Abstract: This invention relates to antithrombotic agents and uses thereof. Specifically, the invention relates to chemical moieties that specifically bind to platelets and inhibit their aggregation, including linear and cyclic peptides. The invention provides methods for using these antithrombotic agents to prevent the formation of thrombi at sites in a mammalian body. In particular, the platelet-specific binding moieties including linear and cyclic peptides of the invention are covalently linked to a polyvalent linker moiety, so that the polyvalent linker moiety is covalently linked to a multiplicity of the platelet-specific binding moieties including linear and cyclic peptides. Effficacious antithrombotic agents are thereby provided.

Abstract: A thin-wall PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tube in the form of a tube of porous expanded PTFE film wherein the porous PTFE film has a microstructure containing a multiplicity of fibrils oriented substantially parallel to each other. The tube has a wall thickness of less than about 0.25 mm and is made from at least one first layer and at least one second layer of porous PTFE film, wherein the fibrils of the first and second layers are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Preferably the fibrils of the at least one first layer are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and the fibrils of the at least one second layer of porous PTFE film are oriented substantially circumferential to the tube. The first and second layers may be inner and outer layers respectively, or alternatively their relationship may be reversed.

Abstract: A method to prepare crystalline interferon alpha suitable for aerosol formulation either for systemic or topical (inhaled) drug delivery. The bioavailable interferon is in the form of crystalline submicrometer particles having a predetermined medium diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to double prodrugs containing polymeric-based transport forms. These polymeric prodrugs are preferably of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: B is a leaving group or a residue of an amine-containing target moiety;G is ##STR2## or CH.sub.2 ; Y.sub.1-2 are independently O or S;M is X or Q; where X is an electron withdrawing group and Q is a moiety containing a free electron pair positioned three to six atoms from C(.dbd.Y.sub.2);R.sub.1, R.sub.4, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, R.sub.10 and R.sub.13 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyls, C.sub.3-12 branched alkyls, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyls, C.sub.1-6 substituted alkyls, C.sub.3-8 substituted cycloalkyls, aryls, substituted aryls, aralkyls, C.sub.1-6 heteroalkyls, substituted C.sub.1-6 heteroalkyls;R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyls, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, phenoxy, C.sub.1-8 heteroalkyls, C.sub.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the analogs of viscosin, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and to methods of using viscosin and analogs thereof as biosurfactants and as antibacterial, antiviral and antitrypanosomal therapeutic compounds. In particular, compositions that inhibit the growth of the pathogens Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Herpes Simplex Virus 2 and/or Trypanosoma cruzi are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining beneficial stable levels of circulating histamine are disclosed for use in methods for enhancing natural killer cell cytotoxicity. In such methods, a beneficial level of circulating histamine is attained and an agent whose ability to enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity is augmented by histamine is administered. Alternatively, stable beneficial levels of circulating histamine can be attained in subjects receiving chemotherapy or antiviral treatment. The invention may also be employed in treatments combining histamine, agents which enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of plastic parts, particularly pipes and sleeves, by the extrusion of a mixture of polyethylene homopolymer, copolymer or block polymer (PE) and a polymeric plasticizer reactive therewith, as well as small amounts of conventional additives, in which the moulded or extruded plastic part optionally subsequently undergoes cross-linking and stretching, or cross-linking only, in which a mixture of PE and EPDM with an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 20,000 in a weight ratio of 90 to 97% PE and 3 to 10% by weight EPDM is moulded or extruded.

Abstract: Detectably labelled annexines and compositions thereof are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for diagnosing a disruption or activation of the hemostatic system or a prothrombotic state in an individual suspected of having a hemostatic disorder, by contacting the blood of said individual with an annexine, and detecting whether an annexine-platelet complex is formed.

Abstract: Conjugates of chlorophyll (Chl) and bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl) derivatives with amino acids, peptides and proteins are provided by the invention. The amino acid, peptide or protein residue is linked to the 17-propionic acid group of a Chl or Bchl residue directly or through a chain. The conjugates are for use as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy and in diagnostics of tumors. Conjugation with cell-specific ligands, such as hormones, growth factors or tumor-specific antibodies, will target the Chl or Bchl moiety to the tumor site. Thus, conjugates with melanocyte stimulating hormones are suitable for photodynamic therapy of melanoma tumors.

Abstract: Angiotensin II fragments and analogs thereof are useful in accelerating wound healing. These compounds form the basis of compositions useful for accelerating wound healing, in which the active agent is present in an amount effective to accelerate wound healing. Preferably, the compositions are in the form of matrical or micellar solutions.

