Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the quantification of the image quality of at least one tomographic picture of an object, wherein at least one tomographic cross-sectional image is produced using a cross-sectional imaging method, in particular a magnetic resonance tomography method. As a measure of the image quality in a cross-sectional image, an image detail is measured, in particular the width of a boundary between two adjacent areas is determined, in particular with the signal intensity remaining constant in each such area, in particular said signal intensity remaining constant at least within predetermined/predeterminable boundaries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for isolating human forkhead box P3 (Foxp3+) CD4+ regulatory T cells (herein referred to a Foxp3+ Treg cells) from a sample containing (i) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), (ii) a lymphocyte containing fluid, or (iii) a lymphocyte containing tissue, a kit for isolating human Foxp3+ Treg cells, and the use of anti-CD49d antibody for the isolation of human Foxp3+ Treg cells.

Abstract: A connector comprised of a fluid delivery means for conveying a fluid to a component, a compliant tube that surrounds the fluid delivery means and that is fluid-tight, and a load transfer means positioned outside of the compliant tube for relieving stress on the compliant tube that arises when the compliant tube undergoes linear motion. The fluid delivery means may be the tubes that convey a cooling fluid to a component in a thin film plating apparatus. The compliant tube may be a tube that contains a bellows section. The load transfer means may comprise a pair of rods positioned outside of the compliant tube that run parallel to the compliant tube.

Abstract: A peptide having an ED50 of less than 500 nm, in particular 10 nM to an antibody which recognizes an epitope on an extracellular ?1 loop 2 or ?2 loop 1 of a human adrenoceptor wherein the antibody's binding to the epitope results in an increase of ?-secretase activity, an increased release of ?-amyolid molecules and/or cellular dysfunction of cerebral blood vessel cells, glia cells or neurons, wherein the ED50 value is measured by bioassay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a targeting system comprising, preferably as distinct components (a) a transposon which is devoid of polynucleotide encoding a functional transposase comprising (aa) a polynucleotide of interest and; (ab) a DNA sequence specifically recognized by a DNA binding domain; and (ba) a fusion protein comprising (i) said DNA binding domain; or (ii) a (poly)peptide binding domain binding to a (poly)peptide comprising said DNA binding domain; and (iii) a DNA targeting domain; or (iv) a (poly)peptide binding domain that binds to a cellular or engineered (poly)peptide that comprises a DNA targeting domain; or (bb) a polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein of (ba); and (ca) a transposase or a fragment or derivative thereof having transposase function; or (cb) a polynucleotide encoding the transposase or fragment or derivative thereof having transposase function of (ca).

Abstract: The invention refers to the use of a polynucleotide encoding “apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain” (ARC) or a functional fragment thereof, and/or an ARC polypeptide or a functional fragment thereof for inhibiting cell death of a liver cell, in particular during liver failure.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a tube holder, a fluid container, a double ended needle with forward sharpened tip, and rearward sharpened tip. Fluid is withdrawn or injected into a patient from the tip, and into fluid contained.

Abstract: A mixing syringe and method for using the mixing syringe are provided. The mixing syringe comprises a housing having a first compartment for containing a first component, an outer plunger having a second compartment for containing a second component, and an inner plunger. Prior to use, a seal separates the first and second components. To prepare the mixture, the seal is pierced and the two components are mixed. The mixing syringe and its method of use are particularly suited to applications in which at least one of the mixture components is a relatively highly viscous material.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a tube holder, a fluid container, a double ended needle with forward sharpened tip, and rearward sharpened tip. Fluid is withdrawn or injected into a patient from the tip, and into fluid contained.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device is provided that includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. The needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the bias of the biasing element. When the catheter is removed from the insertion device, the needle retainer automatically releases the needle, which is propelled rearwardly into the device. A device for inserting a guide wire into a patient is also provided. The device includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the housing of the device after use. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the bias of the biasing element. After the guide wire is inserted into the patient, the needle retainer allows the needle to be released, so that the needle is retracted into the device.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a tube holder, a fluid container, a double ended needle with forward sharpened tip, and rearward sharpened tip. Fluid is withdrawn or injected into a patient from the tip, and into fluid contained.

