Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of biomaterials, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. More specifically, it relates to biomaterial substrates having precise surface properties and the use thereof to investigate cell-material interactions. Provided is a cell culture system having a biomaterial substrate which has at least a first linear surface gradient oriented orthogonally to a second linear surface gradient, wherein the first gradient and the second gradient are selected from the group consisting of stiffness (S), (aligned) topography (T) and wettability (W). Also provided is a cell screening platform having a combination of at least two, preferably at least three, more preferably four distinct cell culture systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-CD 103 antibodies, as well as use of these antibodies in diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases. Also disclosed is an imaging agent comprising the anti-CD 103 antibody and a detectable label, wherein the antibody either does not block CD 103 binding to E-cadherin or at least partially blocks CD 103 binding to E-cadherin. The methods of treatment involve administering the anti CD 103 antibody which may be optionally coupled to a cytotoxic agent. Diseases to be treated include e.g. Hairy Cell leukemia, HCLv, intestinal and extraintestinal lymphomas, enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL), T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL), T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), mycosis fungoides (ME), anaplastic large cell lymphoma ALCL, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), Sezary Syndrome (SS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A computer program product for gathering respondent input for determining a ranking of states each characterized by a set of selected levels each associated to an attribute. The interface mechanism provides for inputting selected attribute levels of a respondent state and for ranking of comparable alternative states determined in response to the inputted respondent state, in comparison with that respondent state. The alternative states are each displayed as the set of attributes with the associated set of alternative levels simultaneously and with an input field for inputting a preference indication of the shown alternative state compared with the respondent state. This allows the respondent input to be entered with very few input actions and little switching between screens. Only the selected attribute levels of the respondent state and the rankings and identifications of the determined alternative states need to be transmitted to the central computer.

Abstract: A method for the in situ derivatization of at least one biogenic amine, precursor, or metabolite thereof in an isolated aqueous sample includes the steps of: (i) contacting the sample with a propionic anhydride/acetonitrile solution in the presence of a phosphate buffer having a pH in the range of 7.0 to 9.0 and allowing the conversion of amine and/or hydroxyl moieties of the biogenic amine, precursor, or metabolite thereof to form a propionyl derivative of the biogenic amine; followed by (ii) adding to the reaction mixture obtained in step (i) a carbodiimide compound and an electrophilic amine-containing compound, and allowing the carbodiimide-mediated derivatization of carboxylic acid moieties of the biogenic amine, precursor, or metabolite thereof.

Abstract: A method for the in situ derivatization of at least one biogenic amine, precursor, or metabolite thereof in an isolated aqueous sample includes the steps of: (i) contacting the sample with a propionic anhydride/acetonitrile solution in the presence of a phosphate buffer having a pH in the range of 7.0 to 9.0 and allowing the conversion of amine and/or hydroxyl moieties of the biogenic amine, precursor, or metabolite thereof to form a propionyl derivative of the biogenic amine; followed by (ii) adding to the reaction mixture obtained in step (i) a carbodiimide compound and an electrophilic amine-containing compound, and allowing the carbodiimide-mediated derivatization of carboxylic acid moieties of the biogenic amine, precursor, or metabolite thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, reagents and kits for detecting the susceptibility to cervical cancer. In particular, it relates to novel methylation markers to improve screening for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 (CIN2/3) and the use thereof for identifying a cervical cell as neoplastic or predisposed to neoplasia in an isolated sample.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a surgical instrument, typically a surgical stapler that is configured for performing anastomosis of a first gastro-intestinal tract section to a second gastro-intestinal tract section, both gastro-intestinal tract sections comprising a superficial layer and an intermediate layer. Said method comprises contacting the superficial layers of said gastro-intestinal tract sections and compressing the contacted sections between a first pressure area and a second pressure area, wherein the sum of the first pressure area and the second pressure increases during the compression such that the superficial layers are pressed aside and the intermediate layers are contacted.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of biomaterials, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. More specifically, it relates to biomaterial substrates having precise surface properties and the use thereof to investigate cell-material interactions. Provided is a cell culture system having a biomaterial substrate which has at least a first linear surface gradient oriented orthogonally to a second linear surface gradient, wherein the first gradient and the second gradient are selected from the group consisting of stiffness (S), (aligned) topography (T) and wettability (W). Also provided is a cell screening platform having a combination of at least two, preferably at least three, more preferably four distinct cell culture systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of phosphopantetheine compounds alone and in combination with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. Preferred medical uses relate to the treatment or prevention of dyslipidemia.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a surgical instrument, typically a surgical stapler that is configured for performing anastomosis of a first gastro-intestinal tract section to a second gastro-intestinal tract section, both gastro-intestinal tract sections comprising a superficial layer and an intermediate layer. Said method comprises contacting the superficial layers of said gastro-intestinal tract sections and compressing the contacted sections between a first pressure area and a second pressure area, wherein the sum of the first pressure area and the second pressure increases during the compression such that the superficial layers are pressed aside and the intermediate layers are contacted.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having a pair of cooperating leaflets mounted in a valve body to alternate between an open position where the flow of blood in a downstream direction is permitted and a closed position where the flow of blood in the reverse direction is counteracted. Pivot member sets at diametrically opposite sides of each leaflet guide the leaflets moving between the open and closed positions, each set including an ear or a recess cooperating with an associated cavity or knob of an interior surface of the valve body. Each ear or recess bounds at least one leaflet passageway through that ear or recess and located spaced from upstream and downstream ends of the ear for allowing flow through that ear and the associated cavity, or through that recess, when the leaflets are in the closed positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new biomarkers and new sets of biomarkers for diagnosing a mood disorder, preferably depression or monitoring the effectiveness of therapy for said mood disorder.

