Abstract: Methods utilizing active vitamin D analogs for the treatment of malignancy-associated hypercalcemia. Methods comprise the application of an effective amount of a hypocalcemic vitamin D compound to alleviate hypercalcemia, lower serum parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) levels.

Abstract: The invention provides therapeutic methods for inhibiting, ameliorating or alleviating the hyperproliferative cellular activity of diseases of the prostate, e.g., prostatic cancer and prostatic hyperplasia, which includes administering to a patient in need thereof an active vitamin D analogue. Cell differentiation is promoted, induced or enhanced without causing to the patient dose-limiting hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the hyperproliferation of malignant or neoplastic cells, comprising treating the cells with an antiproliferative amount of 1&agr;,24(S)-dihydroxyvitamin D2. The method also includes the co-administration of cyotoxic angents with the 1&agr;,24(S)-dihydroxyvitamin D2.

Abstract: The invention provides a stabilized 1&agr;-hydroxyvitamin D (“SHVD”) which is particularly well suited for pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: A scanning ultrasonic apparatus provides measurements of a bone at a number of spatially separated locations. These measurements may produce an image or may be used to automatically identify a measurement region of interest or to align a series of measurements with each other despite possible shifting in the bony member in between measurements.

Abstract: Methods for the utilization of hypocalcemic vitamin D analogs to inhibit the hyperproliferation of malignant or neoplastic cells without incidence of hypercalcemia.

Abstract: A meat inspection device uses measurements at two x-ray energies to detect bone in meat samples by determining a mass ratio of bone to meat such as would provide a photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering consistent with the attenuation of the x-rays at the two energies. A relative proportion at different locations can be used to develop an image of the bone. The image can be used to determine whether a product has an unacceptable composition of bone.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument employs a digital architecture to provide improved stability to sound speed measurements of human bone in vivo. A digitization of the received ultrasonic signal allows numerical analyses to be applied in determining precise arrival time of the waveform. The microprocessor may initiate the ultrasonic signal transmission and detect its arrival and may control the strength of the transmitted signal and the amplification of the received signal to optimize the signal path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating or preventing hyperthyroidism associated with aging and/or with Aging-Related Vitamin D Deficiency (ARVDD) syndrome by administering a sufficient amount of an active vitamin D compound utilizing a variety of effective treatment protocols. The invention further relates to treating or preventing one or more of the following conditions, e.g., (1) primary vitamin D deficiency, (2) 1,25-(OH)2D3 deficiency, and (3) 1,25-(OH)2D3 resistance included within the syndrome of ARVDD.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conjugate which includes at least one vitamin D moiet thereof and at least one targeting molecule moiety to pharmaceutical compositions of the conjugate. and to methods for using the conjugate for target- specific delivery of vitamin D or analogs thereof to tissues in need thereof. When a particularly preferred form is administered to a patient, the targeting molecule component of the conjugate of this invention seeks out and binds to a tissue of interest, such as bone or tuinor tissue, where the vitamin D has a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting the hyperproliferative cellular activity of neoplasms and other hyperproliferative diseases with an active vitamin D compound utilizing a high dose, episodic treatment protocol.

Abstract: An industrial inspection device uses measurements at two x-ray energy to measure the relative proportions of two materials of a binary industrial composition by determining a mass ratio of a preselected selected first and second material expected to be in the binary composition and such as would provide a photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering consistent with the attenuation of the x-rays at the first and second energy. A relative proportion at different locations can be used to develop an image of one basis material. The image can be used to determine whether a product has an unacceptable composition or inclusions of foreign bodies.

Abstract: A dual energy scanning densitometry system for imaging and measuring bone density maintains acceptable flux by adjusting the x-ray current or scan speed according to preceding scan line data. The amount of acceptable flux is maintained within limits modified by information about the region of the body being scanned so that different precisions may be maintained for different body regions. Scan speed and current may be controlled so that scan speed is maximized within the current limits. Essentially continuous flux control can be achieved.

Abstract: An ultrasonic densitometer has opposed ultrasonic transducers with inflatable bladders containing a coupling fluid. The bladders are affixed to a housing with a simple mounting. The densitometer sizes the bladder diameter so as to be moved into contact to the patient with inflation only. The densitometer further controls the geometry of the inflated bladders so as to provide improved immobilization of the patient. The coupling fluid allows the bladder also to couple the ultrasonic energy to the patient member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument employs a digital architecture to provide improved stability to sound speed measurements of human bone in vivo. A digitization of the received ultrasonic signal allows numerical analyses to be applied in determining precise arrival time of the waveform. The microprocessor may initiate the ultrasonic signal transmission and detect its arrival and may control the strength of the transmitted signal and the amplification of the received signal to optimize the signal path.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the hyperproliferation of malignant or neoplastic cells, comprising treating the cells with an antiproliferative amount of 1&agr;,24(S)-dihydroxyvitamin D2. The method also includes the co-administration of cyotoxic angents with the 1&agr;,24(S)-dihydroxyvitamin D2.

Abstract: Methods for the utilization of hypocalcemic vitamin D analogs to inhibit the hyperproliferation of malignant or neoplastic cells without incidence of hypercalcemia.

Abstract: Methods utilizing active vitamin D analogs for the inhibition of angiogenesis associated with malignant and neoplasmic cells. Methods comprise the application of an effective amount of a hypocalcemic vitamin D compound to inhibit the angiogenesis of malignant cells, inducing the apoptosis of malignant cells, and regressing the growth of tumorous cells.

Abstract: Methods utilizing active vitamin D analogs for the treatment of malignancy-associated hypercalcemia. Methods comprise the application of an effective amount of a hypocalcemic vitamin D compound to alleviate hypercalcemia, lower serum parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) levels.

Abstract: An accessory for fluoroscopy equipment is provided to support the x-ray tube and detector on a pedestal with respect to a patient limb for quantitative bone densitometry measurement. Software loaded into the associated digital imaging fluoroscopy equipment provides necessary correction of the images for the quantitative accuracy needed for bone densitometry. Alternatively, a specialized detector or extremely low form factor image intensifier may be inserted in the pedestal to be used in lieu of the fluoroscopy equipment detector. A similar software correction is performed on an associated computer when a separate detector must be used.