Abstract: The isolation and purification of lipopolysaccharides from several related strains of eukaryotic algae is disclosed. These lipopolysaccharides have been shown to be structurally and functionally similar to the lipopolysaccharides of gram negative bacteria, or endotoxins, which have been shown to be a cause of sepsis or septic shock. The present invention also relates to the use of these algal lipopolysaccharides to inhibit the release of TNF-a from macrophages, which has been associated with the initiation and escalation of sepsis as a result of bacterial endotoxins.

Abstract: The present invention describes the ability of synthetic cationic amphiphilic molecules to bind and sequester bacterial lipopolysaccharides and other microbial products that share structural and/or physical-chemical properties with those of LPS. Such cationic amphiphilic molecules have a molecular structure comprised of a linear or branched backbone derived from polymethylenes or alkylamines which bear at the termini two or more protonatable positively charged groups derived from primary-amino. imidazolinium, or N, N'-unsubstituted amidinium or guanidium functions. They also possess one or more lipophilic groups derived from fatty acids or hydrocarbon substituents, attached to the backbone via amide, ester, carbamate, or urethane linkages. The use of these compounds provide low cost, effective therapeutic method for the treatment of sepsis and septic shock.

Abstract: The invention is directed to hydridoma cell lines and the monoclonal antibodies produced by the cell lines, where the monoclonal antibodies specifically bind to the lipopolysaccharide endotoxin binding receptor of mammalian cells. Specifically, the monoclonal antibodies binds to a cell receptor which has a molecular mass of 80 kilodaltons, and is specific for the lipid A component of the lipopolysaccharide endotoxin. The monoclonal antibodies are specific for a carbohydrate component of the binding receptor in one instance, and for a protein/peptide receptor in another.

Abstract: A protective pad for an article of luggage and an article of luggage with a protective pad are disclosed. The pad has a foot section spacing the base from any surface luggage, the foot section spacing the base from any surface underlying the article of luggage when rested thereon. A side guard is integral with the foot section and extends from the foot section, the side guard having a proximal leg to be disposed on the base of the luggage, adjacent the foot section, and a distal leg oriented at an angle to the proximal leg such that the side guard defines a protective projection extending from the luggage at the feet around a lower corner of the article of luggage and up a sidewall. A shank can be embedded in a connecting section molded between the feet, and holes can be provided for receiving fasteners extending through the feet and also through the distal end of the side guard. At least some of the holes and fasteners can be aligned to the side guard, for bearing a tensile load.