Abstract: Novel pseudopeptide analogs of the insect allatostatin neuropeptide family which possess biological activity mimicking that of the naturally occurring neuropeptides are disclosed. By addition of a hydrophobic moiety to an active portion of the allatostatin peptides, analogs are produced which exhibit an overall amphiphilic nature and which are capable of penetrating the insect cuticle while still retaining biological activity. Furthermore, by substituting sterically hindered amino acids or aromatic acids for any or all of the first, third or fifth amino acid residues of the allatostatin C-terminal pentapeptide, analogs may be produced which are resistant to degradation by insect peptidases while still retaining biological activity. The analogs may be used for insect control by disrupting critical reproductive and/or developmental processes normally regulated by allatostatins in insects.

Abstract: Co-administration of a lysostaphin or other anti-staphylococcal agent which cleaves cross-links of peptidoglycans of staphylococci cell walls such as lysostaphin and an antibiotic effective against staphylococci due to antibiotic activity mediated by cell-wall activity is effective against staphylococcal infection, even staphylococci that may be resistant to one or other of lysostaphin or the cell-wall active antibiotic. Co-administration simultaneously suppresses the generation of antibiotic-resistant mutant strains. Effective cell-wall active antibiotics include ?-lactams and glycopeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting angiogenesis associated with a disease or disorder with peptides homologous to amino acid residues 130–137 or 132–139 of human troponin subunit I.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for treating a patient having a condition characterized as inflammatory bowel disease with an effective dose of HGF. Inflammatory bowel disease as defined by the present invention, includes Chronic Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, severe acute gastroenteritis, chronic gastroenteritis, cholera, chronic infections of the bowel, immunologic disorders affecting the intestine, immunodeficiency syndromes affecting the intestine, and HIV. Mucosal damage and histologic lesions are reduced by administering an effective dose of HGF to patients suffering from the same. Specifically, the effective dose of HGF is in a range of about 30 ?g/kg body weight/day to about 300 ?g/kg body weight/day. HGF may be administered to the patient lumenally or systemically.

Abstract: A method is described for inducing the formation of cementum and a periodontal ligament between a dental implant and bone by administering cementum attachment protein (CAP) together with a calcineurin inhibitor such as cyclosporin A (CSA). Also contemplated is an implant kit comprising a titanium or other biologically inert dental or orthopedic implant and a coating of CAP and a calcineurin inhibitor such as CSA. Furthermore, application of CAP and CSA to dental root surfaces can be used to induce the regeneration of a periodontal ligament during treatment for periodontal disease. A similar method for reattaching a fibrous structure, such as a tendon, ligament or joint capsule, to bone is described.

Abstract: Novel LHRH antagonist peptides, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. The LHRH antagonist comprise a peptide compound, wherein a residue of the peptide compound corresponding to the amino acid at position 6 of natural mammalian LHRH comprises a hydrophilic N-acyl moiety, a dipolar moiety, a sulfonium moiety, a receptor-modifying moiety or a small polar moiety.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nucleic acid-based sensors and methods for detecting volatile analytes. More particularly, this invention relates to nucleic acid-based optical sensors, sensor arrays, sensing systems and sensing methods for intelligent sensing and detection of unknown materials by way of real-time feedback and control of sampling conditions.

