Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, specifically binding to APRIL for use in the prevention and/or treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetes mellitus type 2, abdominal aortic aneurysm, atherogenic dyslipidemia, cardiovascular events (e.g., myocardial infarction and stroke) and/or atherosclerosis. The invention further relates to a polynucleotide that encodes and/or a pharmaceutical composition that comprises the antibody or an antigen-binding fragment of the invention. The invention also relates to a kit and/or method for quantifying the concentration of nc-APRIL, canonical APRIL or total APRIL in a sample. Further, the invention relates to a nephelometric assay for quantifying nc-APRIL.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container system (200) for storing an intraocular lens (90). The container system (200) comprises a container (210) for storing a lens (90) and a heating device (220) for heating the lens (90) in the container (210). A heated lens (90) is more supple and can be rolled up better and smaller, such that a cut opening in an eye can be further reduced.

Abstract: Provided herein are peptide mimotopes that are useful for generating antibodies and in the preparation of vaccines and diagnostics for treating and diagnosing coronary artery disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to complement Factor H for use in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress disease conditions in a patient, the use of Factor H in the preparation of a pharmaceutical preparation, and methods of determining the specific binding of Factor H to MDA and/or MAA in a sample.

Abstract: During the progression of atherosclerosis, autoantibodies are induced to epitopes of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), and active immunization of hypercholesterolemic mice with OxLDL ameliorates athero-genesis. The present studies have identified anti-OXLDL autoantibodies that share complete genetic and structural identity with antibodies produced by anti-phosphorylcholine B-cell clone, T15.

Abstract: A window shade component group which includes a window shade supporting windup shaft with bearing devices for rotatably supporting opposite ends of the windup shaft. At least one of the bearing devices is provided with a blocking device, which is effective for maintaining a spring drive of the windup shaft in the wound position after assembly of the windup shaft. Following installation of the window shade component group in a motor vehicle or appropriate housing, the blocking device is releasable as an incident to actuation of the windup shaft.

Abstract: A window shade component group which includes a window shade supporting windup shaft with bearing devices for rotatably supporting opposite ends of the windup shaft. At least one of the bearing devices is provided with a blocking device, which is effective for maintaining a spring drive of the windup shaft in the wound position after assembly of the windup shaft. Following installation of the window shade component group in a motor vehicle or appropriate housing, the blocking device is releasable as an incident to actuation of the windup shaft.