Abstract: The invention relates to any assay for the identification of nematicidal compounds such as anthelmintics for the control of nematodes. The assay comprises: (i) incubating a nematode sample (i.e. a “test nematode sample”) containing a pre-determined amount of nematodes with an ingestable substrate labelled with a readily detectable label, under conditions suitable for nematode feeding, wherein said incubation is conducted in the presence of said candidate nematicidal compound or follows a pre-incubation of said nematode sample with said candidate nematicidal compound, and (ii) determining whether said candidate nematicidal compound affects nematode feeding by detecting an increase or decrease in ingested substrate as compared to that which has been ingested by a control nematode sample which has been incubated without said candidate nematicidal compound.

Abstract: Carbonyl stress-ameliorating agents have been provided, which contain an enzyme having a glyoxalase I activity and a carbonyl compound-reducing agent as the active ingredients. The carbonyl stress-ameliorating agents of the present invention rapidly eliminate carbonyl compounds, and thus ameliorate carbonyl induced stress conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of Formula (I), wherein: L is a linking agent; B is a binding agent; X is an atom or group suitable for attaching L to the glycerol chain; and R is a straight chain saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, substituted with M? or M? wherein at least one of M? and/or M? is a detectable label. The compound can be used as a lipase substrate in a solid phase-based assay system, such as a scintillation proximity assay, to detect lipase enzyme activity.

Abstract: Facile methods for preparing diketide and triketide thioesters are disclosed. The resulting thioesters may be used as intermediates in the synthesis of desired polyketides, and may contain functional groups which ultimately reside in side chains on the resulting polyketide and thus can be used further to manipulate the polyketide so as form derivatives. The polyketides produced may also be tailored by glycosylation, hydroxylation and the like. New polyketides and their derivatives and tailored forms are thereby produced.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using a gp130 receptor ligand, e.g. leukemia inhibitory factor, to induce the formation of kidney epithelia, to treat subjects suffering from kidney failure, and to preserve kidneys for transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti arrhythmic pharmaceutical comprising effective amount of compound designated as KCV-CAF obtained from the venom of Indian snake King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients and a process of isolating the said compound KCV-CAF from the venom of the Indian snake King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for electromanipulation of at least one cell or cell-like structure having cell-like membranes, the method comprising the steps: (a) at least one cell or cell-like structure is transported from one or more sample containers located on a chip through microchannel(s) located on said chip into a chamber located on said chip, wherein said chamber contains electrode(s) connected to a voltage generator, wherein said microchannel provides a fluid contact between the sample containers, (b) said cell or cell-like structure(s) is placed close to said at least one electrode, and (c) an electrical field is applied and focused on said cell or cell-like structure(s), said electrical field being of a strength sufficient to obtain pore-formation or fusion of said at least one cell or cell-like structure with another cell or cell-like structure(s) present in said chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for using human placental alkaline phosphatase or an active derivative to reduce blood glucose level in a mammal. Treatment regimens provided by the invention maybe used to control Type 1 and Type 2 forms of diabetes in humans. The methods and treatment regimens maybe effective to maintain the human's blood glucose level below about 10 mM, and preferably within the normal range of 4 mM to 7 mM. The methods and treatment regimens may be used in combination with administration of known anti-diabetic medicaments. Also provided by the invention is a method for inducing weight loss or reducing an expected weight gain caused by or associated with obesity or Type 2 diabetes. The invention further provides a preparation for administration to a human, the preparation comprising homogeneous purified human placental alkaline phosphatase in a physiologically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of skin defects by organotypically-cultured autologous keratinocytes isolated from the outer root sheath of anagen or growing hair. Methods for primary, as well as subsequent organotypic cultures (i.e., epidermal equivalents) in fully-defined media supplemented by autologous human serum and substances isolated form blood components, with minimal allogeneic biological supplements, are disclosed herein. Techniques to prepare epidermal equivalents for transplantation by use of a biocompatible glue are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Platelet activation is measured by determining Mean Platelet Component (MPC) of suspended blood platelets, using a specific anticoagulant composition. The composition comprises at least one component for effecting platelet sphering (for example EDTA), and at least one platelet antagonist (for example at least one of, and preferably all three of theophylline, adenosine and dipyridamole).

