Abstract:
A method is described for determining a disease progression and survival prognosis, at a succession of prediction times, for patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The method comprises a step of defining a set of variables associated with the onset and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, comprising a first group of variables associated with the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (comprising at least the variables "patient sex", "disease onset age", "disease onset site"), a second group of dynamic time variables (comprising at least the variable "time elapsed since disease onset"), a third group of dynamic functional variables (comprising at least one of the variables breathing, swallowing, communicating, walking/self-care or at least one variable of a functional progression and/or severity scale of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and further at least one variable associated with survival. The method further provides for encoding by means of a Dynamic Bayesian Network, using at least one trained algorithm, a plurality of probabilistic conditional dependence relationships, in which each relationship is a probabilistic conditional dependence relationship between two of the aforesaid variables. The aforesaid prediction times are defined so that each prediction time belongs to a respective time interval in which the conditional dependence relationships between the variables are stationary. The method further involves describing the Dynamic Bayesian Network, using at least one trained algorithm, by means of a corresponding graph, comprising said variables as nodes and comprising topological connections oriented between nodes corresponding to variables among which a probabilistic conditional dependence is identified. In the graph, given a node, the connections entering it show a conditional probability of the value assumed by the variable associated with such node, in a given prediction time, depending on the values assumed, in a prior prediction time, from the variables associated with the nodes from which such connections originate. The method further comprises the steps of entering, for each of the defined variables, data acquired at a given acquisition time relating to the situation of a specific patient; and calculating, by electronic processing and/or calculating means, on the basis of the Dynamic Bayesian Network and the graph, and starting from the aforesaid acquired data, the values of each of the defined variables, at one or more prediction times following the acquisition time. Finally, the method involves obtaining, in a given prediction time, disease progression prognosis results on the basis of the values of one or more of the variables of the third group calculated in such prediction time; and the survival prognosis results on the basis of the value of at least one variable associated with survival, calculated at such prediction time.
Abstract:
The present invention provides T-cells modified to express at least two chimeric antigen receptors, wherein one of the CARs binds specifically to an antigen selected from CD138, HER2 and CD24 and another CAR binds specifically a different antigen selected from CD138, HER2 and CD24. Further, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these CAR T-cells and their use in treatment of cancer, in particular, ovarian cancer, DNA constructs encoding said CARs and methods for preparation of T-cells expressing said CARs.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the field of cytometry, specifically to flow cytometric methods and kits for improved diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of tumors and other lesions involving immune cell infiltration. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to compositions and methods providing high resolution quantitative means for immunophenotyping and immune modeling, and for identification of disease prognostic and therapy predictive biomarkers.
Abstract:
The invention relates to diagnostic and prognostic assays, particularly to methods of determining the metabolic state of a subject. More specifically, the invention provides assays and methods comprising determining the level of m RNA of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) specifically in platelets of the subject. The invention is useful in determining or adjusting the treatment of conditions associated with an unbalanced metabolic state manifested by elevated blood levels of glucose, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or free fatty acids (FFA). In particular embodiments, the assays and methods of the invention are useful in prognosing and monitoring subjects diagnosed with diabetes, particularly type II diabetes.
Abstract:
A system and method are presented for use in monitoring brain activity of a subject. The system comprises a control unit which comprises: a data input utility for receiving measured data comprising data corresponding to signals measured during a certain time period and being indicative of a subject's brain activity originated from locations in the subject's brain during said certain time period, and a processor utility which is configured and operable for processing the measured data and generating data indicative thereof in the form of a multi-parameter function presenting a relation between frequency and time data of the measured signals and for analyzing said relation and identifying a subject-related signature corresponding to the subject's brain neural activity.
Abstract:
A phototherapy device for treatment of nerve injuries is disclosed. The device comprises means for simultaneous irradiation of the injured nerve, the associated muscle, and the associated segment of the spinal cord. Methods for use of the device are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of gait data collection, the method comprising collecting movement data, determining from the data a movement parameter that includes a third order derivative of position, comparing the movement parameter with a threshold value, and counting at least a near fall if the movement parameter exceeds the threshold value.
Abstract:
Anti-CD24 antibodies and adjuvant combinations thereof with chemotherapeutic agents or toxins, which can be used to inhibit growth of CD24-expressing cancer cells and prevent and treat cancer are provided.
Abstract:
A method of treating colorectal cancer (CRC) is provided. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a Mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor and a SRC Proto-Oncogene, Non¬ Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (SRC) inhibitor, wherein cancer cells of the subject express an amount of SRC p419 above a predetermined level and do not express a KRAS G12 mutation, thereby treating the CRC.
Abstract:
Deferred treatment of nerve injuries is provided. Accordingly, there is provided a method of deferred treatment of a nerve injury in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising implanting at least 1 week following onset or diagnosis of the nerve injury in the subject a composition comprising a hyaluronic acid, a laminin polypeptide and an antioxidant at or near the nerve injury of the subject.