Abstract: The present invention reveals a strong correlation between FGL-2 prothrombinase activity levels and the presence of a malignant proliferative disorder in a subject. Thus, the present invention provides FGL-2 prothrombinase activity as a diagnostic tool for malignancy.

Abstract: A middle ear prosthesis (40) is provided for mounting in the middle ear (4). The middle ear prosthesis comprises a shaft (42) having a distal end configured for the introduction into the inner ear (8) through an aperture (30) formed in a footplate (23) of a stapes bone and in a membrane of an oval window of the inner ear, by moving the shaft in an introduction direction, the shaft being configured for transmitting sound wave vibrations to the inner ear. The prosthesis further comprises a coupling portion (46), for coupling, the shaft to at least one of the ossicles (17) so as to allow transmitting thereby sound wave vibrations from the ossicles to the shaft; and a stop member (48) spaced from the distal end of the shaft and configured for bearing against the remaining portions thereby limiting the movement of the shaft in the introduction direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for diagnosing, monitoring or prognosing Multiple Sclerosis at different stages as well as affording the prediction of disease activity and response to a treatment regimen, using at least one sensor comprising carbon nanotubes or metal nanoparticles, each coated with various organic coatings in conjunction with a pattern recognition algorithm.

Abstract: The current invention provides therapeutic methods which include inhibition of nuclear factor ?b pathway in a cell based on the discovery of an active fraction of a plant extract termed NUP or a composition which includes NUP. NUP is used in treating and managing different diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and virus infections.

Abstract: A method of transforming red microalgae is provided. The method is effected by: (i) culturing red microalgae cells under predetermined light/dilution conditions to thereby generate competent red microalgae cells; and (ii) introducing at least one exogenous polynucleotide into said competent red microalgae cells, thereby transforming the red microalgae.

Abstract: A device (200) for implantation in or near an annulus of a tricuspid valve comprising at least one blood flow control element (202) adapted to capture a volume of blood therein. Optionally or alternatively, the blood flow control element is adapted to allow at least some volume of blood (406) to regurgitate through the annulus during at least some part of systole. Optionally or alternatively, the device comprises a relatively rigid annulus with an arc length of less than 300 degrees. Optionally or alternatively, the relatively rigid annulus comprises a plurality of tissue fixation elements positioned along no more than 300 degrees of a circumference of the annulus, for example to avoid damaging conduction pathways between an atria and a chamber.

Abstract: One or more polymorphisms, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), or combinations thereof, for diagnosis of cardiac disease, such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: Inhibitors of cPLA2? expression are used in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and for the treatment of cancer; the inhibitors are selected from cPLA2?-specific ribozymes, RNA sequences usable for RNA-interference of the cPLA2? gene, and antisense oligonucleotides directed against cPLA2?.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of cancer diagnosis, specifically to the diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC) and prostate cancer (CaP). More specifically, the invention provides simple, non-invasive urinary tests characterized by high sensitivity and specificity, wherein urinary levels of heat shock proteins and anti-inflammatory cytokines are used as biomarkers.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides against cPLA2 are provided, which are capable of inhibiting cPLA2 expression as well as superoxide production, especially in phagocytes. These antisense oligonucleotides are powerful agents for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, in particular arthritis, as well as in neurodegenerative diseases. The antisense oligonucleotides or compositions comprising the same may be used in methods of treatment of such diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to ovary apparatus for regulating the temperature of the ovary; and shielding it from radiation. The main function of the device is to preserve fertility of women treated with chemotherapy by lowering the ovary temperature while the toxic medications circulate in the patients' blood. The current invention utilizes shielding of the ovary to protect it from radiation, and temperature decrease to further limit the toxic effect of radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating specific populations of cancer patients by immunotherapy. The methods comprise administering an immunogenic composition eliciting an immune response to measles virus to patients having measles virus-immunoreactive cancer cells.

Abstract: A method of treating a disease or condition in which up-regulating GAGs is therapeutically beneficial is disclosed, in particular osteoarthritis and skin diseases. The method comprises locally administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent capable of down-regulating activity or expression of a component of the renin-angiotensin system.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting an atrioventricular valve leaflet is disclosed. A method according to an exemplary embodiment includes piercing a leaflet of the valve to at least a portion of the leaflet's thickness to form a pierced section; and extending the leaflet using said pierced section. A device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a catheter comprising: a longitudinal tube having a lumen; and a cutting element extendable from the lumen. The cutting element is adapted for forming a limited cut in an atrioventricular valve. A device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a catheter comprising a longitudinal tube having a lumen; a cutting element extendable from the lumen and adapted for forming a cut in a leaflet of an atrioventricular valve; and a frame, configured to attach to the leaflet and stay attached to the leaflet when the heart beats.

Abstract: A sterile injector comprises a body having a cavity, a hollow needle positionable at a distal end of the injector, a probe holder receivable within the needle, a probe connected to a distal end of the holder, and a driving element axially displaceable within the cavity, for causing relative motion between the probe and the needle upon displacement of the driving element. A sample is injected into a sealed container by displacing the driving element to a first position causing the probe to extend from the needle, applying the extended probe with a sample, displacing the driving element to a second position causing the sample laden probe to be retracted within the needle, piercing a seal of a sealed container with the needle, and displacing the driving element to a third position distally spaced from the first position, after which the probe is injected into the container interior.

Abstract: Provided is a device for use in controlling the liquid outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye, methods of draining aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the intra-orbital space using the device, methods for controlling the liquid outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye and further surgical methods for implanting the presently described device.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides against cPLA2 are provided, which are capable of inhibiting cPLA2 expression as well as superoxide production, especially in phagocytes. These antisense oligonucleotides are powerful agents for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, in particular arthritis, as well as in neurodegenerative diseases. The antisense oligonucleotides or compositions comprising the same may be used in methods of treatment of such diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to ovary apparatus for regulating the temperature of the ovary, and shielding it from radiation. The main function of the device is to preserve fertility of women treated with chemotherapy by lowering the ovary temperature while the toxic medications circulate in the patients' blood. The current invention utilizes shielding of the ovary to protect it from radiation, and temperature decrease to further limit the toxic effect of radiation.

Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a method for monitoring or training in ultrasound guided procedures. There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a pregnant woman simulator for simulating ultrasound guided procedures.

Abstract: A system for training practitioners in use of an ultrasound system including a unit for managing workflow of an ultrasound training session, a user interface for providing ultrasound training session instructions to a practitioner operating an ultrasound machine and for receiving input from a trainee, a unit for communication with the ultrasound machine, for collecting one or more ultrasound images produced during the training session from the ultrasound machine, a unit for image processing the ultrasound images, and a unit for assessing quality of the ultrasound images. A method for monitoring practitioner proficiency in use of an ultrasound system including providing the practitioner with an ultrasound task definition, collecting one or more ultrasound images produced by the practitioner during performance of the ultrasound task from an ultrasound machine, image processing the ultrasound images, and assessing quality of the ultrasound images. Related apparatus and methods are also described.