Abstract: A carbonate- and/or bicarbonate-iron-whey-proteolysate complex includes 1 to 1,000 atoms of iron and one or more molecules of carbonate and/or bicarbonate per one molecule of whey-protein as measured before whey proteolysis, and exhibits no specific iron taste. The carbonate- and/or bicarbonate-iron-whey proteolysate complex is used in drugs, foods, drinks, and animal feed for the purposes of an iron supplement for treatment and prevention of anemia.

Abstract: Iron-casein complexes and methods for preparation thereof without iron characteristic astringent taste even by heat sterilization and having high iron supplying effect.The iron-casein complexes can be obtained by mixing three components of solution A containing i) carbonic acid, ii) hydrogencarbonic acid or iii) their mixtures, solution B1 containing iron, and solution B2 containing caseins in a suitable order.The resultant iron-casein complexes contain 1-1,000 atoms of iron and one molecule or over of carbonic acid and/or hydrogencarbonic acid for one molecule of caseins without exhibiting astringent taste even by heat sterilization. The iron-casein complexes exhibit superior anemia preventive effect than those of inorganic iron salts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant nucleic acids encoding lactoferrin variants and portions thereof, having modified iron-binding capacity, and to vectors comprising same recombinant nucleic acids. The present invention is further directed to methods of producing such vectors, and to transfected cells harboring the same. Methods for the production of lactoferrin variants and portions thereof, in various eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells are also provided. Finally, the invention is directed to lactoferrin variants and portions thereof encoded by the nucleic acids of the invention and produced by the processes of the invention. Thus, the invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin variants and portions thereof.

Abstract: The verified cDNA sequences for human, bovine and porcine lactoferrin protein have been used to prepare recombinant lactoferrin for therapeutic and nutritional applications. Regions of the cDNA such as the Fe binding sites can be used to make an hLF polypeptide product.The present invention provides novel plasmids, transfected eucaryotic cells and methods of producing these plasmids and transfected eucaryotic cells. The novel plasmid contains the cDNA for lactoferrin protein. Methods for the production of lactoferrin protein in fungi and bacteria are also provided. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin protein and lactoferrin related polypeptides.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for the production of lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments using the host cells Aspergillus in combination with novel plasmid constructs. More specifically, the subject invention provides novel vector constructs capable of producing lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments in Aspergillus host cells. More particularly, the subject invention provides for novel plasmid constructs suitable for use with Aspergillus and especially Aspergillus awamori, niger and oryzae host cells, which enables them to produce large amounts of recombinant lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, direct anti-tumor proliferating, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a homogenate of cartilage in an aqueous solution, this homogenate being centrifuged and further fractionated to obtain a total extract having molecules of a molecular weight comprised between 0 to 500 KDa. The composition of the liquid extract has then been investigated by different ways. Further fractionation of this extract led to the preliminary characterization of some of its active components. Due to the multiplicity of biological activities of the total liquid extract, it can be used for treating numerous diseases or conditions such as those having components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation and collagenolysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the renaturation of denatured proteins in which they are treated with a renaturant which has on vicinal carbon atoms a hydroxyl group and at least one fluorine atom.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for treating a condition associated with oxidative stress in a subject which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a heme-peptide effective to treat the condition associated with oxidative stress in the subject. The subject may be a mammal. The mammal may be a human being. The condition associated with oxidative stress may be an inflammatory condition, an allergic condition or an auto-immune condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel cobalt compounds, having a general structure ##STR1## wherein Co is either Co(II) or Co(III), and each of the R groups is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, hydrophilic organic acid, alkyl amine, amine, alkyl alcohol, alcohol, polypeptide or nucleic acid. The invention further relates to methods of using such compounds to reduce the biological activity of proteins, particularly enzymes and zinc finger-containing proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shark cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same, these extracts having anti-angiogenic properties (reduction of the area of blood vessels observed in vivo on experimentally induced tumors), tumor regressive activity in vivo as well as demonstrating a direct inhibitory effect on tumor cell lines. This process does not involve any denaturing solvent or product and does not involve the use of any enzymes. It consists of obtaining a blend of whole cartilage in an aqueous solution of neutral pH, preferably pure water, this blend being centrifuged and the pellet and supernatant kept for further processing. The pellet is lyophilized and tested for anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities in vivo and in vitro, with or without supernatant. The supernatant has been shown to have anti-angiogenic and tumor regressive activities in vivo. The composition of the supernatant has then been investigated by different ways.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for the production of lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments using the host cells Aspergillus in combination with novel plasmid constructs. More specifically, the subject invention provides novel vector constructs capable of producing lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments in Aspergillus host cells. More particularly, the subject invention provides for novel plasmid constructs suitable for use with Aspergillus and especially Aspergillus awamori, niger and oryzae host cells, which enables them to produce large amounts of recombinant lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments.

