Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating polyamine pathway activity as a means for ameliorating neurodegenarative disorders. In particular, for ameliorating the symptoms or onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by modulating the gene and protein products involved the polyamine pathway, such as by inhibiting the enzyme, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), involved in the synthesis of the polyamine, putrescine. Compositions and methods are disclosed for inhibiting the polyamine pathway producing lower polyamine levels resulting in a beneficial effect on ALS. This can be accomplished by using modulating agents such as analogs, or polyamine analogs, and antiproliferative drugs. In particular, the ODC inhibitor difuoromethylornithine (DFMO) is disclosed as a useful pharmacological agent in the modulation and treatment of ALS. Screening assays for pharmacological agents that are capable of decreasing polyamine levels and/or reducing cell proliferation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Acne-affected skin has been found to be accompanied by the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMPs and neutrophil elastase, induction of neutrophils, and a reduction in procollagen biosynthesis. This invention treats scarring and inflammation accompanying acne by administering, topically or systemically, at least one of (i) an inhibitor of the matrix degrading enzymes and (ii) a cytokine inhibitor that alleviates inflammation and thus also alleviate neutrophil infiltration. Alleviating the matrix degradation and renormalizing procollagen biosynthesis allows for reduced inflammation and better natural repair of acne-affected skin. Inhibiting cytokines alleviates induction of MMPs in resident skin cells, and also alleviates inflammation with its concommitant induction of neutrophils from the blood stream bringing MMPs and elastase into the acne lesion.

Abstract: The comprehensive pharmacologic therapy for treatment of obesity including Cysteine is a procedure which involves the administration of a desired therapeutic range of Diethylpropion and/or Phentermine in combination with a SSRI medication and nutritional supplementation for brief and long durations which may be 12 months or more. The preferred procedure involves the administration of drugs in combination which are identified as: Citalopram (Celexa) and Phentermine; Citalopram (Celexa) and Diethylpropion; Citalopram (Celexa), Phentermine, and Diethylpropion. In addition nutritional supplementation such as a multivitamin, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Cysteine, vitamin B6, vitamin C, Tyrosine, Calcium, and Lysine may be used to enhance the performance of the weight loss treatment program.

Abstract: This invention relates to formulations containing a combination of anisic acid, or a salt thereof, or an ester thereof, and a C6-14 fatty acid monoglyceride and to the use of such combinations as a preservative system.

Abstract: Novel compositions of matter containing aromatic compounds and terpenoids which are present in and may preferably be derived from the plant Alpinia galanga (Zingiberaceae) show synergistic effects with respect to immunomodulation, and they significantly suppress hypersensitivity reactions. Thus they are used for preparing medicaments for these purposes and, more specifically, for the treatment or prevention of IgE mediated allergic reactions and conditions, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema or anaphylaxis, and autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, as well as for the alleviation of pain. They can for example be formulated into pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or dietary supplements. A method of preparing such compositions from Alpinia galanga is also described.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of three polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following general formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 26 carbon atoms, preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, R3 represents a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, n represents 1 or 2 provided that the acidic amino acid residue in the molecule is L-aspartic acid residue when n is 1 and said acidic amino acid residue is L-glutamic acid residue when n is 2, and a gelling agent for an oil comprising said compound

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for modulating photodamage via the use of collagen derived molecules which either enhance or inhibit damage caused by ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Methods for preventing damage to epithelial tissue during PDT induced using a photosensitizing agent or pre-photosensitizing agent are provided. The methods of the present invention utilize spatial confinement to control photoactivation of the photoactive species to protect the epithelial tissue. In one embodiment, epithelial tissue surrounding a targeted treatment site can be protecting by decreasing the oxygen-content in the tissue, thereby preventing the conversion of the photosensitizer into the phototoxic species in the epithelial tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of displacing an area of the macula of an eye, including the steps of placing a substance below the surface of the retina, folding the retina to form a folded portion of the retina, and affixing the folded portion, so that the folded portion substantially maintains a folded shape.

