Abstract: An alpha1-proteinase inhibitor delays the onset or progression of pulmonary exacerbations. In addition, methods delay the onset or diminish the progression of pulmonary exacerbations by the administration of inhaled alpha1-proteinase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides mimetics of erythropoietin that bind to the erythropoietin receptor and that are suitable for use in pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also provides methods of treatment using the mimetics of erythropoietin as well as methods of making the mimetics of erythropoietin.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides with the following general formula: A-Thr-Lys-Pro-B-C-D-X, where: A—0, Met, Met (O), Thr, Ala, His, Phe, Lys, Gly B—0, Gly, Asp, Trp, Gln, Asn, Tyr, Pro, Arg C—0, Arg, Phe, Tyr, Gly, His, Pro, Lys D—0, Val, Gly, Tyr, Trp, Phe, His X—OH, OCH3, NH2, where 0 is no amino acid residue, provided that if A?0, then B and/or C and/or D?0, if B?0, then C and/or D?0, excluding the peptides Phe-Thr-Lys-Pro-Gly (SEQ ID NO: 1), Thr-Lys-Pro-Pro-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 2), Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Gly (SEQ ID NO: 3).

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of parasitology. Methods and peptidic substrate for screening and identifying inhibitors of Plasmodium are described. Also described are compounds identified by these screening methods, including more particularly inhibitors of Plasmodium subtilisin-like proteases. The invention also concerns anti-malaria compounds, anti-malaria compositions, and uses thereof for preventing, treating, improving, and/or alleviating a Plasmodium infection in a subject, and more Plasmodium vivax and/or by Plasmodium falciparum human infections.

Abstract: C. difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Unfortunately, antibiotic therapy remains as the standard treatment for this antibiotic-induced disease and relapses are common. Antibiotic treatment typically is given for 10 to 14 days for initial or second episode of CDI. For recurrent episodes, more prolonged courses are recommended. It is disclosed herein that lower dose or shorter course of the antimicrobial treatment is sufficient to treat the disease and prevent recurrent disease by enabling a good immunologic response to infection, and perhaps also by better preserving normal flora, thus protecting against relapses or reinfection.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified antibiotic peptides, in particular derivatives of apidaecin and oncocin, preferably having increased stability, reduced immunoreaction, and improved pharmacokinetics. In the invention, the peptide antibiotics are reversibly protected by means of a linker having the polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG). The peptide linker contains a recognition sequence for trypsin-like serum proteases. In the apidaecin derivatives, the linker and the PEG are bonded to a side chain. In the serum, the linker is cut by serum proteases and PEG is separated off. The released peptide still contains remnants of the linker, which are still bonded to the amino group in the side chain. Astonishingly, said remaining remnants of the linker impair the activity of the antimicrobial peptide only a little or not at all.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of ?-thalassemia are provided. Methods and compositions restore or increase erythrocyte maturation in individuals afflicted with ?-TM by preventing proteolysis of GATA-1 protein. Screening methods for identifying agents which bind heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) and inhibit HSP-70 ?-globin binding, but which allow GATA-1 protein-HSP-1 binding in a manner that prevents GATA-1 proteolysis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed relating to the localization of nucleic acids to arrays such as silane-free arrays, and of sequencing the nucleic acids localized thereby.

Abstract: A peptide dimer comprising a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a peptide consisting of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 2 to 4, wherein the peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and the peptide consisting of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 2 to 4 are bound through a disulfide bond between a cysteine residue of each peptide is used as an active ingredient of an agent for promoting proliferation of one or more bacterium selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium breve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition of matter comprising an isolated polypeptide, which is a peripherally-restricted Nav1.7 inhibitor. In some disclosed embodiments, the isolated polypeptide is an inhibitor of Nav1.7 and/or Nav1.3. Other embodiments are conjugated embodiments of the inventive composition of matter and pharmaceutical compositions containing the inventive composition of matter. Isolated nucleic acids encoding some embodiments of inventive polypeptides and expression vectors, and recombinant host cells containing them are disclosed. A method of treating or preventing pain is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, method of treating stroke including a step of administering an angiotensin (1-7) peptide to a subject suffering from a stroke, approximately 24 hours after the stroke. In some embodiments, treatment begins more than 24 hours after the stroke. In some embodiments, administration of an angiotensin (1-7) peptide results in a reduction in the intensity, severity, duration, and/or frequency of at least one symptom or feature of the one or more complications of stroke.

