Abstract: A method and system are provided to report the findings of an expert's analysis of image data. The method and system are based on a reporting system that forms the basis of an image management system that can efficiently and systematically generate image reports, facilitate data entry into searchable databases for data mining, and expedite billing and collections for the expert's services. The expert identifies a significant finding on an image and attaches a location:description code to the location of that finding in order to create a significant finding and an entry into a database. Further descriptions of that finding, such as dimensional measurements, may be automatically appended to the finding as secondary attributes. After the evaluation, the system sorts the findings in the database and presents the findings by prioritized categories. The expert edits and approves a multimedia report which may be delivered by electronic means to an end-user.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing a disease or a predisposition to contract a disease by assaying for mutations of uromodulin (UMOD) within a test subject or patient. The presence of a mutation in the UMOD supports a diagnosis of a disease or a predisposition to contract a disease within the patient.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a bioscaffold from natural tissues by oxidizing a decellularized tissue to produce a bioscaffold having pores therein. The pore size and porosity is increased to better accommodate intact cells so that live cells can better infiltrate and inhabit the bioscaffold. The bioscaffold may be freeze-dried or lyophilized, sterilized and (optionally) aseptically packaged for subsequent use. A further aspect of the present invention is a bioscaffold produced by the processes described herein. Methods of treatment using the bioscaffold as a graft or as a biomedical implant for implantation are also provided. Also provided are methods of seeding a bioscaffold with mammalian cells, wherein the seeding carried out either in vitro or in vivo, and wherein a bioscaffold produced as described herein is utilized for said seeding.

Abstract: Cardiac information of a patient is displayed by obtaining a plurality of MRI cine loops of the heart of the patient at a plurality of heart rates, the plurality of cine loops including both wall motion cine loops and at least one perfusion cine loops and simultaneously displaying both the wall motion cine loops and the at least one perfusion cine loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of Formula I: wherein: R1 is a label (e.g., a detectable groups; an anti-tumor agent)s; L is present or absent and when present is a linking group; and x represents an integer from 1 to 10; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. the compounds are useful for, among other things, identifying cysteine sulfenic acids in proteins and monitoring oxidative damage in proteins and cells.

Abstract: A system for constructing image slices through a selected object, the system comprising an identifiable fiducial reference in a fixed position relative to the selected object, wherein the fiducial reference comprises at least two identifiable reference markers. A source of radiation is provided for irradiating the selected object and the fiducial reference to form a projected image of the selected object and the fiducial reference which is recorded by a recording medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. Also provided are compositions comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. The invention also discloses methods of making a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. The invention further provides pharmaceutical formulations and methods for inducing an immune response against Yersinia pestis.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for effecting interactive, three-dimensional renderings of selected body organs for purposes of medical observation and diagnosis. A series of CT images of the selected body organs are acquired. The series of CT images is stacked to form a three-dimensional volume file. To facilitate interactive three-dimensional rendering, the three-dimensional volume file may be subjected to an optional dataset reduction procedure to reduce pixel resolution and/or to divide the three-dimensional volume file into selected subvolumes. From a selected volume or subvolume, the image of a selected body organ is segmented or isolated. A wireframe model of the segmented organ image is then generated to enable interactive, three-dimensional rendering of the selected organ.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing a disease or a predisposition to contract a disease by assaying for mutations of uromodulin (UMOD) within a test subject or patient. The presence of a mutation in the UMOD supports a diagnosis of a disease or a predisposition to contract a disease within the patient.

Abstract: A method for ameliorating erectile dysfunction (ED) in a subject, by injecting a population of cells capable of increasing nitric oxide production in corporal tissue, and maintaining the cells in vivo to increase local tissue concentrations of nitric oxide, whereby intracavernous pressure can be improved upon stimulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expression vector wherein said expression vector comprises a polynucleotide promoter sequence, a polynucleotide encoding a signal sequence, a polynucleotide encoding an antigen protein or peptide, a polynucleotide encoding a cell binding element, and a polynucleotide polyadenylation sequence all operatively linked. More particularly, it relates to the method of eliciting an immune response directed against an antigen in a mammal comprising the steps of introducing the expression vector into a cell, expressing the vector to produce an antigen under conditions wherein the antigen is secreted from the cell, endocytosing the secreted antigen into the cell, processing the antigen, and presenting fragments to a receptor to elicit a T-cell response. In addition, this invention relates to a vaccine and a method of use. The invention also relates to the method of identifying MHC-II restricted epitopes.

