Abstract: Described are methods and products related to the identification of multiple sclerosis (MS) as a transmissible protein misfolding disorder. Data is presented to support the position that the transmissible protein is an abnormal prion protein conformer (PrPMS). Methods are described for identifying a subject having, or at risk of developing, multiple sclerosis (MS) based on determining the presence or absence of PrPMS in a sample from the subject. The presence of the abnormal prion protein conformer in the sample is indicative of the subject having MS or an increased risk of developing MS. Also described are therapeutics methods for the treatment of MS as well as cell cultures, non-human animal models and biological samples thereof useful for the study of MS.

Abstract: A method of detecting a disease associated with abnormal protein aggregation in a subject is provided, the method comprising (a) contacting leukocytes from the subject with a probe that binds to pathogenic protein aggregates, and (b) detecting the probe bound to the pathogenic protein aggregates, wherein the presence of pathogenic protein aggregates in the leukocytes is indicative that the subject has a disease associated with abnormal protein aggregation. In one embodiment, the disease is Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment.

Abstract: A method of detecting a disease associated with abnormal protein aggregation in a subject is provided, the method comprising (a) contacting non-plasma blood elements from the subject with a probe that binds to pathogenic protein aggregates, and (b) detecting the probe bound to the pathogenic protein aggregates, wherein the presence of pathogenic protein aggregates in the non-plasma blood elements is indicative that the subject has a disease associated with abnormal protein aggregation. In one embodiment, the disease is Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment or traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: A method of detecting a disease associated with abnormal protein aggregation in a subject is provided, the method comprising (a) contacting leukocytes from the subject with a probe that binds to pathogenic protein aggregates, and (b) detecting the probe bound to the pathogenic protein aggregates, wherein the presence of pathogenic protein aggregates in the leukocytes is indicative that the subject has a disease associated with abnormal protein aggregation. In one embodiment, the disease is Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce a network-independent definition and control of services which permits the carrying out of all services on networks connected to the service controller. Said aim is achieved by means of a system, permitting a control of multimedia information and communication services, independent of any aspect of the applied communication network. The service manager unit comprises two basic blocks, the service control unit and the communication control unit. The service manager unit permits the execution of services, requested by a user, by means of various information and communication networks. The networks are selected according to the access for the requested service by a communication control unit. The executing of the service in the service control unit occurs independently of the network selected and the network specific details thereof.