Abstract: A novel class of cationic peptides having antimicrobial activity is provided. Examples of such peptides include NH2—KWKSFIKKLTTAVKKVLTTGLPALIS—COOH (SEQ ID NO: 1) and NH2—KWKSFIKKLTSAAKKVVTTAKPLISS—COOH (SEQ ID NO: 2). Also provided are methods for inhibiting the growth of bacteria utilizing the peptides of the invention. The peptides are particularly useful for inhibiting endotoxemia in a subject.

Abstract: Methods of modifying polypyrrolic macrocycles by use of a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition are described. The methods may be used to produce compounds for further derivatization to produce photosensitizing agents of interest.

Abstract: Novel 2-pyrrolylthione derived metal chelate compounds are disclosed as imaging and therapeutic agents. Compositions and methods for their preparation and use as diagnostic imaging and therapeutic agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Long-term dialysis requires provision of safe and reliable vascular access, often in the form of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula. The primary cause of AV fistula loss or failure is stenosis caused by intimal hyperplasia (IH) in the graft at the venous anastomosis or the distal vein. Disclosed are methods of using photodynamic therapy (PDT) to inhibit IH in blood vessels which may also be used to inhibit IH and SMC growth at the anastomosis of an AV fistula in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for the solid-phase synthesis of oligosaccharides and glycopeptides. Such materials and methods include mutant glycosidase enzymes, or “glycosynthases,” chemically-derivatized acceptor molecules, and specific solid support matrices.

Abstract: DNA constructs are provided which code for at least the extreme C-terminal amino acids of the rsaA protein of Caulobacter crescentus fused with heterologous polypeptides. Baterial cells containing, or which express the DNA constructs and secrete the resulting protein are also provided. Chimeric proteins including the C-terminal amino acids of the rsaA protein are provided, including chimeric proteins comprising antigenic epitopes of the Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for improving the integrity of body passageways following surgery or injury. Representative examples of therapeutic agents include microtubule stabilizing agents, fibrosis inducers, angiogenic factors, growth factors and cytokines and other factors involved in the wound healing or fibrosis cascade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liposomes and virosomes and, more particularly, to liposomal and virosomal delivery systems for transporting materials such as drugs, nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: A method of producing Hydrogen by reacting a metal selected from the group consisting of Aluminum (Al), Magnesium (Mg), Silicon (Si) and Zinc (Zn) with water in the presence of an effective amount of a catalyst at a pH of between 4 and 10 to produce Hydrogen. The catalyst or other additive is selected to prevent or slow down deposition of the reaction products on the (impair reactions with the) metal that tend to passivate the metal and thereby facilitates the production of said Hydrogen.

Abstract: An optical switch for controllably switching an interface between a reflective state in which incident light undergoes total internal reflection and a non-reflective state in which total internal reflection is prevented. In one such switch a cell contains a fluid. One side of the cell forms the light incident interface. A membrane is suspended in the fluid. One pair of electrodes is applied to opposite sides of the membrane. Another electrode pair is applied to the cell's interface side and to the cell's opposite side. A variable voltage potential is applied between selected ones of the electrodes. Application of the voltage potential between selected ones of the membrane and cell electrodes moves the membrane into optical contact with the interface, producing the non-reflective state. Application of the voltage potential between other selected ones of the membrane and cell electrodes moves the membrane away from optical contact with the interface, producing the reflective state.

Abstract: A novel class of cationic peptides having antimicrobial activity is provided. Exemplary peptides of the invention include KWKSFIKKLTSAAKKVVTTAKPLALIS (SEQ ID NO:3) and KGWGSFFKKAAHVGKHVGKAALTHYL (SEQ ID NO:15). Also provided are methods for inhibiting the growth of bacteria utilizing the peptides of the invention. Such methods are useful for the treatment of respiratory infections, such as in cystic fibrosis patients. Such methods are further useful for accelerating wound healing.

