Abstract: The disclosure provides variant AAV capsid proteins and AAV capsids and virus vectors comprising the same. The virus vectors described herein may have increased transduction in a target cell of interest, such as a T-cell, compared to native AAV capsid sequences. The disclosure also provides methods of administering the virus vectors and virus capsids of the disclosure to a cell or to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for epigenetic regulation of endogenous gene expression from viral vectors. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides expression constructs comprising a viral vector encoding a transgene, the activation of which is regulated by a rapamycin/rapalog-based system, and the transgene is capable of epigenetically regulate an endogenous gene.

Abstract: Compositions of polynucleotide(s) are disclosed. A polynucleotide may encode for a polypeptide, protein, or functional fragment thereof associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods for treating a disease or condition associated with cilia maintenance and function, and impaired function of the axoneme are also disclosed. The polynucleotide may be combined with a lipid composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, compositions and methods for using a split dCas protein system to modify the epigenetic profile of a gene of interest. The systems, compositions, and methods are useful for modifying the epigenetic profile of a particular gene within a cell, based on the discovery that effective expression of a larger-sized recombinant protein can be successfully achieved using two separate expression cassettes each encoding a half of the protein fused with a half of an intein, utilizing the unique feature of an intein system to ultimately rejoin the two halves to form one larger fusion protein with the intein spliced out.

Abstract: Provided herein are gene repressor systems comprising fusion proteins, such as fusion proteins comprising a DNA binding domain such as a TALE, zinc finger or catalytically-dead CRISPR protein and guide nucleic acid (gRNA), which are useful in the repression of a proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) gene. Also provided are methods of using such systems to repress transcription of PCSK9.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods useful in treating inflammation of the gut, such as inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease, by modulating ?? T cells (e.g., V?4+ cells). Particular embodiments include V?4+ cells expressing heterologous protein; polynucleotides containing genes contributing to functional expression of BTNL3, BTNL8, and HNF4A; methods of treating a subject using V?4+ cells or gene therapy; and methods of identifying a subject having imitations associated with inflammation of the gut. Compositions and methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of inflammation and cancer of the gut.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to compounds for the detection of wounds, e.g., chronic wounds or infected wounds, including compositions, substrates, kits, dressing materials, and articles, and systems containing such compounds. Further embodiments relate to methods of using these compositions, kits and systems in diagnostic assays, and in the diagnosis and/or detection of chronic or infected wounds based on enzymatic conversion of specific substrates which are contained in the compositions. Additional embodiments relate to methods of characterizing wounds based on expression of a plurality of markers and using such information to treat, manage, and follow-up patients suffering from chronic or infected wounds.

Abstract: Provided is a conjugate for photodynamic diagnosis or treatment in which a peptide binds with a photosensitizer via an intracellularly degradable linkage, and a composition for photodynamic diagnosis or treatment including the same. The conjugate generates no fluorescent signal and reactive oxygen in normal tissues or during the circulation in the blood by quenching a fluorescent signal and reactive oxygen generation ability of the photosensitizer. After the conjugate is selectively absorbed into target cells, a linker is degraded in cells to increase the distance between tryptophan included in the peptide and the photosensitizer, and the quenching action is terminated to generate a strong fluorescence signal and induce active generation of reactive oxygen. The conjugate has high tissue permeability, shows a high photodynamic therapeutic effect in only target cells while being safe in normal cells, and can obtain a good diagnostic image having a high ratio of target signal to background.

Abstract: Provided are a double-component gastric ultrasound examination aided developer and a preparation method therefor, belonging to the technical field of medicine imaging diagnosis. The aided developer consists of two components, wherein component A consists of functionalized silica particles, a defoamer, sodium alginate, citric acid and water, and component B is a calcium chloride solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gastrointestinal tract ultrasonic examination aided developer and a preparation method therefor. The aided developer is mainly composed of a thickener, an osmotic pressure regulator, a solid contrast, a defoamer and a flavoring agent, wherein a density of the solid contrast is the same as that of aided developer liquid. The present disclosure adopts the solid contrast with a special particle size, making a distribution area present a more obvious homogeneous high echo after the aided developer reaches the stomach and intestine, and a good aided developing effect is achieved.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure pertains to a system for forming a radiopaque product that comprises an iodinated compound comprising one or more diene containing moieties and a multi-arm polymer comprising a plurality of dienophile containing moieties, wherein the diene containing moieties of the iodinated compound couple with the dienophile containing moieties of the multi-arm polymer through a Diels-Alder reaction. Other aspects of the disclosure pertain to crosslinked networks that are formed by combining such an iodinated compound with such a multi-arm polymer, whereupon the diene containing moieties couple with the dienophile containing moieties through a Diels-Alder reaction.

