Abstract: Methods for treating a disease, condition, or disorder associated with impaired muscle regeneration, including a muscular dystrophy, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), or limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), by administering a PPAR? agonist to a subject. The PPAR? agonist can be one or more thiazolidinediones including, but not limited to pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.

Abstract: A cover adapted to be worn over a user's limb to shield a cast from water exposure includes a shell formed of a single layer of a flexible, water resistant and breathable material. The shell surrounds an interior of the cover, including a lower interior chamber and an upper interior chamber. An open top end communicates with the upper interior chamber and is sized to permit passage of the user's limb and the cast therethrough and into the upper and lower interior chambers. A cinch strap with a releasable securing mechanism closes the open top end around the user's limb. An inner cuff separating the interior chambers includes an elastomeric opening that fits snug against the user's limb, above the cast, and can be tightened using a secondary cinch strap and cooperating fasteners. A segment of water absorbing fabric on an interior surface for absorbing moisture and water.

Abstract: A replaceable lighting module in an LED light source is provided. The module improves thermal, mechanical, and electrical connection with an associated fixture. The replaceable module also provides for precise positioning and improves on optical properties of the light distribution.

Abstract: An improved incandescent light source as may be used in a vehicle headlamp for providing forward illumination. The illuminating system includes a filament coil and an anisotropic reflector assembly. The filament coil is constructed from a coil of wire that is electrically conductive and has a high melting point and the primary axis of the coil of wire is substantially aligned with a principal axis of the reflector system. The light flux emitted by the filament coil toward the reflector system is rotationally anisotropic.

Abstract: An eye-manipulator can include an applicator-arm and an eye-contact element, the applicator-arm providing mechanical control over the eye-contact element, and the eye-contact element, connected to the applicator-arm, can be configured to make contact with an eye. A method of manipulating an eye includes aligning the eye-contact element with an eye by adjusting the applicator-arm of the eye-manipulator; contacting the eye with the eye-contact element of the eye-manipulator; and manipulating the eye with the eye-manipulator to assist a docking of a patient interface of an ophthalmic system onto the eye.

Abstract: A cover adapted to be worn over a user's limb to shield a cast from water exposure includes a shell formed of a single layer of a flexible, water resistant and breathable material. The shell surrounds an interior of the cover, including a lower interior chamber and an upper interior chamber. An open top end communicates with the upper interior chamber and is sized to permit passage of the user's limb and the cast therethrough and into the upper and lower interior chambers. A cinch strap with a releasable securing mechanism closes the open top end around the user's limb. An inner cuff separating the interior chambers includes an elastomeric opening that fits snug against the user's limb, above the cast, and can be tightened using a secondary cinch strap and cooperating fasteners. A segment of water absorbing fabric on an interior surface for absorbing moisture and water.

Abstract: A replaceable lighting module in an LED light source is provided. The module improves thermal, mechanical, and electrical connection with an associated fixture. The replaceable module also provides for precise positioning and improves on optical properties of the light distribution.

Abstract: A patient interface device adapted to provide an interface between a cornea and a surgical laser system. A frame has an applanation end and an attachment end which is adapted to couple to the surgical laser system. A skirt is affixed to the applanation end of the frame and is adapted to seal against the anterior surface of the cornea to form a chamber. A lens is disposed near the applanation end of the frame and is supported by a flexible support which affixes the lens to the frame.

Abstract: hABCG2, a member of the ATP-Binding Cassette transporters has been identified as a protective pump against endogenous and exogenous toxic agents. ABCG2 was shown to be expressed at high levels in stem cells, and variably regulated during cell differentiation. It is demonstrated herein that functional ABCG2 is expressed in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells by the activation of a nuclear hormone receptor, PPARg. The present results uncovered a mechanism by which up-regulation of functional ABCG2 expression can be achieved via exogenous or endogenous activation of the lipid activated transcription factor, PPARg. Thus the invention relates to combined treatments by PPARg agonists and cytotoxic drugs transportable by ABCG2, various treatments in the field of neoplastic diseases as well as cell therapy, including autologous cell therapy, as well as kits and composition therefor. Method for protecting cells against cytotoxic drugs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biocompatible and biodegradable stimuli-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles, which were formed by ion-ion interaction in aqueous media. Synthetic and biological macromolecules with ionizable functional groups are capable of forming nanoparticles whose size and surface properties are sensitive to environmental influences such as pH, temperature and salt concentration. Nanodevices are designed for therapeutic applications as drug and nucleic acid carriers, and/or for MRI diagnosis as contrast agents. These nanodevices are designed for therapeutic applications as targeted drug carriers. Additionally, they can be used as contrast agents for MRI diagnosis. These nanosystems are also potential carriers for delivery of active ingredients as DNA, RNA, short interfering RNA (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (AS-ON), and triple helix forming oligonucleotides (TFO) etc. for pharmaceutical applications. Their adjustable size offers yet another advantage.

