Abstract: An Eph family RTK (receptor tyrosine kinase) ligand-binding domain as well as a method of identifying Eph family RTK agonists or antagonist. The ligand-binding domain is suitably encoded by exon III of a gone encoding the RTK of the Eph family and may additionally include an amino acid sequence encoded by exon II of the gene. The ligand-binding domain may be a polypeptide having amino acids 57-271 of the sequence shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated mammalian nucleic acid molecule encoding an alternatively spliced prostate-specific membrane (PSM?) antigen. This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a prostate-specific membrane antigen promoter. This invention provides a method of detecting hematogenous micrometastic tumor cells of a subject, and determining prostate cancer progression in a subject.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that various members of the steroid/thyroid superfamily of receptors can interact to form multimeric species comprising a complex of more than one receptor. Accordingly, the interaction of a first receptor species with a second receptor species modulates the ability of the first receptor species to trans-activate transcription of genes maintained under hormone expression control in the presence of the cognate ligand for said first receptor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel, purified and isolated IL-1 zeta and Xrec2 polypeptides and fragments thereof, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of antidepressants through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing an antidepressant that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an antidepressant is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises an antidepressant to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles with less than 5% antidepressant degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an antidepressant through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of an antidepressant composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition, method, and apparatus for protecting plants from injury caused by frost or freezing temperatures by applying an insulating foam to the surface of plants. Plants are sprayed with a foam formed from a pre-emulsion concentrate comprising a vegetable oil, an emulsifier, and a forming agent. The pre-emulsion concentrate is mixed with water and aerated to form a foam. The foam is then directed onto the surfaces of the plant to be covered.

Abstract: An aerosol solution composition for use in an aerosol inhaler comprises an active material, a propellant containing a hydrofluoroalkane, a cosolvent and optionally a low volatility component to increase the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of the aerosol particles on actuation of the inhaler. The composition is stabilized by using a small amount of mineral acid and a suitable can having part or all of its internal metallic surfaces made of stainless steel, anodized aluminium or lined with an inert organic coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of antiemetics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing antiemetics that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an antiemetic is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of an antiemetic, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% antiemetic degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an antiemetic through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin layer of an antiemetic drug and b) a device for dispensing said thin layer an antiemetic as a condensation aerosol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human protein called Dendritic Enriched Secreted Lymphocyte Activation Molecule, and isolated polynucleotides encoding this protein. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing this human protein. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to this novel human protein.

Abstract: A powder for use in a dry powder inhaler includes active particles and carrier particles for carrying the active particles. The powder further includes additive material (4) on the surfaces of the carrier particles to promote the release of the active particles from the carrier particles on actuation of the inhaler. The powder is such that the active particles are not liable to be release from the carrier particles before actuation of the inhaler.

Abstract: Composition of matter for application to a body surface or membrane to administer fluoxetine by permeation through the body surface or membrane, the composition comprising fluoxetine to be administered, at a therapeutically effective rate, alone or in combination with a permeation enhancer or mixture. A preferred embodiment is directed to the transdermal administration of fluoxetine at reduced skin irritation levels wherein fluoxetine, preferably provided as fluoxetine acetate, is coadministered with a corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone. Also disclosed are drug delivery devices containing the fluoxetine or fluoxetine and enhancer composition and methods for the transdermal administration of the fluoxetine and fluoxetine/enhancer composition.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the activity or production of cytokines or growth factors associated with vascular restenosis, by administering to an individual an effective amount of an active ingredient comprising a bisphosphonate particle or a bisphosphonate particulate. The bisphosphonate may be encapsulated, embedded or adsorbed within the particle, dispersed uniformly in the polymer matrix, adsorbed on the particle surface, or in combination of any of these forms. The particles include liposomes or inert polymeric particles, such as microcapsules, nanocapsules, nanoparticles, nanospheres, or microparticles. The particulates include any suspended or dispersed form of the bisphosphonate which is not encapsulated, entrapped, or adsorbed within a polymeric particle. The particulates include suspended or dispersed colloids, aggregates, flocculates, insoluble salts and insoluble complexes of the active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of stimulants through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing stimulants that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a stimulant is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a coating of a stimulant, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% stimulant degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a stimulant through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a coating of a stimulant drug and b) a device for dispensing said coating a stimulant as a condensation aerosol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to resorbable glass scaffolds for use in biological applications and methods for making same. Specifically, these scaffolds are composed of phosphate glass fibers, where the rate of dissolution into biological fluids is controlled by the length of time the glass is held above its melt temperature prior to spinning the fiber.

Abstract: Buccal aerosol sprays or capsule using polar and non-polar solvent have now been developed which provide biologically active compounds for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprises formulation I: aqueous polar solvent 30-99.89%, active compound 0.001-60%, optionally containing flavoring agent 0.1-10%. Propellant 2-10%. The non polar composition of the invention comprises formulation II: non-polar solvent 20-85%, active compound 0.005-50%, and optionally flavoring agent 0.1-10% and propellant 50-80%.

Abstract: A method and strip for treating allergen-induced airway inflammation. The method includes applying a nasal or skin strip containing a mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to an individual having allergen-induced airway inflammation in a manner consistent with local nasal immunotherapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a monolayer sugar-coated tablet which is coated with a sugar-coating liquid containing 30–54% by weight of saccharide, 2–10% by weight of polyethylene glycol and 0.2–2% by weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone, and a process for preparing the same. According to the invention, a monolayer sugar-coated tablet and a process for preparation thereof are provided with very great economical advantages that the skill required for conventional sugar-coating processing is unnecessary and furthermore consumption of sugar-coating material can be reduced and the processing time can be shortened.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical or cosmetic carrier or composition for topical application characterized by rheological properties which render the carrier or composition semi-solid at rest and a liquid upon application of shear forces thereto. The composition or carrier are prepared by mixing 1–25 percent of a solidifying agent and 75–99 percent of a hydrophobic solvent, by weight, wherein at least one of them has therapeutic or cosmetic benefits, in the presence or absence of a biologically active substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting bone regeneration, comprising administration of calmodulin. The method of bone regeneration is applied to subjects having bone disorders characterized by decreased bone mass such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, as well as those suffering from non-union fractures.

Abstract: Pickering emulsions, which are finely disperse systems of the water-in-oil or oil-in-water type, comprising (1) an oil phase, (2) a water phase, (3) at least one type of microfine particles which a) have an average particle size of less than 200 nm, which b) display both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, i.e. which have amphiphilic character, and are dispersible both in water and in oil and which c) have optionally been coated on the surface, (4) at least one electrolyte and (5) at most 0.5% by weight of one or more emulsifiers.