Abstract: A joint reinforcement device is used in a fluid transfer system for a patient which has a fluid-receiving reservoir supported at an external location of the patient's body; a catheter insertable into the body so as to be affixed to same and for transferring fluid into and out of the patient's body; and a fluid conveyance assembly fluidically interconnecting the reservoir and the catheter. The fluid conveyance assembly has flexible components such that opposite ends of the assembly are movable relative to one another and the assembly is tensionable. Inner ends of fluidic lines forming the assembly are fluidically intercommunicated and form a joint which is not externally supported. The device comprises attachment members and an interconnecting rigid bridging member, so as to fixedly attach to the fluidic lines on either side of the joint and form an auxiliary path around the joint to transmit tensile forces along the assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mRNA analysis and quantification of mRNA expression in cells are provided. An example method includes introducing a first capture probe and a second capture probe into the cells, the first capture probe and the second capture probe each configured to be complementary to a respective section of target mRNA within the cells, wherein binding of the first and second capture probes to the respective sections of the target mRNA results in tagging of the cells and causes the first and second capture probes to form clusters with each other. The first capture probe and the second capture probe are each bound to magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that, when trapped within the tagged cells, cause the tagged cells to be susceptible to magnetic forces. The method and system further include introducing the cells into a device configured to magnetically capture tagged cells.

Abstract: In an artificial ventilation system, which includes a source of ventilation gas for delivery to the patient; a supply tube for conveying the gas; and a mask comprising an oronasal cup configured to form a cavity around a mouth and nose of a patient and an inlet in the cup and operatively supported at a downstream end of the supply tube distal to the source; there is provided an oral delivery conduit in the form of a tubular body configured to be received in the cavity and defining a path for flow of the ventilation gas. The tubular body is in fluidic communication with the supply tube and extends therefrom into the cavity and to a free end of the body arranged in proximal relation to the patient's mouth to convey the gas from the supply tube and towards the patient's mouth.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mRNA analysis and quantification of mRNA expression in cells are provided. An example method includes introducing a first capture probe and a second capture probe into the cells, the first capture probe and the second capture probe each configured to be complementary to a respective section of target mRNA within the cells, wherein binding of the first and second capture probes to the respective sections of the target mRNA results in tagging of the cells and causes the first and second capture probes to form clusters with each other. The first capture probe and the second capture probe are each bound to magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that, when trapped within the tagged cells, cause the tagged cells to be susceptible to magnetic forces. The method and system further include introducing the cells into a device configured to magnetically capture tagged cells.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mRNA analysis and quantification of mRNA expression in cells are provided. An example method includes introducing a first capture probe and a second capture probe into the cells, the first capture probe and the second capture probe each configured to be complementary to a respective section of target mRNA within the cells, wherein binding of the first and second capture probes to the respective sections of the target mRNA results in tagging of the cells and causes the first and second capture probes to form clusters with each other. The first capture probe and the second capture probe are each bound to magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that, when trapped within the tagged cells, cause the tagged cells to be susceptible to magnetic forces. The method and system further include introducing the cells into a device configured to magnetically capture tagged cells.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a switchable aptamer having a high affinity for a selected target such as a virus, cell or antibody when in the presence of a binding ion and a low affinity for said target in the absence of said binding ion. The switchable aptamer may be isolated or selected from a pool comprising a mixture of aptamers by incubating the pool with the target ligand and a binding ion to form target-aptamer complexes; separating unbound aptamer molecules from the target-aptamer complexes; contacting the target-aptamer complexes with a chelating agent having affinity for the binding ion wherein a switchable aptamer specific to said target is released from the target-aptamer complexes; and isolating the switchable aptamer released in the preceding step.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a switchable aptamer having a high affinity for a selected target such as a virus, cell or antibody when in the presence of a binding ion and a low affinity for said target in the absence of said binding ion. The switchable aptamer may be isolated or selected from a pool comprising a mixture of aptamers by incubating the pool with the target ligand and a binding ion to form target-aptamer complexes; separating unbound aptamer molecules from the target-aptamer complexes; contacting the target-aptamer complexes with a chelating agent having affinity for the binding ion wherein a switchable aptamer specific to said target is released from the target-aptamer complexes; and isolating the switchable aptamer released in the preceding step.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a switchable aptamer having a high affinity for a selected target such as a virus, cell or antibody when in the presence of a binding ion and a low affinity for said target in the absence of said binding ion. The switchable aptamer may be isolated from a pool comprising a mixture of aptamers by incubating the pool with the target ligand and a binding ion to form target-aptamer complexes; separating unbound aptamer molecules from the target-aptamer complexes; contacting the target-aptamer complexes with a chelating agent having affinity for the binding ion wherein a switchable aptamer specific to said target is released from the target-aptamer complexes; and isolating the switchable aptamer released in the preceding step.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a switchable aptamer having a high affinity for a selected target such as a virus, cell or antibody when in the presence of a binding ion and a low affinity for said target in the absence of said binding ion. The switchable aptamer may be isolated from a pool comprising a mixture of aptamers by incubating the pool with the target ligand and a binding ion to form target-aptamer complexes; separating unbound aptamer molecules from the target-aptamer complexes; contacting the target-aptamer complexes with a chelating agent having affinity for the binding ion wherein a switchable aptamer specific to said target is released from the target-aptamer complexes; and isolating the switchable aptamer released in the preceding step.