Abstract: The invention relates to the use of ubiquicidine or optionally modified peptide fragments derived therefrom for the preparation of a drug for the treatment, diagnostics or prophylaxis of infections in humans and animals. A peptide fragment derived from ubiquicidine comprises for instance a preferably continuous series of at least 3, preferably at least 7-13 amino acids from the amino acid sequence of ubiquicidine; KVHGSLARAGKVRGQTPKVAKQEKKKKKTGRAKRRMQYNRRFVNVVPTFGKKKGPN ANS (SEQ ID NO: 1). Hybrid molecules comprise for instance a cationic peptide with an antimicrobial action and/or a peptide fragment of ubiquicidine and/or a derivative thereof and one or more effector molecules.

Abstract: A peptide sequence of the so-called minor H antigen. The minor H antigens are associated with Graft versus Host disease. The peptide and its derivatives find many uses in bone marrow transplantation, organ transplantation, and in the treatment of leukemia. The peptide and its derivatives can be incorporated into vaccines and pharmaceutical formulations, and they can be used in diagnostic test kits. The peptide is derived from the HA-1 minor antigen, and has the sequence VLXDDLLEA (SEQ. I.D. NO. 1), wherein X represents a histidine or arginine residue. Both donors and recipients in bone marrow transplantation can be treated with the peptides, optionally in combination with other peptides, coupled to carriers, and with suitable excipients and/or adjuvants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound comprising a carrier molecule, said carrier molecule being linked to a further molecule, said further molecule being at least one cyclic peptide, said cyclic peptide comprising in the cyclic peptide portion thereof at least one sequence encoding a cell receptor recognising peptide (RRP) and with the proviso that the compound is not a naturally occuring receptor agonist or antagonist. Preferably, the RRP is of a receptor specific for Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSC) or a receptor that is upregulated on HSC during disease. In particular, the RRP may be of a receptor selected from the group of PDGF receptor, collagen type VI receptor, cytokine receptor(s) such as TGF?, IFN? and interleukin 1?. Preferably, the cyclic portion of the cyclic peptide comprises at least the amino acid sequence RGD or KPT.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary substance for an active substance, such as a pharmacon. The auxiliary substance has a stabilizing action. The auxiliary substance further has a positive influence on the bioavailability of the active substance with which the auxiliary substance can be incorporated into a pharmaceutical preparation. The auxiliary substance is based on a fructan having a number-average degree of polymerization of at least 6 and is used in the form of a sugar glass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for typing of alleles of the Minor Histocompatibility Antigen HA-1 in a sample. The method comprises: a) contacting the genomic polynucleic acids in the sample with at least one pair of primers, whereby the 51- and/or the 31-primer of the at least one pair of primers specifically hybridize to target regions comprising polymorphic nucleotides in the alleles, and performing an amplification reaction; b) for each of the at least one pair of primers detecting whether or not in step a) an amplification product is formed; c) inferring from the result of step b) which HA-1 allele is present in the sample. The present invention also provides a method for genomic typing of alleles of the Minor Histocompatibility Antigen HA-1 in a sample.

Abstract: Genes for familial hemeplegic migraine (FHM), episodic ataxia type-2 (EA-2), common forms of migraine, and other episodic neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, have been mapped to chromosome 19p13. A brain-specific P/Q type calcium channel subunit gene, covering 300 kb with 47 exons is provided. The exons and their surroundings reveal polymorphic variations and deleterious mutations that are linked to various types of cation channel dysfunctions causing episodic neurological disorders in man or animals.

Abstract: Alternative laser structures, which have potentially the same tuning performance as (S)SG-DBR and GCSR lasers, and a fabrication process which is similar to that of the (S)SG-DBR laser, are presented. The advantage of these structures is that the output power does not pass through a long passive region.

Abstract: A device for introduction into an animal or human body, especially into an artery. The device is preferably positioned in an aneurysmal sac in an artery between the wall of the artery and the wall of an endoprosthesis. The device has at least a pressure sensor and transducer for wirelessly transmitting data available from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics, and more specifically to the detection of a specific type of germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene, which will predispose to breast and ovarian cancer. In addition, the invention relates to the molecular genetic mechanism that may have mediated the genesis of these mutations, in particular the role of Alu repetitive DNA elements present in the intronic regions of BRCA1. The invention further relates to somatic mutations of this type in the BRCA1 gene in human breast and ovarian cancer, and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human breast and ovarian cancer. The invention more particularly relates to the screening of this type of BRCA1 mutations in human genomic DNA, which are useful for the diagnosis of inherited predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer.