Abstract: Improved methods of detecting and/or treating lesions in a patient are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for purification of human lactoferrin from milk, especially milk of nonhuman species, and for separation of human lactoferrin from undesired macromolecular species present in the milk, including separation from nonhuman lactoferrin species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis of pathological pregnancy which relies on an evaluation of the amount of placental isoferritin (PLF) in the serum or amniotic fluid of a pregnant woman. Diagnosis may also be achieved by observation of percentages of PLF-bearing lymphocytes in the pregnant female. Detection of PLF levels is achieved by immunoassay with a PLF-specific antibody. Also described is a method of treating or preventing pathological pregnancies and transplant or graft rejection by administration of effective amounts of PLF and/or a PLF-specific antibody in combination with immunization.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for purification of human lactoferrin from milk, especially milk of nonhuman species, and for separation of human lactoferrin from undesired macromolecular species present in the milk, including separation from nonhuman lactoferrin species.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for purification of human lactoferrin from milk, especially milk of nonhuman species, and for separation of human lactoferrin from undesired macromolecular species present in the milk, including separation from nonhuman lactoferrin species.

Abstract: The verified cDNA sequences for human, bovine and porcine lactoferrin protein have been used to prepare recombinant lactoferrin for therapeutic and nutritional applications. Regions of the cDNA such as the Fe binding sites can be used to make an hLF polypeptide product.The present invention provides novel plasmids, transfected eucaryotic cells and methods of producing these plasmids and transfected eucaryotic cells. The novel plasmid contains the cDNA for lactoferrin protein. Methods for the production of lactoferrin protein in fungi and bacteria are also provided. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin protein and lactoferrin related polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions of lactoferrin, ovotransferrin or serotransferrin in apo or iron-saturated form are provided which have bacterial anti-invasive properties against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Methods of treatment of epithelial calls and mucosal membranes are described.

Abstract: A chimeric compound that contains a cell-specific ligand linked to a pore-forming agent capable of lysing a cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transporting nucleic acids into the cell, which is effected by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Using a transferrin-polycation conjugate, a complex can be formed with the polyanionic nucleic acid. This complex is bound to the transferrin receptor, which is highly regulated in growing cells, and absorbed into the cell. Suitable nucleic acids include those which inhibit specific genes or the RNA function, such as antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes or the genes coding for them. The invention further relates to a process for introducing nucleic acids into the cells, transferrin-polycation/nucleic acid complexes and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.

Abstract: Described is a polypeptide comprising one or more zinc fingers. The polypeptide binds to new polynucleotide subsites with high affinity and consequently has a binding specificity that differs from wild type zinc finger proteins. The binding occurs through contacts between certain amino acid residues of the zinc fingers and the nucleic acids of the subsites. The polypeptide sequence of at least one zinc finger differs from wild type zinc fingers, and the difference involves at least one amino acid residue that contacts the bases of the polynucleotide during binding.

Abstract: A method for preparing phycobiliprotein/amine-reactive dye conjugates is disclosed in which the conjugates so prepared overcome the energy transfer/fluorescent quenching dilemma encountered in the use of prior art conjugates. A phycobiliprotein, for example, phycoerythrin or allophycocyanin, is conjugated with an amine-reactive dye, for example, Texas Red or carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester, in the presence of a selective salt which causes a hydrophobic intramolecular rearrangement of the phycobiliprotein thereby exposing more hydrophobic sites for binding to the amine-reactive dye. The conjugates prepared according to the invention are useful in multiple color fluorescence assays without requiring the use of multiple exciting sources.

