Abstract: The invention provides for a thermal treatment device for generating a feedback-driven protocol for thermal treatment of a human or animal body part. The device has measurement means adapted to acquire data of a thermal treatment from the body part and means for adapting the thermal treatment of the body part on the basis of the data acquired. Further, a method for generating a feedback-driven protocol for thermal treatment of a human or animal body part is provided. The method comprises the steps of acquiring data of a thermal treatment from the body part and adapting the thermal treatment of the body part on the basis of the data acquired.

Abstract: The invention provides for a system for controlling a therapeutic pad having a data storage medium. The system for controlling has means for reading and/or writing the data of the data storage medium of the therapeutic pad, and means for implementing an operational procedure depending on the data of the storage medium of the therapeutic pad. Further, a method for controlling a therapeutic pad having a data storage medium is provided. The method has the steps of reading and/or writing the data of the data storage medium of the therapeutic pad, and implementing operational procedure depending on the data of the storage medium of the therapeutic pad. Furthermore, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product has one or more computer readable media having computer executable instructions for performing the steps of the method as discussed hereinbefore.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention is concerned with a method of cell culture, comprising the steps of (i) obtaining a stem or progenitor cell sample, (ii) culturing the stem or progenitor cell sample in media and under closed conditions appropriate to cause proliferation or differentiation of the stem or progenitor cells, wherein the media comprises a vEPO protein variant, (iii) purifying the stem or progenitor cells ex vivo. The invention relates to a method of increasing the number and survival of stem and progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo using a vEPO protein variant. The invention also relates to improved differentiation of stem and progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo using a vEPO protein variant.