Abstract: The present invention embraces microRNA-21 antagonists and activators of Programmed Cell Death 4 for use in decreasing glial tumor cell proliferation and treating glioma.

Abstract: The enzyme Lp-PLA2 in purified form, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding Lp-PLA2, the use of an inhibitor of the enzyme Lp-PLA2 in therapy and a method of screening compounds to identify those compounds which inhibit the enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the local treatment of acute and chronic extravascular pulmonary fibrin deposition and/or reducing unwanted effects associated with systemic administration of natural anticoagulants to a subject via airway administration to the subject by intratracheal, intrabronchial or intraalveolar routes of natural anticoagulants or biologically active derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a CD161 ligand known as Proliferation-Induced Lymphocyte-Associated Receptor (PILAR), which is crucial for a robust expansion of human lymphocytes. PILAR is markedly up-regulated on both CD4 and CD8 T cells upon TCR engagement and increases the expression of anti-apoptotic genes and glucose transporters through CD161, which globally results in a dramatic enhancement of T cell proliferation. Agents which stimulate or block this activity are also provided as are methods for manipulating PILAR signaling in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated anti-ovarian, pancreatic, lung or breast cancer antigen (Pro104) antibodies that bind to Pro104 on a mammalian cell in vivo. The invention also encompasses compositions comprising an anti-Pro104 antibody and a carrier. These compositions can be provided in an article of manufacture or a kit. Another aspect of the invention is an isolated nucleic acid encoding an anti-Pro104 antibody, as well as an expression vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid. Also provided are cells that produce the anti-Pro104 antibodies. The invention encompasses a method of producing the anti-Pro104 antibodies. Other aspects of the invention are a method of killing a Pro104-expressing cancer cell, comprising contacting the cancer cell with an anti-Pro104 antibody and a method of alleviating or treating a Pro104-expressing cancer in a mammal, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the anti-Pro104 antibody to the mammal.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating activity of store-operated calcium entry in cells or tissues are provided. The compositions comprise the P311 protein, fused to a cell-penetrating peptide and formulated for delivery to tissues and cells. This protein has been shown to increase the levels of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in gingival cells, skeletal muscle cells, and prostate epithelial cells. Also provided are methods for preventing and treating diseases that involve administration of the P311 fusion protein, as well as methods for increasing levels of SOCE in cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for synthesizing furanosteroids. The method involves intramolecular Diels-Alder/retro-Diels-Alder reaction and tautomerization of a functionalized alkyne oxazole to produce a furo[2,3-b]phenol derivative which is elaborated by intermolecular and intramolecular condensations to generate ring-A of the furanosteroid. Furanosteroids and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same are also provided.

Abstract: The present application is directed to siRNA-based silencing of the type II receptor of TGF?. siRNAs that target this receptor abrogate the receptor protein and transcript, TGF?-mediated processes such as fibronectin assembly and cell migration also are inhibited and the molecules of the invention are efficacious in reducing the inflammatory response and matrix deposition. These findings show that siRNAs can be successfully delivered both in vitro and in vivo to regulate the TGF? type II receptor level and modulate wound response. Methods and compositions exploiting the findings of the present invention have a wide-ranging application, extending from treatment of disorders of the eye to other organs and tissues throughout the body.

Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus for collection of the complete fluorescence emission spectrum and the transient decay of a selected spectral band simultaneously with data acquisition times of less that one second. This invention is useful for studying human tissues and cells in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing or ameliorating a sleep-related breathing disorder. The method involves the use of one or a combination of cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonists.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery device for providing local analgesia, local anesthesia or nerve blockade at a site in a human or animal in need thereof, the device comprising a fibrillar collagen matrix; and at least one drug substance selected from the group consisting of amino amide anesthetics, amino ester anesthetics and mixtures thereof, the at least one drug substance being substantially homogeneously dispersed in the collagen matrix, and the at least one drug substance being present in an amount sufficient to provide a duration of local analgesia, local anesthesia or nerve blockade which lasts for at least about one day after administration.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for enhancing recombinant antibody production by co-expressing in a host cell a recombinant antibody and ERp23 protein, which facilitates oxidative folding and stability of the recombinant antibody thereby enhancing production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, prognosticating, imaging and treating selected cancers including gynecologic cancers such as breast, ovarian, uterine and endometrial cancer and lung cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing a caffeine salt complex and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for use in methods for preventing or treating cancer or solar dermatitis. Methods for inducing apoptosis or inhibiting proliferation in a cancer cell or cell which as UVB-induced DNA damage using a caffeine salt complex or methylated xanthine are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant proline-and-arginine rich (PR) peptides with defined structural characteristics for use in inhibiting mammalian 20S proteasome activity and modulating expression of genes regulating the NF-?B pathway. Mutant PR peptides of the present invention differ from wild-type PR peptides by having at least one to three amino acid substitutions, wherein at least one of the amino acid residues at position one, two or three of the mutant PR peptide is positively charged.

Abstract: Methods for use of a composition comprising Bowman-Birk Inhibitor (BBI) or a derivative thereof in the treatment and/or prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy, to improve of skeletal muscle function, and to alleviate symptoms and/or slow progression of degenerative skeletal muscle diseases or disorders are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel “bracket” to be used in the operating room of hospitals. The bracket of the invention holds a transducer at the level of a patient's heart in order to easily and accurately record pressures during surgery.