Abstract: A novel gene apparently encoding a transmembrane glycoprotein has been successfully isolated by constructing a cDNA library of 4 kb or above in size from mRNA expressed in human adult brain and analyzing the structures of cDNAs contained within said library by the shotgun method. The novel gene shows brain-specific expression and the protein encoded by said gene has a typical PDZ protein binding motif.

Abstract: A sustained release ranolazine formulation contains an intimate mixture of ranolazine and a partially neutralized pH-dependent binder to form a film that is mostly insoluble in aqueous media below pH 4.5 and soluble in aqueous media above pH 4.5. The formulation is suitable for twice daily administration of ranolazine and is useful for controlling the rate of dissolution of ranolazine, and to maintain human plasma ranolazine levels at between 850 and 4000 ng base/mL.

Abstract: A novel metalloproteinase inhibitor, analogs thereof, polynucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders caused by excessive amounts of metalloproteinase are also disclosed.

Abstract: Spray dried particles having specified aerodynamic characteristics are produced by atomizing a liquid feed and contacting the liquid feed with a drying gas, such as, for example, air or nitrogen. The humidity of the drying gas is controlled to a value, expressed, for instance, as dew point, which is known to produce particles having a specified tap density or aerodynamic diameter. Particles having a volume median geometric diameter greater than about 5 microns and a tap density less than about 0.4 g/cm3 are preferred.

Abstract: Water-soluble borate-polyol complexes are useful as buffers and/or antimicrobials in aqueous ophthalmic compositions, including those containing polyvinyl alcohol. These compositions have greater antimicrobial activity than comparable compositions containing typical borate buffers and unexpectedly increase the antimicrobial efficacy of other antimicrobial agents when used in combination. In addition, use of the borate-polyol complexes avoids the incompatibility problem typically associated with the combination of borate buffer and polyvinyl alcohol; therefore, the compositions disclosed herein may also contain polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a narcotic analgesic in mixed micellar form are disclosed. The mixed micelles are formed from an alkali metal alkyl sulfate, and other micelle-forming compounds as described in the specification. Micelle size ranges between about 1 and 10 nanometers. Methods for making and using the compositions are also disclosed. A preferred method for administering the present composition is through the buccal mucosa of the mouth.

Abstract: A protectant composition comprising vernix for a skin curative and skin protectant effect and a method of using the composition. A natural or synthetic vernix is dispersed in an effect amount and is applied to a surface. The method may be used to repel a naturally occurring agent such as water, or a synthetic agent to which exposure may occur, for example, in an occupational setting.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the ? secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. An enzyme that cleaves the ?-secretase site of APP also is provided. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of administering motoneuronotrophic factors for promoting the survival, growth, proliferation, or maintenance of mammalian neurons. The method is useful for promoting the survival, growth, proliferation, regeneration, or maintenance of mammalian neurons, promoting axonal regeneration, for inhibiting the effects of hereditary motoneuron disease, for minimizing or inhibiting the effects of scar tissue formation, and for accelerating wound healing while concomitantly minimizing or inhibiting the effects of scar tissue and keloid formation.

Abstract: An aqueous-based sprayable composition comprises a therapeutic or palliative agent, water and a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and alkali metal carboxyalkylcellulose. In one embodiment, the composition is a non-Newtonian nasal spray exhibiting a very rapid viscosity recovery upon removal of shear forces.

Abstract: An osmotic system for delivering a pharmaceutically active agent which comprises a core portion, a layer portion enclosing the core portion, and a semipermeable wall portion enclosing the core portion and the layer portion. The core portion includes the pharmaceutically active agent at a first concentration. The pharmaceutically active agent is present in the layer portion at a second concentration. The second concentration is greater than the first concentration. Such a system provides for the osmotic release of the pharmaceutically active agent in release profile other than a zero order release profile, and wherein the release profile is similar to or approaches or reaches a first order release profile.

Abstract: The present application relates to nucleotide sequences which regulate the biosynthesis of the flagella proteins Helicobacter pylori, to the proteins encoded by these sequences and to aflagellate bacterial strains. The invention also relates to the use of these means for detecting an infection due to H.pylori or for protecting against such an infection.

