Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second gastrointestinal organ.

Abstract: Isolated sulfotransferase nucleic acid molecules that include a nucleotide sequence variant and nucleotides flanking the sequence variant are described, as well as sulfotransferase allozymes. Methods for determining if a mammal is predisposed to cancer also are described.

Abstract: This document provides methods and material related to natriuretic polypeptides. For example, substantially pure polypeptides having a natriuretic peptide activity, nucleic acids encoding polypeptides having a natriuretic peptide activity, host cells containing such nucleic acids, and methods for inducing a natriuretic or diuretic activity within a mammal are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a combined or mixed-energy image using both low- and high-energy CT data sets acquired using a dual-energy CT system. The low- and high-energy datasets are mixed using desired weighting factors to mimic a “single-energy” image. The low-energy dataset provides data with improved contrast enhancement, but with increased noise level. The high-energy dataset provides data with lower contrast enhancement, but with better noise properties. By combining the low- and high-energy datasets in accordance with the present method, the resulting mixed-energy images utilize the information of full dose of radiation used in the dual-energy scan. A plurality of weighting metrics can be selected, including patient size, dose partitioning, or image quality, to determine the desired weighting factors based on the weighting metrics. By selecting the proper weight factors, image noise can be reduced and/or the contrast to noise ratio can be increased in the mixed-energy image.

Abstract: The invention features methods of enhancing the responsiveness of a T cell. Such methods involve interfering with the interaction between a T cell and a B7-H1 molecule.

Abstract: Methods and materials for inducing anti-tumor responses in melanoma patients are disclosed. These methods and materials involve gp100-derived polypeptides that contain both a helper T-cell epitope and a cytotoxic T-cell epitope.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to detecting t(1;19) as well as methods and materials for identifying or assessing cancer within a mammal (e.g., a human). For example, methods for assessing the aggressiveness of a low-grade glioma in a human are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect group B streptococcus (GBS) in biological samples using real-time PCR. Primers and probes for the detection of GBS are provided by the invention. Articles of manufacture containing such primers and probes for detecting GBS are further provided by the invention.

Abstract: Purified populations of smooth muscle progenitor cells are provided as well as methods of making and using the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapy and diagnosis of disorders associated with chronic visceral hypersensitivity (CVH), and in particular irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In particular, this invention relates to the polypeptides as well as to the polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, wherein said polypeptides are shown to be associated with CVH. These polypeptides and polynucleotides are useful in the diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of disorders associated with CVH, in particular in the diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of disorders associated with IBS.

Abstract: This document includes methods and materials for enriching and detecting cancer markers. For example, this document includes methods and materials for enriching methylated mammalian nucleic acid from stool samples.

Abstract: Harmonic motion is produced in a subject using vibro-acoustography. An ultrasonic imaging system repetitively interrogates the subject and the Doppler shift in the reflected echo signals is analyzed to measure the phase and amplitude of harmonic motion produced in the subject at different prescribed frequencies. Shear wave propagation through the subject is determined from this information and mechanical properties related to “stiffness” of the subject are determined. A Kalman filter is employed in the phase and amplitude measurement to extract the harmonic motion information from background noise.

Abstract: The invention provides constructs that feature a nucleic acid molecule encoding an amino terminal region of a BRI polypeptide. A construct of the invention can further include a multiple cloning site joined to the 3? end of the BRI nucleic acid molecule or a nucleic acid molecule encoding a heterologous polypeptide operably linked to the BRI nucleic acid molecule. The invention further provides methods of directing a heterologous polypeptide through the secretory pathway in a cell. Such methods utilize a construct of the invention that additionally contains a promoter that directs expression of the BRI and heterologous nucleic acid molecules. The construct is introduced into a cell and, following expression, the fusion protein is directed through the secretory pathway of the cell. In addition, a construct of the invention can be introduced into an animal to make the animal transgenic for the heterologous polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and materials useful for targeting antigenic determinants of mutable pathogens for somatic hypermutation. These methods and materials can be used to induce an immune response against antigenic variants of mutable pathogens.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in identifying, predicting, and treating pre-eclampsia or a cardiovascular disease (e.g., atherosclerosis) in mammals. For example, methods and materials involved in using serum levels of HtrA polypeptides to identify pre-eclampsia or a cardiovascular disease, using HTRA polymorphisms to predict pre-eclampsia or a cardiovascular disease, and using HtrA antibodies to treat pre-eclampsia or a cardiovascular disease in mammals (e.g., humans) are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for occluding perivalvular leaks located around the periphery of implanted replacement valves. The apparatus and methods may include both distal and proximal covers adapted for placement over a perivalvular leak, with the covers retained in position by tension between the proximal and distal flanges. The distal and proximal covers may be capable of collapsing into a delivery configuration amenable for delivery to an internal body location through a lumen of a delivery catheter and a deployment configuration in which a flange of the cover extends radially outward such that the flange defines a first major surface facing the opposing cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Trojan antigens, and immunogenic compositions comprising the Trojan antigens. The present invention also relates to methods of generating an immune response in a subject using the Trojan antigens or immunogenic compositions. The present invention further relates to methods of treating squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) using the Trojan antigens and immunogenic compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: This document involves methods and materials related to obtaining Paramyxoviridae virus preparations.

Abstract: Methods for determining the amount of vitamin D compounds in a sample are provided. The methods can employ LC-MS/MS techniques and optionally the use of deuterated internal standards. Methods for diagnosing vitamin D deficiencies are also provided.