Abstract: Disclosed are novel omega conotoxin peptides effective in producing analgesia.

Abstract: The present invention defines a DNA:protein-binding assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind DNA test sequences. The assay is versatile in that any number of test sequences can be tested by placing the test sequence adjacent to a defined protein binding screening sequence. Binding of molecules to these test sequence changes the binding characteristics of the protein molecule to its cognate binding sequence. When such a molecule binds the test sequence the equilibrium of the DNA:protein complexes is disturbed, generating changes in the concentration of free DNA probe. Numerous exemplary target test sequences (SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:600) are set forth. The assay of the present invention is also useful to characterize the preferred binding sequences of any selected DNA-binding molecule.

Abstract: A centrifuge syringe for separating components of a fluid sample having different sedimentation densities is disclosed. The centrifuge syringe allows for the withdrawal of a sample through a sterile needle into the syringe. The syringe contains a movable plunger containing a restriction and which may contain a density gradient separation solution. The plunger is connected to a handle which is detachable to allow centrifugation. After centrifugation, the handle is reattached to the plunger, and the specimen is removed from the syringe.

Abstract: A method and compositions for reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition in a mammalian subject are described. The method includes administration of a voltage-gated calcium channel-blocking compound to the subject, 4-24 hours after the onset of the ischemic condition. Such a calcium channel blocking compound is effective to block norepinephrine release in mammalian CNS neuronal cells and is characterized by specific, high affinity binding to omega-conotoxin MVIIA binding sites. Also disclosed are novel peptide structures useful in the treatment method of the invention.

Abstract: A peptide having a sequence corresponding to a C-terminal portion of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa pilin protein is disclosed. The peptide is cross-reactive with surface peptides present in certain bacterial and fungal microorganisms, and is effective in inhibiting binding of such organisms to target epithelial cells. The peptide may also be employed in a vaccine composition, for producing immunity against such cross-reactive microorganisms. Also disclosed are methods of preparing peptides which are cross-reactive with the P. aeruginosa pilin peptide, and chimeric monoclonal antibodies immunoreactive with the pilin peptide.

Abstract: The invention described includes methods and compositions useful in preventing infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and related organisms. Diclosed is a peptide having the sequence corresponding to an antigenic site in the protein exoenzyme S which is antigenically similar to a C-terminal portion of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa pilin protein. The peptide is cross-reactive with surface peptides present in certain bacterial and fungal microorganisms, and is effective in inhibiting binding of such organisms to target epithelial cells. The peptide may also be employed in a vaccine composition, for producing immunity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as against such cross-reactive microorganisms.

Abstract: Treatment and diagnosis of P. aeruginosa infection or colonization is achieved in accordance with this invention by the discovery of a polypeptide which is smaller than the naturally occurring P. aeruginosa pillin protein. The pure polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid residue sequence containing about twelve amino acid residues and up to about twenty amino acid residues that define a sequence capable of immunologically mimicking an antigenic determinant cite of P. aeruginosa pilin. This amino acid residue sequence can repeat as a unit one or more times in the same polypeptide molecule. More than one of such repeating units and more than one repeating unit of the same type can be present in a single polypeptide molecule. The polypeptides act an antigens or immunogens and antibodies may be raised to the immunogens and a vaccine prepared suitable for the prevention of P. aeruginosa infection.

Abstract: A partially purified omega conotoxin binding protein is disclosed. The protein, either in partially purified form or in a synaptosomal preparation, is useful in identifying compounds for use in reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition, such as stroke, in a human patient.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting thrombus formation in a mammalian subject. The method involves administering to the subject a therapeutically effective dose of a calix(n)arene compound derivatized, at its ring positions meta to the bridge attachments to the ring, with polar substituents having terminal sulfonate groups, including esters and amides which are cleavable in vivo.

Abstract: A method of producing analgesia and enhancing opiate analgesia is disclosed. The method includes administering TVIA (SNX-185) or MVIIA (SNX-111) omega-conopeptide, or derivative thereof which is characterized by its ability to (a) inhibit voltage-gated calcium channels selectively in neuronal tissue, as evidenced by the peptide's ability to inhibit electrically stimulated contraction of the guinea pig ileum, and (b) bind to omega-conopeptide MVIIA binding sites present in neuronal tissue.

