Abstract: The invention provides uses and methods for reducing brain damage from stroke. The uses comprise the use of an inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) for the manufacture of a medicament to reduce brain damage from stroke, as well as the use of cis-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) for that purpose. The methods comprise the administration of sEH inhibitors to persons who have had a stroke, or who are at risk of having a stroke. Optionally, the methods also include the administration of EETs.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening for substances having an effect on a nicotine receptor by contacting a cell having a nicotine receptor with a test substance; and determining any increase or decrease in phosphorylation of Janus-Activated Kinase 2 (JAK2). An increase in phosphorylation of JAK2 indicates that the test substance stimulates the nicotine receptor, and wherein a decrease in phosphorylation of JAK2 indicates that the test substance inhibits the nicotine receptor. The invention also provides screening methods for identification of substances that affect nicotine receptor activity through activity mediated by the AT2 receptor. Related pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are also provided.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a disposable dental appliance and method of use is provided. In particular, a cheek retraction apparatus is provided, which is formed from a lightweight yet durable biocompatible polymer. The apparatus is sufficiently durable to withstand recurrent use, however, the it is economically manufactured so as to be disposable. Moreover, the apparatus is pre-sterilized to alleviate the need for autoclaving and/or dry heat sterilization. A cheek retraction apparatus in accordance with the present invention also provides an indicia display medium that allows the dental practitioner to display patient information, whitening treatment measurements, or other indicia that might be useful to them during oral photography.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved treatment methods by the administration of the non-physiologic D-isomer of an IDO inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides the identification and characterization of a novel transmembrane transporter, a Na+-coupled citrate transporter (“NaCT”). Isolated polynucleotides encoding the transmembrane transporter, the transmembrane transporter polypeptide itself, antibodies thereto, and methods of use, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel analogs of choline and methods of use or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and/or conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington disease, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Friedrich's ataxia, Pick's disease, Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome, Refsom's disease, retinal degeneration, Cruetzfelt-Jacob syndrome or prion disease (mad cow disease), dementia with Lewy bodies, schizophrenia, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration and neurodegenerative conditions caused by stroke. The present compounds are effective to treat any neurological condition where acetylcholine transmission neurons and their target cells are affected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and rapid method for site-directed mutagenesis of more than, for example, 10 sites simultaneously with up to 100% efficiency. The method uses two terminal tailed primers, specific for each end of the gene (or DNA sequence) to be mutated, with a unique nucleotide tail each that are simultaneously annealed to template DNA together with a set of mutagenic primers in-between. Following synthesis of the mutant strand by primer extension and ligation with, for example, T4 DNA polymerase and ligase, the unique mutant strand-specific tails of the terminal primers are used as anchors to specifically amplify the mutant strand by high-fidelity polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, specific restriction endonuclease sites in the two anchor primer tails may be used for convenient subcloning of the PCR product in any desired cloning or expression vector (for subsequent sequencing or expression and functional studies of the mutated gene).

Abstract: The present invention provides improved treatment methods by the administration of both an inhibitor of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase in addition to the administration of an additional therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention includes chemopreventive and therapeutic methods based on the administration of polyphenolic compositions, including the polyphenolic compositions found in green tea. The present invention also includes various screening assay for the identification of chemopreventive and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: It has been determined that a specific metaplastic lineage that contains immunoreactivity for a trefoil polypeptide, spasmolytic peptide, is associated with and gives rise to the vast majority of human adenocarcinomas. The identification of this Spasmolytic Polypeptide Expressing Metaplasia (SPEM) is a major factor for grading of biopsies of the stomach to assess risk for gastric cancer. It also forms the basis of a method for serological screening for those at risk for gastric cancer. In a preferred embodiment, antibodies to spasmolytic peptide (hSP) are used in immunostaining of biopsies of gastric tissue obtained by endoscopy for grading biopsies. Those patients having these cells, characterized by a morphology more typical of a type of cell present normally in the intestine and not stomach, Brunner's gland cells, are at risk of developing adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: Introduction of double stranded RNA into cells, cell culture, organs and tissue, and whole organisms, particularly vertebrates, specifically attenuates gene expression.

Abstract: Disclosed are transgenic fish, and a method of making transgenic fish, which express transgenes in stable and predictable tissue- or developmentally-specific patterns. The transgenic fish contain transgene constructs with homologous expression sequences. Also disclosed are methods of using such transgenic fish. Such expression of transgenes allow the study of developmental processes, the relationship of cell lineages, the assessment of the effect of specific genes and compounds on the development or maintenance of specific tissues or cell lineages, and the maintenance of lines of fish bearing mutant genes.

