Abstract: Device and method for comminution or inactivation of circulating tumor cells (CTC) or tumor cell clusters (CTCC) from a tumor-affected organ or organ part, wherein it is proposed that in the venous drain of the tumor-affected organ or organ part a pump (2) with a pressure-increasing section and a pressure-reducing throttle (13) is arranged and is operated at the output side in its design point given by volumetric flow (Q) and pumping pressure (p) according to the volumetric flow and the blood pressure of the venous drain of the tumor-affected organ or organ part. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) and tumor cell clusters (CTCC) are thus comminuted and inactivated to thus reduce the risk of metastasis formation in cancerous diseases.

Abstract: For exploiting novel use-cases, in particular sophisticated human-machine interaction, with an intraoral electronic tongue monitoring system designed to be worn by a user on the upper or lower jaw and featuring a support sheet bearing a number of intraoral sensors arranged in an array for recording tongue movement and/or tongue pressure, it is proposed that the system comprises at least one extraoral sensor located outside of the oral cavity delimited by the teeth when the system is in place, in particular such that extraoral and/or intraoral and/or interlabial movements of the tongue and/or lip pressure can be recorded with the system and/or such that the system may be used as an input device controlled through tongue movement using a human-machine-interface provided by the system.

Abstract: The present application relates to Pichinde viruses with rearrangements of their open reading frames (“ORF”) in their genomes. In particular. described herein is a modified Pichinde virus genomic segment, wherein the Pichinde virus genomic segment is engineered to carry a viral ORF in a position other than the wild-type position of the ORF. Also described herein are trisegmented Pichinde virus particles comprising one L segment and two S segments or two L segments and one S segment. The Pichinde virus, described herein may be suitable for vaccines md/or treatment of diseases and/or for the use in immunotherapies.

