Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing BCH-189 and various analogs of BCH-189 from inexpensive precursors with the option of introducing functionality as needed. This synthetic route allows the stereoselective preparation of the biologically active isomer of these compounds, .beta.-BCH-189 and related compounds. Furthermore, the steochemistry at the nucleoside 4' position can be controlled to produce enantiomerically-enriched .beta.-BCH-189 and its analogs.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of altering the metabolism of sphingolipids in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a fumonisin, or an analog thereof. The invention also provides a method of detecting the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog in a subject comprising (A) detecting, in a sample from the subject, the state of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids and (B) comparing the state of the metabolic pathway to that of a normal subject, the presence of a change in the state of the metabolic pathway indicating the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog. Also provided is a method of detecting the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination in a sample from a food or feed comprising detecting a reaction of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids, the presence of the reaction indicating the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination. Furthermore, novel fumonisin analogs and compositions comprising fumonisins and fumonisin analogs are provided.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and noncardiovascular inflammatory diseases that are mediated by VCAM-1 is provided that includes the removal, decrease in the concentration of, or prevention of the formation of oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids, or interferes with a complex formed between a polyunsaturated fatty acid or an oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of VCAM-1. A method is also provided for suppressing the expression of a redox-sensitive gene or activating a gene that is suppressed through a redox-sensitive pathway, that includes administering an effective amount of a substance that prevents the oxidation of the oxidized signal, and typically, the oxidation of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, or interferes with a complex formed between the oxidized signal and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of the redox gene.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and noncardiovascular inflammatory diseases that are mediated by VCAM-1 is provided that includes the removal, decrease in the concentration of, or prevention of the formation of oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids, or interferes with a complex formed between a polyunsaturated fatty acid or an oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of VCAM-1. A method is also provided for suppressing the expression of a redox-sensitive gene or activating a gene that is suppressed through a redox-sensitive pathway, that includes administering an effective amount of a substance that prevents the oxidation of the oxidized signal, and typically, the oxidation of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, or interferes with a complex formed between the oxidized signal and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of the redox gene.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the oral delivery of temporally increasing concentrations of capsaicin, its derivatives, and analogs (collectively, "capsaicinoids"), to provide oral or pharyngeal analgesia while minimizing sensations of nausea and burning associated with the oral administration of capsaicinoids. The methods and compositions described herein soothe and relieve oral or pharynx pain. In one embodiment, one or more capsaicinoids are dispersed within a lollipop, with successively decreasing concentrations of capsaicin from the center out to the periphery, and administered to a patient in need of amelioration of oral pain. Alternatively, the capsaicinoid can be dispersed, with decreasing concentrations from the center to the periphery, in a tablet, caplet, lozenge, troche, pill, candy, or similar formulation.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides that include a 2'-fluoro .beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl nucleoside at the 3'-terminus, the 5'-terminus or in the interior of the oligomer. A preferred nucleoside is 2'-fluoro-5-methyl-.beta.-L-arabinofuranosyluridine (also referred to as L-FMAU). This compound is a potent antiviral agent against HBV and EBV and exhibits low cytotoxicity. Other specific examples of active compounds include N.sub.1 -(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-.beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl)-5-ethyluracil, N.sub.1 -(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-.beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodocytosine), and N.sub.1 -(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-.beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil.

Abstract: A method and composition for the treatment of humans infected with HBV that includes the administration of an HBV treatment amount of a .beta.-dioxolanyl purine nucleoside of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is OH, Cl, NH.sub.2, or H, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative of the compound, optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.