Abstract: Provided is a sensitizing detection agent of an oral or intravenous administration type which enables the detection of bladder cancer with a higher sensitivity without causing pain to the patient. A sensitizing detection agent for bladder cancer comprising 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a derivative thereof, or a salt of these is orally or intravenously administered, and a video camera system is inserted via the urethra and a blue light at 380-440 nm is irradiated to observe the red fluorescent part. Further, VLD-M1 is inserted and a blue light at 405 nm is irradiated to observe fluorescence intensity (relative intensity) of the red light part. For oral administration, 20 mg/kg (maximum of 1 g) of ALA is dissolved in 50 mL of a 5% glucose solution prior to the administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to TNFR2-TWEAKR fusion protein, more precisely to TNFR2-TWEAKR fusion protein acting as a double-antagonist to TNF-? and TWEAK, known as major causes of autoimmune arthritis which is one of autoimmune diseases. When the composition comprising TNFR2-TWEAKR fusion protein was treated to Th17 cells, the secretion of the inflammatory cytokine IL-17 was reduced but the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 generated in Treg cells was increased. Such effect of TNFR2-TWEAKR fusion protein was far greater than that of a single protein such as TNFR2-Fc or TWEAK-Fc. The TNFR2-TWEAKR fusion protein of the present invention has not only excellent treatment effect on arthritis in CIA mouse model not also excellent treatment effect on autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis by increasing the expression of Treg, the immune suppressive cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of an anti-EDb fibronectin antibody-IL-2 fusion protein, and a molecule binding to B cells, B cell progenitors and/or their cancerous counterpart and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, formulation compositions comprising modified nucleic acid molecules which may encode a protein, a protein precursor, or a partially or fully processed form of the protein or a protein precursor. The formulation composition may further include a modified nucleic acid molecule and a delivery agent. The present invention further provides nucleic acids useful for encoding polypeptides capable of modulating a cell's function and/or activity.

Abstract: Modified animal erythropoietin polypeptides and uses thereof are provide.

Abstract: Use of a composition comprising cartilage or chondroitin sulphate and absorbable zinc for the preparation of a food supplement or a drug suitable for promoting iron absorption in patients suffering from lack of iron.

Abstract: The provision of a GM-CSF increasing agent or a TNF-? modulator, which is a composition comprising Cucurbita moschata, Carthamus tinctorius, Plantago asiatica and Lonicera japonica; or a health food, nutritional supplementary food, or the like for increase of GM-CSF, and the prevention of Crohn's disease and the like, and the prognosis thereof, which comprises Cucurbita moschata, Carthamus tinctorius, Plantago asiatica and Lonicera japonica.

Abstract: Water soluble iron carbohydrate complex obtainable from an aqueous solution of iron (III) salt and an aqueous solution of the oxidation product of one or more maltrodextrins using an aqueous hypochlorite solution at a pH-value within the alkaline range, where, when one maltodextrin is applied, its dextrose equivalent lies between 5 and 20, and when a mixture of several maltodextrins is applied, the dextrose equivalent of the mixture lies between 5 and 20 and the dextrose equivalent of each individual maltodextrin contained in the mixture lies between 2 and 40, process for its production and medicament for the treatment and prophylaxis of iron deficiency conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of general formula I, their production and pharmaceutical preparations that contain these compounds. The compounds according to the invention are preferably used for female birth control and for HRT.

Abstract: A transdermal patch for the treatment of iron deficiency including a drug reservoir layer containing an hematinic substance; a rate-controlling membrane secured to said reservoir layer; and a contact adhesive secured to said rate-controlling membrane, wherein said hematinic substance is selected from the class consisting of ferrous sulfate, ferrous lactate, ferrous iodide, ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous citrate, ferrous carbonate saccharated, ferrous carbonate mass, ferronascin, ferroglycine sulfate, and ferrocholinate.

Abstract: Methods for treating a mammal suffering from massive blood loss comprising administering to the mammal a polymerized hemoglobin solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new subcutaneous injection dosing regimen for erythropoietin to treat anemia. The new erythropoietin treatment regimen of the present invention results in improved hemoglobin levels with less frequent dosing.

