Abstract: This invention refers to the methods for predicting the progress of nephritis and lupus nephritis in an individual. This invention also refers to the methods for evaluating the development of nephritis, particularly lupus nephritis, in an individual, and his/her response to a treatment.

Abstract: The present invention falls within the field of biomedicine. Specifically, the present invention relates to the use of carbonic anhydrase II for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of the damage caused by ischemia, ischemia followed by reperfusion or toxins, acute failure or rejection of a transplanted organ, preferably the kidney. In a preferred embodiment, the toxin is cisplatin.

Abstract: The present invention is a covering for the nipple/areola area of the human breast. In one embodiment, the invention is a cover for the nipple and areola. In a second embodiment, the covering is a nipple prosthesis including an artificial nipple and areola. The covering is preferably fabricated from silicone having self adhering properties that enable the covering to be worn at the end of the breast without additional adhesive. As a nipple cover, the covering includes a concavity placed over the nipple to accommodate the nipple when the covering is worn. As a nipple prosthesis, in one embodiment, the covering includes a pocket or bubble positioned directly under the nipple portion of the prosthesis. After placing the prosthesis on the breast, the air in the pocket and or concavity is released to form a vacuum to allow the prosthesis to be held on the breast without the use of additional adhesive material.