Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) which is not derived from 13. The present invention also relates to a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence, a host cell comprising the vector, use of the polynucleoticle, vector or host cell in therapy and in an assay, and a method of identifying UCOEs. The UCOE opens chromatin or maintains chromatin in an open state and facilitates reproducible expression of an operably-linked gene in cells of at least two different tissue types.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) that does not occur in nature. The present invention also relates to a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence, a host cell comprising the vector and use of the polynucleotide, vector or host cell in therapy, or for in vitro protein expression applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) which is not derived from 13. The polynucleotide of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the UCOE comprises the sequence of FIG. 20 between nucleotides 1 to 7627 or a functional homologue or fragment thereof. an LCR. The present invention also relates to a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence, a host cell comprising the vector, use of the polynucleotide, vector or host cell in therapy and in an assay, and a method of identifying UCOEs. The UCOE opens chromatin or maintains chromatin in an open state and facilitates reproducible expression of an operably-linked gene in cells of at least two different tissue types.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of and compositions for vaccinating a mammal against a disease, wherein a mixture is administered which includes (i) a nucleic acid which encodes a first epitope and (ii) a peptide containing a second epitope such that both of the nucleic acid and the second epitope are taken up by and the nucleic acid is expressed in a professional antigen presenting cell of the mammal, and the first and second epitopes are processed in the cell such that an immune response is elicited in the mammal to the epitopes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) which is not derived from an LCR. The present invention also relates to a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence, a host cell comprising the vector, use of the polynucleotide, vector or host cell in therapy and in an assay, and a method of identifying UCOEs. The UCOE opens chromatin or maintains chromatin in an open state and facilitates reproducible expression of an operably-linked gene in cells of at least two different tissue types.

Abstract: Disclosed are DNA elements and constructs useful for obtaining tumour-selective gene expression in tumours having a mutated &bgr;-catenin/APC pathway. In particular, the use of these constructs to express genes encoding therapeutic proteins in colorectal cancer cells is described. The constructs comprise multiple repeats of a TCF-binding element operably linked to a promoter. By means of such a construct, tumour cell-specific expression of a prodrug-converting enzyme such as nitroreductase may be achieved. Coupled with systemic administration of a suitable prodrug, such as CB1954, selective killing of such tumour cells can be demonstrated.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient having a highly vascular tumor includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of dextrin sulphate to the patient. The highly vascular tumor can be, for example, Kaposi's sarcoma. The treatment results in regression of the tumors and the improvement persists for a considerable time after completion of the treatment.

Abstract: There is described polysaccharides of high molecular weight for use in peritoneal dialysis. The polysaccharides are capable of dialysing human serum for long periods of time without causing damage to the peritoneum and are also capable of preventing loss of polymer from the peritoneum to the serum. There is also described a method of making the polysaccharides and pharmaceutical formulations containing them.

Abstract: This invention provides an agent against HIV-1 and related viruses, the agent being or including dextrin sulphate containing at most two sulphate groups per glucose unit. The invention also provides a composition containing such an agent, and the use of the agent or composition against HIV-1 and related viruses. By restricting the degree of substitution of the dextrin sulphate to a maximum of 2, the invention makes it possible to produce a dextrin sulphate having adequate anti-HIV activity whilst maintaining toxicity within acceptable limits.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a dextrin derivative in which a proportion of the hydroxyl groups of dextrin are replaced by basic groups. Such compositions are useful for the treatment of acidic conditions.

Abstract: A method of treating acid poisoning in mammals or of lowering blood cholesterol levels in mammals, which involves administering to the mammals a pharmaceutically effective amount of an aminated dextrin where amine groups or residues are present in an amount of from 0.5 to 2 groups per glucose unit.

Abstract: A dextrin derivative, in which a proportion of the hydroxyl groups in the dextrin have been replaced by strongly acidic groups, is useful in treatment of poisoning or drug overdose, particularly by compounds having basic groups. Dextrin sulphate is a preferred derivative for use in the treatment of paraquat poisoning.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis composition containing an osmotic agent comprising a glucose polymer mixture, said mixture including at least 15% by weight of glucose polymers having a D.P. (degree of polymerization) greater than 12. A method is provided for preparing the glucose polymers and a defined sterile aqueous solution of the same for use in peritoneal dialysis by introduction into the abdominal cavity. Also disclosed are methods of treating toxaemia caused by toxins arising from internal disorders of the body, such as hepatic encephalopathy, or which arise from external sources such as poisoning by overdoses of drugs or industrial and agricultural chemicals, e.g., paraquat.