Abstract: A transplantation method to increase the establishment rate of human tumors in immunodeficient mice. A pocket is created in the mouse and the tumor and surrounding tissues are implanted in the pocket. The pocket is left open to oxygenate the tumor and surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A composition and method for lowing serum and plasma levels of methionine by oral administration. The composition includes a recombinant methioninase enzyme and a cofactor (pyridoxal-L-phosphate). Methods of use describe methods for treatment of cancer, including malignant melanoma, by oral administration of the methioninase composition. Methods for chronic suppressive therapy of melanoma and other cancers are described. Because reduction of plasma methionine levels is effective in treating other conditions, including diabetes and conditions associated with aging, the use of the methods described herein includes treatment of these and other conditions.

Abstract: A composition, method and kit for performing a two-reagent enzymatic homocysteine assay, wherein a single homocysteinase enzyme and a Schiff-based conjugate of N,N-dibutyl-p-phenyldiamine (DBPDA) with pyridoxal 5?-phosphate (PLP) are used to measure total homocysteine in plasma or serum. The assay measures a chromophore reaction product of H2S and the DBPDA released from the Schiff-base conjugate in the presence of a Fe+3 containing compound. The resulting chromophore may be measured absorbance or fluorescence spectrophotometry.

Abstract: Bacteria that are auxotrophic for at least two amino acids found in at least one tumor are effective anti tumor treatments, labeling agents, and vaccines against infection. Improved antitumor effects can also be provided such strains by passage through an appropriate tumor model.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of modifying pyridoxal 5? phosphate (PLP) dependent enzymes to extend the serum half-life of the enzyme, extend the in vivo period of methionine depletion in a host, and decrease the immunogenicity of the enzyme. A preferred PLP-dependent enzyme to be modified is a methioninase, preferably a recombinant methioninase (rMETase). The invention further relates to compositions comprising a modified PLP-dependent enzyme and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A composition, method and kit for performing a two-reagent enzymatic homocysteine assay, wherein a single homocysteinase enzyme and a Schiff-based conjugate of N,N-dibutyl-p-phenyldiamine (DBPDA) with pyridoxal 5?-phosphate (PLP) are used to measure total homocysteine in plasma or serum. The assay measures a chromophore reaction product of H2S and the DBPDA released from the Schiff-base conjugate in the presence of a Fe+3 containing compound. The resulting chromophore may be measured absorbance or fluorescence spectrophotometry.

Abstract: An individualized bacterial treatment of cancer is provided. The treatment includes a strain of bacteria modified by in-vivo passage through tumor grafts in experimental animals, where the modified strain exhibits enhanced cancer cell-targeting of a specific malignancy arising in a unique individual to the corresponding parent strain of bacteria. The treatment uses this modified strain for the treatment human solid-tumor malignancies by inoculating an individual with a quantity of the strain; and repeating inoculations at periodic intervals where repeated inoculations tend to progressively eliminate the solid tumor malignancy in the individual.

Abstract: A portable digital imaging system for fluorescence-guided surgery is provided. The system includes a portable probe comprising a light source, a fluorescence detector, a digital signal output, a memory and a processor. The system also includes a computer in communication with the portable probe and a display. The portable probe excites a fluorescent label-containing tissue within a surgical field in response to the light source of the portable probe illuminating the fluorescent label-containing tissue. The computer displays a real-time image visualization of the surgical field on the display in response to the computer in communication with the display receiving and processing a digital signal from the digital signal output of the portable probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly conjugated proteins and methods for making such proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for linking additional sites to a protein for conjugation with activated polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers, without denaturing the protein. The invention also relates to highly conjugated proteins with decreased immunogenicity and increased circulating half-life.

Abstract: Hair follicle stem cells are isolated in a method which relies on the identification of stem cells as being small, spindle, oval or round shaped nestin-expressing cells that are located in the permanent upper part of telogen hair follicles below the sebaceous glands and in the bulge area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly conjugated proteins and methods for making such proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for linking additional sites to a protein for conjugation with activated polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers, without denaturing the protein. The invention also relates to highly conjugated proteins with decreased immunogenicity and increased circulating half-life.

Abstract: A method is described to identify secreted proteins identified with stages of malignancy of cancer. The proteins are initially identified by trapping them with a fluorescent protein containing vector that can insert in any gene. The secreted proteins are initially identified by their fluorescence. Secreted proteins identifying tumors with specific degrees of malignancy are isolated to determine if they can serve as markers of cancer progression.

Abstract: A method is described to identify secreted proteins identified with stages of malignancy of cancer. The proteins are initially identified by trapping them with a fluorescent protein containing vector that can insert in any gene. The secreted proteins are initially identified by their fluorescence. Secreted proteins identifying tumors with specific degrees of malignancy are isolated to determine if they can serve as markers of cancer progression.

Abstract: Immunocompromised rodents that have been modified to express a fluorescent protein in substantially all tissues are described. These rodents are useful as models for gene expression, tumor progression and angiogenesis. Also provided are model systems where heterologous tissues fluorescing in a first color are transplanted into hosts that have been modified to fluoresce in substantially all tissues with a second color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly conjugated proteins and methods for making such proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for linking additional sites to a protein for conjugation with activated polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers, without denaturing the protein. The invention also relates to highly conjugated proteins with decreased immunogenicity and increased circulating half-life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly conjugated proteins and methods for making such proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for linking additional sites to a protein for conjugation with activated polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers, without denaturing the protein. The invention also relates to highly conjugated proteins with decreased immunogenicity and increased circulating half-life.

Abstract: A enhanced method for observing tumor progression, angiogenesis and/or metastasis in animal models in real time is described. The invention employs a skin flap over the area to be observed that can be opened and closed reversibly. The invention also permits simultaneous observation of more than one tumor by use of multiple colors.

Abstract: Hair follicle stem cells are isolated from mammals by isolating nestin-expressing cells. These hair follicle stem cells are a source of adult stem cells for autologous or heterologous stem cell therapy. The stem cells can be systemically implanted into the mammal or directly implanted into the organ. In addition, the stem cells may be further differentiated in vitro and then implanted systemically or directly into the mammal.

Abstract: A enhanced method for observing tumor progression, angiogenesis and/or metastasis in animal models in real time is described. The invention employs a skin flap over the area to be observed that can be opened and closed reversibly. The invention also permits simultaneous observation of more than one tumor by use of multiple colors.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for targeted and specific delivery of beneficial compounds, including hair dyes, melanin, proteins, and nucleic acids for gene therapy, to hair follicle cells using liposomes encapsulating the beneficial compound. Particularly preferred methods describe delivery of hair dyes, melanin or tyrosinase to the hair follicle for the purpose of improving hair color or condition, the delivery of compounds which prevent alopecia or stimulate hair growth, either by encapsulating a compound in liposomes, or by encapsulating a nucleic acid capable of expressing a protein in liposomes. Also described are liposome compositions for practicing the methods.