Abstract: Therefore, another aspect of the invention is a method for determining whether a compound or composition is a regulator of intracellular glucocorticoid activity in adipose tissue comprising determining whether said compound or composition inhibits reductase activity of 11-Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11-Beta HSD1) in said tissue.

Abstract: Claimed and disclosed is a new use for a previously approved drug: erythropoietin. The present invention teaches using Erythropoetin to treat anemia caused by the combined treatment of Ribavirin and alpha-interferon. Erythropoetin has previously been approved for the treatment of anemia caused by cancer chemotherapy, renal failure and HIV. It has not been used for anemia caused by ribavirin. Ribavirin is part of a two-drug regimen now used to treat hepatitis C along with alpha interferon. The principal side effect of ribavirin is a hemolytic anemia. In the past, mangement of that anemia was done by dose reduction of the ribavirin, sometimes resulting in reversal of part of the anemia. It has become particularly important in light of new data, to maximize the dose of ribavirin given to persons undergoing treatment for hepatitis C to ensure a successful eradication of hepatitis C.

Abstract: Genes and the proteins encoded thereby that are involved in stroke response and/or are regulated by FK506 are disclosed. These genes were discovered using in vivo or in vitro stroke models by determining which genes were differentially upregulated or downregulated upon treatment of the model with FK506. They were also found by a functional assay of genes specifically selected for conferring to cells resistance to hypoxia, dopamine or glutamate treatment. The disclosure includes such genes and proteins as well as analogs, salts and functional derivatives of such proteins, and DNA encoding such analogs, and methods of use. Methods for treating the effects of stroke, hypoxia and/or ischemia by regulating such genes or proteins are disclosed. Methods for screening for compounds capable of regulating the genes and proteins of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modified chimeric polypeptides with improved pharmacokinetics are disclosed. Specifically, modified chimeric Flt1 receptor polypeptides that have been modified in such a way as to improve their pharmacokinetic profile are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the modified polypeptides including but not limited to using the modified polypeptides to decrease or inhibit plasma leakage and/or vascular permeability in a mammal. Also disclosed are methods of treating diseases in which plasma leakage and/or vascular permeability occurs, for example, inflammatory skin diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water insoluble, protective, adhesive skin patch useful for treating or preventing psoriasis, dermatitis, and/or eczema. The adhesive patch includes a backing that is treated with a sizing agent (e.g., a fluorocarbon solution, a silicone-containing compound, or a combination thereof). The present invention also provides a method for treating or preventing at least one of psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema in a mammal (e.g., human) and a method for exfoliating the skin surface of a mammal.

Abstract: The protein tyrosine kinase receptors, designated Rse and HPTK6, have been purified from human and/or murine cell tissues. Rse and HPTK6 have been cloned from a cDNA library of a human liver carcinoma cell line (i.e., Hep 3B) using PCR amplification. Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences encoding Rse and HPTK6 useful as diagnostics and in the recombinant preparation of Rse and HPTK6. Rse and HPTK6 are used in the preparation and purification of antibodies thereto and in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: A composition which when topically applied to the skin of a mammal reduces trans-epidermal water-loss and provides an improved epidermal barrier contains an aqueous dispersion of at least two lipids, preferably at least three lipids, in a non-crystalline phase lamellar array, preferably bilayer membranes in the form of liposomes. These lipids adopt a crystalline lamellar phase upon application to mammalian skin which resist washing with mild detergents and water. The composition can be formulated as a pharmaceutical preparation, and can be used in a method of recovering or otherwise improving a mammalian skin permeability barrier by administering the composition to the skin or hair and allowing the composition to dry. The dried composition adopts a crystalline lamellar phase after said administering to the skin. The composition thus provides a permeability barrier in cases where the natural barrier has been depleted, damaged or requires improvement.

Abstract: Provided are methods and topical pharmaceutical formulations for use in the treatment of warts. The invention involves the topical administration of a pharmacologically active base in a formulation having a pH of about 7.5 to about 13.0, preferably about 8.0 to 11.5, and most preferably about 8.5 to 10.5. These basic formulations can be used to treat human papilloma virus infections, particularly cutaneous warts.