Abstract: A system, and computer implemented method are provided for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures. Three-dimensional volume data (34) is formed from a series of two-dimensional images (33) representing at least one physical property associated with the three-dimensional structure, such as a body organ having a lumen. A wire frame model of a selected region of interest is generated (38b). The wireframe model is then deformed or reshaped to more accurately represent the region of interest (40b). Vertices of the wire frame model may be grouped into regions having a characteristic indicating abnormal structure, such as a lesion. Finally, the deformed wire frame model may be rendered in an interactive three-dimensional display.

Abstract: Methods, systems and circuits predict cardiotoxicity induced cardiac injury prior to an irreversible state by electronically generating at least one histogram of mean intensities of voxels/pixels in an MRI image of a left ventricle myocardium and electronically determining a likelihood of cardiac injury due to cardiotoxicity based on data from the at least one histogram.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for preparing electrospun matrices comprising at least one natural biological material component and at least one synthetic polymer material. The natural component makes the matrices highly biocompatible while the molecular weight polymer component can impart additional strength mechanical strength to the scaffold and/or improve ease of manufacture by increasing viscosity and spinning characteristics of the solution during electrospining.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of identifying a subject at risk for increased cellular PSA production and/or prostate cancer by detecting the presence or absence of a genetic polymorphism in the prostate specific antigen gene.

Abstract: Active compounds of Formula (I) are described: wherein: R1 and R2 are each independently C1-C4 alkyl; or R1 and R2 together form a C2-C7 alkylene chain; and Z is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); along with pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrug thereof, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A mosquito control trap taking advantage of the normal stages of development for a mosquito. The trap including stagnant water trapped within a container by a weeping platform floating on top of the water. A series of holes in the weeping platform provide exposure of the water to form brood cups in which female mosquitoes lay eggs. In order to develop through the larva and pupa stage the developing insects must enter the larger reservoir of stagnant water, since there is insufficient room in the brood cups. However, the holes are too small to permit escape of the adult mosquito, thus preventing any of the eggs from developing. This device provides a means for controlling mosquitoes without the use of pesticides and is especially suitable for use in lesser developing countries.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to report the findings of an expert's analysis of image data. The method and system are based on a reporting system that forms the basis of an image management system that can efficiently and systematically generate image reports, facilitate data entry into searchable databases for data mining, and expedite billing and collections for the expert's services. The expert identifies a significant finding on an image and attaches a location:description code to the location of that finding in order to create a significant finding and an entry into a database. Further descriptions of that finding, such as dimensional measurements, audio descriptions, 3D rendered snapshots, etc., may be automatically appended to the finding as secondary attributes of the finding within the database. At the end of the expert's evaluation of the image(s), the system sorts the findings in the database and presents the findings by prioritized categories.

Abstract: The present invention discloses processes of making a polyunsaturated fatty acid compositions, and compositions thereof. Thus, one method of making a polyunsaturated fatty acid compositions comprises at least 8% polyunsaturated fatty acids, the process comprising extracting the fatty acids from a microalgae, wherein the fatty acids can be (a) GLA in an amount of 1% to 10% of total fatty acids; (b) SDA in an amount of 5% to 50% of total fatty acids; (c) EPA in an amount of 2% to 30% of total fatty acids, and (d) DHA in an amount of 2% to 30% of total fatty acids, wherein a polyunsaturated fatty acid composition is produced comprising at least 8% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Additional processes of making polyunsaturated fatty acid compositions, animal feed additives, and animal products are disclosed and the compositions, feed additives and products thereof.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods useful for treatment of a virus infection in a mammal by double-targeting the virus (i.e. targeting the virus at more than one stage of the virus life cycle) and thereby inhibiting virus replication. The compositions of the invention include compounds which comprise a phosphocholine moiety covalently conjugated with one or more antiviral agents (e.g. nucleoside analogue, protease inhibitor, etc.) to a lipid backbone. The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions and kits for use in treatment of a virus infection in mammals. The methods of the invention comprise administering a compound of the invention, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention, in an amount effective to treat the infection, to a mammal infected with a virus. Additionally, the invention includes compositions and methods useful for combating a cancer in a mammal and for facilitating delivery of a therapeutic agent to a mammalian cell.