Abstract: H-Y is a transplantation antigen that can lead to rejection of HLA-matched male organ and bone marrow grafts by female recipients, and may play a role in pregnancy and spermatogenesis. However, the origin and function of H-Y antigens has eluded researchers for 40 years. We show that one human H-Y peptide antigen presented by HLA-B7 is an 11 residue peptide derived from SMCY, an evolutionarily conserved Y chromosomal protein. A homologous gene on the X chromosome, SMCX, differs by two residues in the same region. We also show a peptide antigen recognized by two HLA-A2.1 restricted T cell clones, which is also encoded by SMCY. The identification of H-Y offers prospects for improvements in transplantation outcome, prenatal diagnosis and fertilization strategies.

Abstract: Novel peptide-like FPP-analogues suitable for inhibiting protein:prenyl transferases, such as protein:geranylgeranyl transferase-1, and other prenyl pyrophosphate-consuming enzymes such as squalene synthase and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting an epoxide to an alcohol. The process according to the invention is enzymatically catalyzed and highly enantioselective and regiospecific.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder formulation for administration by inhalation comprising an active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, which composition has the form of a physical mixture and comprises from 5 to 25 wt. % of the excipient, and wherein the active substance has a particle size distribution of from 0.5 to 10 &mgr;m, and wherein the excipient has a particle size distribution of from 15 to 500 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide which is immunologically recognizable as a T cell epitope of the minor histocompatibility antigen H-Y. The peptide comprises amino acid sequence SPSVDKARAEL (SEQ ID NO:1), or FIDSYICQV (SEQ ID NO:2). The peptide is obtainable from the minor histocompatibility antigen H-Y. Providing a toxic moiety to the peptide eliminates T Cells having specific binding affinity for the peptide. The peptide induces tolerance for transplantations when administered to H-Y-negative recipients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary substance for an active substance, such as a pharmacon. The auxiliary substance has a stabilizing action. The auxiliary substance further has a positive influence on the bioavailability of the active substance with which the auxiliary substance can be incorporated into a pharmaceutical preparation. The auxiliary substance is based on a fructan having a number-average degree of polymerization of at least 6 and is used in the form of a sugar glass.

Abstract: An isolated microorganism capable of selectively degrading epichlorohydrin or related halopropanol compounds is described. The microorganism is a representative of Agrobacterium spp and comprises a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having enantioselective epoxide hydrolase activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the coat proteins VP1 and VP2 of the human parvovirus B19 and virus-like particles consisting of VP2 or of VP1 and VP2. The invention further comprises genetic information in the form of recombinant expression vectors which contain the genes coding for said proteins, and organisms which through genetic manipulation using such vectors have acquired the ability to produce such proteins and/or particles. The invention further comprises uses of such proteins and virus-like particles for diagnostics or vaccination.

Abstract: The invention pertains to novel peptide analogs suitable for inhibiting protein:prenyl transferases. As such they are therapeutically useful in e.g. inhibiting oncogenesis and other unwanted cell proliferation, and in supressing aberrant high signal transduction. The analogs comply with the following formula: in which: R1 is hydrogen or a thiol-protecting group; R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; R4 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 acyl or peptidyl; R5 is hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; R6 is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl; A is a direct bond or an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkylene chain; Y represents an oxo group or two hydrogen atoms; Z is oxygen, sulphur, imino or C1-C5 alkyl-, aryl- or acylimino; M is 0, 1 or 2; N is 0 or 1.

Abstract: A solid preparation for a substantially immediate release of an active agent with low or very low solubility, which contains the active agent dissolved in a solubilizer, said dissolved active agent being contained in solid particles which are agglomerated into a system of agglomerated particles which is not a matrix or gelling forming agent.

Abstract: Presented are ways to address the problem of replication competent adenovirus in adenoviral production for use with, for example, gene therapy. Packaging cells having no overlapping sequences with a selected vector and are suited for large scale production of recombinant adenoviruses. A method of the invention produces adenovirus incapable of replicating. The method includes a primary cell containing a nucleic acid based on or derived from adenovirus and an isolated recombinant nucleic acid molecule for transfer into the primary cell. The isolated recombinant nucleic acid molecule is based on or derived from an adenovirus, and further has at least one functional encapsidating signal, and at least one functional Inverted Terminal Repeat. The isolated recombinant nucleic acid molecule lacks overlapping sequences with the nucleic acid of the cell.