Abstract: A gastric band of a belt type is presented for attaching around a circumference of a patient's stomach, so as to define the diameter of the stomach opening. The band comprises outer and inner surfaces, wherein the inner surface engages the stomach, and at least the outer surface is formed by an elongated member substantially non-extendable along a longitudinal axis thereof. A through-going opening is made in the elongated member and is located so as to define an end portion of the band having a predetermined length. An opposite end portion of the band is shaped so as to be insertable into the through-going opening for adjusting a desired inner diameter of the band in its closed operating position and fastening the opposite end portion to the outer surface of the band.

Abstract: A compound of formula I in which M, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, K1, and K2 are defined herein and are novel effective tryptase-inhibitors.

Abstract: A device for detection of one or several fluorescent species, said species being contained in a medium, said medium being contained in a conduit, said device comprising a means of exciting the fluorescent species by light, said medium and conduit making up a structure that is transparent to the exciting and the emitted fluorescent light, and said device comprising one or several such structures, may be improved by letting at least part of the emitted fluorescent light be guided away from the illumination zone by total internal reflection (TIR) in said structure and collected from one end of said structure.

Abstract: A dormant preparation (DC) is provided which is capable of inhibiting proliferation of various kinds of cells. The preparation comprises an extract which is obtained from cells or tissue originating in an organism capable of entering a phase of dormancy in at least one of its parts and comprises at least one substance which induces or maintains the state of dormancy in the organism from which the cells or tissue are derived. The DC may be used for a variety of indications including human medicine and cosmetics, plant growth control and food preservation.

Abstract: More than 90% of mutations found in the p53 protein produce a conformational change in p53 which results in the exposure of an epitope, which is otherwise hidden in the hydrophobic core of the molecule. A single chain antibody (scFv) which specifically recognizes this common mutant epitope in mutant p53 but not in wild type p53 is disclosed. Also described are a DNA molecule encoding the scFv, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibody and methods of treatment using the pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: N-oxides of the compounds of formula (I) in which R1 is hydroxyl, 1-4C-alkoxy, 3-7C-cycloalkoxy, 3-7C-cycloalkylmethoxy or completely or predominantly fluorine-substituted 1-4C-alkoxy, R2 is hydroxyl, 1-4C-alkoxy, 3-7C-cycloalkoxy, 3-7C-cycloalkylmethoxy or completely or predominantly fluorine-substituted 1-4C-alkoxy, or in which R1 and R2 together are a 1-2C-alkylenedioxy group, R6 is an R7- and R8-substituted phenyl radical, they are active bronchial therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combined administration of PDE inhibitors and &bgr;2 adrenoceptor agonists for the treatment of respiratory tract disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for use as an immunomodulator comprising small molecular weight components of less than 3000 daltons, and having the following properties: a) is extractable from bile of animals; b) is capable of stimulating monocytes and macrophages in vitro and in vivo; c) is capable of modulating tumor necrosis factor production; d) contains no measurable IL-1&agr;, IL-1&bgr;, TNF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-4, GM-CSF or IFN-&ggr;; e) has an anti-proliferative effect in a malignant mouse hybridoma cell line; f) shows no cytotoxicity to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells or lymphocytes; and g) is not an endotoxin. The invention also relates to a method of preparing the composition, its use as an immunomodulator, and its use in the treatment of diseases and conditions having an immunological component.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for modulating cell proliferation, preferably inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells are described. Compounds that may be used to modulate cell proliferation include antisense oligonucleotides complementary to regions of the mammalian ribonucleotide reductase genes.

Abstract: This invention is about the identification of the HD-2, a natural chemical substance that was separated and purified from a natural product, Sinsuk, as arsenic hexoxide (As4O6) and about its therapeutic efficacy as an anti-cancer drug and pharmaceutical composition. Arsenic hexoxide (As4O6), a natural chemical substance obtained from Sinsuk after eliminating the toxic property, has a potent anti-cancer efficacy by its direct cytotoxicity on tumor cells and suppresses the formation of new blood vessels of tumor masses, which results in complete cure of malignant cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for culturing mushroom mycelia using grains, a culture product, and use of the culture product. Edible or medicinal mushroom mycelia are inoculated and cultured in solid media made of grains. Induction of the cultured mushroom mycelia to undergo autolysis produces autolysates rich in antitumorigenic and other medicinally useful materials. The squeezing of the autolysates produces a liquid filtrate, leaving a paste. The filtrate is concentrated for use in foods or medicines. The paste is processed into a nutrient-rich gruel or other foods.

Abstract: This invention relates to oligonucleotides complementary to the thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase genes which modulate tumor cell growth in mammals. This invention is also related to methods of using such compounds in inhibiting the growth of tumor cells in mammals. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and an effective amount of a compound of this invention.

Abstract: A substantially non-toxic fraction isolated from the venom of Vipera xanthina is disclosed which fraction has an analgesic effect. The fraction is preferably purified on an ion exchange column from Vipera xanthina palestinae. Also described are a pharmaceutical composition for use as an analgesic comprising the non-toxic fraction, and a method for the relief of pain comprising administrating the non-toxic fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for use as an immunomodulator comprising small molecular weight components of less than 3000 daltons, and having the following properties: a) is extractable from bile of animals; b) is capable of stimulating monocytes and macrophages in vitro; c) is capable of modulating tumor necrosis factor production; d) contains no measurable IL-1a, IL-1b, TNF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-4, GM-CSF or IFN-gamma; e) has an anti-proliferative effect in a malignant mouse hybridoma cell line; f) shows no cytotoxicity to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells; and g) is not an endotoxin. The invention also relates to a method of preparing the composition and its use as an immunomodulator.

Abstract: The compounds of formula (I) in which R1, R2, A and Ar have the meanings as given in the description are novel effective PDE4 inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for blinding the administration of nonsolid pharmaceutical presentations. The device is in particular an opaque container which has at least two attachments, one of which is intended for connection to a dispenser for the pharmaceutical presentation, and the other of which is intended for connection to an applicator, the inside of said container having means for holding back the pharmaceutical presentation.

Abstract: The N-oxides of the compounds of formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, R31, R4, R5, R51 and R6 have the meanings indicated in the description, arm novel active bronchial therapeutics.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, R31, R4, R5, R51 and R6 have the meanings indicated in the description, are novel active bronchial therapeutics.

Abstract: The N-oxides of the compounds of formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, R31, R4, R5, R51 and R6 have the meanings indicated in the description, are novel active bronchial therapeutics.

Abstract: A two dimensional beam deflector is disclosed which deflects beams from multiple optical assemblies. The input of beams of the multiple optical assemblies follow parallel optical paths until deflection to a wafer. An ellipsometer using a two-dimensional beam deflector is also disclosed.