Abstract: Compositions in solid form, such as powders, comprising a mixture of a ferrous salt and a hydroxypyrone maybe used to increase the level of iron in a patient's bloodstream or to treat and/or prevent gastrointestinal infection.

Abstract: Provided in a phosphate ion adsorbent containing a weakly basic anion exchange resin as an active ingredient which aims at providing preventives and/or remedies for hyperphosphatemia having a high selectivity for the adsorption of phosphate ion and showing an effect of lowering blood phosphorus level and another effect of suppressing phosphorus excretion into the urine.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an erythropoietin mutein having in vivo biological activity for causing bone marrow cells to increase production of reticulocytes and red blood cells, in that the mutein is N-glycosylated at Asn38 and Asn83 but not N-glycosylated at Asn24. Such muteins have improved pharmaceutical properties.

Abstract: It has now been found that N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester (APM) lowers whole blood viscosity in patient, including those suffering from sickle cell disease and plasma cell dyscrasias. Upon in vivo APM treatment patients experienced a significant lowering of whole blood viscosity. In vitro addition of APM to patients samples having elevated whole blood viscosity resulted in reduced viscosity over time. These in vivo and in vivo results identify APM as a therapeutic agent for molecular diseases which lead to elevated whole blood viscosity. A method by which APM treatment can be monitored is also disclosed.

Abstract: Light treatments of sebaceous gland disorders with 5-aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy are disclosed. A preferred treatment includes topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid to the skin followed by light exposures with repeated treatment at various intervals. At low doses of ALA and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in single or multiple treatments, improvement in the sebaceous gland disorder, e.g., acne, provides the discovery that diminishment in sebum secretion and the eradication of bacteria occurs. At high doses of ALA and a single high energy PDT treatment, permanent changes to the sebaceous gland and sebum secretion have been discovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for delivering iron to an iron-deficient patient, more particularly, to methods whereby an iron complex comprising divalent or trivalent ionic iron complexed with one or more low molecular weight anions is administered to a patient by transfer from dialysate. A complex selected according to the invention is non-polymeric; soluble in an aqueous medium; chemically stable, thereby preventing the dissociation of iron ions from the anions under conditions according to the invention; and can be well absorbed into blood and the living body. Also provided are dialysate compositions including therein an iron complex selected according to the invention, and dialysate concentrates which may be diluted to yield an inventive dialysate composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for using various forms of a novel receptor expressed by hematopoietic and endothelial cells. An additional variant form of this receptor has been detected in brain cells and shown to bind to the obese gene product, leptin. Therefore, leptin may be used to stimulate the growth and development of receptor-positive hematopoietic and endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, this receptor is selectively expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells with long-term repopulating potential. Thus, agents that specifically bind to this receptor may be used to identify and isolate progenitor cells for a variety of clinical applications.

Abstract: Recombinant erythropoietin is used in a method to prevent ischemic acute renal failure in patients at risk for developing ischemic acute renal failure and to treat fully-developed ischemic acute renal failure. The method is also used to prevent harmful cell apoptosis in renal tubular cells and to stimulate mitogenesis and motogenesis in renal tubular cells. The method comprises the administration of a composition of recombinant erythropoietin in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier to a patient for the purpose of preventing the development of ischemic acute renal failure, treating established acute renal failure, preventing harmful cell apoptosis in renal tubular cells.

