Abstract: A fluid heating element includes first and second conduits. The first conduit has a first inlet and a first outlet. The first inlet is configured to receive a first portion of the fluid, and the first outlet is configured to discharge the first portion of the fluid. The second conduit has a second inlet and a second outlet. The second inlet is configured to receive a second portion of the fluid, and the second outlet is configured to discharge the second portion of the fluid. The fluid heating element further includes an electrothermal coating associated with the first and second conduits and an electrical lead configured to apply an electric current across the electrothermal coating. The electrothermal coating converts the electric current to heat that is transferred to through the first and second conduits to the fluid.

Abstract: An overhead arm assembly for a patient support apparatus includes a user interface device. The user interface device has a support structure for supporting a personal digital assistant and a charging port for personal digital assistant.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides T cell modulatory polypeptides (T-Cell-MPs) comprising a chemical conjugation site at which a KRAS epitope has been conjugated and at least one immunomodulatory polypeptide sequence that may be selected to exhibit reduced binding affinity to its cognate co-immunomodulatory polypeptide. The T-Cell-epitope conjugates are useful for modulating (e.g., increasing proliferation or cytotoxic activity) the activity of T cells specific to the conjugate epitope, and accordingly for use as therapeutics. The T-Cell-epitope conjugates find use in treating a variety of cancers associated with KRAS.

Abstract: A dynamization device includes a first module and a second module. The first and second modules are each rigidly affixed to and mated together by one or more deformable rings. Each of the first and second modules includes an inner column positioned within the one or more deformable rings. The mated first and second modules form a first displacement gap between the inner column of the first module and the inner column of the second module. The first displacement gap extends along the longitudinal axis between adjacent deformable rings of the one or more deformable rings.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides T-cell modulatory polypeptides (TMPs) that comprise a MOD, class I HLA polypeptides (a class I HLA heavy chain polypeptide and a ?2 microglobulin polypeptide), and a KRAS peptide (e.g., a KRAS peptide comprising a cancer-associated mutation) that presents an epitope to a T-cell receptor. A TMP is useful for modulating the activity of a T cell, and for modulating an immune response in an individual.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides T-cell modulatory polypeptides (TMPs) that comprise an immunomodulatory polypeptide, class I HLA polypeptides (a class I HLA heavy chain polypeptide and a ?2 microglobulin polypeptide), and a peptide that presents an epitope to a T-cell receptor. A TMP of the present disclosure is useful for modulating the activity of a T cell, and for modulating an immune response in an individual.

Abstract: A device, kit, and method for the treatment of anatomical joint dysfunctions, and more particularly, to a spring hinge comprising: a primary coil spring having a helical structure with a central cavity, wherein the primary coil spring forms a plurality of spirals layered against one another when the primary coil spring is in an unexpanded state; wherein the primary coil spring comprises surfaces that are configured to nest against each other to resist translational or shearing movement between adjoining spiral layers.

Abstract: An external fixation strut includes an elongated body including first and second tubular shafts. Opposite connectors are respectively coupled to one of the shafts and include a ball and socket joint. One shaft has an internal diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of the other to host the other shaft in a slidably and telescopic manner. The shafts of the strut are a synthetic radiolucent plastic material. A clamp element is in proximity of overlapping ends of the shafts for fast gripping action stopping the sliding of one shaft inside the other. A fixation element is manually operated and acts on the clamp element. A sleeve is provided around the central portion of the strut where the shafts overlap. The clamp element is a clamp band around the sleeve and includes opposite and facing gripping portions. The gripping portions are connected by a threaded connector of the fixation element.

Abstract: A connecting rod for an external fixation device includes a first joint having a first rotatable member housing, a first rotatable member disposed within the first rotatable member housing, and a first connecting member. The first rotatable member has a first bore. The first connecting member includes a first connecting member insert having a stem partially disposed within the first bore of the first rotatable member. The first connecting member insert includes a second bore. The second bore is operable to receive a connecting element from a first external fixation ring.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to external fixation struts and systems utilizing the external fixation struts. The struts include an elongated body comprising a first and a second hollow tubular shaft and include opposite connectors respectively coupled to an end portion of the first or the second shaft and each including a ball and socket joint. One shaft may have an internal diameter that is slightly larger than the external diameter than the other shaft to host internally the other shaft in a slidably and telescopic manner. A clamp element may provide a fast gripping action stopping the telescopic sliding of one shaft inside the other shaft. Each ball and socket joint connector may be structured to allow an angular movement of the corresponding connector with a spherical angle up to at least 90°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable pulling device (1) for orthopedic bone transport, comprising: a main body (2); a worm gear mechanism (4) disposed in the main body (2), and a reel (8) set into rotation by the worm gear mechanism (4) and meant to wind up a cable which is secured to a transport bone segment.

