Abstract:
A device and method for controlling a level of ventilatory assist applied to a patient by a mechanical ventilator measures, during patient's assisted breath, an inspiratory volume Vassist produced by both the patient and the mechanical ventilator, an inspiratory volume Vvent contributed by the mechanical ventilator, and an inspiratory assist pressure Pvent produced by the mechanical ventilator. A first relation between pressure Pvent and volume Vassist and a second relation between pressure Pvent and volume Vvent are calculated. Using the first and second relations, a ratio is determined between pressure Pvent at volume Vvent and pressure Pvent at volume Vassist, with volume Vvent equal to volume Vassist, for a plurality of volumes Vvent and Vassist. Values of Pvent are multiplied by the corresponding calculated ratios to calculate a third relation between a predicted inspiratory pressure Ppred and volume Vassist. The mechanical ventilator is responsive to the third relation to control the level of ventilatory assist.
Abstract:
A device for management of an open abdomen includes a belt having first and second end portions. The belt is positionable to extend partially around a patient's torso in a taut configuration with the end portions positioned on opposed sides of an incision in the patient's abdomen. A first connector is at the first end portion and a second connector is at the second end portion. The connectors are positionable adjacent each other on the opposed sides of the incision. At least one cinching device is connected to and extends between the connectors. The cinching device is positionable to extend over the incision when the connectors are positioned adjacent each other on opposed sides of the incision. The cinching device is adjustable to cinch the end portions towards each other to hold the incision in an at least partially closed position.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods and uses of Tie2 agonists alone or in combination with antiviral agents. In particular, the present disclosure provides methods and uses for treating influenza, treating a bacterial superinfection associated with influenza and decreasing lung endothelial leakage. The disclosure also provides compositions comprising (a) a Tie2 agonist and (b) an antiviral agent and methods and uses thereof.
Abstract:
Provided are methods and systems for detecting a maturing arterio-venous fistula comprising a vein. An exemplary method comprises determining a wall thickness of the fistula and a lumen diameter of the fistula vein using a high frequency ultrasound imaging system. A blood pressure of the subject is determined. A circumferential vessel wall stress is determined from the measured blood pressure, the wall thickness of the fistula and a determined radius of the measured diameter of the fistula. The determined circumferential vessel stress is compared to a predetermined threshold stress to determine if the fistula is mature.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for validating inspiratory muscle activity of a patient. Left and right electrical activity signals respectively representing activity of a left muscle and of a right muscle synchronized with an inspiratory effort of the patient are acquired from non-invasive sensors. A cardiac activity signal is extracted from the left and right electrical activity signals. A synchrony, a symmetry or a proportionality of the left and right electrical activity signals from which the cardiac activity signal is extracted is verified. A mechanical ventilation system incorporating the system for validating inspiratory muscle activity of the patient is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Methods for inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and/or to improving cardiac function and inhibiting inflammation-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells by delivering BRCA1 are provided. Such methods are useful in treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for ionizing molecules for the purpose of analysis by mass spectrometry, in which gaseous material from a sample substrate is generated using laser desorption. The laser is provided having a pulse range of about 1-1000 picoseconds to produce the gaseous material. The gaseous material is heated to generate ions from the molecules present in the gaseous material where the amount of heat that is applied is in the temperature range of 45 °C to 250 °C and the applied heat results in soft ionization of the molecules. The ionized molecules are transported to a mass spectrometer for analysis.
Abstract:
A device for providing ventilatory assist to a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a manifold having an inspiratory port connectable to an inspiratory supply line, an interface port connectable to an external end of a tube inserted in a patient's trachea and an expiratory port configured to receive an expiratory flow from the tube via the interface port. An inspiratory lumen has a distal end insertable in the endotracheal tube towards its distal end. A cross-section of the inspiratory lumen is smaller than that of the endotracheal tube to allow gas flowing in the endotracheal tube independently from the inspiratory lumen. A valve is configured to direct an inspiratory flow from the inspiratory supply line to the inspiratory lumen, or to the endotracheal tube, or at once to the inspiratory lumen and to the endotracheal tube. A ventilatory assist system and method using the device are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods and uses of Tie2 agonists alone or in combination with antiviral agents. In particular, the present disclosure provides methods and uses for treating influenza, treating a bacterial superinfection associated with influenza and decreasing lung endothelial leakage. The disclosure also provides compositions comprising (a) a Tie2 agonist and (b) an antiviral agent and methods and uses thereof.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a large intergenic RNA (LIVE) and compositions thereof. Also provided is a nucleic acid molecule that silences the expression of the LIVE. Further provided are methods and uses of the compositions for modulating angiogenesis.