Abstract: A method for diagnosing coeliac disease in a patient comprising (a) providing an antibody sample from the patient to be tested, (b) contacting said antibody sample with cross-linked extracellular matrix (ECM) material immobilised on a surface and (c) detecting binding of antibodies present in the sample to the ECM-coated surface, wherein the binding of antibodies present in the sample to the ECM-coated surface being indicative of a positive diagnosis. Preferably, step (c) comprises an ELISA. The invention further provides a kit of parts for use in diagnosing coeliac disease in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical implant material comprising mammalian transglutaminase and a polymer, wherein the transglutaminase is provided in the absence of free divalent metal ions and wherein the polymer is associated with the transglutaminase binding protein. Preferably, the transglutaminase is a tissue transglutaminase, which is coated on, impregnated into or covalently linked to the polymer. The polymer may be naturally occuring or synthetic, and may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. The medical implant material may further comprise a reinforcing agent and/or one or more additional polymers. The invention further provides the use of a mammalian transglutaminase in a method for improving the biocompatibility of a medical implant material, the method comprising the steps of (i) providing a medical implant material comprising a polymer associated with a binding protein for binding the transglutaminase, and (ii) treating said material with a mammalian transglutaminase.

Abstract: An entertainment server (100) carries out a simulation, such as a horse training and racing game. Users can interact with the server, however, and a simulation module (400) prepares individual events such as races which are rendered in high quality video by a rendering engine (200) and transmitted during the simulation through a distribution network (250) to users' homes. Preferably, a betting game enables users to wager on the outcome of these races.

Abstract: A method and compound for the purification of proteins including the attachment of a non-peptidic, small compound which simulates the affinity of Protein A for immumoglobulins to a support matrix. Once attached on the support matrix, the resulting monochloro-triazine derivative is reacted with an excess of an amino compound at a higher temperature to achieve high levels of substitution. The resulting support matrix with ligand is useful in the affinity separations of antibodies. Further, a mercapto heterocyclic system ligand may be attached to the super matrix and useful in affinity separations of antibodies.

Abstract: The application provides a method of treating fibrous textile goods comprising treating the fibrous textile goods with an enzyme. This enzyme can be used to covalently link one or more active functional compounds to the fibres and/or to trap one or more acitve functional compound within an inter-fibre matrix and/or within an intra-fibre matrix formed by the action of the enzyme. Preferably, the enzyme is a traglutaminase, especially a calcium-dependent transglutaminase. The enzyme may be used to add primary-amine containing active agents to the textile goods and also for the addition of proteins or peptides that have functional groups linked to them.

Abstract: A method and compound for the purification of proteins including the attachment of a non-peptidic, small compound which simulates the affinity of Protein A for immumoglobulins to a support matrix. Once attached on the support matrix, the resulting monochloro-triazine derivative is reacted with an excess of an amino compound at a higher temperature to achieve high levels of substitution. The resulting support matrix with ligand is useful in the affinity separations of antibodies. Further, a mercapto heterocyclic system ligand may be attached to the super matrix and useful in affinity separations of antibodies.

Abstract: A method and compound for the purification of proteins including the attachment of a non-peptidic, small compound which simulates the affinity of Protein A for immumoglobulins to a support matrix. Once attached on the support matrix, the resulting monochloro-triazine derivative is reacted with an excess of an amino compound at a higher temperature to achieve high levels of substitution. The resulting support matrix with ligand is useful in the affinity separations of antibodies. Further, a mercapto heterocyclic system ligand may be attached to the super matrix and useful in affinity separations of antibodies.