Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions and methods of suppressing or preventing systemic organ inflammation or multi organ failure in a human patient with acute illnesses, including but not limited to burns, major surgery, sepsis, autoimmune disorders, vasculitis, thromboembolism, trauma, and acute pancreatitis. The method comprises administering to a patient in need of treatment an effective amount of a glucagon-like peptide-2 or an analog thereof.

Abstract: Method and system for measuring the relative concentrations of first and second isotopic forms of a chemical species within a sample. The present invention need not use a laser or high resolution spectrometer. The system typically includes a waveguide cell with good transmission of particular wavelengths of IR radiation, such as a hollow glass fiber waveguide cell. A source emits electromagnetic radiation, which is modulated at first and second wavelength bands that correspond to absorption bands of the first and second isotopic forms of the chemical species, respectively. In certain embodiments, the source is a filtered broad band source, such as a plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, an FTIR spectrometer may serve as a filtered source and signal detector.