Abstract: The invention relates to methods of enhancing normal melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) activity, and to enhancing activity of an MC4R having a mutation which affects protein folding and/or processing of the MC4R. The invention provides a method of treating an individual having a condition in which increased activity of an MC4R at the cell surface would be beneficial, for example in obesity, by administering an effective amount of a pharmacological chaperone for the MC4R. The invention provides MC4R pharmacological chaperones which enhance the activity of MC4R. The invention further provides a method of screening to identify pharmacological chaperones which enhance folding of an MC4R in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in order to enhance the activity of the MC4R at the cell surface.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of compounds of the formula C—LixM1?yM?y(XO4)n, where C represents carbon cross-linked with the compound LixM1?yM?y(XO4)n, in which x, y and n are numbers such as 0?x?2, 0?y?0.6, and 1?n?1.5, M is a transition metal or a mixture of transition metals from the first period of the periodic table, M? is an element with fixed valency selected among Mg2+, Ca2+, Al3+, Zn2+ or a combination of these same elements and X is chosen among S, P and Si, by bringing into equilibrium, in the required proportions, the mixture of precursors, with a gaseous atmosphere, the synthesis taking place by reaction and bringing into equilibrium, in the required proportions, the mixture of the precursors, the procedure comprising at least one pyrolysis step of the carbon source compound in such a way as to obtain a compound in which the electronic conductivity measured on a sample of powder compressed at a pressure of 3750 Kg·cm?2 is greater than 10?8 S·cm?1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Streptococcus. More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of polypeptides and polynucleotide sequences encoding the same which are involved in the pathogenic mechanism of S. suis. The present invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides in compositions and methods for the prevention, the treatment and diagnosis of S. suis-associated diseases and infections caused by S. suis.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel polar solvents and novel electrolytic compositions comprising such solvents, and having a high range of stability, as required for applications in the field of electrochemistry. The present solvents have a highly polar amide function, and preferably combine with a salt soluble in the solvent and having an anion with a delocalized charge, and at least one polymer, to form an electrolytic composition.

Abstract: A process for preparing an at least partially lithiated transition metal oxyanion-based lithium-ion reversible electrode material, which includes providing a precursor of said lithium-ion reversible electrode material, heating said precursor, melting same at a temperature sufficient to produce a melt including an oxyanion containing liquid phase, cooling said melt under conditions to induce solidification thereof and obtain a solid electrode that is capable of reversible lithium ion deinsertion/insertion cycles for use in a lithium battery. Also, lithiated or partially lithiated oxyanion-based-lithium-ion reversible electrode materials obtained by the aforesaid process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pH-sensitive polymer which is a (meth)acrylate copolymer composed of 20 to 65% by weight acrylic and/or methacrylic acid units and 80 to 35% by weight units of C1- to C18-alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid, characterized in that it has a molecular weight in the range from 1 000 to 50 000 g/mol, and brings about at least 60% haemolysis at pH 5.5, and less than 5% haemolysis at pH 7.4, in a concentration of 150 ?g/ml in a cytotoxicity test with human red blood cells. The invention further relates to the use of the pH-sensitive polymer as carrier for pharmaceutically effective biomolecules or active pharmaceutical ingredients and as ingredient of corresponding dosage forms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing an at least partially lithiated transition metal oxyanion-based lithium-ion reversible electrode material, which comprises providing a precursor of said lithium-ion reversible electrode material, heating said precursor, melting same at a temperature sufficient to produce a melt comprising an oxyanion containing liquid phase, cooling said melt under conditions to induce solidification thereof and obtain a solid electrode that is capable of reversible lithium ion deinsertion/insertion cycles for use in a lithium battery. The invention also relates to lithiated or partially lithiated oxyanion-based-lithium-ion reversible electrode materials obtained by the aforesaid process.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions which are useful for inhibiting prostaglandin F2?receptor. The compositions include, but are not limited to, linear peptides, peptide analogs, and peptidomimetics. Methods of using the compositions of the invention to treat preterm labor and dysmenorrhea are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for creating a frame of reference of a leg of a subject for subsequent 3-D kinematic analysis of the leg with non-invasive trackable references secured to the femur and the tibia of the leg. The method comprises the steps of: i) obtaining tibial and femoral axes with respect to the trackable references by tracking points and motions of the leg; ii) registering a known posture of the subject with respect to the trackable references; iii) obtaining a desired posture of the subject with respect to the trackable references as a function of the known posture by tracking a predetermined motion of the leg; and iv) setting a frame of reference to said tibial and femoral axes of the leg in the desired posture of the subject with respect to the trackable references.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogues. More particularly, the invention relates to synthetic GHRH analogues of amino acids or more, exhibiting concomitantly an increased resistance to proteolysis and high binding affinity to human GHRH receptor in in vitro studies, in comparison with human native GHRH (1-29)NH2. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising any one of said GHRH analogues and to the use of these analogues for specific stimulation of in vivo GH release as well as preparation of a drug in the treatment of GH deficiency-related conditions. The present invention also provides for a method for initiating GHRH-induced biological actions in a mammal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical sustained release tablet for oral administration of a drug which is made of a compressed blend of at least three dry powders including a powder of a drug, a powder of a sustained release matrix for the drug, and a powder of at least one electrolyte. The sustained release matrix consisting of an un-cross-linked high amylose starch wherein the high amylose is substituted by at least one organic substituent comprising at least one carboxyl group. This organic substituent is preferably a carboxyalkyl having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, its salt or mixture thereof. This tablet has the advantage of having an improved integrity.

