Abstract: Liposomes encapsulating a ?-glucan have an improved activity of enhancing a cellular immunity, especially when they are transmucosally administered. Thus, the liposomes are useful for the treatment or prevention of infection or tumor.

Abstract: Methods of treating a human patient having a disease, disorder or condition of the central nervous system are disclosed. The methods include obtaining a bone marrow sample from a human donor, isolating stromal cells from the bone marrow sample, and administering the isolated stromal cells to the central nervous system of the human patient, wherein the presence of the isolated stromal cells in the brain effects treatment of the disease, disorder or condition. Stromal cells which are isolated may be cultured in vitro, they may be genetically engineered to produce therapeutic compounds, and/or they may be pre-differentiated prior to administration into the central nervous system.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides and peptidomimetics which inhibit assembly of human type I collagen. Methods of identifying such peptides and peptidomimetics are also included in the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides and peptidomimetics which inhibit assembly of human type I collagen. Methods of identifying such peptides and peptidomimetics are also included in the invention.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and compositions for inducing an immune response in an anti-Gal synthesizing animal including viral and tumor antigens manipulated to express &agr;-galactosyl epitopes.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and compositions for inducing an immune response in an anti-Gal synthesizing animal including viral and tumor antigens manipulated to express .alpha.-galactosyl epitopes.

Abstract: Nucleic acid components in a biological sample are detected and/or quantified utilizing a process wherein the sample is first solubilized with a chaotropic salt solution. In a preferred embodiment, cells and nucleic acid components therein are solubilized in the chaotropic salt solution and the solution is incubated with a labelled nucleic acid probe at 20.degree. to 40.degree. C. in the absence of formamide to cause molecular hybridization between the probe and solubilized nucleic acid components, and the molecular hybridization is detected. The chaotropic salt is selected from quanidine thiocyanate, alkali metal perchlorates, alkali metal iodides, alkali metal trifluoroacetates, alkali metal trichloroacetates and alkali metal thiocyanates. The probe may be in solution or immobilized. RNA detected or quantitated may be ribosomal RNA or genomic RNA, and in one embodiment the RNA is HIV viral RNA. When detecting DNA, the solution containing solubilized cells and DNA is heated to at least 45.degree. C.

Abstract: Dopaminergic Neurotrophic Factor (DNTF), derived from cells of the peripheral nervous system, is administered to patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease in an amount effective to facilitate survival of substantia nigra dopamine nerve cells.

Abstract: A process is provided for isolating and purifying biologically active RNA from a biological sources containing RNA, DNA and other cellular materials. The process involves contacting the RNA-containing source with particles comprising siliceous material, such as finely-divided glass, in the presence of a binding solution comprising concentrated, acidified chaotropic salt. Under these conditions, RNA, but not DNA, binds selectively to the siliceous material, and can be separated easily from the other components of the sample. Preferably, the selective binding process is applied to biological cells containing RNA of interest. Intact cells are disrupted by exposing them to a lysing solution comprising, as its main component, concentrated, acidified chaotropic salt. The RNA is then isolated and purified from the lysate using the selective binding process of the invention.

Abstract: Factor-dependent cell line, HU-01, provides the first in vitro system in which human CD34 positive hematopoietic cells have been induced to undergo complete differentiation into enucleated hemoglobin-containing erythrocytes. HU-01 cells may provide a source of monoclonal antibodies useful for early diagnosis and possible treatment of human leukemia conditions, as well as of regulatory factors having therapeutic utility.

Abstract: Message RNA is immobilized directly from cells onto filter material. Immobilization is carried out by solubilizing cellular components with a chaotropic salt, passing the resultant solubilized cellular components through a filter which selectively binds message RNA and baking the filter containing bound message RNA. The chaotropic salt is preferably sodium iodide, potassium iodide or sodium perchlorate. Prior to solubilizing, the cells may be washed and lysed. The bound message RNA can be hybridized to a labeled probe and the amount of message RNA measured. Prior to baking, the filter containing bound RNA may be incubated in a solution which acelylates basic protein and other molecules which might interfere with molecular hybridization.

Abstract: Process of radioimaging the myocardium of mammals using intravenous injection of radiolabeled lipophilic cations of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or quaternary arsonium compounds of the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl or aryl groups, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are phenyl or benzyl groups, X is Br.sup.-, I.sup.- or Cl.sup.-, L is I.sup.123, I.sup.125, I.sup.131, Br.sup.77, Br.sup.82 or F.sup.18 and Z is nitrogen, phosphorous or arsenic.