Abstract

The invention comprises a method for the prediction of the severity of a disease developing from an infection with human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a subject, comprising detection of overexpression of OLFM4, CD177, MMP8, MMP9, PTX3 or a combination of one or more of these with one or more chosen from the group of IL8, RANTES and CD4 count. The overexpression can be detected in a blood sample by a nucleic acid assay or through an immunoassay.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids

Abstract

The invention comprises a method for the prediction of the severity of a disease developing from an infection with human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a subject, comprising the steps of: a. determining the plasma levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and RANTES (CCL5); b. determining the blood cell count of CD4+ T cells; c. making a prediction on basis of the values obtained in steps a) and b). In such a method the prediction is the development of a severe disease state of the RSV infection, if the plasma IL-8 level is more than 60 pg/mg, preferably more than 65 pg/ml, more preferably more than 67.2 pg/ml, the RANTES plasma level is less than 15 ng/ml, preferably less than 14 ng/ml, more preferably less than 13 ng/ml and the CD4+ cell count is less than 3*10 6 cells per ml blood, preferably less than 2.5*10 6 cells per ml blood, more preferably less than 2.03*10 6 cells per ml blood.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/569 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses
• G01N 33/68 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urineTesting involving biospecific ligand binding methodsImmunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids

Abstract

An osseointegration system (1) for a long bone (2) comprises: - a sleeve system comprising at least two osseointegrated sleeves (4, ) being mutually uncoupled in the sense that respective ones of the sleeves do not prevent one another to perform transverse displacements relative to one another; - a stem (6) arranged for being, in said operation condition, received within the at least two osseointegrated sleeves in such manner that at least low amplitude to-and-fro axial sliding displacements of the stem relative to said sleeves are allowed; - at least one fitting collar (7); and - retaining means (9) arranged for realizing that in said operation condition the stem is retained by the long bone.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 2/78 - Means for protecting prostheses or for attaching them to the body, e.g. bandages, harnesses, straps, or stockings for the limb stump
• A61F 2/28 - Bones
• A61F 2/30 - Joints

Abstract

The present invention provides proteins/genes, which are essential for survival, and consequently, for virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in vivo, and thus are ideal vaccine candidates for a vaccine preparation against pneumococcal infection. Further, also antibodies against said protein(s) are included in the invention.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 39/09 - Streptococcus
• A61P 31/04 - Antibacterial agents
• C07K 16/12 - Immunoglobulins, e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from bacteria

Abstract

The invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging method comprising the steps of applying a pulse sequence to an object conceived to be imaged for generating echo signals representative of the object, said pulse sequence comprising refocusing pulses and frequency-encoded gradients; dynamically modulating angles of the refocusing pulses and acquiring echo signals of an odd and/or an even parity in accordance with said modulation. The refocusing angles are preferably chosen using a recursive algorithm, so that the signal amplitude satisfies a pre-determined modulation function. Preferably, at each echo the echo parity that gives the desired signal amplitude for the minimum refocusing angle is selected. The invention further relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a computer program product.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 33/561 - Image enhancement or correction, e.g. subtraction or averaging techniques by reduction of the scanning time, i.e. fast acquiring systems, e.g. using echo-planar pulse sequences

Abstract

The present invention provides proteins/genes, which are essential for survival, and consequently, for virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in vivo, and thus are ideal vaccine candidates for a vaccine preparation against pneumococcal infection. Further, also antibodies against said protein(s) are included in the invention.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 39/09 - Streptococcus

Abstract

The present application discloses antibodies directed to protein SE2232 (SesC) of Staphylococcus epidermis, and homologus proteins which are useful in preventing biofilm formation by said micro-organism. The antibodies can be used to coat medical devices which are inserted or implanted into the mammalian, preferably human body. Further these antibodies or vaccines comprising said proteins can be used to vaccinate subjects to prevent or treat natural occurring biofilm formation during infection. Also covered are medical devices coated with the antibody.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 39/395 - AntibodiesImmunoglobulinsImmune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum
• A61P 31/04 - Antibacterial agents
• C07K 16/12 - Immunoglobulins, e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from bacteria
• C07K 14/31 - Peptides having more than 20 amino acidsGastrinsSomatostatinsMelanotropinsDerivatives thereof from bacteria from Micrococcaceae (F) from Staphylococcus (G)

Abstract

The invention provides a bioresorbable composition comprising a mixture of at least one polymer and capsules, which capsules comprise an inner part which is encapsulated by a shell which shell is at least partly decomposable by application of an external stimulation source. The invention also relates to a medical device comprising said composition.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 41/00 - Medicinal preparations obtained by treating materials with wave energy or particle radiation
• A61L 27/44 - Composite materials, i.e. layered or containing one material dispersed in a matrix of the same or different material having a macromolecular matrix
• A61L 27/34 - Macromolecular materials

Abstract

The invention relates to a magneto-optical switching device for switching magnetization in a medium, comprising a magnetizable medium. According to the invention, a radiation system suited for imparting angular momentum to the magnetic spin system of said magnetizable medium, so as to selectively orient the magnetization of said medium. In addition, the invention relates to a method of switching a magnetizable medium, comprising providing a magnetizable medium; providing a radiation beam of a selectively chosen angular momentum; and targeting said radiation beam to said medium so as to transfer said angular momentum to a magnetic spin system of said magnetizable medium. Accordingly, spin states in magnetic materials can be manipulated using radiation of a suitable angular momentum. An effective magnetic field is generated for orienting the magnetization of the domains and can simultaneously be used to locally heat the material.

IPC Classes  ?

• G11B 11/10 - Recording on, or reproducing from, the same record carrier wherein for these two operations the methods or means are covered by different main groups of groups or by different subgroups of group Record carriers therefor using recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation
• G11B 11/105 - Recording on, or reproducing from, the same record carrier wherein for these two operations the methods or means are covered by different main groups of groups or by different subgroups of group Record carriers therefor using recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation using a beam of light or a magnetic field for recording and a beam of light for reproducing, e.g. light-induced thermomagnetic recording or Kerr effect reproducing