Abstract: A system for protecting personal information uses a challenge and an encrypted copy of the challenge in the form of a message authentication code (MAC) to provide authentication among multiple parties. The challenge is received by a first party from a second party. The challenge is encrypted by the first party to form the MAC and then both the challenge and the MAC are returned to the second party. The second party authenticates the first party by confirming the challenge. The second party sends the MAC and challenge to the third party. The third party decrypts the MAC using a key shared with the first party. When the decrypted MAC matches the challenge, the first party is authenticated to the third party. The process is applicable to transaction processing to limit compromise of payment instrument details.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for characterizing biological markers in the urine of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) subjects. In particular, the present invention relates to the detection of cytokines and chemokines in urine of SLE subjects for determining nephritic disease states and kidney damage in SLE subjects and the efficacy of agents and interventions used to treat lupus nephritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for characterizing biological markers in the urine of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) subjects. In particular, the present invention relates to the detection of cytokines and chemokines in urine of SLE subjects for determining nephritic disease states and kidney damage in SLE subjects and the efficacy of agents and interventions used to treat lupus nephritis.