Abstract: A method of diagnosing and treating urinary tract obstruction that includes obtaining a urine sample from a human patient; detecting whether a predetermined uroepithelial peptide or predetermined urinary protein is present in the urine sample by either contacting the urine sample with an anti-uroepithelial peptide antibody and detecting binding between the uroepithelial peptide and the antibody or contacting the urine sample with an anti-urinary protein antibody and detecting binding between the urinary protein and the antibody; diagnosing the patient with urinary tract obstruction when the presence of either the predetermined uroepithelial peptide or predetermined urinary protein is detected; and operatively or non-operatively treating the patient to correct or remove the urinary tract obstruction.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing infection in a patient undergoing a treatment of a predetermined type. This method comprises establishing a baseline level of at least one antimicrobial peptide in a specific patient or in a patient population undergoing treatment of a predetermined type, wherein the treatment involves accessing fluid from the patient's peritoneal cavity prior to the patient presenting with a suspected infection; measuring the level of the at least one antimicrobial peptide in a sample taken from the patient after the patient presents with a suspected infection; comparing the baseline level of the at least one antimicrobial peptide to the measured level of the at least one antimicrobial peptide; and diagnosing the patient with an infection if the baseline level of the at least one antimicrobial peptide exceeds the measured level of the at least one microbial peptide by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated cells that are selectively enriched for hematopoietic progenitor cells that are precursors for natural killer (NK) cells. These cells are both CD34 and CD45RA positive and express C-integrin ?7, and are referred to as CD34dimCD45RA(+)C-integrin ?7bright. The invention provides methods for isolating these cells, for inducing formation of CD56bright NK cells, and for treating diseases associated with immunodeficiency and cancer.

Abstract: A CD34(+) cell line, which can be found in human lymph nodes, called CD34dimCD45RA(+)integrin?7bright. Methods of isolating the novel cell type from tissue and methods of its use are also provided.