technology in combination with the latest mobile device technology (viz. smart phone/smart watch) to quickly help track down people who have COVID-19 symptoms anywhere and anytime, isolate them, and professionally handle them, not allowing SARS-CoV-2 virus to spread. CSAM automatically measures body temperature and assesses lung conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis and B-lines (for asymptomatic people), and other current health vital information (CHVI), furnished by the participant, such as fever, sore throat, headache, and body ache to generate an alert signal when COVID-19 symptoms are found significant and to send it out to a COVID-19 control center. The alerted participant is then immediately required to go to the COVID-19 control center or be picked up by a special COVID-19 emergency vehicle for isolation and further evaluation and testing.

Abstract: Computed tomographic method and apparatus includes an electron or ion beam having a beam axis, a refractory metal disk; at least one slit in the refractory metal disk that receive the beam, wherein the slit is at an angle to the beam axis; a beam entrance opening in the slit that allows the beam to enter; an effective beam exit opening in the slit that allow the beam to exit, wherein the beam effective exit opening is smaller than the beam entrance opening; and a system for moving the beam across the refractory metal disk, wherein the beam enters the slit through the beam entrance opening and exits the slit through the effective beam exit opening; and a computed tomographic device for measuring the beam that enters and exits the slit for analyzing the beam.

Abstract: An imaging system with integrated magnification stand is described. In an embodiment, the imaging system may include an imaging detector configured to capture an image of human tissue. The imaging system may include a compression paddle situated apart from the imaging detector. A magnification stand of the imaging system may be configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, wherein the magnification stand is situated between the compression paddle and the imaging detector in the first position such that the human tissue can be compressed between the magnification stand and the compression paddle, and wherein the magnification stand is rotated to the second position in which the second position is generally perpendicular to the first position. In this manner, the magnification stand may be stored on the imaging system itself. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A mobile CBCT imaging system is constructed on a mobile base. A scanning ring having an x-ray source, one or more curved detectors each with a curved grid, is connected to the mobile base. The scanning ring is configured to be spatially positioned as desired by an operator. The source is configured to revolve about an imaging axis and to emit radiographic energy toward the imaging axis.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging device including a body, an x-ray detector assembly attached to the body, and an x-ray source assembly attached to the body. The x-ray detector assembly includes a telescopic actuator movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and an x-ray detector attached to the telescopic actuator.

Abstract: A transformable imaging system configured to operate in at least two configurations. A first configuration may be open and a second configuration may be closed. The closed configuration may allow for imaging in along an arc greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mammography apparatus including a driving shaft configured to transmit power to a transfer unit, a loader configured to be driven by receiving power from a driving unit, a power transmission unit coupled to one end of the driving shaft and configured to selectively come in contact with the loader due to an external force, an emergency braking unit coupled to the other end of the driving shaft to be driven together with the driving shaft, and configured to stop being driven when power supply is cut off, and a driving controller provided between the driving shaft and the emergency braking unit so that a direction in which the driving shaft is driven is restricted to one direction.

Abstract: A medical-image processing apparatus and a medical-image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment include an acquisition unit, a generation unit, an identification unit, and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a medical image containing a blood vessel collected by the medical-image diagnostic apparatus. The generation unit generates an anatomical structure model based on the medical image acquired by the acquisition unit. The identification unit identifies a position, on the medical image, of an index relating to blood flow analyzed through fluid analysis using the anatomical structure model. The display control unit displays the position of the index on the medical image, and also displays the index associated with the position of the index on the medical image.

Abstract: A breast imaging device for rotating a radiation detection unit configured to detect radiation irradiated from a radiation generation unit configured to generate the radiation with the radiation detection unit and the radiation generation unit facing each other includes a ray sum image generation unit configured to generate a ray sum image based on an addition value of at least one pixel value in a visual line direction from volume data reconstructed from a projection image output from the radiation detection unit, a maximum intensity projection image generation unit configured to generate a maximum intensity projection image based on the maximum pixel value in the visual line direction from the volume data, and a synthesizing unit configured to synthesize the ray sum image and the maximum intensity projection image.

