Abstract: An ankle support assembly includes a body having a plurality of fabric layers. The body extends along a longitudinal axis. A sealed, inflatable chamber is supported by the body. A valve member is supported by the body and in fluid communication with the chamber. A plurality of retaining members are positioned relative to the chamber. The retaining members are spaced apart from each other. The retaining members are configured to limit expansion of the chamber in at least one direction. The retaining members are positioned relative to the chamber such that the body has a variable stiffness along the longitudinal axis when the chamber is inflated.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to wearable armrest apparatuses and methods of using the same. The wearable armrest apparatuses are adapted to be worn around individuals' waists or torsos, and they include armrest structures that can support the individuals' elbows and/or forearms. The wearable armrest apparatuses are able to support the individuals' elbows and/or forearms when performing various types of tasks, including tasks that are performed in standing positions or which require mobility. The wearable armrest apparatuses can be arranged in an ergonomic design that reduces strain on shoulder, neck, and back regions in a more effective manner compared to traditional armrests that are incorporated into seating assemblies. Other embodiments are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: An orthopedic device, first and second struts, and a range-of-motion limiting pivot assembly connecting to the first and second struts. The pivoting assembly having an engagement member linked to a tab disposed and arranged for pulling radially outward away from a central axis of the pivoting assembly for adjusting the range of motion of the pivoting assembly.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for positioning a patient on an operating table. The patient positioning system includes a positioning pad having a body formed from a compressible material including a slip-resistant surface. The body has a thickness which increases from a first end of the positioning pad to a second end of the positioning pad. A plurality of tethers are fixedly secured to the body. Each of the tethers includes a fastening member adapted to secure the body to an operating table.

Abstract: A patient warming system includes a control unit coupled to one or more warming devices. The control unit may control application of power to the heating elements of the warming devices. The control unit may provide hardware and/or software approaches to monitor and detect an overtemperature situation and/or fault of a given warming device.

Abstract: An inductive heating system including a tape with a mechanism for securing a physio tape to the body of a user. An inductive heating element is mounted on or in the tape and is adapted to receive magnetic energy from a remote inductive heating source. In one embodiment, the system further includes a control system operationally coupled to the heating source. A user interface is coupled to the control system to set a temperature profile of the system as a function of time. A first transceiver is coupled to the control system to communicate the program to a second transceiver remotely mounted at the tape. The second transceiver mounted on the tape receives information from a temperature sensor mounted on the tape and sends on and off signals to back to the control system to regulate the flow of energy to the tape and thereby execute the temperature regulation program. The inductive heating source may be mounted in a stationary frame or a mobile wireless platform.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a combined type hand warmer, including a first hand warmer unit and a second hand warmer unit; a first connection part is arranged on the first hand warmer unit, and a second connection part is arranged on the second hand warmer unit; the first connection part is detachably connected to the second connection part such that the first hand warmer unit and the second hand warmer unit are combined into a whole; and when a user needs to warm two hands/multiple body parts, the first hand warmer unit can be separated from the second hand warmer unit, and the first hand warmer unit and the second hand warmer unit can be respectively used for warming the two hands/multiple body parts.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an endoscopic cancer treatment system capable of heating and treating only cancer tissues at pinpoint more surely, when treating a cancer in visceral organs such as a pancreatic cancer. An endoscopic cancer treatment system for heating and treating cancer tissues to be a lesion, which is used in combination with an ultrasonic endoscope used in an endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, comprising: a heating needle provided with a heater and a temperature detecting element at tip side; and a controller for controlling the heater to a predetermined temperature based on a temperature data detected by the temperature detecting element, wherein the heating needle is configured to be inserted through an instrument insertion channel provided in an inserting section of the ultrasonic endoscope to be able to protrude or retract from a tip opening provided at a tip side of the inserting section.

Abstract: A temperature management system is configured to control a temperature of a patient's body using a heat exchange device. The temperature management system is configured to deliver temperature management treatment or therapy to a patient. A user interface of the system is configured to display operational data and patient data on the user interface in a configuration that allows a user to determine or review one or more periods of the performed temperature management treatment.