Abstract: A method of and composition for concentrating a therapeutic agent in an inflamed dermal region are disclosed. The composition, which is also used in the method, is a liposomal composition. The liposomes contain the therapeutic agent in entrapped form and are composed of vesicle-forming lipids including a vesicle-forming lipid derivatized with hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. After intravenous administration, the liposomes are taken up by the inflamed region within 24-48 hours, for site-specific release of entrapped compound into the inflamed region.

Abstract: A method of assessing a cell's susceptibility to cell-damaging energy, such as ionizing radiation and heat, is disclosed. The method is based on measurable changes in voltage-dependent potassium channel currents in the cell in response to the energy. Also disclosed is a method for screening drugs which are effective to sensitize a cell to cell-damaging radiation.

Abstract: A method for determining the mass isotope enrichment of a subunit from which a biopolymer is formed, and the rates of synthesis and decay of the biopolymer. The mass isotope enrichment of the subunit is determined by comparing the mass isotopomer distribution of the biopolymer after administration of a mass isotopically labeled subunit, with the expected frequencies of the different mass isotopomers produced from a given subunit mass isotope enrichment. To determine the synthesis rate of the biopolymer, the expected frequency of a selected biopolymer mass isotopomer, calculated from the subunit isotope enrichment, is compared with the actual frequency of that biopolymer mass isotopomer. To determine biopolymer decay, the decay rate of high mass isotopomers of the biopolymer is determined.

Abstract: A method of killing microorganisms which form a biofilm on a tissue or implant surfaces in a patient, and which are refractory to a biocide at a dose which is effective to kill the microorganism in planktonic form. The effect of the biocide is potentiated, to an effective killing level, by applying an electric field across the surface containing the biofilm.

Abstract: A partially purified omega conotoxin binding protein is disclosed. The protein, either in partially purified form or in a synaptosomal preparation, is useful in identifying compounds for use in reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition, such as stroke, in a human patient.

Abstract: A peptide having a sequence corresponding to an antigenic site in the protein exoenzyme S which is antigenically similar to a C-terminal portion of the Pseusdomonas aeruginosa pilin protein is disclosed. The peptide is cross-reactive with surface peptides present in certain bacterial and fungal microorganisms, and is effective in inhibiting binding of such organisms to target epithelial cells. The peptide may also be employed in a vaccine composition, for producing immunity against such cross-reactive microorganisms.

Abstract: A compound and method for inhibiting cell infection by an enveloped virus. The compound is a macrocyclic chromotropic acid derivative which can be substituted at a variety of naphthalene ring and bridge positions. The compound may be administered parenterally, orally, or topically for treating infection by enveloped viruses.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I are useful for suppressing appetite, and for altering macronutrient preferences, ##STR1## where the R.sub.2 -R.sub.9 substituents are so selected as to meet a defined quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) quantity relating to the partition coefficient of the compound, the net charge on the ring nitrogen, and the radical superfdelocalizability at the position-8 ring carbon.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in determining the concentration of a selected analyte in a body-fluid sample. As the fluid sample is applied to a wettable, absorbent reaction pad, the extent of sample wetting of the pad is monitored by surface reflectance. This surface monitoring is used to control the volume of sample applied to the pad, to prevent overfilling the pad and to allow determination of the final sample volume applied. From the known sample volume and amount of analyte, the concentration of analyte in the sample can be accurately calculated in reaction components, trapping agents, matrix configuration, and analyte tested can be made.

Abstract: An assay device for assaying multiple analytes in a drop-size blood sample. The device includes a sample dispenser designed to distribute a small-volume blood sample to multiple transfer sites, by capillary flow of the blood sample through sieving and distributing matrices which separate blood cells from serum as the sample fluid migrates toward the transfer sites. A test plate in the device carries multiple absorbent test pads, each containing reagent components for use in detection of a selected analyte. The test plate is mounted on the dispenser for movement toward and away from a transfer position at which the exposed surface regions of the pads are in contact with associated sample-transfer sites, for simultaneous transfer of sample fluid from such sites to the pads in the support.