Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for killing Gram-positive bacterial infections in animals comprising exposing the bacteria to Gram-positive bactericidal-effective amounts of Type II phospholipase A2. The Type II phospholipase A2 can be isolated from mammalian species including humans, cows, rabbits, rats, mice, cats, and dogs. Type II phospholipase A2 is effective in treating infections in mammals, including humans, caused by gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical formulations for use in the methods.

Abstract: An assay for identifying compounds with antiandrogenic activity employing a hamster ductus deferens cell line (DDT1) ATCC CRL-1701 and ATCC CRL-12051 is disclosed, as well as antiandrogenic compounds identified from this assay, particularly the nonsteroidal compound N-(4-chlorophenyl)-(Z,Z)-2,3-bis(cyclopropylmethylene)cyclopentane carboxamide of structural formula (I): ##STR1## This compound is an antiandrogen useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the prostate including prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic carcinoma.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ammonia elimination reagent for use in an enzymatic assay of a biological substance which produces ammonia as the reaction product. The reagent is an alkaline solution of pH 9 to 11 and contains Sulfolobus-derived thermostable isocitrate dehydrogenase, 2-oxoglutaric acid, a reducing coenzyme, isocitric acid, glutamate dehydrogenase, and a divalent metal salt. The reagent can be stored in solution and has excellent stability under conditions of alkaline pHs.

Abstract: A thimerosal-free hyaluronidase preparation wherein the preferred hyaluronidase enzyme is devoid of molecular weight fractions below 40,000 MW, between 60-70,000 MW and above 100,000 MW. Also disclosed is a method for accelerating the clearance of hemorrhagic blood from the vitreous humor of the eye, comprising the step of contacting at least one hemorrhage-clearing enzyme (e.g., a .beta.-glucuronidase, matrix metalloproteinase, chondroitinase, chondroitin sulfatase or protein kinase) with the vitreous humor in an amount which is effective to cause accelerated clearance of blood therefrom.

Abstract: Continuous cultures of pluripotent parenchymal hepatocytes were derived from the epiblasts of pig blastocysts. The cultures are feeder-dependent and grow slowly with doubling times of 3 to 4 days. They differentiate into large secretory duct-like structures or form small canaliculi. In combination with feeder cells and, optionally, adult pig hepatocytes and macrophages, the cells are useful in an artificial liver device which may be utilized as temporary liver support for the mitigation of the pathological effects of liver failure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a ready-to-use reagent for PCR, which comprises the steps of adding the stabilizer, glucitol or glucose, to an aqueous polymerase chain reaction(PCR) mixture containing a reaction buffer, MgCl.sub.2, dNTPs, a DNA polymerase, the water soluble dye, bromophenol blue, xylene cyanole, bromocresol red or cresol red, a primer, and optionally, ddATP, ddCTP, ddGTP, or ddTTP, and then lyophilizing thereof. The ready-to-use PCR reagent of the present invention leads to a simplification of multi-step PCR manipulation, an increase of heat stability of the reaction mixture, prevention of carry-over contamination, and improved credibility of experiments. The ready-to-use PCR reagent can be applied as a kit for analysis of DNA sequence or for diagnosis of diseases.

Abstract: A process for isolating and purifying lycopene crystals from a biological lycopene source is disclosed. A lycopene-containing oleoresin is saponified in a composition of propylene glycol and aqueous alkali to form lycopene crystals. Crystallization is achieved without the use of added organic solvents. The crystals are isolated and purified. The substantially pure lycopene crystals so obtained are suitable for human consumption and can be used as a nutritional supplement and as an additive in food.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pharmaceutical preparation with a modulatory effect on malignant tumors, which contains a combination of protease proenzymes and amylases in a ratio between 1:100 and 100:1 in enzymatic activity units, and a protease inhibitor. The invention is also directed to use of such a preparation to modulate the effects of malignant tumors in humans and animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regeneration of plants of the genus Pinus by culturing explants of immature zygotic embryos on culture initiation medium containing abscisic acid, nutrients, growth hormones, sugar and a gelling agent to grow embryogenic tissue for cryopreservation. Culturing of the embryogenic tissue is continued on culture maintenance medium, embryo development medium, and germination medium. The germinated embryos are further converted to acclimatized plants for field planting. The method is well suited for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F extracts and purified components thereof in the treatment of inflammation or an immune disorder with concomitant lack of steroidal effect. Extracts of this plant (T2) bound to the glucocorticoid receptor and competitively inhibited glucocorticoid mediated cellular processes, such as dexamethasone binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, glucocorticoid mediated activation of target genes, dexamethasone dependent cellular growth, with concomitant inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 induction and inflammatory processes such as the production of prostaglandin E.sub.2. The T2 extract components triptolide and tripdiolide were effective inhibitors. The particular advantage provided by the methods herein is the treatment or prevention of inflammation and the concomitant lack of steroidal agonist effects and NSAID side effects. Conditions treatable by the present methods include inflammation and immune disorders including autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A method and preparations for the treatment of vaginal yeast and other yeast infections is provided for the treatment of infections caused by candida albicans and cryptococcus neoformans. The method and preparations of the invention can also be used for other yeast and fungal infections including systemic, mucosal and cutaneous caused by candida and cryptococcus. The vaginal antiyeast and antifungal preparations include, in addition to suppositories and mouth washes, troches, lotions, creams, tablets and capsules containing gentian preparations as an active ingredient obtained from the, plant Radix gentianae Longdancao other active ingredients which may also be present are American Radix Ginseng, Radix Scutellariae Basica Lensis and Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis. For systemic fungal infections gentian preparations from the plant Radix gentianae Longdancao are taken orally in the form of lozenges, tablets, capsules or in solution form for gargling or swallowing.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions derived from Chinese herbal medicines, medicinal plants and extracts thereof, and to their use for the treatment of animals infected with viruses, especially with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). More specifically, the compositions of the present invention are derived from various Chinese herbal medicines or medicinal plants which have a long history of human consumption. The compositions of the invention are obtained through specific techniques and have demonstrated outstanding efficacy for treating human HBV carriers and hepatitic C patients. Compositions according to the invention have also exhibited in vitro antiviral activities against murine leukemia virus (MuLV) and HIV. HIV is the virus known to cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in humans and AIDS presents special problems to the medical community which the present invention addresses.

