Abstract:
A method is described for blocking maturation and production of microfilariae in adult filarial nematodes utilizing a transglutaminase inhibitor, such as monodansyl cadaverine (MDC). Experiments applying this method to several Brugia filarial infections, including Brugia malayi, were successful. Higher concentration of transglutaminase inhibitor proved to be filariacidal.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides micro-feature devices and methods for fabricating micro-feature devices. A micro-feature device can include a substantially rigid transparent substrate. The device can include a plurality of macrowells defined in the transparent substrate. Each macrowell can have a width in the range of about one millimeter to about 35 millimeters and a depth in the range of about two millimeters to about 12 millimeters. Each macrowell can include a respective plurality of microwells defined in a respective lower surface of the macrowell. Each microwell can have a width in the range of about 50 microns to about 500 microns and a depth in the range of about 50 microns to about 500 microns.
Abstract:
This application provides devices for modeling ischemic stroke conditions. The devices can be used to culture neurons and to subject a first population of the neurons to low-oxygen conditions and a second population of neurons to normoxic conditions. The neurons are cultured on a porous barrier, and on the other side of the barrier run one or more fluid-filled channels. By flowing fluid with different oxygen levels through the channels, one can deliver desired oxygen concentrations to the cells nearest those channels.
Abstract:
Computers, computer program products, and methods for identifying a plurality of subjects for a clinical trial are provided. A candidate set of molecular profiles in a stored plurality of molecular profiles are identified. Each such profile has measurements for a discriminating set of cellular constituents that match the measurements of corresponding cellular constituents in a responder set of biological samples, thereby identifying the plurality of subjects for the trial from those subjects from which the candidate set of molecular profiles were derived. Each respective molecular profile in the stored plurality of profiles has measurements of a plurality of cellular constituents from a respective biological sample in a plurality of samples obtained from a first plurality of subjects. The discriminating set of cellular constituents is identified from those cellular constituents in the plurality of cellular constituents whose measurement values discriminates between the responder and nonresponder sets of biological samples.
Abstract:
A method of inhibiting the negative effects of beta-amyloid in the brain of an animal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound that modulates CD45 activity. This invention also relates to compositions for use in stimulating CD45, and assays for une in finding compounds useful in inhibiting the negative effects of beta-amyloid. An assay for use in identifying compounds that inhibit the negative effects of beta-amyloid comprises (a) contacting immune cells with a predetermined amount of one or more test compounds in the presence of beta-amyloid or one or more peptides derived therefrom, (b) monitoring the amount of one or more inflammatory molecules released by the immune cells, and (c) comparing the amount found in step (b) with another amount found in the absence of the one or more test compounds or using a different predetermined amount the one or more test compounds.