Abstract: A method for estimation of change in bone mineral density or a method for diagnosis of osteoporosis, comprising the step of measuring change in a concentration of soluble interleukin-6 receptor in a blood sample, by for example, sandwich assay or competition assay; and a kit for carrying out the methods, comprising: (1) an anti-sIL-6R antibody immobilized to a solid carrier, and (2) an anti-sIL-6R antibody bound to a detectable marker or capable of binding to a detectable marker.

Abstract: A direct assay is described using novel three-dimensional polymeric assemblies which change from a blue to red color when exposed to an analyte, in one case a flue virus. The assemblies are typically in the form of liposomes which can be maintained in a suspension, and show great intensity in their color changes. Their method of production is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of producing analgesia, particularly in the treatment-of-acute and persistent pain and neuropathic pain. The compound 2(ethylamino)-N-(3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylphenyl) acetamide, or 3-hydroxymonoethylglycinexylidide (3-hydroxy MEGX), is shown to provide analgesia in settings of acute, persistent and neuropathic pain.

Abstract: Dehydrodidemnin B with useful biological activity has formula (1). It can be isolated from natural sources or synthesized, and it forms active derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention describes peptides capable of specifically binding to preselected micromolecules or to their natural receptor. The preselected molecules include but are not limited to drugs, vitamins, neuromediators and steroid hormones. Methods of using the phage display libraries to identify peptide compositions in preselected binding interactions are also disclosed. The retrieved peptides mimicking a natural receptor binding site to preselected molecules are used as is or as ligands to re-screen the same or different libraries to find and/or derive new receptor ligands, or are used to elicit the production of antibodies capable of binding to the natural receptor. The two categories of effector molecules (peptides or antibodies) may find diagnostic, therapeutic or prophylactic uses. The peptides directly derived from the phage display libraries may be used as drug detectors or antidotes.

Abstract: Improved compositions of benzoyl peroxide are prepared by at least partially dissolving benzoyl peroxide in diethylene glycol monoethyl ether to prepare a premixture which forms a flocculent composition of benzoyl peroxide when admixed with water or an aqueous medium. The improved benzoyl peroxide compositions have a small particle size compared with those prepared by conventional grinding techniques and the time and potential hazards associated with grinding are avoided. The small particle size of the benzoyl peroxide flocculents result in increased surface area of active ingredient on the skin for a given concentration of benzoyl peroxide. The flocculent compositions are used to prepare compositions for the topical treatment of acne or other dermatological disorders.

Abstract: Topical composition for transdermal delivery of morphine. The composition contains certain morphine esters in association with a carrier. The compositions relieved pain or tranquilize a mammal when delivered transdermally.

Abstract: A method is provided for the control of obesity comprising administering to a mammal including humans suffering from obesity an acetylcholine esterase reactivator or prodrug derivative thereof optionally in association with an acetylcholine receptor antagonist.

Abstract: Improved metal complex-containing pharmaceutical agents are described which, as an additive, contain one or more complexing agents and/or one or more weak metal complex(es) or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A composition containing capsaicin together with another ingredient to neutralize the discomfort resulting from the application of capsaicin to the skin can be used to treat many types of discomforts, including arthritis pain, hemorrhoid pain and itching, and poison ivy itching, without the discomfort normally associated with the topical application of capsaicin.

Abstract: An oral liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising a paroxetine-Amberlite IRP88 complex.

Abstract: This invention relates to the method of using specially formulated neurotrophic pipecolic acid derivative compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularly inhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity to stimulate or promote neuronal growth or regeneration.

Abstract: A new pharmaceutical formulation comprising the thrombin inhibitor HOOC--CH.sub.2 --(R)-Cgl-Aze-Pab in combination with one or more absorption enhancing agents, a process for the preparation of such a pharmacutical formulation, the use of such a formulation in the treatment of thromboembolism as well as a method of treating a patient in need of antithrombotic treatment and thromboembolism by using said formulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a compound selected from:?.alpha.-(tert-butylaminomethyl)-3,4-dichlorobenzyl!thioacetamide and its laevorotatory isomer,?.alpha.-(tert-amylaminomethyl)-3,4-dichlorobenzyl!thioacetamide and its isomers,?.alpha.-(1-adamantylaminomethyl)3,4-dichlorobenzyl!thioacetamide and its isomers,as well as the addition salts of these compounds with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, for inhibiting dopamine reuptake.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition comprising 1-(5-oxohexyl)-3-methylxanthine in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is useful for treating an immune disorder. There is also disclosed a method to modulate the response of a target cell to a stimulus, which method comprises contacting said cell with an amount of 1-(5-oxohexyl)-3-methylxanthine or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, wherein said amount effects a diminution in elevated levels of unsaturated, non-arachidonate phosphatidic acid (PA) and diacylglycerol (DAG) derived from said PA in said cells wherein said elevated levels are stimulated by an agent capable of elevating levels of said PA and said DAG, said diminution being equal to or greater than the diminution effected by treating said cells with pentoxifylline (PTX) at a concentration of 0.5 mmol, thereby modulating the response of said target cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical use of forskolin derivatives represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and Ac are as defined later ##STR2## (wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each hydrogen or lower alkyl group, or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may be combined to represent lower alkylene group which may have oxygen or nitrogen atom in the linking chain, and n is an integer of 1 to 5); R.sup.2 represents hydrocarbon group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms; and Ac represents acetyl group.The above-mentioned forskolin derivative or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof can be used as a platelet aggregation inhibiting or controlling agent, spasmolytic agent, therapeutic agent for skin ulcer, peripheral circulation improving agent for limbs and differentiation inducing and promoting agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of protozoal infections caused by Kinetoplastida, Apicomplexa, Anaerobic protozoa and Microsporidia comprising 2-?4-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclohexyl!-3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone or a physiologically acceptable salt or other functional derivative thereof as active ingredient and to a method of treating or preventing said protozoal infections in an animal which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of said compound.

Abstract: A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia in a subject which comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound which binds to a human .alpha..sub.1C adrenergic receptor with a binding affinity greater than ten-fold higher than the binding affinity with which the compound binds to a human .alpha..sub.1A adrenergic receptor, a human .alpha..sub.1B adrenergic receptor, and a human histamine H.sub.1 receptor, and, binds to a human .alpha..sub.2 adrenergic receptor with a binding affinity which is greater than ten-fold lower than the binding affinity with which the compound binds to such .alpha..sub.1C adrenergic receptor. Compounds meeting these criteria are provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for reducing cutaneous flushing in a patient to whom niacin is administered. According to the present method, two or more doses of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug are administered to a patient prior to administering niacin. Alternatively, the nonstcroidal anti-inflammatory drug can be administered concurrently with niacin administration. The nonstcroidal anti-inflammatory drug can be aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, or naproxen. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is administered in an amount effective to reduce cutaneous flushing caused by the niacin, and is administered in an amount up to 160 mg for aspirin and ibuprofen, 10 mg for indomethacin, and 100 mg for phenylbutazone and naproxen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating allergic reactions, including cutaneous, ocular, nasal and Bronchial allergic disease, are disclosed. Interleukin-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor receptors, and analogues thereof, are employed which bind the respective effector competitively and thereby suppress allergic reactions.