Abstract: Nucleic acid constructs encoding homeobox-nucleoporin fusions are disclosed, compositions comprising same, and methods which provide enhanced expansion of stem cells. In particular, an isolated nucleic acid construct encoding a NUP98-HOX fusion is provided, which when introduced into hemopoietic stem cells provides enhanced expansion of these cells. Methods of expanding stem cells in vivo or ex vivo and methods of treatment using the stem cells are also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns electrode materials capable of redox reactions by electrons and alkaline ions exchange with an electrolyte. The applications are in the field of primary (batteries) or secondary electrochemical generators, super capacitors and light modulating system of the super capacitor type.

Abstract: A multimodality imaging phantom is disclosed which is useful for calibrating devices for imaging vascular conduits. The phantom is compatible with X-ray, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. It allows testing, calibration, and inter-modality comparative study of imaging devices, in static or dynamic flow conditions. It also provides a geometric reference for evaluation of accuracy of imaging devices. The tissue-mimicking material is preferably an agar-based solidified gel. A vessel of known desired geometry runs throughout the gel and is connected to an inlet and outlet at its extremities for generating a flow circulation in the vessel. Said phantom also contains fiducial markers detectable in the above-mentioned modalities. The markers are preferably made of glass and are embedded in a layer of agar gel containing a fat component.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel ionic compounds with low melting point whereof the onium type cation having at least a heteroatom such as N, O, S or P bearing the positive charge and whereof the anion includes, wholly or partially, at least an ion imidide such as (FX1O)N?(OX2F) wherein X1 and X2 are identical or different and comprise SO or PF, and their use as solvent in electrochemical devices. Said composition comprises a salt wherein the anionic charge is delocalised, and can be used, inter alia, as electrolyte.

Abstract: This invention relates to a soluble form of PHEX, PHEX being a type II integral membrane glycoprotein. This enzyme is the gene product of a phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome. To produce a soluble form of PHEX, the transmembrane anchor domain has been modified to encode a signal peptidase coding sequence. The soluble PHEX therefore comprises the active ectodomain. An inactive mutant of PHEX is also an object of this invention. Both soluble and inactive mutant forms of PHEX can be used to screen ligands to PHEX. These ligands can also be used as substrates or inhibitors of PHEX. PHEX being phosphaturic, an inhibitor thereof will be used to treat phosphaturia and/or hypophosphatemia. On the opposite, a substrate for PHEX or PHEX itself can be used to treat hyperphosphatemia.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ionic compound corresponding to the formula [R1X1(Z1)-Q?-X2(Z2)-R2]m Mm+ in which Mm+ is a cation of valency m, each of the groups Xi is S=Z3, S=Z4, P—R3 or P—R4; Q is N, CR5, CCN or CSO2R5, each of the groups Zi is ?O, ?NC?N, ?C(C?N)2, ?NS(=Z)2R6 or ?C[S(=Z)2R6]2, each of the groups Ri, is Y, YO—, YS—, Y2N— or F, Y represents a monovalent organic radical or alternatively Y is a repeating unit of a polymeric frame. The compounds are useful for producing ion conducting materials or electrolytes, as catalysts and for doping polymers.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel ionic compounds with low melting point whereof the onium type cation having at least a heteroatom such as N, O, S or P bearing the positive charge and whereof the anion includes, wholly or partially, at least an ion imidide such as (FX1O)N?(OX2F) wherein X1 and X2 are identical or different and comprise SO or PF, and their use as solvent in electrochemical devices. Said composition comprises a salt wherein the anionic charge is delocalised, and can be used, inter alia, as electrolyte.

Abstract: Methods for interfering with the growth of fungi by exposing the fungi to an antimicrobial agent derived from cream, and more particularly, to methods for treating human fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, through exposing the fungi to free fatty acids with antimicrobial activity derived from cream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to connective tissue substitute implant and method of preparation thereof. The implant is essentially composed of two bone anchors joined at the proximal ends by matrix layers and/or filaments coated by supplementary biocompatible matrix coating layer which can contain living stem cells isolated from injured connective tissue.