Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical biotechnology. Specifically, the present invention relates to a fusion protein containing an anti-interleukin-17 antibody and a tumor necrosis factor receptor extracellular region, a polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein, a vector comprising the polynucleotide, a host cell comprising the polynucleotide or the vector, and the use of the fusion protein for the treatment, prevention, and/or diagnosis of a related disease in an individual.

Abstract: A portable gymnastic machine for the execution of gymnastic exercises and/or rehabilitation through the extension of an elastic element characterized in that comprises a base or platform (2) used to stabilize the machine by the weight or thrust of the user and at least one gripping element or handle (3) interconnected by an elastic element (4).

Abstract: A process for preparing a sucrose-6-ester, a key intermediate to sucralose. The process contains (a) reacting sucrose with a di(hydrocarbyl)tin oxide or a 1,3-diacyloxy-1,1,3,3-tetra(hydrocarbyl)distannoxane in the presence of a secondary alcohol and an organic polar aprotic solvent, to prepare a mixture comprising 1,3-di-(6-O-sucrose)-1,1,3,3-tetra(hydrocarbyl)distannoxane and the secondary alcohol; and (b) adding an acylating agent to the mixture, thereby acylating the 1,3-di-(6-O-sucrose)-1,1,3,3-tetra(hydrocarbyl)distannoxane to prepare a sucrose-6-ester.

Abstract: A process for preparing a sucralose-6-ester, a key intermediate to sucralose. The process contains (a) creating a heterogeneous mixture comprising a first phase comprising a sucrose-6-ester and a second phase comprising a chlorinating reagent; and (b) reacting the sucrose-6-ester with the chlorinating reagent, to prepare a sucralose-6-ester. In addition, processes for preparing sucralose from sucrose-6-esters are provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing a sucralose-6-ester, a key intermediate to sucralose. The process contains (a) creating a heterogeneous mixture comprising a first phase comprising a sucrose-6-ester and a second phase comprising a chlorinating reagent; and (b) reacting the sucrose-6-ester with the chlorinating reagent, to prepare a sucralose-6-ester. In addition, processes for preparing sucralose are provided.

Abstract: Bioswellable sutures are provided in the form of absorbable, compliant monofilaments of an amphiphilic copolyester, an absorbable multifilament braid, a non-absorbable monofilament with swellable outer layer, a non-absorbable multifilament braid with an absorbable monofilament core of an amphiphilic copolymer, and a non-absorbable, multifilament braid molecularly integrated with an outer sheath that is highly hydrophilic.

Abstract: A cyclodextrin derivative, wherein at least 60 percent of the free hydroxy groups of said cyclodextrin are acylated with acyl groups where at least one of said acyl groups comprise a free carboxylic group.

Abstract: Disclosed are several methods of parting rubber from an underlying surface. Polyvinyl alcohol, methylcellulose, starch derivatives and dextran are allsuitable parting agents for rubber. Polyvinyl pyrrolidine is a particularly effective parting agent for use in the formation of balloon-type medical catheters; it is also useful as a parting agent in the formation of synthetic membranes, blood vessels andconduits. The invention includes the method of use of these parting agents as well as the products formed by the disclosed process(es). Also disclosed is a method of forming a synthetic blood vessel of a polymer material, e.g., polyurethane.