Abstract: The invention relates to new pseudopeptides having an antiviral action, oft he general formula (I) ##STR1## with the meanings given in the description for the substituents, to a process for their preparation and to their use as antiviral agents, in particular against cytomegaloviruses.

Abstract: There is provided a method for treating tumors in mammals by the administration of alpha 1-antitrypsin alone or in combination with other protease inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting teicoplanin A.sub.2 from a whole culture fermentation broth by filtration of the mycelium in an alkaline medium and recovery by extraction of the filtered fermentation broth with organic solvents or mixtures thereof or by adsorption onto suitable matrixes.

Abstract: Described is a method for treating carcinoma of the prostate using recombinant human alpha interferon via intraprostatic or intralesional injection.

Abstract: A solid, oral, anticariogenic composition in the form of a chewing gum or a lozenge and beyond the conventional chewing gum or lozenge ingredients containing as dental plaque acid-neutralizing ingredient urea in an amount from 0.5% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, an optional coating not being taken into account.The composition is used for reducing the risks of dental caries subsequently to eating and drinking as it causes a neutralization of the plaque acids.

Abstract: A method is provided for C-terminal sequencing of a protein or peptide. An important feature of the method is the formation of an oxazolone moiety at the C-terminus of a protein or peptide by treatment with acetic anhydride under basic conditions followed by conversion of the oxazolone to a thiohydantoin moiety by treatment with thiocyanate under acidic conditions. Yields of thiohydantoin are further enhanced by delivering thiocyanate as the conjugate acid of a sterically hindered alkylammnonium cation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations and methods for treating wounds utilizing these formulations. The formulations according to the present invention are useful for treating wounds by accelerating wound healing. These formulations comprise an effective amount of a serum free cellular nutrient medium in combination with an effective amount of at least one cellular growth stimulating compound, e.g. a natural anabolic hormone or transforming growth factor.

Abstract: Gel formulations containing polypeptide growth factors having human mitogenic or angiogenic activity are provided. The gel formulations are useful for topical or incisional wound healing for cutaneous wounds, in the anterior chamber of the eye and other ophthalmic wound healing. The gel formulations also comprise a water soluble, pharmaceutically or ophthalmically compatible polymeric material for providing viscosity within various ranges determined by the application of the gel. The gel formulations provide controlled release and increased contact time of the growth factor to the wound site.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing polysuccinimide by thermal condensation of L-aspartic acid to produce polysuccinimide wherein the L-aspartic acid is exposed to an atmosphere in excess of about 350.degree. C. and to a temperature in the range of from about 350.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C. for a period of time of from about 6 to about 15 minutes. Under such conditions, at least about 90% conversion of the L-aspartic acid is provided. The polysuccinimide may be hydrolysed to provide polyaspartic acid by conventional hydrolysis under basic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to autotaxin. In particular, the present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding autotaxin; recombinant DNA molecules containing the DNA segment; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecule; a method of producing autotaxin; and antibodies to autotaxin.

Abstract: An angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor contains as an effective constituent Val-Pro-Pro and contains 3 to 10 amino acid residues. A method for producing the aforementioned angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor involves fermenting a foodstuff material containing Val-Pro-Pro as a constituent component with lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: A method for the inhibition of tumor metastases is described herein. The method makes use of the administration of an antimetastatic factor isolated from the leech Haementeria ghilianii.

Abstract: A process for purifying IGF-I from variants of IGF-I is provided. In this process a mixture containing IGF-I and its variants is loaded onto a reversed-phase liquid chromatography column and the IGF-I is eluted from the column with a buffer at a pH of about 6-8. The buffer contains an alcoholic or polar aprotic solvent at a concentration of about 20-30% (v/v). This process can be preceded by a hydrophobic-interaction chromatography step.

Abstract: A substantially pure heterotrimeric laminin variant comprising the structure M-X-B2, wherein M is the M polypeptide of merosin; X is selected from the group consisting of the B1 chain of laminin and S-laminin; and B2 is the B2 chain of laminin.

Abstract: The present invention provides antiviral peptides having the general structure, Arg-Arg-Trp-Trp-Cys-Arg-X, where X is an amino acid or an amino acid analog, the stereochemistry of the amino acids or amino acid analogs can be (D)- or (L)-amino acids and the amino and carboxy termini of the peptide can be modified. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antiviral peptide and methods of using an antiviral peptide in vitro or in vivo to reduce or inhibit a herpes simplex virus infection.

Abstract: A method of sorting living cells based on DNA content. Mammalian sperm subpopulations enriched in X- or Y-sperm. X- and Y-enriched sperm-plasma-membrane vesicles. Substantially pure sex-associated membrane (SAM) proteins. Antibodies binding to X- or Y-SAM proteins, essentially free of antibodies binding to Y- or X-SAM proteins respectively, or to the H-Y antigen. Semen samples enriched for X- or Y-sperm. Methods for increasing the probability that offspring will be male or female comprising the step of allowing as sperm from an enriched semen sample to fertilize an ovum. Methods for increasing the probability that offspring will be male or female comprising the step of immunizing a female with X- or Y-SAM proteins. Methods of decreasing fertility comprising the step of immunizing a female with both X- and Y-sperm. Methods of increasing the probability that mammalian offspring will carry a gene for a particular sex-chromosome linked trait.

Abstract: A method of promoting or blocking fertilization, which method includes the step of contacting sperm either at the time of sperm capacitation or at the time of egg fertilization with an effective amount of bombesin or its analog capable of stimulating or inhibiting the acrosome reaction.

Abstract: A novel human hepatokine, referred to hereinafter as HPX, has been isolated and purified from human fetal hepatocytes. HPX has a molecular weight of approximately 15 kD, a pI of about 6, and has been found to promote hepatocyte growth activity in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Human or animal placenta is subjected to moderate enzymatic digestion, in particular with pepsin at an acid pH, then, after separation of the residual tissue the impurities are separated at a moderately acid pH, the collagen is precipitated at a neutral pH, redissolved and the residual impurities precipitated at an acid pH. The collagen obtained can be brought back to a neutral pH and dried in the form of fibres. Completely transparent, physiological and hemocompatible gels and solutions can be prepared. Applications for the fabrication of contact lenses and implants.

Abstract: A method for selectively opening abnormal brain tissue capillaries of a mammal in order to allow selective passage of both low and high molecular weight neuropharmaceutical agents into abnormal brain tissue. The method utilizes direct infusion of bradykinin into the carotid artery. The dose of bradykinin is maintained at levels which provide opening of abnormal brain tissue capillaries without opening normal brain capillaries. The method is useful for introducing a wide variety of neuropharmaceutical agents selectively to brain tumors and other abnormal brain tissue.