Abstract: A F-18 positron diagnostic contrast agent precursor, the F-18 positron diagnostic contrast agent prepared using the F-18 positron diagnostic contrast agent precursor can be used for positron emission tomography to detect type II vesicular monoamine transporter, produce no metabolites similar to F-18-propanol because the F-18 is marked on the aromatic ring, and can reduce the background value of normal organs while using.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and the use for treating cancer thereof are provided, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound having structure of formula I, wherein R1 is a specific peptide, one of R2, R3, and R4 is Fluorine-18 (18F) or Fluorine-19 (19F), one of the other two position is —B(OH)2, and the remaining position is hydrogen (H); a method for preparing a compound having structure of formula I is also provided in the present invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are radiopharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof. The radiopharmaceutical compositions can comprise one or more stabilizing agents, an aqueous vehicle, and a conjugate that comprises a targeting ligand and a radionuclide bound to a metal chelator. The targeting ligand can be a small molecule compound or a peptide such as a monocyclic peptide. The targeting ligand can be configured to bind with a tumor target. The stabilizing agent can comprise a radiolysis stabilizer, a free metal chelator, and/or a pH stabilizer. Further provided herein are methods of preparing the radiopharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating cancer by administering the described radiopharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: There is provided peptidic compounds of Formula I, A or B(Rradn6-[linker]-RL-Xaa1-Xaa2-Xaa3-Xaa4-Xaa5-Xaa6-Xaa7-Xaa8-?-Xaa9-NH2). Xaa1 is D-Phe, Cpa, D-Cpa, Nal, D-Nal, 2-Nal, or D-2-Nal; Xaa2 is Asn, Gln, Hse, Cit or His. Xaa3 is Trp, Bta, Trp(Me), Trp(7-Me), Trp(6-Me), Trp(5-Me), Trp(4-Me), Trp(2-Me), Trp(7-F), Trp(6-F), Trp(5-F), Trp(4-F), Trp(5-OH), or ?Me-Trp. Xaa4 is Ala or Ser. Xaa5 is Val, Cpg, or Tle. Xaa6 is Gly, NMe-Gly, or D-Ala. Xaa7 is His or NMe-His. Xaa8 is Leu or Phe. Xaa9-NH2 is a C-terminally amidated amino acid residue selected from Pro, 4-oxa-L-Pro, Me2 Thz, or Thz. ? represents a peptide bond or reduced peptide bond joining Xaa8 to Xaa9. Rradn6 is 1-5 radiolabeling groups. There is also provided the use of such compounds as imaging agents or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A sterilization system of an embodiment includes a light source unit, a horizontal angle adjustment unit and/or a vertical angle adjustment unit, and a controller. The light source unit emits ultraviolet rays in a radiating form. The horizontal angle adjustment unit adjusts a horizontal angle of the light source unit by causing rotation of the light source unit in a horizontal direction. The vertical angle adjustment unit adjusts a vertical angle of the light source unit by causing rotation of the light source unit in a vertical direction. The controller receives a marker signal transmitted from a marker via a marker sensor, controls rotation of the horizontal angle adjustment unit and/or the vertical angle adjustment unit to direct an optical axis of the light source unit to the marker, and stores a horizontal angle and/or a vertical angle of the light source unit in response to a position setting request.

Abstract: A hollow steel structure for carrying or holding liquid petroleum. The structure has an inner surface that is coated or lined with a piezo-electric material for precluding or minimizing bacterial biofilm-based corrosion. The method entails precluding or minimizing bacterial biofilm-based corrosion of a hollow steel structure that will be exposed to a flow of liquid petroleum by applying a piezo-electric material coating on it. In addition, the method may entail subjecting the hollow structure to the application of an agent for blocking and disrupting communication between the bacterial cells in the biofilm and/or an agent for blocking exocytosis among the bacteria cells of the biofilm.

