Microneedle arrays and methods of forming the same can include one or more bioactive components bonded to a biocompatible material such that the one or more bioactive components are cleavable in vivo to release the bioactive component from the biocompatible material.

An apparatus and method for replenishing urease in a sorbent cartridge for use in sorbent dialysis. The system is configured to allow insertion of a urease pouch, injection of a urease solution, or addition of a urease cartridge, into a dialysis cabinet containing a dialysis flow loop. The urease can be dissolved and the resulting urease solution added to the sorbent cartridge in the flow loop to replenish the urease within the sorbent cartridge. The sorbent cartridge can also comprise other, rechargeable, sorbent materials for removing toxins other than urea from spent dialysate.

The present invention provides a filter element for a blood processing filter, comprising a nonwoven fabric, wherein the quantity of crystallization heat of the uncrystallized portion of the nonwoven fabric is 5 J/g or smaller before steam heat treatment.

A sorbent pouch for use in sorbent dialysis. The sorbent pouch allows for fluid to freely pass into and through the sorbent materials, while keeping the sorbent materials inside the sorbent pouch.

Microneedle arrays and methods of forming the same can include one or more bioactive components bonded to a biocompatible material such that the one or more bioactive components are cleavable in vivo to release the bioactive component from the biocompatible material.

The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.

Systems and methods for nitric oxide generation are provided. In an embodiment, an NO generation system can include a controller and disposable cartridge that can provide nitric oxide to two different treatments simultaneously. The disposable cartridge has multiple purposes including preparing incoming gases for exposure to the NO generation process, scrubbing exhaust gases for unwanted materials, characterizing the patient inspiratory flow, and removing moisture from sample gases collected. Plasma generation can be done within the cartridge or within the controller. The system has the capability of calibrating NO and NO.sub.2 gas analysis sensors without the use of a calibration gas.

Systems and methods for nitric oxide generation are provided. In an embodiment, an NO generation system can include a controller and disposable cartridge that can provide nitric oxide to two different treatments simultaneously. The disposable cartridge has multiple purposes including preparing incoming gases for exposure to the NO generation process, scrubbing exhaust gases for unwanted materials, characterizing the patient inspiratory flow, and removing moisture from sample gases collected. Plasma generation can be done within the cartridge or within the controller. The system has the capability of calibrating NO and NO.sub.2 gas analysis sensors without the use of a calibration gas.

An object of the present invention is to provide a material which can remove an activated leukocyte-activated platelet complex with high efficiency. The present invention provides a material for removing an activated leukocyte-activated platelet complex, the material being a water-insoluble carrier to the surface of which carrier a compound(s) having a charged functional group(s) is(are) bound, wherein an extending length ratio of the surface is 4 to 7.

Provided is an exacerbation prediction device equipped with a respiration sensing means of continuously sensing respiration data of a patient, a calculation means of calculating stable respiration data that are respiration data during a condition in which a respiratory rate is lowered and stable for a certain period of time from the sensed continuous respiration data of the patient, and a prediction means of predicting occurrence of an acute exacerbation in the patient in accordance with the stable respiration data calculated during a certain period of time.