Abstract: A method for producing a refolded, inactive form of recombinantly produced NS2/3 protease which comprises the steps of: a) purifying the protease from inclusion bodies in the presence of a chaotropic agent; and b) refolding the purified protease by contacting it with a reducing agent and lauryldiethylamine oxide (LDAO) in the presence of reduced concentration of chaotropic agent or polar additive. The invention further comprises a method for activating this refolded inactive NS2/3 protease by adding an activation detergent. This method produces large amounts of the active NS2/3 protease to allow small molecules and ligands to be screened as potential inhibitors of NS2/3 protease, which may be useful as therapeutic agents against HCV.

Abstract: A dietary supplement consisting essentially of a combination of Ginseng and Ginkgo to improve the speed of memory and memory quality in normal, healthy subjects and to prevent deterioration of the speed of memory in people with decreased cognitive functions, and to counteract cognitive fatigue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substances which modulate receptors involved in inflammatory processes and whose modulated functions positively influence inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crystalline sodium salt of 4′-[2-n-propyl-4-methyl-6-(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)benzimidazol-1-ylmethyl]biphenyl-2-carboxylic acid (INN: telmisartan), processes for preparing it and the use thereof for preparing a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A unique HCV RNA molecule is provided having an enhanced efficiency of establishing cell culture replication. Novel adaptive mutations have been identified within the HCV non-structural region that improves the efficiency of establishing persistently replicating HCV RNA in cell culture. This self-replicating polynucleotide molecule contains, contrary to all previous reports, a 5′-NTR that can be either an A as an alternative to the G already disclosed and therefore provides an alternative to existing systems comprising a self-replicating HCV RNA molecule. The G→A mutation gives rise to HCV RNA molecules that, in conjunction with mutations in the HCV non-structural region, such as the G(2042)C/R mutations, possess greater efficiency of transduction and/or replication. These RNA molecules when transfected in a cell line are useful for evaluating potential inhibitors of HCV replication.

Abstract: This invention relates to Equine Herpes Viruses (EHV) wherein the protein gM is essentially absent or modified and non-functional with respect to its immunomodulatory capacity. Further aspects of the invention relate to nucleic acids coding said viruses, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these viruses or nucleic acids and uses thereof. The invention also relates to methods for improving the immune response induced by an EHV vaccine against wild type EHV infections, methods for the prophylaxis and treatment of EHV infections and methods for distinguishing wild type EHV infected animals from animals treated with EHV's according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graft animal model for propagating papilloma virus and for evaluating and testing candidate therapeutic agents against papilloma virus. The animal model comprises, a recipient animal engrafted with injured skin graft infected with a host-specific papilloma virus (PV). The grafted skin, having demonstrable papillomas supports the propagation of its host-specific PV. The invention particularly relates to a xenograft animal model for hosting and propagating human papillomavirus (HPV), thereby providing a means for generating infectious and passaging HPV suspensions, and for screening candidate therapeutic agents against HPV. The invention additionally relates to a novel method for generating the xenograft human animal model.

Abstract: This invention relates to chimeric nucleic acids and to the therapeutic induction of apoptosis in activated inflammatory cells, or cells at a site of inflammation, by introducing into those cells the chimeric nucleic acid. The chimeric nucleic acid having at least one TNF&agr; promoter enhancer attached to a functional copy of a TNF&agr; promoter and further attached to at least one copy of an apoptosis-inducing gene, which is further attached to a 3′UTR. The apoptosis-inducing gene is Granzyme B. The invention also relates to methods of making and using self-regulated apoptosis chimeric nucleic acids and pharmaceutical compositions containing them for treating inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to the therapeutic induction of apoptosis in activated inflammatory cells, or cells at a site of inflammation, by introducing into those cells a chimeric gene containing an apoptosis-inducing gene (AIG) driven by a promoter of an inducible gene activated in inflammation and a promoter enhancer such that the inflammatory cells are targeted. In one embodiment, the chimeric gene comprises at least one TNF&agr; promoter enhancer attached to a functional copy of a minimal TNF&agr; promoter and further attached to at least one copy of an apoptosis-inducing gene, wherein expression of the gene is driven by the TNF&agr; promoter. Attachment can be direct, distal, proximal or combinations thereof. Example apoptosis-inducing genes include caspase 3, caspase 4, caspase 5, Granzyme B. Advantageously, the TNFp-AIG chimeric gene is expressed in only those cells producing the inflammatory cytokine, TNF&agr;.

Abstract: The present invention uses the principle that phosphomolybdate binds to hydrophobic surfaces to isolate the phosphomolybdate complex from other phosphate-containing molecules and further uses the SPA concept to bring a radiolabeled phosphomolybdate complex in close contact with a scintillant for measurement by scintillation counting. Generally, the present invention provides an assay for detecting and measuring the amount of orthophosphate (Pi) in an aqueous reaction mixture, wherein the amount of Pi released is separated from the reaction mixture by: adding a solution of molybdate to the reaction mixture to form a phosphomolybdate complex; and contacting the phosphomolybdate complex with a hydrophobic surface, wherein the surface is capable of being separated from the aqueous reaction mixture to allow measurement of the Pi. Particularly, this invention provides an assay for measuring the ATPase activity of enzymes, more particularly, the HPV E1 helicase.

Abstract: To prevent and/or alleviate the discomfort of mild-to-moderate chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities, the dietary supplement should be taken in dosages corresponding to 80-1000 mg of extract, preferably 300-800 mg, in particular 350-750 mg daily. The total amount of extract may be divided up in 1 to 3 capsules or tablets a day (or an equivalent dose by means of a liquid form). The daily dose should be taken at once, preferably in the morning.