Abstract: According to the invention fibroblast-like cells obtained from heart muscle biopsies, which are CD90 negative, CD105 positive, CD117 negative and/or CD166 positive as well as cell preparations of such cells for therapy of heart diseases as well as a method for providing the latter are disclosed. The cells according to the invention are characterized by a good cultivability in cell culture. Furthermore a method for obtaining the cells and cell preparations according to the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising, or consisting of 2-50 mg/ml hyaluronic acid, 0.1-500 mg/ml of biodegradable particles with an average mean particle diameter of 1 nm-500 ?m, 1 pg/ml-10 ?g/ml cytokines, where the concentrations specified are based in each case on the total volume (w/v) of the composition and where the cytokines are enclosed in the biodegradable particles, and to their use in the treatment of cartilage defects, for example traumatic cartilage defects or osteoarthrosis.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cell-free graft, comprising (i) a cohesive, structure-forming matrix with open porosity made from a biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable material and (ii) serum. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the matrix additionally contains a gel. By virtue of a second aspect, a method of producing such a cell-free graft is proposed, whereby the matrix and the gel, if one is provided, is placed in contact with the serum. The graft may optionally be dried with serum. Alternatively, the matrix and the gel, if one is provided, are in the dried state before being placed in contact with the serum. By virtue of a third aspect, finally, the invention proposes the use of the cell-free graft for regenerating tissue and in particular for regenerating cartilage and/or bone.

Abstract: Fibroblast-like cells obtained from heart muscle biopsies, which are CD90 negative, CD105 positive, CD117 negative and/or CD166 positive as well as cell preparations of such cells for therapy of heart diseases, as well as a method for providing the latter. The cells are characterized by a good cultivability in cell culture. Furthermore a method for obtaining the cells and cell preparations according to the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising, or consisting of 2-50 mg/ml hyaluronic acid, 0.1-500 mg/ml of biodegradable particles with an average mean particle diameter of 1 nm-500 ?m, 1 pg/ml-10 ?g/ml cytokines, where the concentrations specified are based in each case on the total volume (w/v) of the composition and where the cytokines are enclosed in the biodegradable particles, and to their use in the treatment of cartilage defects, for example traumatic cartilage defects or osteoarthrosis.

Abstract: Fibroblast-like cells obtained from heart muscle biopsies, which are CD90 negative, CD105 positive, CD117 negative and/or CD166 positive as well as cell preparations of such cells for therapy of heart diseases, as well as a method for providing the latter. The cells are characterized by a good cultivability in cell culture. Furthermore a method for obtaining the cells and cell preparations according to the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cell-free graft, comprising (i) a cohesive, structure-forming matrix with open porosity made from a biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable material and (ii) serum. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the matrix additionally contains a gel. By virtue of a second aspect, a method of producing such a cell-free graft is proposed, whereby the matrix and the gel, if one is provided, is placed in contact with the serum. The graft may optionally be dried with serum. Alternatively, the matrix and the gel, if one is provided, are in the dried state before being placed in contact with the serum. By virtue of a third aspect, finally, the invention proposes the use of the cell-free graft for regenerating tissue and in particular for regenerating cartilage and/or bone.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for manufacturing books are disclosed. An example modular signature feeder includes a frame having a base configured to enable the modular signature feeder to be removably attached to another modular signature feeder or a signature transfer assembly associated with a signature collation feeder assembly. Removably attaching the modular signature feeder assembly to another modular signature feeder or a signature transfer assembly increases a footprint of the signature collation feeder assembly. A conveyor configured to move signatures and a hopper configured to hold a plurality of signatures are operatively coupled to the frame. A signature feeding device is disposed between the hopper and the conveyor and configured to feed the signatures from the hopper to the conveyor.

Abstract: A book production apparatus includes a gathering line operable during a production sequence and a demand printer for producing printed pages. The book production apparatus further includes a feeding device operable to feed the printed pages to the gathering line and a controller that coordinates operation of the gathering line, the demand printer, and the feeding device during the production sequence to produce books.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of tissue engineering, in particular to the replacement of pathological tissue in joints (mainly bones and cartilage) and the treatment and the prevention of osteo-arthritic conditions in joints. For this purpose, the invention discloses methods for producing cell compositions, which comprise the provision of mesenchymal cells and synovial fluid, as well as the mixture thereof for obtaining a cell composition. Cell compositions are provided, which are used for the treatment of osteo-arthrosis and articular diseases or defects. Furthermore, the cell compositions are used for producing transplants. Finally, the present invention relates to methods for treating articular defects.

Abstract: Implantable substrate for the healing and/or protection of connective tissue, preferably cartilage, comprising at least one composition for the activation of locally present cells for tissue regeneration and at least one structure for cell invasion in vivo and/or for the formation of cell matrix and/or for the release of constituents of the employed composition.

Abstract: Implantable substrate for the healing and/or protection of connecting tissue, preferably cartilage, comprising at least one composition for the activation of locally present cells for tissue regeneration and at least one structure for cell invasion in vivo and/or for the formation of cell matrix and/or for the release of constituents of the employed composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to new artificial tissues which comprise three-dimensional extracellular matrixes (ECM) in cross-linkable structures, cell interaction systems for inducing artificial three-dimensional tissues and which comprise genetically manipulated cells releasing immunosuppressive or cell-differentiating factors. The tissues according to the invention are suitable for producing vital transplants and for establishing models of diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to new artificial tissues which comprise three-dimensional extracellular matrixes (ECM) in cross-linkable structures, cell interaction systems for inducing artificial three-dimensional tissues and which comprise genetically manipulated cells releasing immunosuppressive or cell-differentiating factors. The tissues according to the invention are suitable for producing vital transplants and for establishing models of diseases.

Abstract: In a process for producing an implant from cell cultures in vitro, tissue cells, particularly cartilage cells, are introduced into a three-dimensional self-supporting structure preformed preferably from nonwoven polymer material, the supporting structure having a shape corresponding to that of the desired implant. The supporting structure is then perfused with a nourishing solution for a sufficiently long period of time that an intercellular matrix which bonds the cells together is formed at least partially within the supporting structure. The supporting structure with the at least partially formed intercellular matrix may then be implanted. Upon subsequent resorption of the supporting structure, the shape of the implant is maintained and preserved by the intercellular matrix then formed.