Abstract: A method of promoting the regression of a cancer in a mammal comprising: (i) administering to the mammal nonmyeloablative lymphodepleting chemotherapy, and (ii) subsequently administering: (a) autologous T-cells, which have been previously isolated, selected for highly avid recognition of an antigen of the cancer, the regression of which is to be promoted, and rapidly expanded in vitro only once, and, either concomitantly with the autologous T-cells or subsequently to the autologous T-cells, by the same route or a different route, a T-cell growth factor that promotes the growth and activation of the autologous T-cells, or (b) autologous T-cells, which have been previously isolated, selected for highly avid recognition of an antigen of the cancer, the regression of which is to be promoted, modified to express a T-cell growth factor that promotes the growth and activation of the autologous T-cells, and rapidly expanded in vitro only once, whereupon the regression of the cancer in the mammal is promoted.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of angiotensin-(1-7) peptide as an anti-cancer therapeutic. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention comprises a composition to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in an individual comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of an agonist for the angiotensin-(1-7) receptor to inhibit cancer cell growth or proliferation. Application of a pharmaceutically effective amount of angiotensin-(1-7) or angiotensin-(1-7) receptor agonist is associated with an increase in the expression of genes involved in tumor suppression, apoptosis, and/or cell cycle inhibition, and a decrease the expression of known oncogenes, protein kinases, and/or cell cycle progression genes. Cancers treated using the methods and compositions described herein include cancers having an angiotensin-(1-7) receptor, including, but not limited to, breast and lung cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are point mutations in the LMNA gene that cause HGPS. These mutations activate a cryptic splice site within the LMNA gene, which leads to deletion of part of exon 11 and generation of a mutant Lamin A protein product that is 50 amino acids shorter than the normal protein. In addition to the novel Lamin A variant protein and nucleic acids encoding this variant, methods of using these molecules in detecting biological conditions associated with a LMNA mutation in a subject (e.g., HGPS, arteriosclerosis, and other age-related diseases), methods of treating such conditions, methods of selecting treatments, methods of screening for compounds that influence Lamin A activity, and methods of influencing the expression of LMNA or LMNA variants are also described.

Abstract: Stabilized variable regions of the T cell receptor and methods of making the same using directed evolution through yeast display are provided. In one embodiment, the variable region is variable beta. In one embodiment, the stabilized T cell receptor variable regions have high affinity for a superantigen, such as TSST-1 or SEB. These T cell receptor variable regions are useful as therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising a TERT-RMRP or TERT-RNA complex and methods of treating subjects with genetic diseases in which gene silencing is either increased by administering the compositions of the invention or decreased by administering an inhibitor of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) activity of these compositions. Moreover, the invention provides methods of screening for agonists and antagonists of RdRP activity and TERT-RMRP complex formation. Finally, the invention provides a method of identifying a RNA molecule that forms a complex with a TERT polypeptide and has RdRP activity.

Abstract: A method for assisting individuals with learning the names of others is characterized by the display and recognition of information relating to the person whose name is to be learned. Such information is stored in a database and then provided incrementally to the person who is trying to learn the names. The person is prompted to identify a selected individual from other individuals and an indication is provided when the person correctly identifies the selected individual. The method is particularly suitable for teachers seeking to learn the names of their students, for businesses seeking to learn the names of their customers and for organizations seeking to learn the names of their members.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds that inhibit epoxide hydrolase in therapeutic applications for treating hypertension. A preferred class of compounds for practicing the invention have the structure shown by Formula 1 wherein Z is oxygen or sulfur, W is carbon phosphorous or sulfur, X and Y is each independently nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, and X can further be carbon, at least one of R1-R4 is hydrogen, R2 is hydrogen when X is nitrogen but is not present when X is sulfur or oxygen, R4 is hydrogen when Y is nitrogen but is not present when Y is sulfur or oxygen, R1 and R3 is each independently C1-C20 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, acyl, or heterocyclic.

