Abstract: The invention provides methods of diagnosing Graves' disease (GD), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases in an individual by detecting a disproportionately large fraction of peripheral blood T cells express IGF-1R (CD3+ IGF-R+) compared to normal control samples. In a further embodiment, the invention provides methods of diagnosing, prognosing, staging, and/or monitoring GD, RA and other autoimmune diseases. Or a predisposition thereto in an individual by detecting a disproportionately large fraction of CD3+ IGF-1R+ T cells that express CD45RO+ compared to normal control samples. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of diagnosing, prognosing, staging, and/or monitoring GD, RA and other autoimmune diseases or a predisposition thereto in an individual by detecting an increased CD45RO+/RA+ ratio in peripheral blood T cells compared to normal control samples.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to detect connective tissue pathologies associated with Graves' disease ophthalmopathy and other antibody mediated inflammatory autoimmune diseases. The detection method comprises obtaining a sample from a patient suffering from an antibody-mediated inflammatory autoimmune disorder and measuring Interleukin 16 (IL-16) or RANTES produced by thyroid associated ophthalmopathy fibroblasts to indicate the presence or severity.

Abstract: The peptides and derivative metapeptides based upon natural antimicrobial peptides have potent and broad spectrum activity against pathogens exhibiting multiple antibiotic resistance. In addition, they exhibit lower inherent mammalian cell toxicities than conventional antimicrobial peptides, and overcome problems of toxicity, immunogenicity, and shortness of duration of effectiveness due to biodegradation, retaining activity in plasma and serum. The peptides and derivative metapeptides exhibit rapid microbicidal activities in vitro, can be used to potentiate conventional antimicrobial agents, to potentiate other antimicrobial peptides, and are active against many organisms that exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotics currently in existence.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein (PTHrP) can be detect and/or stage, and/or treat chronic lung diseases. In particular, it was discovered that PTHrP levels in broncho-alveolar lavage are indicative of lung “health” and “disease, and can be used to predict lung disease in patients at risk of chronic lung disease. Treatment with PTHrP can reverse damage associated with chronic lung disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for acquiring cardiac images having minimized motion artifact by triggering an image-acquisition scan at a point during the quiescent segment of each cardiac cycle. The method of the present invention comprises: measuring the length of the R-R interval of a cardiac cycle; calculating the R-T segment length based on gender and R-R interval length; identifying an optimal scan starting point of the cardiac cycle based on R-R interval length, R-T segment length and scan speed; and triggering the image-acquisition scan at this starting segment. The method is implemented by an apparatus, namely a cardiac imaging device that has image-acquisition speeds of about 15-300 ms. The apparatus comprises a transmitter that generates the image-acquisition signal, an input console, and an ECG gating device that synchronizes the trigger of image-acquisition scans with the starting points determined by the above method.

Abstract: A therapeutic pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of respiratory disease is disclosed, including particularly Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). The composition is comprised of a synthetic dimer of an N-terminal fragment of Surfactant Protein B (SP-B) that advantageously mimics the functional activity of native human Surfactant Protein B, and to therapeutic methods of administration of such pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A Candida albicans bloodstream infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Filament formation and adherence to host cells are critical virulence factors of C. albicans. Multiple filamentation regulatory pathways have been discovered, however the downstream effectors of these regulatory pathways remain unknown. The cell surface proteins in the ALS group are downstream effectors of the filamentation regulatory pathway. Particularly, Als1p mediates adherence to endothelial cells in vitro and is required for virulence. The blocking of adherence by the organism is described resulting from the use of a composition and method disclosed herein. Specifically, a pharmaceutical composition comprised of a gene, gene product, or specific antibody to the ALS gene family is administered as a vaccine to generate an immune response capable of blocking adherence of the organism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant human &agr;-L-iduronidase and biologically active fragments and mutants thereof, large scale methods to produce and purify commercial grade recombinant human &agr;-L-iduronidase enzyme as well as methods to treat certain genetic disorders including &agr;-L-iduronidase deficiency and mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS 1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant &agr;-L-iduronidase and biologically active fragments and mutants thereof, methods to produce and purify this enzyme as well as methods to treat certain genetic disorders including- &agr;-L-iduronidase deficiency and mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS 1).

Abstract: The system and method for automatic scan prescription involves initially performing at least one localizer scan for the object being imaged. The localizer images are analyzed to extract important structural information about the object of interest, and of subobjects of interest, yielding an abstract, schematic description of the object of interest. Optimal spatial locations and scanning parameters are then determined for subsequent scans from the information about the object, possible subobjects, and their relationship to a template. The locations for a particular scan included in a set of protocols selected by the operator are then communicated to the scanner in order to automatically drive the scanner. In a presently preferred embodiment, all of the analysis, matching, and scan prescription operations are preferably carried out by a microprocessor based microcomputer. Subsequent detailed and radiologically relevant scans can then be performed using optimal scanning parameters for the patient.

Abstract: Methods are presented for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The methods provide for administration to a person at least one compound identified generically as antagonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. These compounds are selected from the group consisting of memantidine, amantidine, dextromethorphan and ketamine.

Abstract: A nuclear medicine technique for detecting and localizing carcinomas in the breasts of patients with dense breast. In the method, a patient with dense breast is administering a dose of Technetium-99m Sestamibi, or another nuclear medicine substance which selectively accumulates in breast carcinomas. The breast is then imaged with a nuclear medicine detector to image the carcinomas with the accumulated nuclear medicine agent and localize the carcinomas in real time and in three dimensions. The imaging can be done in a first plane with the detector perpendicular to a lateral side of the breast and also in a second plane parallel to the patient's chest wall.

Abstract: A method and kit for treating patients suffering from sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The method includes regularly administering a safe and pharmacologically effective amount of L-glutamine based compound to a patient to reduce pain, requirement for pain killers, and increase energy and activity levels.

Abstract: A scintigraphy guided system for stereotaxic localization of breast carcinomas, used in conjunction with a scintillation detection device, of a patient who has been injected with a radioactive substance which preferentially accumulates in carcinomas. The system includes a table, a pair of fenestrated paddles, and a guide means. The table has a top surface, upon which the patient lies in a prone position, and at least one opening through which the patient's breast being examined will pendulously protrude therethrough. A pair of fenestrated paddles are positioned under the bottom surface of the table in the vicinity of the opening, and are moveable relative to each other to compress the patient's breast therebetween. The guide is positioned under the table in the vicinity of the opening. The guide has plurality of moveable sighting guides, each moveable along one of three orthogonal axes, and each sighting guide having a radioactive sighting line located thereon.