Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method of detecting and quantifying the number of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and/or tumour cells (TCs) from a liquid biopsy by using a hyperoxic environment and incubation with a fluorophore-labelled metabolic indicator (fluorophore-labelled 2-D-glucose derivative) and microfluidic chips.

Abstract: A method and a system for detection of presence or absence of analytes in fluids, the method comprising the steps of: a) contacting a fluid sample and a plurality of nanoparticles, the nanoparticles being functionalized with a selective ligand, the contact of the fluid sample with the nanoparticles being under conditions such that, the nanoparticles aggregate selectively on surface of their target analyte, forming a nanoparticle-analyte complex, the aggregation promoting the concentration of the nanoparticles on the surface of the target analyte; b) subjecting a fluid mixture of the fluid sample and the plurality of nanoparticles to SERS; c) measuring at least a SERS signal associated with the fluid mixture; d) spectrally analyzing the at least one SERS signal of step c); e) recognizing at least one defined SERS spectrum of the nanoparticle-analyte complex, through a SERS signal enhanced by the at least one narrow inter-nanoparticle gap.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask including a rigid hollow tube essentially in the form of a “J”, and which has a lengthwise opening along its entire length, and a flexible tube, also essentially in the form of a “J”, configured to be housed in the lengthwise opening of the rigid hollow tube, and which can be separated from it. This provides a configuration for a laryngeal mask that can change from having rigid properties to flexible ones at the doctor's will, without the need to interrupt the patient's supply of oxygen at any time.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method of detecting and quantifying the number of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and/or tumour cells (TCs) from a liquid biopsy by using a hyperoxic environment and incubation with a fluorophore-labelled metabolic indicator (fluorophore-labelled 2-D-glucose derivative) and microfluidic chips.

Abstract: A method and a system for detection of presence or absence of analytes in fluids, the method comprising the steps of: a) contacting a fluid sample and a plurality of nanoparticles, the nanoparticles being functionalized with a selective ligand, the contact of the fluid sample with the nanoparticles being under conditions such that, the nanoparticles aggregate selectively on surface of their target analyte, forming a nanoparticle-analyte complex, the aggregation promoting the concentration of the nanoparticles on the surface of the target analyte; b) subjecting a fluid mixture of the fluid sample and the plurality of nanoparticles to SERS; c) measuring at least a SERS signal associated with the fluid mixture; d) spectrally analysing the at least one SERS signal of step c); e) recognizing at least one defined SERS spectrum of the nanoparticle-analyte complex, through a SERS signal enhanced by the at least one narrow inter-nanoparticle gap.

Abstract: An analysis device and an analysis apparatus for identification of analytes in fluids applying the SERS effect which provides a safe way to perform analysis, avoiding an accidental cross-contamination without the use of disinfectant products; the analysis device comprising a casing enclosing a sample region for receiving a fluid sample, and a nanoparticle region for storing at least a nanoparticle fluid; the sample region and the nanoparticle region being in fluid communication each other through a passage; driving means in fluid communication with the passage; a mixing region in fluid communication with the passage; and the casing being adapted to allow an incident monochromatic light from an external source to strike on the mixing region, and a reflected light from the mixing region to leave the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aggregate comprising metallic nanoparticles and nucleic acid molecules wherein each metallic nanoparticle is coated with a polycation. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining the aggregate of the invention and to the use of said aggregate in methods for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid in a sample, in methods for detecting the presence of a given nucleotide at a predetermined position in a target nucleic acid, in methods for detecting the presence of a modified nucleotide at a predetermined position in a target nucleic acid, methods for detecting the presence of a conjugate between a double stranded nucleic acid and a chemical in a sample comprising double stranded nucleic acid molecules, in methods for determining the content of modified nucleotides in a target nucleic acid and in a method for determining the content of modified nucleotides in a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A device (1) for the ventilation of a human being or animal which comprises a dome (2) having a cavity (2a), which dome (2) is attached to a laryngeal ring (3) for sealing the human being or animal's internal airways, at least one oxygen tube (4) that connects to the cavity (2a) of the dome (2), for allowing oxygen or gases to enter or leave the human being or animal's internal airways and at least one laryngeal aspiration tube (5), different from the oxygen tube (4), that also connects to the cavity (2a) of the dome (2), for allowing air and/or secretions to leave the human being or animal's internal airways.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask that comprises a first element which is a rigid hollow tube essentially in the form of “J”, and which has a lengthwise opening along its entire length, and a second element that comprises a flexible tube, also essentially in the form of a “J”, intended to be housed in the lengthwise opening of the first element, and which can be separated from it. This provides a configuration for a laryngeal mask that can change from having rigid properties to flexible ones at the doctor's will, without the need to interrupt the patient's supply of oxygen at any time.