Abstract: The invention relates to a peptide of 8-50 amino acids comprising the sequence of KAHKKRAD or KARKKHAD, or a cyclic peptide of 8-50 amino acids comprising the sequence of HKKR or RKKH. Also disclosed are methods of using the peptide for detecting, monitoring, or treating cancer.

Abstract: Method and system embodiments of the present invention employ computational analysis tools running on one or more computer systems to quantitatively analyze MRI data from patients in order to both assess various functional parameters and characteristics of a patient's kidney, as well as to provide an electronic display device interconnected with the one or more computer systems, and accessible visualization of the quantitative assessment to facilitate diagnosis of various types of kidney abnormalities and pathologies.

Abstract: The present invention provides protein constructs for detection of interaction between Tetherin and ant-Tetherin molecules. The constructs include a Tetherin sequence or a portion of a Tetherin sequence that is sufficient for cell-surface localization, and a sequence providing a detectable signal. The invention further provides methods of using such constructs to screen for substances that modulate the Tetherin-inhibiting properties of anti-Tetherins. Methods of screening for anti-viral agents, including anti-HIV agents, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fully intrathoracic artificial pacemaker. The pacemaker is of sufficiently compact size to allow for implantation of both the electrode and the power source within the chest cavity. In exemplary embodiments, a screw-type electrode is used for connection to heart tissue, and a relatively short lead is used to connect the electrode to a battery unit, which can comprise electronics for control of the pacemaker. An assembly for implanting the pacemaker, as well as methods of implanting the pacemaker, are disclosed. In embodiments, the device is designed as a fetal pacemaker.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric protein constructs having anti-viral activity, compositions and methods of using them, and nucleic acids encoding them. The chimeric proteins include an extracellular domain of a Tetherin protein fused to the transmembrane domain, and optionally cytoplasmic tail, of a different protein. The chimeric proteins have normal anti-viral tethering activity but are resistant to inhibition by anti-Tetherins. Ex vivo methods of gene therapy are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to amniotic fluid derived renal progenitor cells positive for CD24 and OB-cadherin and subpopulations thereof, as well as methods of isolating and uses thereof. The invention is further directed to preventing and treating kidney damage with a population of amniotic fluid derived c-kit positive stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides for use of poly-D/L-lysine (PLL) to control the growth of neural cells in vitro and in vivo. The invention describes the activity of defined PLL lines on neural cells and the ability to use the compound to control the direction and rate of growth of neurites on solid substrates. High-throughput screening assays are provided as are medical devices and therapies for treatment of neuronal injury or malfunction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising NFIA inhibitors, as well as methods of using the same to treat glioma and astrocytomas.

Abstract: The present invention provides an edible composition for oral delivery of an active agent such as a retinide. The composition comprises, in the form of a dry flowable powder: (a) an active agent such as a retinide; (b) lipid matrix composition; (c) optionally sweetener; (d) flour. Compositions of the invention may be administered per se or mixed with a solid or liquid food carrier, for direct oral consumption by a subject or administration through a feeding tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an edible composition for oral delivery of an active agent such as paclitaxel or a retinide. The composition comprises, in the form of a dry flowable powder: (a) an active agent such as a retinide; (b) lipid matrix composition; (c) optionally sweetener; (d) flour. Compositions of the invention may be administered per se or mixed with a solid or liquid food carrier, for direct oral consumption by a subject or administration through a feeding tube.

Abstract: A non-invasive in vivo method for assessing macular carotenoids includes performing Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) on a retina of a subject. A spatial representation of carotenoid levels in the macula based on data from the OCT of the retina can be generated.

Abstract: A novel metalloproteinase inhibitor, analogs thereof, polynucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders caused by excessive amounts of metalloproteinase are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of facilitating vascular growth in cardiac muscle of a subject in need of such treatment comprises inhibiting EMAP II activity in said subject by an amount effective to stimulate vascular growth in said cardiac muscle. The inhibiting step may be carried out by any suitable means, such as: By administering a compound (e.g., an antibody) that specifically binds to EMAP II to said subject in an amount effective to stimulate vascular growth in said cardiac muscle; by downregulating EMAP II expression in said subject by an amount effective to stimulate vascular growth in said cardiac muscle (e.g., by administration of an antisense olgionucleotide); or by administering an EMAP II receptor antagonist to said subject in an amount effective to stimulate vascular growth in said cardiac muscle.

