Abstract: This invention relates to modified pneumolysin polypeptides that retain the immunogenic nature of pneumolysin but have reduced or undetectable hemolytic activity compared to native pneumolysin. The invention also provides a method for generating novel pneumolysin variants with these desired characteristic properties. The invention also provides immunogenic compositions useful as pharmaceutical compositions including vaccines in which non-toxic, modified pneumolysin is used to stimulate protective immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The vaccines may be compositions in which the modified pneumolysin is conjugated to bacterial polysaccharides or may be carried on an attenuated viral vector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the treatment and prevention of migraine and affective illness by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the valproic acid analog 2-n-propyl-4-hexynoic acid. The compound 2-n-propyl-4-hexynoic acid is an effective anti-migraine and anti-affective illness drug with greatly reduced adverse effects including neurotoxicity and teratogenic potential compared to valproic acid. This invention thus provides an improved method for treating and preventing migraine and affective illness.

Abstract: Cell encapsulating devices capable of maintaining large numbers of viable cells are provided containing an inert, substantially cell-free core that displaces cells, a permeable membrane and a zone for maintaining cells. The permeable membrane surrounds the core such that the zone of cells is bounded by the core and the permeable membrane. A preferred device contains a polytetrafluoroethylene permeable membrane and a flexible polymer core having a plurality of ridges and valleys running lengthwise along the core. The cell zone may contain support means for cell attachment and the core may have an outer boundary containing a material that promotes cell adhesion. Preferably, the cell zone has a thickness such that at least about 10% of the cells, more preferably at least about 50% or 80%, in a cell layer located closest to the outer boundary of the core remain viable. The thickness is preferably less than 500 microns such as 25 to 250 microns or 50 to 100 microns.

Abstract: Neurotrophic and antiproliferative compounds related to the antiepileptic drug valproate are provided. These compounds are useful for promoting neuronal function as in neurodegenerative disorders and for treating neoplastic disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions useful for delivering antigens to dendritic cells which are then useful for inducing T antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This invention also provides assays for evaluating the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. According to the invention, antigens are provided to dendritic cells using a viral vector such as influenza virus which may be modified to express non-native antigens for presentation to the dendritic cells. The dendritic cells which are infected with the vector are then capable of presenting the antigen and inducing cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity or may also be used as vaccines.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: ##STR1## in which X represents a group ##STR2## in which p represents an integer of 2 to 4; r represents an integer of 1 or 2; s represents 0 or 1; and A represents a 3-membered divalent residue completing a 5-membered aromatic ring and comprises one or two heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur, any amino nitrogen optionally substituted by a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, and when (p,r,s) is (2,2,0) or (2,2,1) any A comprising 2 heteroatoms is optionally C-substituted by a methyl group, and when (p,r,s) is (2,1,0), (2,1,1) or (3,1,0) any A comprising 2 heteroatoms is optionally C-substituted by C.sub.1-2 alkyl and any A comprising one heteroatom is optionally C-substituted by a methyl group, and wherein compounds of formula (I) having two asymetric centers have the stereo-chemical configuration in which the group X and the (CH.sub.2).sub.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I): ##STR1## which comprises the reactive of a methylating agent with a compound of formula (IV): ##STR2## in a polar solvent in which is dissolved an alkali metal alkoxide, in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to organomineral products of high strength obtainable by reacting a polyisocyanate in an aqueous alkali silicate solution in the presence of a catalyst prompting the trimerization of the polyisocyanate. In preparing them, the catalyst is used in an amount of 5.5 to 14.5 mmole per mole of NCO groups in the reaction mixture. The organo-mineral products of the invention are suitable as construction, coating, sealing or insulating materials or as putty or adhesives.

Abstract: The invention relates to organomineral products of high strength obtainable by reacting a polyisocyanate in an aqueous alkali silicate solution in the presence of a catalyst prompting the trimerization of the polyisocyanate. In preparing them, the catalyst is used in an amount of 5.5 to 14.5 mmole per mole of NCO groups in the reaction mixture. The organomineral products of the invention are suitable as construction, coating, sealing or insulating materials or as putty or adhesives.