Abstract: Adverse inflammatory reactions can be treated by administrating to an organism a composition having diglucosylamine as the active ingredient. The preferred compound is di-Beta-D-glucopyranosylamine. A simple method for making diglucosylamine in high purity is obtained by reacting glucose, a nitrogen containing base, and either methanol or ethanol to form the diglucosylamine and then recovering the diglucosylamine preferably with the use of charcoal. The preferred diglucosylamine, di-Beta-D-glucopyranosylamine, has extraordinary anti-inflammatory activity. It can be formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to make pharmaceutical compositions which are effective in treating inflammations. This pharmaceutical composition can also be used to treat adverse inflammatory reactions that are the result of the disruptions of a dynamic network of cellular mechanisms in organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of treating cardiovascular diseases in a mammal. The methods include a step of administering an effective amount of a botulinum toxin directly to a blood vessel of a mammal thereby treating a cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to complexes comprising iron in the ferric state and a hydroxypyrone. The present invention is also directed to methods of making such complexes and to the use of such complexes in the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency disorders including iron deficiency anaemia.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel polypeptides which are capable of binding to native and methylated LDL (low density lipoprotein), the isolated polypeptides, called LBPs (LDL binding proteins), and biologically active fragments and analogs thereof, are described. Also described are methods for determining if an animal is at risk for atherosclerosis, methods for evaluating an agent for use in treating atherosclerosis, methods for treating atherosclerosis, and methods for treating a cell having an abnormality in structure or metabolism of LBP. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccine compositions are also provided.

Abstract: By providing a mixture of surfactants and water, with the water content ranging between bout 40% and 80% by weight based upon the weight of the entire composition, a unique, improved, liquid based foaming soap formulation is realized which is useable for a wide variety of applications, including wet shaving and dry shaving. In the preferred embodiment, the improved liquid based foaming soap formulations incorporate one or more therapeutic active in sufficient quantities to assure its efficacy. As a result, the formulation is useable for a wide variety of medical applications for preventing, treating, or reducing the spread or transmission of bacteria, virus, infections, and the like.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 2-methyl-3-butenyl-1-pyrophosphoric acid; an agent for treating lymphocytes which comprises at least one of 2-methyl-3-butenyl-1-pyrophosphoric acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a hydrate thereof; V&ggr;2V&dgr;2 type T cells treated by the same; and a medicine containing the same specifically stimulate and proliferate the human V&ggr;2V&dgr;2 type T cells, and also induce and enhance an antitumor activity thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing erythropoietin which is free of foreign animal proteins except for the proteins of the host cell, wherein DNA coding for EPO is expressed in a eukaryotic host cell and the host cell is cultured in a medium free of natural mammalian proteins. The erythropoietin is chromatographically purified using dye affinity chromatography, chromatography on hydroxyapatite, reversed phase chromatography, and anion exchange chromatography. The resulting preparation contains less than 100 ppm of proteins derived from the host cell, and less than 10 pg of host cell DNA per 83 &mgr;g erythropoietin.

Abstract: A process for producing erythropoietin which is free of foreign animal proteins except for the proteins of the host cell, wherein DNA coding for EPO is expressed in a eukaryotic host cell and the host cell is cultured in a medium free of natural mammalian proteins. The erythropoietin is chromatographically purified using dye affinity chromatography, chromatography on hydroxyapatite, reversed phase chromatography, and anion exchange chromatography. The resulting preparation contains less than 100 ppm of proteins derived from the host cell, and less than 10 pg of host cell DNA per 83 &mgr;g erythropoietin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to complexes comprising iron in the ferric state and a hydroxypyrone. The present invention is also directed to methods of making such complexes and to the use of the complexes in the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency disorders including iron deficiency anaemia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical combination preparation comprising 2,000-7,000 U of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) and 5-20 mg of an Fe(III) complex, wherein the rhEPO and the Fe(III) complex may be present in separate administration forms or in an integrated administration form. The pharmaceutical preparation is used in the treatment of anemias or hemodialysis patients.

Abstract: A method for orally administering vitamin preparations is described which combine vitamin B12 (B12, cobalamin) and folic acid (folate), with and without pyridoxine (B6), for preventing and treating elevated serum homocysteine (HC), cystathionine (CT), methylmalonic acid (MMA), or 2-methylcitric acid (2-MCA) levels. These metabolites have been shown to be indicative of B12 and/or folic acid deficiencies. Further, it is likely that a B6 deficiency may be present with a B12 or folate deficiency. The method of the invention is also for use in lowering serum HC, CT, MMA, or 2-MCA in patients with or at risk for neuropsychiatric, vascular, renal or hematologic diseases. One embodiment of the invention is the use of a non-prescription formulation containing 2.0 mg B12 and 0.4 mg folic acid, with and without 25 mg B6. Another embodiment uses a prescription strength formulation containing 2.0 mg B12 and 1.0 mg folic acid, with and without 25 mg B6.