Abstract: The present invention provides stable aqueous solutions consisting essentially of: (a) a sphingolipid; (b) lactic acid; and (c) optionally a stabilizing agent; wherein the solution has a molar ratio of lactic acid to sphingolipid of 1:1 to 10:1. The present invention further provides an emulsion formulation consisting essentially of: (a) lactic acid; (b) a sphingolipid, wherein the sphingolipid is present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 30 mg/ml of emulsion; (b) optionally an isotonic agent; and (c) a phospholipid present in an amount of about 0.2 to about 200 mg/ml of emulsion. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for analyzing the blood-brain barrier includes obtaining a Raman spectrum of a selected portion of the eye and monitoring the Raman spectrum to ascertain a change to the dynamics of the blood brain barrier. Also, non-invasive methods for determining the brain or blood level of an analyte of interest, such as glucose, drugs, alcohol, poisons, and the like, comprises: generating an excitation laser beam at a selected wavelength (e.g., at a wavelength of about 400 to 900 nanometers); focusing the excitation laser beam into the anterior chamber of an eye of the subject so that aqueous humor, vitreous humor, or one or more conjunctiva vessels in the eye is illuminated; detecting (preferably confocally detecting) a Raman spectrum from the illuminated portion of the eye; and then determining the blood level or brain level (intracranial or cerebral spinal fluid level) of an analyte of interest for the subject from the Raman spectrum.

Abstract: A method of treating pulmonary hypertension in a subject in need of such treatment comprises inhibiting EMAP II activity in the subject by an amount effective to treat the pulmonary hypertension in the subject (e.g., in the lungs and more particularly in the pulmonary vasculature). Pharmaceutical formulations useful for carrying out such methods (e.g., an antibody that specifically binds to EMAP II in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier) and screening techniques useful for identifying additional compounds that can be used for carrying out such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for parenteral delivery, comprising a retinide such as fenretinide in combination with a solvent capable of dispersing or solubilizing the retinide. The solvent comprises an alcohol, such as ethanol, in combination with an alkoxylated castor oil, such as CREMOPHOR® EL, or comprising a retinide, such as fenretinide, in an emulsion composed of a lipoid dispersed in an aqueous phase, a stabilizing amount of a non-ionic surfactant, optionally a solvent, and optionally an isotonic agent. In addition, a method of use in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancers is described.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing recombinant forms of asparaginase derived from Wolinella succinogenes. In addition, methods for covalent modification of proteins, including asparaginases, by acylation are also provided. Certain embodiments provide for epitopic-labeling of the amino terminus of W. succinogenes asparaginase. Additional embodiments concern methods for the therapeutic utilization of the native, homotetrameric form of W. succinogenes asparaginase, as well as the use of epitopically-labeled or non-epitopically-labeled recombinant W. succinogenes asparaginase (or a covalently modified analog thereof) in the therapeutic treatment of malignant and non-malignant hematological disease and other diseases where asparagine depletion or deprivation would be efficacious or which respond to asparagine depletion or deprivation, as well as their potential utilization in the therapeutic treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, and SLE.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the present invention identify the presence of and/or the concentration of a selected analyte in a subject by: (a) illuminating a selected region of the eye of a subject with an optical excitation beam, wherein the excitation beam wavelength is selected to generate a resonant Raman spectrum of the selected analyte with a signal strength that is at least 100 times greater than Raman spectrums generated by non-resonant wavelengths and/or relative to signals of normal constituents present in the selected region of the eye; (b) detecting a resonant Raman spectrum corresponding to the selected illuminated region of the eye; and (c) identifying the presence, absence and/or the concentration of the selected analyte in the subject based on said detecting step. The apparatus may also be configured to be able to obtain biometric data of the eye to identify (confirm the identity of) the subject.

Abstract: A novel metalloproteinase inhibitor, analogs thereof, polynucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders caused by excessive amounts of metalloproteinase are also disclosed.