Abstract: A method of modulating glandular secretions by administering acoustic shock waves to a gland, includes the steps of activating acoustic shock waves of an acoustic shock wave generator to emit acoustic shock waves and subjecting the gland to acoustic shock waves stimulating the gland to have a modulated response. The modulated response is one of an adjustment in hormonal release which increases low level output, decreases high level output or stabilizes erratic output. The emitted acoustic shock waves are focused or unfocused low energy acoustic shock waves. The gland underlies the patient's skin. The shock wave generator is acoustically coupled to the patient's skin using a coupling gel or liquid. The gland is one of a testicle, ovary, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, thyroid gland, thymus, pineal gland, parathyroid, or hypothalamus. The method can be repeated one or more times.

Abstract: Improved initiators, solvents, and SO3 mixtures are disclosed herein, which can increase the yields and efficiency of a chemical manufacturing process which uses a radical chain reaction to convert methane (CH4), which is a gas under any normal conditions, into methane-sulfonic acid (MSA), a liquid. MSA is useful and valuable in its own right, and it also can be processed to create desulfured fuels and other valuable chemicals. A preferred initiator combination has been identified, comprising at least two different sulfate peroxide compounds. One type or class of initiator can be called a “primary” (or major, main, principle, dominant, or similar terms) initiator, and the other type or class of initiator can be can be regarded as an “extender” (or secondary, supplemental, enhancing, tuning, tweaking, or similar terms) initiator.

Abstract: A method of treating a spent oxidizing acid is provided comprising the steps of contacting a spent acid containing peroxy acids of sulfur with a quantity of SO2 in excess of an equilibrium quantity required to convert the peroxy acids to sulfuric acid. The excess SO2 is catalytically converted to SO3, and the SO3 is absorbed into the sulfuric acid stream essentially free of H2SO5 and H2O2 to make product sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A handheld acoustic shock wave or pressure pulse applicator device has a body structure and an applicator head. The body structure has a proximal end and a distal end with a longitudinal axis extending between the ends. The applicator head is at the distal end. the head emits pressure pulses or shock waves at an inclined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body structure. The applicator head has a balloon or lens or membrane through which the emitted pressure pulses or shock waves pass. The lens or membrane is configured to be coupled directly or indirectly to an exposed soft tissue surface of a palate inside a patient's mouth to direct emitted pressure pulses or shock waves to the brain. The applicator device can be configured with the inclined obtuse angle fixed between 150 degrees and 90 degrees or can be adjustable between 180 degrees and 90 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflector for an acoustic shock or pressure wave head, wherein the reflector comprises an acoustically reflective surface formed by a body of rotation, said body of rotation being formed by rotation of an elliptical segment about a rotation axis which extends through a focal point of the ellipse and encloses an angle ? between 0.1° and 30° with the main axis of the ellipse.

Abstract: Methods and machinery are described for combining methane with sulfur trioxide to make MSA, in a system that sustains optimal concentrations of reactants in the main reactor for high yields, efficiency, and profitability. Rather than simply making MSA and then removing it, this design uses a “continuous loop system” with: (i) a “rich acid” stream containing a high concentration of MSA, mixed with sulfuric acid, which will emerge from the main reactor, and (ii) a “reduced acid” stream containing a low concentration of MSA (still mixed with sulfuric acid), from an extractor unit (such as a distillation unit) which removes some but not all of the MSA from the “rich acid”. Additional subassemblies are described which enable the main reactor to work efficiently, at a sustained high flow-through capacity. This system also can be scaled up or down, for any daily MSA production rate.

Abstract: The present invention related to a method of for the production of textile articles, I which the textile articles can be disassembled automatically or semi-automatically, in which, when sewing or stitching, a polymer melt yarn is used.