Abstract: Described are implantable therapeutic devices, systems and methods to treat a patient. The device includes a hollow refillable housing for implantation within the posterior segment of an eye through a penetration in the sclera including a proximal retention structure protruding outward from a proximal end region of the housing, an access portion opening, and a penetrable barrier positioned at least in part within the access portion opening, the penetrable barrier configured to be repeatedly penetrated. A rigid porous structure is positioned within a region of the housing away from the access portion opening into a reservoir chamber extends along an axis between the penetrable barrier and the porous structure includes a volume sized to deliver therapeutic amounts of a therapeutic agent to the eye for an extended period of time. A cover is coupled to at least an upper surface of the proximal retention structure.

Abstract: A cross-linking device and system are disclosed. In various embodiments, a cross-linking device includes a main body including a sidewall, a corneal gripping portion positioned in the interior cavity and defining an anterior chamber and an ocular chamber and defining an aperture that is configured to allow passage of a portion of a cornea to extend into the anterior chamber. In various embodiments, the device includes a multi-purpose fluid port positioned on the sidewall and defining two or more fluid pathways that connect a pair of exterior ports to an anterior chamber port, and an ocular chamber port respectively to allow for fluids to pass into and out of the interior of the device. In various embodiments the device is constructed from elastomer and, in response to a vacuum, the corneal gripping portion is configured to conform to the eye and seal the anterior chamber.

Abstract: A surgical device for cutting a lens within a capsular bag of an eye. Related methods, systems, and devices are also provided.

Abstract: Intraocular pressure in an eye is reduced by delivering a high resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) beam and a high resolution laser beam through the cornea, and the anterior chamber into the irido-corneal angle along an angled beam path. The OCT beam provides OCT imaging for surgery planning and monitoring, while the laser beam is configured to modify tissue or affect ocular fluid by photo-disruptive interaction. In one implementation, a volume of ocular tissue within an outflow pathway in the irido-corneal angle is modified to create a channel opening in one or more layers of the trabecular meshwork. In another implementation, a volume of fluid in the Schlemm's canal is affected by the laser to bring about a pneumatic expansion of the canal. In either implementation, resistance to aqueous flow through the eye is reduced.

Abstract: The aerosol box for protection during aerosol-generating procedures is an enclosure for a patient's head and neck. The aerosol box includes a floor formed from at least one flexible sheet. The aerosol box further includes a top defining a central viewing window and a body sealed to the top and the floor. The body is configured as the frustum of a right, regular polygonal enclosure having a plurality of wall panels made of flexible resilient material and may be at least partially transparent. The wall panels are sealed to the top and floor, and one of the wall panels defines a patient entryway for introducing the patient's head and neck into the sealed enclosure. The wall panels include sleeve-and-glove assemblies extending into the enclosure for use by a primary health care worker and a plurality of assistants. The aerosol box is made of material impermeable to contaminants borne by aerosols.

Abstract: A limb support comprises a spar, a limb rest, and a coupler. The spar is configured to be supported from a patient support apparatus and adjustable relative to the patient support and has a longitudinal axis. The coupler includes a release that is actuable between a first position permitting movement of the coupler relative to the patient support and a second position preventing movement of the coupler relative to the patient support.

