Abstract: A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts without heat detection by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred without heat detection at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition using natural gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and/or some of its mimetic peptides, indistinctly bound by its amino or carboxyl extremes to a carrier molecule; in one case by its carboxyl extreme and in the other case by the amino terminal extreme, thus eliciting a faster and more potent immunological response against the endogenous GnRH hormone. This finally leads to the ablation of the GnRH and consequently of the rest of the involved hormones in the stream GnRH/LH-FSH/Testosterone-(estrogens). An advantage of this formulation consists on facilitating the exposition to the immune system of a greater number of epitopes of the GnRH or its mimetics, minimizing thus the steric hindrance produced by the carriers.

Abstract: Methods of regulating uterine contractions using light are described. An exemplary method of regulating uterine contractions comprises suppressing a nocturnal endogenous melatonin level of a pregnant female experiencing uterine contractions by exposing the pregnant female during nighttime to a light source emitting visible light.

Abstract: Disclosed are composition and methods for treating development-related disorders. Also disclosed are diagnosis methods, prognosis methods, and drug screening methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active agent with contraceptive properties which corresponds to a peptide fragment of the Latrodectus mirabilisi's venom. The peptide generally includes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 2 or sequences that are at least 85% similar, obtained by chemical synthesis or through recombinant DNA technologies. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical contraceptive composition comprising the peptide fragment and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles is also described. The peptide fragment and pharmaceutical compositions are useful as a contraceptive and spermicide agent.

Abstract: An effective liquid preparation achieves high bioavailability (BA) of physiologically active peptides or proteins, including ghrelins, that are administered as drugs. Also provided is a method for improving the BA of physiologically active peptides or proteins, including ghrelins, that are subcutaneously injected in aqueous solutions. The liquid preparation contains: a physiologically active peptide or protein, such as ghrelins, as an active ingredient; an acid solution including one or a combination of two or more selected form the group consisting of acetic acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, glycine, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, benzoic acid and salts thereof; an alcohol; and a polar organic liquid including one or a combination of two or more selected from the group consisting of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide and methylparaben.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing an ovary-related syndrome associated with infertility in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an active ingredient consisting of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, thereby treating or preventing the ovary-related syndrome associated with infertility in the subject.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods for identification of foetal cells and generation and isolation of binding members recognizing foetal cells. The methods of the invention may further be used for other purposes relating to characterization of biological samples and biological antigens. The methods are characterized by the applicability in situations where the interesting objects are present in a limited amount, or where the interesting objects are intermixed with other material, thus the methods are suitable for use in situations where the ratio of the interesting material compared to other material is low.

Abstract: A method, for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogues, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating or preventing preterm labor in pregnant female subjects. The method comprises the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a Toll-like Receptor 9 antagonist sufficient to prevent the activation of Toll-like Receptor 9 by fetal DNA. The invention further provides compositions comprising a Toll-like Receptor 9 antagonist for use in the methods of the invention. The compositions and methods of the present invention enhance gestation and therefore improve neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for making and refolding insoluble or aggregated proteins having free cysteines in which a host cell expressing the protein is exposed to a cysteine blocking agent. The soluble, refolded proteins produced by the novel methods can then be modified to increase their effectiveness. Such modifications include attaching a PEG moiety to form PEGylated proteins.

Abstract: A composition including a surfactant and at least one alkyl glycoside and/or saccharide alkyl ester and a drug. The surfactant composition(s) when admixed with a drug is non-toxic and non-irritating, while stabilizing and increasing the bioavailability of the drug. The invention also provides compositions that enhance absorption of drugs via the oral, ocular, nasal, nasolacrimal, inhalation or pulmonary, oral cavity (sublingual or Buccal cell) or CSF delivery route of a patient, including but not limited to insulin, glucagon and exendin-4.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogs, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

Abstract: Adrenocortical disease (ACD) in ferrets develops as a result of the effect of increased concentration of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) on adrenal LH receptors. This increase in LH often results from the neutering of male or female ferrets. Neutered ferrets have no negative feedback of the ovarian or testicular hormone and as a result LH is elevated 3 to 10 times normal. Elevated LH may be prevented and/or treated by injection of GnRH vaccine. Administration of GnRH produces antibodies to endogenous GnRH. The GnRH-anti-GnRH immune-complex is ineffective in stimulating the release of LH and FSH in the anterior pituitary resulting drop in concentration of LH in the systemic circulation. This reduction in LH significantly reduces the occurrence or clinical symptoms of ACD therein. Moreover, treatment of ferrets with the GnRH provides long term relief from ACD for a period of a year or more.

Abstract: A method of treating an individual (i) having abnormal bone; or (ii) afflicted with a disease or disorder related to normal or abnormal FGF receptors or a skeletal disorder; or (iii) having dysplasic bone. The method includes administering to the individual a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF-9) variant comprising at least one amino acid substitution in the beta 8-beta 9 loop, wherein the FGF-9 variant incorporates one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17.

Abstract: Isolated protein complexes are provided comprising growth factors such as IGF-I, IGF-II, EGF, bFGF, KGF, VEGF or PDGF, or at least domains thereof that enable binding to and activation of both a growth factor receptor, and an integrin receptor-binding domain of vitronectin or fibronectin. These protein complexes may be in the form of oligo-protein complexes or single, synthetic proteins where the growth factor and vitronectin or fibronectin sequences are joined by a linker sequence. In particular forms, vitronectin or fibronectin sequences do not include a heparin binding domain and/or polyanionic domain. Also provided are uses of these protein complexes for stimulating or inducing cell migration and/or proliferation which may have use in wound healing, tissue engineering, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments such as skin replacement and skin replenishment and treatment of burns where epithelial cell migration is required.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for treating ectopic pregnancy. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for treating unruptured ectopic pregnancy using a non-surgical method comprising the administration of an EGFR inhibitor alone or in combination with an anti-metabolite e.g. methotrexate (MTX). The methodology is potentially applicable to treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancies of all sizes.

Abstract: Human H3 preprorelaxin, human H3 prorelaxin, human H3 relaxin, human relaxin analogues having a modified A chain and/or a modified B chain are described. Also described are nucleic acid sequences encoded human H3 preprorelaxin, human H3 prorelaxin, human H3 relaxin, human relaxin analogues. Also described are methods for the treatment of conditions responsive to administration of H3 relaxin or analogues thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the use of variants of the Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) to stimulate the growth and to improve the immunological system of aquatic organisms. The variants of the peptide were provided by immersion, injection or as a food additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing biologically active recombinant eFSH analogs and methods of increasing reproduction in mammals, particularly equine, using recombinant eFSH analogs. Also provided are methods of producing biologically active single chain recombinant eFSH. The recombinant eFSH analogs of the present invention increase superovulation, follicular development, embryo development, and reproductive efficiency in horses, cattle and other ungulates.