Abstract: We disclose a method of promoting cartilage, bone or ligament repair or inducing repair or regeneration of chondral tissue, the method comprising enhancing the expression or activity of ZNF145 or a fragment, homologue, variant or derivative thereof in an chondrogenic progenitor cell, for example a mesenchymal stem cell. We also provide for a chondrogenic progenitor cell, for example a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) engineered to increase expression or activity of ZNF145 or a fragment, homologue, variant or derivative thereof.

Abstract: We provide an anti-TAZ agent for the treatment, prophylaxis or alleviation of cancer. We further provide a kit for detecting breast cancer in an individual or susceptibility of the individual to breast cancer comprising means for detection of TAZ expression in the individual or a sample taken from him or her as well as a method of detecting a cancer cell, the method comprising detecting modulation of expression, amount or activity of TAZ in the cell.

Abstract: We describe a particle secreted by a mesenchymal stem cell and comprising at least one biological property of a mesenchymal stem cell. The biological property may comprise a biological activity of a mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (MSC-CM) such as cardioprotection or reduction of infarct size. The particle may comprise a vesicle or an exosome.

Abstract: A molecule for use in a method of treatment or diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease in an individual, the molecule comprising: (a) CACNA2D3; (b) CAMK2D; (c) KCNIP4; (d) ANGPT1; (e) NAALADL2; (f) ZFHX3; (g) MPHOSPH10; (h) a sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to any of (a) to (g); or (i) a modulator of any of (a) to (e). We also describe the use of Pregabalin ((3S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methyl-hexanoic acid) in the treatment or prevention of Kawasaki Disease in an individual.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for virtually designing a medical device conformed for use with a specific patient. Using the system, a three-dimensional geometric model of a patient-specific body cavity or lumen is reconstructed from scanned volume images such as obtained x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), ultrasound (US), angiography or other imaging modalities. Knowledge of the physical properties of the cavity/lumen is obtained by determining the relationship between image density and the stiffness or elasticity of tissues in the body cavity or lumen and is used to model interactions between a simulated device and a simulated body cavity or lumen.

Abstract: A database (104) maintains one or more groups (106) of digital objects (202). A user (102) wishes to retrieve one or more digital objects (202) from the database (104), without the database (104) being able to determine which particular digital objects (202) have been retrieved. In addition, the database (104) should not allow the user (102) to retrieve any digital objects (202) to which the user (102) has not been granted access. The user (102) requests the groups (106) containing the digital objects (202) the user (102) wishes to download, but does not identify the digital objects (202) within each group (106) that the user (102) is interested in. Using a symmetric key cryptosystem, the database (104) generates a key (204) for and encrypts each digital object (202) in the requested group (106) into ciphertext (206), and additionally encrypts each key (204). The database (104) transmits the ciphertexts (206) and encrypted keys (208) to the user (102).