Abstract: This invention relates to a method of identifying mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, a kit for performing the method, and furthermore to isolated nucleotide sequences being complementary to one or more mutations of the CFTR gene. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of identifying mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, including the steps of providing one or more nucleic acid sequences, fully complementary to one or more segments of the CFTR gene, wherein the one or more nucleic acid sequences correspond to the mutation to be identified; providing a biological sample of an individual to be tested for CF; isolating nucleic acids from the biological sample; and testing the biological sample for the presence of one or more of the nucleic acid sequences using a suitable detection method.

Abstract: An implant having a joint facing surface and a bone facing surface forming a body member and a dorsal member therebetween. The implant further having a ring member extending out from the bone facing surface to a free end disposed for insertion into a bone recess. The body member and the dorsal member include a concave curvature on the bone facing surface and a convex curvature on the joint facing surface.

Abstract: An orthopedic instrument assembly for placing an implant into a medial cuneiform of a foot, the assembly includes a targeting guide having a body with an elongated linear base. A threaded rack is disposed along the elongated linear base. A compression-distraction frame pre-compresses the joint prior to placement of a joint fixation element. The compression-distraction frame is translatably connected to the rack of the guide body base. The compression-distraction frame is releasably, statically connectable to a first metatarsal bone and a post. The post has a generally cylindrical shape and a longitudinal axis, and has a plurality of threaded cylindrical bores disposed therethrough at predefined angles relative to the longitudinal axis. The post is releasably, statically connectable to the targeting guide.

Abstract: An orthopedic instrument assembly for placing an implant into a medial cuneiform of a foot, the assembly includes a targeting guide having a body with an elongated linear base. A threaded rack is disposed along the elongated linear base. A compression-distraction frame pre-compresses the joint prior to placement of a joint fixation element. The compression-distraction frame is translatably connected to the rack of the guide body base. The compression-distraction frame is releasably, statically connectable to a first metatarsal bone and a post. The post has a generally cylindrical shape and a longitudinal axis, and has a plurality of threaded cylindrical bores disposed therethrough at predefined angles relative to the longitudinal axis. The post is releasably, statically connectable to the targeting guide.

Abstract: An implant having a joint facing surface and a bone facing surface forming a body member and a dorsal member therebetween. The implant further having a ring member extending out from the bone facing surface to a free end disposed for insertion into a bone recess. The body member and the dorsal member include a concave curvature on the bone facing surface and a convex curvature on the joint facing surface.

Abstract: In a rod fixation system of the type used to treat various spinal conditions, the same fastener is used to lock both a polyaxial screw and a rod in position. A spinal correction device according to the invention, adapted for use with a rod and a polyaxial screw having a ball-shaped head and a threaded end, comprises a head-body and a cap. The head-body includes a lower internal cavity to receive the ball-shaped head of the screw, an upper bore to receive a fixation rod therethrough, and an upper end configured to receive the cap. The head-body and the cap are configured such that a first rotation of the cap locks the polyaxial screw in position, and a second rotation of the cap locks the rod in position. In the preferred embodiment, the head-body includes one or more gaps to facilitate flexion of the head-body as a rotational torque is placed on the cap. The gap or gaps may be horizontal, vertical or other angles relative to the axis of the entrapped rod.

Abstract: An external foot/ankle fixation device has a one-piece frame component and a positionable cross bar that allows the attachment of generally anterior/posterior directed fixation wires or rods emanating from the foot/ankle of a patient. The external fixation device provides a stable fixation platform both in-plane and out-of-plane of the object of fixation (e.g. foot or ankle). The fixation device through the cross bar also provides various degrees of angulation of anterior/posterior directed wires in two planes. Posterior angulation components may be provided to the posterior portion of the frame component that provide additional fixation wire/rod angulation variations. Compression rails may also be provided. An optional elevator component may be attached to the bottom of the frame component that does not obstruct access to the soft tissues on the bottom of the foot. The elevator component protects the bottom of the foot from contaminated surfaces.

Abstract: A pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer compound of Formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof is useful as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of leukaemias, especially B-cell leukaemias, that exhibit resistance to other chemotherapeutic drugs, wherein: the dotted lines indicate the optional presence of a double bond between C1 and C2 or C2 and C3; R2 and R3 are independently selected from —H, ?O, ?CH2, —CN, —R, OR, halo, ?CH—R, O—SO2—R, CO2R and COR; R6, R7 and R9 are independently selected from II, R, OII, OR, SII, SR, NII2, NIIR, NRR?, nitro, Me3Sn and halo; where R and R? are independently selected from optionally substituted C1-12 alkyl, C3-20 heterocyclyl and C5-20 aryl groups; R10 is a carbamate-based nitrogen protecting group and R15 is either O—R11, wherein R is an oxygen protecting group, or OH, or R10 and R15 together form a double bond between N10 and C11; R? is a C3-12 alkylene group, which chain may be interrupted by one or more heteroatoms and/or aromatic rings, and each X is

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical access device that allows access to a pathology being treated while significantly reducing the risk of damaging anatomical structures proximate the pathology. The access device includes a base portion having a central bore extending therethrough, and retractor blades pivotably mounted to the base portion. An insertion handle is coupled to the base portion to thread the retractor blades into the patient. The insertion handle is removed from the base portion, and a core hollow screw is threaded into the base portion to separate the retractor blades to gain access to the pathology through the hollow screw.

