Abstract: Pharmaceutical preparations, Chinese herbal preparations, foods, and other compositions may contain, as an active ingredient, an ephedra extract, an ephedrine-alkaloid-free ephedra extract, or a polymercondensed tannin derived from an ephedra extract. Such compositions may be useful for preventing or treating COVID-19 infection (COVID-19). Such compositions are preferably provided in an orally ingestible form.

Abstract: Biomarkers for diagnosing the disease activity, disease severity or disease type of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) such as drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis are provided. Also provided is a method of testing SCARs, comprising measuring the expression of at least one protein selected from the group consisting of stratifin, TNF receptor superfamily member 8 (CD30/TNFRSF8), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and TNF receptor superfamily member 6B (DcR3/TNFRSF6B) in a sample derived from a subject.

Abstract: A highly sensitive allergen measurement method is provided. A method for detecting an allergen in a sample, comprising: treating a sample with a protease; and detecting presence or absence of an allergen marker in the enzyme-treated sample by analysis that utilizes chromatographic separation. The allergen comprises buckwheat and wheat.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for decontaminating an object to be treated by reducing the activity of endotoxin in a simple manner. The decontamination method includes a step (a) of irradiating an object to be treated with ultraviolet light of a wavelength of less than 200 nm to reduce activity of endotoxin attached to the object to be treated.

Abstract: A method for accurate and precise measurement of target proteins such as food allergen proteins in the specific foods is provided. The method is a method for immunological measurement of a food allergen protein in a processed food using an antibody against the food allergen protein, comprising adding animal tropomyosin to an assay solution upon measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or consisting of an amino acid sequence wherein one or more amino acids are deleted, replaced or added in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and having cell growth inhibitory activity; DNA coding for the polypeptide; DNA hybridizing with DNA consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 or with an oligonucleotide probe prepared based on the nucleotide sequence; a recombinant vector comprising the DNA; a transformant obtained by introducing the recombinant vector into host cells; a process for producing the polypeptide by culturing the transformant of the present invention in a medium; a pharmaceutical composition, preferably an anti-tumor agent, comprising the polypeptide as an active ingredient; a method of preventing or treating tumors comprising administering an effective amount of the polypeptide; and use of the polypeptide for producing a pharmaceutical composition useful for preventing o

Abstract: Two new isolates of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), J1 and J7, are disclosed. These new isolates comprise nucleotide and amino acid sequences which are distinct from the prototype HCV isolate, HCV1. Thus, J1 and J7 provide new polynucleotides and polypeptides for use, inter alia, in diagnostics, recombinant protein production and vaccine development.

Abstract: Two new isolates of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), J1 and J7, are disclosed. These new isolates comprise nucleotide and amino acid sequences which are distinct from the prototype HCV isolate, HCV1. Thus, J1 and J7 provide new polynucleotides and polypeptides for use, inter alia, in diagnostics, recombinant protein production and vaccine development.

Abstract: Two new isolates of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), J1 and J7, are disclosed. These new isolates comprise nucleotide and amino acid sequences which are distinct from the prototype HCV isolate, HCV1. Thus, J1 and J7 provide new polynucleotides and polypeptides for use, inter alia, in diagnostics, recombinant protein production and vaccine development.

Abstract: Two new isolates of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), J1 and J7, are disclosed. These new isolates comprise nucleotide and amino acid sequences which are distinct from the prototype HCV isolate, HCV1. Thus, J1 and J7 provide new polynucleotides and polypeptides for use, inter alia, in diagnostics, recombinant protein production and vaccine development.

Abstract: There is provided a recombinant vaccinia virus having inserted cDNA coding for E-protein of Japanese encephalitis virus into a genome region non-essential to growth of a vaccinia virus, in the form of capable expression. The recombinant vaccinia virus is useful as a live vaccine.