Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medicine. More specifically, the invention relates to an expandable plug for closing a defect in an organ or tissue without the need for sutures, wherein the plug has shape memory. The invention further relates to medical use of such plug.

Abstract: The use of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) as a marker in a method for identifying a subject suffering from a disease caused by a coronavirus such as COVID-19 at risk of having or developing a severe form and/or a complication or at risk of death, in a method for assessing the severity of a disease caused by a coronavirus such as COVID-19, and in a method for monitoring a subject suffering from a disease caused by a coronavirus such as COVID-19.

Abstract: Vaginal device (1) for pelvic organ prolapse treatment, having an elongated base element (2), an inflatable element (3) attached to a distal end part (2a) of the elongated base element (2), and a support element (4) attached to a proximal end part (2b) of the elongated base element (3). The support element (4) has at least two support members (5), which extend away from the proximal end (2b) of the elongated base element (2). The at least two support elements (5) are arranged to support lower parts of prolapsed compartments, and the support element (4) comprises an adjustable connector for fixing the position of the support element (4) along the proximal end part (2b) of the elongated base element (3).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanofilaments for polymer brushes, to polymer brushes comprising the nanofilaments and methods of making the same. In particular, the invention provides water soluble nanofilaments which may be grafted to a surface and which may be functionalised with (bio)molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of sialyltransferase inhibitors. The class features a carbamate or similar moiety on the amine of a neuraminic acid derivative. Such inhibitors are suitable for use as a medicament, for example for treating, preventing, or delaying bacterial infection, viral infection, cancer, a disorder of sialic acid metabolism, or an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Immunomodulatory nanofilaments are provided which present immune factors, especially cytokines, to immune cells, particularly T cells, so as to modulate the immune response of said cells. Methods of using such nanofilaments are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of medicine and immunology. In particular, it relates to novel antisense oligonucleotides that may be used in the treatment, prevention and/or delay of an COCH associated condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medicine, specifically the field of treatment of cancer. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for the ex vivo production of a population of highly functional NK cells from CD34-positive cells, to a population of highly functional NK cells obtained and to the use of such population of highly functional NK cells for adoptive cell therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medicine. In particular, it relates to novel antisense oligonucleotides that may be used in the treatment, prevention and/or delay of Stargardt disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new administration regime for glycylcyclines. Inhalation of these antibiotics was found to potently treat infection by Mycobacterium microbes such as Mycobacterium abscessus.

Abstract: A device (2) for providing circulatory assistance is provided and comprises a balloon (4) comprising a membrane defining a cavity having an internal volume (Vc), wherein the balloon comprises a proximal portion (4a) comprising a proximal end and a distal portion (4b) comprising a distal end. The device (2) further comprises a first catheter, affixed to the distal end of the balloon (4) at a first fixation point (P1) and a second catheter (8), affixed to the proximal end of the balloon at a second fixation point (P2). The second catheter (8) is configured for axial movement with respect to the first catheter or guide wire (6) between a first position in which the first and second fixation points (P1, P2) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction by a first distance (Dx), which is variable to bring about inversion of the balloon.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of beads including a biocompatible hydrophobic polymer, a perfluorocarbon, polyvinylalcohol and optionally a metal compound, including the steps of: adding the perfluorocarbon and optionally the metal compound to a solution of the biocompatible hydrophobic polymer in a polar solvent to provide a first liquid mixture, adding the first liquid mixture to an aqueous solution of a biocompatible surfactant including polyvinylalcohol under sonication to obtain a second liquid mixture, a) maintaining the sonication of the second liquid mixture while cooling, b) evaporating the polar solvent from the second liquid mixture to obtain a suspension of beads including the biocompatible hydrophobic polymer, the perfluorocarbon and optionally the metal compound, c) separating the beads from the suspension and preparing a water suspension of the beads and d) freeze-drying the water suspension to obtain the beads, wherein the addition of the first liquid mixture to the biocompatible surfactant in

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of medicine and immunology. In particular, it relates to novel antisense oligonucleotides that may be used in the treatment, prevention and/or delay of Leber congenital amaurosis.

Abstract: A breath sampler for collecting a breath sample from a patient is disclosed. The breath sampler has a non-rebreather part including a sample inlet, a one-way outlet valve downstream of the sample inlet, and an air inlet. The one-way outlet valve and the sample inlet define a first portion of an internal breath flow pathway therebetween. The air inlet is arranged to be closed by a one-way inlet valve arranged to allow air to enter the non-rebreather part. The breath sampler also has a sample delivery part in fluid communication with the non-rebreather part at an upstream end via the one-way outlet valve. The sample delivery part defines a second portion of the internal breath flow pathway, and has an air diverter, a sample outlet, a return inlet and a sample collection chamber connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast agent enhanced medical ultrasound imaging. In particular, the contrast agents provided are useful for cell imaging and cell therapy, as well as in vivo targeting, drug delivery and perfusion or vascular imaging applications. More specifically, it provides a particle comprising a fluorinated organic compound and a metal. Such particles may be advantageously employed in qualitative or quantitative imaging such as acoustic imaging including photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging, MRI imaging, such as 19F imaging, 1H imaging including T1 and T2 weighted imaging, SPECT, PET, scintigraphy, fluorescence imaging and optical coherence imaging and tomographic applications. This may then be employed in cell labeling, microscopy, histology or for imaging vasculature or perfusion in vivo and in vitro.