Abstract: In a rod fixation system of the type used to treat various spinal conditions, the same fastener is used to lock both a polyaxial screw and a rod in position. A spinal correction device according to the invention, adapted for use with a rod and a polyaxial screw having a ball-shaped head and a threaded end, comprises a head-body and a cap. The head-body includes a lower internal cavity to receive the ball-shaped head of the screw, an upper bore to receive a fixation rod therethrough, and an upper end configured to receive the cap. The head-body and the cap are configured such that a first rotation of the cap locks the polyaxial screw in position, and a second rotation of the cap locks the rod in position. In the preferred embodiment, the head-body includes one or more gaps to facilitate flexion of the head-body as a rotational torque is placed on the cap. The gap or gaps may be horizontal, vertical or other angles relative to the axis of the entrapped rod.

Abstract: A cutting device is provided for making subcutaneous incisions. The cutting device has a housing forming a handle. A tubular blade sub-assembly extends from the housing. A trocar passes through the tubular blade sub-assembly and is configured to be positioned in a first active position, with a tip of the trocar extending beyond the end of the tubular blade sub-assembly and a second retracted position where the tip of the trocar is held within the end of tubular blade sub-assembly.

Abstract: A cutter for reaming of the bone canal is provided. The cutter facilitates connection with a guide rod by having a larger target for insertion of the guide rod into the cutter channel of the cutter. The cutter can have an opening with a first portion that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cutter channel and a second portion that is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The first and second portions can be orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: A system for performing bone arthrodesis includes an implant for bone arthrodesis and a bone fastening device. The implant includes a fastener with an elongated shaft having a head at one end and a bone-piercing point at the opposite end. A first washer has structure for engaging the head of the shaft so as to be polyaxially pivotable with respect to the head. A locking member has structure for engaging the shaft. The locking member can have a second washer pivotally engaged thereto. The bone fastening device can include an elongated cannula with a collet for detachably engaging the first washer and for advancing the first washer. Structure is provided for engaging the fastener and for advancing and rotating the fastener through the collet and through the first washer. The bone arthrodesis device further includes a lower end portion extending from the cannula. The lower end portion has structure for detachably engaging the locking member.

Abstract: An external foot/ankle fixation device has a one-piece frame component and a positionable cross bar that allows the attachment of generally anterior/posterior directed fixation wires or rods emanating from the foot/ankle of a patient. The external fixation device provides a stable fixation platform both in-plane and out-of-plane of the object of fixation (e.g. foot or ankle). The fixation device through the cross bar also provides various degrees of angulation of anterior/posterior directed wires in two planes. Posterior angulation components may be provided to the posterior portion of the frame component that provide additional fixation wire/rod angulation variations. Compression rails may also be provided. An optional elevator component may be attached to the bottom of the frame component that does not obstruct access to the soft tissues on the bottom of the foot. The elevator component protects the bottom of the foot from contaminated surfaces.

Abstract: A minimally invasive reaming assembly for creating an entry portal into the canal of a bone and for providing a working channel in which to ream the canal of a bone. The assembly includes a sleeve, a housing and an inner reamer. The sleeve is an elongated cylindrically-shaped hollow sleeve that has a proximal and a distal end, with the distal end having a plurality of cutting blades. The housing is attached to the sleeve and is generally cylindrical in shape and it has a top portion, a bottom portion and a through bore. The top portion includes a releaseable locking mechanism for engaging the inner reamer within the housing. The inner reamer has an elongated cannulated body and proximal and distal ends. The distal end has a rotatable reaming head and the proximal end has a drill shaft and a connector for connection to a drill. A portion of the body includes an annular collar with a tab for engaging a notch in the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous process for the production of chlorocyanuric acids by the reaction of di- and/or tri-sodiumcyanurate with chlorine in which the reaction mixture is stirred to achieve improved crystal size of the product.

Abstract: A minimally invasive reaming assembly for creating an entry portal into the canal of a bone and for providing a working channel in which to ream the canal of a bone. The assembly includes a sleeve, a housing and an inner reamer. The sleeve is an elongated cylindrically-shaped hollow sleeve that has a proximal and a distal end, with the distal end having a plurality of cutting blades. The housing is attached to the sleeve and is generally cylindrical in shape and it has a top portion, a bottom portion and a through bore. The top portion includes a releasable locking mechanism for engaging the inner reamer within the housing. The inner reamer has an elongated cannulated body and proximal and distal ends. The distal end has a rotatable reaming head and the proximal end has a drill shaft and a connector for connection to a drill. A portion of the body includes an annular collar with a tab for engaging a notch in the housing.