Abstract: The present invention relates to viral capsid proteins, as a medicament for the treatment of a pathologic disorder. More particularly, the invention relates to the viral capsid proteins VP1, VP2 and VP3, preferably, the SV40 VP1 or any peptide, fragment, mutant, derivative and mixtures thereof or of virus-like particles (VLP's) comprising the same, as the active ingredient in compositions for the treatment of pathologic disorders, preferably disorders associated with inactivation of cellular proteins involved with quality control processes, particularly, chaperones. The invention further provides methods for the treatment of such disorders and the use of the SV40 capsid proteins for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes a valve prosthesis for attachment to a native valve complex of a subject. The prosthesis is configured to assume a compressed delivery state and an uncompressed implantation state. The prosthesis includes a support frame, which is shaped so as to define an upstream inlet having upstream-most portions that are tapered in an upstream direction toward a central longitudinal axis of the prosthesis when the prosthesis assumes the compressed delivery state. The prosthesis further includes a flexible prosthetic heart valve component, coupled to the support frame. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes a valve prosthesis for attachment to a native valve complex of a subject. The prosthesis includes a support frame, which is shaped so as to define a plurality of axial support arches, which extend in a radially outward direction, and are configured to apply, regardless of a rotational orientation of the support frame with respect to the native valve complex, an upstream axial force to a downstream side of one or more native structures selected from the group consisting of: native leaflet tips of the native valve complex, and native valve commissures. The support frame is also shaped so as to define an upstream skirt, which is configured to apply a downstream axial force on an upstream side of the native valve complex. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic heart valve, coupled to a portion of the support frame. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A portable, convertible apparatus for creating either a negative pressure or a positive pressure in and filtering the air in a room, the apparatus comprising a housing having upper and lower ends. The housing defines an air flow path between the upper and lower ends and contains, within the air flow path, a HEPA filter and a fan. A dome-shaped inlet grille is mounted on the upper end of the housing, and a cylindrical outlet grille is mounted on the lower end of the housing. The apparatus also includes an annular cover for the outlet grille, which cover is adapted to communicate with the exterior of the room, and a dome-shaped cover for the inlet grille, which cover is adapted to communicate with the exterior of the room. The apparatus creates a negative pressure in the room when the annular cover is placed over the outlet grille and the dome-shaped cover is removed, and creates a positive pressure in the room when the annular cover is removed and the dome-shaped cover is placed over the inlet grille.