Abstract: The aqueous self-assembly of oligopeptide-flanked ?-conjugated molecules into discrete one-dimensional nanostructures is described. Unique to these molecules is the fact that the ?-conjugated unit has been directly embedded within the peptide backbone by way of a synthetic amino acid with ?-functionality that is compatible with standard Fmoc-based peptide synthesis or by way of a diacid or other bis(electrophile) that can covalently cross-link peptide chains presented on a synthesis support. The peptide-based molecular designs enforce intimate ?-? communication within the aggregates after charge-screening and self-assembly, making these nanostructures attractive for optical or electronic applications in biological environments. In other embodiments, a convenient method to incorporate ?-electron units into peptides that assemble into amyloid-like supramolecular polymers is disclosed.

Abstract: A spray base material containing an aqueous medium that is gelled by a low-molecular gelator in the medium, wherein the low-molecular gelator includes one or more compounds selected from low-molecular compounds capable of gelling the aqueous medium via self-assembly.

Abstract: Gas-filled microvesicles associated with a polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids, said sequence exhibiting binding affinity for selectins, particularly p-selectin. The gas-filled microvesicles can be used in ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of improving mood and learning capacity in a mammal by giving the mammal a meal of low protein food, followed by a second meal of high glycemic index carbohydrate. A composition to be given to a mammal to improve mood and learning capacity and to reduce aggressive behavior contains at least one tyrosine uptake competitive amino acid in a ratio of 0.5% to 2% to protein. The tyrosine competitive amino acid preferred is leucine, isoleucine or valine.

Abstract: The disclosure provides lantibiotics geobacillin I and geobacillin II from Geobacillus thermodenitrificans, compositions comprising the lantibiotics, and methods of use of the lantibiotics. Further disclosed are the sequences of lantibiotics geobacillin I and geobacillin I, and alternative structures of geobacillin I and geobacillin II comprising amino acid substitutions. Antimicrobial compositions comprising one or more isolated geobacillins and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and methods of reducing reproduction of bacteria comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of the antimicrobial composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide tag which can be used to bind a Technetium (Tc) or Rhenium (Re) radionuclide to a protein of interest which comprises the peptide tag and allows the imaging of such a tagged protein. In particular the present invention relates to a peptide tag which chelates a Tc or Re atom but which does not comprise a Cysteine residue.

Abstract: Conjugating LHRH to curcumin (LHRH-Curcumin) substantially enhances the bioavailability of curcumin, targets it to cells expressing LHRH receptors, facilitates intravenous administration, and increases the anti-cancer efficacy of curcumin. The conjugate may be used against cancer cells that express the LHRH receptor: pancreas, prostate, breast, testicular, uterine, ovarian, melanoma. LH-Curcumin conjugates may be used against cancer cells that express the LH receptor: prostate, breast, ovary, testis, uterus, pancreas, and melanoma.

Abstract: Gas-filled microvesicles associated with a polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids, said sequence exhibiting binding affinity for selectins, particularly p-selectin. The gas-filled microvesicles can be used in ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides comprising a molecular scaffold portion and a loop portion that binds to integrin ?v?6. This integrin is expressed on pancreatic tumors, making the peptides useful as imaging agents, among other uses. The peptides showed single-digit nanomolar dissociation constants similar to antibodies used clinically for imaging and therapy. The peptides rapidly accumulated in ?v?6-positive tumors, which led to excellent tumor-to-normal contrast. The peptides are specific for the targeted integrin ?v?6 receptors expressed on orthotopic pancreatic tumors and various xenografts used. Additionally, pharmacokinetic-stabilization strategies endowed knots with rapid renal clearance, which significantly reduced off-target dosing.