A process of using a fish plasma component in a nutrient medium for cell culture includes obtaining a fish that is a progeny of domesticated broodstock that are reared under consistent and reproducible conditions. Blood is obtained from the fish, and plasma is separated from the blood. One or more specific components of the plasma are then extracted, and cells are cultured in a nutrient medium using the one or more extracted plasma components, and none of any remainder of the plasma. The plasma and/or the plasma components is/are tested for presence and/or level of endotoxin. Extracting the one or more specific components of the plasma, and/or culturing the cells is only performed if the testing indicates an endotoxin level below a predetermined threshold. The cells cultured using the extracted one or more plasma components are other than fish cells.

A process of using a fish plasma component in a nutrient medium for cell culture includes obtaining a fish that is a progeny of domesticated broodstock that are reared under consistent and reproducible conditions. Blood is obtained from the fish, and plasma is separated from the blood. One or more specific components of the plasma are then extracted, and cells are cultured in a nutrient medium using the one or more extracted plasma components, and none of any remainder of the plasma. The plasma and/or the plasma components is/are tested for presence and/or level of endotoxin. Extracting the one or more specific components of the plasma, and/or culturing the cells is only performed if the testing indicates an endotoxin level below a predetermined threshold. The cells cultured using the extracted one or more plasma components are other than fish cells.

Embodiments herein are generally related to apparatus and methodologies for improved screening of important biological states in animals. The apparatus and methodologies comprise the use of high-resolution infrared thermography images collected about an animal to obtain both thermal information and behavioural information about the animal, wherein both thermal and behavioural information can be used to generate a comprehensive thermal prolife value that is indicative of the biologically important state in the animal.

An imaging apparatus for use with an imaging device in order to image a subject. The imaging device includes an annular gantry having an opening and a table to accommodate the subject or a portion thereof for imaging. The imaging apparatus includes a platform and a positioning device. The imaging device is mounted to the platform. The annular gantry is in a fixed position relative to the platform. The table is horizontally displaceable relative to the annular gantry. The positioning device supports the platform and is configured to horizontally displace the platform relative to a supporting surface for the subject. The positioning device is configured to position the platform with the imaging device in at least one operational state in such a way that, during a relative movement of the table with respect to the annular gantry, the table remains stationary relative to the supporting surface.

A new on chip system, named Acoustic Gym, to apply a surface acoustic wave (SAW) has been developed to control the swimming exercise of a large number of small animals such as C. elegans and Zebra fish, at desired intensities and durations. The SAW device consists of a circular chamber filled with fluid, which is placed in the center between a pair of offset interdigital transducers (IDTs) that are deposited on a piezoelectric substrate. Upon actuation from a radio frequency (RF) source, the SAW is generated and propagates along the substrate towards the microchamber. Once the SAW reaches the chamber, it induces an acoustic streaming in the fluid inside the chamber to stimulate swimming exercise of small animals. The streaming velocity can be precisely controlled via the RF signal input power, thus regulating the duration and intensity of exercise of the animals.

A new on chip system, named Acoustic Gym, to apply a surface acoustic wave (SAW) has been developed to control the swimming exercise of a large number of small animals such as C. elegans and Zebra fish, at desired intensities and durations. The SAW device consists of a circular chamber filled with fluid, which is placed in the center between a pair of offset interdigital transducers (IDTs) that are deposited on a piezoelectric substrate. Upon actuation from a radio frequency (RF) source, the SAW is generated and propagates along the substrate towards the microchamber. Once the SAW reaches the chamber, it induces an acoustic streaming in the fluid inside the chamber to stimulate swimming exercise of small animals. The streaming velocity can be precisely controlled via the RF signal input power, thus regulating the duration and intensity of exercise of the animals.

Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for managing animal patient during a veterinary procedure. In one implementation, a base has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an opening. An electrode is disposed in the opening. The electrode is configured to communicate with medical device(s) for monitoring vital(s) of the patient during the procedure. A thermal insulator extends from the base. The thermal insulator forms a housing. An internal cavity is defined within the housing. The foot of the patient is receivable into the internal cavity. The thermal insulator regulates the body temperature of the animal patient during the veterinary procedure by retaining heat within the internal cavity.

Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for managing animal patient during a veterinary procedure. In one implementation, a base has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an opening. An electrode is disposed in the opening. The electrode is configured to communicate with medical device(s) for monitoring vital(s) of the patient during the procedure. A thermal insulator extends from the base. The thermal insulator forms a housing. An internal cavity is defined within the housing. The foot of the patient is receivable into the internal cavity. The thermal insulator regulates the body temperature of the animal patient during the veterinary procedure by retaining heat within the internal cavity.

A brush head of a toothbrush includes a plurality of bristles for cleaning teeth and a sensor unit for monitoring the health status of a user regarding development of paradontitis, cavities, periodontitis, and/or for health monitoring. The sensor unit is exchangeably arranged on or in the brush head.

A canine urine collection apparatus for taking a sample of canine urine includes a garment body having a body inner side and a body outer side. The garment body has a bag aperture extending from the body inner side through the body outer side. The garment body is worn around a torso of a canine with the bag aperture aligned with a urethra of the canine. The plurality of engagement members is coupled to the garment body. The plurality of engagement members selectively secures and releases the garment body to the torso of the canine. A collection bag is coupled to the garment body. The collection bag has a bag perimeter selectively engaged to the garment body around the bag aperture. The collection bag collects a urine sample from the canine.