Described is a composition for ameliorating symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and/or fibromyalgia (FM) that has few side effects and can be easily produced. Specifically, described is a composition for ameliorating at least one symptom of fatigue, headache, body pain, impaired thinking, impaired concentration, and/or impaired activity level associated with these symptoms caused by ME/CFS and/or FM in a patient, including a hydrogen gas-containing gas as an active ingredient. Also, described herein is a method for ameliorating symptoms such as fatigue, headache, body pain, impaired thinking, impaired concentration, and/or impaired activity levels associated with these symptoms caused by ME/CFS and/or FM in a patient with ME/CFS and/or FM, including administering the composition to the patient.

Interfaces for positive pressure therapy having a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly are disclosed herein. The connection port assembly has a ball joint connection with the mask assembly and includes a quick release button for easily disconnecting the gases source conduit from the mask assembly. The mask assembly may include a bias flow vent that is formed separately and attached to the mask assembly. The headgear assembly encircles the rear region of the user’s head and may include at least some portions that are substantially non-stretchable.

Interfaces for positive pressure therapy having a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly are disclosed herein. The connection port assembly has a ball joint connection with the mask assembly and includes a quick release button for easily disconnecting the gases source conduit from the mask assembly. The mask assembly may include a bias flow vent that is formed separately and attached to the mask assembly. The headgear assembly encircles the rear region of the user’s head and may include at least some portions that are substantially non-stretchable.

This document provides methods and materials for treating hypocapnia. For example, methods and materials for delivering CO.sub.2 to a mammal to treat hypocapnia or compensate for a reduced level of CO.sub.2 are provided.

This document provides methods and materials for treating hypocapnia. For example, methods and materials for delivering CO.sub.2 to a mammal to treat hypocapnia or compensate for a reduced level of CO.sub.2 are provided.

A method is provided that includes intranasally dispensing nasal wash fluid into a nasal cavity of a subject such that the nasal wash fluid washes biological material into an oropharynx of the subject from (a) the nasal cavity, (b) a nasopharynx of the subject, or (c) the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx. The method further includes, thereafter, collecting a specimen sample that passed out of an anterior opening of an oral cavity of the subject and contains at least a portion of the biological material washed into the oropharynx by the nasal wash fluid. Thereafter, information is derived from extracellular vesicles present in the specimen sample. Other embodiments are also described.

A method is provided that includes intranasally dispensing nasal wash fluid into a nasal cavity of a subject such that the nasal wash fluid washes biological material into an oropharynx of the subject from (a) the nasal cavity, (b) a nasopharynx of the subject, or (c) the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx. The method further includes, thereafter, collecting a specimen sample that passed out of an anterior opening of an oral cavity of the subject and contains at least a portion of the biological material washed into the oropharynx by the nasal wash fluid. Thereafter, information is derived from extracellular vesicles present in the specimen sample. Other embodiments are also described.

An apparatus, method and system for delivering CO.sub.2 into an inspiratory gas stream to formulate a blended respiratory gas in a manner that continuously maintains a target CO.sub.2 concentration in a volume of the inspired respiratory gas, for example, over the course of a breath or a volumetrically definable part thereof or a series of partial or full breaths.

A patient interface assembly includes a cushion assembly, and air delivery tube, and a connector assembly. The cushion assembly includes a flexible cushion including a base and a pair of nasal pillows that extend from the base and a frame that is more rigid than the flexible cushion. The connector assembly connects the air delivery tube to the cushion assembly and includes and elbow with a second end with a part spherical ball shape and a gas washout vent with a plurality of vent openings. The connector assembly also includes an elbow connector positioned in the frame. The elbow connector forms a part spherical socket shape that engages the part spherical ball shape of the elbow. The elbow connector includes an anchoring flange, which is configured to secure the flexible cushion to the elbow connector by way of the anchoring flange being inserted into the flexible cushion through a central opening in the flexible cushion.

A patient interface assembly includes a cushion assembly, and air delivery tube, and a connector assembly. The cushion assembly includes a flexible cushion including a base and a pair of nasal pillows that extend from the base and a frame that is more rigid than the flexible cushion. The connector assembly connects the air delivery tube to the cushion assembly and includes and elbow with a second end with a part spherical ball shape and a gas washout vent with a plurality of vent openings. The connector assembly also includes an elbow connector positioned in the frame. The elbow connector forms a part spherical socket shape that engages the part spherical ball shape of the elbow. The elbow connector includes an anchoring flange, which is configured to secure the flexible cushion to the elbow connector by way of the anchoring flange being inserted into the flexible cushion through a central opening in the flexible cushion.