Abstract: The use of extracts from Harungana or Vismia spp. or anthracenone compounds harunganin and vismin contained therein or isolated therefrom as hypoglycemic agents, as well as methods for obtaining the hypoglycemic agents are described. According to a preferred embodiment, the extracts are derived from H. madagascariensis. As hypoglycemic agents, the extracts or anthracenone compounds harunganin and vismin are useful for treating insulin-dependent (type I) and non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for producing naturally secreted human extracellular matrix material and compositions containing the extracellular matrix material. The method includes culturing extracellular matrix-secreting human stromal cells on a biocompatible three-dimensional framework in vitro. After secretion of the extracellular matrix onto the framework, the stromal cells are killed and the cells and cellular contents are removed from the framework. The extracellular matrix material deposited on the framework is collected and further processed to obtain a physiologically acceptable compositions. The compositions of the present invention are useful for the repair of soft tissue and skin defects, including wrinkles and scars.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation contains protein C and a thrombolytically active substance that does not activate protein C. This preparation prevents reocclusion usually occurring in the course of thrombolysis therapy.

Abstract: A method of producing undifferentiated avian cells expressing an embryonic stem cell phenotype is disclosed. The method comprises collecting avian cells from an avian blastoderm prior to formation of the primitive streak, then depositing the avian cells in contact with a mouse fibroblast feeder cell layer, and then growing the avian cells on the mouse fibroblast feeder cell layer in the presence of a media containing leukemia inhibitory factor in a differentiation-inhibiting amount for a time sufficient to produce a sustained avian cell culture. Cell cultures produced by the aforesaid process and veterinary pharmaceutical formulations containing such cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for generating a ferric ion solution. The process includes the steps of establishing in a vessel a population of acidophilic, chemoautotrophic bacteria which oxidize ferrous ions into ferric ions; supplying the bacteria with a feed solution of ferrous ions; maintaining the pH of the contents of the vessel below 3.0; and withdrawing the generated ferric ion solution from the vessel. The generated ferric ion solution can be used to oxidize metal or ore and to solubilize metal from ore, alloys or scrap. The ferrous ions produced during the oxidation or solubilization are recirculated into the feed solution to continue the process of generating ferric ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating various diseases and conditions which are dependent on cyclic nucleotide pathways with purified stem bromelain protease. Administration of isolated and purified stem bromelain protease is effective in the treatment of diseases and conditions including inflammation, atherosclerosis, cancer, and bacterial infections.

Abstract: Invitro incubation of primate embryos in the presence of gonadotrophin releasor hormone (GnRH) results in enhanced chorionic gonadotrophin production associated with increased survival and attachment of the embryos. Treatment of invitro fertilized embryos with GnRH can be used to improve implantation. Agonists of GnRH reduce attachment competence of embryos and are thereby useful as post-fertilization contraceptives.

Abstract: Heparan sulfate 2-O-sulfotransferase having the following properties is obtained from, for example, CHO cells:(i) action: sulfate group is transferred from a sulfate group donor selectively to the hydroxyl group at C-2 position of iduronic acid residue of a sulfate group acceptor;(ii) substrate specificity: sulfate group is transferred to heparan sulfate or CDSNS-heparin, but sulfate group is not transferred to chondroitin, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and keratan sulfate;(iii) optimum reaction pH: about pH 5 to 6.5;(iv) optimum ionic strength: about 50 to 200 mM when sodium chloride is used; and(v) inhibition and activation: the activity of the enzyme is increased by protamine, the activity of the enzyme is inhibited by adenosine-3',5'-diphosphate, and the activity of the enzyme is scarcely affected by dithiothreitol at 10 mM or less.