Abstract: Methods of producing a terminally sterilized topical patch preparation are provided. In the subject methods, a topical patch preparation is exposed to electron beam radiation, preferably low level electron beam radiation, for a period of time sufficient to terminally sterilize the topical patch preparation. Also provided are the terminally sterilized topical patch preparations produced by the subject methods and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The invention provides therapeutic and biological uses of chemokine-receptor-binding compounds (including chemokine receptor ligands such as chemokine receptor agonists or antagonists), such as naphthoic acid derivatives, including uses in the treatment of disease states mediated by chemokines. The relevant chemokine may for example be stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1, and the relevant chemokine receptors may for example be corresponding chemokine receptor (CXCR-4). In other aspects, the invention provides corresponding pharamaceutical compositions and therapeutic methods. In one aspect, for example, the invention provides for the use of 3-Hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for modulating, and generally upregulating, the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) by blocking repression of TERT transcription, e.g., by inhibiting binding of repressor factor to a Site C repressor binding site located in the TERT minimal promoter. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including the immortalization of cells, the production of reagents for use in life science research, therapeutic applications; therapeutic agent screening applications; and the like. In further describing the subject invention, the methods and compositions of the invention are described first in greater detail, followed by a review of the various applications in which the subject invention finds use.

Abstract: Physiologically acceptable aqueous solutions and methods for their use are provided. The subject solutions comprise: electrolytes; a dynamic buffering system and an oncotic agent; and do not comprise a conventional biological buffer. The subject solutions find use in a variety of applications, particularly in those applications where at least a portion of a host's blood volume is replaced with a blood substitute.

Abstract: A biologically-active material comprising a live virus or mycoplasma is preserved by a method of desiccation, without lyophilisation, in a matrix of glassy trehalose having a residual moisture content of not greater than 2%. The method comprises two vacuum drying stages. In a cycle time much shorter than a typical freeze drying process a virus or mycoplasma can be preserved to provide a material that can be rehydrated to give a vaccine having potency.

Abstract: Non-human mammalian hosts are provided, comprising functional human hepatocytes. Isolated human hepatocytes or fragments of human hepatic tissue are introduced into the xenogeneic host in conjunction with one or more agent that stimulates human hepatocyte growth factor receptor. The human hepatocytes are maintained in the host by administration of one or more agent that stimulates human hepatocyte growth factor receptor, either continuously (e.g., via an implanted catheter or intravenous apparatus) or in discrete, regular dosages of the agent (e.g., via intravenous injections or oral dosages). The human hepatocytes are able to survive and function in the host animal for a period of at least 5 months.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a hood drawstring arrangement that may be adapted to allow a single adjustment to exert tension along the vertical sides of the front face opening of the hood, which will tend to vertically compress the hood, as well as simultaneously exerting a circumferential tensioning of the top portion of the hood.

Abstract: A reagent is suitable for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a hemoglobin-containing biological fluid, such as whole blood. The reagent comprises a flavin-dependent enzyme that has specificity for the analyte, a flavin cofactor if, and only if, a flavin is not bound to the enzyme, a tetrazolium dye precursor, an electron transfer agent, and a nitrite salt. The reagent causes dye formation that is a measure of the analyte concentration. The nitrite salt suppresses interfering dye formation caused non-enzymatically by the hemoglobin. Preferably, the reagent is used in a dry strip for measuring glucose in whole blood.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic device has a non-absorbent substrate that has a hydrophilic target area on which a reagent is deposited by non-impact printing of microdroplets. During deposition, the device is moved relative to the stream of microdroplets to form a substantially uniform reagent layer on the substrate. The device is particularly well adapted for measuring blood coagulation times. In a preferred embodiment, coagulation times are determined by monitoring the optical transmission of light through the target area as an applied blood sample interacts with the reagent.

