Abstract: siRNA molecules are disclosed which target the transcription factor STAT6 and repress the expression of STAT6 mRNA, STAT6 protein and STAT6 function in lung cells. The use of STAT6 specific siRNA molecules in the treatment of allergic diseases of the respiratory tract such as asthma and rhinitis is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of screening for a protein involved in the extracellular regulation of latent TGF? activation by transducing a cell line with a retroviral cDNA library to create a reporter cell line that produces green fluorescent protein (GFP) in response to TGF-? signaling; growing individual clones created by the reporter cell line; co-culturing each individual clone with a second TGF-? reporter cell line that produces luciferase in response to TGF-?, wherein the luciferase production identifies positive clones; and identifying a mechanism of latent TGF-? activation that is employed by the positive clones. A TGF? reporter cell line including a cell line; and a retroviral cDNA library, wherein the reporter cell line produces GFP in response to TGF-? signaling. A method of screening for gene products involved in a biological process.

Abstract: A method of detecting unreacted termini within a dendritic structure is achieved by exposing a dendrimer to a single generating compound capable of bonding to and tagging a deprotected but uncoupled termini. A signal generated by the signal generating compound to an otherwise uncoupled termini provides detection of the unreacted termini.

Abstract: A method for the early diagnosing of selected adenocarcinomas in a human comprising the steps of removing a bodily sample from the human, and assaying the bodily sample for elevated expression of a specific gene. The gene being assayed for in the, bodily sample is the TGFB-4 gene (hereinafter referred to as the endometrial bleeding associated factor (ebaf) gene. The bodily sample can be tissue from a specific organ in the body, or a blood sample. Increased levels of ebaf in the sample relative to basal levels may be indicative of a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon or ovaries, or an adenocarcinoma of the testis.

Abstract: A fungal glucoamylase including a mutation pair Asn20Cys coupled with Ala27Cys forming a disulfide bond between the two members of the pair. The mutation provides increased thermal stability and reduced isomaltose formation to the enzyme. A fungal glucoamylase including a 311-314Loop mutation wherein reduced isomaltose formation is provided by the mutation is also provided. A fungal glucoamylase including a mutation Ser411Ala wherein increased pH optimum and reduced isomaltose formation is provided by the mutation is also provided. Combinations of the mutations in engineered glucoamylases are also provided as are combinations with other glucoamylase mutations that provide increased thermal stability, increased pH optimum and reduced isomaltose froamtion for cumulative improvements in the engineered glucoamylases. Also provided is a fungal glucoamylase including a mutation of Ser30Pro coupled with at least two stabilizing mutations forming a disulfide bond between the two stabilizing members.

Abstract: A method to assess hypertension by measuring the amount of free and conjugated hydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) and metabolites of DHETs, which are metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) epoxygenases and epoxide hydrolases, in a biological sample which contains the DHETs (using any methods including GC/MS or ELISA) is disclosed. The method further included determining the amount of molecules containing a DHET-specific epitope immunoreactive with antibodies produced against DHETs present in the sample. This amount is compared with a control sample(s). Hypertension is determined through the comparison wherein the amount of increase of free and conjugated DHETs and metabolites of DHETs in the sample isolated from an organism. The present invention also provides a method to assess catalytic activity of AA epoxygenases using immunoassays by subtracting the amounts of NADPH-independent epoxyeicosatriencic acids (EETs) from total (NADPH-dependent+independent) EETs.

Abstract: A compound of the formula wherein R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen or methyl; and R3 is hydrogen, methyl or carboxyl; which is useful in the treatment of seizure disorders. Processes are disclosed for the preparation of the compound. Intermediates prepared during the synthesis of the compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and kit for determining candidates for immunotherapy, for monitoring the effect of immunotherapy and analysis of cell mediated immunity functionality in a patient who needs immunotherapy is provided. The method includes performing two intracutaneous skin tests and reading the skin test after twenty-four hours. One skin test is the administration of a mitogen such as phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (ConA), pokeweed antigen (PWA) and other mitogens as known in the art. The PHA skin test responses reflect the ability of the T-lymphocytes which are present to react to PHA and to release cytokines like IL-2 and induce a monocyte/macrophage infiltration leading to the DTH dermal reaction which is observed in the skin test characteristic of the afferent limb response of the immune system. The NCM (mitogen-stimulated natural cytokine mixture) skin test reflects the ability of preformed T-cell cytokines to induce the monocyte/macrophage accumulation characteristic of the efferent limb response.

Abstract: Four antigenic preparations are provided, each of which contains a different protein from Leptospira which can be used immunologically in vaccines for leptospirosis caused by this organism. Also provided in the invention are polynucleotides encoding these four proteins and antibodies which bind the proteins for use in the diagnosis of leptospirosis.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for treating injury to the central nervous system (CNS). The method includes administering to the CNS of a patient suffering from such an injury a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) production immediately following the injury. The methods use as the inhibitor a synthetic nuclease resistant antisense oligonucleotide or ribozyme that is directed against an accessible domain of the AChE mRNA brain variant. The treatment downregulates AChE production and thereby activity. The injury to the CNS may be a head injury (closed or open), brain injury, or spinal cord trauma or other trauma to the CNS.