Abstract: A technique is described for quantitating biological indicators, such as viral load, using interferometric interactions such as quantum resonance interferometry. A diffusion curve for the biological indicator of interest is generated from at least two measurements from a patient sample. In some embodiments, the patient samples are in the form of a microarray output pattern to which the patient sample has been applied. After the diffusion curve has been generated, subsequent patient samples are mapped to the diffusion curve to provide a quantitative measure of the biological indicator of interest.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for using bis-(trichloromethyl)carbonate (triphosgene), diphosgene or phosgene as efficient and effective coupling reagents during coupling of carbohydrates to peptide chains. This process is particularly useful for the coupling to sterically hindered amino acid residues, or for other difficult couplings. The reagents can be used for the derivatization of peptides by formation of a bond between a free amine on a peptide and a carbohydrate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for prevention and treatment of uncontrolled formation of intravascular fibrin clots, which are capable of selective dissolution of pathological nascent clots formed intravascularly, with minimal risk of unwanted dissolution of pre-existing hemostatic clots, are provided wherein fibrinolytic or anticoagulant drugs are biocompatibly coupled to red blood cell carriers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition which is used to enhance the elasticity and/or appearance of tissue. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a composition formulated from peptides or peptide-like compounds having low molecular weights and which substantially correspond to sequences found in elastin. The present composition specifically includes chemical modification of the peptides described herein, specifically carboxy and amino modification including the addition of amino acids to either end of the peptide fragments.

Abstract: A fully automated, user-independent method is described for computer-mediated interpretation of data derived by mass spectrometry of an experimental peptide to identify and characterize a corresponding peptide sequence in a peptide database. The method identifies the corresponding sequence if it is present in the database, without the need for a skilled observer to choose from amongst a list of possible matches. By using an automated back-read process, the present method can uniquely identify a corresponding peptide sequence in a database based on a single matching peptide sequence. The method also permits mapping of mass spectral data to sequences in peptide or nucleotide databases for unambiguous identification of exons; determining a correct reading frame; identifying artefacts and errors in sequences; identifying mutations and polymorphisms; identifying post-translational modifications; and identifying exon-intron boundaries.

Abstract: The clinical outcome of disseminated melanoma is grim. Small molecular weight antagonists (preferably about seven amino acid residues) specific for MCR on melanoma cells are provided for the therapy of melanoma as well as in other conditions where modulation of MCR is of clinical significance. A particularly preferred antagonist is p-anisoyl-[D-Arg6,9, D-Lys11, D-Leu12] dynorphin A(6-12)-NH2, which is an excellent antagonist of the MCR-1 receptor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods effective in inhibiting abnormal or undesirable cell proliferation, particularly endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis related to neovascularization and tumor growth are provided. The compositions comprise a naturally occurring or synthetic protein, peptide, or protein fragment containing all or an active portion of the C-terminal portion of proteinase inhibitors such as TFPI. The methods involve administering to a human or animal the composition described herein in a dosage sufficient to inhibit cell proliferation, particularly endothelial cell proliferation. The methods are useful for treating diseases and processes mediated by undesired and uncontrolled cell proliferation, such as cancer, particularly by inhibiting angiogenesis. Administration of the composition to a human or animal having prevascularized, metastasized tumors is useful for preventing the growth or expansion of such tumors.

Abstract: Compositions for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, such as lung cancer, are disclosed. Compositions may comprise cancer-associated L552S polypeptides, for example, as set forth illustratively in SEQ ID NO:786, or portions or variants thereof. Such compositions may be used, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases such as lung cancer.

Abstract: Protein suspensions comprising soluble and insoluble components are purified via flocculation with anionic polymers, such as polyacrylamides, potato starch, or modified cellulose. The procedure improves the efficiency of solid/liquid separations and can minimize or eliminate the requirement for centrifugation and/or filtration in large scale biotechnological processes. The method is particularly well suited for the purification and clarification of protein suspensions containing soluble somatotropin monomer using polyacrylamide and polysaccharide flocculants.

Abstract: Polypeptides and other compounds that can bind specifically to the CH2-CH3 cleft of an immunoglobulin molecule, and methods for using such polypeptides and compounds to inhibit Fc-mediated immune complex formation, are described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, such as lung cancer, are disclosed. Compositions comprise one or more polynucleotides that encode a lung tumor protein, or a fragment or variant thereof. The compositions may be used to detect an mRNA encoding a lung tumor protein in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptide analogues that mimic the structural and pharmacological properties of human ApoA-I. The peptides and peptide analogues are useful to treat a variety of disorders associated with dyslipidemia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides effective against a wide variety of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, retroviruses, fungi, yeast and protozoa.