Abstract: Benzodiazepine compounds, and methods for using those compounds are provided. Some of the benzodiazepine compounds include 1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one and 1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-dione compounds of the following structures: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined. The invention also includes enantiomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs or derivatives of the benzodiazepine compounds. Any one or more of these benzodiazepine compounds can be used to treat a variety of dysregulatory disorders related to cellular death. Such disorders include autoimmune disorders, inflammatory conditions, hyperproliferative conditions, viral infections, and atherosclerosis. In addition, the above compounds can be used to prepare medicaments to treat the above-described dysregulatory disorders. The benzodiazepines can also be used in drug screening assays and other diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Degradable polyacetal polymers and functionalized degradable polyacetal polymers have properties favorable for use in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The degradable polyacetal polymers are relatively stable at physiological pH with favorable biodistribution profiles, and degrade readily in low pH conditions. Conjugates of the polymers with drugs, especially anticancer drugs, and methods of treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Carbonyl scavengers, which have been recognized for their ability to react with reactive carbonyl species, have been implicated as agents that can accelerate or induce the death of abnormal cells without having a parallel effect on normal cells. As such, they are useful therapeutic agents in cases where the acceleration or induction of cell death is desirable, such as in cells where the normal apoptotic pathways have been disrupted and where hyperproliferative cell growth occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of biguanide derivatives of general formula I below: in which: the groups R1 and R2 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, a C1–C7, alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a heterocycle, a C2–C7 alkenyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an aryloxyalkyl group or a heteroaryl group, or R1 and R2, taken together, represent a C2–C7 alkylene which may contain one or more hetero atoms, and the group R3 represents a primary, secondary or tertiary amine, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to manufacture a medicinal product with cicatrizing action, the said medicinal product being in a pharmaceutical form for topical use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a TNF-? production inhibitor containing a kavalactone as an active ingredient, which inhibitor has high safety, exerts an excellent effect of inhibiting TNF-? production, and is useful as a drug or an animal drug for preventing, ameliorating, or treating diseases such as cachexia attributed to cancer or infectious diseases, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rejection during bone marrow transplantation, multiple organ failure, AIDS, meningitis, hepatitis, and type-II diabetes. The present invention also provides a preventive, ameliorating, or therapeutic agent for diseases caused by abnormal production of TNF-?, the agent containing a kavalactone as an active ingredient.

Abstract: This invention relates to formulations for the prevention of infection and/or abnormal conditions of mucosae and/or skin caused by any pathogen and/or any disease, and more particularly for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections specially HIV and HSV. This invention also relates to formulations for the treatment of infection and/or abnormal conditions of skin and/or mucosac and more particularly for the treatment of herpetic lesions. The formulations could be used as a prophylactic agent to prevent accidental infection of health care workers. The formulations could be used for the healing and/or treatment of bum wounds and prevention of further infection. This invention also relates to the development of a unique vaginal/ano-rectal applicator for the uniform delivery of any topical formulations to treat and/or prevent any infection and/or abnormal conditions of mucosa cavity caused by any pathogen and/or disease.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of excessive discoloration in hydroquinone compositions of a neutral pH. Antioxidants in the hydroquinone phase and inorganic or amino acyl cationic salts of acidic ascorbyl esters, preferably sodium metabisulfite and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate respectively, are effective in stabilizing such hydroquinone compositions, which are used in treatment of pigmentation disorders. Protected retinoid may be added to these compositions for additional skin benefit effects.

Abstract: A method of preventing the headache phase of migraine in a human comprises administration of a 5HT1 receptor agonist or administration of an over-the-counter or nonprescription drug to said human exhibiting prodrome symptoms of migraine. Suitably, the method comprises administration of a migraine headache phase-preventing effective amount of the 5HT1 agonist or over-the-counter or nonprescription drug. There is disclosed a preemptive prophylaxis migraine method using the following cognitive tests: Simple Reaction Time; Running Memory Continuous Performance Task; Matching to Sample; Mathematical Processing Task; and interpreting the results as a percent of baseline indicator of need for prophylaxis.

Abstract: Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing myclodysplastic syndromes are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, stereoisomer, clathrate, or prodrug thereof, alone or in combination with a second active ingredient, and/or the transplantation of blood or cells. Specific second active ingredients are capable of affecting or blood cell production. Pharmaceutical compositions, single unit dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nimesulide topical formulations comprising a carboxyvinylpolymer neutralized as a gel-forming agent or a polyacrylamide-isoparaffin and a solvent selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and to the process for the preparation thereof. Said formulations have advantages such as higher stability of the system and bioavailability of the active ingredient.