Abstract: A disinfection robot system, includes: a light disinfection unit having first UVC lamps exposed to the outside to perform disinfection through emission of ultraviolet light; a plurality of air suction and disinfection units each having a second UVC lamp, an air suction pipe adapted to locate the second UVC lamp therein and configured to prevent the ultraviolet light emitted from the second UVC lamp from being exposed to the outside, a plurality of photocatalyst-coated means disposed inside the air suction pipe to produce hydroxyl groups through the ultraviolet light emitted from the second UVC lamp, and a fan for sucking air to the interior of the air suction pipe; a sensing unit having a human presence sensor and a distance sensor; and a control unit for controlling the light disinfection unit and the air suction and disinfection units according to the information detected by the sensing unit.

Abstract: To provide an ultraviolet light irradiation device capable of inactivating bacteria, viruses, and the like with increased efficiency while ensuring safety. An ultraviolet light irradiation device according to the present invention includes a light source to emit ultraviolet light having a wavelength within a range of 190 nm or more and less than 240 nm, a housing to house the light source, a light extraction part to extract the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source out of the housing, and a diffusion transmission member to diffuse and transmit the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A self-disinfecting passenger control unit (PCU) includes a transparent or translucent molded or injected polycarbonate layer fused between inner and outer films, the outer film divided into contact surfaces (e.g., for passenger control of lights, call buttons, seats, and other functions) and the inner film including embedded traces. Within the molded polycarbonate layer are embedded LED units configured for continuous near-ultraviolet (near-UV) emission (e.g., at or near 405 nm), providing a uniform luminous output directed at the outer film and capable of antiviral/antibacterial irradiation of the high-touch contact surfaces of the outer film. As the continuous near-UV output is both visible by, and safe for, passengers, the LED units may double as backlighting for guiding passengers to the correct contact surface for adjusting a desired cabin function.

Abstract: A shopping cart handle sanitizing system for containing antibacterial gel for sanitizing includes a shopping cart. The shopping cart includes a frame, a basket, a handle, and a plurality of wheels. A container has a lid positioned thereon for closing the container. A coupler is attached to the container to releasably secure the container to the shopping cart. An antibacterial gel is positioned in the container which is positionable on the handle to sanitize the handle.

Abstract: Space cleaning device includes: hypochlorous acid water generator; mixing bath storing a mixture of the hypochlorous acid water and water; hypochlorous acid water supply unit; water supply unit; water level sensor detecting a water level of the water mixture; humidifying purifier micronizing the water mixture and releases the water mixture micronized into air; and control unit controlling operations of hypochlorous acid water supply unit and water supply unit. Control unit is configured, after supplying the hypochlorous acid water and the water to fill mixing bath with the water mixture, controls an operation of hypochlorous acid water supply unit to supply a predetermined amount of the hypochlorous acid water to mixing bath once in every predetermined time period, and controls an operation of water supply unit to supply the water to mixing bath based on information related to the water level of the water mixture received from water level sensor.

Abstract: A sensor system useable in conjunction with one or more environmental fixtures is disclosed. Each of the fixtures preferably includes illumination functionality as well as UV sterilization functionality provided by a fan and UV LED chips in the fixture. One of the fixtures is preferably programmed as a master which executes a control algorithm to control and/or monitor the system. The sensor module includes a plurality of sensors for sensing different environmental conditions where the system is utilized. These sensed conditions are provided to the master fixture, whose control algorithm can use the sensed conditions to control one or more functions in each of the fixtures, such as illumination, UV sterilization, and/or fan speed. The master fixture can output necessary controls to other secondary fixtures in the environment. The system may further communicate with or include external devices that can wirelessly communicate with the system using an application.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to actively purify and sanitize air. A flow of air is directed over a surface that includes a photosensitizer formulation which is activated by light to emit singlet oxygen that inactivates and/or kills pathogens in the air flow. A fan device is employed to generate and direct the flow of air. The fan device includes the photosensitizer formulation disposed on fan blades, rotatable fan shafts, and interior surfaces of a housing. The flow of air is emitted towards an exterior surface. Activation of the photosensitizer by light emits singlet oxygen in the flow of air to inactivate pathogens disposed on the interior surface of the housing and the exterior surface.

Abstract: An air purification module comprises a housing having an interior space provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, and an axial type blowing fan, mounted in the housing, for moving air from the air inlet to the air outlet. The air purification module further includes an air purifying unit, provided on a flow path of the air, for purifying the air and a guide for reducing the flow rate of the air between the blowing fan and the air purifying unit. The air purifying unit includes a filter provided between the blowing fan and the air outlet and a light source unit for providing light to the filter.

