Abstract: The present invention is related to databases and the exchange of scientific information. Specifically the invention discloses a laboratory data management system including a knowledge base that stores characteristics of laboratory reagents, experiment subjects, tissues and cells. The invention also includes an experiment input module that accepts input of parameters of an experiment and data from a knowledge base module. Further, the invention includes a protocol creator connected to the knowledge base module and the experiment input module that creates a laboratory protocol for an experiment based on data supplied from the knowledge base module and the experiment input module. The invention also includes methods to use the described system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to activate peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The present invention further provides methods for the identification of blocking agents of Tat protein activation of PBMCs and for identifying an active portion of a Tat polypeptide for incorporation as an immunogen in a vaccine. The present invention also provides an immunogen comprising an isolated variant of wild-type HIV Tat protein that exhibits reduced HIV priming of competent cells in comparison to the wild-type HIV Tat protein. The present invention further provides a diagnostic kit for identifying blocking agents for HIV Tat protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides computer program products, systems, and related methods of coordinating a knowledge base.

Abstract: This invention provides novel liposome-based articles of manufacture and microarrays and methods of making and using them (1) to detect the presence of one or more agents in a sample, (2) to determine the amount of one or more agents in a sample, and (3) to determine whether a subject is afflicted with a disorder. This invention also provides kits which comprise the instant microarrays.

Abstract: The present invention is related to databases and the exchange of scientific information. Specifically the invention disclosed a unified scientific database that allows researchers to easily share their data with other researches. The present invention also allows for the ease of data collection, annotation, storage, management, retrieval and analysis of scientific data through and into the database. In addition, it allows for archival storage and retrieval of data collected directly from laboratory instruments to ensure data consistency for patent and other purposes. It also allows for ease of sharing data between laboratories in remote locations. The present invention also supports the automated creation of experimental protocols.

Abstract: The present invention is related to databases and the exchange of scientific information. Specifically the invention disclosed a unified scientific database that allows researchers to easily share their data with other researches. The present invention also allows for the ease of data collection, annotation, storage, management, retrieval and analysis of scientific data through and into the database. In addition, it allows for archival storage and retrieval of data collected directly from laboratory instruments to ensure data consistency for patent and other purposes. It also allows for ease of sharing data between laboratories in remote locations. The present invention also supports the automated creation of experimental protocols.

Abstract: Life-threatening hepatotoxicity in the setting of acetaminophen overdose is due to depletion of glutathione (GSH), a vital cysteine-containing tripeptide that protects cells and organs against oxidant injury. Rapid administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which provides the cysteine necessary to replenish the depleted GSH, is the standard of care for preventing injury in acetaminophen overdose. Beneficial effects of NAC treatment have also been demonstrated in respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and infectious and other diseases. In fact, over fifty randomized placebo-controlled trials conducted in diverse clinical settings document positive responses to NAC treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is related to databases and the exchange of scientific information. Specifically the invention discloses a laboratory data management system including a knowledge base that stores characteristics of laboratory reagents, experiment subjects, tissues and cells. The invention also includes an experiment input module that accepts input of parameters of an experiment and data from a knowledge base module. Further, the invention includes a protocol creator connected to the knowledge base module and the experiment input module that creates a laboratory protocol for an experiment based on data supplied from the knowledge base module and the experiment input module. The invention also includes methods to use the described system.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of the toxic effects of therapeutic agents and methods of treating or preventing such toxicity using a toxicity reducing amount of N-acetylcysteine either alone or in combination with a therapeutically effective amount or, to achieve its therapeutic advantages, an amount larger than what is customarily given as a therapeutically effective amount, of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of the toxic effects of therapeutic agents and methods of treating or preventing such toxicity using a toxicity reducing amount of N-acetylcysteine either alone or in combination with a therapeutically effective amount or, to achieve its therapeutic advantages, an amount larger than what is customarily given as a therapeutically effective amount, of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of the toxic effects of therapeutic agents and methods of treating or preventing such toxicity using a toxicity reducing amount of N-acetylcysteine either alone or in combination with a therapeutically effective amount or, to achieve its therapeutic advantages, an amount larger than what is customarily given as a therapeutically effective amount, of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention is related to databases and the exchange of scientific information. Specifically the invention disclosed a unified scientific database that allows researchers to easily share their data with other researches. The present invention also allows for the ease of data collection, annotation, storage, management, retrieval and analysis of scientific data through and into the database. In addition, it allows for archival storage and retrieval of data collected directly from laboratory instruments to ensure data consistency for patent and other purposes. It also allows for ease of sharing data between laboratories in remote locations. The present invention also supports the automated creation of experimental protocols.

