Abstract: A method for diagnosing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a subject, the method comprising measuring plasma macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) concentration in a sample from the subject, and diagnosing ACS when the subject plasma MIF concentration is greater than a reference plasma MIF concentration, wherein the sample is taken less than 4 hours after symptom onset. The invention also relates to a method for prognosing ACS in a subject, the method comprising measuring plasma MIF concentration in a sample from the subject, diagnosing ACS when the subject plasma MIF concentration is greater than a reference plasma MIF concentration, and prognosing the magnitude of ACS from the subject plasma MIF concentration. Also provided is a method of treating ACS in a subject, a device, a kit, and a cardiac biomarker related to the methods of diagnosing and prognosing ACS.

Abstract: The CD40L/Mac-1 interaction is selectively targeted by small peptide inhibitors and/or antibodies and such peptides are used for the specific treatment of inflammation and atherogenesis. In particular, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence EQLKKSKTL and antibodies specifically binding to an epitope are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated monoclonal antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof which a) binds to Mac-1, b) specifically inhibits the interaction of CD40L with activated Mac-1 and c) does not induce integrin outside-in signaling.

Abstract: An apparatus detects atherosclerotic plaques. The apparatus includes an electronic processing device that determines a level of fluorescence sensed by a sensor at a second infrared wavelength in response to exposure of at least part of an artery to radiation at a first infrared wavelength and determines a fluorescence indicator using the level of fluorescence. The fluorescence indicator is indicative of the presence, absence or degree of an atherosclerotic plaque.

Abstract: The CD40L/Mac-1 interaction is selectively targeted by small peptide inhibitors and/or antibodies and such peptides are used for the specific treatment of inflammation and atherogenesis. In particular, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence EQLKKSKTL and antibodies specifically binding to an epitope are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anticoagulant agent including a first element capable of inhibiting coagulation and a second element capable of targeting an activated platelet wherein upon administration of the agent to a subject the second element directs the first element to the activated platelet. Also provided is a probe for detecting a blood vessel abnormality including (a) a binding element capable of targeting an activated platelet and (b) a label. Applicant has shown that agents and probes directed to activated platelets are useful in the diagnosis and therapy of coagulation disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic and prognostic assays for heart disease. More particular, the present invention provides an assay for diagnosing the presence or extent of development of heart disease or its classification or state thereof. The assay of the present invention is also useful in the stratification of a subject with respect to a risk of developing heart disease. The assay of the present invention is also capable of integration into pathology architecture to provide a diagnostic and reporting system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to branched macromolecules and their use as imaging or contrast agents. In particular, the invention relates to dendrimers, derived from lysine or lysine analogs, bearing a plurality of functional moieties and their application to imaging techniques in which a disease state may be imaged with a targeted contrast agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic and prognostic assays for heart disease. More particular, the present invention provides an assay for diagnosing the presence or extent of development of heart disease or its classification or state thereof. The assay of the present invention is also useful in the stratification of a subject with respect to a risk of developing heart disease. The assay of the present invention is also capable of integration into pathology architecture to provide a diagnostic and reporting system.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to temperature sensitive conjugates, compositions, and uses related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to conjugate polymers comprising a) a temperature sensitive polymer and b) an antibody. Typically the antibody has an epitope to a platelet receptor. The antibody may be a single-chain antibody wherein the platelet receptor is GPIIb/IIIa, such as an anti-GPIIb/IIIa antibody. In certain embodiments, the antibody binds specifically to the activated conformation of GPIIb/IIIa, i.e., an activation-specific GPIIb/IIIa antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral controlled-release formulations of 5-(pyridinyl)-2(1H)-pyridinone compounds and their use in the treatment of a subject with heart failure, a stage, class or manifestation of heart failure, or at risk of developing or exhibiting symptoms of heart failure. The formulations of the invention release the compounds in the range of between 0.1 ?g/kg body weight/minute and 20 ?g/kg body weight/minute.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anticoagulant agent including a first element capable of inhibiting coagulation and a second element capable of targeting an activated platelet wherein upon administration of the agent to a subject the second element directs the first element to the activated platelet. Also provided is a probe for detecting a blood vessel abnormality including (a) a binding element capable of targeting an activated platelet and (b) a label. Applicant has shown that agents and probes directed to activated platelets are useful in the diagnosis and therapy of coagulation disorders.

Abstract: The CD40L/Mac-1 interaction is selectively targeted by small peptide inhibitors and/or antibodies and such peptides are used for the specific treatment of inflammation and atherogenesis. In particular, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence EQLKKSKTL and antibodies specifically binding to an epitope are disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to temperature sensitive conjugates, compositions, and uses related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to conjugate polymers comprising a) a temperature sensitive polymer and b) an antibody. Typically the antibody has an epitope to a platelet receptor. The antibody may be a single-chain antibody wherein the platelet receptor is GPIIb/IIIa, such as an anti-GPIIb/IIIa antibody. In certain embodiments, the antibody binds specifically to the activated conformation of GPIIb/IIIa, i.e., an activation-specific GPIIb/IIIa antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic and prognostic assays for heart disease. More particular, the present invention provides an assay for diagnosing the presence or extent of development of heart disease or its classification or state thereof. The assay of the present invention is also useful in the stratification of a subject with respect to a risk of developing heart disease. The assay of the present invention is also capable of integration into pathology architecture to provide a diagnostic and reporting system.

Abstract: In the present specification we describe a new class of compounds, designed to modulate the ability of blood vessels to synthesize NO from L-arginine. In particular we have identified novel compounds which enhance the entry of L-arginine into cells. These compounds improve endothelial function, and thereby have the potential to retard the progression of vascular disease in conditions such as hypertension, heart failure and diabetes. This new class of drugs may also have other potentially, relevant pharmacological actions, including anti-hypertensive and anti-anginal actions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, methods, and kits for diagnosing or predicting a disease in a subject, for detecting activated platelets in a subject, and for treating a disease in a subject, wherein the diseases are mediated by platelet activation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anticoagulant agent including a first element capable of inhibiting coagulation and a second element capable of targeting an activated platelet wherein upon administration of the agent to a subject the second element directs the first element to the activated platelet. Also provided is a probe for detecting a blood vessel abnormality including (a) a binding element capable of targeting an activated platelet and (b) a label. Applicant has shown that agents and probes directed to activated platelets are useful in the diagnosis and therapy of coagulation disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides molecules capable of specifically binding the activated form of the beta-integrin Mac-1. The molecules may be provided in the form of peptides, polypeptides and single chained antibodies. The molecules may be used therapeutically for the treatment of disease mediated by Mac-1 (such as inflammation), or used diagnostically to locate sites of Mac-1 activity in the body.