Abstract: Recombinant human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV2) viruses and related immunogenic compositions and methods are provided. The recombinant HPIV2 viruses, including HPIV2 chimeric and chimeric vector viruses, provided according to the invention are infectious and attenuated in permissive mammalian subjects, including humans, and are useful in immunogenic compositions for eliciting an immune responses against one or more PIVs, against one or more non-PIV pathogens, or against a PIV and a non-PIV pathogen. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a recombinant HPIV2 genome or antigenome.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are point mutations in the LMNA gene that cause HGPS. These mutations activate a cryptic splice site within the LMNA gene, which leads to deletion of part of exon 11 and generation of a mutant Lamin A protein product that is 50 amino acids shorter than the normal protein. In addition to the novel Lamin A variant protein and nucleic acids encoding this variant, methods of using these molecules in detecting biological conditions associated with a LMNA mutation in a subject (e.g., HGPS, arteriosclerosis, and other age-related diseases), methods of treating such conditions, methods of selecting treatments, methods of screening for compounds that influence Lamin A activity, and methods of influencing the expression of LMNA or LMNA variants are also described.

Abstract: A (poly)peptide-Fc fusion molecule, such as an scFv-Fc fusion molecule comprising an scFv fragment and an Fc region from an antibody, related nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, and a method of inhibiting a viral infection in a mammal, which method comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof the fusion molecule, wherein the fusion molecule binds to an epitope of a viral envelope protein that is inaccessible to whole immunoglobulin molecules due to molecular steric hindrance, or a nucleic acid, optionally in the form of a vector, encoding same, wherein the nucleic acid or vector is optionally contained within a host cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for coating a medical device comprising the steps of applying to at least a portion of the surface of the medical device, a bactericidal coating layer, wherein the bactericidal coating layer comprises a bactericidal agent; and applying to at least a portion of the surface of the medical device, a bacteriostatic coating, wherein the bacteriostatic coating layer comprises a bacteriostatic agent wherein the combination of the bactericidal and bacteriostatic agents are in an effective concentration to inhibit growth of microbial organisms relative to an uncoated medical device. The two antimicrobial agents are used to develop a kit comprising these compositions in one container or in separate containers. The kit is used to coat or flush medical devices prior to or after implantation in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention provides, for example, in vitro and in vivo methods for screening modulators of NOS-2 activity using p53 mutant cells, methods of predicting the benefit of administering NOS-2 inhibitors to a cancer patient, and methods of treating cancer by administering NOS-2 inhibitors to patients with p53 mutant cancers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a nitric oxide-releasing medical device. The method includes contacting an amine-functionalized silane residue with a substrate, e.g., a metallic substrate, contacting the amine-functionalized silane residue with a cross-linking agent, contacting at least one nucleophilic residue with the cross-linked amine-functionalized silane residue, and contacting the nucleophilic residue with nitric oxide gas. The invention also provides a method of contacting the cross-linked amine-functionalized silane residue with at least one nitric oxide-releasing functional group. Furthermore, the invention provides a medical device for delivering nitric oxide in therapeutic a concentration, wherein the device comprises a substrate having nitric oxide bound thereto through diazeniumdiolated nucleophiles bonded to silane intermediates. The silane intermediates are bonded to the substrate and are amine-functionalized and cross-linked.

Abstract: A compound of formula I: or solvate thereof, wherein n is 1 to 10, and M and M? are independently selected from monovalent pharmaceutically acceptable cations, or together represent a divalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for inhibiting viral replication, particularly retroviral replication. The methods comprise administration of stibonic acid or diphenyl compounds that disrupt viral nucleocapsid binding to nucleic acids.

Abstract: The current invention provides new human variable chain framework regions and humanized antibodies comprising the framework regions. The invention also provides a new method of identifying framework acceptor regions in framework sequences for backmutation to graft a donor sequence to the human framework.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel post-transcriptional regulatory element that can function as an RNA nucleo-cytoplasmic transport element. The invention also provides for an attenuated HIV-1 hybrid virus for use as a vaccine and a kit incorporating the hybrid virus. The kit also includes instructional material teaching the use of the vaccine, where the instructional material indicates that the vaccine is used for the prophylaxis or amelioration of HIV-1 infection in a mammal; that the vaccine is to be administered to a mammal in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to express a viral protein; where the vaccine will not cause clinically significant CD4+ cell depletion; and, the expression of the viral protein elicits an immune response to the attenuated HIV-1 virus. The invention further provides for a method for screening for post-transcriptional RNA nucleo-cytoplasmic transport element (NCTE) binding proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formulation of pharmaceutical compounds. More particularly, the invention provides stable, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions prepared from boronic acid compounds and methods for preparing the compositions. The invention also provides novel boronate ester compounds. The invention further provides boronic acid anhydride compounds useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Cell transformation vectors for inhibiting HIV and tumor growth are provided. Optionally, the vectors encode RNAses such as EDN. Cells transduced by the vectors and methods of transforming cells (in vitro and in vivo) using the vectors are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro and ex vivo methods of screening for modulators, homologues, and mimetics of lethal factor mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) protease activity, as well as methods of treating cancer by administering LF to transformed cells.

Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides MHC Class II restricted melanoma antigens recognized by CD4+ T cells. This invention further provides prophylactic and therapeutic applications for the Class II restricted melanoma antigens. In particular, this invention provides tyrosinase Class II restricted melanoma antigens, as well as tyrosinase immunogenic peptides which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. These antigens can serve as an immunogens or vaccines to prevent or treat melanoma. In addition a method for isolating Class II restricted melanoma antigens or identifying new Class II restricted melanoma antigens is provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of eliciting a secretry IgA-mediated immune response in a subject by administering a Pseudomonas exotoxin A-like chimeric immunogens that include a non-native epitope in the Ib domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin. Compositions comprising secretory IgA antibodies that specifically recognize an epitope of HIV-1 also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for a novel family of taste transduction G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of taste transduction G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: The susceptibility of human macrophages to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection depends on cell surface expression of the human CD4 molecule and CC cytokine receptor 5. CCR5 is a member of the 7-transmembrane segment superfamily of G-protein-coupled cell surface molecules. CCR5 plays an essential role in the membrane fusion step of infection by some HIV isolates. The establishment of stable, nonhuman cell lines and transgenic mammals having cells that coexpress human CD4 and CCR5 provides valuable tools for the continuing research of HIV infection. In addition, antibodies which bind to CCR5, CCR5 variants, and CCR5-binding agents, capable of blocking membrane fusion between HIV and target cells represent potential anti-HIV therapeutics for macrophage-tropic strains of HIV.

Abstract: Biomarkers capable of identifying subjects at risk for preterm complications, such as preterm parturition are disclosed, as well as methods and kits for detecting such biomarkers to identify at risk subjects. A single biomarker or combination of biomarkers comprising a defensin, BPI, calprotectin, or a calgranulin are used to qualify the risk of preterm complications in a subject. In particular, the concentrations of the biomarkers correlate with the magnitude of preterm complications and can diagnose or prognose specific preterm complications, such as preterm parturition, preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), intra-amniotic inflammation, and/or microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing and/or treating autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, in a subject using ADNF polypeptides, by treating the subject with an Activity Dependent Neurotrophic Factor (ADNF) polypeptide.