This invention enables an easy and economical way for the stratification of patients (e.g. for treatment with tyrosine-kinase-inhibitors) with a state-of-the-art sensitivity, which might be even be more sensitive than mutation detection by next-generation-sequencing technologies. In addition this detection technology is based on the established and worldwide accessible RT-PCR-platform. It can even be used – in combination with suitable enrichment strategies – for the non-invasive analysis of CTCs or free DNA from plasma/serum samples to facilitate continuous monitoring of treatment response.
Currently, the inventors are establishing strategies for detecting a panel of the most common oncogenic mutations with similar impressive sensitivities.
Hepatic failure is a terminal picture of many liver diseases such as hepatic steatosis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and is treated by liver transplantation, but a lack of donor organs is a worldwide problem. Thus, there is a demand for a means for safe and rapid liver regeneration for small grafts. One possibility would be the generation of a patient’s own liver tissue using isolated stem cells. The inventors found that mesenchymal stem cells can reprogrammed into hepatocytes by treatment with bile acids. Already after 7 days of treatment in serum-free medium, the resulting cell population showed markers characteristic for hepatic differentiation like albumin expression. Bile acids exert their function via the farnesoid X receptor and the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5). Cells obtained by the protocol may be used in a tissue replacement therapy.
Achieving economic and environmental viability of hydrogen production through water splitting especially using energy derived from green and sustainable sources is the hallmark of the hydrogen economy. In this invention non-precious metal containing catalysts replacing platinum group metal-based ones are introduced which is key to enable cost-effective water splitting and affordable fuel cells.
The Snail/Gfi1 (SNAG) family of zinc finger proteins is a group of transcriptional repressors. Gfi1 is expressed in the hematopoietic and nervous system. Consequently, mutations of Gfi1 cause defects in hematopoiesis and inner ear development. In the Gfi1P2A/P2A mouse strain, a point mutation has been inserted in the SNAG domain that replaces a proline at amino acid position 2 by alanine (P2A). This completely abrogates the activity of Gfi1 as transcriptional repressor. Gfi1 and its paralogue Gfi1b have overlapping, however differential functions in hematopoiesis. Loss of Gfi1 in mice affects pre-T-cell differentiation, the development of neutrophil granulocytes and inner ear hair cells, whereas in contrast loss of Gfi1b impairs the development of erythroid cells and megacaryocytes. Therefore, Gfi1P2A/P2A mice can be used as a model to study and treat deafness as a consequence of defects of inner ear development as well as defects of hematopoiesis in immunological disorders.
Bei der vorliegenden Erfindung handelt es sich um ein Verfahren zur Herstellung dünner Polymer-Elektrolyte, die zudem mechanisch stabil und gleichzeitig auch flexibel sind. Diese zeichnen sich durch gute ionische Transporteigenschaften aus, d.h. die Leitfähigkeit bei Raumtemperatur beträgt 1 mS/cm. Die Membranen können aufgrund ihrer mechanischen Eigenschaften in Lithium-basierten Energiespeichen gleichzeitig als Elektrolyt und Separator eingesetzt werden. Das Verfahren ermöglicht die Verarbeitung von Polyacrylnitril basierten Membranen zusammen mit dem Lithiumleitsalz und ermöglicht eine gleichmäßige Materialstärke.
The invention consists of a cooled cylinder unit for a rheometer
and a method to identify rheological properties. By use of the
invention the cooling time in convective cooled rheometers can be
reduced. This can be necessary to reduce or prevent thermal
degradation of thermal sensitive polymers (i.e. biobased or bio-
degradable polymers).
Injury results in release of cytoplasmic ATP, which is sensed by monocytes/macrophages via ATP receptor P2X7. This swiftly induces inflammasome activation, caspase-1-dependent cleavage and release of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-18 and HMGB1. Excessive systemic IL-1ß release is the first stage of a reaction chain causing SIRS and high patient mortality.
IL-1ß is involved in host defense against infections. Pathogen-induced inflammasome activation, however, typically involve ATP-independent pathways. Hence, a-1-antitrypsin, SLPI, CRP, and DPPC inhibit injury induced inflammation but do not inhibit clearance of pathogens.
Scope of application: SIRS, Major surgery, Trauma, Extracorporeal circulation (e.g. cardiopulmonary bypass, ECMO), Chronic inflammation, Lung injury
SIRS-related multi organ dysfunction (MODS) and acute lung injury (ALI) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. The proposed remedies have the potential to become affordable life-saving medicaments for numerous indications.
Precise knowledge about the thermo-dynamical processes is crucial in combustion engineering and process engineering. With this new method it is possible to calculate the caloric quantities of state accurately, resulting in precise knowledge of process efficiency. A better assessment of the efficiency of combustion processes, resulting in a better prediction of the performance of turbines or engines.
