Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a device for using acoustic or mechanical energy to perform an action at a target site of an object. The device comprises a conduit having an aperture disposed at the target site, a displacement signal source for generating a mechanical displacement signal, a coupling assembly having for coupling the displacement signal source to the conduit, a pressure controller coupled to the proximal end of the conduit to vary an amount of pressure in the conduit when obtaining a first entity from or delivering a second entity to the target site, and a control unit for controlling the displacement signal source to generate the mechanical displacement signal based on a desired acoustic or mechanical wave mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing an immune response in a mammal to facilitate the elimination of a chronic pathology. The method involves the removal of immune system inhibitors such as soluble TNF receptor from the circulation of the mammal, thus, enabling a more vigorous immune response to the pathogenic agent. The removal of immune system inhibitors is accomplished by contacting biological fluids of a mammal with one or more binding partner(s) such as TNF? muteins capable of binding to and, thus, depleting the targeted immune system inhibitor(s) from the biological fluids. Particularly useful in the invention is an absorbent matrix composed of an inert, biocompatible substrate joined covalently to a binding partner, such as a TNF? mutein, capable of specifically binding to a targeted immune system inhibitor such as soluble TNF receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing an immune response in a mammal to facilitate the elimination of a chronic pathology. The method involves the removal of immune system inhibitors from the circulation of the mammal, thus, enabling a more vigorous immune response to the pathogenic agent. The removal of immune system inhibitors is accomplished by contacting biological fluids of a mammal with one or more binding partner(s) capable of binding to and, thus, depleting the targeted immune system inhibitor(s) from the biological fluids. Particularly useful in the invention is an absorbent matrix composed of an inert, biocompatible substrate joined covalently to a binding partner, such as an antibody, capable of specifically binding to the targeted immune system inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing white blood cell functioning and metabolism on a mucosal surface of a mammal. The present invention also relates to a method for treating or preventing a condition in a mammal caused by the presence of a disease-causing agent on a mucosal surface or a cutaneous surface wherein the disease-causing agent can be diminished by the actions of the white blood cells. The present invention yet also relates to a method for healing a wound of a mucosal or cutaneous surface. The present invention also relates to compositions for use in such methods.