Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a certain subset of cytokine markers as prognostic variables of infection status in an individual, and especially as prognostic markers of a patients developing severe infection such as pneumonia, and respiratory tract infection following surgery. The subset of cytokine markers consists of the interleukin cytokines IL-2, IL-7, IL-23, IL-27, and IL-10, and Interferon-? (INF?) and Tissue Necrosis Factor-? (TNF?). The markers may be employed as individual prognostic variables of infection status, or they may be used in pairs or other combinations. Generally, the abundance of the markers is correlated with infection status by means of an absolute pre-operative value of biomarker abundance, ratio's of pre-operative to post-operative biomarker abundance, or ratio values for pairs of certain biomarkers within the subset.

Abstract: A method of estimating sepsis risk in an individual with infection comprises a step of assaying a biological sample from the individual for an IL-2 or IL-7 mRNA value, and correlating the mRNA value with sepsis risk. The IL-2 and IL-7 mRNA values are quantified by absolute quantification of mRNA copy number, wherein the copy numbers are normalised to a house keeping gene and corrected against a calibration curve for serial dilutions of the IL-2 and IL-7 cDNA. The method generally involves a step of assaying a biological sample from the individual for IL-2 and/or IL-7 mRNA values, optionally in combination with mRNA values for other cytokines, and correlating a sum or difference of the values with sepsis risk.

Abstract: A device (1) for housing a scientific sample comprising at least one sample well (2) and an on-board buffering substance (3) wherein the onboard buffering substance (3) at least partly surrounds the sample well (2). The on-board buffering substance (3) may be in the form of a matrix, such as a gel-like matrix. The device (1) may further comprise an insulating means. Also described is a substance for use in culturing and/or assaying a sample whereby the substance provides atmospheric and thermal buffering. The invention further provides a lid for a single-well or multi-well sample plate, the lid being configured to facilitate delivery of a sample through the lid into a well, and for sealing the well. The lid comprises moveable portions (52, 53) that have at least one orifice (54, 57) formed through the moveable portions (52, 53) such that a conduit is formed by alignment of the orifices (54, 57) of both the lid portions (52, 53).

Abstract: A method of estimating sepsis risk in an individual with infection comprises a step of assaying a biological sample from the individual for an IL-2 or IL-7 mRNA value, and correlating the mRNA value with sepsis risk. The IL-2 and IL-7 mRNA values are quantified by absolute quantification of mRNA copy number, wherein the copy numbers are normalised to a house keeping gene and corrected against a calibration curve for serial dilutions of the IL-2 and IL-7 cDNA. The method generally involves a step of assaying a biological sample from the individual for IL-2 and/or IL-7 mRNA values, optionally in combination with mRNA values for other cytokines, and correlating a sum or difference of the values with sepsis risk using a regression analysis curve against outcome.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a certain subset of cytokine markers as prognostic variables of infection status in an individual, and especially as prognostic markers of a patients developing severe infection such as pneumonia, and respiratory tract infection following surgery. The subset of cytokine markers consists of the interleukin cytokines IL-2, IL-7, IL-23, IL-27, and IL-IO, and Interferon-? (INF?) and Tissue Necrosis Factor-? (TNF?). The markers may be employed as individual prognostic variables of infection status, or they may be used in pairs or other combinations. Generally, the abundance of the markers is correlated with infection status by means of an absolute pre-operative value of biomarker abundance, ratio's of pre-operative to post-operative biomarker abundance, or ratio values for pairs of certain biomarkers within the subset.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds of formula (I) as well as compounds of formula (I) which are prodrugs in which the (R7)a-phenyl-S(O)2NH group represents a sulphonamide-bond compound, compositions and methods for preventing or treating gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, wherein the method comprises delivering an effective amount of a COX-2 or a similar sulphonamide inhibitor as a prodrug or a derivative thereof to the colon, wherein the COX-2 or similar inhibitor is released in vivo.

Abstract: A device comprising a plurality of sample wells wherein the device has a plurality of compartments, each compartment surrounding at least one well. The compartments are defined by compartment wall means. The compartment wall means may be associated with at least one well or the compartment wall means may be associated with a group of wells. The compartment may house an environmental buffering system.

