Abstract: The invention provides theta defensin analogs having antimicrobial activity. The invention also provides a method of reducing or inhibiting growth or survival of a microorganism in an environment capable of sustaining the growth or survival of the microorganism, comprising administering an effective amount of a theta defensin analog to the environment, thereby reducing or inhibiting the growth or survival of the microorganism.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel compounds capable of modulating the activity and stimulating the production of catalytic antibodies. More particularly, the invention concerns a compound capable of increasing the activity of an antibody having specific affinity for the catalytic site of the antibody, and it is not immunogenic. Such compounds are useful in particular for therapeutic treatment or prevention of a pathology related to an enzymatic deficiency, to stimulate in vivo hydrolysis of xenobiotics, drugs, medicines or any other molecule potentially toxic for the organism or for preventing or inhibiting allergic reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a transmissible spongiform subacute encephalopathy (TSSE) caused by an unconventional transmissible agent (UTA) or prion. The method involves treating a sample suspected of containing a prion with proteinase K for a time and under conditions that completely degrade normal prion protein (Prp-sen), but which only partially digest abnormal prion protein (PrP-res) so that all or some of the octapeptide motif repeats comprising P(H/Q)GGG(-/T)WGQ (SEQ ID NO: 1) in the abnormal prion protein (Prp-res) are retained.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to specific peptides obtainable from cocoa beans and giving rise to a particular and distinct savor when subjected to a Maillard reaction with reducing sugars. In particular, the present invention pertains to the use of one or more of these specific peptides for the preparation of a chocolate flavor, specifically a cocoa and a caramel flavor, a floral or specifically, a bonbon flavor, a bready flavor, a roasted flavor or a meat flavor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibiotically active natriuretic peptides for use as antibiotically active preparations prepared using biotechnological and recombinant methods and chemical synthesis. The antibiotically active peptides are referred to as natriubiotics. After chemical peptide synthesis, these natriubiotics can be used as human or veterinary medicaments in a suitable galenic formulation or as food additives.

Abstract: A method for improving blood cholesterol and its conjugates levels in a mammal, which is based on the administration of steroidal plant hormone 24-epibrassinolide.

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: This invention provides compounds including peptides and peptidomimetics that can be used to treat cell proliferative disorders, such as those associated with benign and malignant tumor cells. While the invention is not limited to any particular mechanism, the compounds of the invention appear to function at least in part by inhibiting G2 cell cycle checkpoint. Thus, invention compounds can be used to inhibit cell growth alone or be used in combination with a nucleic acid damaging treatment to inhibit cell growth.

Abstract: Acid-stable proteases of the subtilisin family, their use in animal feed, feed-additives and feed compositions containing such proteases, and methods for the treatment of vegetable proteins using such proteases.

Abstract: An innovative and synergistic chemical composition is developed for enhancing a person's metabolism. Specifically, the chemical composition aids in increasing the thermogenic activity of the body, which encourages the metabolic conversion of the foods consumed by the person. This results in a loss of body fat and weight, without adversely affecting the person's nervous or circulatory systems. In addition, a method is presented wherein the person ingests a recommended dosage of the chemical composition prior to engaging in physical exercise, thereby allowing the chemical composition to be readily utilized by many of the people who may benefit from its effects.

Abstract: A method to determine a total cysteine in biological fluids utilizes similarly treated portions of the fluid with a homocysteinase and a non-specific desulfurase.

Abstract: Peptides synthesized to match C-telopeptide components of type III collagen degradation products in body fluids, selected from among EKAGGF (SEQ ID NO:39), IGGEKAGG (SEQ ID NO:40), IGGEKAGGF (SEQ ID NO:41), IAGIGGEKAGG (SEQ ID NO:42), IAGIGGEKAGGF (SEQ ID NO:43), and EKAGG (SEQ ID NO:44) are useful as immunogens and antigens in collagen resorption assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cyclic peptides as inhibitors of urokinase binding to the urokinase receptor. Said cyclic peptides are suitable as pharmaceutical active substances for disorders mediated by urokinase and its receptor.

Abstract: A GPCR-like protein is described, as well as inhibitory/antagonistic compounds and compositions comprising such inhibitors/antagonists of the protein. Such compounds may be used for treating elevated intraocular pressure and conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, such as glaucoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a method to provide stabilized transglutaminase 1 enzyme, involucrin, and other molecules necessary for the assembly of the cell envelope to skin cells. Novel biological tools, prophylactics, therapeutics, cosmetics, and methods of use of the foregoing for study, prevention, and treatment of skin disorders are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a micro processor, an input device for entering job costing data and job parameter information, an output device such as a printer to generate contract proposals and/or management reports. A display device is preferably also provided to display the minimum labor rate calculated by a program executed on the microprocessor from the job costing data. Memory is preferably also provided to store at least the minimum labor rate for use in generating management reports.