Abstract: Quantitative susceptibility mapping methods, systems and computer-accessible medium include generating images of tissue magnetism property from complex magnetic resonance imaging data using the Bayesian inference approach. The tissue magnetism images is then used to monitor remyelination, such as remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients in response to therapy. Multiple sclerosis lesions defined on magnetic resonance imaging are further characterized on tissue magnetism images into hyperintense, isointense and hypointense parts for measuring remyelination. Thus, magnetic susceptibility information and other tissue properties associated with at least one structure are determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation system and method for preparing a sample for electron microscopy, the preparation system comprising: a liquid handling system (0) comprising a dispensing head (1), wherein said liquid handling system (0) is configured to aspirate and dispense a volume of a sample via the dispensing head (1), a support structure (2) that is configured to accommodate the sample, a temperature-controlled stage (4) that is configured to keep said support structure (2) at a pre-defined temperature, a first adapter (3) configured to hold said support structure (2), and a transfer mechanism (60) that is configured to be connected to the first adapter (3) holding the support structure (2) and to move said support structure (2) into a container (8) containing a liquid cryogen (80) so that the sample on the support structure (2) contacts the cryogen (80).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a combination of plant extracts from the genera Salvia, Artemisia, Echinacea, and optionally further plant extracts, for the cosmetic treatment of the skin. The invention further relates to cosmetic preparations which comprise such combination of plant extracts. These plant extracts and cosmetic preparations are particularly useful for stimulation of the lymphatic system, including rejuvenation, anti-ageing, detoxification and increased firmness of the skin, for puffy-eye treatment and/or for anti-swelling effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a computer program for estimating a bilirubin level of a neonate, comprising the steps of: Acquiring a series of bilirubin levels estimated at different time points from a sample obtained from a neonate, Acquiring a plurality of covariates from the neonate, each comprising an information about a neonatal property, Providing a pre-defined bilirubin model function, wherein the bilirubin model function is configured to describe a time course of a bilirubin level of a neonate, —Determining a plurality of model parameters of the bilirubin model function, wherein each model parameter is estimated from at least one covariate of the plurality of covariates and an associated population model parameter, Determining from the series of acquired bilirubin levels and the bilirubin model function with the determined model parameters an expected bilirubin level of the neonate for a time particularly later than a lastly acquired bilirubin level of the series of bilirubin levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a HLA-B57 open conformer or a HLA-B57 Fc fusion protein for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer. The Fc open conformer comprises or consists of a first and a second monomer, and each monomer comprises a HLA-B57 chain. The Fc fusion protein further comprises a protein stabilizing polypeptide sequence and optionally an amino acid linker. Further aspects of the invention provide combination medicaments comprising the HLA-B57 Fc open conformer and immune checkpoint inhibitors and/or checkpoint agonist agents. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of HLA-B57 open conformer as an immunomodulator, particularly in diseases where modulation of diverse immune cell components (e.g. cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, Tregs) is a therapeutic strategy, e.g. infectious diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to MHC-Ia open conformers as immunomodulatory agents, particularly in the treatment or prevention of cancer. The open conformer comprises or consists of a first and a second monomer, and each monomer comprises a HLA-heavy chain from the MHC-Ia molecules. The open conformer further comprises a protein stabilizing polypeptide sequence and optionally an amino acid linker. Further aspects of the invention provide combination medicaments comprising the MHC-Ia open conformers and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of MHC-Ia open conformers as immunomodulators, particularly in diseases where the interaction to diverse immunoregulatory receptors such as KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2, KIR3DL3, LILRB1, LILRB2, and PTPRJ modulates an immune response, and in diseases were the negative modulation of Tregs is a therapeutic strategy, e.g. infectious diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for determining properties of a sample (110) arranged in at least one receptacle (130) of a container device (120). The apparatus (100) comprises an actuator (30) which is configured to be coupled to the sample (110) via at least one holding element (34) which is configured to hold the sample (110). Further, the actuator (30) is configured to apply a mechanical stimulus to the sample (110) via the at least one holding element (34). The apparatus (100) comprises a force sensing device (20) which is configured to be coupled to the sample (110) via at least one cantilever (22). Further, the apparatus (100) comprises a frame (1), wherein the actuator (30) and the force sensing device (20) are configured to be mounted to the frame (1), and wherein the frame (1) is configured to be arranged on the container device (120).

