Abstract: The invention discloses the use of the methylation of the keratin 23 (KRT23) gene as a marker for distinguishing between steatosis and steatohepatitis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (10) for determining the relevance of preparations (4) of sample arrays (1), containing a plurality of individual samples (3) at various positions. To produce a method or a device (10) that can be performed as quickly as possible and preferably without destroying the preparations (4), a device (11) is provided for non-destructive scanning of the preparations (4) of the sample arrays (1), which is connected to a database (12) that contains information on the positions of the individual samples (3) of the preparations (4) and to a computer unit (16) for processing the scanned preparations (4) and for generating data fields for each individual sample (3) and for selecting at least one parameter from each individual sample data field and for comparing this parameter or a value derived therefrom or a combination of parameters or values derived therefrom to at least one threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatic analysis of biological samples, in particular tissue samples, comprising a device (11) for scanning the samples (1) for forming data sets (4) of the samples (1). To produce a method or a device (10) by which the regions of interest (ROI) of the sample (1) can be determined as quickly as possible and as much as possible without destroying the samples (1), at least one parameter (P) is selected without destroying the sample (1) from a data set (4) of the sample (1) that is formed by using autofluorescence, and this parameter or a value derived therefrom or a combination of parameters (P) or values derived therefrom is compared to at least one threshold value (S), and the comparison value is used as a criterion for determining regions of interest (ROI) of the sample (1) and stored together with a unique identification (ID) of the sample (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, e.g. derivatives of vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 or a glutathione peroxidase mimetic, in the treatment and prevention of liver diseases and/or epithelial cancers. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the antioxidant(s) intended for such use. Furthermore the invention relates to the manufacture of medicaments containing the antioxidant(s) useful for such prevention and treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method of treatment or prophylaxis of patients with drug-induced liver diseases which comprises administering to the patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant compound e.g. derivatives of vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 or a glutathione peroxidase mimetic. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the antioxidant(s) intended for such use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for manipulating samples, in particular tissue samples, comprising at least one needle (2) for punching holes (34) in sample carriers (4) and at least one further needle (3) for punching samples out of preparations (5), wherein a device for detecting the position of the surface of the sample carriers (4) is provided. According to the invention, the device for detecting the position of the surface of the sample carriers (4) or preparations (5) is formed by suction lines (9) opening into the needles (2, 3), whereby the suction lines (9) are connected with a unit (11) for detecting negative pressure so that the approach of the needles (2, 3) to the surface of the sample carriers (4) or the preparations (5) is detectable by the resulting negative pressure and that a drive unit (7) is provided for displacing the needles (2, 3) relative to the sample carrier (4) or preparation (5) from the detected position of the surface to a predefined punching depth (D).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for manipulating samples, in particular tissue samples, with at least one needle (3) for punching samples from preparations (5), in particular prepared tissue specimen, at defined positions and a control device (13) to control the needle (3). The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device, which allow a simple selection of desired punch positions on the preparation (5) and enable a rapid, simple and automatic manipulation of samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding these and to their use for the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of liver disorders and neoplastic disorders, especially cancer of the liver and other epithelial tissues, benign liver neoplasms such as adenoma and other proliferative liver disorders such as focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and cirrhosis. The invention further relates to methods of diagnosing and treating these disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing and treating Hodgkin's lymphomas (lymphogranulomatosis) which is based on the expression of the variant exon v10 of the CD44 gene as a molecular marker or target. There is a significant correlation between v10 expression and the stage and prognosis of the disease. In a preferred embodiment, v10-specific antibody molecules are used to measure the expression of the exon in samples. In another preferred embodiment, radiolabelled v10-specific antibodies are used to treat Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing and treating Hodgkin's lymphomas (lymphogranulomatosis) which is based on the expression of the variant exon v10 of the CD44 gene as a molecular marker or target. There is a significant correlation between v10 expression and the stage and prognosis of the disease. In a preferred embodiment, v10-specific antibody molecules are used to measure the expression of the exon in samples. In another preferred embodiment, radiolabelled v10-specific antibodies are used to treat Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biopsy device including a two- or multi-lumen biopsy cannula has a biopsy channel of constant cross section over its entire length and at least one application channel. On its proximal end, it is provided with connection facilities for an aspiration device and at least one application device. In order to enable the collection of tissue specimens of an unchanged structure with the most careful handling possible of the tissue and the application of auxiliary substances into the puncture channel without tissue specimens getting into the application cannula and obstructing the same, the cutting edge is formed by an acute-angularly designed end of the biopsy channel wall alone. At least one application channel is formed by a tube eccentrically slipped over the biopsy channel wall. The biopsy channel wall projects out of the tube with its cutting edge and the tube end encloses an obtuse angle with the biopsy channel.