Abstract: Therapeutic compositions and methods for the treatment of inflammation are disclosed. The compositions comprise at least one anti-inflammatory drug in combination with the lymphokine interleukin-4 (IL-4), which components interact synergistically in the treatmement of inflammation. Methods for the treatment of inflammation comprise administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of at least one anti-inflammatory drug and IL-4.

Abstract: Hydrolase enzymes are sensitively determined using novel substituted FAD substrates. The substituted FAD substrates are hydrolysed to FAD by the enzyme to be detected. The FAD is then combined with an apoenzyme to form a holoenzyme which is used to initiate a reaction that leads to a detectable product. When the hydrolase to be detected is phosphatase, the novel substrate is a phosphorylated derivative of FAD. A suitable apoenzyme is apo-glucose oxidase which provides exceptional sensitivity. Apo-D-amino acid oxidase, which is suitable for use in a "single pot" assay system, can also be used.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing a small area of epidermis from the skin to expose an intact area of dermis and subsequently deliver a liquid in contact with the exposed dermis. This method of delivery allows the rate of absorption of substances into the body to be enhanced by removal of the epidermis. A preferred embodiment removes the epidermis by forming a suction blister, the apparatus having a housing attached to the skin adhesively to define a chamber in which suction is applied. Suction is applied to the chamber without connection to an external source of suction by means of an evacuated cell separated from the chamber by a disruptable membrane. A tubular member is actuated to rupture the membrane, disrupt the blister and deliver liquid to the chamber in successive stages of operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to DNA encoding drug resistance to cis-platin. The invention also includes expression products of, and vectors and hosts comprising the DNA sequence encoding cis-platin resistance. Also included are immunodiagnostic assays of cis-platin resistance and assays for screening materials having a modulating effect on DNA encoding the cis-platin resistance gene and on the expression product thereof. The invention is further directed to antagonists to the cis-platin resistance gene and the expression product thereof. Recombinant and pharmaceutical means making use of the cis-platin resistance gene and its expression product are also provided.

Abstract: HOBr solution for biocidal treatment is produced by electrolysis of mixed chloride/bromide solution. The chloride: bromide molar ratio is greater than 4:1. The molar ratio and rate and period of electrolysis can be selected so as to result in high yield of HOBr, preferably over 90% of theory, and little or no residual HOCl. The process can suitably be carried out by recirculating the mixed halide electrolyte through an electrolytic cell for a time appropriate to achieve the desired result, and then discharging the solution to a receiving system.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that function as hydrolytic enzyme inhibitors (inactivators) and substrates. These compounds are useful in assays to detect and measure levels of hydrolytic enzyme activity and are more particularly useful in treatment regimens for various disease states and conditions implicating the underlying specific hydrolytic enzyme. Examples of hydrolytic enzymes include, but are not limited to, phospholipases, lipases, esterases, proteases, etc.

Abstract: A method for producing tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA)in eukaroytic host cells is disclosed. Enhanced levels of t-PA production are obtained by co-amplification of the t-PA gene through treatment of cultures transformed with mutant or wild-type DHFR with methotrexate.

Abstract: A method for purifying a recombinant protein, e.g. human tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) from a corresponding endogenous protein of the host cell, e.g. Chinese hamster t-PA, is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a fluid containing the recombinant protein with antibodies specifically binding the corresponding endogenous protein. Monoclonal antibodies directed against and an assay for Chinese hamster t-PA are also disclosed.

Abstract: A controlled release agricultural composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of: 1) a water insoluble matrix comprising a viscous oil (i.e., a hydrocarbon crude oil or post-refining residual oil) selected from the group consisting of bitumen, abietic acid, ester derivatives of abietic acid, carboxylic acid containing materials, and carboxylic acid ester containing materials, and 2) at least one active ingredient, which has a melting point of less than 140.degree. C. and is soluble in the viscous oil matrix, selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and nematicides.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the general diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases with materials identified in assays based upon the finding herein that such diseases manifest by elevated numbers of type l K.sup.+ channels in abnormal CD4.sup.- CD8.sup.- T cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the extraction of sesquiterpene lactones from the plant Tanacetum parthenium specifically using polar organic solvents and the use of such extracts in pharmaceutical products. It has been found that by utilization of an extraction procedure in accordance with the current invention, a significantly greater amount of the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide is extracted from Tanacetum parthenium than is the case when using petroleum spirit as the primary extractant, the solvent usually used in previous studies.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel variants of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) that have surprising biological/pharmacokinetic properties compared with native t-PA. For example, certain of the variants hereof demonstrate increased half-life profiles, and show good fibrin binding activity even though fibrin binding regions of the molecule are deleted. All associated means and methods for preparing such variants recombinantly and for using such variants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-toxic and non-cytolytic derivative of streptolysin O which retains at least one (preferably immunodominant) epitope is produced, and can be used especially in diagnostic tests for detecting of the presence of antibodies to Streptococcus pyogenes in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides prodrugs that serve as useful therapeutics for various disease states and conditions mediated by underlying specific hydrolytic enzyme activity. The prodrugs hereof (additionally) impart a physiologically bioactive component thus providing prodrug compounds that are capable of imparting dual effect systemically.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel variants of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) that have surprising biological/pharmacokinetic properties compared with native t-PA. For example, certain of the variants hereof demonstrate increased half-life profiles, and show good fibrin binding activity even though fibrin binding regions of the molecule are deleted. All associated means and methods for preparing such variants recombinantly and for using such variants are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that function as hydrolytic enzyme inhibitors (inactivators) and substrates. These compounds are useful in assays to detect and measure levels of hydrolytic enzyme activity and are more particularly useful in treatment regimens for various disease states and conditions implicating the underlying specific hydrolytic enzyme. Examples of hydrolytic enzymes include, but are not limited to, phospholipases, lipases, esterases, proteases, etc.

Abstract: A method of separating V.sub.H containing immunoglobulins by admixing an immunoglobulin binding peptide is described. The polypeptide of the invention is capable of binding to heavy chain variable regions of antibodies in an antigen independent manner and can separate antigen/antibody complexes.

Abstract: A composite device which may be implanted in the cornea of the human eye to replace damaged or diseased portions, and a method of manufacturing the said device, are disclosed. The device consists of a transparent central portion intimately attached to an opaque spongy rim. Both portions are made of hydrogel materials produced in different conditions of polymerization during a two-stage process performed in a specific moulding unit. The spongy rim promotes and maintains cellular invasion from the host corneal tissue, thus providing a tight union between implant and recipient cornea which prevents the postoperative extrusion of the implant.

Abstract: A cell culture device is disclosed where cells are confined in a liquid medium within a cell culture space. The cell culture space is delimited by at least three selectively permeable walls. One wall is formed by a sheet of tubes and is permeable to fresh nutrient medium, the second wall is formed of a layer of capillaries and is permeable to gaseous fluids, and the third wall acts as a micron sieve that allows the passage of spent nutrient medium, but retains the cells within the cell culture space. The cell culture device makes it possible to produce culture products, continuously and in bulk over a long period of time.

Abstract: A method for producing tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in eukaryotic host cells is disclosed. Enhanced levels of t-PA production are obtained by co-amplification of the t-PA gene through treatment of cultures transformed with mutant or wild-type DHFR with methotrexate.