Abstract: The verified cDNA sequences for human, bovine and porcine lactoferrin protein have been used to prepare recombinant lactoferrin for therapeutic and nutritional applications. Regions of the cDNA such as the Fe binding sites can be used to make an hLF polypeptide product.The present invention provides novel plasmids, transfected eucaryotic cells and methods of producing these plasmids and transfected eucaryotic cells. The novel plasmid contains the cDNA for lactoferrin protein. Methods for the production of lactoferrin protein in fungi and bacteria are also provided. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin protein and lactoferrin related polypeptides.

Abstract: An amphipathic polychelating compound including a hydrophilic polymeric moiety having a main backbone and a plurality of reactive side groups, a lipid-soluble anchor linked to the N terminal of the polymeric moiety, and a plurality of chelating agents linked to the side groups of the polymeric moiety. The polychelating compounds are bound to liposomes or micelles for use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Improved methods of detecting and/or treating lesions in a patient are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining the structure of a polypeptide by a) transfecting a cell with (i) a first nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, wherein at least one, specific codon of mRNA transcribed from the first nucleic acid is replaced by the codon UGA, and (ii) a second nucleic acid, operably linked to the first nucleic acid, that directs the translation of the UGA codon as selenocysteine only when the cell can obtain selenium from the medium in which it is grown; b) growing the cell in selenium-containing growth medium under conditions in which the cell incorporates at least one selenocysteine residue into the polypeptide at a specific location; c) isolating the polypeptide from the cell or the growth medium; d) forming a crystal of the polypeptide; and e) performing X-ray crystallography on the crystal, wherein the selenocysteine residue is used to determine the structure of the polypeptide.

Abstract: Polymers comprising a ligand containing a carboxylic acid group, optionally at least one ion of an element of the atomic numbers 21-29, 42, 44 or 57-83 as well as optionally cations of inorganic and/or organic bases, amino acids or amino acid amides are valuable complexing agents and complexes for diagnosis.

Abstract: Process for producing an extracellular heme protein in increased yields, the process comprising culturing an apoprotein producing microorganism in a fermentation medium containing heme or a heme-containing material under conditions permitting the production of active, recombined heme protein, and recovering the resulting heme protein from the culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for producing metal binding sites on polypeptides, and particularly for producing metal binding sites within the CDR regions of immunoglobulin heavy or light chains that are displayed on the surface of filamentous phage particles. The invention also describes oligonucleotides useful for preparing the metal binding sites, and human monoclonal antibodies produced by the present methods.

Abstract: Mocarhagin, a cobra venom protease, is disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic uses of the protease are also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed an antimicrobial agent comprising one or more of antimicrobial peptides derived from lactoferrins, and one or more of specific compounds and/or at least an antibiotic, and a method for treating matters with said antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent has a potent antimicrobial activity against wide variety of microorganisms, thus it is useful not only as a medication, but also useful for making antimicrobial treatment of matters such as foods, non-medical products, and the like with safety and great efficiency.

Abstract: An article suitable for use as a biosensor includes a species of a formula X--R--Ch adhered to a surface of the article as part of a self-assembled monolayer. X is a functionality that adheres to the surface, R is a spacer moiety, and Ch is a chelating agent. A metal ion can be coordinated by the chelating agent, and a polyamino acid-tagged biological binding partner of a target biological molecule coordinated to the metal ion. A method of the invention involves bringing the article into contact with a medium containing or suspected of containing the target biological molecule and allowing the biological molecule to biologically bind to the binding partner. The article is useful particularly as a surface plasmon resonance chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shark cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same, these extracts having anti-angiogenic properties (reduction of the area of blood vessels observed in vivo on experimentally induced tumors), tumor regressive activity in vivo as well as demonstrating a direct inhibitory effect on tumor cell lines. This process does not involve any denaturing solvent or product and does not involve the use of any enzymes. It consists of obtaining a blend of whole cartilage in an aqueous solution of neutral pH, preferably pure water, this blend being centrifuged and the pellet and supernatant kept for further processing. The pellet is lyophylized and tested for anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities in vivo and in vitro, with or without supernatant. The supernatant has been shown to have anti-angiogenic and tumor regressive activities in vivo. The composition of the supernatant has then been investigated by different ways.

