Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nucleic acids encoding a novel neuropeptide designated cortistatin. The cortistatin nucleic acids, proteins and polypeptides thereof along with anti-cortistatin antibodies are useful in both screening methods, diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods related to modulation of sleep and disorders thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug delivery system wherein a “parachute” structure is coupled to a therapeutic compound. The “parachute” structure comprises hydrophilic branched molecules with a defined action diameter. The complex (a parachute structure coupled with a therapeutic compound) is either fixed at a cell membrane or delivered to a defined distance from the membrane within the cell. The membrane-anchoring/localizing effect of the parachute is achieved by hydrophilic structures linked with a branching unit of desired therapeutic compounds. Furthermore, the parachute structures can be connected by a spacer (e.g. &bgr;-amino acids, &ggr;-amino butyric acid, or poly-amino acids) instead of directly binding to the therapeutic compound, so that the therapeutic compounds can be localized within the cells at a defined distance from the cell membrane. A spacer containing a breaking point can determine the time span, during which the drug exhibits its therapeutic activity.

Abstract: Assays for detecting the presence and activity of cell-signaling components. These assays include luminescence polarization assays for detecting cell-signaling nucleotides and modulators of receptors and enzymes related to the generation and activity of such nucleotides.

Abstract: New thyroid receptor ligands are provided which have the general formula in which: X is —O—, —S—, —CH2—, —CO—, or —NH—; Y is —(CH2)n— where n is an integer from 1 to 5, or cis- or trans-ethylene; R1 is halogen, trifluoromethyl, or alkyl of 1 to 6 carbons or cycloalkyl of 3 to 7 carbons; R2 and R3 are the same or different and are hydrogen, halogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbons or cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbons, at least one of R2 and R3 being other than hydrogen; R4 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R5 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R6 is carboxylic acid, or esters or prodrugs; R7 is hydrogen or an alkanoyl or an aroyl. In addition, a method is provided for preventing, inhibiting or treating a disease associated with metabolism dysfunction or which is dependent upon the expression of a T3 regulated gene, wherein a compound as described above is administered in a therapeutically effective amount.

Abstract: Monomeric analogues of human insulin have a single substitution of the amino acid in 12th, 16th or the 26th position of the B chain of human insulin and may also have a terminal deletion in the B chain.

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit occludin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. Within certain embodiments, the modulating agents may be used for cancer therapy or to increase immune cell infiltration into tumors. The modulating agents comprise at least one occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds the occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by the other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.

Abstract: The present invention describes a material and a method for controlling fungi. The method consists of disposing a naturally formed chitinase about an area to be protected. The naturally formed chitinase is produced from worm castings and the worm castings may be disposed naturally, in the form of timed-release pellets, or in a liquid form. The area to be protected includes plants and structures. The naturally formed chitinase may be disposed about the base of the plant or structure, or on the leaves of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition which is used to enhance the elasticity and/or appearance of tissue. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a composition formulated from peptides or peptide-like compounds having low molecular weights and which substantially correspond to sequences found in elastin. The present composition specifically includes chemical modification of the peptides described herein, specifically carboxy and amino modification including the addition of amino acids to either end of the peptide fragments.

Abstract: Several cyclic decapeptides having antibiotic activity are disclosed. The decapeptides are active against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention discloses peptides obtained from the MUCD1 domain of the saliva mucin glycoprotein MUC7. The peptides are between 8 and 20 amino acids in length and have a net positive charge. The peptides are obtained from the C-terminus of the MUC7D1 protein. These peptides are useful as antifungal and antibacterial agents. A method of using these peptides as antifungal and antibacterial agents is also disclosed.

Abstract: A soft gelatin capsule and method to deliver an efficable dose of Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (marketed by Soft Gel Technologies under the trademark Glucosol™) for the assistance and maintenance of moderate weight loss through blood sugar maintenance. The product relies on the effects of corosolic acid on blood sugar levels to derive a healthy weight loss effect for Type II diabetics (non-insulin dependent) and healthy non-diabetics and the improved absorption of an oil based delivery system. The product provides safe and sustainable weight loss when combined with a restricted calorie diet and regular exercise. Its benefits include improvement of cardiovascular health, normalized blood sugar levels, and improved physical appearance with the positive psychological effects associated with successful and safe weight loss/maintenance.

Abstract: A method for producing peptide salts, including reacting an acid addition salt of a basic starting peptide in the presence of a diluent in a mixed bed ion exchanger, with a mixture of an acid and a basic ion exchanger during the formation of a free basic peptide, and then separating the ion exchanger and then the free basic peptide, with an inorganic or organic acid, and then forming the desired acid addition salt of the peptide, and removing the diluent.

Abstract: A method for controlling organisms which comprises growing, decreasing, activating or inactivating cells, bacteria, viruses or fungi at an N-surface or a P-surface of a ceramic which is formed by treating the ceramic by polarization; and a material for controlling organisms, a method for selective adsorption of proteins, a material for selective adsorption of proteins, a cement material for filling bones and dental applications and a biomaterial, in which the ceramic treated by polarization is utilized. By utilizing difference in properties among surfaces of the ceramic treated by polarization, growth, decrease, activation or inactivation of organisms such as cells, bacteria, viruses or fungi can be controlled. Therefore, the above methods and materials are useful in the medical, dental and biochemical areas.

Abstract: A stabilized pharmaceutical composition in lyophilized form comprising: a cyclic polypeptide compound represented by the general formula (I): wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an acyl group and R2 and R3 are, the same or different, a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, or a salt thereof and the stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel antiviral compounds, refered to as calanolides, related compounds, and their derivatives, which may be isolated from plants, or derived from compounds from plants, of the genus Calophyllum in accordance with the present inventive method. The compounds and their derivatives may be used alone or in combination with other antiviral agents in compositions, such as pharmaceutical compositions, to inhibit the growth or replication of a virus, such as a retrovirus, in particular a human immunodeficiency virus, specifically HIV-1 or HIV-2.

Abstract: A stabilized pharmaceutical composition in the form of a solution for parenteral administration of a parathyroid hormone is described wherein the therapeutically active ingredient is stabilized with a buffer and a polyol. Preferred preparations contain in an aqueous solution human PTH(1-34), mannitol, an acetate or tartrate buffering agent and m-cresol or benzyl alcohol as a preservative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for prevention and treatment of bone-related or nutrition-related disorders using a GLP molecule or GLP activator either alone or in combination with another therapeutic. The present invention also encompasses methods of diagnosing or monitoring the progression of a disorder. The invention also encompasses methods of monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying a hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, by first mixing a starting material containing the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound with a first polymeric material, water and at least one of a second polymeric material and a surfactant, wherein the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material and/or surfactant are immiscible in the resulting primary aqueous solution. The process further comprises maintaining the primary aqueous solution for a period of time sufficient for essentially separating the phases formed, and then removing the phase containing the main portion of the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound and the second polymeric material and/or surfactant. The second polymeric material and/or surfactant are separated from the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, and subsequently recycled to the initial mixing step.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, particularly prostate cancer, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more prostate-specific polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, particularly prostate cancer.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement to be incorporated into the diet of an individual under stress (e.g., chronic stress) is described, comprising a low-glycemic-index carbohydrate, alpha lactalbumin-enriched whey protein, fat, caffeine and a source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). The supplement provides active food-grade ingredients to improve the management of stress and symptoms associated therewith.