Abstract: A method is described for separating, retrieving and concentrating platelets from whole blood relying on aggregation of the platelets followed by filtration. This method eliminates the need of a centrifuge for separating said cells from blood. To obtain cellular concentrates of platelets, blood is mixed with compatible agents that will aggregate cells while retaining contained growth factors. The resulting aggregates can then be separated from blood by filtration. If desired, the filter-captured aggregates are subject to a brief washing cycle where they are washed clean of residual aggregating agent, plasma, and red cells. Aggregates can then be partly or wholly deaggregated and the cells retrieved. The result is a suspension of cells and small aggregates with therapeutic levels of concentrated blood cells with included growth factors that are available for delivery to a wound site. A device that accomplishes the aforementioned process is also described.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the preparation of putamen ovi, putamen ovi having a defined grain size distribution, and to the use of putamen ovi for the treatment of calcium deficiency and other disease conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a first composition separated from a second composition. The first composition contains urea in powdered form. The second composition, on the other hand, contains an indicator. A biopsy of a gastric sample is first contacted with the first composition and then placed in the second composition. The second composition indicates the presence of an enzyme that, in turn, indicates the presence of bacteria. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a biopsy of a gastric sample is contacted with a single composition. The composition contains urea in a powdered form combined with a dry indicator. Besides urea and a dry indicator, the composition can also contain an anti-caking agent.

Abstract: Red blood cells are purified by separating whole blood, such as by centrifugation, to form a red blood cell fraction and a liquid fraction. The whole blood can be defibrinated or treated to prevent coagulation prior to separation. Preferably, the whole blood is bovine blood. The red blood cell fraction is then diafiltered to purify the red blood cells. The purified red blood cells can then be lysed to form a lysate of purified red blood cells. The purified red blood cells and the lysate of purified red blood cells are suitable for use in producing hemoglobin blood substitute.

Abstract: Provided is a method for regenerating an immobilized enzyme for lipolysis which has been used for lipolysis, thereby exhibiting a reduced activity, which includes washing the immobilized enzyme with a solvent; controlling an equilibrium concentration of fatty acids in the solvent; removing the washed immobilized enzyme therefrom, and contacting the resulting immobilized enzyme with a fresh enzyme, wherein the fresh enzyme adsorbs onto the immobilized enzyme. According to the preferred methods of the present invention, it is possible to make effective use of the residual activity of an immobilized enzyme spent for lipolysis and regenerate the spent immobilized enzyme to have a performance similar to that before the lipolysis at a low cost using less amount of liquid waste.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for predicting the in vivo toxicity of a given compound. For example, the invention comprises conducting at least three distinct assays in parallel to provide information about three distinct parameters of cytotoxicity of a chemical in a given target cell, which information is useful for predicting in vivo cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention describes pharmaceutically effective substances from the poison of spiders of the family of Sicariidae as well as their preparation and their use in medicine.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for irradiating a biological sample with far infrared (FIR) irradiation, including providing tunable FIR irradiation, removing X rays from the irradiation, and irradiating at least one biological sample with the tunable FIR irradiation, wherein at least a component of the biological sample undergoes at least one of a conformational change or a phase change in response to the irradiating. An FIR irradiation device is disclosed, including an FIR source producing an FIR irradiation having a tunable wavelength, the source being capable of continuous-wave output, and a filter receiving the irradiation from the source.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical use in an animal, preferably in a human. In one aspect, compositions and methods are provided for promoting cell growth, tissue repair and organ regeneration, preferably in vivo and in situ. The composition comprises a sterol compound dissolved in oil at a concentration at least 0.5% by weight. The compositions may be used in the treatment of various conditions caused by injury, diseases and aging. As shown clinically, the methodology disclosed in the present invention was used successfully to regenerate or clone a new organ through cultivation of regenerative stem cells in vivo and in situ.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of screening for a compound that modulates RIZ histone methyltransferase (HMT) activity, by contacting a RIZ or RIZ fragment having HMT activity with one or more candidate compounds, and determining histone methyltransferase activity of the contacted RIZ or RIZ fragment. Also provided is a method of screening for a compound that modulates progesterone receptor (PR) activity, by providing a RIZ1 modulatory compound, and determining the ability of the RIZ1 modulatory compound to modulate PR activity. Further provided is a method of identifying an individual with an estrogen receptor positive (ER+) tumor having a reduced likelihood of responding to endocrine therapy. The method involves determining the RIZ1 status of the tumor, wherein an abnormal RIZ1 status identifies the individual as an individual with a reduced likelihood of responding to endocrine therapy.