Abstract: An ophthalmic shunt implantable in an eye having an elongate body and a conduit for conducting aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of the eye to the suprachoroidal space of the eye. The elongate body has a forward end and an insertion head that extends from the forward end. The insertion head defines a shearing edge suitable for cutting eye tissue engage thereby. The forward end and the insertion head of the body define a shoulder surface. The conduit has a first end defined on a portion of a top surface of the insertion head. The conduit also extends through the body from the forward end to a back end thereof. The first end of the conduit is spaced from the shearing edge and, in one example, from the shoulder of the body.

Abstract: A method of inducing bone formation in a subject in need of such inducement comprises the steps of mechanically inducing an increase in osteoblast activity in the subject and elevating blood concentration of at least one bone anabolic agent in the subject. The method steps may be performed in any order, but in sufficient time proximity that the elevated concentration of the anabolic agent and the mechanically induced increase in osteoblast activity overlaps. The method may additionally comprise providing the subject with an elevated blood concentration of at least one antiresorptive agent, wherein the elevated concentration is sufficient to prevent resorption of new bone growth produced due to the osteoblast activity. Use of the method permits targeting of specific bones of the subject for bone production and preservation, faster bone production and earlier discontinuation of bone anabolic pharmaceuticals. Kits adapted for performing the method are provided.

Abstract: A method of inducing bone formation in a subject in need of such inducement comprises the steps of mechanically inducing an increase in osteoblast activity in the subject and elevating blood concentration of at least one bone anabolic agent in the subject. The method steps may be performed in any order, but in sufficient time proximity that the elevated concentration of the anabolic agent and the mechanically induced increase in osteoblast activity overlaps. The method may additionally comprise providing the subject with an elevated blood concentration of at least one antiresorptive agent, wherein the elevated concentration is sufficient to prevent resorption of new bone growth produced due to the osteoblast activity. Use of the method permits targeting of specific bones of the subject for bone production and preservation, faster bone production and earlier discontinuation of bone anabolic pharmaceuticals. Kits adapted for performing the method are provided.

Abstract: A metal-substituted mesoporous oxide framework, such as Co-MCM-41, are disclosed which includes more than one ion species with different reduction kinetics. The reducibility correlates strongly with the pore radius of curvature, with the metal ions incorporated in smaller pores more resistant to complete reduction. The metal-ion substituted oxide framework improves catalytic processes by controlling the size of the catalytic particles forming in the pores. The metal-substituted mesoporous oxide framework can be employed in selective hydrogenation of organic chemicals, in ammonia synthesis, and in automotive catalytic exhaust systems.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns compositions and methods for blocking cancer cell growth or proliferation and/or inducing cancer cell death. Compositions of the present invention are peptidomimetics that inhibit STAT function. Peptidomimetics of the invention display selective inhibition of specific STAT isoform homo-dimerization. The peptidomimetic probes of STAT1 function, described herein, provide the means to preferentially inhibit STAT1 over STAT3 through the exploration of the C-terminus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating inflammatory conditions in a subject comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising a lymphoid thymosin-?4 polypeptide or a functional lymphoid thymosin-?4 polypeptide variant. The invention also provides a method of promoting wound healing in a subject comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising a lymphoid thymosin-?4 polypeptide or a functional lymphoid thymosin-?4 polypeptide variant. The invention also relates to methods of treating the above mentioned conditions in a subject comprising administering to the subject a nucleic acid encoding a lymphoid thymosin-?4 polypeptide or a functional lymphoid thymosin-?4 polypeptide variant. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a lymphoid thymosin-?4 polypeptide or a functional lymphoid thymosin-?4 polypeptide variant, or salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Growth factor binding molecules having a plurality of peptide loops attached to a non-peptide organic scaffold, preferably having pseudo-six amino acid peptide loops with four amino acid sidechains. The growth factor binding molecules specifically bind various growth factors and are suitable for treating a subject having tumors or restinosis. In one embodiment a platelet-derived growth factor binding molecule is disclosed that is used to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis in solid tumors.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the invention provide new diagnostic markers for cancers (e.g., ovarian cancer, PPC, etc.) and other proliferative diseases or conditions such as psoriasis and endometriosis. The methods and compositions of the invention further provide new treatments for such proliferative diseases or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of enhancing the immune response of a patient relative to the normal immune response, by administering isoaspartyl-modified proteins, peptides, or cells, to a patient. The present invention is also directed to vaccines containing the isoaspartyl-modified proteins, peptides, or cells, as well as antibodies reactive with the isoaspartyl-modified proteins, peptides, or cells.

