Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli Kl. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli Kl disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: AAV expression vectors and recombinant virions produced using these vectors, which include genes coding for enzymes defective or missing in lysosomal storage disorders, are described. These recombinant AAV virions are useful in the treatment of a variety of lysosomal storage disorders and the methods described herein provide for long-term, sustained expression of the defective or missing enzyme.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer are provided. Therapeutic compositions may comprise agents that modulate the expression or activity of a sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SPL). Such compositions may be administered to a mammal afflicted with cancer. Diagnostic methods and kits may employ an agent suitable for detecting alterations in endogenous SPL. Such methods and kits may be used to detect the presence of a cancer or to evaluate the prognosis of a known disease. SPL polypeptides, polynucleotides and antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a large volume of blood from an umbilical cord in a sterile environment are shown and described. A housing having an inner region adapted to retain an umbilical cord in a desired location is provided, the housing having an opening through which the cord extends from the inner region of the housing to a region external to the housing. The cord is cut by a blade coupled to the housing, either by the motion of the blade from a first position to a second position, or by the movement of two portions of the housing from a first extended position to a second collapsed position. The newly cut end of the umbilical cord falls and hangs freely in the inner region of the housing, blood flowing from the placenta and umbilical cord via gravity into a blood collection region of the housing. The blood collection region may be flexible, and may be coupled to a conventional blood collection bag.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer are provided. Therapeutic compositions may comprise agents that modulate the expression or activity of a springiness-1-phosphate lease (SPL). Such compositions may be administered to a mammal afflicted with cancer. Diagnostic methods and kits may employ an agent suitable for detecting alterations in endogenous SPL. Such methods and kits may be used to detect the presence of a cancer or to evaluate the prognosis of a known disease. SPL polypeptides, polynucleotides and antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a large volume of blood from an umbilical cord in a sterile environment are shown and described. A housing having an inner region adapted to retain an umbilical cord in a desired location is provided, the housing having an opening through which the cord extends from the inner region of the housing to a region external to the housing. The cord is cut by a blade coupled to the housing, either by the motion of the blade from a first position to a second position, or by the movement of two portions of the housing from a first extended position to a second collapsed position. The newly cut end of the umbilical cord falls and hangs freely in the inner region of the housing, blood flowing from the placenta and umbilical cord via gravity into a blood collection region of the housing. The blood collection region may be flexible, and may be coupled to a conventional blood collection bag.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B ("MenB") are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating cystic fibrosis and other pathological conditions in mammals using hepatocyte growth factor ("HGF"). The invention also provides articles of manufacture and kits containing HGF.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for therapy of cystic fibrosis and other conditions are provided. The compositions comprise one or more flavones and/or isoflavones capable of stimulating chloride transport in epithelial tissues. Therapeutic methods involve the administration (e.g., orally or via inhalation) of such compositions to a patient afflicted with cystic fibrosis and/or another condition responsive to stimulation of chloride transport.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a large volume of blood from an umbilical cord in a sterile environment are shown and described. A housing having an inner region adapted to retain an umbilical cord in a desired location is provided, the housing having an opening through which the cord extends from the inner region of the housing to a region external to the housing. The cord is cut by a blade coupled to the housing, either by the motion of the blade from a first position to a second position, or by the movement of two portions of the housing from a first extended position to a second collapsed position. The newly cut end of the umbilical cord falls and hangs freely in the inner region of the housing, blood flowing from the placenta and umbilical cord via gravity into a blood collection region of the housing. The blood collection region may be flexible, and may be coupled to a conventional blood collection bag.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating cystic fibrosis and other pathological conditions in mammals using hepatocyte growth factor ("HGF"). The invention also provides articles of manufacture and kits containing HGF.

Abstract: This invention relates to treatment of betaglobin disorders, such as sickle-cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, by administering compositions of isobutyramide.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting the .gamma. to .beta.-globin switching in subjects afflicted with .beta.-globin disorders. The method is particularly adapted for ameliorating the clinical symptoms of sickle cell anemia by periodically introducing butyrate, or certain isomers, homologs, analogs or chemical variations thereof, into the bloodstream of the subject prior to natural completion of the switching process.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting the .gamma.-globin to .beta.-globin switching in subjects afflicted with .beta.-globin disorders. The method is particularly adapted for ameliorating the clinical symptoms of sickle cell disease or .beta.-thalassemias by periodically introducing into the subject prio r to natural completion of the switching process activin, inhibin, an inhibin chain or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting the .gamma. to .beta.-globin switching in subjects afflicted with .beta.-globin disorders. The method is particularly adapted for ameliorating the clinical symptoms of sickle cell anemia by periodically introducing into the bloodstream of the subject prior to natural completion of the switching process .alpha.-amino-n-butyric acid, butyric acid, isomers or salts thereof, insulin, histone deacetylase inhibitors, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Compositions, articles of manufacture, and methods are provided for enhanced binding of compounds to a surface. The compositions find particular use in coating wells, slides, other surfaces, where ligands or receptors are to be bound and detrimental non-specific binding may be encountered. Particularly, proteins are modified by alkylation to produce a product which strongly adheres to a surface, allows ligands and receptors to be firmly attached by means of the alkylated protein to a surface under mild non-denaturing conditions and permits procedures to minimize non-specific binding of proteins without significant loss of the materials of interest.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting thioesterase II enzyme in both tissue and serum samples. The presence of thioesterase II in other than mammary epithelial tissue is associated with neoplastic mammary epithelial cells.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting the .gamma. to .beta.-globin switching in subjects afflicted with .beta.-globin disorders. The method is particularly adapted for ameliorating the clinical symptoms of sickle cell anemia by periodically introducing butyrate, .Iadd..alpha.-amino-n-butyric acid, .Iaddend.or .?.certain isomers, homologs, analogs or chemical variations thereof,.!. .Iadd.isobutyramide .Iaddend.into the bloodstream of the subject prior to natural completion of the switching process.