Abstract: Process for producing ammonium-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butyrate, mixtures containing the same in liquid form and their use. In order to produce ammonium-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio-n-butyrate and mixtures containing the same with a remarkable fluidity and a very low oligomer proportion by a process based on exclusively “liquid” steps, the reaction mixture is treated with a water-immiscible or partially water-miscible inert solvent, until a first organic extract and a first aqueous raffinate are obtained, and the first organic extract is decomposed into a second organic extract and a second aqueous raffinate by treating it with ammonia and phase separation. Re-extraction of MHA as MHAAS is carried out in the second aqueous raffinate, causing salt formation, and MHAAS is isolated from the second aqueous raffinate. This compound is useful as feedstuff supplement and as methionine substitute.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new genomic nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences corresponding to the coding region of these genomes. The invention relates to new HCV types and subtypes sequences which are different from the known HCV types and subtypes sequences. More particularly, the present invention relates to new HCV type 7 sequences, new HCV type 9 sequences, new HCV type 10 and new HCV type 11 sequences. Also, the present invention relates to new HCV type 1 sequences of subtypes 1d, 1e, 1f and 1g; new HCV type 2 sequences of subtypes 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2k and 2l; new HCV type 3 sequences of subtype 3g, new HCV type 4 sequences of subtypes 4k, 4l and 4m; a process for preparing them, and their use for diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy. More particularly, the present invention provides new type-specific sequences of the Core, the E1 and NS5 regions of new HCV types 7, 9, 10 and 11, as well as of new variants (subtypes) of HCV types 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Abstract: Recombinant adenoviruses, methods of making them, uses for them, including in immunological, immunogenic, vaccine or therapeutic compositions, or, as a vector for cloning, replicating or expressing DNA and methods of using the compositions and vector, expression products from them, and uses for the expression products are provided. More particularly, recombinant canine adenoviruses (CAV) and methods of making them, uses for them, expression products from them, and uses for the expression products, including recombinant CAV2 viruses are provided. Additionally, truncated promoters, expression cassettes containing the promoters, and recombinant viruses and plasmids containing the promoters or expression cassettes are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protein purification construct having three tandem, coupled segments composed of a binding protein, an interconnecting linker and a variable fused polypeptide which incorporates the one or more copies of a product peptide. The binding protein is a mammalian or human carbonic anhydrase, or a modified version of the carbonic anhydrase. The protein purification construct may be employed in methods for expression of the product peptide in microbial and higher organism and for ligand immobilized affinity purification of the product peptide.

Abstract: Cytokines, which are biologically inactive in humans but remain immunogenic, are used in pharmaceutical compositions to promote a neutralizing immune response against native cytokines when administered to a subject in need thereof to treat homeostatic conditions and disorders associated with an overproduction of cytokines.

Abstract: The invention provides for the production of several humanized murine antibodies specific for the antigen FB5, which is recognized by the murine antibody FB5. The FB5 antigen is expressed on the luminal surface of vascular endothelial cells of a wide range of malignant tumors. The invention also provides for numerous polynucleotide encoding humanized FB5 specific antibodies, expression vectors for producing humanized FB5 specific antibodies, and host cells for the recombinant production of the humanized antibodies. The invention also provides methods for detecting cancerous cells (in vitro and in vivo) using humanized FB5 specific antibodies. Additionally, the invention provides methods of treating cancer using FB5 specific antibodies.

Abstract: Recombinant papilloma virus-like particles result from the expression of viral structural protein L1 and/or L2 in which one or several sections of the L1 and/or L2 protein are deleted. The ability to form virus-like particles is at least the same as, preferably higher than, that of native reproduction and/or in vitro production processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the expression of open reading frame 2 (ORF-2) proteins of a strain of hepatitis E virus from Pakistan (SAR-55) in a eukaryotic expression system. The expressed proteins can serve as an antigen in diagnostic immunoassays and/or as an immunogen or vaccine to protect against infection by hepatitis E.

Abstract: Recombinant viral vectors which coexpress heterologous polypeptides capable of assembling into defective nonself-propagating viral particles are disclosed. The viral vectors as well as the viral particles can be used as immunogens and for targeted delivery of heterologous gene products and drugs.