Abstract: The invention relates to (S)-acyl-4?-phosphopantetheine derivatives, methods of their synthesis, and related medical uses of such compounds. Preferred medical uses relate to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as PKAN.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of immunology and vaccine development. In particular, it relates to antibodies and fragments thereof against Staphylococcus aureus and to therapeutic and diagnostic uses thereof. Provided is an isolated antibody or a functional fragment thereof, which binds to an epitope of the Immunodominant Staphylococcal antigen A (IsaA), wherein said antibody comprises at least four Isa A epitope-binding CDR sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1; SEQ ID NO: 2; SEQ ID NO: 3; SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO: 5; SEQ ID NO: 6, and functional equivalents thereof having an amino acid sequence that is at least 85% identical to an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1-6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing polymeric composites with bone forming, such as with osteogenic and/or osteoinductive and/or osteoconductive, properties. The present invention further relates to polymeric composites provided by the present method and the use of thereof for bone implants, or grafts, specifically the use thereof for orbital floor reconstruction. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for providing a composite with bone forming properties, the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a liquid, or liquefied, polymeric composition of homopolymers or copolymers of 1,3-trimethylene carbonate (TMC); b) adding to said liquid, or liquefied, polymeric composition one or more agents with osteogenic and/or osteoinductive and/or osteoconductive properties thereby providing a dispersion of said agents in said liquid or liquefied polymeric composition; and c) crosslinking the product obtained, thereby providing a composite with bone forming properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, reagents and kits for detecting the susceptibility to cervical cancer. In particular, it relates to novel methylation markers to improve screening for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 (CIN2/3) and the use thereof for identifying a cervical cell as neoplastic or predisposed to neoplasia in an isolated sample.

Abstract: For measuring functionality of an orifice (16, 20) in the human pelvic region an elongated probe (4; 54) for insertion in the orifice (16, 20) is provided. The probe (4; 54) comprises one or more electrodes (5a-6a, 5b-6b, 6a-7a, 6b-7b; 55a-56a, 55b-56b, 56a-57a, 56b-57b, 57a-92a, 57b-92b) for stimulating receptors (23, 25) in tissue bounding the orifice (16, 20) and one or more muscle activity sensors (8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b, 9c, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 11a, 11b, 11e, 12a, 12b, 12c; 58a, 58b, 58c, 59a, 59b, 59c, 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 61a, 61b, 61c, 62) for sensing muscle activity causing pressure to be exerted by tissue bounding the orifice (16, 20). A control system (I) connected to the probe (4; 54) is arranged for outputting a neurostimulation signal (35) to the electrode or electrodes and for registering a pressure signal or signals from the pressure sensor or sensors during a time interval directly subsequent to the outputting of the neurostimulation signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel therapeutic compounds, more in particular to biologically active analogs and uses thereof as medicament, for instance for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Provided is a compound of the general formula (formula I) wherein R1 is H or a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic moiety comprising 1 to 8 C-atoms; and X is selected from the group consisting of moieties X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6. Exemplary uses include the prevention or therapeutic treatment of a HSF1-mediated disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medicine. In particular, it relates to recombinant cationic polypeptides and their use as biolubricant. Provided is a biolubricant substance comprising the amino acid sequence[(GKGVP)9]n, wherein n is ?5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medicine, particularly immunology and gastroenterology. Specifically, it relates to probiotic bacteria and extracts thereof for therapeutic use for the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease. Provided is a composition comprising as active ingredient Faecalibacterium prausnitzii strain HTF-F (DSM 26943) or an extract thereof comprising extracellular polymeric matrix (EPM), and an acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient. Also provided is an anti-inflammatory composition comprising EPM extracted from F. prausnitzii strain HTF-F, and a method for preparing the same.