Abstract: There is provided a tissue scaffold and a method for making a tissue scaffold. The tissue scaffold comprises elastin and optionally fibrin and/or collagen. The elastin in the scaffold may be cross-linked. The elastin that is cross-linked preferably comprises solubilised elastin and is unfractionated.

Abstract: A sterile procedure for the filing of solids into pharmaceutical containers and the sealing thereof under sterile conditions is provided. Exemplary containers include syringes, vials, capsules, ampoules, single-dose devices or cartridges. The containers can be filled with powder, granules, nanoparticles or microparticles. After sealing, the containers are airtight. More specifically, the procedure minimizes adherence of those solids to the interior surfaces of the containers during the filling and sealing steps, thus ensuring airtightness of the seal and precision of the weight of the solid dispensed into the containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-human animal model of chronic glaucoma. In addition, the invention refers to a method for the preparation of said animal model, as well as to the use thereof.

Abstract: A new intermediate is useful in the synthesis of elagolix. A process for obtaining the intermediate includes reacting a precursor with iodine monochloride in the presence of an organic solvent. A process for preparing elagolix makes use of the intermediate. The intermediate can be 3-((R)-2-(amino-2-phenylethyl)-1-(2-fluoro-6-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-5-iodo-6-methyl-1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione or a salt thereof, such as a hydrochloride.

Abstract: There is provided a tissue scaffold and a method for making a tissue scaffold. The tissue scaffold comprises elastin and optionally fibrin and/or collagen. The elastin in the scaffold may be cross-linked. The elastin that is cross-linked preferably comprises solubilised elastin and is unfractionated.

Abstract: A new intermediate is useful in the synthesis of elagolix. A process for obtaining the intermediate includes reacting a precursor with iodine monochloride in the presence of an organic solvent. A process for preparing elagolix makes use of the intermediate. The intermediate can be 3-((R)-2-(amino-2-phenylethyl)-1-(2-fluoro-6-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-5-iodo-6-methyl-1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione or a salt thereof, such as a hydrochloride.

Abstract: An exoskeleton (1) having a plurality of autonomously operable modules (2RK, 2LK, 2RH, 2LH) each having a dedicated controller (23RK, 23LK, 23RH, 23LH) connected to an actuated joint. The exoskeleton (1) further having a multimaster electrical communicator (3) between the controllers (23RK, 23LK, 23RH, 23LH) of the modules (2RK, 2LK, 2RH, 2LH). The controller (23RK, 23LK, 23RH, 23LH) of each module (2RK, 2LK, 2RH, 2LH) is configured for: collecting information from sensors; sharing information with the remaining modules through the multimaster electrical communicator (3); determining which other modules (2RK, 2LK, 2RH, 2LH) are present; and autonomously calculating and commanding a desired trajectory of the actuated joint of the module (2RK, 2LK, 2RH, 2LH) for assisting the movement of the corresponding biological joint in coordination with the kinematic condition of other biological joints.

Abstract: A novel recombinant antimicrobial multidomain polypeptide in an aggregated and functional format is provided. The antimicrobial multidomain polypeptide comprises at least three peptidic domains: a) a non-enzymatic antimicrobial peptidic domain from mammal's immune system, b) a bacterial binding peptidic domain which interacts with the bacterial cell wall or membrane, and c) an enzymatic antimicrobial peptidic domain from mammal's immune system. The antimicrobial multidomain polypeptide exhibits a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect and is produced in an efficient production system, i.e in form of inclusion bodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exoskeleton for assisting human movement, which can be fitted to the user in terms of dimensions, tension and ranges of joint motion, either manually or automatically. The exoskeleton can be fitted to the user in the anteroposterior direction in the sagittal plane, with the user in a horizontal or sitting position, without requiring a functional transfer. The exoskeleton has a modular design which is compatible with human biomechanics and reproduces a natural and physiological movement in the user, with up to 7 actuated and controlled degrees of movement per limb, ensuring that the user maintains equilibrium during locomotion.

Abstract: A tissue scaffold is described. The tissue scaffold comprises a synthetic polymer and one or more natural polymers selected from elastin, fibrin and collagen. The synthetic polymer may be in the form of a fibrous matrix coated with the at least one natural polymer.

Abstract: There is provided a tissue scaffold and a method for making a tissue scaffold. The tissue scaffold comprises elastin and optionally fibrin and/or collagen. The elastin in the scaffold may be cross-linked. The elastin that is cross-linked preferably comprises solubilised elastin and is unfractionated.

