Abstract: An apparatus for recording an image of an object field on a body from outside of the body has a shank and an optical unit. The optical unit includes an observation optical unit for recording the image of the object field and is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The observation optical unit has a first stereo channel and a second stereo channel that each has one objective and at least one electronic image recorder. The observation optical unit includes at least one filter that is swivelable into a beam path of the observation optical unit. The at least one filter is swivelable about a swivel axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. At least one filter is swivelable into a beam path of the observation optical unit and into a spatial region arranged laterally with respect to the beam paths of both stereo channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved method for preparing a highly concentrated immunoglobulin composition from pooled plasma for subcutaneous injection. A composition comprising 20% or more immunoglobulin suitable for subcutaneous use is also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for the quantitative determination of surface properties, wherein a spatially resolved image of a surface to be analyzed, which contains a large number of measured values, is recorded. In a first method step, the measured values are analyzed in order to determine those surface areas which have a specific physical property. A result value of this physical property is then determined, wherein this result value is characteristic of the values of the physical property of all those surface areas of the image determined by analyzing the image. In addition to the result value, a further value (B) characteristic of the surface is determined and this characteristic value is displayed together with the result value (I).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the amidolytic and anti-complement activity (ACA) content of an immunoglobulin composition through the use of cation exchange chromatography. In a specific embodiment, the invention provides methods for reducing the Factor XI and/or Factor XIa and/or ACA content of an immunoglobulin composition by collecting the leading portion of a cation exchange eluate. The present invention also provides immunoglobulin composition having reduced levels of amidolytic activity, Factor XI, and/or Factor XIa, and/or ACA content.

Abstract: A sheet containing a base layer containing polycarbonate and a flame retardant, wherein the flame retardant contains a compound of formula 1 wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4, represents an optionally halogen-substituted C1-C8 alkyl, C5-C6 cycloalkyl, C6-C10 aryl or C7-C12 aralkyl, R5 and R6, represents a C1-C4 alkyl, and Y represents a C1-C7 alkylidene, C1-C7 alkylene, C5-C12 cycloalkylidene, —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2—, —CO— or a residue of formula (2) or (3) wherein Z represents carbon and R21 and R22 can be selected for each Z individually and, represent hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl, with the proviso that, on at least one Z atom, R21 and R22 are simultaneously alkyl and wherein the polycarbonate comprises a mixture of linear and branched polycarbonate and wherein the linear polycarbonate content is at least 40 wt. %, based on the total polycarbonate weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition containing polycarbonate with a weight-average molecular weight Mw of from 24,000 to 33,000 and 5.0 wt. % to 20.0 wt. % (based on the total amount of the composition) of glass hollow spheres with an alkalinity of less than 1.0 meq/g. The present invention furthermore provides coextruded sheets in which the coextruded layer contains this polymer composition, and shaped articles produced therefrom, in particular containers and pieces of luggage, very particularly suitcases. Sheets which are obtainable with the polymer composition according to the invention have a high mechanical stability, a high scratch resistance, pleasant haptic properties and an excellent homogeneous external visual impression. The present invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of these polymer compositions and a process for production of the sheets according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations of ADAMTS13 with enhanced or desirable properties. As such, the invention provides liquid and lyophilized formulations of ADAMTS13 that are suitable for pharmaceutical administration. Among other aspects, the present invention also provides methods of treating various diseases and conditions related to VWF and/or ADAMTS13 dysfunction in a subject. Also provided herein are kits comprising ADAMTS13 formulations useful for the treatment of various diseases and conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to vWF cleaving entities having a molecular weight of 180 kD, 170 kD, 160 kD, 120 kD or 110 kD and an N-terminal amino acid sequence of AAGGILHLELLV, vWF cleaving complexes and methods for their production.