Abstract: A safety device used in conjunction with a vehicle wheelchair lift, having a mounting plate for securing to the floor of a vehicle, upright members disposed on opposite longitudinal ends of the mounting plate, a barrier plate in overlying relationship to the mounting plate and pivotally connected to the uprights for movement between a raised and lowered position; the barrier plate, when raised, acting as a physical barrier to prevent a wheelchair from rolling across the mounting plate, and an actuator operatively connected to the barrier plate. In one embodiment, the upright members are a housing and a support wall. In another embodiment, the uprights are elongated members and include a cross bar disposed horizontally and in spaced parallel relation to the mounting plate when the barrier plate is raised and is disposed vertically and transverse to the mounting plate when the barrier plate is in the lowered position.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a wheeled mobility device in a vehicle. In one embodiment, at least one restraint includes a hand-releasable connection to the vehicle. In other embodiments, the hand releasable connection is formed by a set of mounting details, where the mounting details include a headed stud received in a slot. In yet other embodiments, the hand releasable connection can be formed by a spring loaded locking pin that engages with a bore. In even further embodiments, the headed stud and spring loaded locking pin are coupled to the restraint, while the slot and bore are coupled to the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a manual wheelchair includes a mounting clamp and a propulsion drive unit having a drive wheel assembly and a support suspension. The support suspension is configured to provide linear movement of the drive wheel and drive hub assembly relative to the manual wheelchair. The support suspension includes a linear bearing and slide member assembly having at least one linear bearing and a slide member for accommodating the linear movement of the drive wheel assembly and further includes a resilient suspension member that provides a tractive effort force to the drive wheel. The drive wheel assembly is supported on a carriage that is attached to one of the at least one linear bearing or the slide member and a mounting block is attached to the other. The mounting block has a clamp interface with a locating tab that engages a corresponding mounting slot in the mounting clamp.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus operable by a user for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section is coupled to a support structure supporting a track assembly having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. A user interface is arranged for engagement by the user, and has a direction input control for selecting a drive direction of the motor, and an activation input control for operating the motor to drive the belt. A controller in communication with the motor and the user interface is configured to limit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control preceding engagement of the direction input control to prevent driving the belt, and to permit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control following engagement of the direction input control to drive the belt in a selected drive direction.

Abstract: A device for supporting a wheelchair includes a frame and a support system. The first end of the frame is attached to an axle of the wheelchair. The second end of the frame is attached to a wheel for allowing translation of the device over a surface. The support system is coupled to the frame and may be positioned to catch a back of the wheelchair upon reclining of the wheelchair during a wheelie. The position of the support system with respect to the frame is adjustable in order to catch the wheelchair at varying angles of reclining. As the user of a wheelchair develops skill in performing a wheelie, the position of the support system may be moved further away from the wheelchair.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.

Abstract: A bed system including an acquisition unit and a display, in which the acquisition unit acquires user interface device information from a plurality of user interface devices and the display displays a plurality of images corresponding respectively to the plurality of user interface devices on a single screen based on the user interface device information. One set of the plurality of user interface device information includes state information including at least one of bed state information relating to the state of one bed among a plurality of beds and user state information relating to the state of a user of the one bed among the plurality of beds. One image among the plurality of images includes a state display corresponding to the state information. When the state information is abnormal, the first display displays a warning display on the one image among the plurality of images.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame having a head end and a foot end. A support arm is operably coupled to the head end of the frame. A cord is coupled to the support arm. A user interface housing is operably coupled to the cord and configured to retain a user interface. The user interface housing includes a locking body coupled to a body of the user interface housing and has a flange configured to engage an edge of the user interface. A latch mechanism includes a flexible body coupled to a rear side of the locking body. The latch mechanism is configured to selectively secure the locking body in a position. A shelf is coupled to a lower portion of the body of the user interface housing. The shelf has stoppers operably coupled to the shelf. The stoppers are adjustable along a horizontal plane to define different widths.

Abstract: A support system for the human body including two layers of 3D spacer fabric and one or more layers of a non-viscoelastic pressure relief material, such as a non-viscoelastic slow-recovery foam, latex foam, gel matrix or micro-coil, is disclosed. The support system reduces point pressure and evenly distributes pressure along the body, while providing a soft feel and more even and smooth transitions of movement.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus with a throttle assembly arranged for rotation by a user between a maximum forward position and a maximum backward position to modulate propulsion via a wheel drive system. The throttle assembly includes a handle configured to be gripped by the user and a throttle arranged for user-selected rotation relative to the handle about a central axis between a maximum forward throttle position and a maximum backward throttle position. A damper assembly is interposed between the throttle and the handle to provide torque resisting rotation of the throttle as the throttle rotates relative to the handle.

