Abstract: A method of treating an amyloid disease, or a disease characterized by alpha-synuclein or NAC fibrillogenesis, in a mammalian subject. The method includes administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a various disclosed catechins or green tea extract. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a catechin and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The therapeutic amount of the catechin or green tea extract is selected for efficacy in treating amyloid, alpha-synuclein or NAC fibrillogenesis in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: Bis- and tris-dihydroxyaryl compounds and their methylenedioxy analogs and pharmaceutically acceptable esters, their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in the treatment of synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease, and the manufacture of medicaments for such treatment.

Abstract: The use of a composition comprising a compound: where R is a C1-C10 alkylene group, in which, when the number of carbon atoms is at least 2, there are optionally 1 or 2 non-adjacent double bonds; 1 to 3 non-adjacent methylene groups are optionally replaced by NR1 (where R1 is H, alkyl, or acyl), O, or S; and 1 or 2 methylene groups are optionally replaced by a carbonyl or hydroxymethylene group for the preparation of a medicament or a pharmaceutical for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an amyloid disease, or a susceptibility to an amyloid disease, in a patient, where the disease is related to the levels of a PTI-HS7 antigen in a sample from the patient. The method includes testing with a PTI-HS7 antibody for elevated levels of PTI-HS7 antigen in the patient, whereby any elevated levels of PTI-HS7 antigen are indicative of the presence, susceptibility to, or progression of, the amyloid disease in the patient.

Abstract: A method of treating an amyloid disease, or a disease characterized by alpha-synuclein or NAC fibrillogenesis, in a mammalian subject. The method includes administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a various disclosed catechins or green tea extract. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a catechin and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The therapeutic amount of the catechin or green tea extract is selected for efficacy in treating amyloid, alpha-synuclein or NAC fibrillogenesis in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: A portable instrument system is provided for the testing of pressure and flow characteristics of implantable ventricular shunt valves using a gaseous testing fluid that may be drawn from the testing environment. The system includes a rate pump having a control mechanism that provides a variety of selective constant flow rates so that the valve characteristics can be determined under various operating conditions. Fluid communication is provided between the pump, the valve and a pressure sensing device such that the pressure sensing device receives the same pressure and flow rate that the valve does. Typically, the pressure sensing device is a gauge transducer that utilizes atmospheric pressure as a reference point and senses the changes in the gas pressure in the valve, relaying the pressure readings to a digital display or chart recorder.