Abstract: The subject invention provides a mechanism by which steroidal quinol compounds confer beneficial ophthalmic effects. The subject compounds possess a lipophilic-hydrophilic balance for transcorneal penetration and are readily reduced into parent phenolic A-ring steroid compounds to provide protection or treatment against various ocular symptoms and disorders. The compounds according to the subject invention appear to be highly advantageous as prodrugs to provide protection and/or treatment against ocular disorders. These prodrugs confer lipid solubility optimal for transocorneal penetration and are readily converted to endogenous reducing agents into active phenolic A-ring steroid compounds. To the extent that these prodrugs have reduced feminizing effects and systemic toxicity, they would be expected to be quite advantageous for protecting or treating the eye against ocular disorders such as cataract or glaucoma without undesired (systemic) side effects).

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the protection of one or more central nervous system cells from trauma, when administered before, during or after the trauma, wherein the composition includes an effective amount of a butyrophenone, e.g., a 1-linked phenyl butyrophenone that is electronegative along the butyl chain and/or a Sigma-1 receptor antagonist.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a mechanism by which steroidal quinol compounds confer beneficial ophthalmic effects. The subject compounds possess a lipophilic-hydrophilic balance for transcorneal penetration and are readily reduced into parent phenolic A-ring steroid compounds to provide protection or treatment against various ocular symptoms and disorders. The compounds according to the subject invention appear to be highly advantageous as prodrugs to provide protection and/or treatment against ocular disorders. These prodrugs confer lipid solubility optimal for transcorneal penetration and are readily converted to endogenous reducing agents into active phenolic A-ring steroid compounds. To the extent that these prodrugs have reduced feminizing effects and systemic toxicity, they would be expected to be quite advantageous for protecting or treating the eye against ocular disorders such as cataract or glaucoma without undesired (systemic) side effects).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for delivery of a pharmaceutical to an individual. Delivery vehicles are provided in a formulation of a pharmaceutical that is encapsulated in a synthetic self assembled nanoparticle that includes a lipid binding protein and a lipid monolayer. The interior of the particle represents a hydrophobic core region where lipophilic highly-water insoluble drug molecules may be incorporated. In contrast to liposomes, that include an aqueous interior core surrounded by phospholipid bilayer, the drug carrier nanoparticle described here is composed of a monolayer and a hydrophobic interior.

Abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells possess the inherent capacity to kill various tumor and virally infected cells. A large family of NK cell receptors belongs to the C-type lectin super-family. Genes in the NK gene complex encode type II receptors and examples include the families of NKR-P1, Ly-49, and NKG2 receptors. Examples of other C-type lectin-like receptors that occur as individual genes are CD94, CD69 and AICL. The invention includes a cDNA that encodes a predicted protein of 191 amino acid residues having similarity to the carbohydrate recognition domain of C-type lectins. The predicted protein of LLT1 shows 59 and 56% similarity to AICL and CD69, respectively. A monoclonal antibody (L9.7) against LLT1 receptor was generated. Binding of mAb L9.7 to surface LLT1 induced interferon gamma production in YT, a human NK cell line, as well as in resting and IL-2 activated NK cells, without modulating cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for screening for a candidate substance with ryanodine receptor (RyR)-modulatory activity, the method including: determining the ion-conducting ability and ability to change the concentration of the free cytoplasmic intracellular Ca2+ by the RyR modulated by Estrogen receptor-? (ER?) in cells or cell membranes expressing RyR and ER? combination with, or in the absence of the estrogen; contacting the cells or cell membranes with a candidate substance capable of modulation the interaction between RyR and ER?; and measuring the RyR mediated ion-conducting ability of the cells or cell membranes to change the concentration of the free cytoplasmic intracellular Ca2+ by the candidate substance, whereby the modulatory activity of the candidate substance on RyR/ER? interaction is determined.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods of making an activated polymeric nanoparticle for targeted drug delivery that includes a biocompatible polymer and an amphiphilic stabilizing agent non-covalently associated with a spacer compound that includes at least one electrophile that selectively reacts with any nucleophilic on a targeting agent and places the targeting agent on the exterior surface of a biodegradable nanoshell, wherein an active agent is loaded with the nanoshell.

Abstract: The present invention includes a microscope and a method for using the microscope for single molecule with reduced photobleaching of a fluorophore (20) that includes a light translucent material (16); a metal layer (18) disposed on the light translucent material (16); a medium (15) disposed on the metal layer (18), the medium (15) having one or more fluorophores (20) capable of binding a target analyte (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing and treating glaucoma.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel isotope-labeled dinitrophenylhydrazines (DNPHs) and methods for their use in detecting and/or quantifying carbonyl groups in proteins and other analytes. In particular, the present invention provides novel methods for identifying biomarkers of oxidative stress, which can be used to either forecast or detect diseases and/or conditions associated with oxidative stress. In one embodiment of the invention, isotope-labeled DNPHs are derived from [13C6]chlorobenzene.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing and treating glaucoma.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and method to improve the therapeutic index of anti-cancer agents using a novel anti-cancer agent and a modulator or potentiator thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and methods for the detection, isolation and characterization of candidate agents in a functional screening assay in agarose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel estrogen-related steroidal quinols and their use as drugs for estrogen replacement therapy. The quinols of the present invention provide improved physicochemical properties, increased bioavailability, and improved distribution into tissues, bone, in the cardiovascular system, and in the CNS (central nervous system) with only a slight estrogenic action or no estrogenic action in the uterus. The compounds are suitable for the production of pharmaceutical agents for use in numerous indications (for example, estrogen replacement therapy, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis).

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, kits and methods for specifically and differentially activating a membrane androgen receptor and their use for comparing the binding specificity of one or more drugs to a membrane androgen receptor and to an intracellular androgen receptor, wherein a difference in drug binding is indicative of differential receptor binding and may be used to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions associated with androgens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for assessing a person's menopausal or post-hysterectomy symptoms by providing a first set and a second set of questions to the person, receiving answers to the first set and second set of questions and assessing the person's symptoms based on the received answers. The first set of questions includes four or more questions directed to one or more physical conditions. The second set of questions includes two or more questions directed to one or more medical conditions. The physical conditions may include a duration of the symptoms, a frequency of the symptoms, an episode duration of the symptoms, an intensity of the symptoms, a bothersomeness of the symptoms and an onset age of the symptoms. The medical conditions may include a hysterectomy, a hormone therapy, a non-hormonal therapy and a contraception type.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating diseases of the eye and skin by modulating the amount of intracellular calcium using transdermal or transcorneal delivery of one or more N-acylethanolamines in a carrier.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing glaucoma and for screening therapeutic agents for their usefulness in treating glaucoma are disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a mechanism by which steroidal quinol compounds confer beneficial ophthalmic effects. The subject compounds possess a lipophilic-hydrophilic balance for transcorneal penetration and are readily reduced into parent phenolic A-ring steroid compounds to provide protection or treatment against various ocular symptoms and disorders. The compounds according to the subject invention appear to be highly advantageous as prodrugs to provide protection and/or treatment against ocular disorders. These prodrugs confer lipid solubility optimal for transocorneal penetration and are readily converted to endogenous reducing agents into active phenolic A-ring steroid compounds. To the extent that these prodrugs have reduced feminizing effects and systemic toxicity, they would be expected to be quite advantageous for protecting or treating the eye against ocular disorders such as cataract or glaucoma without undesired (systemic) side effects).

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for neuroprotection by modulating intracellular calcium concentrations by administering an effective amount of an N-acylethanolamine to a subject.