Abstract: A method of preventing the transmission of or treating herpesvirus, such as herpes simplex virus infection, or Chlamydia trachomatis comprising administering to a patient a composition which comprises: (i) a protein or peptide containing lysines and an N-terminal amino group, wherein at least one of the lysines or the N-terminal amino group of the protein or peptide, such as casein, .beta.-lactoglobulin, powdered milk or whey, is modified by contact with an aromatic acid anhydride compound, such as trimellitic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride chloride or 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride and/or (ii) a protein or peptide containing arginines, which is modified by an arginine modifying agent containing at least one carboxyl group, such as p-carboxyphenylglyoxal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses various parenteral pharmaceutical formulations having a protracted effect, which comprise: a sterile aqueous suspension of about 20 U/mL to about 500 U/mL insulin analog, about 5 mg/mL to about 10 mg/mL sodium chloride, about 0.2 to about 2.0 mg/mL physiologically acceptable buffer, a zinc ion content of about 0.07 mg/mL to about 0.1 mg/mL, and a physiologically acceptable preservative at a pH of about 6.5 to about 7.8; such that less than 5% of the analog present in the suspension is in the dissolved state.

Abstract: A porous biaxially oriented film comprising a copolymer of an ethylene having an intrinsic viscosity ?.eta.! of from 3.5 to 10.0 dl/g and an .alpha.-olefin having 4 to 8 carbon atoms, the content of the .alpha.-olefin being in a number of from 1.0 to 7.5 per 1000 carbon atoms and the film retaining the structure which is based upon the microfibrils when it is heat-treated at 160.degree. C. under a constrained state and is then observed at room temperature, and a separator made of this film for batteries. The porous biaxially oriented film exhibits excellent gas permeating property over a practicable temperature range, exhibits excellent mechanical strength and, particularly, tensile strength, and loses gas permeating property when a maximum practicable temperature is exceeded. The film can be favorably used as a separator for batteries.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided wherein human relaxin is formulated at an acidic pH of about 4 to less than about 7. The composition, useful for effecting parturition and inhibiting premature delivery, includes a buffer capable of maintaining the pH of the composition within a desired range, and may also include an agent to make the composition isotonic, and a stabilizing agent, if necessary. A specific example is human relaxin formulated in a citrate buffer, pH about 5.0, in the presence of sodium chloride, at an ionic strength of about 0.15 .mu..

Abstract: Polypeptides of from about 9-120 amino acid residues comprising a truncated segment of fibrinogen which may be flanked by elastomeric peptides, wherein the polypeptides are cross-linkable by a transglutaminase, homo- and copolymers containing such polypeptides are disclosed. The homo- and co-polymers disclosed herein are useful in tissue sealant and wound healing formulations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating inflammatory cell infiltration in a tissue of a mammalian subject are provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of SERP-1, SERP-1 analog or biologically active fragment thereof admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject in need of such treatment. Biologically active SERP-1 analogs are also provided. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for treating numerous inflammatory based diseases and injuries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition or pellet comprising a polyvinyl chloride homopolymer and wood fiber composite that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate or thermoplastic pellet to manufacture structural members. The fiber in the pellet or extrudate is of a particular dimension that lends enhanced modulus to the composition or pellet formed. The extruded pellet comprises a consistent proportion of polymer, wood fiber and water.

Abstract: An active ingredient complex to promote the growth of cells, tissue and/or organs is disclosed. The complex comprises the following form ingredients: a structural component, a recruiting component, an adhesion component and an adherence component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing active agent complexes from at least one initial complex having components in which the initial complex is caused at least partially to assume a homogeneous phase by means of a denaturing process and by being broken into its components, said phase having at least partially the components with an at least partially altered structure. By means of a renaturing process, a final complex is formed from at least one predetermined component together with at least one part of the homogeneous phase. Said final complex forms the active agent complex after at least one cycle consisting of a denaturing and renaturing process. The process of the invention provides active agent complexes, the effect of which can be triggered at the desired place and for a desired time even when short-lived active agents are used in a living organism.

Abstract: Fucosylated sialyated lactosaminoglycan structures that bind to GMP-140 have been discovered. The structure is created by expression of .alpha.(1,3) fucosyltransferases capable of modifying acceptors containing .alpha.(2,3) sialic acid-substituted lactosaminoglycans. Le.sup.x, Gal.beta.1,4(Fuc.alpha.1,3) GlcNAc.beta.1-R (where R is a protein or other carbohydrate structure), a common trisaccharide structure on myeloid cells but not on lymphocytes or erythroid cells, forms the core of this sialyated structure. The actual structure may be sialyl Le.sup.x, difucosyl sialyl Le.sup.x, a longer polyfucosylated polyactosaminoglycan, or a related variant. Several of these structures may bind to GMP-140 with various degrees of affinity. The carbohydrate structures, including sialyl Le.sup.x, difucosyl sialyl Le.sup.