Abstract: Metal amino acid chelates for animals are beneficial for facilitating and promoting growth by increasing desired metallic ion uptake. The present invention is directed to a process for providing an animal fed additive by preparing metal amino acid chelates, and the metal amino acid chelate growth facilitator, promoter and enhancer prepared by the process.

Abstract: A medicament which comprises as an active ingredient a weakly basic anion exchange resin chelating with ferric ions, preferably a polyamine-type or an acrylic-type resin. The medicament has excellent adsorbability and selectivity to phosphate ions and efficiently adsorb phosphate ions in vivo, and accordingly, is useful for therapeutic and/or preventive treatment of hyperphosphatemia.

Abstract: Uses for Wnt polypeptides in hematopoiesis are disclosed. In particular, in vitro and in vivo methods for enhancing proliferation, differentiation or maintenance of a hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell using a Wnt polypeptide, and optionally another cytokine, are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel modified polypeptides, with or without variations in noncoding regions, with altered biological activity. The invention discloses methods of preparing the modified polypeptides and methods of use.

Abstract: Methods for stimulating erythropoiesis using the hematopoietic protein thrombopoietin, optionally in combination with erythropoietin, are provided. The methods provided may be used to stimulate erythropoiesis in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells and in vitro and in vivo. In addition, methods for treatment of thrombocytopenia and anemia in patients are disclosed.

Abstract: Two new forms of prodrug for phenylacetate, of even congeners of phenylalkanoic acid and phenylalkenoic acids, which are the phenylalkanoic or phenylalkenoic esters of glycerol, or the ethyl esters of phenylalkanoic acid or phenylalkenoic acids. These forms of the drugs provide a convenient dosage form of the drugs. The prodrugs of the invention are useful to treat patients with diseases of nitrogen accumulation, patients with certain .beta.-hemoglobinopathies, anemia, and cancer.

Abstract: Two new forms of prodrug for phenylacetate, of even congeners of phenylalkanoic acid and phenylalkenoic acids, which are the phenylalkanoic or phenylalkenoic esters of glycerol, or the ethyl esters of phenylalkanoic acid or phenylalkenoic acids. These forms of the drugs provide a convenient dosage form of the drugs. The prodrugs of the invention are useful to treat patients with diseases of nitrogen accumulation, patients with certain .beta.-hemoglobinopathies, anemia, and cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to certain oxypurine nucleosides, congeners of such oxypurine nucleosides, and acyl derivatives thereof, and compositions which contain at least one of these compounds. The invention also relates to methods of treating or preventing hematopoietic disorders and modifying hematopoiesis, and treating or preventing inflammatory diseases and bacterial infections by administering a compound or composition of the present invention to an animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to certain oxypurine nucleosides, congeners of such oxypurine nucleosides, and acyl derivatives thereof, and compositions which contain at least one of these compounds. The invention also relates to methods of treating or preventing hematopoietic disorders and modifying hematopoiesis, and treating or preventing inflammatory diseases and bacterial infections by administering a compound or composition of the present invention to an animal.

Abstract: A medicament containing serotonin and an antioxidant useful in the treatment of pain, including migraines and premenstrual syndrome(PMS); chronic fatigue symptoms; depression and eating disorders; and a method for increasing the serotonin level in humans by orally administering a composition containing serotonin and an antioxidant in an amount effective to prevent oxidation or degradation of the serotonin in the gastrointestinal tract are herein described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for decreasing the production of interferon-gamma inducing factor (IGIF). The invention also relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for decreasing the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-.gamma.). The compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a compound which inhibits interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme (ICE) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The methods comprise the step of administering the above compositions to a subject. The present invention also relates to methods for treating or reducing the advancement, severity or effects of an IGIF- or IFN-.gamma.-mediated inflammatory, infectious or autoimmune condition.