Abstract: The specification describes membranes, formulations, methods of manufacture, and methods to develop formulations and membranes that have desired physical properties. The membranes and formulations are biodegradable, in conditions like domestic and commercial compost systems. The formulations and membranes may also be flexible and have desired physical properties such as melting point and flexibility.

Abstract: An absorbent article 100 includes an absorber 10, the absorber contains water-absorbent resin particle 10a composed of a deodorant composition, and the deodorant composition contains silver zeolite, a sulfur compound, and a water-absorbent resin.

Abstract: The invention relates in a first main aspect to self-supporting mistletoe viscin films comprising a 2-dimensional multi-axial oriented array of viscin cellulose filaments within a humidity-responsive matrix and methods for preparing the same. A further aspect relates to 2D and 3D mistletoe viscin scaffolds and methods for preparing the same. Another main aspect of the invention relates to the use of mechanically isolated mistletoe viscin or of said self-supporting mistletoe viscin films for joining or binding together a plurality of materials with diverse surface characteristics and to an adhesive comprising such viscin films and/or 2D or 3D viscin scaffolds. In more specific embodiments, the invention relates to a wound sealant and coating composition or to a medical kit comprising mechanically isolated mistletoe viscin in the hydrated/wet state and a plant oil, or a dried viscin film for use, after rehydration under humid conditions, as a wound sealant.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes bioadhesive polymer composition comprising: a first film comprising a polymer comprising: i) high-methoxyl pectin (HMP) and ii) an initial water content ranging from about 37% to about 43% (w/w); and a second film comprising a polymer comprising: i) HMP and ii) an initial water content ranging from about 9% to about 13% (w/w), wherein the first and second films are adhered to each other. Methods of preparing the bioadhesive polymer compositions and methods of sealing an ocular injury in an eye of a subject are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure features adhesive compositions and methods of use thereof related to the medical, veterinary, and dental fields.

Abstract: A solidifying prepolymeric implant composition comprising a biocompatible prepolymer and an optional filler. One such implant composition is a polyurethane implant composition comprising an isocyanate, such as hydroxymethylenediisocyanate (HMDI) and an alcohol, such as polycaprolactonediol (PCL diol). The compositions of the invention are useful for improving bone structure in patients by applying the solidifying implant composition to bone, reinforcing bone structure, improving load bearing capacity and/or aiding healing of microfractures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoresponsive or shear-thinning gel composition comprising a recombinant factor (i.e., interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) and/or platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)) and a carrier solution comprising at least one selected from hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS), methyl cellulose (MC), and/or two-dimensional silicate nanomaterial. In some embodiments, the composition is an anti-inflammatory composition. Thus, in some embodiments, the present invention also provides a method of treating an inflammatory disease or disorder, such as osteoarthritis, using said composition.

Abstract: The inventions provided herein relate to compositions, methods, delivery devices and kits for repairing or augmenting a tissue in a subject. The compositions described herein can he injectable such that they can be placed in a tissue to be treated with a minimally-invasive procedure (e.g., by injection). In some embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a compressed silk fibroin matrix, which can expand upon injection into the tissue and retain its original expanded volume within the tissue for a period of time. The compositions can be used as a filler to replace a tissue void, e.g., for tissue repair and/or augmentation, or as a scaffold to support tissue regeneration and/or reconstruction. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used for soft tissue repair or augmentation.

Abstract: A titanium superhydrophobic surface comprising a coating of a perfluorosilane on contiguous titania micrograins surrounded by crevices, the micrograins comprising a topography of nanopits shaped by contiguous peaks and valleys. The superhydrophobic surface has significantly increased hemocompatibility and enhanced antibacterial properties compared to an unmodified titanium surface. The increased hemocompatibility was confirmed by reduced platelet adhesion, reduced leukocyte adhesion, and reduced thrombus formation. The surface is prepared by a facile hydrothermal treatment of a titanium surface with sulfuric acid, leading to the formation of a unique micro-nano surface topography. The superhydrophobic surface was then achieved by coating the micro-nano titanium surface with a low energy silane using physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A method of making a microfiber implant. The method uses a fabrication apparatus that comprises a winding platform and a feeder head. The method comprises advancing a microfilament out of the feeder head towards the winding platform and making repeated windings of microfilament around the winding platform. While making the windings, the feeder head moves laterally relative to the winding platform. The feeder head could make multiple sweeps to stack layers of windings. This results in a microfiber patch that can then undergo further processing (e.g. applying a collagen coating) to result in the microfiber implant. Also disclosed are microfiber implants made by this winding technique and apparatus for performing the windings.

