Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for treatment of pathological conditions of the nail, said method comprising topically applying to the affected area an effective amount of a composition comprising an optionally substituted lower alcohol and an optionally substituted lower carboxylic acid. Invention methods effectively treat bacterial or fungal infections of the nail by utilizing a low viscosity composition having the ability to penetrate through and underneath the nail plate, thereby attacking the infection at its source.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a new class of drugs for therapeutic treatment of such indications as cerebral stroke and other ischemia/reperfusion injury. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, dithiocarbamates are linked to the surface of a non-immunogenic, non-targeting macromolecule other than an antibody (e.g., albumin protein) either by using cross-linking reagents or by nonspecific binding to produce polydithiocarbamate-macromolecule-containing compositions, which represent a new class of drugs for therapeutic treatment of such indications as cerebral stroke and other ischemia/reperfusion injury. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, combinational therapeutic methods have been developed for the in vivo inactivation or inhibition of formation (either directly or indirectly) of species which induce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, as well as reducing nitric oxide levels produced as a result of .NO synthase expression.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that CREB binding protein (CBP) cooperates with upstream activators involved in the activation of transcription of such signal dependent transcription factors as c-Jun (responsive to phorbol ester), serum response factor, and the like. It has also been discovered that CBP can be employed in an assay to identify compounds which disrupt the ability of such signal dependent transcription factors to activate transcription. In another aspect, it has been discovered that CBP can be employed in an assay to identify new signal dependent transcription factors. In yet another aspect of the present invention, it has been discovered that CBP can be employed in an assay to identify novel co-factor protein(s) which mediate the interaction between signal dependent transcription factors and inducer molecules involved in the activation of transcription.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding alpha9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit and receptor subunit protein encoded thereby. Also provided are vectors containing the invention nucleic acids, host cells transformed therewith, alpha9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit and functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors comprising at least one alpha9 subunit expressed recombinantly in such host cells as well as transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention receptor subunit and mutants thereof. Receptors of the invention comprise at least one alpha9 nicotinic acetylcholine subunit and form cationic channels activated by acetylcholine, but blocked by nicotine and muscarine. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds that modulate the ion channel activity of the functional invention receptors containing at least one invention subunit.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that PPAR&ggr; is expressed consistently in tissues associated with each of a variety of disease states which result from neoplastic cell proliferation. It has further been discovered that maximal activation of PPAR&ggr; with exogenous ligand promotes terminal differentiation of primary cells which are otherwise subject to neoplastic cell proliferation. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, it has been discovered that RXR-specific ligands are also potent agents for induction of differentiation of cells expressing the PPAR&ggr;/RXR&agr; heterodimer, and that simultaneous treatment of cells subject to neoplastic cell proliferation with a PPAR&ggr;-selective ligand, in combination with an RXR-specific ligand, results in an additive stimulation of differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention is a somatic cell gene therapy method that is especially useful for the treatment of certain diseases that are caused by gene defects. According to the invention, fibroblast cells are transduced so that they express a “replacement” gene of interest. These transduced fibroblasts are preferably fixed in vitro in an extracellular matrix, and then implanted in the loose connective tissue of the skin of an individual or animal to be treated. Because the fibroblasts are implanted in a highly vascularized compartment of the skin i.e., loose connective tissue of the dermis, the transduced cells, and thus their “replacement” gene products, have direct access to the circulatory system. As a result the needed replacement gene products can easily and efficiently be distributed to other parts of the body. When the gene therapy is no longer needed, the implanted fibroblasts can be conveniently removed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel G-protein-coupled receptor proteins (CRF-R) characterized by having sufficient binding affinity for corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) such that concentrations of 10 nM of CRF occupy 50% of the binding sites of said receptor protein. Nucleic acid sequences encoding such receptors, assays employing same, as well as antibodies derived therefrom, are also disclosed. Invention CRF-Rs can be employed in a variety of ways, such as, for example, in bioassays, for production of antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions containing such proteins and/or antibodies.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel chemical entities which have multiple utilities, e.g., as prodrugs of NSAIDs; as dual inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO); as anticancer agents (through promoting apoptosis and/or inhibiting the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)), and the like. Invention compounds comprise a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID), covalently linked to a hydroxamate. Invention compounds are useful for a variety of applications, such as, for example, treating inflammation and inflammation-related conditions; reducing the side effects associated with administration of anti-inflammatory agents; promoting apoptosis; inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases; and the like.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided thermosetting resin compositions with a reduced propensity to shrink in volume upon cure and methods of use therefor. The compositions of the present invention include compounds having aromatic, rigid-rod like spacer groups between the crosslinkable moieties. As such, these compounds impart a degree of liquid crystal-like character to the thermosetting resin composition which results in lower shrinkage upon cure. This effect follows from the well-known expansion that occurs when liquid crystal-like materials pass from a nematic liquid crystal-like state to an isotropic state. Further provided by the present invention are low shrinkage die attach pastes and methods of use therefor.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a class of compounds which are capable of modulating processes mediated by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-&ggr;). The identification of such compounds makes it possible to intervene in PPAR-&ggr; mediated pathways.

