Abstract: The present invention relates to novel amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterases from the parasite Leishmania major. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences. The invention further relates to the use of these sequences, and of antibodies directed against these sequences, in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the infection of Leishmania major, including the identification of compounds that form complexes with the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated full-length nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel PDE protein of the invention, and methods for uses thereof. The nucleic acid molecules of the invention also include peptide nucleic acids (PNA), and antisense molecules that react with the nucleic acid molecules of the invention. The invention also relates to agonists, antibodies, antagonists or inhibitors of the activity of novel PDE proteins. These compositions are useful for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of conditions associated with the presence or the deficiency of novel PDE proteins.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for treating a cancerous disease is provided which includes characterizing a disease by an overexpression of one or more somatostatin receptors, and exposing the one or more somatostatin receptors to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a somatostatin analogue which binds to the one or more somatostatin receptors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for providing gas for isotopic ratio analysis. According to the invention, a gas is generated from an eluate of a liquid chromatograph (LC). Subsequently, the gas is separated from the eluate. Finally, the gas is fed to an instrument (IRMS) for isotopic ratio analysis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a composition of somatostatin analogues having the general formula: is provided wherein Z may be absent or present and when present is selected from DOTA- and DTPA-based chelators, NOTA-based chelators, carbonyl compounds, hydrazino nicotinamide, N4-chelators, desferrioxamine, NxSy-chelators, optionally complexed or labeled with a radioisotope, tyrosine for halogenation, a fluorescent dye, or biotin. The composition further provides that L may or may not be present and when present is a linker molecule, X1 is glutamic acid or a symmetric or asymmetric diamino acid containing 3 or 4 consecutive C atoms, X2 is a positively charged natural or unnatural amino acid, an arginine mimic, citrulline, or a neutral amino acid, X3 is phenylalanine, Ala-[3-(2-thienyl)], ?-naphthylalanine, or ?-naphthylalanine, X4 is an aromatic amino acid, X5 is threonine or serine, and X6 is phenylalanine, Ala-[3-(2-thienyl)], ?-naphthylalanine, or ?-naphthylalanine.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated full-length nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel PDE protein of the invention, and methods for uses thereof. The nucleic acid molecules of the invention also include peptide nucleic acids (PNA), and antisense molecules that react with the nucleic acid molecules of the invention. The invention also relates to agonists, antibodies, antagonists or inhibitors of the activity of novel PDE proteins. These compositions are useful for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of conditions associated with the presence or the deficiency of novel PDE proteins.

Abstract: A biological evidence collection apparatus provides contact-free drying, storage, identification, and protection against sample switch and contamination of collected biological samples. The apparatus may include the described forensic evidence collection kit which provides a set of tools for the collection and storage of biological evidence. The collection apparatus may also be used as part of a sexual assault evidence collection kit, or a kit for the collection of buccal swabs, and the like.