Abstract: This invention relates a series of methods for the visual representation and subsequent application of analyses on complex data sets. In particular, this invention is useful for the analysis of multiple sample sets that share common features, for which similar types of analyses are desired. Three concepts are embodied to aid in this analysis: “Functional equivalence by Algorithmic Polymorphism” (FEAP), in which an analysis algorithm is abstracted through the use of an associated name; a genealogical metaphor for the representation of successive or parallel analysis steps, in which “families” of analyses can be easily copied between different sample data sets; and batch analysis through the creation of multi-sample analysis surrogates (MSAS), which are groups of samples wherein analyses applied to an MSAS is then applied to every sample within the MSAS group.

Abstract: A rapid assay for infection in immunodeficient patients such as neonates or immunocompromised patients (e.g. HIV or transplant patients) allows diagnosis at initial evaluation, such that antibiotic treatment and confinement to an intensive care unit can be avoided for uninfected patients. The assay can be used for detecting bacterial, viral, or fungal colonization of the blood stream, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or urinary tract. The method is particularly useful for sepsis diagnosis. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN, neutrophil) CD11b (Mac-1, CR3) levels are measured by flow cytometry or laser scanning microscopy in low volume (0.1 ml) whole blood samples. A dual-laser FACS identifies neutrophils by FITC-conjugated anti-CD15 fluorescent antibodies, and identifies surface neutrophil CD11b marked with PE-conjugated anti-CD11b antibodies. Spontaneous upregulation of CD11b is prevented by handling samples at 4.degree. C. or adding a stabilizing compound such as anti-CD14 antibody or adenosine to the samples.

Abstract: A method of identifying an abnormal T-cell profile of an immunocompromised subject is disclosed. The method involves detecting the immunoreactivity of T-cells with at least two antibodies selectively reactive with naive T-cell surface proteins and comparing data from cells isolated from an immunocompromised subject with data from cells isolated form a non-immunocompromised subject. Also disclosed are methods of screening drugs or compounds for efficacy to stimulate the production of naive T cells in a subject.

Abstract: Glutathione levels are determined using a glutathione surrogate in HIV-positive patients to evaluate survival longevity and determine appropriate treatment. Low glutathione levels indicate a need for a glutathione enhancing supplement and a more aggressive therapeutic regimen, as well as diminishing drugs which may result in the reduction of available glutathione.

Abstract: Patients suffering from a pathological condition resulting in reduced intracellular cysteine levels are treated with a cysteine source capable of being transported to the cellular cytoplasm. Particularly, N-acetyl cysteine is employed in the treatment of AIDS patients.

Abstract: A method of treating viral infection comprises the step of administering to a patient harboring a disease-inducing virus other than HIV-1, the virus being one for which an intracellular thiol deficit causes or exacerbates expression of viral genetic information by transcription, translation or viral replication, such as human rhinovirus, an amount effective to inhibit transcriptional or translational expression of genetic information or replication of the virus, of an N-(C.sub.1-4)-acylcysteine, such as N-acetyl cysteine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Prevention of disease symptoms and reduction of their severity results from the foregoing treatment. Combination of N-(C.sub.1-4)-acylcysteine or its salt with another antiviral drug or drug for alleviating symptoms of viral infection provides additional therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: Certain autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus may be prevented or attenuated by in vivo treatment with a complement-fixing anti-Leu3 (CD4) antibody that is cytotoxic to Leu3 (CD4) phenotype T cells.