Abstract: A system for ultrafiltration employs a crossflow filtration module for extracting a fraction from a sample fluid (e.g., blood) and a recirculating permeate loop to produce a concurrent permeate flow through the filtration module to maintain a positive transmembrane pressure at all points of the crossflow filter. Permeate in the recirculating loop is enriched by a processing module and stabilized by removing an enriched fraction thereof. In an embodiment, the enriched fraction is concentrated plasma that is returned to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.

Abstract: Pure peptide products, derived from either human glioma cell line U-105MG or human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes are provided; the products have a molecular mass of about 8,400 daltons, and the products exhibit optimal monocyte chemotactic activity at a concentration of 1 nM. The cloning of full length cDNA for the peptide products is also provided, as well as recombinant methods for the production of monocyte chemoattractant products. Methods of treating infection and neoplasms in a human body with such peptides and monocyte chemoattractant products are additionally provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions for the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.

Abstract: A prosthetic nucleus pulposus for replacing the natural nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc. The prosthetic nucleus proposus comprises a partially collapsed sealed envelope formed from a material which is permeable to extracellular body fluid. The envelope contains a solute which provides an osmotic potential across the walls of the envelope. In use, the partially collapsed envelope is surgically implanted in the hallowed-out interior of an intervertebral disc and is allowed to absorb fluid, whereby expansion of the envelope and subsequent disc expansion is accomplished.