Abstract: The endopeptidase hydrolysis of cross link peptide bond of the peptidoglycans results in release of the novel glucosaminemuramyl tri, tetra, penta, hexa, and octapeptides. Their structure is defined by specific endopeptidase cleavage as well as genus of gram positive bacteria. They are potent cytoprotective agents capable of inhibiting of TNF alpha cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The utility of soybeans having a composition of greater than 40% of the protein as beta-conglycinin and less than 10% of the protein as glycinin for making highly functional high beta-conglycinin compositions was discovered. The discovered ingredients are useful for mimicking the texturizing properties of casein while also maintaining or improving physiological benefits of soy protein ingredients (e.g., cholesterol and triglyceride lowering properties). The high stability of the high beta-conglycinin compositions against protein-protein aggregation reactions is valuable for creating good tasting beverages and beverage mixes. Cheese with good spreadability, gloss and smoothness was made using an enzyme-modified version of the new ingredient composition. Cheese with good firmness and meltability was also create using a different enzyme-treatment. High beta-conglycinin compositions were found to demonstrate excellent emulsifying and gelling properties in the pH region (5.5-6.2) relevant to meat applications.

Abstract: A process for the purification of recombinant human Luteinizing Hormone (LH) from a sample of crude recombinant LH in the supernatant of CHO cells comprises the combined use of the ion-exchange chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. The ion-exchange chromatography and the reverse phase HPLC are performed twice and the final use of a gel permeation column allows the purification from any residual traces of contaminants. The specific bioactivity of the highly purified LH obtained from the process is particularly high, amounting to 25,000 IU/mg.

Abstract: The invention relates to a family of hexapeptide compounds exhibiting activity with regard to the ORL-1 receptor. The compounds share a general formula of Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Trp-Arg, and may be constructed having modifications or substitutions at any position, and may include modifications of the amino- and carboxy-termini of the hexapeptide. These compounds include agents exhibiting agonist activity and antagonist activity when exposed to the human ORL-1 receptor. As such, the hexapeptides may be useful as analgesics, anxiolytics, diuretics, and anti-cancer agents.

Abstract: Glucagon-like peptide 2, a product of glucagon gene expression, and analogs of glucagon-like peptide 2, have been identified as gastrointestinal tissue growth factors. Their effects on the growth of small bowel and pancreatic islets are described. Their formulation as a pharmaceutical, and their therapeutic use in treating disorders of the bowel, are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of calcium ion and/or sugars to minimize thermal aggregation of DNase and to the use of calcium ion to stabilize liquid solutions of DNase, the solutions having a pH of less than neutral. DNase is the active pharmaceutical principle and the solutions may contain other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients making them suitable for pharmaceutical administration. In the first instance, calcium ion/sugar minimizes the effects of thermal aggregation in the solution. In the second aspect, calcium ion stabilizes the lower pH solutions from protein precipitation.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical formulation for inhibiting wound contraction of the present invention includes secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor as an active ingredient. The SLPI concentration in the pharmaceutical formulation is preferably 1–5000 ng/ml, and more preferably 1–100 ng/ml. The pharmaceutical formulation for inhibiting wound contraction of the present invention may be prepared as an external preparation including a base and the SLPI as an active ingredient. The pharmaceutical formulation for inhibiting wound contraction of the present invention may be prepared as an injection including the SLPI as an active ingredient. The external preparation may preferably include a preservative. The injection may preferably include a stabilizer (an antioxidant), a preservative and an analgesic agent.

Abstract: This invention provides cross-linked glycopeptide-cephalosporin compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are useful as antibiotics. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds; methods for treating bacterial infections in a mammal using such compounds; and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively generating provider application forms required to be submitted to health care provider organizations by physicians and related health care professionals. Physician credentialing profiles containing physician credentialing information are stored into a system database together with a plurality of different provider application formats associated with particular application forms which are completed selected data extracted from the common information contained in the stored physician credentialing profiles. The method automatically inputs a subset of physician credentialing information required by a particular selected provider application format into the provider application form associated with that format and generates the particular provider application form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacture for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturing provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating reports with respect to medical imaging equipment of a health care organization are described. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a processor based system is configured to prompt a user to collect various data related to a number of facilities. The data typically relates to the equipment, or inventory, as well as to the various types of procedures, and the number of procedures, performed at the facility. After collecting the necessary data, the system then determines, or calculates, various summaries, assessments, capacity utilization, needs assessment, needs comparison, equipment requirements comparison, and procedural efficiency. After making such determinations, the system builds and formats various reports and graphs for presenting the determinations to the user.