Abstract: Improved initiators, solvents, and SO3 mixtures are disclosed which can increase the yields and efficiency of a process which converts methane gas into methane-sulfonic acid (MSA). MSA is valuable in its own right, or it can be processed to create desulfured fuels and other chemicals. Preferred initiators have been identified, comprising at least one “primary” initiator, and at least one “extender” (or secondary, supplemental, enhancing, tuning, tweaking, or similar terms) initiator. “Primary” initiator(s) include (unmethylated) Marshall's acid, mono-methyl-Marshall's acid, and di-methyl-Marshall's acid, while a secondary/extender initiator comprises methyl-Caro's acid, which can oxidize sulfur DI-oxide (an unwanted chain terminator) into sulfur TRI-oxide (an essential reagent). Other enhancements to the MSA manufacturing process also are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a VC-CAR molecule and a use thereof in removing HIV-1 infected cells. The VC-CAR molecule is characterized by linking an HIV-1 broad-spectrum neutralizing antibody VRC01 sourced scFv sequence and an intracellular domain sequence of a conventional CAR molecule which are respectively used as extracellular and intracellular domains. A T cell modified by the VC-CAR molecule can be specifically activated and secrete a great number of cytotoxicity-related cytokines, so that lysis of a target cell can be powerfully mediated, and it can be better used for anti-infection adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a VC-CAR molecule and a use thereof in removing HIV-1 infected cells. The VC-CAR molecule is characterized by linking an HIV-1 broad-spectrum neutralizing antibody VRC01 sourced scFv sequence and an intracellular domain sequence of a conventional CAR molecule which are respectively used as extracellular and intracellular domains. A T cell modified by the VC-CAR molecule can be specifically activated and secrete a great number of cytotoxicity-related cytokines, so that lysis of a target cell can be powerfully mediated, and it can be better used for anti-infection adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: Human progenitor cells are extracted from perivascular tissue of human umbilical cord. The progenitor cell population proliferates rapidly, and harbours osteogenic progenitor cells and MHC?/? progenitor cells, and is useful to grow and repair human tissues including bone.

Abstract: Human progenitor cells are extracted from perivascular tissue of human umbilical cord. The progenitor cell population proliferates rapidly, and harbors osteogenic progenitor cells and MHC?/? progenitor cells, and is useful to grow and repair human tissues including bone.

Abstract: Human progenitor cells are extracted from perivascular tissue of human umbilical cord. The progenitor cell population proliferates rapidly, and harbors osteogenic progenitor cells and MHC?/? progenitor cells, and is useful to grow and repair human tissues including bone.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preventing or treating diseases or disorders caused by biological agents or chemical agents in a subject (e.g., a mammal, such as a human) by administering genetically modified human umbilical cord perivascular cells.

Abstract: A braided, rather than woven, three-dimensional matrix has been developed to provide mechanical support in breast reconstruction or a mastopexy procedure. The braided three-dimensional matrix may be used to assist in hernia repair procedures. The matrix is a supple, strong, and flexible material, that can increase 50% to 100% in size when stretched along the vertical plane, but only extends by about 10% to 20% in length when stretched along the horizontal plane. Although the matrix is degradable, it provides sufficient mechanical and structural support for six to twelve months following implantation to allow for repair or growth of the breast tissue or the abdominal wall. The matrix is formed of three-dimensional braided multifilament polymeric fibers plied to create yarn bundles, and wherein the matrix comprises an inter-connected, open pore structure that enables even and random distribution and in-growth of cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of culturing a corneal endothelial cell by use of a culture medium containing an ascorbic acid derivative and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preventing or treating diseases or disorders caused by biological agents or chemical agents in a subject (e.g., a mammal, such as a human) by administering genetically modified human umbilical cord perivascular cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocompatible polymer having general formula (I) AaXxYy, wherein: A denotes a monomer; X denotes an RCOOR? group; Y denotes an O or N-sulphonate group which is fixed to A and which has either formula —ROS03R? or —RNS03R? in which R denotes an optionally branched and/or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain which can contain one or more aromatic rings and R? denotes a hydrogen atom or a cation; a denotes the number of monomers; x denotes the rate of substitution of the A monomers by the X groups; and y denotes the rate of substitution of the A monomers by the Y groups. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of said biocompatible polymers for the preparation of a pharmaceutical, dermatological or cosmetic composition or a medical device, which are intended to prevent, relieve and/or treat discomfort, distress, itches, irritations and/or pain and/or to protect tissues against same.

Abstract: A multi-region device for repair, regeneration or reconstruction in articular tissue injury such as torn ligaments and tendons is provided. The device comprises at least one degradable material and biocompatible non-degradable polymeric fiber-based material, in a three-dimensional braided scaffold. The two end sections are designed for attachment of the device at the site of implantation and are designed to allow bone cell ingrowth, and one or more middle regions are designed to allow ligament or tendon cell ingrowth.

Abstract: A bone paste useful in the orthopedic arts, for example in the repair of non-union fractures, periodontal ridge augmentation, craniofacial surgery, implant fixation, impaction grafting, or any other procedure in which generation of new bone is deemed necessary, is provided by a composition comprising a substantially bioabsorbable osteogenic compound in a gelatin matrix. In various embodiments, the osteogenic compound is selected from (i) demineralized bone matrix (DBM); (ii) bioactive glass ceramic, BIOGLASS®, bioactive ceramic, calcium phosphate ceramic, hydroxyapatite, hydroxyapatite carbonate, corraline hydroxyapatite, calcined bone, tricalcium phosphate, or like material; (iii) bone morphogenetic protein, TGF-?, PDGF, or mixtures thereof, natural or recombinant; and (iv) mixtures of (i)-(iii).