Abstract: This invention is in the area of methods and compositions for the inhibition of the expression of VCAM-1 and, in particular, for the treatment of diseases mediated by VCAM-1, including cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a host infected with flavivirus or pestivirus comprising administering an effective flavivirus or pestivirus treatment amount of a described 1′, 2′ or 3′-modified nucleoside or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, is provided.

Abstract: The use of a 1,3-oxathiolane nucleoside analogue and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infections is disclosed. Pharmaceutical formulations are also provided.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a host infected with hepatitis D comprising administering an effective hepatitis D treatment amount of a described 2′-deoxy-&bgr;-L-erythro-pentofuranonucleoside or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic methods and compositions for treatment of autoimmune and anti-inflammatory disorders comprising administering an effective amount of a derivative of triptolide alone or in combination or alternation with other anti-autoimmune or anti-inflammatory compounds.

Abstract: N-substituted dithiocarbamate esters, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of treating hyperproliferative disorders such as cancer by administering the N-substituted dithiocarbamate esters.

Abstract: Solid phases of (−)-cis-FTC, which are designated herein as amorphous (−)-FTC and Forms II and III (−)-cis-FTC) are provided that can be distinguished from Form I (−)-cis-FTC by X-ray powder diffraction patterns, thermal properties, and methods of manufacture. A hydrated crystalline form of (±)-cis-FTC (i.e. racemic cis-FTC), and a dehydrated form of the hydrate, are also provided, and can similarly be distinguished from other forms of FTC by X-ray powder diffraction patterns, thermal properties, and methods of manufacture. These FTC forms can be used in the manufacture of other forms of FTC, or in pharmaceutical compositions. Particularly preferred uses of these forms are in the treatment of HIV or hepatitis B.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of altering the metabolism of sphingolipids in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a fumonisin, or an analog thereof. The invention also provides a method of detecting the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog in a subject comprising (A) detecting, in a sample from the subject, the state of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids and (B) comparing the state of the metabolic pathway to that of a normal subject, the presence of a change in the state of the metabolic pathway indicating the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog. Also provided is a method of detecting the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination in a sample from a food or feed comprising detecting a reaction of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids, the presence of the reaction indicating the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination. Furthermore, novel fumonisin analogs and compositions comprising fumonisins and fumonisin analogs are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel bicyclic tris(anhydride)s useful as intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, and the compounds which may be synthesized from such intermediates.

Abstract: A method and composition for the treatment of HIV and HBV infections in humans and other host animals is disclosed that includes the administration of an effective amount of a [5-carboxamido or 5-fluoro]-2′,3′-dideoxy-2′,3′-didehydro-pyrimidine nucleoside or a [5-carboxamido or 5-fluoro]-3′-modified-pyrimidine nucleoside, or a mixture or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, including a 5′ or N4 alkylated or acrylated derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The use of compounds of the formula and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, alone or in combination for the treatment of transplant rejection, wherein the substituents are further defined in the application.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates that glucocorticoid-induced bone disease is due to changes in the birth and death rate of bone cells using a murine model of glucocorticoid excess as well as bone biopsy specimens obtained from patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. This invention demonstrates that glucocorticoid administration increases apoptosis of mature osteoblasts and osteocytes and decreases bone formation rate and bone mineral density accompanied by defective osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis in the bone marrow.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel substituted 6-benzyl-4-oxopyrimidines and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds inhibit reverse transcriptase encoded by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and are useful to prevent and treat HIV infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and a method of use of the present compounds and other agents for the treatment of AIDS and viral infection by HIV are also envisaged.

Abstract: This invention is in the area of methods and compositions for the inhibition of the expression of VCAM-1 and, in particular, for the treatment of diseases mediated by VCAM-1, including cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: It has been discovered that 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (CS-87) induces a transient mutation in HIV-1 at the 70th codon (K to R, i.e., lysine to arginine) of the reverse transcriptase region of the virus. Based on this discovery, a method and composition for treating HIV is provided that includes administering CS-87 or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug to a human in need of therapy in combination or alternation with a drug that induces a mutation in HIV-1 at a location other than the 70th codon of the reverse transcriptase region. This invention can be practiced by referring to the published mutation patterns for known anti-HIV drugs, or by determining the mutation pattern for a new drug.

Abstract: A method and composition for the treatment of HIV infection, HBV infection, or abnormal cellular proliferation in humans and other host animals is disclosed that includes the administration of an effective amount of a 1,3-oxaselenolane nucleoside or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Carboranyl-containing nucleosides and oligonucleotides are provided for use in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and for other therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of 1,3-oxathiolane nucleosides are provided that include efficient methods for the preparation of the 1,3-oxathiolane ring and subsequent condensation of the 1,3-oxathiolane with a pyrimidine or purine base. Using the processes described herein, the compounds can be provided as isolated enantiomers.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying compounds and compositions useful in the regulation of weight, the treatment of obesity, diabetes and other insulin resistance-related disorders hypertension, cardiovascular disease and the like. The methods comprise the use of adipocytes and predipocytes in assays and screens for compounds or compositions of interest. The present invention recognizes the presence of the sulfonylurea receptor in adipocytes and its utility in identifying compounds and in treating obesity and other insulin resistance-related disorders. In addition to assaying for agonists and antagonists of the sulfonylurea receptor, the methods of the invention also provide for identifying novel calcium channels or other calcium regulatory channels that are selectively expressed in human adipocytes as compared to human preadipocytes and for screening adipocytes for compounds that selectively antagonize calcium.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the differentiation of stromal cells from adipose tissue into hematopoietic supporting stromal cells and myocytes of both the skeletal and smooth muscle type. The cells produced by the methods are useful in providing a source of fully differentiated and functional cells for research, transplantation and development of tissue engineering products for the treatment of human diseases and traumatic tissue injury repair.