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Abstract: A dextrin derivative, in which a proportion of the hydroxyl groups in the dextrin have been replaced by strongly acidic groups, is useful in treatment of poisoning or drug overdose, particularly by compounds having basic groups.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