Abstract: A mechanism of macrophage-induced T cell suppression is the selective elimination of tryptophan and/or increase in one or more tryptophan metabolites within the local macrophage microenvironment Studies demonstrate that expression of IDO can serve as a marker of suppression of T cell activation, and may play a significant role in allogeneic pregnancy and therefore other types of transplantation, and that inhibitors of IDO can be used to activate T cells and therefore enhance T cell activation when the T cells are suppressed by pregnancy, malignancy or a virus such as HIV. Inhibiting tryptophan degradation (and thereby increasing tryptophan concentration while decreasing tryptophan metabolite concentration), or supplementing tryptophan concentration, can therefore be used in addition to, or in place of, inhibitors of IDO.

Abstract: A mechanism of macrophage-induced T cell suppression is the selective elimination of tryptophan and/or increase in one or more tryptophan metabolites within the local macrophage microenvironment Studies demonstrate that expression of IDO can serve as a marker of suppression of T cell activation, and may play a significant role in allogeneic pregnancy and therefore other types of transplantation, and that inhibitors of IDO can be used to activate T cells and therefore enhance T cell activation when the T cells are suppressed by pregnancy, malignancy or a virus such as HIV. Inhibiting tryptophan degradation (and thereby increasing tryptophan concentration while decreasing tryptophan metabolite concentration), or supplementing tryptophan concentration, can therefore be used in addition to, or in place of, inhibitors of IDO.

Abstract: A number of cDNA clones whose products may interact with D1 receptors in vivo were identified. One of the clones, P24, was characterized further. P24 is localized in dendrites and spines of pyramidal cells in PFC. The extent of overlap between P24 expressing and D1 receptor expressing pyramidal cells appeared to be 100%. In contrast, only a limited number D1 receptor antibody labeled neurons in caudate expressed P24. P24 lowers the threshold of D1 receptor response to dopamine (DA) by an order of magnitude. Sequence similarity suggests P24 is a diverged member of the RAMP family. The P24 protein is therefore referred to as a D1 DA RAMP, calcyon. The isolated protein and nucleotide molecule encoding the protein, as well as primers for the nucleotide, are described. The protein and compounds modifying DA binding to the receptor or calcium release which is mediated by the Calcyon, are useful in research studies, drug screening, and therapeutically.

Abstract: A fluoride-releasing dental amalgam composition for a tooth restoration comprising a dental amalgam alloy material and an fluoride-containing, the glass particulate powder component of a fluoride-leachable acid-etchable glass ionomer cement. The invention further provides a method for using the composition to prevent or reduce secondary caries in an existing tooth restoration, which is classified as a dental amalgam in nature.

Abstract: A mechanism of macrophage-induced T cell suppression is the selective elimination of tryptophan and/or increase in one or more tryptophan metabolites within the local macrophage microenvironment Studies demonstrate that expression of IDO can serve as a marker of suppression of T cell activation, and may play a significant role in allogeneic pregnancy and therefore other types of transplantation, and that inhibitors of IDO can be used to activate T cells and therefore enhance T cell activation when the T cells are suppressed by pregnancy, malignancy or a virus such as HIV. Inhibiting tryptophan degradation (and thereby increasing tryptophan concentration while decreasing tryptophan metabolite concentration), or supplementing tryptophan concentration, can therefore be used in addition to, or in place of, inhibitors of IDO.

Abstract: Disclosed are oligomers that bind Ku protein. These oligomers are useful for inhibiting activation of DNA-PK, treating certain forms of autoimmune disease, detection and purification of Ku protein, and identification of proteins that interact with Ku protein. Preferably, the oligomers are composed of nucleotides, nucleotide analogs, or a combination. Most preferably, the oligomers are composed of ribonucleotides. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting DNA repair, a method of identifying cellular proteins that interact with Ku protein, and a method of treating autoimmune disease in patients with anti-Ku antibodies. The disclosed oligomers can have several preferred features, either alone or in combination, in addition to Ku binding. One such feature, referred to herein as inhibition activity, is inhibition of DNA-PK kinase activity. Another preferred feature, referred to herein as aptamer motifs, is the presence of one or more of the base sequences GCUUUCCCANNNAC, A(A/C)AUGA, and AACUUCGA.

Abstract: A fluoride-releasing dental amalgam composition for a tooth restoration comprising a dental amalgam alloy material and an fluoride-containing, the glass particulate powder component of a fluoride-leachable acid-etchable glass ionomer cement. The invention further provides a method for using the composition to prevent or reduce secondary caries in an existing tooth restoration, which is classified as a dental amalgam in nature.

Abstract: Introduction of double stranded RNA into cells, cell culture, organs and tissues, and whole organisms, particularly vertebrates, specifically attenuates gene expression.