Abstract: The reconstruction of artifact free images is made possible by the implementation of a SPECT imaging device that employs helical scanning. The SPECT imaging device includes a detector configured to detect photons, such as photons, that are projected onto it. A collimator is axially aligned with the detector and includes a plurality of pinholes configured to create overlapping projections of the photons. An object support structure is configured to move in a direction that is axially aligned with the detector and collimator. The detector and collimator are configured to rotate around the object support structure in a transaxial plane to the object support structure while the object support structure moves in an axial direct to the collimator and detector.

Abstract: A patient interface device adapted to provide an interface between a cornea and a surgical laser system. A frame has an applanation end and an attachment end which is adapted to couple to the surgical laser system. A skirt is affixed to the applanation end of the frame and is adapted to seal against the anterior surface of the cornea to form a chamber. A lens is disposed near the applanation end of the frame and is supported by a flexible support which affixes the lens to the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manipulated professional antigen presenting cell (APC) having increased expression of a CD1 type II molecule, preferably at least a CD1d molecule, relative to a control non manipulated cell. The invention further relates to the use of PPARg modulators in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition or kit for the treatment of a disease treatable by activation of CD1d restricted T-cells, e.g. in autoimmune diseases, allergies, post-transplant conditions or infectious diseases, or in the treatment of a neoplastic disease, e.g. skin cancer, hematological tumors, colorectal carcinoma, and therapeutic compositions and kits therefor. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods of manipulating professional APCs and kits therefor.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that PPAR&ggr; is expressed consistently in tissues associated with each of a variety of disease states which result from neoplastic cell proliferation. It has further been discovered that maximal activation of PPAR&ggr; with exogenous ligand promotes terminal differentiation of primary cells which are otherwise subject to neoplastic cell proliferation. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, it has been discovered that RXR-specific ligands are also potent agents for induction of differentiation of cells expressing the PPAR&ggr;/RXR&agr; heterodimer, and that simultaneous treatment of cells subject to neoplastic cell proliferation with a PPAR&ggr;-selective ligand, in combination with an RXR-specific ligand, results in an additive stimulation of differentiation.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that histone deacetylase associates with hormone receptor complexes and contributes to the repression thereof. It has further been discovered that exposure of a repressed system to histone deacetylase inhibitors relieves this repression, and that in combination with a ligand for a member the steroid/thyroid superfamily of receptors, the differentiation effects of retinoids are enhanced. Thus, histone deacetylase inhibitors have been found to be useful for the activation of genes responsive to hormone receptors and to conteract the oncogenic functions of oncogenic proteins. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, formulations useful for modulation of hormone-mediated processes have been developed. In addition, assays have been developed for the identification of compounds useful to modulate the above-described processes as well as methods of employing such compounds for the treatment of neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that PPAR&ggr; is expressed consistently in tissues associated with each of a variety of disease states which result from neoplastic cell proliferation. It has further been discovered that maximal activation of PPAR&ggr; with exogenous ligand promotes terminal differentiation of primary cells which are otherwise subject to neoplastic cell proliferation. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, it has been discovered that RXR-specific ligands are also potent agents for induction of differentiation of cells expressing the PPAR&ggr;/RXR&agr; heterodimer, and that simultaneous treatment of cells subject to neoplastic cell proliferation with a PPAR&ggr;-selective ligand, in combination with an RXR-specific ligand, results in an additive stimulation of differentiation.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonists are capable of modulating processes mediated by other members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily, including permissive receptors such as PPARs (e.g., PPAR&agr;, PPAR&dgr; and PPAR&ggr;). Indeed, it has been discovered that RAR antagonists, in combination with agonists for members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily, are capable of inducing and/or enhancing processes mediated by such members.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonists are capable of modulating processes mediated by other members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily, including permissive receptors such as PPARs (e.g., PPAR&agr;, PPAR&dgr; and PPAR&ggr;). Indeed, it has been discovered that RAR antagonists, in combination with agonists for members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily, are capable of inducing and/or enhancing processes mediated by such members.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that histone deacetylase associates with hormone receptor complexes and contributes to the repression thereof. It has further been discovered that exposure of a repressed system to histone deacetylase inhibitors relieves this repression. Thus, histone deacetylase inhibitors have been found to be useful for the activation of genes responsive to hormone receptors. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, formulations useful for modulation of hormone-mediated processes have been developed. In addition, assays have been developed for the identification of compounds useful to modulate the above-described processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel, parenterally useful, stable aqueous pharmaceutical compositions, mainly injectable solutions containing a bis-indole alkaloid. The compositions contain the zinc complex of a bis-indole alkaloid, preferably vincristine, vinblastine or 5'-nor-dihydrovinblastine together with a bivalent metal gluconate and a preserving agent dissolved in a mono- or polyhydric alcohol.The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of the above compositions.The composition according to the invention can be utilized for the parenteral administration of bis-indole alkaloids in the cancer chemotherapy.