Abstract: The present invention discloses biomarkers and biomarker combinations that have prognostic value as predictors of the developmental potential of individual IVF-derived human embryos. In particular, the biomarkers of this invention are useful to classify an embryo with implantation competence after uterine transfer or implantation incompetence. In addition, the biomarkers can be detected by non-invasive methods that do not harm the developing embryo. Also disclosed are kits for the prediction of developmental potential that detect the biomarkers of the invention, as well as methods using a plurality of classifiers to make a probable diagnosis of developmental potential.

Abstract: Disclosed are protein biomarkers and their use in diagnosing lung cancer or to make a negative diagnosis in patients. Also disclosed are kits for the diagnosis of lung cancer that detect the protein biomarkers of the invention, as well as methods using a plurality of classifiers to make a probable diagnosis of lung cancer. In certain aspects of the invention, the methods include use of a decision tree analysis. Various computer readable media and their use according to the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for inducing calcium mobilization in cells through the application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (“nsPEFs”) are provided. The invention also provides a method of increasing intracellular calcium in cells through the application of nsPEFs. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells are human platelets, whereby activation and aggregation of the platelets is induced. Methods for treating an injury, trauma, or loss of blood in a subject, through the application of nsPEFs are also provided.

Abstract: Menses regulation and, when desired, contraception is achieved at low doses of estrogen and progestin, which otherwise would create episodes of breakthrough bleeding and/or withdrawal amenorrhea, by periodically inducing menses with an antiprogestin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of inhibiting STDs by topically administering suramin or a derivative thereof to actual or potential sites of infection, and methods of preventing pregnancy by topically applying suramin or a derivative thereof intravaginally. Suramin compositions that include an antimicrobial agent and/or a sperm-function inhibitor are also provided and may advantageously be used in the methods of the invention. A method of simultaneously inhibiting STDs and preventing pregnancy is also provided. Devices impregnated or coated with the topical suramin compositions are further disclosed and may be used to apply the compositions described herein.

Abstract: A purified factor isolated from human milk is provided. The factor is capable of inhibiting calcium-influx activity in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. A method for purification of the factor is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein-based biomarker, ApoA-II isoform, that is useful in determining prostate cancer status in a patient. In particular, the biomarker of this invention is useful to classify a biological sample as prostate cancer or non-prostate cancer. The ability of ApoA-II to detect disease in patients with a normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) makes the biomarker of this invention useful in identifying indolent disease. The biomarker can be detected by SELDI mass spectrometry, HPLC, PAGE and Western blotting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to protecting cells, tissues and organs against the damaging effects of ionizing or other damaging agents associated with radiation or chemotherapy, or degenerative diseases or processes of various organs that elicit the production of free radicals or oxidants such as peroxides, superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals or nitric oxides, or heavy metal cations. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with methoxypolyethylene glycol thioester chelate methyl esters that are useful as protectors against tissue damage by penetrating the cell membrane to remove electrons from free radical oxidants and remove heavy metals that may react with peroxides to produce the reactive hydroxyl radical, or remove Ca++ that may be released from organelles. These chelate esters will also have utility in reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for simulating medical conditions to facilitate medical training, that utilizes a stethoscope comprising an earpiece and a headpiece and configured to transmit information indicative of a medical condition, and a triggering device configured to activate the transmission of the information.

Abstract: Water- and lipid-soluble cannabinoid compounds that are agonists for CB1 and CB2 receptors are provided. The cannabinoid compounds are useful for the treatment of retinal neurodegenerative disorders such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to protecting cells, tissues and organs against the damaging effects of ionizing or other damaging agents associated with radiation or chemotherapy, or degenerative diseases or processes of various organs that elicit the production of free radicals or oxidants such as peroxides, superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals or nitric oxides, or heavy metal cations. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with methoxypolyethylene glycol thioester chelate methyl esters that are useful as protectors against tissue damage by penetrating the cell membrane to remove electrons from free radical oxidants and remove heavy metals that may react with peroxides to produce the reactive hydroxyl radical, or remove Ca++ that may be released from organelles. These chelate esters will also have utility in reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

Abstract: The treatment of an estrogen sensitive condition by the administration of a selective estrogen receptor modulator is improved by additionally administering a progestationally active compound to the recipient. The additional agent can express both progestational and androgenic activity or an androgenically active material can be employed, if desired. Additionally, clomiphene in an array of isomeric ratios (EN:ZU) can be used alone for prevention of osteoporosis, maintenance of a healthful blood lipid profile, and prevention of breast tumors, or to sustain amenorrhea.

Abstract: Disclosed are protein biomarkers and their use in diagnosing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) or to make a negative diagnosis in patients. Also disclosed are kits for the diagnosis of HNSCC that detect the protein biomarkers of the invention, as well as methods using a plurality of classifiers to make a probable diagnosis of HNSCC. In certain aspects of the invention, the methods include use of a decision tree analysis. Various computer readable media and their use according to the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for automatic driver evaluation of a person's driving capabilities and render an outcome of pass or fail without the need for a trained observer to evaluate driver's performance. In one embodiment, the automatic driver evaluation system facilitates the display of a predetermined driving route designed for a predetermined demography, observe simulated driving performance of a user on the predetermined driving route, record errors made by the user while performing the simulated drive, and compare the performance errors to at least one threshold value and generate a score based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for delivering an agent into a cell through the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields (“nsPEF's”). The method includes circuitry for delivery of an agent into a cell via known methods followed by the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell in order to facilitate entry of the agent into the nucleus of the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of enhancing gene expression in a cell comprising the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell. An apparatus for generating long and short pulses according to the present invention is also provided. The apparatus includes a pulse generator capable of producing a first pulse having a long duration and low voltage amplitude and a second pulse having a short duration and high voltage amplitude.

Abstract: The invention describes a novel combination of neutraceuticals. The invention also provides novel kits comprising a novel combination of neutraceuticals. The invention also provides methods for treating symptoms or delaying the progression of neuropathy, e.g., diabetic neuropathy, ischemic neuropathy, metabolic neuropathy, neuropathy due to aging, HIV neuropathy, chemotherapeutic-induced neuropathy, para-neoplastic neuropathy, metabolic neuropathy, and the like.

Abstract: Protein biomarkers that may advantageously be utilized in aiding in, or making, a diagnosis of HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM), adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) or a negative diagnosis are described. Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, methods for aiding in, or otherwise making, a diagnosis of ATL, HAM or a negative diagnosis are provided. Methods of detecting the protein biomarkers, kits that may be utilized to detect the biomarkers, as well as isolated protein biomarkers are also provided.

Abstract: Cellophane wrapping (CW) of hamster pancreas induces proliferation of duct epithelial cells followed by endocrine cell differentiation and islet neogenesis. Using the mRNA differential display technique a cDNA clone expressed in cellophane wrapped but not in control pancreata was identified. Using this cDNA as a probe, a cDNA library was screened and a gene not previously described was identified and named INGAP.

Abstract: Removal of the nucleotide sequence encoding the signal peptide from the INGAP coding sequence allows cultured cells to express substantial amounts of INGAP activity. Previous attempts have provided only low yields of INGAP, possibly because the signal sequence of INGAP is toxic to the cells.

Abstract: A growth such as a tumor, hypertrophied tissue or cyst is biopsied or more completely excised subsequent to the administration of an effective amount of a gonadotropin releasing hormone analog or other inhibitor of ovarian steroid production or action.