Abstract: Nitric oxide scavengers, such as dithiocarbamate-containing compounds, are used to reduce side effects caused by therapeutic administration of nitric oxide sources by administering the nitric oxide scavenger(s) to the subject after the therapeutic effect of the nitric oxide source has been achieved. For example, the nitric oxide source can be coadministered with the nitric oxide scavenger, with the latter formulated in a time release vehicle selected to delay release of the scavenger for a period of time sufficient to ensure that the therapeutic goal of the nitric oxide source has been achieved before release of the scavenger. Formulations and kits, including a bubble pack with pairwise arrangement of unit doses of a desired nitric oxide source and nitric oxide scavenger, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dithiocarbamamte disulfide dimer useful in various therapeutic treatments, either alone or in combination with other active agents. In one method, the disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate is coadministered with an agent that inactivates (or inhibits the production of) species that induce the expression of nitric oxide synthase to reduce the production of such species, while, at the same time reducing nitric oxide levels in the subject. In another embodiment, free iron ion levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate(s) to scavenge free iron ions, for example, in subjects undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. In another embodiment, cyanide levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate so as to bind cyanide in the subject. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to compositions and formulations useful in such therapeutic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dithiocarbamamte disulfide dimer useful in various therapeutic treatments, either alone or in combination with other active agents. In one method, the disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate is coadministered with an agent that inactivates (or inhibits the production of) species that induce the expression of nitric oxide synthase to reduce the production of such species, while, at the same time reducing nitric oxide levels in the subject. In another embodiment, free iron ion levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate(s) to scavenge free iron ions, for example, in subjects undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. In another embodiment, cyanide levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate so as to bind cyanide in the subject. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to compositions and formulations useful in such therapeutic methods.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that PPAR&ggr; is expressed consistently in each of the major histologic types of human liposarcoma. It has further been discovered that maximal activation of PPAR&ggr; with exogenous ligand (a thiazolidinedione or derivative thereof) promotes terminal differentiation of primary human liposarcoma cells. It has still further been discovered that RXR-specific ligands are also potent adipogenic agents in cells expressing the PPAR&ggr;/RXR&agr; heterodimer, and that simultaneous treatment of liposarcoma cells with a thiazolidinedionyl moiety (a PPAR&ggr;-selective class of compounds) and an RXR-specific ligand results in an additive stimulation of differentiation. Accordingly, according to the invention, there have been identified compositions which are useful for the treatment of liposarcomas.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods to modulate processes mediated by retinoid receptors, employing high affinity, high specificity ligands for such receptors. In one aspect of the present invention, there are provided ligands which are more selective for the retinoid X receptor than is retinoic acid (i.e., rexoids). In another aspect of the present invention, alternative ligands (other than retinoic acid) have been discovered which are capable of inducing retinoic acid receptor mediated processes. In yet another aspect, methods have been developed for the preparation of such retinoid receptor ligands from readily available compounds.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided rapidly crosslinkable polypeptides which are obtained upon introduction of unsaturated group(s) into the polypeptide via linkage to amino acid residues on the polypeptide directly through one of three types of linkages, namely, an amide linkage, an ester linkage, or a thioester linkage. Each of these linkages are obtainable in a single step by use of a single derivatizing agent, acrylic anhydride. Also provided are methods for preparing such modified polypeptides and various uses therefor. It has unexpectedly been found that proteins with the above-described chemical modifications have the ability to rapidly crosslink to themselves under suitable conditions. This crosslinking occurs in the absence of any external crosslinking agents (indeed, in the absence of any extraneous agents), resulting in the formation of a solid gel material. Solid crosslinked gels are formed in seconds, starting from a freely flowing solution of polypeptide.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compounds and pharmaceutical compositions useful for the selective inhibition of COX-2 in the presence of COX-1. As a result, invention compounds and compositions provide anti-inflammatory relief to a subject in need thereof while dramatically reducing the occurrence of side effects in the subject. Compounds contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention are substituted heterocyclic compounds containing amidinyl and imidazolyl groups.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug paclitaxel) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in the form of suspended particles coated with protein (which acts as a stabilizing agent). In particular, protein and pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing medium are subjected to high shear, in the absence of any conventional surfactants, and also in the absence of any polymeric core material for the particles. The procedure yields particles with a diameter of less than about 1 micron. The use of specific composition and preparation conditions (e.g., addition of a polar solvent to the organic phase), and careful election of the proper organic phase and phase fraction, enables the reproducible production of unusually small nanoparticles of less than 200 nm diameter, which can be sterile-filtered.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided stabilized total nutrient admixture (TNA) compositions which are useful for the in vivo parenteral delivery of pharmacologically acceptable lipids or fats, as well as methods for the preparation thereof. In particular, the pharmacologically acceptable lipid or fat is contained within a protein walled shell. In a particular embodiment of the invention, a TNA composition using human serum albumin (HSA) as a stabilizer has been prepared as a convenient three-in-one formulation (i.e., containing a fat emulsion, dextrose, and amino acids plus electrolytes). This “three-in-one” formulation can be prepared in liquid form or in dry form (comprising submicron-sized nanoparticles). The dried material is stable, even under long term storage, and is easily reconstituted immediately before use by simply adding sterile water (with or without vitamin supplementation) This serves to rehydrate the powder into a TNA suitable for injection.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided free-radical polymerizable compositions comprising polycyclic olefins, wherein the polycyclic olefins contain little, if any, cyclopentenyl unsaturation. As a result, these olefins are sufficiently reactive with the propagating free-radicals during cure to provide a highly crosslinked thermoset resin. Moreover, invention compositions comprise high molecular weight polycyclic olefins having low volatility. Accordingly, the observed undesirable weight loss upon cure of prior art thermosetting compositions is considerably reduced. Further provided by the present invention are compositions comprising functionalized polycyclic olefin monomers. These functionalized olefin monomers provide additional benefits such as increased adhesion to a variety of surfaces and greater control over glass transition temperatures.