Abstract: The present invention is directed to constructs, compositions and methods for modulating platelet-type 12 lipoxygenase (12-LO) in adipose tissue in vivo. Specifically, the invention provides constructs encoding expression-inhibiting oligonucleic acids, e.g., antisense and RNA interfering (RNAi) molecules, targeted to a platelet-type 12-LO gene or a transcript thereof, which are capable of reducing or silencing platelet-type 12-LO expression specifically in adipocytes and pre-adipocytes. Vectors of these constructs (including, but not limited to, viral vectors), compositions of them and methods of using same for the treatment and amelioration of conditions associated with excess fat cell mass and obesity are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal model systems comprising a chimera between an avian embryo and a mammalian organism. Specifically, chimeric model systems comprising normal, diseased or genetically transformed mammalian cells and tissues transplanted into avian embryos, and uses thereof for in vivo testing of drugs and therapeutic modalities are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal model systems comprising a chimera between an avian embryo and a mammalian organism. Specifically, chimeric model systems comprising normal, diseased or genetically transformed mammalian cells and tissues transplanted into avian embryos, and uses thereof for in vivo testing of drugs and therapeutic modalities are disclosed.

Abstract: Method and composition suitable for administering by direct convective interstitial infusion are disclosed. The method comprises: placing at least one direct convective interstitial infusion catheter in contact with the tissue, and pressuring the composition through the catheter. The composition is in a liquefied form having a viscosity above a predetermined value. The predetermined value is selected so as to improve infusion of the compositions into interstitial volumes of the tissue, while minimizing backflow of the compositions along an outer wall of the catheter or leakage into low resistance paths. It is demonstrated that high viscosity results in higher treatment efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal model systems comprising a chimera between an avian embryo and a mammalian organism. Specifically, chimeric model systems comprising normal, diseased or genetically transformed mammalian cells and tissues transplanted into avian embryos, and uses thereof for in vivo testing of drugs and therapeutic modalities are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer or acute ischemia are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying agents capable of preventing the formation of or dissociating the MSF-A-HIF-1alpha protein complex, and methods of determining the prognosis of an individual having cancer by identifying the presence or absence of such a protein complex.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer or acute ischemia are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying agents capable of preventing the formation of or dissociating the MSF-A-HIF-1alpha protein complex, and methods of determining the prognosis of an individual having cancer by identifying the presence or absence of such a protein complex.

Abstract: A method for determining a response of a tissue to a destructive treatment is disclosed. The method comprises providing magnetic resonance images of the tissue, and using the magnetic resonance images for determining the response of the tissue to the destructive treatment. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring convection during direct convective interstitial infusion using a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a therapeutic agent and an MRI contrast agent.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of an AChE-R-derived peptide, also known as ARP, as an inducer of hemopoietic cell differentiation and expansion, specifically for the granulocytic population. In addition, the use of ARP as an inducer of thrombopoietin and pro-inflammatory cytokines is also presented. ARP may further be used in the pre-transplant priming of hematopoietic stem cells. Other uses and methods utilizing ARP are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of an AChE-R-derived peptide, also known as ARP, as an inducer of hemopoietic cell differentiation and expansion, specifically for the granulocytic population. In addition, the use of ARP as an inducer of thrombopoietin and pro-inflammatory cytokines is also presented. ARP may further be used in the pre-transplant priming of hematopoietic stem cells. Other uses and methods utilizing ARP are also described herein.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel galectin-8 variants polypeptides are provided. Also provided are methods and kits using same for diagnosing prognosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint/chronic inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosing cancer or a pre-malignant lesion by determining the presence and/or level of circulating CD24 of a subject are provided. Also provided are methods and kits for determining if a subject is predisposed to gastrointestinal cancer by the determining the presence or absence, in a homozygous or heterozygous form of cancer associated genotype(s) in the CD24 and/or APC nucleic acid sequences. Also provided are methods and kits for monitoring efficacy of cancer therapy by determining the presence and/or level of circulating CD24 of a subject.

Abstract: Described is a method for deploying a stent-graft in the aorta, the method including positioning a shunt to go along a portion of a brain-supplying artery (BSA) into the aorta; deploying a stent-graft in the aorta along a portion of the shunt; and removing the shunt. Also described is a removable shunt adapted for deployment along a brain-supplying artery into an aorta to supply blood to the artery during deployment of a stent-graft in the aorta, the removable shunt including a stiff segment that is stiff enough to remain at least partially open when between the aorta and the stent-graft and large enough to allow sufficient blood supply to the brain during the deployment of the stent-graft; and a mechanism for facilitating safe removal of the shunt from between the stent-graft and the aorta.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel galectin-8 variants polypeptides are provided. Also provided are methods and kits using same for diagnosing prognosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint/chronic inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer or acute ischemia are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying agents capable of preventing the formation of or dissociating the MSF-A-HIF-1alpha protein complex, and methods of determining the prognosis of an individual having cancer by identifying the presence or absence of such a protein complex.

Abstract: A method of reducing neointiminal proliferation in a blood vessel, in particular as a result of restenosis, comprising administrating zinc to the blood vessel. Also disclosed is a stent comprising zinc for use in the method.