Abstract: Porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are described that selectively bind molecules of interest, especially nucleic acid molecules, under appropriate conditions. Methods of preparing the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles and their use of identifying or separating molecules of interest are also described. Kits comprising the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are also provided.

Abstract: A composition comprising, per liter of aqueous solution, from 30 to 350 g polyethylene glycol, from 3 to 20 g of an ascorbic acid component selected form the group consisting of ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulphate, preferably from 1 to 15 g thereof, and optionally one or more electrolytes selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium hydrogen carbonate, and preferably also comprising flavorings, is effective in cleansing the gut in preparation for a endoscopy, especially colonoscopy. It is safer than conventional sodium phosphate-based gut cleansing compositions, and hence can be used for patients who would be at risk with sodium phosphate-based compositions, and is better tolerated than conventional PEG-based compositions, leading to better patient compliance and enabling effective out-patient use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cyclic peptides of formula (I): X-A1-cyclo(D-Cys-A3-A4-Lys-A6-A7)-A8-Y, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The peptides bind selectively to the somatostatin subtype receptor type-5 and elicit an agonist effect from the somatostatin subtype receptors.

Abstract: A process for the solid phase synthesis of a peptide having at least one thyptophan residue, wherein said method comprises temporarily protecting the indole ring of said tryptophan residue with a side chain protecting group which is labile to a base wherein said protecting group is removed during cleavage of said peptide from the solid support.

Abstract: Claimed is a somatostatin agonist according to formula (I), D-Phe-c(Cys-Tyr(I)-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys)-Thr-NH2, ??(I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the depolymerization of glycosaminoglycanes characterized by the use of high-energy radiation in the presence of an organic compound selected from the group consisting of ethers, alcohols, aldehydes, amides and formic acid. The invention also relates to intermediate depolymerized heparin having a molecular weight of between 1,000 and 5,500, absorbance at 400 nm below 0.300 and ratio SO3?/COO?equal to or higher than in the starting heparin. The intermediate depolymerized heparin can be dissolved in a buffer solution and fractionated by gel permeation for obtaining the desired molecular weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating vascular proliferation in a patient in need thereof. The method includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a type-1 somatostatin agonist to said patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides comprising a helper T cell epitope portion and a B cell epitope portion for eliciting an immune response against endogenous cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of the extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves or isolated Ginkgolide B (GKB), a component of the extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves in a method for decreasing the expression of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in cells of a patient in need thereof. Further, the present invention is directed to the use of the extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves or isolated GKB in a method for decreasing the proliferation of cancer cells in a patient. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the use of the extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves or isolated GKB in a method of decreasing cancer cell proliferation in a patient wherein the cancer cell is human breast cancer cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing HDL cholesterol in a mammal by stimulating an immune response that inhibits the function of CETP. Such an immune response can be induced by immunizing with CETP or fragments of CETP (together termed “CETP Peptides”) which contain an epitope capable of stimulating such a response. The peptides can be conjugated to a carrier, such as KLH or ovalbumin, in order to increase immunogenicity. Adjuvants can also be administered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the stabilization, purification or/and isolation of nucleic acids from material samples, in particular, stool samples, which can contain impurities and inhibitors or interfering substances. The invention further relates to a reagent kit for carrying out said method. The basis of the invention is, in particular, a method for purification, stabilization or/and isolation of nucleic acids from material samples, whereby a buffer is added to the sample containing the nucleic acids, with a pH value of 2 to 7, a salt concentration of at least 100 mM, or/and a phenol neutralizing substance. According to the invention, pure nucleic acids which may be amplified can be obtained from faecal samples by a simple method, which are suitable for diagnostic proof of infections, in particular, bacterial or viral infections, or mutations, in particular, for tumour-specific DNA mutations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of compounds presenting a high compatibility with tissues and organic fluids. Such new compounds are polysaccharides essentially formed of units of uronic acid and/or hexosamine, containing nitro groups —ONO2 covalently bonded to the saccharide structure. Preferably, the polysaccharides according to the invention are prevalently formed of disaccharide repeating units formed of uronic acid and hexosamine. These compounds, in psychological conditions, selectively release NO, allowing a reduction in the amount of NO needed to achieve a determined therapeutical effect. This result has been achieved by functionalizing polysaccharides essentially formed of units of uronic acid and/or hexosamine, with subsituents containing a ONO2 ? group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the stabilization, purification or/and isolation of nucleic acids from biological materials, in particular stool samples which may contain contaminations and interfering substances. Furthermore, a reagent kit suitable for carrying out the method of the invention is described.

Abstract: Methods of treating autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, characterized by faulty MHC class I antigen complex presentation are disclosed which involve exposure of the immune system of an individual susceptible to such disease to correctly associated MHC class I antigen complexes. Such treatment may involve obtaining cells from the individual, treating the cells to correct faulty MHC class I antigen presentation, then reinfusing the treated cells. Alternatively, syngeneic or haplotype-matched allogeneic lymphoid cells expressing normal levels of MHC class I antigen complexes may be used or intact MHC class I antigen complexes isolated from such lymphoid cells may be used in such treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device and a method for dispensing liquids, preferably reagents, in an essentially automated and finely dosed manner. The dispensing device comprises a first duct that is connected to a storage element for storing the liquid to be dispensed. In addition, a conveying element for conveying the liquid through the fist duct is provided, whereby the liquid has to be dispensed. Liquid is transported from the storage element and is conveyed into the first duct by the conveying element. Moreover, the dispensing device is provided with a closing device that is arranged downstream in the conveying direction of the liquid in relation to the conveying element and serves for quickly closing and quickly opening the first duct. The aim of the invention is to regulate the pressure of the liquid in the region between the conveying element and the closing device. A device for regulating the pressure of the liquid in this region is provided.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a process for making a sustained release complex. Compound (I), which comprises Compound (A), having formula (A), and a copolymer comprising poly (l)-lactic-glycolic-tartaric acid (P(I)LGT), wherein the amino group of Compound (A) is ionically bound to a carboxyl group of the (P(I)LGT).

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods of inducing bubble nucleation to overcome problems commonly associated with preservation by foam formation. Specifically, the invention relates to methods of using bubble nucleation in foam formation to preserve sensitive biological materials. Preferred methods of inducing bubble nucleation include, mixing, chamber rotation, crystals, and ultrasound.

Abstract: This invention relates to formulations and methods for preserving sensitive biologicals, viruses, bacteria and eukaryotic cells by drying. More particularly, the invention relates to preservation mixtures containing viruses or cells and protectants, including a combination of a methylated monosaccharide and a disaccharide, or oligosaccharide, wherein the mixtures are adapted to stabilize these during dehydration and subsequent storage at ambient and higher temperature.

Abstract: A method of delivering a protein to domestic poultry by administering to the poultry by whole body spray an effective amount of a live avirulent derivative of an enteropathogenic bacterium that contains a recombinant gene encoding the protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a reagent kit for obtaining clear solutions containing cell contents from biological samples in a high throughput process, comprising the steps of preparing a plurality of protein-containing solutions which contain insoluble ingredients, in separate chambers of a multi-chamber filtration unit, eliminating insoluble ingredients by filtering the solutions through the multi-chamber filtration unit with the application of a pressure differential, while preventing cross contamination between adjacent chambers by chemical and/or mechanical means, and collecting the individual filtrates separately in collecting containers, as well as a process for recovering cell contents from the clear solutions obtained. The invention further relates to the use of an apparatus for recovering clear protein-containing solutions from biological samples.