Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing the morphometry of a human hip joint is provided. The apparatus includes image receiving means for receiving a digital image of a hip joint and image analysis means, including an Active Shape Model configured to identify a set of landmark points on the image, wherein the set of points includes points which correspond to features of the proximal femur and the region of the pelvis forming the acetabulum. The ASM is further configured to generate an image data-set from the co-ordinates of the landmark points; and data comparison means for comparing the image data-set with one or more comparative data-sets to obtain value(s) for one or more output modes which characterize the variation of the image data-set from the comparative data-set(s), to provide an indication of the presence and/or severity of osteoarthritis in the hip and/or the risk of the hip joint developing osteoarthritis.

Abstract: A method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of an animal having a respiratory disease or condition associated with airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilia, neutrophilia, leukocytes or overproduction of mucus and/or with the expression of integrin ?4 comprising administering to the animal a composition comprising from. 0.001 to 1000 ?g per kg body weight of the animal of an antisense compound targeted to a nucleic acid molecule encoding integrin ?4.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for analyzing the morphometry of a human knee joint. The apparatus comprises: image receiving means for receiving a digital image of a knee joint; image analysis means comprising an Active Shape Model (ASM) configured to identify a set of landmark points on said image, wherein said set of landmark points includes points which define regions of the knee formed by the femur and the tibia, the ASM being further configured to generate an image data-set from the co-ordinates of said landmark points; and data comparison means for comparing said image data-set with one or more comparative data-sets to thereby obtain value(s) for one or more output modes which characterize the variation of the image data-set from the comparative data-set(s), to thereby provide an indication of the presence and/or severity of osteoarthritis in the knee and/or the risk of the knee joint developing osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of IL-4R alpha in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders related to expression of IL 4R-?, airway hyperresponsiveness, and/or pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating respiratory disorders via administration of antisense compounds targeting IL-4R?. Provided herein, for example, are compositions and methods of modulating immune responses to a viral infection in a subject. Also provided, for example, are compositions and methods for managing, treating, ameliorating, preventing and/or delaying the onset of pulmonary inflammation, airway hyperreactivity and/or loss of lung function, or a symptom thereof in a subject during the course of or resulting from a viral infection. Further provided, for example, are compositions and methods of inducing or augmenting hypo-responsiveness, non-responsiveness or tolerance to a virus in a subject. Also provided, for example, are compositions and methods of enhancing the efficacy of a viral vaccine in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of IL-4R alpha in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders related to expression of IL 4R-?, airway hyperresponsiveness, and/or pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for analysing the morphometry of a human knee joint. The apparatus comprises: image receiving means for receiving a digital image of a knee joint; image analysis means comprising an Active Shape Model (ASM) configured to identify a set of landmark points on said image, wherein said set of landmark points includes points which define regions of the knee formed by the femur and the tibia, the ASM being further configured to generate an image data-set from the co-ordinates of said landmark points; and data comparison means for comparing said image data-set with one or more comparative data-sets to thereby obtain value(s) for one or more output modes which characterise the variation of the image data-set from the comparative data-set(s), to thereby provide an indication of the presence and/or severity of osteoarthritis in the knee and/or the risk of the knee joint developing osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for analysing the morphometry of a human hip joint. The apparatus comprises:— image receiving means for receiving a digital image of a hip joint; image analysis means comprising an Active Shape Model (ASM) configured to identify a set of landmark points on said image, wherein said set of landmark points includes points which correspond to features of the proximal femur and the region of the pelvis forming the acetabulum, the ASM being further configured to generate an image data-set from the coordinates of said landmark points; and data comparison means for comparing said image data-set with one or more comparative data-sets to thereby obtain value(s) for one or more output modes which characterise the variation of the image data-set from the comparative data-set(s), to thereby provide an indication of the presence and/or severity of osteoarthritis in the hip and/or the risk of the hip joint developing osteoarthritis.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for predicting bone fracture risk in an osteoporotic patient. The apparatus comprises a Dual X-ray Absorptiometry scanner for scanning a body area of the patient and producing a Dual X-ray Absorptiometry image of the body area, and image analysis means for analyzing pre-determined aspects of the Dual X-ray Absorptiometry image. The apparatus further comprises data comparison means comprising a database of comparative data sets from Dual X-ray Absorptiometry images of control subjects to predict the risk of bone fracture in the patient. The image analysis means preferably analyses the shape of a body past using an Achieve Shape Model or analyses the texture of a body past using Fourier Transforms and Principal Component Analysis.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for reducing the amount of steroid required for the prevention, amelioration and/or treatment of pulmonary inflammation and/or airway hyperresponsiveness, comprising administration of the steroid and an oligonucleotide targeted to IL-4R alpha. Also described is a method for the prevention, amelioration and/or treatment of pulmonary inflammation and/or airway hyperresponsiveness comprising administration of a corticosteroid and an oligonucleotide targeted to IL-4R alpha. Further provided are compositions comprising a corticosteroid and an IL-4R alpha targeted antisense oligonucleotide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of IL-4R alpha in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders related to expression of IL 4R-?, airway hyperresponsiveness, and/or pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of IL-4R alpha in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders related to expression of IL 4R-?, airway hyperresponsiveness, and/or pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of IL-4R alpha in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders related to expression of IL 4R-?, airway hyperresponsiveness, and/or pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract: A method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of an animal having a respiratory disease or condition associated with airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilia, neutrophilia, leukocytes or overproduction of mucus and/or with the expression of integrin ?4 comprising administering to the animal a composition comprising from. 0.001 to 1000 ?g per kg body weight of the animal of an antisense compound targeted to a nucleic acid molecule encoding integrin ?4.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of IL-4R alpha in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders related to expression of IL 4R-?, airway hyperresponsiveness, and/or pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of IL-4R alpha in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of IL-4R alpha in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders related to expression of IL 4R-?, airway hyperresponsiveness, and/or pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of IL-4R alpha in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders related to expression of IL 4R-?, airway hyperresponsiveness, and/or pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract: Treatment with a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor and a leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist is described as being useful in reducing recipient rejection of transplanted organs and for treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of a combination comprising a therapeutically-effective amount of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor and an immunosuppressive drug selected from antiproliferative agents, antiinflammatory-acting compounds and inhibitors of leukocyte activation. This combination may be used, for example, to suppress the immune response associated with organ transplantation, graft versus host disease, and conditions with underlying autoimmune or inflammatory reactivities or responses.