Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating scleroderma. The method consists in the upregulation of miR-29 by administration of miR-29 or a miR-29 upregulator which elevates circulating and/or intracellular concentrations of miR-29. The invention likewise relates to the use of miR-29 for such a treatment, and the use of miR-29 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of scleroderma.

Abstract: A capillary plate and method for growing macromolecular crystals using the capillary plate. The capillary plate allows proteins and other macromolecules to be crystallized in the counter-diffusion method in a restricted geometry. Using this procedure, crystals can be adequately prepared for direct X-ray data analysis such that the macromolecule's three-dimensional structure can be solved without crystal manipulation.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin mimetics and libraries including a plurality of these mimetics are provided. The template-fixed ?-hairpin mimetics are of the following general formula: R1-Cys-Z-Cys-R2??(I) wherein the two cysteine residues are bridged by a disulfide bond, thereby forming a cyclic peptide; R1 and R2 are di- or tripeptide moieties of certain types, as defined herein; and Z is a chain of n amino acid residues with n being an integer from 4 to 20 and with each of these n amino acid residues being, independently, derived from any naturally occurring L-?-amino acid.

Abstract: Dye conjugates of template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 14 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid), are Gly, or Pro or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have CXCR4 antagonizing properties, and are useful for cancer therapy; diagnostic imaging; for detection of tumors and other abnormalities; for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy; and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy. The various dyes forming part of these conjugates are useful over the range of 300-1200 nm, the exact range being dependent upon the particular dye. These dye conjugates of ?-hairpin peptidomimetic can be manufactured by processes which are based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protamine/RNA nanoparticles of defined average size, a pharmaceutical composition containing said nanoparticles and to a method of producing the same. The nanoparticles of the present invention is particularly useful as an immunostimulating medicament with a precise pattern of immunostimulation different from the prior art.

Abstract: A method for acquiring an image or spectrum of a subject or object residing within the magnetic field of a magnetic resonance apparatus, comprises the steps of: executing a predetermined pulse sequence for applying gradient magnetic fields and for coupling in electromagnetic excitation pulses to induce nuclear magnetic resonance within the subject or object; detecting an electromagnetic signal resulting from said magnetic resonance; and constructing at least one image or magnetic resonance spectrum of said subject or object from said detected electromagnetic signal. According to the invention, said coupling in of the electromagnetic excitation pulse and/or said detecting of the electromagnetic signal are carried out substantially by means of travelling electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic forms of Trandolaprilat, including crystalline Trandolaprilat Form A, crystalline Trandolaprilat Form B, crystalline Trandolaprilat Form C, crystalline Trandolaprilat Form D, crystalline Trandolaprilat Form E, and mixtures thereof. The invention also provides novel methods for producing Trandolaprilat, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of Trandolaprilat, and polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic forms of Trandolaprilat, pharmaceutical compositions including one or more novel Trandolaprilat compounds and methods for treating high blood pressure and/or cardiac insufficiency using one or more novel Trandolaprilat compounds.

Abstract: A luminescence concentrator (LK) may concentrate both incident direct and diffuse light by way of frequency shift and total internal reflection. It differs fundamentally from geometric concentrators. With sufficient geometric expansion of the collector plate, nearly arbitrarily high concentration can be achieved in the LK. A luminescence disperser is an apparatus which holds both directional and nondirectional incident light captive in a transparent body by way of frequency shift and total internal reflection and emits it diffusely or directionally uniformly distributed across an area by way of luminescence emission. The object of the invention is a method for the technical implementation of the LK and luminescence disperser, using zeolite crystals having a nanotube structure, into which the luminescent dyes are embedded such that they have antenna properties. Using the resulting novel structures, problems can be solved which made the technical use of LK impossible or at least considerably limited it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular supporting prosthesis capable of growing, comprising a mesh structure, wherein the mesh structure comprises at least two structural rings, which are connected to each other via connecting members and are disposed point-symmetrically about the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis, wherein the structural rings and/or the connecting members have at least one predetermined breaking point.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I), wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid) are Gly or Pro, or of certain types, at least one of these residues being of the type of N-substituted glycines, which types, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have the property to inhibit the growth of or to kill microorganisms. They can be used as disinfectants for foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicaments or other nutrient-containing materials or as medicaments to treat or prevent infections. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by processes which are based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the General Formula (I); wherein Z1 and Z2 are template-fixed chains of 4 and 6 or 5 and 7 ?-amino acid residues and salts thereof. They have CXCR4-antagonizing properties and can be used as medicaments. These ?-sheet peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: Method for the detection of the in-vivo activity of neurotrypsin wherein the amount of the 22-kDa-fragment of agrin is measured in a sample taken from a patient and the measured amount of the 22-kDa-fragment of agrin in the sample is used to calculate the activity of neurotrypsin, use of the method for diagnosis and monitoring of neurotrypsin-related disturbances and use of the 22-kDa-fragment of agrin as biomarker for neurotrypsin-related disturbances.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12, 14 or 18 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid), are Gly, NMeGly, Pro or Pip, or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have CXCR4 antagonizing properties. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid—and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: The present relates to the field of dental and bone surgery. In particular, the invention relates to fibrous pharmaceutical compositions; fibrous webs, yarns and woven fabrics of such pharmaceutical compositions; to implant material essentially consisting of fibrous pharmaceutical compositions; to the manufacturing and use of such fibers/webs/implant materials.

Abstract: The invention features polymeric biomaterials formed by nucleophilic addition reactions to conjugated unsaturated groups. These biomaterials may be used for medical treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to paromamine-based compounds according to formula I having selective antimicrobial activity directed at ribosomal 16S RNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent that comprises a single sinus section and is preferably provided at the proximal end thereof with a native vessel valve (26). The stent comprises a first and a second hollow-cylindrical section (10, 11) having a first and a second diameter each, and a third section (12) disposed therebetween having a third maximum diameter. The third maximum diameter is greater than the first and second diameters and forms the sinus section. The stent according to the invention with the single sinus has an increased functionality. Particularly when used with a graft with a sinus and vessel valve, the functionality of the stent is secured and the wear is diminished. The stent is particularly suitable for native valves and particularly as a pulmonary valve replacement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polymorphic form of olopatadine hydrochloride ([(Z)-3-(dimethylamino)propylidene]-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin-2-acetic acid hydrochloride), a selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist that is used for the treatment of ocular symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. The present invention also provides novel methods for producing olopatadine on a large scale, and in a manner that is cost effective, provides a low level of impurities and eliminates the need to use the costly and dangerous base, butyllithium, which is used in prior art reactions for making olopatadine. The present invention further provides novel processes for carrying out a large scale production of 3-dimethylaminopropyltriphenylphosphonium bromide and its corresponding hydrobromide salt, which are employed in the production of olopatadine, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of olopatadine.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12 ?-amino acid residues which, depend on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid) are Gly, or Pro, or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have the property to selectively inhibit the growth of or to kill microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter. They can be used as disinfectants for foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicaments or other nutrient-containing materials, or as medicaments to treat or prevent infections. In a specific embodiment, the template is based on the D-Pro-L-Pro dipeptides. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by processes which are based on a mixed solid—and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: The invention features polymeric biomaterials formed by nucleophilic addition reactions to conjugated unsaturated groups. These biomaterials may be used for medical treatments.