Abstract: The invention provides kits and methods for detecting or monitoring the number of cells in sample. The cell comprises a cell surface associated protein (CSAP) comprising a cytoplasmic (cytosolic) and an extracellular (ecto) domain. The kit comprises: (i) a chromatographic device; and (ii) a CSAP-binding agent. The method comprises: (i) optionally contacting the sample with an agent capable of lysing or permeabilizing CSAP bearing cells; (ii) contacting the sample with a CSAP-binding agent that binds to the cytoplasmic domain of the CSAP; and (iii) directly or indirectly evaluating the level or presence of bound CSAP in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize Orthopoxviruses. The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining B5 or A33 binding ability, fully human antibodies retaining B5 or A33 binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an optimized-personalized health maintenance plan are presented. The teachings include a method for creating an iteratively-optimized, personalized health maintenance plan for a user. The method includes producing a recognized health profile for a subject, developing a first personalized health maintenance plan from the recognized health profile, and converting compiled information into a presentation format for the first personalized health maintenance plan, or an optimized-personalized health maintenance plan based on at least a first iterated questionnaire. The personalized health maintenance plan is optimized to increase the level of specificity of the personalized health maintenance plan for the user.

Abstract: Hypersulfated disaccharides, preferably octasulfated sucrose, with utility in asthma or asthma related disorders are disclosed. The compounds may optionally be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or delivery agents. The delivery agents are selected from the group consisting of natural or synthetic polymers, aerosols or other vehicles that facilitate the delivery or administration of the drug. The hypersulfated disaccharides are made from carbohydrate starting materials. Ion exchange or other suitable synthetic processes may be utilized to prepare the pharmaceuticals. The hypersulfated disaccharides are useful as anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: There is provided a method and reagents for detecting S. enterica subsp. IIIa and/or IIIb in a sample, the method comprising: (a) contacting the sample with a pair of forward and reverse oligonucleotide primers, wherein said forward and reverse primers hybridise to target nucleic acid sequences located within the lacZ gene of S. enterica subsp. III, or the complement thereof; (b) extending said forward and reverse primers to generate an amplification product; and (c) detecting the amplification product. There is also provided a method a reagents for detecting S. enterica subsp. I in a sample, the method comprising: (a) contacting the sample with a pair of forward and reverse oligonucleotide primers, wherein said forward and reverse primers hybridise to target nucleic acid sequences located within the hilA gene of S. enterica subsp. I, or the complement thereof; (b) extending said forward and reverse primers to generate an amplification product; and (c) detecting the amplification product.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards mouse-human chimeric variants of CC49 monoclonal antibodies with minimal murine content. A first aspect of the invention provides CDR variants of humanized monoclonal antibody (HuCC49) in which less than all six (three heavy chain and three light chain) Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs) of CC49 are present. A second aspect of the invention provides SDR variants of humanized monoclonal antibody (HuCC49) in which only Specificity Determining Regions (SDRs) of at least one CDR from CC49 are present. The invention is also directed towards biotechnological methods of making the variants and therapeutic methods of using the variants.

Abstract: A method of predicting clinical outcome in a subject diagnosed with colorectal cancer comprising determining evidence of the expression of one or more predictive RNA transcripts or their expression products in a biological sample of cancer cells obtained from the subject.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for identifying agents for the treatment of cancer and/or Fanconi anemia using Xenopus egg cell free extracts from which the endogenous DNA has been removed. The assays and method described herein are easily adaptable to high throughput techniques for example to screen large numbers of agents as possible agents for the treatment of cancer and/or Fanconi anemia. Kits for carrying out the disclosed assays and methods also are disclosed. Agents identified by these methods are also disclosed as are methods for treating a subject with cancer and/or Fanconi anemia with these agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to symmetric and asymmetric dimeric Dmt (2?,6?-ditnethyl) compounds and Dmt derivative compounds with dual ? and ? opioid receptor antagonist activity. Also, the present invention provides compositions comprising these compounds and it provides methods of using these compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially pure or isolated oligodeoxynucleotide of at least about 10 nucleotides comprising a sequence represented by either the formula: 5?N1N2N3T-CpG-WN4N5N63? wherein the central CpG motif is unmethylated, W is A or T, and N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, and N6 are any nucleotides, or the formula: 5?RY-CpG-RY3? wherein the central CpG motif is unmethylated, R is. A or G, and Y is C or T, as well as an oligodeoxynucleotide delivery complex and a pharmacological composition comprising the present inventive oligodeoxynucleotide, and a method of inducing an immune response by administering the present inventive oligodeoxynucleotide to a host.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: A method and system for interaction with a community of individuals, relating to compliance with and effectiveness of treatment regimens, including supply and use of pharmaceuticals, using a protocol or other intelligent message which acts in place of a service provider and which is capable of collecting or imparting information to patients in place thereof. Individuals interact with the protocol or intelligent message to provide assistance in all aspects of treatment regimen compliance, data collection, supply or delivery, review and modification.

Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.