Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nimesulide and structurally related compounds in the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that nimesulide exhibits a neuroprotective effect against ?-amyloid induced cell death. Without being bound to any particular theory, it appears that nimesulide inhibits a non-inflammatory mechanism of neurodegeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of peptides and other small molecules (i.e. peptide mimetics) as pharmaceutical and/or therapeutic agents, and to methods for identification and design of peptides and peptide mimetics having desired functional activities. Specifically, peptides and other small molecules derived from regions of interacting intracellular signaling proteins are provided. More specifically, peptides and other small molecules derived from regions of the G&bgr; subunit of heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins are provided. Such molecules include specific agonists and antagonists of G&bgr; downstream effectors, including adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C. Such molecules are targeted to predicted regions of interaction between intracellular signaling proteins and tested for activity in functional assays using methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multimeric complex of at least two chimeric molecules, wherein the chimeric molecules comprise an immunoglobulin constant region element and two MHC elements wherein each MHC element is associated with a peptide, and wherein the chimeric molecules are covalently linked through a carbohydrate residue of the immunoglobulin constant region element by a polyalkylene glycol linker. Methods of making and using the multimeric complexes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and/or monitoring thrombophilic disease in a patient that can result from the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (aPL syndrome). The methods of the invention are premised on the inhibition of binding of an anticoagulant protein, annexin, preferably annexin-V, to phospholipids by antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies in a patient blood sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the amelioration of symptoms caused by bone resorption disorders, including but not limited to osteoporosis, arthritides and periodontal disease, and damage caused by macrophage-mediated inflammatory processes. In one embodiment, the methods and compositions of the invention include methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of cathepsin K activity. In an additional embodiment, the methods and compositions of the invention include methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of cathepsin K activity coupled with specific inhibition of at least a second activity involved in the bone resorption and/or macrophage-mediated inflammatory processes. In a particular embodiment, the methods and compositions of the invention include methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of cathepsin K and cathepsin S activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the PUR protein, nucleotide sequences and expression vectors encoding PUR, and to methods for inhibiting PUR activity. Inhibitors of PUR activity may be used to treat hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: The 3'-end of BC200 RNA, commencing at nucleotide 159 has the sequence: ##STR1## Oligonucleotide probes in accordance with the invention are complementary to at least a portion of this sequence such that they bind specifically and selectively to human BC200 RNA. The probes are useful for screening human breast tissue for the presence of adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning and expression of a sodium ion binding protein. In particular, the invention relates to cloning and expression of a nhaS gene. The nhaS gene product, NhaS, is a protein characterized by binding to and sequestering sodium ion (Na.sup.+). The invention further relates to functional fragments of a sodium ion binding protein, which fragments are characterized by their ability to bind to sodium ion. In a specific embodiment, the fragment is a fragment of NhaS. The gene encoding the sodium binding protein can be introduced into cells to produce desalination bioreactors. The gene encoding the sodium binding protein can also be introduced into plants as a transgene to produce plants that are resistant to sodium. The sodium binding protein itself may be used for treatments involving Na.sup.+ /K.sup.+ ATPase disorders, e.g., in heart disease; the protein also may be introduced parenterally, preferably orally, to bind to and sequester dietary sodium.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, neuropsychiatric symptoms of apathy-amotivation syndrome and particularly those symptoms in: Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's chorea, frontal lobe lesions, and AIDS dementia can be ameliorated by treating a patient with a histamine H.sub.2 -antagonist that passes the blood-brain barrier. Suitable H.sub.2 -antagonists include famotidine and ranitidine. The H.sub.2 -antagonists may be co-administered with other compounds which are known to be useful in the treatment of the above neuropsychiatric conditions, and in one aspect of the invention can be formulated with such other compounds into a therapeutic composition.

Abstract: The present invention involves the production of large quantities of human .alpha.-Gal A by cloning and expressing the .alpha.-Gal A coding sequence in eukaryotic host cell expression systems. The eukaryotic expression systems, and in particular the mammalian host cell expression system described herein provide for the appropriate cotranslational and posttranslational modifications required for proper processing, e.g., glycosylation, phosphorylation, etc. and sorting of the expression product so that an glycosylation, phosphorylation, etc. and sorting of the expression product so that an active enzyme is produced. In addition, the expression of fusion proteins which simplify purification is described.Using the methods described herein, the recombinant .alpha.-Gal A is secreted by the engineered host cells so that it is recovered from the culture medium in good yield. The .alpha.-Gal A produced in accordance with the invention may be used in the treatment in Fabry Disease; for the hydrolysis of .alpha.

Abstract: A method and devices for transcutaneous or transmucosal stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve are provided. Recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation is delivered by applying electric charge from an electrode in the form of a probe or an indwelling device to the intact neck skin at specific points along the tracheoesophageal groove or to mucosa within the esophagus, larynx, or trachea. In accordance with the present invention vocal cord excursion is related to frequency of the electrical stimulus.