Abstract: A device (1) for housing a scientific sample comprising at least one sample well (2) and an on-board buffering substance (3) wherein the onboard buffering substance (3) at least partly surrounds the sample well (2). The on-board buffering substance (3) may be in the form of a matrix, such as a gel-like matrix. The device (1) may further comprise an insulating means. Also described is a substance for use in culturing and/or assaying a sample whereby the substance provides atmospheric and thermal buffering. The invention further provides a lid for a single-well or multi-well sample plate, the lid being configured to facilitate delivery of a sample through the lid into a well, and for sealing the well. The lid comprises moveable portions (52, 53) that have at least one orifice (54, 57) formed through the moveable portions (52, 53) such that a conduit is formed by alignment of the orifices (54, 57) of both the lid portions (52, 53).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying patients who are likely to develop sepsis in response to infection, a method for monitoring the progress of sepsis in a patient and to an assay kit for identifying patients who are likely to develop sepsis and/or monitoring the progress of sepsis.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively and qualitatively determining the presence of a macromolecule comprises providing nanoparticles in a buffered solution, adding a test sample to the buffered nanoparticle solution, and measuring the difference between the buffered nanoparticles in the presence and absence of the test sample. The nanoparticles are preferably less than 100 nm in size.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds, compositions and methods for decreasing NF?B DNA-binding activity in a patient comprising administering of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or composition of the application to the patient to reduce, alleviate or treat various gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Abstract: Therapeutic drug delivery and diagnostics systems comprise biologically active compounds associated with particulate carriers of less than 20 nm. These systems can be utilised for targeted modification of growth, development and functions, such as gene expression, protein synthesis, intracellular energy production and transport mechanisms in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The systems are also applicable for controlled modification of structural and functional properties of extracellular components and tissue constituents. The characteristics of a biological site are evaluated and an entity is provided which is dependent on the site characteristics. The entity comprises nanoparticles of less than 20 nm. A probe comprising nanoparticles of less than 5 nm is also provided.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence encoding all or part of an 18-19 kDa Helicobater pylori protein is described to which immunoreactivity is detected in H. pylori negative individuals. A process for the production of a recombinant form of this protein and its use, particularly as a vaccine to provide immunological protection against H. pylori infection are also described.

Abstract: A vaccine includes at least one Helicobacter, especially Helicobacter pylori protein to which immunoreactivity is detected in H. pylori negative individuals. The Helicobacter proteins are preferably less than 30 kDa and the vaccine especially includes 24 to 25 kDa and/or 18 to 19 kDa proteins. The vaccine may include interleukin 12 as an adjuvant.

Abstract: A cell based assay assembly includes a biochip assembly, a liquid delivery unit and detection and recording equipment is used for conducting an assay on a biological cell as it is delivered through the biochip assembly. The biochip assembly includes a plurality of separate biochips each comprising a microchannel with input and output ports, separate reservoir wells are provided on the biochip assembly and are periodically connected to the liquid delivery unit by removable separate disclosed transfer conduits. The input and output ports of the biochip are also periodically connected to the delivery unit by the conduit. The liquid delivery unit includes a liquid link assembly and a positive displacement pump such as a syringe pump. The liquid link assembly includes pressure compressible means which acts to smooth out pressure rises by initially contacting and then expanding to in turn dispense a steady liquid delivery output below 10? per minute.

Abstract: A vaccine for the treatment or prophylaxis of C. difficile associated disease comprises a C. difficile gene or a C. difficile peptide/polypeptide or a derivative or fragment or mutant or variant thereof which is immunogenic in humans. The gene encodes a C. difficile surface layer protein, SlpA or variant or homologue thereof. The peptide/polypeptide is a C. difficile surface layer protein, SlpA or variant or homologue thereof. The vaccine may comprise a chimeric nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: Biological assays using various constructions of biochips are disclosed to mirror in vivo situations. The biochip 50 comprises a microchannel 51 having a liquid outlet port 1, bubble release port 2 and a liquid outlet port 3 with an associated bubble release port 4. A multiplicity of tests can be performed often by coating the bore of the microchannel 50 which various adhesion mediating proteins or the use of chemoattractants. The assay assembly 60 comprises a syringe pump feeding the biochip 50. An inverted microscope 65, digital camera 66 and recorder 67 are provided. A sample liquid containing cells in suspension is injected slowly through the biochip and the effect of the assay recorded over a long period.

Abstract: Biological assays using various constructions of biochips are disclosed to mirror in vivo situations. The biochip 50 comprises a microchannel 51 having a liquid outlet port 1, bubble release port 2 and a liquid outlet port 3 with an associated bubble release port 4. A multiplicity of tests can be performed often by coating the bore of the microchannel 50 which various adhesion mediating proteins or the use of chemoattractants. The assay assembly 60 comprises a syringe pump feeding the biochip 50. An inverted microscope 65, digital camera 66 and recorder 67 are provided. A sample liquid containing cells in suspension is injected slowly through the biochip and the effect of the assay recorded over a long period.

Abstract: Biological assays using various constructions of biochips are disclosed to mirror in vivo situations. The biochip 50 comprises a microchannel 51 having a liquid outlet port 1, bubble release port 2 and a liquid outlet port 3 with an associated bubble release port 4. A multiplicity of tests can be performed often by coating the bore of the microchannel 50 which various adhesion mediating proteins or the use of chemoattractants. The assay assembly 60 comprises a syringe pump feeding the biochip 50. An inverted microscope 65, digital camera 66 and recorder 67 are provided. A sample liquid containing cells in suspension is injected slowly through the biochip and the effect of the assay recorded over a long period.

Abstract: A vaccine for the treatment or prophylaxis of C. difficile associated disease comprises a C. difficile gene or a C. difficile peptide/polypeptide or a derivative or fragment or mutant or variant thereof which is immunogenic in humans. The gene encodes a C. difficile surface layer protein, SlpA or variant or homologue thereof. The peptide/polypeptide is a C. difficile surface layer protein, SlpA or variant or homologue thereof. The vaccine may comprise a chimeric nucleic acid sequence.