Abstract: The invention relates to MHC-Ia open conformers as immunomodulatory agents, particularly in the treatment or prevention of cancer. The open conformer comprises or consists of a first and a second monomer, and each monomer comprises a HLA-heavy chain from the MHC-Ia molecules. The open conformer further comprises a protein stabilizing polypeptide sequence and optionally an amino acid linker. Further aspects of the invention provide combination medicaments comprising the MHC-Ia open conformers and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of MHC-Ia open conformers as immunomodulators, particularly in diseases where the interaction to diverse immunoregulatory receptors such as KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2, KIR3DL3, LILRB1, LILRB2, and PTPRJ modulates an immune response, and in diseases were the negative modulation of Tregs is a therapeutic strategy, e.g. infectious diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to an Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitor for use in the prevention or treatment of metastasis in a cancer patient defined by the presence of CTC clusters in the bloodstream. In certain embodiments the Na+/K+ ATPase is a cardiac glycoside and is selected from: digitoxin, ouabain, convallatoxin, proscillaridin, lanatoside C, gitoformate, peruvoside, strophanthidin, metildigoxin, deslanoside, bufalin, digoxin and digoxigenin. The invention further relates to the use of nucleic acid agents inhibiting the expression of genes related to CTC cluster formation and maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of plant extracts from the genus Daphne for the cosmetic treatment of the skin and to cosmetic preparations which comprise extracts of Daphne giraldii and/or Daphne gnidium or other members of the genus Daphne containing daphnetoxin and/or other daphnane diterpenoids for skin treatment. The plant extracts and cosmetic preparations are particularly useful for stimulation of the lymphatic system.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbohydrate ligands presenting the minimal Human Natural Killer-1 (HNK-1) epitope that bind to anti-MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein) IgM antibodies, and their use in diagnosis as well as for the treatment of anti-MAG neuropathy. In particular, the invention relates to disaccharides of formula (I) and (II) wherein Z is optionally substituted phenyl, heteroaryl, arylcarbonyl, or heteroarylmethyl, and to therapeutically acceptable polymers comprising a multitude of substituents of formula (I) and/or formula (II), wherein Z is a bifunctional linker connecting the disaccharides to the polymer backbone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (A), wherein Z is NR10 or O. These compounds represent novel acridinium and xanthylium salts having an unprecedented substituted heterocyclic core. They are useful as fluorescent dyes or precursors thereof in different applications including various imaging and sensing techniques, and, in particular, as photosensitizers and hereby preferably as photocatalysts. The present invention further relates to processes for preparing the inventive compounds via 1,5-organodimetallic reagents from double directed ortho-metalation reactions or combined halogen-metal exchange/directed ortho-metalation reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and PI3K-related kinase (PIKKs) inhibitor compounds of formula (I), wherein X1, X2 and X3 are N or CH, with the proviso that at least two of X1, X2 and X3 are N; Y is N or CH, These compounds are useful, either alone or in combination with further therapeutic agents, for treating disorders mediated by lipid kinases.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbohydrate ligands and moieties, respectively, mimicking glycoepitopes comprised by glycosphingolipids of the nervous system, particularly glycoepitopes comprised by glycosphingolipids of the cerebroside, the globoside-, the ganglioside- and the sulfoglucuronyl paragloboside type, which are bound by anti-glycan antibodies associated with neurological diseases. The invention further relates to the use of these carbohydrate ligands/moieties, in diagnosis as well as for the treatment of neurological diseases associated with anti-glycan antibodies. In particular, the invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and (II) and to therapeutically acceptable polymers comprising a multitude of these compounds, including polymers with loading of one compound of formula (I) or (II) or combinations of several compounds of formula (I), and/or (II).

Abstract: A method for providing sub-elements of a multipart implant or a multi-part osteosynthesis prior to introducing same into a human and/or animal body, involves: A) detecting data of a patient for whom the implant and/or the osteosynthesis is intended; B) generating a model using the detected data; C) generating manufacture specifications for at least two or more sub-elements which can be combined so as to form an implant and/or an osteosynthesis on the basis of the generated model, said manufacture specifications comprising C1) a dimensioning of the sub-elements; and D) manufacturing the sub-elements on the basis of the manufacture specifications. The sub-elements can be assembled together so as to form an implant or an osteosynthesis.

Abstract: For improving the electroactivity and long-term stability of a neural interface, a novel neural probe (1) is proposed that is formed from a fiber (6), preferably by thermal imprinting, and wherein a polymer thin film (5) is employed for carrying a conducting thin film to be used as a recording or stimulation electrode (4). Due to this specific choice of materials and design, the electrode (4) is rendered compliant with respect to the fiber (6) on a nanometer to micrometer scale and offers a surface that is tailor-made for adhering to nervous tissue.

Abstract: For improving the sensitivity, lifetime and energy consumption of a dielectric elastomer transducer (1) to be used as a sensor, it is suggested that a dielectric layer (3) enclosed by two electrodes (2) of the transducer (1) includes a nanoscale volume of a fluid (15) such that the dielectric layer (3) is rendered compressible and/or displaceable out of a volume enclosed by the two electrodes (2). The advantage of such a design is that, although the dielectric layer (3) and possible buffer layers (4) separating the electrodes (2) from the dielectric layer (3) may all have thicknesses in the order of a few ?m or even in the sub-?m range, the transducer (1) is rendered highly compliant due to the movability of the fluid (15). In consequence, a large nominal capacitance of the transducer (1) as well as a large relative capacitance change (up to twenty times that of the nominal capacitance) can be achieved in conjunction with a very high sensitivity.