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 for evaluating the in vivo presence of a factor that prevents the biological effect of a type I (IFN) in an individual that is under treatment with type I interferon is described. The in vivo presence of antibodies directed against a type I interferon (IFN) is evaluated in an individual that is under treatment with type I interferon. The method includes incubating a blood sample of the individual in vitro with a suitable amount of the type I interferon for a suitable period of time, and determining mRNA levels of a biological marker of IFN activity, preferably MxA, in the blood sample. The treatment may involve a treatment of multiple sclerosis, HCV or HBV using a type I interferon.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for monitoring the course of the MS disease and to predict, diagnose or prognosticate whether a subject is in an active or non-active period of MS. The method is based on determining the ratio of the expression levels of two cytokines, measured before and after stimulation of the subject by an immunomodulator.

Abstract: A device and kit for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent is disclosed. The biological sample so pulsed is subsequently stabilized and the device or kit provides a control reaction. Applications for the described device and kit are found in the field of medical diagnostics, particularly immunology.

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: The present invention is related to a device, kit and method for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent and subsequently stabilizing the biological sample so pulsed. The invention has application in the fields of medical diagnostics, particularly relating to immunity.

Abstract: A device and kit for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent is disclosed. The biological sample so pulsed is subsequently stabilized and the device or kit provides a control reaction. Applications for the described device and kit are found in the field of medical diagnostics, particularly immunology.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device, kit and method for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent and subsequently stabilizing the biological sample so pulsed. The invention has application in the fields of medical diagnostics, particularly relating to immunity.

Abstract: A device and kit for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent is disclosed. The biological sample so pulsed is subsequently stabilized and the device or kit provides a control reaction. Applications for the described device and kit are found in the field of medical diagnostics, particularly immunology.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the in vivo presence of a factor that prevents the biological effect of a type I (IFN) in an individual that is under treatment with type I interferon is described. The in vivo presence of antibodies directed against a type I interferon (IFN) is evaluated in an individual that is under treatment with type I interferon. The method includes incubating a blood sample of the individual in vitro with a suitable amount of the type I interferon for a suitable period of time, and determining mRNA levels of a biological marker of IFN activity, preferably M×A, in the blood sample. The treatment may involve a treatment of multiple sclerosis, HCV or HBV using a type I interferon.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device, kit and method for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent and subsequently stabilizing the biological sample so pulsed. The invention has application in the fields of medical diagnostics, particularly relating to immunity.

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 device and kit for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent is disclosed. The biological sample so pulsed is subsequently stabilized and the device or kit provides a control reaction. Applications for the described device and kit are found in the field of medical diagnostics, particularly immunology.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device, kit and method for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent and subsequently stabilizing the biological sample so pulsed. The invention has application in the fields of medical diagnostics, particularly relating to immunity.

Abstract: The invention in particular relates to a method for the quantification of in vivo RNA from a biological sample comprising the steps of: collecting said biological sample in a tube comprising a compound inhibiting RNA degradation and/or gene induction; forming a precipate comprising nucleic acids; separating said precipate from the supernatant; dissolving said precipitate using a buffer, forming a suspension; isolating nucleic acids from said suspension using an automated device; dispersing/distributing a reagent mix for RT-PCR using an automated device; dispersing/distributing the isolated nucleic acids within the dispersed reagent mix using an automated device, and determining the in vivo levels of transcripts using the nucleic acid/RT-PCR reagent mix in an automated setup. The present invention also relates to the quantitatification of DNA from a biological sample. The present invention further elucidates a kit for isolating quantifiable nucleic acids from a biological sample.