Abstract: Substantially pure heparin-binding growth factor polypeptides (HBGFs), nucleic acids encoding the HBGFs and antibodies which bind to the HBGFs of the invention are provided. The HBGF polypeptides are useful in methods for the induction of bone, cartilage and tissue formation, growth and development of the endometrium and in the acceleration of wound healing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for the simultaneous and rapid determination of CoQ10 and CoQ10H2 concentrations in human samples using HPLC-EC. The electrochemical reactions are monitored at electrodes that measure the current produced by the reduction of the hydroquinone group of CoQ10 or by the oxidation of the hydroquinol group of CoQ10H2.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of treating pulmonary disease in a subject comprising the administration to a subject in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a formulation comprising a SP-C therapeutic. Preferably, the SP-C therapeutic is an agent selected from the group consisting of an isolated SP-C protein, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a SP-C protein, a SP-C receptor-specific antibody that stimulates the activity of the receptor, or pharmaceutically acceptable composition thereof. The present invention also provides methods of producing a mouse with a targeted disruption in a surfactant protein C (SP-C) gene. The present invention also provides for a transgenic mouse produced by a targeted disruption in a surfactant protein C (SP-C) gene. The present invention further provides for a cell or cell line from a transgenic mouse produced by a targeted disruption in a surfactant protein C (SP-C) gene.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for delivering pharmaceutical agents within and/or through the dermal and mucosal membranes, utilizing a fusogenic protein. The fusogenic protein is associated with a phospholipid membrane, such as a liposome. The liposome contains the pharmaceutical agent. Preferred fusogenic proteins include saposin C and other proteins, polypeptides and peptide analogs derived from saposin C. The active agent contained within the liposome may comprise large biomolecules and/or small organic molecules. This technology can be used for both cosmetic and medicinal applications in which the objective is delivery of the active agent within and/or beneath the biological membrane.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method to diminish and/or eliminate atherosclerotic plaques, in mammals, through direct and indirect treatment of these plaques, in situ, using suitable substances which are capable of lipid removal, primarily through hydrolysis, either by a catalytic or stoichiometric process, wherein the substance targets receptors in and/or on the cell which lead to uptake into the lysosome. Such substances used to diminish and/or eliminate atherosclerotic plaques are generally comprised of lipid hydrolyzing proteins and/or polypeptides.

Abstract: As described herein, the present invention comprises a method for using tubedown-1 (tbdn-1) antisense reagents as gene therapy agents for the treatment of bone tumors and Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors. Antisense-based reagents, such as tbdn-1 antisense construct or biologically stabilized oligonucleotides, or any compound which would elicit the downregulation of tbdn-1 level or activity and the same biological effects as tbdn-1 antisense construct on bone tumor growth in vivo provide valuable alternative or supplemental therapies for bone cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions comprising Epstein-Barr virus-specific oligonucleotides that are useful as primers to amplify particular regions of the genome during enzymatic nucleic acid amplification. The invention also provides a rapid, sensitive and specific method for the detection and quantitation of the virus which may be present in a clinical specimen, using the virus-specific primers and enzymatic nucleic acid amplification; hybridization of amplified target sequences, if present, with one or more Epstein-Barr virus-specific oligonucleotide probes which are labeled with a detectable moiety; and detection of the detectable moiety of labeled oligonucleotide probe hybridized to amplified target sequences of Epstein-Barr virus DNA.

Abstract: Cubic liquid crystalline gel precursors, bulk cubic liquid crystalline gels, and dispersions of cubic liquid crystalline gel particles, and methods for their preparation, are disclosed. The precursors, gels, and dispersions can be used as skin penetration enhancers. The precursors, gels, and dispersions are prepared by methods employing hydrotropes that do not detrimentally affect the cubic liquid crystalline structure of the gels and particles.

