Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that mutations in SCN9A are causative of Congenital Indifference to Pain (CIP) in humans. The invention also relates to methods of using compounds small organic compounds to treat pain as well as to predict the effect of analgesic agents in patients, such as those possessing gain of function mutations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that mutations in SCN9A are causative of Congenital Indifference to Pain (CIP) in humans. The invention also relates to methods of using compounds small organic compounds to treat pain as well as to predict the effect of analgesic agents in patients, such as those possessing gain of function mutations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that mutations in SCN9A are causative of Congenital Indifference to Pain (CIP) in humans. The invention also relates to methods of using compounds small organic compounds to treat pain as well as to predict the effect of analgesic agents in patients, such as those possessing gain of function mutations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that mutations in SCN9A are causative of Congenital Indifference to Pain (CIP) in humans. The invention also relates to methods of utilizing the SCN9A gene and expression products thereof for the screening and identification of therapeutic agents, including small organic compounds, which are selective for SCN9A, and are useful in the treatment of pain and other disorders. The invention also relates to methods of using these compounds to treat or otherwise ameliorate such disorders.

Abstract: Polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences for HFE2A, as well as mutations associated with juvenile hemochromatosis, and methods of utilizing these for the screening and identification of agents for the treatment of diseases of iron metabolism, including small organic compounds, are disclosed along with methods of treating and/or ameliorating diseases of iron metabolism, especially in human patients are disclosed. Diagnostic compounds, kits and methods using HFE2A are also described.

Abstract: Methods of utilizing a gene related to pain perception, herein dubbed HSN2, or its encoded protein, dubbed herein “sensorin,” for the screening and identification of agents for the treatment of pain, neuropathy and related disorders, especially small organic compounds, as well as methods of using these compounds to treat or otherwise ameliorate pain, neuropathy and related disorders in human patients. Novel polypeptides and polynucleotides, along with their nucleotide and amino acid sequences, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum device and method for extraction of a substance from a fluid source, the vacuum device including an upper member that may be selectively, and operably, connected to a lower member. The upper member defines a bottom opening, and has a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the bottom opening. The vacuum pump is selectively coupled to an energy source. The lower member defines an inner cavity, a first opening, and a second opening, the inner cavity in communication with the first opening and the second opening. An elastic membrane defining an interior cavity is disposed in the inner cavity and is coupled to the first opening of the lower member.