Abstract: An agent capable of promoting proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells is disclosed which comprises a growth and differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) protein comprising a modified GDF9 polypeptide monomer which includes at least one amino acid substitution that enhances binding to and/or activation of activin-like kinase 4 and/or 5 receptor (ALK4/5). The agent is preferably provided in a mature dimeric form (eg comprising two monomers of the same modified GDF9 polypeptide monomer) and/or in a pro/mature complex form. The agent may be suitable for, inter alia, promoting oocyte maturation in vitro for use in assisted reproductive technologies.

Abstract: A surgical system for use in establishing and maintaining an opening to an anatomical space of a body, the system comprising an obturator assembly having a cutting portion at a distal end and a cannula, the cannula being detachably coupled to the cutting portion and deployable into the anatomical space of a patient, the cannula comprises a locking portion, and a lengthwise extendable body; a valve assembly comprising a passage for receiving the cannula, a first end for coupling to a fluid extraction device and a second end for placement external and adjacent the anatomical space; a base comprising a plate for placement on a patient external and adjacent the anatomical space, the plate has an aperture configured for receiving the obturator assembly and coupling means located about the aperture for coupling with the valve assembly; and wherein, in use, the locking portion of the cannula is configured to be retained in the valve assembly with the extendable body extended into the anatomical space to facilitate a

Abstract: An isolated or purified AON for modifying pre-mRNA splicing in the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE) to modulate splicing of the RAGE gene transcript or part thereof is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides lymphatic system-directing lipid prodrugs, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods of producing such prodrugs and compositions, as well as methods of improving the bioavailability or other properties of a therapeutic agent that comprises part of the lipid prodrug. The present invention also provides methods of treating a disease, disorder, or condition such as those disclosed herein, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a disclosed lipid prodrug or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

Abstract: An isolated or purified AON for modifying pre-mRNA splicing in the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE) to modulate splicing of the RAGE gene transcript or part thereof is provided.

Abstract: Electrolytes and electrochemical cells include a novel ionic liquid having a quaternary cation and a boron cluster anion. In some versions, the boron cluster anion will be a functionalized or unfunctionalized icosahedral boranyl or carboranyl anion. Electrochemical cells have an electrolyte including the ionic liquid. In some versions, the ionic liquid is used as a solvent to dissolve an ionic shuttle salt for transport of active material, with an optional co-solvent. Methods to synthesize the ionic liquid include contacting a boron cluster salt with a quaternary salt to form the ionic liquid by a metathesis reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides lymphatic system-directing lipid prodrugs, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods of producing such prodrugs and compositions, as well as methods of improving the bioavailability or other properties of a therapeutic agent that comprises part of the lipid prodrug. The present invention also provides methods of treating a disease, disorder, or condition such as those disclosed herein, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a disclosed lipid prodrug or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ion selective separation membrane including: a metal organic framework layer formed on, in, and/or around a substrate, the metal organic framework having a crystal structure that includes a first surface and a second surface and includes ion transport channels formed between respective pore windows in the first surface and the second surface; first and second electrodes to apply a potential difference across the membrane; wherein the respective pore windows have a pore size that is less than the hydrated diameter of the ion for which the ion selective separation membrane is selective.

Abstract: Non-viral nucleic acid delivery agents and methods for the delivery or transfer of nucleic acid molecules to target cells are disclosed. The agents comprise a complex of a nucleic acid cargo for delivery, one or more lipopeptide compound, and one or more polymeric charge-neutralising agent, and the complex is in the form of a particle with substantially neutral or negative surface charge. The agents and methods may be useful in a variety of applications such as therapies (including gene therapies and nucleic acid vaccinations) for diseases and medical disorders.

Abstract: An isolated or purified AON for modifying pre-mRNA splicing in the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE) to modulate splicing of the RAGE gene transcript or part thereof is provided.

Abstract: An individualized machine learning model embedded on a mobile health application, coupled to autonomous workflow agents systems to operate as a small artificial intelligence program. The machine learning algorithm learns from small datasets—making it possible to compute real-time data even on a low-grade smartphone device. It predicts early worsening outcomes by extracting patterns (features) that correlate with the individual baseline changes in heart failure status. The workflow agents support dynamic machine learning model deployment to different devices and configurations for real-time prediction and intervention. The different device configurations include patients who own only a smartphone device, patients who own a smartphone and wearable/biosensors, and patients who own a smartphone and who have an implanted cardiac device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing recombinant plasminogen in a mammalian expression system. A method for producing plasminogen, the method comprising (i) providing a host cell comprising a first recombinant polynucleotide encoding plasminogen and a second recombinant polynucleotide encoding a plasminogen activation inhibitor; (ii) culturing said host cell in a suitable culture medium under conditions to effect expression of plasminogen from the first polynucleotide and plasminogen activation inhibitor from the second polynucleotide.

Abstract: A testing device for identifying an antigen or antibody within a biofluid sample including: a substrate having a hydrophilic surface thereon; the surface including a collection zone, and at least one detection zone extending therefrom; wherein the biofluid sample can be mixed with a specific antigen or antibody, and deposited on the collection zone and transferred by capillary action to the detection zone; the antigen or antibody in the biofluid sample reacting with an appropriate said antibody or antigen thereby resulting in a visual indication within the detection zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combination and delivery of compounds for the treatment and prevention of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Further, the invention relates to methods of treating a condition associated with effector and/or memory T cells, or other pathogenic immune cells the method comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of reducing the activity of, or number of, pathogenic immune cells (preferably T cells) in an individual, and providing in the individual, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one type of short chain fatty acid, ester or salt thereof, thereby treating the condition associated with effector and/or memory T cells or other pathogenic immune cells. The present invention also provides compositions for use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: An elastic conductor comprising: an elastomeric substrate, and an array of nanowires, wherein the nanowires are upstanding relative to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and their uses, in particular, compounds in the form of prodrugs that promote transport of a pharmaceutical agent to the lymphatic system and subsequently enhance release of the parent drug.

Abstract: The technology relates to the use of at least one macrocyclic lactone such as ivermectin or moxidectin to inhibit a coronavirus in a subject in order to treat, prevent or reduce the risk of infection by the coronavirus.

Abstract: The invention provides a capacitive energy storage device comprising: at least one porous film infiltrated with an electrolyte; and one or more pairs of separated electrodes disposed on top of a first surface of the porous film, each electrode comprising a capacitive electrode material in ionic communication with the underlying porous film, wherein the electrolyte provides ionic communication between the separated electrodes via the internal porosity of the porous film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods and kits for the treatment of fibrosis. In particular, the compositions, methods and kits are particularly useful, but not limited to, the treatment of cardiac fibrosis. The invention provides a method of treating fibrosis in an individual comprising administering an AT2R selective agonist, thereby treating fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides lymphatic system-directing lipid prodrugs, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods of producing such prodrugs and compositions, and methods of improving the bioavailability or other properties of a therapeutic agent that comprises part of the lipid prodrug. The present invention also provides methods of treating a disease, disorder, or condition such as those disclosed herein, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a disclosed lipid prodrug or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.