Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing depression in a subject. Specifically, the present invention relates to diagnosing depression in a subject by providing a sample of the microbiome from the subject; determining the quantitative level or presence of one or more bacterial species in the sample; and diagnosing depression based on the quantitative level or presence of the one or more bacterial species in the sample.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of isolating exosomes. Specifically, the invention relates to a method comprising the steps of providing a sample including exosomes; identifying a cell-surface polypeptide on the exosomes; and isolating the exosomes using the cell-surface polypeptide on the exosomes. The exosomes isolated from by the methods of the invention can be studied for the purposes of biomarker identification, for the understanding of biological function and disease, and to find ways to target them with therapeutics.
Abstract:
A pharmaceutical delivery device, comprising a cylindrical body formed from a plurality of concentrically arranged layers, each layer being formed from a biodegradable material and incorporating at least one active pharmaceutical agent. Preferably the device comprises an outer layer, and inner layer and one or more intermediate layers, wherein at least one of said one or more intermediate layers is formed from a material having a greater rate of degradation that the inner and outer layers such that the inner and outer layers separate in use.
Abstract:
The invention provides CaO 2 nanoparticles having a p H-responsive coating for use in a method of adjuvant therapy of hypoxic tumour cells or tissues. The nanoparticles find particular use in enhancing cancer therapies that depend on oxygen to exert their effect, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and radiotherapy. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing the coated CaO 2 nanoparticles, together with at least one photosensitiser, sonosensitiser, or radiosensitiser and, optionally, at least one pharmaceutical carrier or excipient.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a minimally invasive diagnostic device. The invention finds utility in the field of minimally invasive medical devices for indicating the presence of an analyte in a sample to be tested. Specifically, the present invention relates to a minimally invasive diagnostic device comprising an array of microneedles formed from a microporous material and in fluid communication with a reservoir, wherein the reservoir comprises a visual indicator for indicating the presence of an analyte in a sample to be tested.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a liquid sample collection apparatus comprising, a port for receiving a liquid sample, a collector for storing said liquid sample, at least one conduit connecting said port to said collector, and a sample detection apparatus comprising a sensor for detecting said liquid in said collector and generating an output depending on the quantity of said liquid detected in said collector, and a controller responsive to said sensor output and configured to determine that said sample has been collected when said sensor output indicates that a quantity of said liquid above a threshold amount is detected in said collector.
Abstract:
A method of forming a compound curvature metal skin from a sheet metal blank comprising the steps of: •providing a blank (1) defining at least a sector of a truncated cone having a central axis of symmetry, a leading edge and a trailing edge; • providing an arcuate or annular punch (4) substantially corresponding in shape to an inner surface of the compound curvature metal skin and having an outer surface, a leading edge and an inner surface; • gripping the leading edge of the blank (1) between mating faces of a first blank holding means (6) located on a first side of the punch (4) adjacent the inner face of the punch; gripping the trailing edge of the blank (1) between mating faces of a second blank holding (8) means located on a second side of the punch (4, opposite to said first side and adjacent the outer face of the punch; • displacing the first and second blank holding means (6,8) with respect to the punch (4) in a single direction to draw the blank (1) over the punch (4) while permitting the blank (1) to flow between mating surfaces of at least one of the first and second blank holding means (6,8), comprising the steps of displacing each of the first and second blank holding means (6,8) with respect to the punch by different amounts and at different rates.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an esculentin-2CHa peptide and analogues thereof, and the use each thereof in the treatment of diabetes, for example type 2 diabetes; insulin resistance; obesity, and/or hypercholesterolemia. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising peptides and analogues according to the present invention; use of peptides and analogues according to the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, and/or hypercholesterolemia; and methods of treating diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, and/or hypercholesterolemia.
Abstract:
A panel, wall or structure that can use its curvature to resist blast forces. Such a panel has a two-dimensional footprint defined by a height L and a curvature defined by a maximum lateral displacement x in a direction perpendicular to its footprint and towards a source of a blast. The curvature is chosen in the range of 0.001≤ x/L ≤ 0.5 so as to provide an improvement in blast resistance for the same panel thickness.
Abstract:
A woven formwork for construction of a structure is disclosed. The formwork comprises a three-dimensional woven fabric arranged so as to define one or more cavities into which an in-fill material can be inserted in order to construct said structure.