Abstract: Transimmunization methods incorporating skin immunologic challenges are described for either selectively suppressing the immune response of recipients of transplanted tissue or cells or monitoring induced anti-cancer immunity. In one embodiment, skin from the transplant donor is allografted to the transplant recipient to induce an immunological response to the transplanted skin. A quantity of blood is taken from the recipient and treated to render the T cells in the blood apoptotic and to induce differentiation of blood monocytes into dendritic cells. The treated blood is incubated and administered to the recipient to induce formation of suppressor T cell clones which reduce the number of T cells attacking the transplanted tissue or organ. This tolerogenic approach can be complemented by also feeding the immature dendritic cells apoptotic or necrotic cells from the organ donor.

Abstract: An occlusion device for actively occluding orifices of fallopian tubes includes a resilient body having an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The elongated member further includes a first leg ending with the first end of the elongated member, a second leg ending with the second end of the elongated member and a connection member positioned therebetween. A first orifice plug is secured at the first end of the elongated member and a second orifice plug is secured at the second end of the elongated member. The first and second orifice plugs are shaped and dimensioned to seat at the orifices of the fallopian tubes or within the fallopian tubes as the elongated member spreads outwardly with the first end and second end moving apart. A delivery device for delivery of medication or therapeutic agents to a uterine cavity is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides anti-inflammatory compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof for treating inflammatory disorders. The present invention also provides methods of identifying anti-inflammatory compounds and methods of inhibiting NF-?B-dependent target gene expression in a cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for of amplifying nucleic acid sequences useful for detecting the presence of molecules of interest. The method is useful for detecting specific nucleic acids in a sample with high specificity and sensitivity. The method also has an inherently low level of background signal. A preferred form of the method consists of a DNA ligation operation, an amplification operation, and a detection operation. The DNA ligation operation circularizes a specially designed nucleic acid probe molecule. This operation is dependent on hybridization of the probe to a target sequence and forms circular probe molecules in proportion to the amount of target sequence present in a sample. The amplification operation is rolling circle replication of the circularized probe. A single round of amplification using rolling circle replication results in a large amplification of the circularized probe sequences.

Abstract: Identification of variant genes correlated with age related macular degeneration, such as variant LOC387715, variant SYNPR and variant PDGFC; methods of identifying or aiding in identifying individuals at risk for developing age related macular degeneration.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using a targeting molecule that is bound non-covalently to the nucleic acid. Compositions and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A process for growth of boron-based nanostructures, such as nanotubes and nanowires, with a controlled diameter and with controlled chemical (such as composition, doping) as well as physical (such as electrical and superconducting) properties is described. The boron nanostructures are grown on a metal-substituted MCM-41 template with pores having a uniform pore diameter of less than approximately 4 nm, and can be doped with a Group Ia or Group IIa electron donor element during or after growth of the nanostructure. Preliminary data based on magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that Mg-doped boron nanotubes have a superconducting transition temperature on the order of 100 K.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new NOS variants or mutants which contain structural alterations in the site of Akt dependent phosphorylation. The altered NOS proteins or peptides, especially the human eNOS proteins or peptides, Akt proteins or polypeptides and their encoding nucleic acid molecules are useful as gene therapy agents for the treatment of diseases including post angioplasty restenosis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes and diseases with defective angiogenesis. NOS proteins and peptides are also useful in methods of screening for agents which modulate NOS activity.

Abstract: Polymeric microparticles have been developed which encapsulate therapeutic compounds such as drugs, cellular materials or components, and antigens, and can have targeting ligands directly bound to the microparticle surface. Preferred applications include use in tissue engineering matrices, wound dressings, bone repair or regeneration materials, and other applications where the microparticles are retained at the site of application or implantation. Another preferred application is in the use of microparticles to deliver anti-proliferative agents to the lining of blood vessels following angioplasty, transplantation or bypass surgery to prevent or decrease restenosis, and in cancer therapy. In still another application, the microparticles are used to treat or prevent macular degeneration when administered to the eye, where agents such as complement inhibitors are administered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds according to the general formula: wherein B is or and the remaining variables are defined in the specification, and compositions comprising the compounds. The compounds are useful as anti-viral agents in viral therapy.

Abstract: Described herein is a cellular marker, MyD88, useful for assessing an individual's (patient's) sensitivity (or resistance) to chemotherapy, particularly sensitivity (or resistance) to chemotherapeutic drugs, such as plant alkaloids (e.g., a taxane, such as paclitaxel or docetaxel). As described herein, Applicants provide a method by which it is possible to determine whether an individual (cancer cells in an individual) is sensitive to chemotherapy with plant alkaloids (e.g., a taxane, such as paclitaxel or docetaxel). Early identification of chemoresistance in patients with cancer is of utmost importance, particularly since it makes it possible to provide the most appropriate therapy.