Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting protein aging. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent or compound capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation end products of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. Suitable agents may contain an active nitrogen-containing group, such as a hydrazine group. Particular agents comprise aminoguanidine, .alpha.-hydrazinohistidine and mixtures thereof. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treThis invention was made in part with government support under Grant Number PHS AM 19655 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

Abstract: Multiple antigen peptide systems are described in which a large number of antigens are bound to the functional groups of a dendritic core molecule providing a high concentration of antigen in a low molecular volume. The products are useful for producing chemically defined univalent or multivalent vaccines and in diagnostic tests.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for joining two ends of plastic optical fibers after the ends have been formed, preferably cut at a bias. The ends are pushed together within a tightly fitting quartz tube and their juncture is heated, by a resistance wire filament which surrounds the tube, to melt the ends and form a splice. The quartz tube is split into a top member and a bottom member and the spliced optical fiber is removed from the tube by opening the two tube members.

Abstract: A transacting DNA binding factor is disclosed. The ASF 1 protein factor specifically binds to the sequence motif TGACG found upstream of the promoter in many plant genes. Coexpression of this protein factor augments the level of expression of the up-regulated promoter containing the TGACG motif.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for oral administration to control heme oxygenase comprising mettaloprotoporhyrins and mettalomesoporphyrins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and method for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging) which contain diaminopyridines and derivates thereof. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with a carbonyl moiety of an early glycosylation product of such target proteins resulting from their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: A replication initiator protein complex for eukaryotic cells is disclosed which includes protein fractions of about 60 kD and 100 kD size. The protein complex comprises a protein in purified form that is capable of origin-specific DNA binding and ATP-dependent DNA helicase activity. The 60 kD fraction is named RIP60 and is primarily active in origin-specific DNA binding. The 100 kD fraction is named RIP100 and is primarily active as a DNA helicase. The protein complex and its fractions are active only during S phase and thereby commend their investigation and use toward the development of specific diagnostic and therapeutic modalities against pathogens to which cell division is critical. Diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are accordingly proposed, and testing procedures, materials in kit form, recombinant materials and procedures, and pharmaceutical compositions are likewise set forth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and associated agents for measuring the presence and amount of advanced glycosylation endproducts in cells and fluids. The methods take advantage of the existence of receptors and receptor complexes for AGEs and include receptor-containing ligands comprising whole mesangial and other cells, mesangial cellular fragments and protein extracts therefrom. Competitive assays, sandwich assays and assays involving AGE antisera are disclosed. Numerous diagnostic applications are defined and test kits are also contemplated.

Abstract: Describes IgA binding protein isolatable from Group B streptococci, methods of isolation and use in immunological testing procedures.

Abstract: This invention relates to transforming growth factor alpha modified by replacement of an L-amino acid residue with a D-amino acid residue and pharmaceutical compositions thereof useful in wound healing, ulcer treatment or trauma.

Abstract: This invention relates to treating vetrovirus of the leutivirous group with colchicine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylatin. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The administration of tin protoporphyrin, tin mesoporphyrin or tin diiododeuteroporphyrin to mammals, notably humans, increases the rate at which heme is excreted by mammals, and is useful for treatment of body tissue injury associated with hemorrhage in the body.

Abstract: The influx of leukocytes into the lung and other organs during sepsis or other infectious or non-infectious trauma can be inhibited by the administration of anti-CD18 monoclonal antibodies. Such inhibition results in a prevention and/or diminishment of organ damage in inflammations and especially in endotoxic shock and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of wound healing dysfunction by the administration of one or more would healing modulators. The wound healing modulator may be selected from appropriate wound healing agents and binding partners, and particularly agents that enhance wound healing. The agent may comprise a cytokine, or mixture of cytokines that are also capable of binding to heparin, and inducing localized inflammation characterized by polymorphonuclear cell infiltration when administered subcutaneously. Particular agents comprise the inflammatory cytokines MIP-1, MIP-1.alpha., MIP-1.beta. and MIP-2. Diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are proposed, and pharmaceutical compositions are likewise set forth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of diseases caused by invading organisms in a host by first identifying an enzymatic difference between the host and the invading organism and then administering to the host a pharmaceutically effective amount of a subversive substrate for the differing enzyme of the invading organism, whereby the action of the differing enzyme causes a result counter to the intended result and function of the enzyme that results in its debilitation or death. In particular, treatment of parasitic diseases caused by kinetoplastids including trypanosomes and leishmanias, e.g., African sleeping sickness, Chagas' disease, oriental sore and kala-azar is accomplished by administration of a pharmaceutically effective antiparasitic amount of a competitive toxigenic substrate for trypanothione reductase. Methods of treatment and compositions therefor contain a competitive toxigenic substrate for trypanothione reductase. Numerous compounds and corresponding compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Method for oxidative folding of peptide and protein substrates to form disulfide bonds using dimethyl sulfoxide and other equivalent sulfoxides as mild oxidizing agents.

Abstract: Glucagon analogs characterized principally by the removal of the 9-aspartic acid residue or its replacement with an amino acid residue other than an L- dibasic amino acid containing up to five carbon atoms with or without a histidine at the amino terminal are useful adjuncts to insulin therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises; an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. Suitable agents contain an active nitrogen-containing group, such as a hydrazine group. Particular agents comprise aminoguanidine derivatives. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.