Abstract: A curved compression element, such as a breast compression paddle, and imaging systems and methods for use with curved compression elements. A system may include a radiation source, a detector, and a curved compression element. Operations are performed that include receiving image data from the detector; accessing a correction map for the at least one compression paddle; correcting the image data based on the correction map to generate a corrected image data; and generating an image of the breast based on the corrected image data. The breast compression element generally has no sharp edges, but rather has smooth edges and transitions between surfaces. The breast compression paddle also includes a flexible material that spans a portion of a curved bottom surface of the breast compression paddle to define a gap. The flexible material may be a thin-film material such as a shrink wrap.

Abstract: Provided is a flat panel detection system which is capable of appropriately shortening the time from irradiation with radiation for long length imaging to the display of a stitched image as well as the time taken for photography. Provided is a flat panel detection system 50, comprising: flat panel detectors P1-P3 which respectively read out, from a plurality of radiation detection elements 7, signal values D based on dosages of irradiated radiation; a display unit Ca; and an image generating unit C, 22 which generates a stitched image p.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system in a selected manner and/or motion. More than one projection may be combined to generate and create a selected view of the subject.

Abstract: A control unit of a console functions as an acquisition unit that acquires a radiographic image and imaging conditions in which the radiographic image has been captured. In addition, the control unit functions as a derivation unit that derives the amount of signal included in the radiographic image on the basis of a primary radiation distribution of the radiographic image derived on the basis of the imaging conditions or on the basis of the imaging conditions and a body thickness distribution of an object in the radiographic image and outputs the ratio of the derived amount of signal to the amount of noise included in the radiographic image as an index value of the amount of radiation emitted in the capture of the radiographic image.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a dose of modulation (DOM) profile are provided. The method may include obtaining a 3D image and a topogram image of the object. The method may further include obtaining a dose of modulation (DOM) profile generation model. The DOM profile generation model may be generated by training a preliminary model based on a plurality of sample CT images, a plurality of sample 3D images corresponding to the plurality of sample CT images, respectively, and a plurality of sample topogram images corresponding to the plurality of sample CT images, respectively. The method may further include executing the DOM profile generation model to generate a DOM profile related to a computed tomography (CT) scan of the object based on the 3D image and the topogram image of the object.

Abstract: A catheter for positioning a valve during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement is formed from a resilient hollow body conformable to a guide wire when a guide wire is passed in through an upper opening in the hollow body and through the hollow body. When the guide wire is retracted, the catheter deploys to form a substantially straight upper shaft portion that extends downwardly from the upper opening and a distal ring perpendicular to the upper shaft portion. The distal ring approximates the size and shape of the patient's aortic valve annulus. A lower loop connects the upper shaft portion of the catheter to the distal ring. An outer surface of the distal ring is radiopaque, and the distal ring comprises openings for dispersing radio opaque medium used in imaging of the patient's aortic valve annulus.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system, a radiographic imaging method, and a storage medium are capable of avoiding the collision of the operations, even if the operations based on a plurality of terminal apparatuses occur. The radiographic imaging system includes a radiographic imaging apparatus configured to generate a radiographic image based on radiation emitted from a radiation generating apparatus, and a control unit configured to control the radiographic imaging apparatus based on instructions from a first terminal apparatus and a second terminal apparatus. The second terminal apparatus acquires a right to control the control unit from the first terminal apparatus, and the control unit controls the radiographic imaging apparatus based on an instruction from the second terminal apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray detection device and an apparatus and method for calibrating an X-ray detector, the method for calibrating an X-ray detector comprising: retrieving a calibration parameter stored in the X-ray detector relative to the X-ray detector; and calibrating the X-ray detector according to the calibration parameter.