Abstract: There is described a patient lift apparatus comprising a supporting frame, a boom portion connected to the supporting frame, and a spreader element coupled to the boom portion via a coupling member. The boom portion and coupling member are joined by a pivot joint allowing the coupling member and associated spreader element to pivot with respect to the boom portion about a pivot axis. The patient lift apparatus can include a damping element coupled between the boom portion and the coupling member to damp rocking movement of the coupling member and spreader element, which damping element is a linear damper having a first end connected to the boom portion and a second end connected to the coupling member. The patient lift apparatus can include a quick release mechanism to release the spreader element from the boom portion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a patient lifting system having an upright pole having a lower end attached to a base wherein the base is mounted on a supporting surface such as a floor proximate a bed of the patient. Extending laterally away from the pole is an angularly adjustable arm or extension which is user selectable to be either; e.g., at a 90-degree angle or a 45-degree angle, which arm is supported by a brace connected between the extension arm and the upright pole. The pole is rotatable in a 360 degree arc and is hollow on the inside which allows a load line to travel through the interior of the gin pole from its lower end to its upper outlet end and includes a plurality of pulleys which allow the load line to travel through the inside of the hoisting system. Also included as a part of the hoisting system is a load line attached to the lower end of the pole using a winch or the like.

Abstract: Various implementations include a method of decreasing oxygen saturation levels in a patient, including securing a leg and foot of the patient to a splint having a leg supporting portion, a foot supporting portion, and an inflatable device. The leg supporting portion includes a leg support body and leg support surface. The foot supporting portion includes a foot support body and foot support surface. The inflatable device rotates the foot support surface relative to the leg support surface from a first position to a second position. The angle between a leg longitudinal axis and a foot longitudinal axis is less in the second position than in the first position. The method further includes inflating the inflatable device to rotate the foot support surface from the first position to the second position and maintaining the second position to decrease oxygen saturation levels in the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a system and a method, that include the use of a wearable device, for reducing uncontrolled vibrations of a body part, typically a hand of a subject, which may be a result of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Essential tremor, Multiple sclerosis, etc. These involuntary, uncontrolled, vibrations may be continuous and affect the quality life of the subject.

Abstract: Hands-free walking devices and methods of constructing the same are described herein. The devices can include a receiving member to receive a portion of a patient's leg above a patient's knee and one or more hinges connected to the receiving member. One or more vertical members can be each connected to one of the hinges. A ground-contact member can be connected to the vertical members. The receiving member can transfer at least a portion of the patient's weight through the vertical members to the ground-contact member. The hinges can rotate about an axis about which the patient's knee also rotates while walking to support a natural gait.

Abstract: Medical walker devices and methods of using the same. The present disclosure includes disclosure of a walker, including an upper bar defining a first upper bar end and a second upper bar end, a grip element defined within the upper bar or formed as part thereof, a relative rear end including a rear base portion and a rear base bar, a rear vertical bar coupled to the rear base bar and to the upper bar, a first side wheel structure having a first side wheel bar and one or more first side wheels or castors, and a second side wheel structure having a second side wheel bar and one or more second side wheels or castors; and a front wheel structure including one or more front wheels or castors.

Abstract: A bathtub device for bubble bath physiotherapy, wherein the bathtub body is mounted on the bathtub body support. The exhaust system of the bathtub device is mounted in a space between the bathtub body and the bathtub body support. A fan is configured for delivering gas. The air suction inlet ends of the air suction pipe are configured to be in communication with the upper open side of the bathtub body, and the air suction outlet end is connected to the air inlet side interface device of the fan. The exhaust inlet end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the air outlet side interface device of the fan. The present invention further provides a bubble bath physiotherapy system comprising the bathtub device. By using the bathtub device, a safer bubble bath can be achieved.

