Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of avermectin derivative as a drug for the treatment of parasitic infections. The avermectin derivative is represented by the formula (I) wherein: (i) R1 is chosen from the group constituted of —CH(CH3)2, —CH(CH3)CH2CH3, or cyclohexyl, (ii) X represents —CH2—CH2—, or —CH?CH—, (iii) R2 is chosen from or an OH group, (iv) R3 is OH or NOH, (v) represents a single bond when R3 is OH, or a double bond when R3 is NOH, as an inhibitor of a membrane-bound protein which transports exogenous compounds out of target cells.

Abstract: A scar reducing device for stretching skin having a closed wound therein is provided. The device is for reducing scar formation. The device comprises first and second fasteners removably attachable to skin regions located proximate to the wound. The device also comprises an extension mechanism cooperating with said first and second fasteners. The extension mechanism is movable between contracted and extended configurations. When the fasteners are affixed to the skin, the mechanism forces the first and second fasteners away from one another with a predetermined tensile force, stretching the skin proximate to the wound. Use of the device is also provided, along with a method for reducing scarring of a closed wound.

Abstract: A bone screw is described which includes a one-piece threaded screw body composed at least partially of a rigid foam. The screw body is headless and includes a bore extending therethrough to define a cannula and thereby providing the screw body with an annular shape defining a radial wall thickness. At least a central portion of the screw body is formed of the rigid foam which defines a matrix having a plurality of inter-connected pores therein. The inter-connected pores are disposed throughout the complete radial wall thickness of the screw body from an outer surface of the screw body to an inner surface thereof within the cannula, such as to permit bone in-growth through the complete radial wall thickness of the annular screw body. The inter-connected pores and the cannula thereby respectively allow bone in-growth through the complete radial wall thickness and the full axial length of the screw body.

Abstract: Compounds, methods, uses, compositions, kits and packages for the prevention and/or treatment of neural injury or a neurodegenerative disease, based on the use of a retinoic acid derivative, such as fenretinide, and/or analogs, derivatives, pro-drugs, precursors thereof, and/or salts thereof, are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosis and/or prognosis of cancer and for monitoring the progression of cancer and/or the therapeutic efficacy of an anti-cancer treatment in a subject by determining the molecular form of cadherin at the cell surface of cancer cells in the subject. The invention also relates to a method for preventing, inhibiting or treating cancer or its metastasis in a subject by increasing the adhesive forms of cadherin and/or decreasing the non-adhesive forms of cadherin at the cell surface. The invention also relates to a method step of determining the expression level of furin and proprotein convertase 5A (PC5A).

Abstract: A method of providing thermal tuning of microelectromechanical structures (MEMS) that are compatible with silicon CMOS electronics is disclosed. A heater is provided integrated with the MEMS for controllably heating the MEMS to control performance characteristics thereof.

Abstract: There is described a method for determining a quantitative parameter of a compound in an analysis sample, comprising: providing a scattering medium in physical contact with the analysis sample, the scattering medium having at least one layer, an index of refraction of the scattering medium being superior to an index of refraction of the analysis sample; propagating, in the scattering medium, an incident beam of light having a wavelength substantially corresponding to an absorption wavelength of the compound such that an evanescent wave is generated at an interface between the scattering medium and the analysis sample; taking n intensity measurements of a reflected beam of light for the analysis sample, n being superior to one; and determining the quantitative parameter of the compound using the n intensity measurements for the analysis sample.