Abstract: Peptides substantially corresponding to the 148-162 region of type A influenza M protein and additionally containing at least one amino acid in the 163-166 region are disclosed to have high activity as influenza transcription inhibitors and thus as antiviral agents against influenza virus and other RNA viruses. The modification of these peptides by incorporation into liposomes or by addition of long-chain alkylamino acids is also shown as in the use of all such materials in antiviral drug formulations.

Abstract: Heat resistant carbonate- and/or hydrogencarbonate-iron-Lf complexes in which one molecule of lactoferrin is bound with 15 molecules or over of iron via carbonic acid and/or hydrogencarbonic acid.Process for the production of above mentioned complexes prepared by adjusting pH.ltoreq.7 by adding alkali salts of carbonic acid and/or hydrogencarbonic acid to an aqueous solution containing an iron salt exhibiting pH.ltoreq.4 when dissolved in water and lactoferrins, or adding an iron salt and lactoferrin solution to carbonic acid and/or hydrogencarbonic acid solution, or adding the iron salt or its solution to a solution containing carbonic acid and/or hydrogencarbonic acid and lactoferrins.The resultant lactoferrin complexes are highly heat resistant and useful as raw materials of foods, medicines, feeds, cosmetics and so forth.

Abstract: Electrochemiluminescent moieties having the formula(Re(P).sub.m (L.sup.1).sub.n (L.sup.2).sub.o (L.sup.3).sub.p (L.sup.4).sub.t (B).sub.uwhereinP is a polydentate ligand of Re;L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3 and L.sup.4 are ligands of Re, each of which may be the same as or not the same as each other ligand;B is a substance which is a ligand of Re or is conjugated to one or more of P, L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3 and L.sup.4 ;m is an integer equal to or greater than 1;each of n, o, p, q, r and s is zero or an integer;t is an integer equal to or greater than 1; andu is an integer equal to or greater than 1;P, L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, L.sup.4 and B being of such composition and number that the chemical moiety can be induced to electrochemiluminesce and the total number of bonds to Re provided by the ligands of Re being equal to the coordination number of Re are disclosed.

Abstract: The protein lactoferrin can be used both for treating and/or preventing of portunistic infections frequently complicating Immunodeficiency Virus positive animals including human beings. The protein greatly improves the quality of life in such immunodeficiency virus infected animals. The dosage of the protein is usually 0.1-100 mg/kg daily, and preferably 0.5-50 mg/kg.

Abstract: The verified cDNA sequences for human, bovine and porcine lactoferrin protein have been used to prepare recombinant lactoferrin for therapeutic and nutritional applications. Regions of the cDNA such as the Fe binding sites can be used to make an hLF polypeptide product.The present invention provides novel plasmids, transfected eucaryotic cells and methods of producing these plasmids and transfected eucaryotic cells. The novel plasmid contains the cDNA for lactoferrin protein. Methods for the production of lactoferrin protein in fungi and bacteria are also provided. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin protein and lactoferrin related polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and prognosis of immunosuppressive conditions are disclosed, involving the detection of a particular isoform of ferritin, placental ferritin (PLF), in patient samples such as sera or on peripheral blood lymphocytes. PLF is elevated in immunosuppressed patients at early stages of disease; by contrast, adult insoferritins are elevated at late stages of immunodeficiency. Depending upon the nature of the disease associated with the immunodeficiency, the elevated levels of PLF detected at early stages may remain elevated or diminish as disease progresses. Examples are described in which elevated levels of PLF were detected at very early stages of of HIV-infection. The elevated levels diminished as disease progressed from ARC to AIDS. By contrast, adult isoforms of ferritin became elevated at late stages of disease.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for the production of lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments using the host cells Aspergillus in combination with novel plasmid constructs. More specifically, the subject invention provides novel vector constructs capable of producing lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments in Aspergillus host cells. More particularly, the subject invention provides for novel plasmid constructs suitable for use with Aspergillus and especially Aspergillus awamori, niger and oryzae host cells, which enables them to produce large amounts of recombinant lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel plasmids, transfected eucaryotic cells and methods of producing these plasmids and transfected eucaryotic cells. The novel plasmid contains the cDNA for human lactoferrin protein. Methods for the production of human lactoferrin protein in A. Oryzae are also provided. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant human lactoferrin protein.

