Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extracellular vesicles (EVs), e.g., exosomes, comprising a payload (e.g., an antigen, adjuvant, and/or immune modulator) and/or a targeting moiety. Also provided herein are methods for producing the EVs (e.g., exosomes) and methods for using the EVs (e.g., exosomes) to treat and/or prevent diseases or disorders, e.g., cancer, graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), autoimmune disease, infectious diseases, or fibrotic diseases.

Abstract: Configuration devices in a module. In some embodiments a radio-frequency module includes a serial bus including a first serial data line and a second serial data line. The radio-frequency module also includes a control component coupled to the serial bus and the first switch, the control component configured to determine whether first data is detected on the first serial data line, determine whether second data is detected on the second serial data line, and decode a command based on the first data and second data when the first data is detected on the first serial data line and when the second data is detected on the second serial data line.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a first retaining device having an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface. A second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface. A resilient core has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface engages the inner surface of the first retaining device. The second surface engages the inner surface of the second retaining device. The resilient core has a tapered radially outer surface extending from adjacent the first surface to adjacent the second surface. The first retaining device may have a flange extending toward the second retaining device. A concave surface may extend between the first surface and the radially outer surface. The concave surface of the core may engage the flange when the apparatus is free of a load.

Abstract: An abdominal muscle exercise device which facilitates exercising and training of abdominal and lower back muscles while in a standing position. The exercise device has a platform with vertical members at the back of the platform. A horizontal member is attached at the top ends of the vertical members. The vertical members have an angled member extending away from the platform to prevent the platform from tipping during use. The vertical members can be removably and/or foldably connected to the platform and can be adjustable in height. The angled members can be removably and/or foldably connected to the vertical members and can be adjustable in length. The exercise device is constructed so that a user can stand on the platform and bend backwards over the horizontal member to exercise the abdominal and lower back muscles. Exercising these muscles in this standing position minimizes the stress encountered by the spine during abdominal exercising, and concentrates the stress on the abdominal muscles.

Abstract: Disc prostheses, particularly for use in the lumbar region of the spine are provided. The disc prosthesis includes an outer component manufactured at least in part from fibre and at least one filling element introduced into the outer component in situ.

Abstract: A method for replacing a spinal disc between first and second vertebrae of a spinal column includes determining a reference point on the spinal column. A marker is connected to a vertebra of the spinal column at the reference point. The marker is engaged with a guide assembly for guiding insertion of a surgical instrument between the first and second vertebrae to prepare the space between the first and second vertebrae for receiving an apparatus between the first and second vertebrae. The apparatus is inserted between the first and second vertebrae. The apparatus has a first end, a second opposite end, and first and second lateral sides extending between the first and second ends. An outer surface is engageable with the first vertebra of the spinal column. A rail extending from the outer surface is engageable with the first vertebra to connect the apparatus to the first vertebra. The rail extends a first distance from the outer surface adjacent the first end.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes an artificial disc. The artificial disc includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface, a first retaining member connected to the first surface of the resilient core, and a second retaining member connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The first retaining member has an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. The second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core. A first mounting member is connectable with the first vertebra and the artificial disc to position the artificial disc between the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface. A first retaining device is connected to the first surface of the resilient core. The first retaining device includes an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. A second retaining device is connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core. The inner surface of the first retaining device is spaced from the core. The core deflects into engagement with the inner surface of the first retaining device upon relative movement between the first and second retaining devices.

Abstract: A method for replacing a damaged spinal disc between first and second vertebrae of a spinal column includes connecting a first mounting member with the first vertebra of the spinal column. An artificial disc is moved between the first and second vertebrae and into engagement with the first mounting member to guide the artificial disc into position between the first and second vertebrae. The artificial disc includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface, a first retaining member connected to the first surface of the resilient core, and a second retaining member connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The first retaining member has an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. The second retaining member has an outer surface engageable with the second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core.

Abstract: A shelf stable dough or batter having a water activity no greater than about 0.85, a pH less than or equal to about 4.5 and the shelf-stable for at least three, preferably six months at ambient conditions. The shelf stability of the dough or batter is achieved without the use of special packaging, modified headspaces, and/or microbiologically effective amount of alcohols or polyols.

Abstract: A modular implant that is effective to replace a damaged or degenerated spinal disc is provided. The implant includes a central core member having superior and inferior surfaces, a superior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and a mating surface effective to mate with the superior surface of the central core member, and an inferior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and a mating surface effective to mate with the inferior surface of the central core member. The modularity of the implant allows the surgeon to select and properly fit each modular endplate member separately during the surgical procedure, thereby eliminating the need to prepare the endplates of each adjacent vertebrae, and/or the bone-contacting surfaces of the implant.

Abstract: A modular implant that is effective to replace a damaged or degenerated spinal disc is provided. The implant includes a central core member having superior and inferior surfaces, a superior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and a mating surface effective to mate with the superior surface of the central core member, and an inferior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and a mating surface effective to mate with the inferior surface of the central core member. The modularity of the implant allows the surgeon to select and properly fit each modular endplate member separately during the surgical procedure, thereby eliminating the need to prepare the endplates of each adjacent vertebrae, and/or the bone-contacting surfaces of the implant.

Abstract: A spinal disc prosthesis to replace a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column (16) of a human, includes a body (10) having an upper surface (52) engageable with the upper vertebra (12) and a lower surface (152) engageable with the lower vertebra (14). The body (10) includes a crescent-shaped projection (62, 162) extending from one of the upper and lower surfaces (52, 152) of the body for receipt in a cavity in the adjacent vertebra (12, 14).