Abstract: A novel set of 98 genes expressed in the respiratory tract epithelium that serve as biomarkers for measuring chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) activity are provided. Methods of classifying the (COPD) status of a subject are provided. Systems for expression-based classification of COPD disease status are provided. Methods of treating COPD are also provided, among other things.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting lung cancer comprising detecting an elevated level of a CTAP III-related biomarker in a biological sample from a subject at risk for developing lung cancer. Further, a method is described for predicting risk of developing lung cancer in a subject comprising detecting an elevated level of a CTAP III-related biomarker in a biological sample from a subject. Additionally, a method of monitoring the success of lung cancer treatment is described comprising detecting levels of a CTAP III-related biomarker in a biological sample from a subject undergoing treatment for lung cancer for comparison with a previous level obtained from the subject. Multivariate analysis may be incorporated into these methods, evaluating such clinical, or demographic risk factors as age, sex, smoking history, smoking status, smoking family history, education level, COPD, socio-economic status, body mass index and lung function. Kits for conducting such methods are described.

Abstract: Near-infrared Raman spectroscopy can be applied to identify preneoplastic lesions of the bronchial tree. Real-time in vivo Raman spectra of lung tissues may be obtained with a fiber optic catheter passed down the instrument channel of a bronchoscope. Using prototype apparatus, preneoplastic lesions were detected with sensitivity and specificity of 96 and 91% respectively. The use of Raman spectroscopy apparatus and methods in conjunction with other bronchoscopy imaging modalities can substantially reduce the number of false positive results.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting lung cancer comprising detecting an elevated level of a CTAP III-related biomarker in a biological sample from a subject at risk for developing lung cancer. Further, a method is described for predicting risk of developing lung cancer in a subject comprising detecting an elevated level of a CTAP III-related biomarker in a biological sample from a subject. Additionally, a method of monitoring the success of lung cancer treatment with curative intent is described comprising detecting levels of a CTAP III-related biomarker in a biological sample from a subject undergoing treatment for lung cancer for comparison with the a previous level obtained from the subject. Multivariate analysis may be incorporated into these methods, evaluating such clinical, or demographic risk factors as age, sex, smoking history, smoking status, smoking family history, education level, COPD, socio-economic status, body mass index and lung function. Kits for conducting such methods are described.

Abstract: Optical systems that provide for simultaneous images and spectra from an object, such as a tissue sample, an industrial object such as a computer chip, or any other object that can be viewed with an optical system such as a microscope, endoscope, telescope or camera. In some embodiments, the systems provide multiple images corresponding to various desired wavelength ranges within an original image of the object, as well as, if desired, directional pointer(s) that can provide both an identification of the precise location from which a spectrum is being obtained, as well as enhancing the ability to point the device.

Abstract: Optical systems that provide for simultaneous images and spectra from an object, such as a tissue sample, an industrial object such as a computer chip, or any other object that can be viewed with an optical system such as a microscope, endoscope, telescope or camera. In some embodiments, the systems provide multiple images corresponding to various desired wavelength ranges within an original image of the object, as well as, if desired, directional pointer(s) that can provide both an identification of the precise location from which a spectrum is being obtained, as well as enhancing the ability to point the device.

Abstract: Optical systems that provide for simultaneous images and spectra from an object, such as a tissue sample, an industrial object such as a computer chip, or any other object that can be viewed with an optical system such as a microscope, endoscope, telescope or camera. In some embodiments, the systems provide multiple images corresponding to various desired wavelength ranges within an original image of the object, as well as, if desired, directional pointer(s) that can provide both an identification of the precise location from which a spectrum is being obtained, as well as enhancing the ability to point the device.

Abstract: Composition derived from traditional Chinese herbal medicines, medicinal plants and extracts thereof, are provided. These compositions can be used as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Optical systems that provide for simultaneous images and spectra from an object, such as a tissue sample, an industrial object such as a computer chip, or any other object that can be viewed with an optical system such as a microscope, endoscope, telescope or camera. In some embodiments, the systems provide multiple images corresponding to various desired wavelength ranges within an original image of the object, as well as, if desired, directional pointer(s) that can provide both an identification of the precise location from which a spectrum is being obtained, as well as enhancing the ability to point the device.

Abstract: Optical systems that provide for simultaneous images and spectra from an object, such as a tissue sample, an industrial object such as a computer chip, or any other object that can be viewed with an optical system such as a microscope, endoscope, telescope or camera. In some embodiments, the systems provide multiple images corresponding to various desired wavelength ranges within an original image of the object, as well as, if desired, directional pointer(s) that can provide both an identification of the precise location from which a spectrum is being obtained, as well as enhancing the ability to point the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of 5-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,2-dithiole-3-thione or of a pharmaceutical derivative thereof for the preparation of a medicament for preventing lung cancer in a mammalian subject, especially for preventing or reducing the appearance of new dysplastic lesions, or the progression of pre-existing dysplastic lesions in the subject, or for improving regression of existing dysplastic lesions.