Abstract: Two new forms of prodrug for phenylacetate, of even congeners of phenylalkanoic acid and phenylalkenoic acids, which are the phenylalkanoic or phenylalkenoic esters of glycerol, or the ethyl esters of phenylalkanoic acid or phenylalkenoic acids. These forms of the drugs provide a convenient dosage form of the drugs. The prodrugs of the invention are useful to treat patients with diseases of nitrogen accumulation, patients with certain .beta.-hemoglobinopathies, anemia, and cancer.

Abstract: Dysmenorrhea, disfunctional uterine bleeding, preterm labor and postpartum labor in female mammals are treated by inhibiting uterine contractility by administering thereto a nitric oxide synthase substrate, a nitric oxide donor or both, optionally in combination with one or more of a prostaglandin inhibitor, a prostacyclin-mimetic, a progestin, an oxytocin antagonist or a .beta.-agonist in an amount effective to ameliorate the symptoms thereof; and inadequate menses treated and induction of abortion or stimulation of labor in a pregnant female is achieved by uterine contractility stimulation by administering thereto a nitric oxide inhibitor, either alone or optionally in a combination of progesterone antagonist, an oxytocin or oxytocin analogue antagonist or a prostaglandin.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and treating rapidly growing exogenous cells, such as Protista, or parasites, that preferentially accumulate a photoactivatable porphyrin in which 5-aminolevulinic acid or precursor thereof is administered to the patient, or contacted to the exogenous cells, in an amount sufficient to induce synthesis fluorescence and/or photosensitizing concentrations of a protoporphyrin IX in the exogenous cells, followed by exposure of the exogenous cells to light of photoactivating wavelengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel modified polypeptides, with or without variations in noncoding regions, with altered biological activity. The invention discloses methods of preparing the modified polypeptides and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for delivering iron to an iron-deficient patient, more particularly, to methods whereby an iron complex comprising divalent or trivalent ionic iron complexed with one or more low molecular weight anions is administered to a patient by transfer from dialysate. A complex selected according to the invention is non-polymeric; soluble in an aqueous medium; chemically stable, thereby preventing the dissociation of iron ions from the anions under conditions according to the invention; and can be well absorbed into blood and the living body. Also provided are dialysate compositions including therein an iron complex selected according to the invention, and dialysate concentrates which may be diluted to yield an inventive dialysate composition.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for stimulating, the proliferation of V.gamma.2V.delta.2 T cells comprising contacting V.gamma.2V.delta.2 T cells with a V.gamma.2V.delta.2 T cell proliferation stimulating amount of a compound selected from the group-consisting of a monoalkyl phosphate, a hydroxy monoalkyl phosphate, a carboxy monoalkyl phosphate, a monoalkyl pyrophosphate, an alkenyl pyrophosphate, a .gamma.-monoalkyl nucleoside triphosphate, a .gamma.-monoalkyl deoxnucleoside triphosphate, a .gamma.-alkenyl nucleoside triphosphate, and a .gamma.-alkenyl deoxynucleoside triphosphate.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing an iron complex of 3-hydroxy-4-pyrone or of a 3-hydroxy-4-pyrone in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms attached to ring carbon atoms are replaced by an aliphatic hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, are of value for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing an iron complex of a 3-hydroxypyrid-2-one or 3-hydroxypyrid-4-one in which the hydrogen atom attached to the nitrogen atom is replaced by an aliphatic acyl group, by an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, or by an aliphatic hydrocarbon group substituted by one or, except in the case of ionizable groups, more than one substituent selected from aliphatic acyl, alkoxy, aliphatic amine, aliphatic amide, carboxy, aliphatic ester, halogen, hydroxy and sulpho groups and, optionally, in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms attached to ring carbon atoms are replaced by one of said substituents, by an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, or by an aliphatic hydrocarbon group substituted by an alkoxy, aliphatic ester, halogen or hydroxy group, but excluding compounds in which said replacement of hydrogen atoms in the compound is effected only by aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, are of value for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.