Abstract: The invention discloses a composition for the prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis which includes an effective amount of an anti-lipase agent and/or an anti-protease agent in a suitable vehicle. The composition is designed to maintain an effective amount of the lipase and/or protease inhibitors and to be applied to tissues susceptible to fecal enzyme insult. The invention also discloses a composition for the prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis which includes an effective amount of a sacrificial lipase substrate and/or, a sacrificial protease substrate in a suitable vehicle. The composition is designed to maintain an effective amount of the substrates and to be applied to tissues susceptible to fecal enzyme insult.

Abstract: A surface protection system consisting of three pieces, (1) cartridge-top, (2) absorbent core, and (3) base unit. The cartridge-top, made of semi-flexible material with a waffle grid design of drainage holes, traps and directs liquid spills into the absorbent core. The core is a thin layer of material attached to the entire underside of the cartridge-top, forming one unit. The core material, consisting of cotton-fluff and a super-absorbent polymer or fiber, holds and wicks the liquid away from the surface, turning it into a jell. The cartridge-top is snapped onto the top of the base unit covering it completely. It is disposed via routine trash collection during maintenance (usually weekly) and replaced by a fresh one. The base unit is also made of semi-flexible material and is extremely durable. It is placed on the floor under a urinal and secured to the floor to prevent its accidental displacement.

Abstract: A method to assess hypertension by measuring the amount of free and conjugated hydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETS) and metabolites of DHETs, which are metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) epoxygenases and epoxide hydrolases, in a biological sample which contains the DHETs (using any methods including GC/MS or ELISA) is disclosed. The method further included determining the amount of molecules containing a DHET-specific epitope immunoreactive with antibodies produced against DHETs present in the sample. This amount is compared with a control sample(s). Hypertension is determined through the comparison wherein the amount of increase of free and conjugated DHETs and metabolites of DHETs in the sample isolated from an organism. The present invention also provides a method to assess catalytic activity of AA epoxygenases using immunoassays by measuring the amounts of NADPH-independent epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and total (NADPH-dependent+independent) EETs.

Abstract: A method for preparing coatings of thin films onto solid particle has been achieved by in-situ simultaneous nucleation and deposition of dissolved material out of supercritical fluid, resultant film formation on the solid particles suspended in the supercritical fluid, and subsequent thermal conditioning of the coating in the particles. The coating method involves an enclosed system that provides: 1) for suspension of the solid particles to be coated; 2) for dissolution of the coating material in the supercritical fluid solvent; 3) for temperature or pressure swing operations causing film deposition/coating of the suspended solid particles and; 4) additional chemical addition and/or thermal cycles providing for any additional reactions required (such as polymerization).

Abstract: A device for use in the correct application and monitoring of the technique of ACF (Applied Cricoid Force) during tracheal intubation comprises a cylinder (1), a piston (2), seal (10) and either an aneroid gauge (3) or a calibrated spring (6) which provides resistance to force applied to the device and at the same time permits monitoring of the force applied. The device may also or alternatively be used as a training tool on a suitable patient substitute e.g. a table, bench or a manikin, until the trainee gains the experience and skills which enable them to reproduce the correct force when applying cricoid force directly on patients.

Abstract: A transgenic mammal whose somatic and germ cells having a nucleic acid construct wherein the construct includes a mammalian promoter operably linked to a cDNA genomic sequence is provided for the overexpression of galanin. Also provided is a construct having cDNA for the overexpression of galanin. A method of making a transgenic mammal by producing a mammal having a construct for the overexpression of galanin is provided.

Abstract: A compound of the formula wherein R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen or methyl; and R3 is hydrogen, methyl or carboxyl; which is useful in the treatment of seizure disorders. Processes are disclosed for the preparation of the compound. Intermediates prepared during the synthesis of the compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing powder foods or liquids has a scoop for containing the powder or liquid, and levelling means for levelling off the scoop contents, wherein the levelling means co-operates with a counter such that operation of the levelling means is adapted to advance the counter, the counter being characterised in that the counter may be reset to zero in a single step process.

Abstract: An isolated and purified &agr;-N-acetyl-D-galactosaminidase from Clostridium perfringens is disclosed. A method for purifying and isolating the &agr;-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from Clostridium perfringens by removing neuramidases is disclosed. A process for using the &agr;-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from Clostridium perfringens in altering type A blood cells to type O blood cells is disclosed. A process for altering cells expressing blood group A epitope by using &agr;-N-acetylgalactosaminidase isolated from Clostridium perfringens in altering the cells expressing blood group A epitope to cells expressing blood group O epitope is disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels and other corrosive fluids. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) comprising a polymeric fluorocarbon material resistant to chemical and heat degradation, and is characterized by including an outer liner (14) comprising an expanded polyamide material disposed about the inner liner (12). The assembly (10) further includes a conductive strip (30) formed along the inner liner (12) for dissipating electrical charges accumulating along the inner liner (12).