Abstract: An endoscope for quantitatively determining dimensions of an object in a cavity is provided. The endoscope has a projector connected to a light guide that can be introduced through the instrument channel. In the introduced position the projector projects a pattern at a defined illumination angle onto the object to be examined. The endoscope has a camera that captures the projected pattern at a fixed viewing angle in a distorted from corresponding to the object. The distorted form is used for quantitatively determining dimensions of the object by a triangulation method.

Abstract: In a method for processing a generated digital endoscopy image of a patient, those pixels that depict a body region of a patient are determined as image points in the endoscopy image, in a processor. In the processor, a color value is derived for image point using the value of the associated pixel, and an area portion associated with each image point is derived for the color value. A color area is derived for each color value, as the sum of all area portions of the image points having that color value. An evaluation measure of the endoscopy image is then implemented in the processor using the respective color areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides diagnostic methods for predicting therapeutic efficacy in an individual being treated for an autoimmune or an inflammatory disease. In addition, the present invention also provides novel methods for monitoring azathioprine therapy or optimizing clinical responsiveness to azathioprine therapy in an individual by measuring 6-thioguanosine nucleotide levels in a sample from the individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating or preventing the inflammatory response of an inflammatory bowel disease in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an amount of a STAT-4 antisense oligonucleotide effective in treating or preventing the inflammatory response of the inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating or preventing the inflammatory response of an inflammatory bowel disease in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an amount of a STAT-4 antisense oligonucleotide effective in treating or preventing the inflammatory response of the inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating the inflammatory response of an established colitis in a subject with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprising administering to a subject diagnosed with an established colitis from an IBD an amount of an antibody to interleukin-12 effective in reducing the colitis-inducing effect of interleukin-12. Also provided is a method for screening a substance for its effectiveness in reducing the inflammatory response of an established colitis comprising obtaining an animal having an established colitis; administering the substance to an animal; and assaying the animal for an effect on interleukin-12 which results in the reduction of the inflammatory response of the colitis, an amount of reduction of the inflammatory response greater than the amount of reduction produced by the administration of antibodies against interferon-gamma or tumor necrosis factor-alpha indicating an effective substance.