Abstract: A radiography aid and method of using the same comprising: attaching a radiographic reference device to the external fixation device, the radiographic reference device comprises at least two surfaces; positioning the first surface of the radiographic reference device on an imager surface to capture a first radiographic image of the external fixation device and the one or more objects; repositioning the external fixation device to position the second surface of the radiographic reference device on the imager surface to capture a second radiographic image of the external fixation device and the one or more objects that differs in position from the first radiographic image by the first angle; and calculating the position of the one or more objects in three dimensions.

Abstract: An orthopedic spring hinge and associated external fixation systems for the treatment of anatomical joint dysfunctions, and more particularly, to a spring hinge comprising a first base member, a second base member, a flexible first spring having a first longitudinal axis extending from the first base member to the second base member, and a flexible second spring spaced apart from the first spring and having a second longitudinal axis extending from the first base member to the second base member. The spring hinge is configured to have a maximum bending resistance in a first plane extending between the first spring and the second spring and a minimum bending resistance in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: Dynamization tabs and methods of use are provided. Dynamization tabs may be used with an external fixation ring or other fixator device as part of a therapeutic treatment of bone fractures or malformations. The device forms a connection between one or more fixation struts and an external fixation ring so as to introduce controllable amounts of movement or dynamization to the arrangement of the struts and the fixator. By introducing controlled amounts of dynamization, therapeutic benefits can be derived in the enhanced, accelerated bone formation, mineralization and remodeling of the underlying bone. Dynamization tabs may comprise a strut connector, a mechanical biasing or dynamizing device, and a ring connector. Many different forms for introducing controlled amounts of dynamization are disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic spring hinge and associated external fixation systems for the treatment of anatomical joint dysfunctions, and more particularly, to a spring hinge comprising a first base member, a second base member, a flexible first spring having a first longitudinal axis extending from the first base member to the second base member, and a flexible second spring spaced apart from the first spring and having a second longitudinal axis extending from the first base member to the second base member. The spring hinge is configured to have a maximum bending resistance in a first plane extending between the first spring and the second spring and a minimum bending resistance in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: An improved orthopaedic external fixation system with removable rails or skates and may include: at least a distal foot fixation element; at least a pair of rails or skates removably connected to the foot fixation element; at least a load sensor associated to at least one of the rails or skates; an electronic apparatus coupled to the load sensor and receiving an electric signal from the load sensor; an electronic controller coupled to the apparatus and issuing at least a flag signal upon detection of a threshold pressure force on said at least one of said rails or skates. This electronic controller may be mounted on the orthopaedic system or may be a structurally independent host device including a controller that is in signal communication with the load sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved external fixation strut comprising: 29. an elongated body comprising a first and a second hollow tubular shaft; 30. opposite connectors respectively coupled to an end portion of the first or the second shaft and each including a ball and socket joint; 31. one shaft having an internal diameter that is slightly larger than the external diameter than the other shaft to host internally the other shaft in a slidably and telescopic manner; 32. said first and second shafts of the strut being realized by a synthetic radiolucent plastic material; 33. a clamp element provided in proximity of overlapping ends of the first and second shaft for providing a fast gripping action stopping the telescopic sliding of one shaft inside the other shaft; 34. a manually operated fixation element acting on the clamp element for exerting said fast gripping action.

Abstract: A device, kit, and method for the treatment of anatomical joint dysfunctions, and more particularly, to a spring hinge comprising: a primary coil spring having a helical structure with a central cavity, wherein the primary coil spring forms a plurality of spirals layered against one another when the primary coil spring is in an unexpanded state; wherein the primary coil spring comprises surfaces that are configured to nest against each other to resist translational or shearing movement between adjoining spiral layers.

Abstract: A device, kit, and method for the treatment of anatomical joint dysfunctions, and more particularly, to a spring hinge comprising: a primary coil spring having a helical structure with a central cavity, wherein the primary coil spring forms a plurality of spirals layered against one another when the primary coil spring is in an unexpanded state; wherein the primary coil spring comprises surfaces that are configured to nest against each other to resist translational or shearing movement between adjoining spiral layers.

Abstract: Dynamization devices and methods of use are provided. A dynamization device may comprise first and second modules that are mated together in a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer surface of the first and second modules are connected to deformable rings that may be deformed when a longitudinal force is applied to the first and second modules. The deformation of the rings creates a longitudinal mechanical bias in the device to return it to its original shape. The strength, spring coefficient, and size of the dynamization device can be adjusted depending upon the particular needs of the application.