Abstract: An extracellular matrix material is described. The material has a cross-linked scaffold comprising fibrin or fibrinogen, and a bulking agent. Deposited on the scaffold is a calcium phosphate mineral phase. Also described are methods for forming such materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process or preparing an extracellular matrix composition which comprises: (a) mixing an aqueous solution of fibrinogen with a coagulating agent and a bulking agent and a foaming agent; (b) causing the mixture to foam and coagulate; (c) incubating the mixture obtained in step (b) with a cross-linking agent; and (d) washing the cross-linked composition obtained in step (c) to remove the cross-linking agent. Wherein the foaming agent consists of or comprises one or more surfactant agent(s) from the class of sugar-surfactants. The invention also relates to the formulation mixture as such, and to the products of the process.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an articulation (1) with controllable stiffness and a force-measuring system, comprising a first device (20) that comprises a frame (4) having a curved face and connected to a first motor element (2), the first device (20) regulating the position of the articulation (1), and a second device (22) that regulates the stiffness of the articulation (1) and comprises a thrust element (15), the movement (D) of which determines the pre-compression of a resistive element (11) and thus the stiffness of the articulation (1); the first motor element (2) causes the frame (4) to rotate such that a wheel (8) of the second device (22) rolls on the curved face of the frame (4), causing the resistive element (11) to be compressed (C) via a transmission rod (7) associated with the wheel (8) and with the resistive element (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to an exoskeleton for assisting human movement, which can be fitted to the user in terms of dimensions, tension and ranges of joint motion, either manually or automatically. Said exoskeleton can be fitted to the user in the anteroposterior direction in the sagittal plane, with the user in a horizontal or sitting position, without requiring a functional transfer. The exoskeleton has a modular design which is compatible with human biomechanics and reproduces a natural and physiological movement in the user, with up to 7 actuated and controlled degrees of movement per limb, ensuring that the user maintains equilibrium during locomotion.

Abstract: A vehicle and method for cleaning parabolic trough solar collectors (2) by means of a motorized vehicle (1) which includes a water tank (4); front (5) and rear (6) cleaning arms, with a telescopic part having several sections, coupled at one end to a pivoting head (8) which supports a rotary cleaning brush (9) and comprises spray nozzles (10), as well as proximity sensors (12) for the brushes (9). It comprises the same number of front and rear transverse guide rails (13) which include a linear movement means (14) coupled, by means of a pivot (15), to the cleaning arms (5, 6). The brushes (9) are movable in relation to the head (8) by means of a shaft (21) actuated by a retraction actuator (27) for overcoming obstacles (26).

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an articulation (1) with controllable stiffness and a force-measuring system, comprising a first device (20) that comprises a frame (4) having a curved face and connected to a first motor element (2), the first device (20) regulating the position of the articulation (1), and a second device (22) that regulates the stiffness of the articulation (1) and comprises a thrust element (15), the movement (D) of which determines the pre-compression of a resistive element (11) and thus the stiffness of the articulation (1); the first motor element (2) causes the frame (4) to rotate such that a wheel (8) of the second device (22) rolls on the curved face of the frame (4), causing the resistive element (11) to be compressed (C) via a transmission rod (7) associated with said wheel (8) and with the resistive element (11).

Abstract: Solar concentrator plant using natural-draught tower technology, in which the tower is, in turn, used as cooling system. The tower houses saturated or superheated steam receivers in cavities with different orientations, with adaptive dynamic control of the heliostat field in order to direct said receivers towards different focusing points, for the production of electricity, process heat or solar fuels or for use in thermochemical processes.

Abstract: A walker (1) with a mechanism for assisting a user (21) in standing and sitting operations, comprising a support structure equipped with movement means (2,3), a device (20) for securing the user to the walker and a system for blocking the movement means, wherein the support structure comprises at least one pivoting arm (14) that guides the device (20) for securing the user (21), a guide support (11) that is fixed to the walker (1) and guides the arm (14), and a control module (15) that controls the system for blocking the movement means (2,3) and which comprises means for selecting a working mode of the walker, by selecting from between “walking mode” and “sitting/standing mode”.

Abstract: Method for the natural-draught cooling of a high-concentration thermoelectric solar plant that includes a central receiver or tower with a heliostat field, wherein the tower is used as a natural-draught cooling tower. The steam originating from the turbine will be made to circulate through a series of condensers located at the base of the tower, where said condensers condense the steam therein and discharge the condensation heat to the atmosphere. The fluid responsible for this heat exchange is the air at ambient temperature at the base of the tower. Once condensed, the steam is pumped back towards the receiver so that it can be re-used as a heat-transfer fluid. The cooling air travels up through the tower and exits through the highest part thereof. The plant can be used to reduce not only its own electricity consumption, but also water consumption.