Abstract: A corneal implant with adhesion-increase treatment is associated with a method for increasing the adhesion of the artificial corneal implant by an epoxy-amine ring-opening reaction of the polyamino high-molecular polymer and glycidyl methacrylate to obtain a methacrylate modified polyamino polymer. The method improves the adhesion and biocompatibility of the artificial corneal endothelial sheet by photo-initiated free radical polymerization reaction, and has a high oxygen permeability and a high adhesion. It can be used for treating patients with corneal endothelial decompensation, playing a barrier role to block aqueous humor, eliminating corneal edema, and reducing the risk of corneal graft detachment after surgery.

Abstract: The disclosure encompasses systems, compositions, and methods for use in vivo, including for reinforcement of soft tissue in an individual. The systems, compositions, and methods may utilize three-dimensionally printed scaffolds comprising at least a polymer scaffold and an extracellular matrix component(s), including comprised on the scaffold. The polymer scaffold may comprise particular unit cell structures of a specific design and patterns of alternating configurations of the unit cell structures.

Abstract: A composition, comprising: a physiologically-acceptable polydimethylsiloxane having a surface; and one or more normal C6-C20NR1R2 saturated amine, salt thereof, or combination thereof, in contact with the polydimethylsiloxane, the surface, or both, wherein R1 and R2 may be same or different and independently selected from H, —CH3, —CH2CH3, —CH2CH2CH3, or combination thereof

Abstract: A tubing component, and methods of forming, for a particulate material delivery assembly including a particulate delivery device to deliver a mixed particulate solution to a patient. The tubing component includes a material including a material density, and a determined thickness sufficient to shield a delivery line connector of a particulate delivery device from at least 90% of a radiation dose. The delivery line connector is configured to receive the mixed particulate solution from the particulate delivery device of the particulate material delivery assembly, and the determined thickness of the tubing component is calculated based on the material density to achieve shielding of the delivery line connector by the material of at least 90% of the radiation dose. The tubing component includes an integral wall of the delivery line connector, an outer sleeve configured to be removably disposed about the delivery line connector, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices/kits and methods for reducing, treating, preventing or eliminating post-operative adhesions in an intervention/target site within a body of a subject. The method comprises the steps of: introducing an applicator, configured for applying an anti-adhesive composition, into an intervention/target site within a body of a subject; applying the anti-adhesive composition onto the intervention/target site; and extracting the applicator from the body of the subject, wherein the method is performed during or following an interventional procedure.

Abstract: An endoscopic submucosal injection material containing: a water-soluble resin having a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000 or more; an organic compound having two or more hydroxyl groups and having a molecular weight of 400 or less; and water is provided, in which the endoscopic submucosal injection material has an electrical conductivity of 500 mS/m or less, and an osmotic pressure ratio of the endoscopic submucosal injection material to physiological saline is 0.7 to 1.5.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a breast pump comprises a cavity having an open end for receiving a nipple of a user and a closed end. A valve closure element is provided for forming part of a valve, the valve closure element extending from a bottom edge of the open end controlling a flow path to a milk container through a first part of a container opening. The diaphragm also defines a lid for sealing a second part of the container opening. In this way, the container can have a large lid opening, and the diaphragm seals one part of the opening as well as defining a fluid path through a valve to another part of the opening.

Abstract: A control unit of an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment is configured to perform a control procedure comprising: calculating parameter control values to be set during a time interval after the instant in which the control is made, on the basis of actual values and of prescription values of variation in blood volume, ultrafiltration flow rate, concentration of sodium and/or potassium and heart rate or variation of heart rate of the patient; imposing the parameter control values during the time interval consecutive to the instant in which the control is made such that the actual values of the variation in blood volume track the prescription values of the variation in blood volume over a predetermined treatment time and the actual values of the heart rate or variation of heart rate track the prescription values of the heart rate or variation of heart rate over the predetermined treatment time.