Abstract: Polypeptides derived from human interleukin-8 (IL-8) or other alpha chemokines which act as anti-inflammatory agents for the therapy of autoimmune disease, inflammatory conditions, and various chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Abstract: Eye diseases or disorders are treated by an active agent being a melanotropin peptide or an analogue thereof, the analogue being an agent having a biological effect resembling that of the melanotropin peptide. The active agent may be administered topically onto the eye, by injection into the eye or systemically.

Abstract: The invention provides for peptides and methods of using peptides to block or inhibit a pathogenic autoimmune response to central nervous system components. The peptides are antigens derived from mycobacterial heat shock proteins and that immunologically crossreact with or are homologous to myelin components. The peptides can also be derived from myelin components such as 2',3' cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and that immunologically crossreact and/or are homologous to mycobacterial heat shock proteins. A method of the invention involves administering a pharmaceutical composition including at least one peptide to an animal in an amount effective to block or inhibit a pathogenic autoimmune response to central nervous system components. The peptides are useful for the prevention, and treatment of autoimmune inflammatory central nervous system disease.

Abstract: Novel cyclic CRF antagonist peptides have the amino acid sequence: ##STR1## wherein Y is Ac, H, Ac-Thr or H-Thr; R.sub.30 is Glu or Cys; R.sub.32 is His or preferably a basic and/or aromatic D-amino acid such as D-His or D-Arg; R.sub.33 is Lys, Orn or Cys. The N-terminus may be extended by Leu or Asp-Leu. CML may be substituted for Leu.sup.27, and D-Tyr may be substituted for D-Phe to facilitate labelling. Lys may be substituted for Arg.sup.23, and its side chain connected by a lactam bridge to Glu.sup.20 to form a bicyclic peptide. Disclosed CRF antagonists include:(cyclo 30-33)?D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(12-41),(cyclo 30-33)?Ac-Thr.sup.11, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(11-41),(cyclo 30-33)?D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Cys.sup.30,33 !r/hCRF(12-41),(bicyclo 20-23,30-33)?D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Lys.sup.23,33, Glu.sup.30 !-r/hCRF(12-41),(cyclo 30-33)?D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, Glu.sup.30, D-His.sup.32, Lys.sup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imparting pathogen resistance to plants. This involves applying a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein in a non-infectious form to a plant under conditions where the polypeptide or protein contacts cells of the plant. The present invention is also directed to a pathogen resistant plant and a composition for imparting pathogen resistance to plants.

Abstract: A method for purifying an artificial polymer that exhibits a reversible inverse temperature transition is provided. The method involves (a) dissolving the polymer in an aqueous medium so that the temperature of the medium is below the effective transition temperature; (b) adjusting the temperature of the aqueous medium relative to the effective transition temperature of the polymer; (c) removing any particulate material from the medium; (d) adjusting the temperature of the aqueous medium relative to the effective transition temperature of the polymer so that the temperature of the medium is above the effective transition temperature; (e) collecting the polymer from the medium as a more dense phase; and (f) optionally repeating any of steps (a)-(e) until a desired level or purity is reached; with the proviso the order of steps can be (a)-(d)-(e)-(a)-(b)-(c).

Abstract: A unique and novel angiotensin AT4 receptor and AIV ligand system for binding a small N-terminal hexapeptide fragment of Angiotensin II (referred to as AIV, with amino acid sequence Val.sub.1 -Tyr.sub.2 -Ile.sub.3 -His.sub.4 -Pro.sub.5 -Phe.sub.6 ; SEQ. ID. NO. 1) is disclosed. AIV ligand binds saturably, reversibly, specifically, and with high affinity to membrane AT4 receptors in a variety of tissues, including heart, lung, kidney, aorta, brain, liver, and uterus, from many animal species. The AT4 receptor is pharmacologically distinct from classic angiotensin receptors (AT1 or AT2). The system employs AIV or C-terminally truncated or extended AIV-like peptides (e.g., VYIHPFX; SEQ. ID. NO. 8) as the signaling agent, and the AT4 plasma membrane receptor as the detection mechanism. The angiotensin AT4 receptor and receptor fragments (including the receptor binding site domain) are capable of binding a VYIHPF (SEQ. ID. NO.

Abstract: The present invention relates to insulin crystals comprising ASP.sup.B28 and protamine, and pharmaceutical preparations containing same. The crystals and preparations exhibit rapid onset and prolonged activity when administered in vivo.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising fragments and synthetic analogs of human thrombospondin are provided together with methods for their use as thrombospondin-like agents.