Abstract: A safety needle-bearing medical advice (10) is provided. Specifically, a safety device for injecting medicinal fluid into a patient is provided. The device comprises a hollow housing (20), a needle assembly (40) and a plunger (30). The needle assembly (40) releasably retains a needle (43) in an extended position in which the sharpened tip of the needle is exposed for use. At the end of an injection stroke, the plunger (30) engages the needle assembly (40), such that the needle (43) is released and retracted into a cavity (38) within the plunger. The device (10) includes structure for reducing the dead-space volume, which represents the amount a fluid remaining in the device at the end of an injection stroke. In addition, preferably the device (10) includes structure for minimizing the volume of potential air bubbles trapped in the medicinal fluid prior to an injection.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device is provided for inserting an over-the-needle catheter. The device includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the housing of the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the rearward bias of the biasing element. The needle retainer engages the hub of the catheter so that when the catheter is removed from the insertion device, the needle retainer automatically releases the needle. The biasing element then propels the needle rearwardly into the housing of the device. The device further allows the operator to intervene to delay retraction if desired.

Abstract: A medical device is provided for collecting fluid samples from a patient, such as blood samples. The device includes a needle having a forward sharpened tip that is retracted into the housing of the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. The rearward end of the housing is open, forming a socket for receiving a fluid container, such as a vacuum tube, that will receive the fluid sample. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in the extended position against the rearward bias of a biasing element. After use, the medical professional retracts the needle by pressing an actuation button, allowing the biasing element to displace the needle rearwardly. A guide track guides the needle during retraction, tilting the needle off-axis.

Abstract: A mixing syringe and method for using the mixing syringe are provided. The mixing syringe comprises a housing having a first compartment for containing a first component, an outer plunger having a second compartment for containing a second component, and an inner plunger. Prior to use, a seal separates the first and second components. To prepare the mixture, the seal is pierced and the two components are mixed. The mixing syringe and its method of use are particularly suited to applications in which at least one of the mixture components is a relatively highly viscous material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting medicine from a pre-filled container into a patient through an injection needle. After use, the needle is automatically shielded to prevent inadvertent contact with the needle. The device operates by pumping medicine out of the vial and into a transfer chamber. The medicine is then expelled from the transfer chamber into a patient during an injection stroke. At the end of the injection stroke, the needle is released for retraction, and the spring retracts the needle for shielding. The device can include an injector assembly and a vial holder assembly. The injector assembly has a needle retainer for releasably retaining the needle in a projecting position against the bias of a spring. The vial holder assembly is attachable with the injector assembly and is operable to transfer fluid from the vial and into the transfer chamber for an injection.

Abstract: A device for injecting fluid from a pre-filled cartridge is provided. The device includes a needle for piercing a patient. After an injection, the needle can be retracted to prevent inadvertent contact with the contaminated needle. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in the retracted position. The needle can subsequently be re-extended to administer a subsequent injection. After the cartridge is emptied, the cartridge can be removed, if desired, and replaced with another cartridge for additional injections. Alternatively, the needle can be substantially permanently retracted into the device and safely disposed of in a sharps container.

Abstract: A medical device is provided for collecting fluid samples from a patient, such as blood samples. The device includes a needle having a forward sharpened tip that is retracted into the housing of the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. The rearward end of the housing is open, forming a socket for receiving a fluid container, such as a vacuum tube, that will receive the fluid sample. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in the extended position against the rearward bias of a biasing element. After use, the medical professional retracts the needle by pressing an actuation button, allowing the biasing element to displace the needle rearwardly. A guide track guides the needle during retraction, tilting the needle off-axis.