Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for producing a protein oligomer comprising at least two, and preferably three heterodimeric human NC-I-Fc proteins, the method comprising: a) culturing a host cell expressing (i) a fusion protein comprising, from N- to C-terminus, human NC-1 from collagen 18 fused to human IgGI Fc with “knob” mutations, or human IgGI Fc with “knob” mutations fused to human NC-1 from collagen 18, and (ii) human IgGI Fc with “hole” mutations, under conditions which allow the formation of a protein oligomer comprising at least two, and preferably three heterodimeric human NC-1-Fc proteins, and wherein the fusion protein of (i) and the human IgGI Fc with “hole” mutations of (ii) are expressed in a ratio of 2:1 or higher, and b) obtaining the protein oligomer comprising at least two, and preferably three heterodimeric human NC-1-Fc proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a protein oligomer comprising (i) at least two NC-1 monomers of collagen 18 or (ii) at least two endostatin domains of collagen 18 or (iii) at least two N-terminal peptides of the collagen 18 endostatin domain, for use in treating, ameliorating or preventing fibrosis or a fibrosis-associated disease, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related disease or a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-related disease.. The invention further relates to the mentioned protein oligomer for use for detecting and/or diagnosing fibrosis or a fibrosis-associated disease, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related disease or a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-related disease.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a protein oligomer comprising (i) at least two NC-monomers of collagen 18 or (ii) at least two endostatin domains of collagen 18 or (iii) at least two N-terminal peptides of the collagen 18 endostatin domain, for use in treating, ameliorating or preventing fibrosis or a fibrosis-associated disease, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related disease or a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-related disease. The invention further relates to the mentioned protein oligomer for use for detecting and/or diagnosing fibrosis or a fibrosis-associated disease, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related disease or a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-related disease.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for producing a protein oligomer comprising at least two, and preferably three heterodimeric human NC-I-Fc proteins, the method comprising: a) culturing a host cell expressing (i) a fusion protein comprising, from N- to C-terminus, human NC-1 from collagen 18 fused to human IgGI Fc with “knob” mutations, or human IgGI Fc with “knob” mutations fused to human NC-1 from collagen 18, and (ii) human IgGI Fc with “hole” mutations, under conditions which allow the formation of a protein oligomer comprising at least two, and preferably three heterodimeric human NC-1-Fc proteins, and wherein the fusion protein of (i) and the human IgGI Fc with “hole” mutations of (ii) are expressed in a ratio of 2:1 or higher, and b) obtaining the protein oligomer comprising at least two, and preferably three heterodimeric human NC-1-Fc proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a protein oligomer comprising (i) at least two NC-monomers of collagen 18 or (ii) at least two endostatin domains of collagen 18 or (iii) at least two N-terminal peptides of the collagen 18 endostatin domain, for use in treating, ameliorating or preventing fibrosis or a fibrosis-associated disease, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related disease or a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-related disease. The invention further relates to the mentioned protein oligomer for use for detecting and/or diagnosing fibrosis or a fibrosis-associated disease, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related disease or a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-related disease.

Abstract: A method to derive anatomical structures from non-invasive imaging technologies is provided. Non-invasive imaging technologies are computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), surface scans and others. Imaging data obtained by a non-invasive technology is used to create a surface contour. The imaging data is transmitted to a rapid prototyping apparatus as readable data. With this readable data the rapid prototyping apparatus establishes a positive or negative surface model, such as a fixation device, a mask, or a prosthesis, or other instruments for medical purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of materials sciences and medicine and relates to an agent, which can be used, for example, as a contrast medium for the localization of cancer cells. The object of the present invention is to disclose an agent which sensitively and selectively recognizes the site and the type of the molecules or cells to be examined. The object is attained through an agent composed at least of bio-shuttle molecules to which endohedral fullerenes are coupled by way of peptide-based molecules, wherein the endohedral fullerenes are hydrophobic and correspond to the formula A3-xMxZ@C2n in which x=0 to 3 and n?34, A means rare earths and/or transuranic elements, M means metals, Z means non-metals and C means carbon. The object is further attained through a method in which hydrophobic endohedral fullerenes are coupled with bio-shuttle molecules by way of an irreversible Diels-Alder reaction with an inverse electron demand (DARinv).

Abstract: A method to derive anatomical and/or pathological structures from non-invasive imaging technologies is provided. Non-invasive imaging technologies are computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), surface scans and others. Imaging data obtained by non-invasive technology is used to create a surface contour. The imaging data is transmitted to rapid prototyping apparatus readable data. At hand of this readable data the rapid prototyping apparatus establishes a positive or negative surface model, such as a fixation device, a mask or a prosthesis or other instruments for medical purposes.

Abstract: Described is a diagnostic conjugate comprising (a) a transmembrane module (TPU), (b) an address module (AS), preferably an antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA), and (c) a signaling module (SM). The conjugate is useful for intracellular imaging, preferably via MRI, and, e.g., for differentiating between tumor- and non-tumor cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conjugate for treating prokaryotic infections from a transport mediator penetrating the prokaryotic cell membrane and a desired compound to be introduced into the prokaryote and directed thereagainst, which compound is preferably a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) directed against a gene of the prokaryote giving antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates for mediating a cell-specific, compartment-specific or membrane-specific to methods of active substances. The invention also relates to methods of preparing these conjugates as well as their use. The conjugates comprise: a transport mediator for the cell membrane, a cell-specific, compartment-specific or membrane-specific address protein or peptide, and an active substance to be transported.

Abstract: A switch cabinet with a mounting board wherein two guide rails extend parallel to the lower side members of the switch cabinet and the mounting board has guide blocks fitted to its lower edge mating with the guide rails. The mounting blocks have a recess in their bottom surface fitting over upwardly extending pegs fitted in the frame unit of the switch cabinet to secure the lower edge of the mounting board. Securement brackets are provided in the upper portion of the frame unit to securely fasten the upper edge of the mounting board when it is in position. The structure of this invention provides simpified installation of the mounting board within the switch cabinet providing positive guidance and securement of the lower edge of the mounting board as soon as it is properly inserted.