Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating diseases of the eye and skin by modulating the amount of intracellular calcium using transdermal or transcorneal delivery of one or more N-acylethanolamines in a carrier.

Abstract: Methods and compositions used for lowering intraocular pressure. More particularly, the methods and compositions for lowering intraocular pressure pertain to the use of at least a phenanthroline derivative in an ophthalmic delivery solution.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the protection of one or more central nervous system cells from trauma, when administered before, during or after the trauma, wherein the composition includes an effective amount of a butyrophenone, e.g., a 1-linked phenyl butyrophenone that is electronegative along the butyl chain and/or a Sigma-1 receptor antagonist.

Abstract: The current invention comprises compositions and methods for protecting a neuronal cell of a subject from a toxic insult. The method includes delivering an effective amount of a neuroprotective compound to the neuronal cells before or after the toxic insult. The neuroprotective compounds contain a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (“PPAR-&ggr;”) binding moiety with either a phenolic ring moiety or a prostaglandin (“PG”) with a reactive &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carbonyl group on the cyclopentenone ring. Other novel compounds are also disclosed. The toxic insult that impinges upon the neuronal cell may be an acute process, or chronic disease process. Oxidative stress (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, and glutamate), injury, and secondary physiological responses to injury are among the acute processes discussed. Clinical disease processes that comprise oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, strokes, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and Parkinson's disease are also addressed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anti-adhesion patch, which is constructed using a tissue equivalent technique. The anti-adhesion patch comprises a collagenous material and at least one non-living cellular component. Also provided is a method for preventing tissue adhesions between organs and other tissues being operated upon during surgical procedures by utilizing the anti-adhesion patch disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding cell surface receptors on immune cells and the characteristic peptides that comprise these receptors. More specifically, the present invention concerns the use of synthetic and recombinant peptides comprising natural killer (“NK”) cell surface receptors. The synthetic and recombinant peptides are used to generate monoclonal antibodies that bind a specific NK cell surface receptor called CS1. The binding of the monoclonal antibody to the NK cell surface receptor leads to NK cell activation. In a particular embodiments of the present invention, the monoclonal antibodies are utilized in a method that inhibits the growth of tumor cells.

Abstract: The invention includes the gene csrB, the RNA encoded thereby and methods of use thereof. csrB RNA binds to and antagonizes the ability of CsrA to down-regulate the production of certain metabolic products. This invention is also drawn to methods of using csrB polynucleotides, and combination of csrB polynucleotides and CsrA polypeptides and antibodies that bind to such combinations.

Abstract: A composition formulated for dose-wise delivery to a breathing passageway of a human, the composition comprising a carrier solution containing (+)naloxone and a pharmacologically effective amount of at least one adrenergic agonist, the (+)naloxone and agonist forming a mixture in the carrier. The at least one adrenergic agonist is selected from the group consisting of epinephrine, isoproterenol, albuterol, aminophylline, beclomethasone, dyphylline, flunisolide, isoetharine, metaproterenol, oxtriphylline, terbutaline, theophylline, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine and norepinephrine. That composition is delivered by an atomizer means such as a liquid sprayer or inhaler to treat nasal congestion and asthmatic attacks. Further provided by the invention is a cardiovascular and respiratory stimulating composition for administration to a patient in doses, the composition comprising a pharmacologically effective concentration of (+)naloxone in a carrier solution.

Abstract: The invention includes the gene csrB, the RNA encoded thereby and methods of use thereof. csrB RNA binds to and antagonizes the ability of CsrA to down-regulate the production of certain metabolic products. This invention is also drawn to methods of using csrB polynucleotides, and combination of csrB polynucleotides and CsrA polypeptides and antibodies that bind to such combinations.

Abstract: The present invention is an intra-aortic circulatory enhancing apparatus for use in human patients to improve blood flow to other arteries continuous with the aorta of the patient. The apparatus comprises an internal inflation means located within the aorta of the patient and an external inflation means located outside of the patient. The internal inflation means can be an internal balloon coupled to a hollow extent which is operatively coupled to a blood communication means. The blood communication means can be a first hollow catheter tube in one embodiment. The external inflation means can be an external balloon coupled to a hollow extent running through the center of the balloon and continuous with a second hollow catheter tube. The blood communication means is coupled to the internal and external inflation means, allowing blood within the aorta to communicate with the secondary inflation means.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension by using TGF.alpha. are disclosed.