Abstract: Target genes of the NFkB cellular signaling pathway are disclosed, which are associated with a cellular function such as cell division, apoptosis or protection against oxidative stress of an active NFkB cellular signaling pathway and can be used for determining a cellular function of an active NFkB cellular signaling in a human subject.

Abstract: A method for determining functional status of at least one immune cell type in at least one sample of a subject comprises determining the functional status of the at least one immune cell type based on activity of at least one signaling pathway in the at least one immune cell type in the at least one sample of the subject; and optionally providing the functional status of the at least one immune cell type in the at least one sample of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for optically detecting at least one substance in a fluid (200). The system (1) comprises particles (400, 410) arranged to be dispersed in the fluid (200), each one comprising a magnetic bead (400) and an agent (410). The agent (410) is reactive with said substance such that it gives a specific optical response upon a determined optical excitation or a chemical reaction. The system (1) further comprises a chamber (330) to contain said fluid (200) and particles (400, 410). The chamber (330) is closed at one side by a window (310) optically transparent to the wavelengths of said optical response and said optical excitation. The system (1) further comprises an optical detector (100) adapted to detect at least a portion of said optical response. The system (1) further comprises magnetic sources (103) arranged to magnetically move the particles (400, 410) onto or close to the window (310).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing isolated cells, in particular rare cells such as circulating tumor cells, to render them suitable for optical imaging, comprising the steps of (a) depositing filter material comprising captured cells on a phase-change medium; (b) melting said phase-change medium until the medium is spread out below said filter material; and (c) lowering the temperature of said phase-change medium until the medium solidifies, resulting in an optically flat filter comprising said cells at a fixed position. The method may additionally comprise an initial step of capturing a cell on a filter material. The phase-change medium, preferably paraffin wax, may comprise a porous, or mesh-like structure allowing the passage of a fluid through the medium. The phase-change medium may further be mounted on a carrier such as a glass carrier or a polymer material carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing isolated cells, in particular rare cells such as circulating tumor cells, to render them suitable for optical imaging, comprising the steps of (a) depositing filter material comprising captured cells on a phase-change medium; (b) melting said phase-change medium until the medium is spread out below said filter material; and (c) lowering the temperature of said phase-change medium until the medium solidifies, resulting in an optically flat filter comprising said cells at a fixed position. The method may additionally comprise an initial step of capturing a cell on a filter material. The phase-change medium, preferably paraffin wax, may comprise a porous, or mesh-like structure allowing the passage of a fluid through the medium. The phase-change medium may further be mounted on a carrier such as a glass carrier or a polymer material carrier.