Abstract: Molecular clones of feline leukemia virus isolates that encode (a) a prototype highly infectious, minimally pathogenic virus, (b) a variant genome that is replication-defective and associated with a fatal immunodeficiency in cats similar to AIDS (FAIDS) or (c) a chimeric genome that is replication-competent and induces FAIDS. These molecular clones may be used to generate cell lines producing infectious virus which is useful in the preparation of vaccines or in the generation of viremia or disease challenge systems.

Abstract: IGF-1 and a hypocaloric amount of nutrient are used to treat a catabolic state in a patient. The IGF-1 and nutrient can be administered simultaneously, separately or sequentially. The amounts of IGF-1 and hypocaloric amount of nutrient are effective for the treatment of the catabolic state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumoral, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a homogenate of cartilage in an aqueous solution, this homogenate being separated in a solid fraction (SOLID EXTRACT) and a liquid fraction which was further fractionated to obtain a LIQUID EXTRACT having molecules of a molecular weight comprised between 0 to 500 kDa. The composition of the liquid extract has then been investigated by different ways. Further fractionation of this extract led to the preliminary characterization of some of its active components.

Abstract: Methods are described for the rapid synthesis in satisfactory yield of methyl ecgonine phenylphosphonates as analogues of transition states for the hydrolysis of the benzoyl ester of an ecgonine derivative, namely cocaine, and their linking to carrier proteins, for the purpose of using them as immunogens. The resulting immunogens elicit the formation in experimental animals of antibodies able to promote the hydrolysis of cocaine. Both these catalytic anti-cocaine antibodies and the immunogens themselves are potentially useful for the treatment of individuals seeking to avoid the pharmacological effects of cocaine and in diagnostic applications.

Abstract: There is provided an isolated immunoglobulin comprising two heavy polypeptide chains sufficient for the formation of a complete antigen binding site or several antigen binding sites, wherein the immunoglobulin is further devoid of light polypeptide chains.

Abstract: Microbiological entities, such as cells or microbes, are immobilized in a single-file linear array for optical analysis. Colloidal magnetic particles having a binding agent, such as ligand for attachment with a corresponding receptor, are bound to the entities suspended in a fluid medium. The fluid medium is placed into a vessel having a ferromagnetic capture structure including an elongated linear collection surface with a diameter less than that of the microbiological species of interest. The vessel is placed into a magnetic field for inducing a magnetic gradient in a region along the collection surface of the ferromagnetic capture structure. The magnetically-labeled entities are attracted toward the collection surface and immobilized thereon in a linear array. Microscopic optical and fluorescence observations, and sequential chemical reactions and mechanical manipulations may be performed on the line of immobilized entities.

Abstract: Described is a new variety of retrovirus designated HIV-3, samples of which are deposited in the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under V88060301. Further described are antigens obtained from the virus, particularly proteins p12, p16, p25 and glycoproteins gp41 and gp120 to be used in the diagnosis of ARC or AIDS caused by HIV-3. Immunogenic compositions to be used as vaccines contain an envelope glycoprotein of HIV-3 such as gp41 or gp120.

Abstract: A retroviral vector particle having a modified retroviral envelope polypeptide. The retroviral envelope polypeptide includes the hypervariable polyproline region, or hinge region, and the hypervariable polyproline region, or hinge region is modified to include a targeting polypeptide including a binding region which binds to a ligand. Such a retroviral vector may be "targeted" to various cells for delivery of genetic material to such cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides several classes of compounds which can be used to inactivate retroviruses, such as HIV-1, by attacking the CCHC zinc fingers of the viral nucleocapsid protein and ejecting the zinc therefrom. In addition, kits for identifying compounds that can react with CCHC zinc fingers of the nucleocapsid proteins of a large number of different retroviruses have also been developed. The kits of the present invention describe a set of specific tests and reagents that can be used to screen and identify compounds based on their ability to react with and disrupt retroviral zinc fingers in the viral NC proteins and, in turn, inactivate the retrovirus of interest.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of cooked cereals or dry pet food which comprises preparing a mixture of water and a dry premix mainly comprising cereal flour or semolina, cooking the mixture and extruding it by pressing it through an extrusion die with the aid of a gear pump.

Abstract: Agricultural methods of biological control and organisms useful in such methods are disclosed, such as novel endophytic symbiotic Bacillus subtilis and methods of biologically controlling fungal diseases of plants. These strains are useful vectors for the delivery of their beneficial gene products to plants.