Abstract: Tubedown-1 (tbdn-1), a protein associated with acetyltransferase activity has been characterized and its cDNA isolated. Tbdn-1 regulates endothelial differentiation through protein acetylation, DNA-binding or by interacting with and/or acetylating other protein targets important for endothelial differentiation. In normal adult eyes, tbdn-1 is expressed highly in the corneal endothelium proper and in the vascular endothelium of the limbus and retina. Tbdn-1 is absent or downregulated in the vascular endothelia of diseased and injured eyes, including eyes from patients with proliferative retinopathies involving neovascularization. Inhibition of tbdn-1 expression in endothelial cells in vitro indicates tbdn-1 acts as an inhibitor of angiogenesis. Thus, high levels of tbdn-1 expression present in normal ocular endothelial cells is associated with suppression of abnormal neovascularization in the eye demonstrating the therapeutic usefulness of tbdn-1 as a regulator of retinal angiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions comprising Epstein-Barr virus-specific oligonucleotides that are useful as primers to amplify particular regions of the genome during enzymatic nucleic acid amplification. The invention also provides a rapid, sensitive and specific method for the detection and quantitation of the virus which may be present in a clinical specimen, using the virus-specific primers and enzymatic nucleic acid amplification; hybridization of amplified target sequences, if present, with one or more Epstein-Barr virus-specific oligonucleotide probes which are labeled with a detectable moiety; and detection of the detectable moiety of labeled oligonucleotide probe hybridized to amplified target sequences of Epstein-Barr virus DNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of skin disorders, and in particular proliferative and/or inflammatory skin disorders, and to genetic molecules useful for same. The present invention is particularly directed to genetic molecules capable of modulating growth factor interaction with its receptor on epidermal keratinocytes to inhibit, reduce or otherwise decrease stimulation of this layer of cells. The present invention contemplates, in a most preferred embodiment, a method for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of psoriasis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating non-psychotic disorders by administration of atypical antipsychotic medications, in particular, risperidone. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of treating the eating disorder Bulimia Nervosa and Bulimia-related eating disorders, by administration of antipsychotic medications from the group of compounds designated as atypical antipsychotic mediations. Typical dosage amounts may range from 0.1 milligrams to 4 milligrams per day and may be administered in any dosage forms known in the art, including, but not limited to oral, intramuscular, rectal, transdermal, sustained release forms, controlled release forms, delayed release forms, and response release forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of skin disorders, and in particular proliferative and/or inflammatory skin disorders, and to genetic molecules useful for same. The present invention is particularly directed to genetic molecules capable of modulating growth factor interaction with its receptor on epidermal keratinocytes to inhibit, reduce or otherwise decrease stimulation of this layer of cells. The present invention contemplates, in a most preferred embodiment, a method for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of psoriasis.

Abstract: Substantially pure heparin-binding growth factor polypeptides (HBGFs), nucleic acids encoding the HBGFs and antibodies which bind to the HBGFs of the invention are provided. The HBGF polypeptides are useful in methods for the induction of bone, cartilage and tissue formation, growth and development of the endometrium and in the acceleration of wound healing.

Abstract: A device for allowing visual examination of the swallowing of fluids by an infant which includes a nipple mounted housing, a feeding tube for feeding fluid into the nipple, openings in the nipple to allow the fluid to pass or be sucked therethrough, a further opening centrally located in the nipple through which an endoscope is passed to allow for such visual examination.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of skin disorders, and in particular proliferative and/or inflammatory skin disorders, and to genetic molecules useful for same. The present invention is particularly directed to genetic molecules capable of modulating growth factor interaction with its receptor on epidermal keratinocytes to inhibit, reduce or otherwise decrease stimulation of this layer of cells. The present invention contemplates, in a most preferred embodiment, a method for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of psoriasis.

Abstract: Substantially pure heparin-binding growth factor polypeptides (HBGFs), nucleic acids encoding the HBGFs and antibodies which bind to the HBGFs of the invention are provided. The HBGF polypeptides are useful in methods for the induction of bone, cartilage and tissue formation, growth and development of the endometrium and in the acceleration of wound healing. HBGF is related to Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF).

Abstract: Perfluoroindane is used as a gas transport agent in animals without causing gas or vapor pulmonary embolism. Emulsions containing perfluoroindane as the oxygen carrying component are made and infused into an animal and the perfluoroindane escapes at a very rapid rate from the animal body. The perfluoroindane-containing liquids or emulsions are considered valuable for angioplasty and as a blood substitute.

Abstract: A novel and improved method to detect and/or measure indirectly at least one gas, particularly dissolved gases, of an animal employing nuclear magnetic resonance techniques (NMR). The method examines an NMR spectrum to determine chemical shift relaxation times or spin-spin couplings for an element of an animal influenced by at least one gas of the animal. Uniquely, the gas detected according to the principles of this invention may be insensitive to present NMR techniques. Further, the present invention discloses a novel method to determine and monitor gaseous physiological states of an animal. Because of the unique and advantageous non-invasive, non-destructive and non-ionizing properties, the present invention may be employed in an animal continuously and in vivo.

Abstract: Method of X-raying animals using as a contrast agent a perfluorobromoalkyl ether of the formula C.sub.m F.sub.2m+1 OC.sub.n F.sub.2n Br where m and n independently are integers of from 2 to 6, wherein the ether is used either neat or in an aqueous dispersion such as an emulsion.