Abstract: Optical systems that provide for simultaneous images and spectra from an object, such as a tissue sample, an industrial object such as a computer chip, or any other object that can be viewed with an optical system such as a microscope, endoscope, telescope or camera. In some embodiments, the systems provide multiple images corresponding to various desired wavelength ranges within an original image of the object, as well as, if desired, directional pointer(s) that can provide both an identification of the precise location from which a spectrum is being obtained, as well as enhancing the ability to point the device.

Abstract: Optical systems that provide for simultaneous images and spectra from an object, such as a tissue sample, an industrial object such as a computer chip, or any other object that can be viewed with an optical system such as a microscope, endoscope, telescope or camera. In some embodiments, the systems provide multiple images corresponding to various desired wavelength ranges within an original image of the object, as well as, if desired, directional pointer(s) that can provide both an identification of the precise location from which a spectrum is being obtained, as well as enhancing the ability to point the device.

Abstract: Compositions derived from traditional Chinese herbal medicines, medicinal plants and extracts thereof, are provided for the prevention and treatment of cancers especially lung cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer and leukemia. The composition is also useful for treating Helicobacter pylori infection The composition is also useful for treating or preventing a chronic inflammatory condition. The composition is also useful for treating or preventing cardiovascular disease. The composition is also useful for treating or preventing cerebral vascular disease. The compositions are useful as adjuncts to conventional surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments in patients with cancer. Preferred compositions of the invention contain the herbal ingredients Sophora tonkinensis, Polygonum bistorta, Prunella vulgaris, Sonchus brachyotus, Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz, and Dioscorea bulbifera.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for contemporaneous measurements of electromagnetic radiation with multiple measuring devices, for producing a high diagnostic sensitivity image while achieving high diagnostic specificity with spectroscopy, for producing illumination for fluorescence/NIR reflectance imaging and white light reflectance imaging, all with the same sensors are disclosed. The method may involve selectively adjusting a gain of an imaging device in at least one wavelength band relative to a gain in at least one other band to produce an optimized image of an object, and may also involve producing a first reflectance signal in a first NIR wavelength band, and producing a second reflectance signal in a second NIR band such that an absorption coefficient ratio of oxyhemoglobin to deoxyhemoglobin in the second wavelength band differs from that in the first wavelength band, to permit the first and second reflectance signals to be used to produce a tissue oxygenation image.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the treatment or prevention of cancer, H. pylori infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular diseases or cerebral vascular diseases in a mammal, comprising the administration of the mammal of an effective amount of a composition containing a matrine component and dictamnine. Another aspect of the invention relates to a composition comprising at least 15 &mgr;mole of a matrine component and at least 0.15 &mgr;mole of dictamnine.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a process for the manufacture of a herbal composition, said process comprising: a. subjecting a matrine containing plant material, in the absence of a plant material derived from the species Dictamnus, to an extraction with an aqueous solvent, optionally followed by a concentration step, to produce a herbal extract I; b. subjecting a plant material derived from the species Dictamnus, to an extraction with an aqueous solvent, optionally followed by a concentration step, to produce a herbal extract II; c. mixing the herbal extracts I and II; d. provided the resulting mixture contains a significant amount of water, drying the mixture to a water content of less than 6 wt. %. The herbal composition according to the present invention may advantageously be used in a method of treating or preventing cancer, H. pylori infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular diseases or cerebral vascular diseases in mammals.

Abstract: A method of assisting in development of an environment comprising the steps of receiving evaluation data for a environment from at least one individual participating in the environment, wherein the evaluation data represent impressions of the individual regarding the environment, and providing model data to an individual that is responsible at least in part for the environment. The model data represent one or more dimensions of the environment and are developed at least in part from the evaluation data. Each of the one or more dimensions is associated with at least one characteristic of the individual responsible for the environment. The method also includes the steps of receiving from the individual responsible for the environment a selection of at least one of the one or more dimensions and providing the individual responsible for the environment an action plan for improving at least one characteristic associated with the dimension.

Abstract: Compositions derived from traditional Chinese herbal medicines, medicinal plants and extracts thereof, are provided for the prevention and treatment of cancers especially cancer of the lung, esophagus, stomach, oral cavity and prostate as well as for treating Helicobacter pylori infection. The compositions of the invention are obtained through specific techniques and have demonstrated efficacy for chemoprevention of cancers of the lung, esophagus, stomach, and the oral cavity as well as exhibiting in vitro activity against prostate cancer and leukemic cell lines. The compositions are useful as adjuncts to conventional surgery or radiotherapy treatments in patients with esophageal cancer. The compositions are effective as a treatment for H. pylori infection. Currently, there is no effective chemopreventive agent for these cancers. The current invention addresses a special need in cancer control.

Abstract: Apparatus for acquiring in vivo images of a site of interest within the internal organs of a body. The apparatus includes an elongate, flexible catheter. The catheter is introducible into the body and has a first end that remains external to the body and a second and positionable adjacent the site of interest. A movable scanning unit having at least one sensor for acquiring images is housed adjacent the second end of the catheter. There is a drive mechanism to control movement of the movable scanning unit from the first external end of the catheter to acquire multiple images of the site of interest. The drive mechanism has a control element extending the length of the catheter lumen adapted for linear movement within the lumen to generate linear or rotational movement of the scanning unit.