Focal adhesions are cell junctions that act as mechanical linkages between the intracellular actin cytoskeleton of a live cell and the extracellular matrix (ECM). They have a wide functional scope. In this context Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) plays a pivotal role. FAK is often overexpressed in tumor cells and is partly responsible for the high tissue invasiveness of the infected cells. Now “small molecules” have been developed at the University of Konstanz, Germany, that interfere with the localization and thus with FAK functioning. Therefore, these molecules can be deployed in cancer treatment as well as in the prevention and treatment of restenosis via drug-eluting stents.
The novel FAK inhibitors are highly effective, cell-penetrating, easy to sterilize and can be produced through chemically defined synthesis.
Nowadays, biological wastewater treatment can efficiently remove carbon sources. The challenge however lies in the purification and elimination of nitrogen sources within a compact plant design. HAWK-Scientists developed an on-side and energy-efficient biological purification system for a decentralized wastewater treatment.
Scientists at the Universities of Stuttgart and Constance have developed a technology which should significantly improve ingrowth of implants into the surrounding tissue and at the same time ensure long-term stability.
A new type of implant coating created of a non-water-soluble, functionalized extracellular matrix (FECM) is achieved by means of metabolic oligosaccharide engineering. The coating improves the cell-material interaction at the interface between tissue and biomaterials (e. g. titanium). Since the patient's own cells can be used to produce the FECM, no immunogenicity of the implant coating is to be feared.
The present invention provides a novel container which allows the secure and stable storage of DBS-cards. The device comprises an air-tight box which can be used to store DBS-cards under vacuum or an inert gas such as nitrogen. Additionally, a drying agent in the container prevents accumulation of humidity, thereby ensuring the safe storage of samples at room temperature or in the freezer. The storage of DBS-cards without oxygen and humidity enables to prevent any form of sample deterioration over a longer time period. Furthermore, the container is equipped with a proof of originality. The container can only be opened by breaking the proof of originality, thereby making any tampering attempt visible immediately. Thus, this novel container enables the reliable analysis of DBS-cards.
A process for an efficient phase separation of emulsions resulting from biphasic whole cell-bio-transformations has been developed at the TU Dortmund. The phase separation of unavoidable emulsions typically present due the presence of microorganisms and bio-surfactants, which has previously been seen as problematic, has been greatly simplified to permit further processing of the reaction mixture. In contrast to other approaches such as the use of de-emulsifiers or centrifuges a phase separation can be achieved with a minimal effort in both energy and equipment. Using a physical effect the new methods enables a high potential for an industrial application due to its scalability, low costs and easy process control.
The invention concerns a T-cell based immunotherapy using peptides which are derived from human membrane protein desmoglein. By applying a medical preparation including a peptide or a combination of peptides, a specific immunological tolerance is triggered. Therefore, the clinical signs of pemphigus vulgaris disease improve, because the base for disease is deprived.
An der Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes (HTW
Saar) wurde nun ein System entwickelt, dass die Möglichkeiten erdgedeckter Flüssiggas-tanks optimal aus nutzt und so eine substanzielle Energie-und Kosteneinsparung generiert. Die entscheidende Innovation besteht darin, dass flüssiggas betriebene Blockheizkraftwerk (BHKW) mit einer Wärmepumpe zu koppeln, wobei der Gastank außer zur Speicherung des Flüssiggases gleichzeitig
als Erdwärmekollektor und Verdampfer für die Wärmepumpe genutzt wird. Dies ist nur bei einem erdgedeckten Tank sinnvoll möglich.
Das Flüssiggas dient im laufenden Betrieb gleichzeitig als Kraftstoff und als Kältemittel. Die erfindungsgemäße Anlage trägt auf diese Weise dazu bei, Betriebskosten zu reduzieren und die Energieeffizienz des Systems zu steigern. Da die verwendeten Komponenten bis auf wenige Bauteile mit denen eines herkömmlichen flüssiggasbetriebenen BHKW übereinstimmen, kann auf einfache Weise und ohne die Anschaffung separater Wärmekollektoren ein deutliches Einsparpotenzial nutzbar gemacht werden. Modellrechnungen
ergeben eine Reduktion des Kraftstoffverbrauchs von bis zu 40%.
Die Optimierung des gesamten Systems im Hinblick auf die verschieden Betriebsparameter ist Gegenstand einer aktuellen Prototypenstudie.
The presented method combines the advantages of a highly specific and sensitive immunological sensor surface with the extensive detail of an infrared spectroscopic analysis, with particular regard to the secondary structure analysis of protein biomarker candidates. Every non-clotting, cell-free fluid is analyzable.
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