Abstract: The present invention relates to a copolymer containing alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic units and to the use of said copolymers as carrier for active ingredients through a lipid bilayer, especially a lipid membrane.

Abstract: Compositions that include nanoscale structured materials or precursors thereof (e.g., self-assembling peptides) are described. The compositions can include other substances (e.g., a vasoconstrictor). Also described are methods for using the compositions to promote hemostasis, to protect the skin or wounds from contamination, to decontaminate a site upon removal of previously applied compositions that provided a protective coating, and to inhibit the movement of bodily substances other than blood. The compositions are also useful in isolating tissue, removing tissue, preserving tissue (for, e.g., subsequent transplantation or reattachment), and as bulking, stabilizing or hydrating agents. Medical devices that include the compositions (e.g., a stent or catheter), bandages or other wound dressings, sutures, and kits that include the compositions are also described.

Abstract: A closure element for closing the ends of pipes, in particular steel pipes, having a circular base cover whose outer diameter corresponds at most to the outer diameter of the pipe, having a side which faces towards the pipe interior and comprises at least two elastic clamping elements which in the assembled condition are supported on the inner surface of the pipe and clamp the base cover therewith. In order to permit universal usage, the closure element comprises means for selectively adjusting/changing the radial position of the clamping elements on the base cover.

Abstract: Compositions that include nanoscale structured materials or precursors thereof (e.g., self-assembling peptides) are described. The compositions can include other substances (e.g., a vasoconstrictor). Also described are methods for using the compositions to promote hemostasis, to protect the skin or wounds from contamination, to decontaminate a site upon removal of previously applied compositions that provided a protective coating, and to inhibit the movement of bodily substances other than blood. The compositions are also useful in isolating tissue, removing tissue, preserving tissue (for, e.g., subsequent transplantation or reattachment), and as bulking, stabilizing or hydrating agents. Medical devices that include the compositions (e.g., a stent or catheter), bandages or other wound dressings, sutures, and kits that include the compositions are also described.

Abstract: A closure element for closing the ends of pipes, in particular steel pipes, having a circular base cover whose outer diameter corresponds at most to the outer diameter of the pipe, having a side which faces towards the pipe interior and comprises at least two elastic clamping elements which in the assembled condition are supported on the inner surface of the pipe and clamp the base cover therewith. In order to permit universal usage, the closure element comprises means for selectively adjusting/changing the radial position of the clamping elements on the base cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing regeneration and/or repair of neural tissue. One method include providing a nanoscale structured material at the site of injury, wherein the nanoscale structured material provides an environment that is permissive for regeneration of neural tissue and allows axon growth from a location on one side of a site of injury or barrier to a location on the other side of the site of injury or barrier. A second method includes introducing a composition comprising self-assembling peptides into the subject at the site of injury, wherein the peptides are amphiphilic peptides that comprise substantially equal proportions of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids and are complementary and structurally compatible. A variety of compositions comprising a nanoscale structured material or precursor thereof, and an additional substance such as a regeneration promoting factor, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing regeneration and/or repair of neural tissue. One method include providing a nanoscale structured material at the site of injury, wherein the nanoscale structured material provides an environment that is permissive for regeneration of neural tissue and allows axon growth from a location on one side of a site of injury or barrier to a location on the other side of the site of injury or barrier. A second method includes introducing a composition comprising self-assembling peptides into the subject at the site of injury, wherein the peptides are amphiphilic peptides that comprise substantially equal proportions of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids and are complementary and structurally compatible. A variety of compositions comprising a nanoscale structured material or precursor thereof, and an additional substance such as a regeneration promoting factor, are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions that include nanoscale structured materials or precursors thereof (e.g., self-assembling peptides) are described. The compositions can include other substances (e.g., a vasoconstrictor). Also described are methods for using the compositions to promote hemostasis, to protect the skin or wounds from contamination, to decontaiminate a site upon removal of previously applied compositions that provided a protective coating, and to inhibit the movement of bodily substances other than blood. The compositions are also useful in isolating tissue, removing tissue, preserving tissue (for, e.g., subsequent transplantation or reattachment), and as bulking, stabilizing or hydrating agents. Medical devices that include the compositions (e.g., a stent or catheter), bandages or other wound dressings, sutures, and kits that include the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Compositions which self-assemble under physiological conditions are formulated for application to wounds. The formulations include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or are provided as part of a medical device or coating. The formulations may also include other therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents. The formulation can be administered as appropriate for treatment of one or more disorders or conditions. For example, the formulation may be applied to repair an injury or during surgery of the lung, eye or dura, or following an epidural or spinal tap, to stop leakage of blood, interstitial fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid. The formulation may be administered to a burn or ulcer. The formulation may be dispersed in a suture or adhesive for administration at the time of or as released following suturing or gluing of a wound, thereby limiting bleeding, loss of tissue fluids, or other fluids such as those produced by parenchymal tissues such as the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Compositions that include nanoscale structured materials or precursors thereof (e.g., self-assembling peptides) are described. The compositions can include other substances (e.g., a vasoconstrictor). Also described are methods for using the compositions to promote hemostasis, to protect the skin or wounds from contamination, to decontaminate a site upon removal of previously applied compositions that provided a protective coating, and to inhibit the movement of bodily substances other than blood. The compositions are also useful in isolating tissue, removing tissue, preserving tissue (for, e.g., subsequent transplantation or reattachment), and as bulking, stabilizing or hydrating agents. Medical devices that include the compositions (e.g., a stent or catheter), bandages or other wound dressings, sutures, and kits that include the compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for the non-viral delivery of nucleic acid molecules and/or organelles to cells in vitro and in vivo. The non-viral delivery complexes provided by the invention comprise cholera toxin B subunit or functional equivalents thereof and preferably cyclodextrin.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing regeneration and/or repair of neural tissue. One method include providing a nanoscale structured material at the site of injury, wherein the nanoscale structured material provides an environment that is permissive for regeneration of neural tissue and allows axon growth from a location on one side of a site of injury or barrier to a location on the other side of the site of injury or barrier. A second method includes introducing a composition comprising self-assembling peptides into the subject at the site of injury, wherein the peptides are amphiphilic peptides that comprise substantially equal proportions of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids and are complementary and structurally compatible. A variety of compositions comprising a nanoscale structured material or precursor thereof, and an additional substance such as a regeneration promoting factor, are also provided.

Abstract: Agents which modulate a bcl family member to control axonal growth and regeneration are described. These bcl modulating agents promote axonal growth and regeneration in the neural cells of a subject. Compositions for promoting axonal cell growth in a subject also are described. The compositions of the present invention include an effective amount of an agent which modulates a bcl family member and in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Other described aspects include packaged drugs for treating a state characterized by diminished potential for axonal growth. The packaged compounds and agents also include instructions for using the agent to promote axonal growth in a subject.

Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof with a circular roof opening, a circular disk-shaped cover (1) which is located in the roof opening, and an actuating mechanism (20) for moving the cover (1) between a position which closes the roof opening and a tilted position which creates a ventilation gap in its edge area. The cover (1) is attached via the actuating mechanism (20) to a rotary frame (2) which mounted to rotate on a circular guide frame (9) which is attached permanently to the roof in the area of the roof opening edge.