Abstract: A liner for use with a basin to contain a liquid features a plurality of bodies of flexible plastic. Portions of an inner face of a first body of flexible plastic are joined to corresponding portions of an inner face of a second body of flexible plastic, through which a plurality of openings are formed, to provide a multi-layer body of flexible plastic. Other portions of the inner face of the first body of flexible plastic are not joined to corresponding other portions of the inner face of the second body of flexible plastic, defining an air conduit between the first body of flexible plastic and the second body of flexible plastic for guiding pressurized air substantially from an air discharge apparatus.

Abstract: Compression garment (1) for a limb of a person, comprising a flexible body portion (2) having a first, limbward side (3) and a second side (4) opposing the first side (3), and at least one band (6) extending from a lateral side (30) of the body portion (2) for wrapping around the limb, wherein the band (6) comprises a fastener (13) such that the end of the band (6) is removably attachable onto the compression garment (1) when wrapped around the limb, whereby the body portion (2) further comprises at least one guiding element (10) providing a channel (9) for receiving the band (6) and guiding the band (6) back over itself when the band (6) spans over the first side (3) to provide an opening (8) for receiving the limb.

Abstract: Provided is a cap including: a cap body; a protective cover; and an attaching device for attaching the protective cover and a top plate of the cap body to each other. The top plate includes: a through hole; and a top plate annular portion. The protective cover includes a cover body having a lower surface arranged away from the top plate. The attaching device includes a cover attaching portion formed into an annular shape around the through hole and projecting from the lower surface of the cover body toward the top side of the top plate annular portion or from the top side of the top plate annular portion toward the lower surface of the cover body to attach the protective cover and the top plate to each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a closure cap for sealing an outlet end of a barrel of a medicament container, the outlet end having a radially widened rim and the outlet end being sealable by an elastomeric seal, wherein the elastomeric seal comprises a flange portion configured to abut in a longitudinal direction with the outlet end, the closure cap comprising: a cap body comprising a retainer portion and a fastening portion, wherein the retainer portion is configured to engage with the elastomeric seal, wherein the fastening portion comprises a resiliently and radially deformable fastener comprising a snap feature configured to releasably engage with the radially widened rim of the outlet and, and wherein a longitudinal distance between the retainer portion and the snap feature is sized to receive the radially widened rim and the flange portion of the elastomeric seal between the retainer portion and the snap feature.

Abstract: A bottle connector for use in a medical fluid transfer arrangement, the bottle connector having an axial direction and a radial direction and comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising a hollow piercing member comprising an inner gas channel and extending in the axial direction beyond the end of the first part. The second part comprises a bottle coupling member, for coupling the bottle connector to a medical bottle. The first and second parts are pre-connected and are concentrically arranged with respect to each other and the bottle connector has a transport configuration with a first, maximum length in which the piercing member is completely located within the bottle connector, and a fluid transfer configuration with a second, minimum length.

Abstract: A solid dosage form for active ingredient release can be a preparation for medical, dental or cosmetic purposes, and is preferably a tablet. The solid dosage form comprises a three-dimensional base body which comprises an active ingredient. The solid dosage form further comprises a portion having a structure forming a two-dimensional identifier, such as, for instance, a QR code.

Abstract: This invention provides a blister pack dosage form container, comprising an advanceable blister pack holder, comprising a series of access portals sized to accommodate pass-through of at least one dosage form contained within a multi-dosage form containing blister pack located within said holder proximally therethrough upon engagement of an appropriate depilling structure, wherein said advanceable blister pack holder optionally accommodates upright positioning of said dosage forms and said depilling structure displaces said dosage form laterally.

Abstract: A pill dispenser for storing and dispensing pills is disclosed. The pill dispenser includes a container and a funnel inserted in the container. The pill dispenser includes a tunnel having a tunnel channel. The tunnel inserts in the funnel. The pill dispenser includes a base connecting the funnel. The base has a pill discharging hole and a slot opening. The pill dispenser includes a stick member, and a drawer having a drawer channel. The base receives the drawer through the slot opening, and the drawer connects to the stick member. The container stores pills and the funnel receives the pills. The tunnel rotates to stir the pills such that a pill falls through the tunnel channel. The tunnel channel aligns with the drawer channel and positions the pill in the drawer channel. The drawer presses into the base causing the drawer channel to align with the pill discharging hole to discharge the pill via the pill discharging hole.

