Abstract: The present invention includes compositions that are useful in preventing or treating metastasis in a subject diagnosed with cancer. The present invention also includes methods of preventing or treating metastasis in a subject diagnosed with cancer, wherein the method comprises administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one CX3CR1 or fractalkine antagonist.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods for treating and preventing non-degenerative neurological diseases and disorders associated with elevated sPLA2 activity as well as cardiovascular diseases using a CHEC peptide to inhibit sPLA2 activity.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a class of compounds known as splice modulating oligonucleotides (SMOs) that modulate pre-mRNA splicing, thereby affecting expression and functionality of a specific protein in a cell. The present invention further provides compositions and methods for modulating pre-mRNA splicing using a SMO of the invention to abrogate disease-causing mutations in a protein. Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions and methods of treating a subject at risk of, susceptible to, or having a disease, disorder, or condition associated with aberrant or unwanted target pre-mRNA expression or activity.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a relevant etiology of cancer and a novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategy, based on the discovery that a protein named serine protease inhibitor (SPIK/SPINK/PSTI) was up-regulated by hepatitis B and C virus infections consequently suppressing the cell apoptosis. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides, inter alia, an inhibitor of SPIK and/or a technology of suppression of over-expression of SPIK in cells. The inhibitors include: 1) chemical compounds, which can inhibit SPIK transcripts, protein activity, and gene expression, 2) SPIK siRNA (RNAi gene silence or dsRNA of SPIK, 3) DNA anti-sense and anti-SPIK antibody. Further, this disclosure provides methods of using the inhibitor as an anti-cancer agent to re-instate cancer cell apoptosis (e.g., serine protease dependent cell apoptosis).

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant multi-functional chimera of CVN and 12p1. Chimeras of CVN and 12p1 present a model for targeting gp120 at two discrete sites, by two different modes of inhibition and with increasing potency versus either component alone. A chimera of the invention combines the high affinity suppression of viral activity by CVN with the allosteric suppression of viral envelope binding to both CD4 and co-receptor by 12p1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating microbraided structures is provided. A microbraiding device includes first and second carrier members that are movable with respect to each other. Each carrier includes a plurality of shelters. Spool-less strands of microfiber are retained in shuttles that are movable between the first and second shelters under magnetic forces. The microbraid structure is fabricated as the shuttles move between the first shelters, and as the first carrier member moves relative to the second carrier member.

Abstract: A tissue joining device and a surgical instrument for employing the tissue joining device are provided. The tissue joining device may be designed such that a first member may be inserted into a second member in discrete increments so that two lumen structures can properly be combined.

Abstract: Provided herein is a suitable method for detecting the presence or absence of a cancer in an individual, by determining the level of methylation of the sense strand of a selected regulatory region of a tumor suppressor gene. Also provided herein is a method of detecting the presence or absence a cancer in an individual by determining if there is an apparent 100% methylation by assay of the CpG sites in the anti-sense strand of a selected regulatory region of a tumor suppressor gene. Also provided herein is a method of tissue typing by determining the level of methylation of the anti-sense strand of a selected regulatory region of a tumor suppressor gene indicating an enhanced likelihood that a tissue is liver.

Abstract: Inventors have developed a chromophore (nitrodibenzylfuranyl, or NBDF) for ultra efficient uncaging of a caged substrate (e.g., an organic molecule such as, for example, an amino acid, a biological molecules, such as, for example, second messengers inside cells). Photolysis of a NBDF derivative of EGTA (i.e. caged calcium) is about 50 times more efficient than others calcium cages (the quantum yield of photolysis is 0.6 and the extinction coefficient is 18,400. NDBF-EGTA has a 2-photon cross section of about 0.3-0.6 GM).

Abstract: Methods for preventing or treating an Apicomplexan parasite infection in a patient administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formulas I-IV.

Abstract: Methods for treating a neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject are provided. The method provides administering an inhibitor of O-GlcNAc transferase in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the neoplastic disease in the mammalian subject. Method for diagnosing a risk factor for a neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject and methods for identifying a test compound which inhibits a hexosamine signaling pathway in a cell or tissue are provided.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing pathology of the liver in a subject suspected of having such pathology are disclosed. The methods comprise quantifiably detecting lectin binding on proteins in biological fluids, and comparing the detected lectin binding with reference values for the binding of lectin of such proteins in healthy or disease states.

Abstract: A method for tumor screening using urine of a mammal, the method includes obtaining a total urine nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) from a urine sample of a mammal, extracting a high molecular weight urine nucleic acid (above 1000 bp) by contacting the total urine nucleic acid with an adsorbent in the presence of a buffer which promotes binding of the high molecular weight urine nucleic acid to the adsorbent, replacing the buffer which promotes binding of the high molecular weight urine nucleic acid with a buffer which promotes binding of the low molecular weight urine nucleic acid to the adsorbent, extracting the low molecular weight urine nucleic acid by contacting with the adsorbent, eluting the low molecular weight urine nucleic acid, and assaying the low molecular weight urine nucleic acid for a presence or absence of a gene sequence specific to a certain type of tumor.

Abstract: The invention provides a peptide triazole conjugate and derivatives thereof, and methods of its use.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-48 and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing liver stage malaria.

Abstract: A device for providing extracorporeal cardiac pacing. The device includes an ultrasound transducer mountable to the external thorax of a patient and an ultrasound generator for transmitting ultrasound pulses to the ultrasound transducer. The heart rate of a patient is monitored by the device. A controller evaluates the heartbeat as compared with threshold criteria for stimulation of the heart and causes the ultrasound generator to deliver ultrasound pulses to the ultrasound transducer at a prescribed intensity, frequency, and pulse duration.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant multi-functional chimera of CVN and 12p1. Chimeras of CVN and 12p1 present a model for targeting gp120 at two discrete sites, by two different modes of inhibition and with increasing potency versus either component alone. A chimera of the invention combines the high affinity suppression of viral activity by CVN with the allosteric suppression of viral envelope binding to both CD4 and co-receptor by 12p1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful to monitor central and peripheral nervous system neuron/axon destruction resulting from an increase in acute phase inflammatory enzymes. The methods have applicability to monitoring the progress of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, as well as neuroinflammatory damage that results from sports injuries, vigorous physical activity or any form of physical abuse. The invention further relates to methods of treating multiple sclerosis or other diseases with an inflammatory component related to phospholipase A2.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising MSP-8 linked to an antigen. Methods of using the composition to induce an immune response in an animal are also provided.

Abstract: Electrodes for intracorporeal and other uses are provided. The invention features sterilizable, braided electrodes which are formed of or include conductive elements in electronic communication with a plurality of sites for electrical stimulation or sensing. Other active elements may be included in the braided electrodes.