Abstract: A method for reducing the copper burden in mammals without zincuresis utilizing cobalt salts or chelates.

Abstract: Repetitive DNA sequences of the protozoan parasites T. cruzi and P. falciparum have been isolated. These sequences appear more than once in the parasitic organism. Once isolated, the DNA sequences may be labelled with materials such as chromogens, biotin, or radioactive substances. The sequences may be used, in labelled or unlabelled form, as probes for the parasites.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system comprises a first linearly translatable plate and a second linearly translatable plate mounted below the first plate at 90 degrees relative thereto, the first plate being displaceable in one direction and the second plate being displaceable in another direction, said dispenser including an overhead fluid dispenser for dispensing calibrated amounts of fluid into each well of a multi-welled dish wherein the wells are spaced apart in rows and columns.

Abstract: In mass spectrometry, a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer is used to measure the mass spectrum of organic molecules of mass ranging from 200 Dalton to greater than 200,000 Dalton. Ions from the sample are desorbed by striking the probe tip with laser pulses in a spot size, on the tip, in the range of 0.03-3.0 mm.sup.2. The time of flight of the ions is measured and displayed with a resolution of the ion molecular signal in the range of 300-500 full width at half-maximum definition (FWHM).

Abstract: New and useful chromophores have been isolated from the reaction mixture of proteins exposed to reducing sugars in the presence of sulfite over time. The chromophores are believed to be intermediates in nonenzymatic polypeptide glycosylation. The measurement of this chromophore makes possible both qualitative and quantitative assessment of the presence of nonenzymatic browning. Diagnostic and test kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical copositions comprising liposomal metalloporphyrins are provided for parenteral administration to mammals, including humans. These liposomal metalloporphyrins selectively target the spleen and markedly inhibit the heme oxygenase activity therein. A method is also provided for intravenous administration of these compositions to mammals to selectively target the spleen.

Abstract: Cobalt protoporphyrin and cobalt mesoporphyrin are administered to animals to achieve weight loss and improved protein to fat ratio without decrease in hormone concentration.

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. Co-expression of this protein factor augments the level of expression of the up-regulated promoter containing the TGACG motif.

Abstract: Method for controlling gastrointestinal dysmotility in humans by administration of opioid antagonists.

Abstract: Purified glomerular proteoglycans are used as a basis for a diagnostic test for glomerulonephritis in humans involving an immunological reaction between the purified proteoglycans and patient area. A new method for purification of glomeruli proteoglycan antigens is described using guanidine extraction.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and agents for preventing the staining of teeth caused by the nonenzymatic browning of proteins in the oral cavity. Both oral and parenteral administration of the agents are disclosed. Suitable agents for the inhibition of nonenzymatic browning may be formulated as rinses and toothpastes, and include compounds capable of reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product resulting from the initial reaction of a target protein in the nonenzymatic browning reaction. Preferred agents are those having an active nitrogen-containing substituent, as well as amino acids, their esters and amides. These preparations may further include known anti-plaque agents such as chlorhexidine.

Abstract: An electrospray ion source is designed for ready and simple plugging into commercial mass analyzers for mass spectrometric analysis of organic molecules. The electrospray is carried out is the ambient air and the ions and other charged species enter the mass analyuzer through a long metal capillary tube and three stages of differential pumping. The use of the long tube allows (a) convenient injection of the ions into the mass analyzer (b) optimization of the spray by direct visualization in the air (c) efficient and controlled heat transfer to the droplets and (d) efficient pumping of the region between the capillary exit and the skinner. Desolvation of the solvated ions is carried out using a combination of controlled heat transfer to the charged droplets during the transit through the tube and collisional activation in a region of reduced pressure. Desolvation with this system does not involve use of a strong countercurrent flow of heated gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to the parenteral administration of cobalt protoporphyrin and cobalt mesoporphyrin to suppress the endocrine system of animals to achieve physiological effects such as suppression of the production of gonadal or thyroid hormones, control of weight gain and improved protein to fat ratio.

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: 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.

Abstract: An insulin activity messenger material and its precursor material are disclosed which have been isolated from hapatic plasma membranes that have been incubated with an enzyme known as a phosphtidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. The messenger material comprises a carbohydrate-based compound that exhibits the ability to modulate the activity of the insulin-sensitive enzymes pyruvate dehydrogenase, adenylate cyclase, acetyl CoA carboxyase, and low Km cAMP phosphodiesterase, and thereby effectuate the activity of insulin on the cellular level. The precursor material comprises an inositol containing glycolipid capable of phosphodiesteratic cleavage by a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Numerous diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are proposed, and testing procedures, materials in kit form, antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions are likewise set forth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and associated agents for the inhibition and treatment of protein aging in animals by stimulating the bodies of the animals to increase their recognition and affinity for advanced glycosylation end products. Specifically, the method contemplates the administration of certain agents such as advanced glycosylation endproducts, such endproducts as are bound to the carrier, monokines that stimulate phagocytic cells to increase their activity toward advanced glycosylation endproducts, and mixtures of these materials either alone, or in conjunction with other co-stimulatory agents. Numerous diagnostic and therapeutic applications are defined, and pharmaceutical compositions are also contemplated.

Abstract: Glucocorticoid carboxylic acid esters and topical compositions thereof are utilized in methods for modulating cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity. Formulations of the glucocorticoid carboxylic acid esters are disclosed including incorporation into percutaneous drug delivery devices.

Abstract: Glucagon analogs characterized principally by deletion of the number one histidine and replacement of the number nine aspartic acid with glutamic acid are useful adjuncts to insulin therapy.