Abstract: A baby bottle system including a bottle assembly and a detachable unit. The baby bottle system is configured to enhance a baby's feeding routine, simulate a baby's cognitive and emotional development, and prevent nipple/bottle confusion. The detachable unit includes an opening to receive an end portion of a baby bottle and a compartment for receiving an accessory that stimulates one or more of the senses of the baby.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and ligands, and compositions formed therewith, that modulate insulin secretion and suppress appetite by activating ectopic olfactory receptors. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the compositions to treat endocrine diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, and disorders, such as abnormal insulin secretion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for preparing and delivering various precursor compositions as a replacement therapy for testosterone and other hormone deficiencies that naturally occur with aging in canines and other domesticated animals. Precursor compositions are selected and designed for the purpose of formulating non-toxic therapeutic hormone supplement for oral consumption. The invention features low dose continuous supplementation to be incorporated with daily meals. The process of the present invention delivers an orally ingested substance, e.g., a food, supplement, treat, etc., that contains an anti-aging formulation comprising a hormone precursor (prohormone) that is absorbed by the digestive system and secreted into the bloodstream with a second substance to facitate its ingestion, absorption and delivery to the body's tissues.

Abstract: A liquid capsule of cannabis, ginseng, and turmeric rhizome oil blend consisting essentially of an oil blend of cannabis oil, turmeric rhizome oil, and ginseng oil in a liquid capsule. There is less than 4 ppm of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the oil blend.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a statin and a cannabinoid, and their use for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. It has been found that compositions combining a statin and a cannabinoid are improved over existing statin formulations. The compositions of the invention for example allow for a lower effective dose of statin and a reduction of the adverse effects seen with statins taken alone. Dosing ranges and formulations suitable for oral, buccal, and sublingual administration are disclosed. Various specific cannabinoids such as cannabidiol and synthetic cannabidiols selected for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-atherosclerotic effect are shown to be particularly advantageous.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel tetrahydrocurcumin (THCu) compositions, novel methods of manufacturing, and methods of using these compositions for therapeutic applications. The novel synthetic pathway(s) result in THCu compositions that generally lack hexahydrocurcumin (HHC), and include an improved impurity profile with reduced additional species that are generally present in hydrogenated curcumin compositions.

Abstract: A method of treating nail infections by using keratolytic, quaternary ammonium chloride, biguanide compounds and water heated above nail temperature.

Abstract: The method of treating adenoid cystic carcinoma or other cancer tumors includes the administration of an effective dosage of an inverse agonist of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) or retinoid x receptor (RXR) signaling to a patient in need thereof, alone or in combination with other cancer treatment. Non-limiting examples of an inverse agonist of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) or retinoid x receptor (RXR) signaling include 4-[(1E)-2-[5,6-Dihydro-5,5-dimethyl-8-(2-phenylethynyl)-2-naphthalenyl]ethenyl]benzoic acid (commonly referred to as “BMS493”) and 4-[2-[5,6-Dihydro-5,5-dimethyl-8-(4-methylphenyl)-2-naphthalenyl] ethynyl]benzoic acid (commonly referred to as “AGN193109”). Alternatively, prior to administration of the inverse agonist of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) or retinoid x receptor (RXR) signaling, a direct agonist of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) or retinoid x receptor (RXR) signaling may be administered to the patient.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter generally relates to methods for detecting the presence of amylin in a patient's erythrocytes, determining the risk for the development of prediabetes, type-2 diabetes or comorbidities thereof, and methods of treating said diseases and risks.

Abstract: Modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate having improved dissolution and pharmacokinetic properties are provided, and therapeutic uses thereof.