Abstract: A fluid treatment plant has a filter module including at least a first filter and a second filter connected in series and connectable to a supply of fluid. A pump is fluidly connected to the filter module and a controller with a fluid quality sensor is connected to detect a quality of the fluid between the first filter and the second filter. A filter module detector is connected to the controller configured to uniquely detect a filter module connected to the pump, and the controller is controls the pump responsively to a signal from the fluid quality sensor and the module detector. The controller is configured to continue pumping based on output of the quality sensor and/or based on output from the filter module detector.

Abstract: A blood purification apparatus includes a line section, a duplex pump, and a control unit. The line section includes a dialysate introduction line and a drain-liquid discharge line. The control unit executes a blood purification treatment process and a defatting washing process. The blood purification treatment process is executed when blood purification treatment is performed in which dialysate is delivered to a dialyzer. The dialysate is prepared by diluting an A-drug solution and a B-drug solution. The defatting washing process is executed when defatting washing is performed where oil and fat in the line section is removed by causing a sodium carbonate solution obtained from the B-drug solution introduced into the line section to flow through the line section. The control unit uses a heating unit and a deaerator when executing a bicarbonate-solution-generating process where the sodium carbonate solution is generated by a predetermined amount while carbon dioxide is discharged.

Abstract: A method of performing dialysis includes: recirculating a dialysis fluid from a patient or a dialyzer for at least two cycles, each cycle contacting the dialysis fluid first with a zirconium phosphate layer followed by at least one of a urease layer, a zirconium oxide layer, or a carbon layer; storing the recirculated dialysis fluid in a storage container; and transferring the dialysis fluid from the storage container to the patient or the dialyzer. In one example, the zirconium phosphate layer and the at least one of the urease layer, the zirconium oxide layer, or the carbon layer is provided by a sorbent cartridge.

Abstract: An oxygenator and method for oxygenating blood. The oxygenator includes a housing, an oxygenation chamber, and elongated gas permeable conduits that extend across the oxygenation chamber. The blood flow enters and contacts with exterior surfaces of the conduits and exits the oxygenator to transfer of oxygen from within the conduits to the blood flow and transfer carbon dioxide from the blood flow into the elongated gas permeable conduits. The housing includes a gas inlet and is configured to distribute a gas flow received through the gas inlet to the elongated gas permeable conduits so as to a first portion of the gas flow flows through a first set of the elongated gas permeable conduits in a first direction and a second portion of the gas flow flows through a second set of the elongated gas permeable conduits in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A drain cassette for a dialysis unit has a fluid channel between venous and arterial connection ports, and a valve may controllably open and close fluid communication between a drain outlet port and the venous connection port or the arterial connection port. A blood circuit assembly and drain cassette may be removable from the dialysis unit, e.g., by hand and without the use of tools. A blood circuit assembly may include a single, unitary member that defines portions of a pair of blood pumps, control valves, channels to accurately position flexible tubing for an occluder, an air trap support, and/or other portions of the assembly. A blood circuit assembly engagement device may assist with retaining a blood circuit assembly on the dialysis unit, and/or with removal of the assembly. An actuator may operate a retainer element and an ejector element that interact with the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device capable of wrapping the outer wall of a blood vessel, and a method for manufacturing the device. If the device for wrapping the outer wall of a blood vessel of the present invention is used, the outer wall of a blood vessel is wrapped, and, thereby, vortex generation can be significantly decreased by controlling abnormal expansion of the blood vessel which can occur due to the difference in the characteristics of blood vessels in a vein-artery graft model. The present invention saves a blood vessel from a low-oxygen state by promoting generation of new blood vessels on the outer wall of the blood vessel via a regenerative inflammatory response caused by the material of the device, and provides synergy effects such as prevention of vascular stenosis and reinforcement of an outer muscular layer by guiding venous muscular cells to the outside.

Abstract: A urine collection system includes a first fluid collection device with (i) a first internal cavity, (ii) a first inlet in fluid communication with the first internal cavity, and (iii) a first outlet in fluid communication with the first internal cavity. The urine collection system further includes a tube in fluid communication with the first outlet. The urine collection system further includes a second fluid collection device with (i) a second internal cavity, (ii) a permeable membrane positioned within the second internal cavity, thereby separating the second internal cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber, (iii) a second inlet in fluid communication with the first internal cavity, and (iv) a second outlet in fluid communication with the second inlet of the second fluid collection device.