Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing hybrid G protein-coupled receptors. DNA sequences encoding hybrid G protein-coupled receptors are provided, wherein the receptors comprise mammalian G protein-coupled receptors having at least one domain other than the ligand-binding domain replaced with a corresponding domain of a yeast G protein-coupled receptor. DNA constructs comprising the following operatively linked elements: a transcriptional promoter, a DNA sequence encoding a hybrid G protein-coupled receptor, wherein the receptor comprises a mammalian G protein-coupled receptor having at least one domain other than the ligand-binding domain replaced with a corresponding domain of a yeast G protein-coupled receptor, and a transcriptional terminator. Host cells transformed with the DNA constructs and methods utilizing the transformed cells are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of dermatitis are disclosed. 2,3-diaryl-1-benzopyrans and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are formulated into medicaments, including oral and topical medicaments, which are administered to a patient suffering from dermatitis. The methods and compositions are particularly useful in the treatment of conditions characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, such as psoriasis.

Abstract: Compounds that selectively modulate the remodeling pathway of platelet activating factor (PAF) are described. Related pharmaceutical compositions and methods are also disclosed. These compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods are useful for reducing or eliminating inflammation.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the clinical course of diabetes in patients diagnosed as having NIDDM are provided. Patients having NIDDM are tested for the presence of autoantibodies to human islet cell glutamic acid decarboxylase. Based on the presence or absence of autoantibodies, the patients are classified as to the predicted course of the disease. These methods can be used to predict the development of IDDM and to guide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting fertilization in warm-blooded animals are disclosed. The methods generally comprise administering to the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising a protein that forms a covalent complex with acrosin, and a physiologically acceptable carrier or diluent. Suitable proteins for use in the methods include members of the serpin family of proteins, such as alpha-1-antitrypsin.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining cells that produce a ligand for an orphan receptor and methods for preparing polynucleotide molecules that encode ligands for orphan receptors are disclosed. The methods utilize growth factor-dependent parent cells that are transfected with a DNA construct encoding an orphan receptor. The transfected cells are exposed to mutagenizing conditions, and the mutagenized cells are cultured under conditions in which cell survival is dependent upon autocrine growth factor production. Progeny cells are recovered and screened to identify those that produce a ligand for the orphan receptor. Polynucleotide molecules encoding the ligand can be prepared from the identified cells.

Abstract: Dimeric proteins having substantially the same biological activity as PDGF are disclosed. More specifically, the protein may have two substantially identical polypeptide chains, each of the chains being substantially homologous to the B-chain of PDGF. Alternatively, the protein may have two polypeptide chains that are substantially identical to the B-chain of PDGF. In addition, proteins comprising polypeptides that are variants or derivatives of the B-chain of PDGF are also disclosed. Therapeutic compositions containing these proteins and methods for enhancing the wound-healing process in warm-blooded animals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting is disclosed comprising administering, 3,4-diarylchromans and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing bone loss are disclosed. 3,4-diarylchromans and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are formulated into medicaments for the treatment of bone loss due to osteoporosis or other conditions. An exemplary 3,4-diarylchroman is centchroman (3,4-trans-2,2-dimethyl-3-phenyl-4-[p-(beta-pyrrolidinoethoxy)phenyl]-7-me thoxychroman). Formulations include tablets and other forms suitable for oral administration and controlled-release subdermal implants.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated DNA molecules comprising a DNA segment encoding novel human Kunitz-type inhibitors. Also provided are DNA constructs comprising a first DNA segment encoding a novel human Kunitz-type inhibitor wherein said first DNA segment is operably linked to additional DNA segments required for the expression for the first DNA segment, as well as host cells containing such DNA constructs and methods for producing proteins from the host cells.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of dermatitis are disclosed wherein 3,4-diarylchromans and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are formulated into medicaments, including oral and topical medicaments, and are administered to a patient suffering from dermatitis.

Abstract: Polypeptides of from 3-120 amino acid residues comprising a segment of the formula Gln-Y-Lys, wherein Y is a spacer peptide of 1 to 12, wherein said 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: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of dermatitis are disclosed. 2,3-diaryl-1-benzopyrans and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are formulated into medicaments, including oral and topical medicaments, which are administered to a patient suffering from dermatitis. The methods and compositions are particularly useful in the treatment of conditions characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, such as psoriasis.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing bone loss are disclosed. 2,3-diaryl-1-benzopyrans and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are formulated into medicaments for the treatment of bone loss due to osteoporosis or other conditions. Formulations include tablets and other forms suitable for oral administration and controlled-release subdermal implants.

Abstract: Surfaces of polymeric materials are coated with a layer of thermally denatured fibrinogen. The fibrinogen may be treated with thrombin to produce fibrin, and additional fibrinogen and factor XIII added to produce a cross-linked fibrin coating. The resulting coated surface is stable, anti-thrombotic and resistant to platelet adhesion. Polymeric materials coated in this way are useful in constructing vascular grafts and prosthetic devices, and provide test systems useful in the study of thrombogenesis.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing bone loss are disclosed. 3,4-diarylchromans and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are formulated into medicaments for the treatment of bone loss due to osteoporosis or other conditions. An exemplary 3,4-diarylchroman is centchroman (3,4-trans-2,2-dimethyl-3-phenyl-4-[p-(beta-pyrrolidinoethoxy)phenyl]-7-me thoxy-chroman). Formulations include tablets and other forms suitable for oral administration and controlled-release subdermal implants.

Abstract: Surfaces of polymeric materials are coated with a layer of thermally denatured fibrinogen. The fibrinogen may be treated with thrombin to produce fibrin, and additional fibrinogen and factor XIII added to produce a cross-linked fibrin coating. The resulting coated surface is stable, anti-thrombotic and resistant to platelet adhesion. Polymeric materials coated in this way are useful in constructing vascular grafts and prosthetic devices, and provide test systems useful in the study of thrombogenesis.