Abstract: An amphipathic polychelating compound including a hydrophilic polymeric moiety having a main backbone and a plurality of reactive side groups, a lipid-soluble anchor linked to the N terminal of the polymeric moiety, and a plurality of chelating agents linked to the side groups of the polymeric moiety. The polychelating compounds are bound to liposomes or micelles for use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Photochromic compositions comprise a bacteriorhodopsin suspension, at least one organic nitrogen-containing compound and a binder. The composition may further include a detergent. Photochromic materials comprise a support and a photochromic film formed on the support from a photochromic composition as described.

Abstract: This invention provides a bacterium having an S-layer modified such that the bacterium S-layer protein gene contains one or more in-frame sequences coding for one or more heterologous polypeptides and, the S-layer is a fusion product of the S-layer protein and the heterologous polypeptide. The bacterium is preferably a Caulobacter which may be cultured as a film in a bioreactor or may be used to present an antigenic epitope to the environment of the bacterium. This invention also provides a method of expressing and presenting to the environment of a Caulobacter, a polypeptide that is heterologous to the S-layer of Caulobacter which comprises cloning a coding sequence for the polypeptide in-frame into an S-layer protein gene of Caulobacter whereby the polypeptide is expressed and presented on the surface of the Caulobacter as a fusion product of the S-layer protein and the polypeptide in the S-layer of the Caulobacter.

Abstract: A method for making a valproic acid derivative comprising a functionalized spacer arm attached to a .delta. carbon atom of a valproic acid molecule is disclosed. The method proceeds by attaching a spacer arm joined to an inorganic moiety to a valproic acid precursor to make an alkylated compound, derivatizing the alkylated compound in a liquid medium to make the valproic acid derivative, and then separating the valproic acid derivative from the liquid medium. The valproic acid derivative can be used to make an immunoreactive valproic acid conjugate.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting carbohydrate-deficient glycoproteins in samples taken from subjects with metabolic disorders, such as alcohol abuse and subjects who display a syndrome of carrying abnormal levels of carbohydrate deficient glycoproteins. The method involves steps of reglycosylating with a fluorescent-conjugate deglycosylated glycoproteins in a sample of body fluid from a subject. A further step involves fluorometric detection of fluoresceinylated carbohydrates incorporated into truncated serum glycoproteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transporting nucleic acids into the cell, which is effected by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Using a transferrin-polycation conjugate, a complex can be formed with the polyanionic nucleic acid. This complex is bound to the transfertin receptor, which is highly regulated in growing cells, and absorbed into the cell. Suitable nucleic acids include those which inhibit specific genes or the RNA function, such as antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes or the genes coding for them. The invention further relates to a process for introducing nucleic acids into the cells, transferrin-polycation/nucleic acid complexes and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a matter which contains moisturized or liquified lactoferrin which has been isolated from mammalian milk, processed mammalian milk and by-products in mammalian milk-processing, without losing the physiological activities of lactoferrin, which comprises adjusting pH of said moisturized or liquefied lactoferrin contained in said matter within an acidic range between 2.0 and 6.0 both inclusive by adding acid or aqueous solution of acid when the pH of said moisturized or liquefied lactoferrin is out of said pH range, and heating said matter in the range from 60.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. for a span of time which may assure 60% or more of undenaturization rate of lactoferrin.

Abstract: Ferritin analogs comprising an apoferritin protein shell and a core substantially devoid of ferrihydrite, e.g. of inorganic composition such as aluminum hydroxide or organic composition such as acetaminophen. The protein shell can be removed from ferritin analog to produce spherules having a substantially monomodal nominal diameter between about 45 and 100 Angstroms.

Abstract: Bioactive agents consisting of one or more lactoferrin-compounds selected from the group consisting of Zn-, Cu- and Mn-lactoferrin and having selective biological activities, i.e. growth-inhibitory activity against certain harmful microorganisms on one hand and growth-promoting activity upon certain useful microorganisms on the other hand; as well as compositions, products or materials therefor comprising the bioactive agents consisting of one or more lactoferrin-compounds selected from the group; and a method for treating materials, which are edible for human beings or animals or which are applicable to a portion of body of human beings or animals, with the bioactive agents consisting of one or more lactoferrin-compounds selected from the group consisting of Zn-, Cu- and Mn-lactoferrin or the compositions comprising the bioactive agent consisting of one or more lactoferrin-compounds selected from the group consisting of Zn-, Cu- and Mn-lactoferrin as an effective component.