Abstract: The present invention relates to modulating, neutralizing, or inactivating the activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particularm, the present invention provides methods for modulating, neutralizing, or inactivating MIF activity by complexing MIF with other molecules, preferably a protein, that is capable of associating with MIF. These molecules can be used for treating diseases by the regulation of MIF activity.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for merging manual parameters with predefined parameters. The system includes a parse module configured to receive a command string having multiple nested manual parameters and a build module configured to generate a parameter tree having manual parameter nodes and predefined parameter nodes. The system may also include a search module configured to compare manual parameter nodes to predefined parameter nodes to identify matching parameter contexts, and a command module configured to generate a command string. The method includes receiving a command string having multiple nested manual parameters, identifying manual parameters within the command string, and generating a parameter tree having manual parameter nodes and predefined parameter nodes. The method also includes comparing manual parameter nodes to predefined parameter nodes to identify parameter nodes having a matching parameter context, and generating a command string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the risk assessment, detection, diagnosis, or prognosis of prostate cancer. More specifically, this invention relates to the detection of certain polymorphism in the promoter region of the MIF gene to determine the risk, detect, diagnose, or prognosticate prostate cancer. Applicants have discovered that the presence of a ?173C and/or ?749 (CATT)7 or more repeat predispose an individual to prostate cancer.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for converting data into source code such that the data can be translated and become part of a load module suitable for accessing from a load library. The apparatus includes a parser module, a format module, and an output module. The parsing module analyzes a data file having one or more data lines. The format module automatically formats the data file so that it can be translated by a translator. The formatted data file includes one or more computer language instructions containing the appropriate syntax corresponding to the particular translator. The output module outputs the formatted data file as an output file that can be renamed to preserve the original data file. A verification module allows the formatting of the data file to be verified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. More specifically, this invention uses the levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) produced by the bladder epithelia (urothelia) as a marker for bladder cancer. Moreover, the present invention also provides a method for attenuating bladder carcinoma by inhibiting of macrophage MIF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the association between detecting and quantifying the presence of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in urine, bladder and prostate tissues for the purpose of diagnosis and prognosis of urological inflammatory. In addition, methods to inactivate MIF activity by use of antibodies or specific MIF inhibitors can be used to treat these diseases. For instance, such diseases as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, non-bacterial prostatitis, and interstitial cystitis may be mediated by MIF release. Periodic assays for MIF could be conducted for a patient to determine if the patient's MIF urine levels are high or increasing. In addition, intravesical MIF antibodies or other MIF-specific inhibitors would reduce or ameliorate these pelvic diseases.