Abstract: A method for improving image homogeneity of image data acquired from balanced Steady-State Free Precision (bSSFP) sequences in magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple bSSFP sequences are performed with different radio frequency phase increments to create multiple bSSFP image volumes with different phase offsets ?. Each image has voxels whose intensity M is a function of a nuclear resonance signal (or magnetization) measured by the MR imaging apparatus. Per-voxel fitting of a mathematical signal model onto the measured magnetization of the field of view in function of the phase offsets ?. Then the spin density M0, the relaxation time ratio ? and the local phase offset ?? are determined from the fit for each voxel. A homogeneous image of the object is generated by calculating the signal intensity in each voxel, using the spin density M0 and the relaxation time ratio ?, wherein ?? is chosen such that ????=0°.

Abstract: A method for the assessment of the lung parenchyma in a human or an animal is indicated using a series of magnetic resonance (MR) images of the lung parenchyma acquired at different breathing positions in the same human or animal. The method comprises at least the steps of a.) estimating a change of the lung volume VL between the different breathing positions, b.) determining a signal intensity SI({right arrow over (x)}i) in at least one same region or position {right arrow over (x)}i of the lung parenchyma for each of the MR images, and c.) determining at least one respiratory index ?({right arrow over (x)}i) according to the formula ? ? ( x ? i ) = - d ? ( log ? ( SI ? ( x ? i ) ) ) d ? ( log ? ( V L ) ) . ( Fig .

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the simultaneous amplification of a plurality of different nucleic acid target sequences comprising the steps of providing a plurality of different nucleic acid polymers as templates, each template comprising a specific target sequence and a primer annealing sequence located downstream of the target sequence, and amplifying the template by a polymerase dependent amplification reaction using a primer oligonucleotide comprising a primer sequence which is at least essentially complementary to the primer annealing sequence. The method is characterized in that for the polymerase dependent amplification reaction a set of primer oligonucleotides is used, said set comprising at least two primer oligonucleotides which are able to anneal to the primer annealing sequence of the same template and which differ from each other in the efficiency for the polymerase dependent amplification reaction to take place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of synthesizing and biologically evaluating of a novel class of carbohydrate-based vaccines. The new vaccines consist of a multi-modular structure which allows applying the vaccine to a whole variety of pathogenes. This method allows preparing vaccines against all pathogens expressing immunogenic carbohydrate antigens. As conjugation of antigenic carbohydrates to proteins is not required the conjugate vaccine is particularly heat stable. No refrigeration is required, a major drawback of protein-based vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ring (1) for implantation in patients receiving stoma having (i) an inner ring (2) suitable for fitting an abdominal wall on its outer circumference having an opening (3) suitable for an abdominal organ to pass through the ring to the exterior side (5) and (ii) a lip seal (4) extending over the interior side (5) of the inner ring (2) to seal the stoma opening for use in abdominal surgery. In addition, the present invention is directed to a method of treatment, comprising the surgical introduction of a ring (1) of the invention into the abdominal wall of a mammal in need of abdominal, preferably stoma surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plasma-derived immunoglobulin for use in the treatment of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Moreover, the present invention relates to a kit of parts for the treatment of IRIS comprising (a) plasma-derived immunoglobulin; (b) instructions for use to administer plasma-derived immunoglobulin in the treatment of IRIS.