Abstract: A lanyard plug includes a head having a “T” shaped cross section with a top portion supported by a beam portion. The head is adapted to be retentively coupled in a groove of a device. A body is coupled to the beam portion of the head. A spring loaded pin is supported in a cavity of the body and extends through the top portion of the head.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a manipulating piece having a manipulating element, an instrument shaft having a section that is manipulable, wherein the shaft is coupled to the manipulating piece, a positioning element having a first rotational axis, a pulling element coupled to the positioning element and the section of the shaft, such that displacement of the positioning element actuates the section by transmitting a force via the pulling element, and an actuator coupled to the positioning element, such that actuation of the actuator displaces the positioning element by transmitting a force from the actuator to the positioning element. The manipulating element is coupled to the positioning element such that a force exerted onto the manipulating element transfers onto the positioning element and displaces the positioning element. The first rotational axis and a second rotational axis of the actuator are arranged at an angle less than 90° relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of measuring cleaved von Willebrand factor (VWF) fragments. More specifically, the invention relates to methods of measuring the ability of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) to cleave VWF in vivo. The invention also relates to methods of using various animal models which demonstrate ADAMTS13 activity similar to that of a human. The invention further relates to methods of measuring the cleavage products of rVWF in mammals, particularly in humans and in human plasma.

Abstract: Endoscopic arrangement comprising a first distal end, an imaging device arranged at the first distal end, a first proximal end for connection to a supply unit, a data transmission element embodied as a light guide and having a second distal end and a second proximal end, and comprising an electro-optical converter, wherein the electro-optical converter is configured to convert digital data generated by the imaging device into an optical signal, wherein the data transmission element at its second distal end is optically coupled to the electro-optical converter for coupling the optical signal into the data transmission element, wherein the imaging device comprises at least two data outputs each having a digital output signal, and wherein a first signal converter is provided between the imaging device and the electro-optical converter for combining the digital output signals into a digital combined output signal.

Abstract: A medical apparatus to support an endoscopic investigation that includes a housing with a base surface, a front surface and a rear surface, and a light source that is positioned in the housing to generate light to illuminate an object that is to be investigated with an endoscope. In addition the medical apparatus includes a coupling device to couple a proximal end of an endoscope on the medical apparatus and to transmit light from the medical apparatus to the endoscope. The medical apparatus includes a screen, which is positioned on the front surface of the housing to observe an image taken by means of the endoscope, where the front surface and rear surface are each inclined toward the rear at an angle between 5 and 15 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the base surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved method for preparing a highly concentrated immunoglobulin composition from pooled plasma for subcutaneous injection. A composition comprising 20% or more immunoglobulin suitable for subcutaneous use is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the investigation of surface properties with a housing, a light source which directs light through an opening in the housing onto a surface to be investigated, with a first detector device which is arranged inside at a first pre-set angle with respect to the light beam radiated onto the surface by the light source, with a second detector device which is arranged at a second pre-set angle with respect to the light beam radiated onto the surface by the light source and with a third detector device which is arranged inside the housing at a third pre-set angle with respect to the light beam radiated onto the surface by the light source.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of polyclonal IgG's ability to promote Schwann cell maturation, differentiation, and myelin production. Methods for treating non-idiopathic, demyelinating peripheral neuropathies in mammals, where the neuropathy is not immune-mediated or infection-mediated, through the administration of polyclonal IgG are provided. Types of demyelinating peripheral neuropathies treatable with the present invention include peripheral nerve trauma and toxin-induced peripheral neuropathies. Alternatively, a composition of polyclonal IgGs can be applied directly to a peripheral nerve cell to induce maturation, differentiation into a myelinating state, and myelin expression or promote cell survival.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of measuring cleaved von Willebrand factor (VWF) fragments. More specifically, the invention relates to methods of measuring the ability of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) to cleave VWF in vivo. The invention also relates to methods of using various animal models which demonstrate ADAMTS13 activity similar to that of a human. The invention further relates to methods of measuring the cleavage products of rVWF in mammals, particularly in humans and in human plasma.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and pharmaceutical formulations of Factor H derived from plasma. Also provided are methods for the manufacture of the Factor H compositions and formulations, as well as methods for the treatment of diseases associated with Factor H dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention provides long-term stable pharmaceutical formulations of recombinant von-Willebrand Factor (rVWF) and methods for making and administering said formulations.