Abstract: A method of enhancing an immune response to an antigen is provided. The method involves augmenting the level of a TAP molecule in a target cell bearing the antigen. Preferably, the TAP molecules enhanced by administering a nucleic acid sequence encoding a TAP-1 and/or TAP-2 molecule. The method is useful in treating infectious diseases and cancer.

Abstract: The invention related to a GPI-anchored p97 and a soluble form of p97 and derivatives thereof and methods for preparing the same. Methods of using p97 in modulating iron transport, in the delivery of therapeutic agents, and in the treatment of conditions involving disturbances in iron metabolism are described. The treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease in view of the finding that p97 and transferrin receptor are markers for microglial cells associated with senile plaques are also described.

Abstract: Novel compositions are described comprising the combined administration of serum complement proteins with complement-fixing antibodies. The antibodies specifically bind to one or more epitopes of myelin, and complement proteins. These compositions are useful for promoting regrowth, repair, and regeneration of neurons in the CNS of a mammalian subject. The compositions and method can be used following immediate or chronic injury.

Abstract: Stable clones of neural stem cells (NSCs) have been isolated from the human fetal telencephalon. In vitro, these self-renewing clones (affirmed by retroviral insertion site) can spontaneously give rise to all 3 fundamental neural cell types (neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes). Following transplantation into germinal zones of the developing newborn mouse brain, they, like their rodent counterparts, can participate in aspects of normal development, including migration along well-established migratory pathways to disseminated CNS regions, differentiation into multiple developmentally- and regionally-appropriate cell types in response to microenvironmental cues, and non-disruptive, non-tumorigenic interspersion with host progenitors and their progeny. Readily genetically engineered prior to transplantation, human NSCs are capable of expressing foreign transgenes in vivo in these disseminated locations.

Abstract: Cystatins that have been modified by glycosylation in order to enhance stability and activity are disclosed, as are methods of making such cystatins and methods of using such cystatins to inhibit proteolysis.

Abstract: A specific amino acid sequence proximal to the carboxy terminus of P/Q type ion channels has been shown to mediate, through binding to the Homer protein, the expression of the gene encoding syntaxin-1A. This region of the P/Q type calcium ion channel provides peptides that can be used in screening assays for compounds that modulate the central nervous system.

Abstract: Stable clones of neural stem cells (NSCs) have been isolated from the human fetal telencephalon. In vitro, these self-renewing clones (affirmed by retroviral insertion site) can spontaneously give rise to all 3 fundamental neural cell types (neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes). Following transplantation into germinal zones of the developing newborn mouse brain, they, like their rodent counterparts, can participate in aspects of normal development, including migration along well-established migratory pathways to disseminated CNS regions, differentiation into multiple developmentally- and regionally-appropriate cell types in response to microenvironmental cues, and non-disruptive, non-tumorigenic interspersion with host progenitors and their progeny. Readily genetically engineered prior to transplantation, human NSCs are capable of expressing foreign transgenes in vivo in these disseminated locations.

Abstract: Methods for modulating amyloid deposition in a subject are described. An effective amount of at least one ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter blocker is administered to a subject, such that modulation of amyloid deposition occurs. Methods also include administering and effective amount of at least one ABC transporter blocker, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a subject such that a disease state associated with amyloidosis is treated. Packaged pharmaceutical compositions for treating amyloidosis are described. The package includes a container for holding an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition and instructions for using the pharmaceutical composition for treatment of amyloidosis. The pharmaceutical composition includes at least one ABC blocker for modulating amyloid deposition in a subject. Methods for identifying agents which modulate amyloid deposition in a subject are also described.

Abstract: An engineering wood based laminated panel for use as structural flooring for vehicle decking systems replaces a traditional hardwood decking and is cheaper plus having superior structural and wear properties. The panel has a plurality of layers in order down from a top surface, comprising a surface layer (1) having at least two high density wood veneer plies oriented parallel to one side of the panel, a load distribution layer (2) having at least one high density wood veneer ply cross oriented to the one side of the panel; a core layer (3) having from about 8 to 14 wood veneer plies oriented parallel to the one side of the panel with centre plies of the core layer being high density wood plies, and a resin impregnated reinforcement layer (4).