Abstract: An improved stethoscope design with an extended detection range for sounds above and below the range of human hearing and artificial intelligence connection to other clinical data for analysis, wherein the stethoscope assesses spatial distribution of bodily sounds using a sensor array as well as amplifies the volume of bodily sounds and provides for recording, receiving and processing same.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a precision ultrasound scanner for imaging, for example, the prostate in a way that produces a superior image of the prostate while removing the iatrogenic risk and patient discomfort associated with other methods of providing an ultrasound image of the prostate. The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for forming a high precision image of the prostate from outside the patient's body wherein the resolution in sufficient to image, for example, cancerous lesions on the surface of the prostate. To achieve such images, coded excitation, tissue harmonic imaging, advanced transducers operating in the 10 MHz to 40 MHz range is used to achieve a useable signal-to-noise reflection while being able to position the imaging transducer as close as possible to the prostate without risk or discomfort to the patient.

Abstract: An image processing device is described herein including an information input unit that receives as an input three-dimensional structure information indicating a three-dimensional structure of a heart; and an image generation unit that develops an inner wall of atria and ventricles of a heart indicated by the three-dimensional structure information into a two-dimensional image based on an equal-area projection, and generates a developed image interrupted by dividing the two-dimensional image into a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall.

Abstract: A method for forming a contrast pulse sequence ultrasound image using a pulse width modulation scheme and an ultrasound system using the same are disclosed. The ultrasound system generates at least three kinds of mutually different pulses having a same amplitude, and sequentially transmits at least three kinds of transmission signals corresponding to the at least three kinds of mutually different pulses to an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer transmits at least three kinds of ultrasound signals to a target object by sequentially generating the at least three kinds of ultrasound signals based on the at least three kinds of transmission signals. The ultrasound transducer generates at least three kinds of reception signals by sequentially receiving at least three kinds of echo signals reflected from the target object. The ultrasound system forms a contrast pulse sequence ultrasound image by eliminating a linear component from the at least three kinds of reception signals.

Abstract: Methods and system for producing combined photoacoustic/ultrasonic image frames use a low-power narrow beam laser to direct sequential pulses along a path overlying an internal region of interest. Photoacoustic responses are received and used to generate sub-frames. Between each of the laser pulses a plurality of ultrasound pulse-echo beams are sequentially emitted towards the region of interest, and the reflections are received and used to generate ultrasound sub-frames. The photoacoustic sub-frames are combined to produce a photoacoustic frame, and the ultrasound sub-frames are combined to produce an ultrasound frame. The photoacoustic and ultrasound frames are combined to produce an image frame. The method and system are suitable for producing real-time, high-contrast video.

Abstract: A receiving device for receiving saliva from an animal, having a core and a casing, as well as a kit with a receiving device and a collecting device, wherein the core can be removed from or pulled out of the receiving device to allow examination of the saliva. In addition, a method of using the core of a rope for obtaining a saliva sample from an animal, particularly a pig, wherein saliva is filtered during the sampling by means of the casing of the rope or a receiving device and/or after the sampling the core of the rope or a core of the receiving device is removed from or pulled out of the casing to allow examination of the saliva.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a shaft and an actuated structure mounted at a distal end of the shaft can employ a pair of tendons connected to the actuated structure, extending down the shaft, and respectively wound around a capstan in opposite directions. A passive preload system may maintain minimum tensions in the tendons.

Abstract: A method of performing a coronary bypass procedure is performed by a flexible apparatus controlled by at least one controller, the method may include acts of: percutaneously situating the flexible apparatus into a first artery coupled to connective tissue of a chest wall; transluminally detaching at least a portion of the first artery from the connective tissue by applying ultrasound signals of a first type emitted by at least one transducer of the flexible apparatus; steering at least a portion of the detached portion first artery from a current location to a bypass location at a target artery by applying a force transmitted through the flexible apparatus situated within the first artery; and coupling, by the flexible apparatus situated within the first artery, the first artery to the target artery at the bypass location to establish flow communication between the first artery and the target artery.