Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of hepatic disorders in a subject in need thereof. More specifically, the methods of the invention are based on the administration, preferably, systemic administration, of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one biocompatible alginate biomaterial, any modification thereof and any combination thereof. The invention further provides methods for sustaining serum albumin levels, and/or reducing serum AST and ALT, in subjects suffering from hepatic disorder. Still further, the invention provides methods for reducing apoptosis and inducing cell proliferation in a damaged liver tissue of a subject suffering of hepatic disorder, using the alginate biomaterial described by the invention.

Abstract: A real-time method and system to accurately demarcate sub-territories of the subthalamic nucleus area in the brain during surgery, based on microelectrode recordings and a Hidden Markov Model. Root mean square and power spectral density of the microelectrode recordings are used to train and test Hidden Markov Model in identifying the dorsolateral oscillatory region and non-oscillatory sub-territories within the subthalamic nucleus. After the dorsolateral oscillatory region in the subthalamic nucleus is mapped, the microelectrodes are removed, and a macroelectrode is inserted in the mapped dorsolateral oscillatory region for producing deep brain simulation for treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Heparanase specific molecular probes which can be used for detection of the presence, absence or level of heparanase expression and methods of utilizing same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptide analogs capable of inhibiting the activity of protein kinase C. The invention discloses use of such peptides and analogs for preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prevention, delay, suppression or treatment of type 2 diabetes using such compositions.

Abstract: A liquid lithium jet nozzle comprising: an inlet through which liquid lithium flows into the nozzle; an inlet flow channel that receives liquid lithium that flows into the nozzle via the inlet and shapes the flowing liquid lithium to flow in a thin film; and a flow region that receives flowing liquid lithium shaped by the flow channel and in which the liquid lithium flows with at least one large surface of the film exposed.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide variant of VEGFR comprising an amino acid sequence at least 70% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 4 and an isolated polynucleotide encoding same are disclosed. A polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence capable of specifically hybridizing to the isolated polynucleotide and an isolated antibody comprising an antigen recognition domain which specifically binds the isolated polypeptide are also disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, methods of diagnosing and treating comprising same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel uses for CXCR4 antagonists, including specifically peptides of the T-140 family, in the treatment of skin burns and other injuries. The invention further provides methods for increasing epithelialisation in a subject in need thereof, and for preventing or inhibiting fibrosis and excessive scar formation, using peptide inhibitors of the T-140 family as well as other CXCR4 antagonists.

Abstract: A polynucleotide (hpa) encoding a polypeptide having heparanase activity, vectors including same, genetically modified cells expressing heparanase, a recombinant protein having heparanase activity and antisense oligonucleotides and constructs for modulating heparanase expression.

Abstract: The compounds D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and capsaicin are useful for prevention, treatment, or both, of hepatic encephalopathy. The compounds capsaicin, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), HU-308 and cannabidiol are useful for prevention, treatment, or both, of liver cirrhosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to inhibition of ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) for suppression of tumor cells proliferation. More particularly, the invention relates to methods of treatment of proliferative disorders by the selective inhibition of OAT, and further provides the use of OAT inhibitors, specifically, 5-amino-1,3-hexadienyl-carboxylic acid (Gabaculine), and Gabaculine analogue 8, for compositions and methods for the treatment of proliferative disorders such as hepatocellular carcinoma. The invention further provides methods and kits for the diagnosis of a pathologic proliferative disorder in a mammalian subject, based on determining the level of OAT expressed in a biological sample obtained from a subject.

Abstract: A multi-lumen guiding catheter for PTCA is disclosed. The guiding catheter comprises of a tubular body having a first and at least one second continuous lumen there-through from a proximal end to a distal end thereof The first lumen is having a cross-section and a length, the cross-section of the lumen is being large enough to permit passage there-through of a balloon of the balloon dilatation catheter The at least one second continuous lumen is positioned either in a concentric or eccentric manner in respect to the first lumen, and is adapted provide continuous intra-coronary infusion of a flowing matter A method of continuous intra-coronary infusion of flowing matter thorough a guiding catheter for PTCA is also presented. It comprises of steps of obtaining the aforesaid guiding catheter, and then, administrating a flowing matter thorough this second lumen from its proximal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the regulatory role of caspase-8 in infection by intracellular pathogen, inflammation and wound healing

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for ultrasonically imaging boli that are swallowed, as they are passed through the esophagus. The trajectories of the boli are tracked, and image data corresponding to the esophagus thereby identified. Analysis of boli and esophagus image data enable esophageal parameters correlated thereto to be determined.

Abstract: The present invention depicts an implantable artificial pacemaker (AAP) comprising oscillatory means providing pulsating signals at a pre-selected frequency, wherein the pacemaker is pacing the aorta. The invention also describes an AAP further comprising; (i) a plurality of sensors disposed internally or externally to the aorta; and (ii) a pacing means in which the AAP stimulates the aortic media, augmenting physiological aortic elastic recoil. An AAP further comprising a processor capable of obtaining information from sensors and triggering an appropriate contraction wave in the aortic media is also introduced. A method of managing aortic rhythm comprising; (i) implanting an AAP comprising oscillatory means; and (ii) pulsating signals at a preselected frequency, so as to pace the aorta and in which the pulsating signals are provided by synchronizing and coordinating activation impulses in a portion of the aorta using electrical impulses is also taught.

Abstract: The present invention relates to livin-derived peptides with pro-apoptotic activity. More specifically, the present invention provides peptides p30-Livin ? and p28-Livin ?, derived from Livin ? and ?, respectively, as well as compositions thereof. These herein described peptides display pro-apoptotic activity. Thus, another object of the present invention is the use of the peptides or compositions thereof for the enhancement and/or induction of apoptosis, as well as for the treatment of cancer. Finally, the invention also provides a method of enhancing the sensitivity of cells to death-inducing treatments or agents through the use of the peptides of the invention.

Abstract: B-cell epitope peptides of HSP 65, particularly the peptides comprising the amino acid sequence substantially as denoted by SEQ ID: Nos. 1-5 and their biologically functional homologues and derivatives thereof. Also included are polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed against them and their compositions for passive immunization against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Also encompassed are diagnostic uses of these antibodies, for identifying people at risk of developing arthritis or diabetes, and a method of monitoring progress of the disease conditions and disease prognosis.

Abstract: A method of ex-vivo expanding a population of stem cells, while at the same time inhibiting differentiation of the stem cells. The method comprises ex-vivo providing the stem cells with conditions for cell proliferation and with at least one copper chelator in an amount and for a time period for permitting the stem cells to proliferate and, at the same time, for reducing a capacity of the stem cells to differentiate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the isolation of T cell lymphocyte, preferably, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte, which is capable of specifically recognizing an antigen related to a pathologic disorder. The method of the invention is base on ability of the CTL's to capture membrane from labeled target cells. The invention further provides compositions comprising said specific lymphocytes and methods for the treatment of said pathologic disorder using the specific lymphocytes isolated and prepared by the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable defibrillation system (2), including: a high voltage switch, and current control circuit (16) connectable to and fed by a power source (6); a high voltage transformer (14) fed by the current control circuit; a pair of electrode pads (12, 12?) connected to the high voltage transformer, and a computer-based controller (18), operationally connected to the current control circuit, for governing the application of current to the high voltage transformer and, in turn, to the electrodes, wherein the high voltage applied to a patient by means of the electrode pads is directly derived from the power source.