Abstract: Methods for identifying modified proteases with modified substrate specificity or other properties are provided. The methods screen candidate and modified proteases by contacting them with a substrate, such as a serpin, an alpha macroglobulins or a p35 family protein or modified serpins and modified p35 family members or modified alpha macroglobulins, that, upon cleavage of the substrate, traps the protease by forming a stable complex. Also provided are modified proteases.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemically as well as physically stable kits and compositions comprising polypeptides, in particular Factor VII or Factor VII-related polypeptides, such that these compositions can be stored, handled and used at room temperature.

Abstract: A composition for treating damaged tissue and promoting healthy tissue growth, healing and tissue regeneration, wherein the composition comprises an extracellular matrix compound, a surface-active lipid, one or more enantiomericaily pure L-amino acids or glycine, a hydrophilic surfactant with a high HLB, as well as vitamins, minerals or trace elements. Not only does it maintain good health, but the components are non-intrusive, bio-safe, non-coalescent and can mimic normally occurring stem-cells within a body. When applied to diseased tissues, the subject compositions can stimulate, facilitate, and accelerate protein synthesis for the regeneration of diseased organs and tissues. The healing efficacy of these tissue components gives us further appreciation of the protective action of human tissue over and above and other than the immune protective system or perhaps an integral component part of the immune system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing analgesia in a mammalian subject. The method includes administering to the subject an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and sufentanil, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the ?-conopeptide retains its potency and is physically and chemically compatible with the analgesic compound. A preferred route of administration is intrathecal administration, particularly continuous intrathecal infusion. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, an antioxidant, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and sufentanil.

Abstract: The invention provides composition and methods for repairing a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to methods and systems for identifying areas of a subject's skin that lack sufficient volume. In some embodiments, this can be used to direct the administration of filler compositions or the application of techniques that increase the volume or firmness of the area. In some embodiments, the methods and systems provide for improved aesthetic benefit as well as suitability for instruction and training. In some embodiments, the methods are especially useful in the administration of dermal fillers to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides is a method for producing 3-mercaptopropionic acid from 3-mercaptopropionamide or a salt thereof with the use of an amidase. The method enables the production of 3-mercaptopropionic acid on an industrial scale through an enzymatic reaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus and methods for creating derivatives of at least one form of HDL without substantially affecting LDL. These derivatives of HDL are particles with reduced lipid content, particularly reduced cholesterol content. These particles have the capacity to bind cholesterol and are administered to a patient to enhance cellular cholesterol efflux and reduce cholesterol levels in cells, tissues, organs, and blood vessels. The present method is useful for treating atherogenic vascular disease and may be combined with other therapies such as statins, inhibitors of cholesterol absorption, niacin, anti-inflammatories, exercise and dietary restriction.

Abstract: A process for producing optically active succinimide derivatives as key intermediates of (3R)-2?-(4-bromo-2-fluorobenzyl)spiro{pyrrolidine-3,4?(1?H)-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine}-1?,2,3?,5(2?H)-tetraone, which comprises the following reaction steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for assaying activities of enzymes such as histone deacetylases and histone acetyltransferases. In some embodiments, the methods may be performed in one step. The compounds described herein features peptide-based compounds having at least one blocked lysine or arginine residue which are coupled to reporter moieties. The methods described herein involve reacting a compound described herein with an enzyme, such as a histone deacetylase enzyme or a histone acetyltransferase enzyme, and an endopeptidase that recognizes basic amino acids to release the reporter moiety which may be subsequently detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a panel of biomarkers associated with angiogenesis, and the use of such biomarkers (genes, proteins, homologues and analogs thereof) to regulate angiogenesis. Methods for identifying compounds useful for regulating angiogenesis and conditions related thereto are disclosed.

Abstract: Polypeptides with xylanase activity modified to increase bran solubilization and/or xylanase activity. The modification comprises modification of one or more amino acids in position 113, 122 or 175 in combination with one or more further amino acid modifications in position 11, 12, 13, 34, 54, 77, 81, 82, 104, 110, 113, 118, 122, 141, 154, 159, 162, 164, 166, 175 or 179, wherein the positions are determined as the position corresponding to the position of Bacillus subtilis xylanase (SEQ ID NO 1).

Abstract: The specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins comprising a Clostridial toxin enzymatic domain, a Clostridial toxin translocation domain and an enhanced Clostridial toxin binding domain; polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins; and method of producing such modified Clostridial toxins.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ajoene, and of ajoene having a relatively high purity which may be obtained by the process. This invention also relates to processes for the preparation of allicin, and to a process for freeze concentrating allicin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ruthenium and osmium complexes of Formula [M(A)w(B)x(C)y]m(Xz)n, per se and the use of ruthenium and osmium complexes of Formula I as redox mediators in electrochemical biosensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polypeptides having nitrilase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Botulinum toxin, among other presynaptic neurotoxins is used for the treatment and prevention of migraine and other headaches associated with vascular disorders. Presynaptic neurotoxins are delivered focally, targeting the nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve, the occipital nerve and the intranasal terminals of the parasympathetic fibers originating in the Sphenopalatine ganglion. The administration preferably targets the extracranial nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve in the temporal area, the extracranial occipital nerve endings in the occipital area, and the intranasal terminals of the trigeminal nerve and parasympathetic fibers originating in the Sphenopalatine ganglion. The delivery is carried out by way of injection or topically.

Abstract: The invention relates to glucagon-related peptides and their use for the prevention or treatment of disorders involving the large intestine. In particular, it has now been demonstrated that GLP-2 and peptidic agonists of GLP-2 can cause proliferation of the tissue of large intestine. Thus, the invention provides methods of proliferating the large intestine in a subject in need thereof. Further, the methods of the invention are useful to treat or prevent inflammatory conditions of the large intestine, including inflammatory bowel diseases.

Abstract: The invention discloses highly purified daptomycin and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising this compound. The invention discloses a method of purifying daptomycin comprising the sequential steps of anion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography and anion exchange chromatography. The invention also discloses a method of purifying daptomycin by modified buffer enhanced anion exchange chromatography. The invention also discloses an improved method for producing daptomycin by fermentation of Streptomyces roseosporus. The invention also discloses high pressure liquid chromatography methods for analysis of daptomycin purity. The invention also discloses lipopeptide micelles and methods of making the micelles. The invention also discloses methods of using lipopeptide micelles for purifying lipopeptide antibiotics, such as daptomycin. The invention also discloses using lipopeptide micelles therapeutically.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-cytotoxic protein conjugates for inhibition or reduction of exocytic fusion in a nociceptive sensory afferent cell. The protein conjugates comprise: (i) a galanin Targeting Moiety (TM), wherein the TM is an agonist of a receptor present on a nociceptive sensory afferent cell, and wherein the receptor undergoes endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; (ii) a non-cytotoxic protease or a fragment thereof, wherein the protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; and (iii) a Translocation Domain, wherein the Translocation Domain translocates the protease or protease fragment from within the endosome, across the endosomal membrane, and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the protein conjugates, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are is also described.