Abstract:
The present invention provides a method of enhancing an immune response to apoptotic cells, the method comprising administration of a specific binding member which specifically binds to a microbial antigen. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising such antibodies and assays to identify specific binding members capable of enhancing an immune response to apoptotic cells. Also described are methods for the treatment of cancer using antibodies which bind to an apoptotic cell intracellular antigen.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for treating brain cancer, preventing or slowing proliferation of cells of prostate origin, preventing brain cancer in a patient at risk of contracting brain cancer, preventing or inhibiting an upregulation of the cell cycle in brain-derived cells in a patient, and decreasing the level of brain cancer-specific antigen in a patient.
Abstract:
An ostomy plug is described comprising first and second chambers having adjacent ends coupled to, and in fluid communication with, each other. The first chamber may be for insertion into a stoma. The second chamber may contain fluid for inflating the first chamber when the second chamber is squeezed or otherwise compressed. The plug may have a figure-of-eight configuration. The plug may be configured to permit venting of flatus while obstructing escape of other body waste from the stoma. The plug may incorporate an insertion aid for aiding insertion into a stoma. The plug may also incorporate a device for regulating the inflation pressure of the fluid to avoid undesirably high inflation pressures in the stoma.
Abstract:
Described herein is a latch circuit (110) which has an improved maximum toggle rate or frequency. The latch circuit (110) comprises a first portion (116) and a second portion (62) in which input clock signals (52, 54) are applied to respective input transistors (118, 78). The input transistor (118) for the first portion (116) has an emitter area which is double that of the input transistor (78) for the second portion (62). This ‘imbalance’ between the two input transistors (118, 78) provides an increase in the ‘hold period/follow period’ ratio such that it is greater than 1, the self-resonance of the latch circuit (110) and also maximum toggle rate or frequency.
Abstract:
A system and method for detecting cancerous tissue in a subject is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a system and method for non-invasively identifying cancerous regions in breast tissue. The system includes a sensor system, a drive system, and a processor. The sensor system includes a sensor plate and, similarly, the drive system includes a drive plate. A time-varying voltage is applied to the drive plate and induced currents are subsequently measured by the sensor plate. Signals indicative of an induced current are then acquired and analyzed by the processor to determine the spatial location of anomalous regions. Subsequently, the anomalous regions are characterized as either cancerous or non-cancerous.
Abstract:
The body has a fluid inlet port for receiving pressurized fluid and a fluid outlet port connected to the retention balloon. A first passage connects the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. A second passage in the body is connected to the balloon fluid return path and is at the pressure of the retention balloon. A valve prevents fluid flow through the first passage when actuated. The valve includes a pressure-responsive member movable to a position to obstruct fluid flow in response to fluid pressure in the second passage exceeding the predetermined level. Flexible means such as a membrane defines a normally open portion of the first fluid passage, which is closed by the moveable means bearing on the membrane when pressure exceeding the predetermined level actuates the valve.
Abstract:
The invention relates to analyte monitoring/drug (pharmaceutical agent) delivery device. The invention is suited for monitoring various blood constituents such as glucose. The device has a housing that at least partially encloses a plurality of microneedles disposed on a carrier and an electronics portion. Each microneedle is in fluid communication with a corresponding microchannel. Each microneedle is individually addressable. That is, each microneedle can be extended and retracted individually via an actuator. The electronics portion includes a processor and associated circuitry (e.g., memory, supporting electronics and the like), a motor or the like, a sensor, a power supply (e.g., battery) and optionally an interface. In general, the processor controls the operation of the device and is data communication with the actuator, motor, sensor and interface. The invention provides for autonomous operation, that is, without intervention of the user. The invention can optionally provide for calibration without intervention of the user. The invention can also provide for semi-continuous monitoring for day and night time. The invention can provide for up to four, or more, weeks of operation. The invention can provide for a device that is relative small in size, and therefore unobtrusive. The invention can also provide for device with remote control and interactive electronics. The invention may be also used for the delivery of various pharmaceutical agents including high potency drugs to minimize patient intervention and minimize discomfort.
Abstract:
A joint compound application assembly for evenly applying joint compound to drywall includes a cart and a box disposed on the cart. A pan is positionable in the box thereby facilitating the box to restrain the pan and the pan can contain joint compound. A roller mount has a first engagement element fixed to the roller mount and a second engagement element movably attached to the roller mount. The second engagement element is positionable in an engaging position or a disengaging position. A pair of rollers is provided and a respective one of the pair of rollers is rotatably attachable to the first engagement element and the second engagement element. In this way the respective roller can apply the joint compound to a wall.
Abstract:
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of removing non-viable cells from a cell population, said method comprising contacting a cell population with a compound under conditions suitable to permit binding between the compound and any non-viable cells present in the cell culture and removing at least some of the compound from said cell population. The invention further provides compositions suitable for use in these methods, further uses of such compositions and various other systems and kits.