Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) or of its reduced form, NADH, as sodium channel modulators. The present invention also relates to the use of compositions containing NAD+ or NADH to treat conditions associated with sodium channel current, such as arrhythmia. NAD+ is found to increase sodium channel current, while NADH is found to decrease sodium channel current. Thus, conditions that are associated with decreased sodium channel current can be treated with NAD+, while conditions that is associated with increased sodium channel current can be treated with NADH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) or of its reduced form, NADH, as sodium channel modulators. The present invention also relates to the use of compositions containing NAD+ or NADH to treat conditions associated with sodium channel current, such as arrhythmia. NAD+ is found to increase sodium channel current, while NADH is found to decrease sodium channel current. Thus, conditions that are associated with decreased sodium channel current can be treated with NAD+, while conditions that is associated with increased sodium channel current can be treated with NADH.

Abstract: Method for modulating or controlling sodium channel current of a cell includes inducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the cell.

Abstract: A method of ameliorating or abrogating the effects of a neurodegenerative disorder, such as Huntington's disease, includes administering a formulation including mitochondrial coenzyme Q10 in a subject in need thereof. The formulation includes Hydro-Q Sorb®, which is a complex of coenzyme Q10 and cyclodextrin.

Abstract: Aromatic ketones having an extended fluoro-alkyl or fluoro-alkoxy moiety are disclosed. In particular aspects, the compounds comprise substituted 9-acridone, 9-xanthone, 4(1H)-quinolone, 4(1H) pyridone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, 9,10-anthraquinone derivatives. These preparations possess potent pharmacological activity for inhibiting malaria and mosquito-borne (Plasmodium) diseases. The haloalkyl/alkoxy aromatic compounds possess significant pharmacological activity, with IC50 values in the nanomolar and sub-nanomolar range, and reduced toxicity against host derived cells and tissues. Methods of using the fluoro-alkyl/alkoxy aromatic compounds in the treatment of malaria and other human and animal diseases are also disclosed. Agricultural uses of the fluoro-alkyl/alkoxy aromatic compounds, such as in control of fungal diseases and in the production of important commercial crops (apples, etc.), are also presented.

Abstract: A glucose sensitive regulator of insulin transcription includes a glucose response element (GIRE) of a liver-pyruvate (L-PK) gent promoter, and an insulin-sensitive element of an insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) basal promoter. The transcriptional activity of the regulator is stimulated by glucose and inhibited by insulin.

Abstract: An intervertebral milling instrument for removing calcified fibrous cartilage (CFC) from adjacent vertebrae during spinal fusion or spacer implantation surgery. The milling instrument includes a grinding wheel carried within a guide housing sized to fit closely into the intervertebral space, and to expose the grinding wheel on opposite sides thereof for controlled removal of CFC layers from adjacent cortical end plates. The grinding wheel is rotatably driven as by attachment to a surgical drill, preferably to include saline supply to and suction removal from the grinding site. The controlled removal of CFC layers is limited to about 100 to about 250 microns, thereby avoiding exposing the cortical end plates without excessive bone removal. The instrument is conveniently provided in a kit having multiple guide housings and associated grinding wheels of different sizes to fit into different intervertebral spaces.

Abstract: An osseointegrated implant for an amputee includes a surgically implanted post-shaped orthopedic implant rigidly supported by patient bone, wherein the implant protrudes through overlying stump tissue to an external location for suitable attachment to a prosthetic limb or the like. A non-invasive electrical stimulation system provides controlled electrical stimulation at the implant-bone interface for achieving rapid and secure fixation by osseointegration in a significantly reduced rehabilitation time. The electrical stimulation system utilizes at least one and preferably multiple electrodes mounted externally onto the patient in close proximity to the implant-bone interface, with an external portion of the implant providing a second electrode. In one preferred form, the implant comprises a base structure of titanium or titanium alloy or the like, coated with a thin film of a highly conductive substance such as gold for improved electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A transgenic screen and method for screening biological and chemical test substances or molecules for their ability to influence or modulate the production of BDNF in cells, includes a fusion gene having a zebrafish BDNF gene fragment (promoter) and a fluorescent marker gene inserted downstream of the BDNF gene fragment. When the fusion gene is injected into a zebrafish embryo, the BDNF promoter causes the production of fluorescent protein in various cell types. The embryo is exposed to a test substance for determining the effect thereof on the production of the fluorescent marker protein.

Abstract: A method for inducing apoptosis or cell death in leukemia cells includes inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) by using a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor. The NOS inhibitor includes a NOS1-specific inhibitor, such as N-[4-(2-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]amino}ethyl)phenyl]-2-thiophenecarboximide dihydrochloride, [N5-(1-imino-3-butenyl)-L-ornithine], 7-nitroindazole, 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)imidazole, 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole, and S-ethyl-N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)isothiourea HCl.

Abstract: Method and peptide for regulating cellular activity includes a panel of synthesized peptides that have biological effects on inhibiting or enhancing cellular activity. Selected peptides can be used as therapy to reduce and/or inhibit, or initiate and/or enhance, an inflammatory response in a subject.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating, preventing or ameliorating heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, and/or myocardial dysfunction includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a HDAC inhibitor, such as phenylbutyrate, in combination with an ACE inhibitor, such as captopril.

Abstract: A transgenic screen and method for screening biological and chemical test substances or molecules for their ability to influence or modulate the production of BDNF in cells, includes a fusion gene having a zebrafish BDNF gene fragment (promoter) and a fluorescent marker gene inserted downstream of the BDNF gene fragment. When the fusion gene is injected into a zebrafish embryo, the BDNF promoter causes the production of fluorescent protein in various cell types. The embryo is exposed to a test substance for determining the effect thereof on the production of the fluorescent marker protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a predictive tool for predicting Apopnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) in the diagnosis of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The predictive tool is developed by recording pulse oximetry readings, obtaining delta index, oxygen saturation times and oxygen desaturation events from the oximetry readings. A multivariate non-parametric analysis and bootstrap aggregation is performed to obtain predictive models which can be used to predictive AHI in an individual and to classify an individual as having or not having OSA.

Abstract: Method and peptide for regulating cellular activity includes a panel of synthesized peptides that have biological effects on inhibiting or enhancing cellular activity. Selected peptides can be used as therapy to reduce and/or inhibit, or initiate and/or enhance, an inflammatory response in a subject.

Abstract: A transgenic screen and method for screening biological and chemical test substances or molecules for their ability to influence or modulate the production of BDNF in cells, includes a fusion gene having a zebrafish BDNF gene fragment (promoter) and a fluorescent marker gene inserted downstream of the BDNF gene fragment. When the fusion gene is injected into a zebrafish embryo, the BDNF promoter causes the production of fluorescent protein in various cell types. The embryo is exposed to a test substance for determining the effect thereof on the production of the fluorescent marker protein.