Abstract: An artificial plasma-like substance having at least one water soluble polysaccharide oncotic agent selected from the group consisting of high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch, low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch, dextran 40 and dextran 70, which is buffered by lactate and has a pre-administration pH of between 4 and 6.5 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the artificial plasma-like solution may have at least two water soluble polysaccharide oncotic agents one of which is eliminated from the circulation slowly and the other of which is eliminated from the circulation quickly. Supplementation of the plasma-like solution with certain ions is described. A system for administration of the plasma-like solution to a subject wherein the system comprises a first and second solution each having particular buffers is described. Methods for the administration of the plasma-like solution are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for at least reducing the mineral content of a vascular calcified lesion, i.e. a calcified lesion present on the vascular tissue of a host. In the subject methods, the local environment of the lesion is maintained at a subphysiologic pH for a period of time sufficient for the mineral content of the lesion to be reduced, e.g. by flushing the lesion with a fluid capable of locally increasing the proton concentration in the region of the lesion. Also provided are systems and kits for practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and devices find particular use in the treatment of vascular diseases associated with the presence of calcified lesions on vascular tissue.

Abstract: Methods for modulating the endocrine system of a mammal are provided. In the subject methods, a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors of the hypothalamus are administered to the host. The subject methods find use in applications where it is desired to increase the circulatory level of a hormone in a mammalian host, such as diseased states characterized by abnormally depressed circulatory levels of the hormone.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for introducing a nucleic acid into the genome of at least one cell of a multicellular organism are provided. In the subject methods, a Sleeping Beauty transposon that includes the nucleic acid is administered to the multicellular organism along with a source of a Sleeping Beauty transposase activity. Administration of the transposon and transposase results in integration of the transposon, as well as the nucleic acid present therein, into the genome of at least one cell of the multicellular organism The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications, including the in vivo transfer of genes for use in, among other applications, gene therapy applications.

Abstract: Compounds having anti-fibrotic effects are provided. Also provided is a method for treating disorders, diseases or conditions associated with pathological fibrotic states. The compounds useful in the present invention are homocysteine thiolactone and selected derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal are provided. In the subject methods, thermal energy is transferred between the environment and both the thoracic/abdominal core body and head of the mammal. In general, such thermal energy transfer occurs under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for determining the three dimensional structure of a particle are provided. In the subject methods, a plurality of images of the identically heavy atom labeled particles of interest is obtained. Each of the images in the plurality is obtained by rigidly attaching at least four heavy atom clusters to the particle of interest and imaging the particle in an electron microscope. The three-dimensional structure of the particle is then derived from the plurality of images of the labeled particle. This derivation step preferably includes an alignment step in which the orientation of the images is determined using the heavy atom cluster projections. In preferred embodiments, the heavy atom clusters serve to reveal particle homogeneity, particle location, particle orientation, image artifacts, and image parameters required for computational image restoration. The subject methods are particularly suited for use in determining the three dimensional structure of biological particles, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in perfusion applications are provided. In the subject methods, a subject or derivative thereof, e.g. isolated organ or tissue, is infused, perfused and/or transfused with at least two fluid compositions. The first fluid composition is a non-naturally occurring biological buffer free plasma-like solution and the second fluid composition is a fluid blood composition. In a preferred embodiment, an additional volume of the first solution, or a derivative thereof, is administered to the patient following introduction of the fluid blood composition. Also provided are kits and systems for performing the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in variety of perfusion applications, including the treatment of hypothermic surgical applications, cryogenic procedures, and the like.

Abstract: Methods of using absorption enhancer as a component of skin care compositions for moisturizing and protecting the skin. Antimicrobial skin care compositions for cleansing and moisturizing the skin, comprising an absorption enhancer, an antimicrobial function enhancer and bound lipid removals, humectants, emollients and extracts of botanical herbs. Methods for preparing skin care compositions comprising an absorption enhancer.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding novel ACAT proteins, as well as the novel ACAT-2 proteins, (ACAT-2) are provided. Also provided are methods of producing the subject nucleic acid and protein compositions. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies for disease conditions associated with ACAT-2 activity.

Abstract: Kits for use in the treatment of vascular calcified lesions are provided. The subject kits include at least one of: (a) a fluid delivery means for conveying fluid to and from a vascular site; and (b) a dissolution fluid for at least partially dissolving the target lesion. In many embodiments, the kits include both of these components. The subject kits further include instructions for treating vascular calcified lesions with the contents of the kit, where the instructions are typically recorded on a recording medium, e.g. printed on a substrate, such as paper.