Abstract: Protein-based nanoparticles for treating cancer, such as those characterized by intracranial tumors, and methods of forming such protein-based nanoparticles via electrohydrodynamic jetting methods are provided. The nanoparticle may comprise a water-soluble protein having an average molecular weight of ?about 8 kDa and ?about 700 kDa. In certain variations, the water-soluble protein is cross-linked (e.g., with an optional crosslinking agent) and defines a mesh structure having an average linear mesh size of ?about 1 nm to ?about 4 nm. The nanoparticle may have a transcription factor such as a therapeutic nucleic acid in the mesh structure. Methods of making such nanoparticles may include jetting a liquid comprising the water-soluble protein through a nozzle, followed by exposing the liquid to an electric field sufficient to solidify the liquid and form the protein-based nanoparticles described above.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition using natural gonadotropin—releasing hormone (GnRH), and/or some of its mimetic peptides, indistinctly bound by its amino or carboxyl extremes to a carrier molecule; in one case by its carboxyl extreme and in the other case by the amino terminal extreme, thus eliciting a faster and more potent immunological response against the endogenous GnRH hormone. This finally leads to the ablation of the GnRH and consequently of the rest of the involved hormones in the stream GnRH/LH-FSH/Testosterone-(estrogens). An advantage of this formulation consists on facilitating the exposition to the immune system of a greater number of epitopes of the GnRH or its mimetics, minimizing thus the steric hindrance produced by the carriers.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition using natural gonadotropin—releasing hormone (GnRH), and/or some of its mimetic peptides, indistinctly bound by its amino or carboxyl extremes to a carrier molecule; in one case by its carboxyl extreme and in the other case by the amino terminal extreme, thus eliciting a faster and more potent immunological response against the endogenous GnRH hormone. This finally leads to the ablation of the GnRH and consequently of the rest of the involved hormones in the stream GnRH/LH-FSH/Testosterone-(estrogens). An advantage of this formulation consists on facilitating the exposition to the immune system of a greater number of epitopes of the GnRH or its mimetics, minimizing thus the steric hindrance produced by the carriers.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition using natural gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and/or some of its mimetic peptides, indistinctly bound by its amino or carboxyl extremes to a carrier molecule; in one case by its carboxyl extreme and in the other case by the amino terminal extreme, thus eliciting a faster and more potent immunological response against the endogenous GnRH hormone. This finally leads to the ablation of the GnRH and consequently of the rest of the involved hormones in the stream GnRH/LH-FSH/Testosterone-(estrogens). An advantage of this formulation consists on facilitating the exposition to the immune system of a greater number of epitopes of the GnRH or its mimetics, minimizing thus the steric hindrance produced by the carriers.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and/or to protect dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuronal cell bodies from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, the dopaminergic neuron differentiation factor sonic hedgehog (Shh) and/or its downstream transcription factor target Gli-1 are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying various neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in transgene expression are provided. Herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase sequences (“TK sequences”) are used to enhance transgene expression in first generation and high capacity adenoviral vectors. An mCMV promoter-driven ?-galactosidase-expressing cassette is combined with TK sequences through direct fusion of the cDNA's. ?-galactosidase (transgene) expression is enhanced independent of adenoviral vector selection. Methods of enhancing transgene expression employing the inventive adenoviral vectors are provided, along with pharmaceutical preparations comprising the inventive vectors and kits for enhanced transgene expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of prolonging the expression of an exogenous gene in a cell transduced with the exogenous gene. The method comprises co-administration of the exogenous gene with a herpes virus gene, whereby such co-administration prolongs the expression of the exogenous gene in the transduced cell. The method is particularly useful as a means of effecting gene therapy.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer, and particularly brain cancer (e.g., glioma) in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, a combined therapeutic approach including TK with systemic ganciclovir administration and Flt3L are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying brain cancer.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition using natural gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and/or some of its mimetic peptides, indistinctly bound by its amino or carboxyl extremes to a carrier molecule; in one case by its carboxyl extreme and in the other case by the amino terminal extreme, thus eliciting a faster and more potent immunological response against the endogenous GnRH hormone. This finally leads to the ablation of the GnRH and consequently of the rest of the involved hormones in the stream GnRH/LH-FSH/Testosterone-(estrogens). An advantage of this formulation consists on facilitating the exposition to the immune system of a greater number of epitopes of the GnRH or its mimetics, minimizing thus the steric hindrance produced by the carriers.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and/or to protect dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuronal cell bodies from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, the dopaminergic neuron differentiation factor sonic hedgehog (Shh) and/or its downstream transcription factor target Gli-1 are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying various neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and/or to protect dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuronal cell bodies from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, the dopaminergic neuron differentiation factor sonic hedgehog (Shh) and/or its downstream transcription factor target Gli-1 are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying various neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and/or to protect dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuronal cell bodies from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, the dopaminergic neuron differentiation factor sonic hedgehog (Shh) and/or its downstream transcription factor target Gli-1 are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying various neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in transgene expression are provided. Herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase sequences (“TK sequences”) are used to enhance transgene expression in first generation and high capacity adenoviral vectors. An mCMV promoter-driven ?-galactosidase-expressing cassette is combined with TK sequences through direct fusion of the cDNA's. ?-galactosidase (transgene) expression is enhanced independent of adenoviral vector selection. Methods of enhancing transgene expression employing the inventive adenoviral vectors are provided, along with pharmaceutical preparations comprising the inventive vectors and kits for enhanced transgene expression.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer, and particularly brain cancer (e.g., glioma) in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, a combined therapeutic approach including TK with systemic ganciclovir administration and Flt3L are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying brain cancer.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and/or to protect dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuronal cell bodies from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in a mammal. In various embodiments of the invention, the dopaminergic neuron differentiation factor sonic hedgehog (Shh) and/or its downstream transcription factor target Gli-1 are used in connection with gene therapeutic techniques or direct peptide injection for the aforementioned indications. Kits useful in practicing the inventive method are also disclosed, as are animal models useful for studying various neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of prolonging the expression of an exogenous gene in a cell transduced with the exogenous gene. The method comprises co-administration of the exogenous gene with a herpes virus gene, whereby such co-administration prolongs the expression of the exogenous gene in the transduced cell. The method is particularly useful as a means of effecting gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensors for the determination of organometallic compounds comprising the following elements: a) an inorganic, organic or polymeric support, insoluble in the sample to analyze b) an indicator which reversibly reacts with the organometallic compound and whose reaction product gives a characteristic absorption, reflection or emission band in the range 150-15000 nm and which is physically trapped, adsorbed, absorbed, dissolved or chemically linked in an electrostatic or covalent way to the support c) an optical sensor which measures the absorption, reflection or emission of the functionalized support at the characteristic wavelength and transforms it in the concentration of the organometallic present in the solution. Also described is the method for the determination of the concentration of organometallic compounds by the on line use of a sensor as above defined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of prolonging the expression of an exogenous gene in a cell transduced with the exogenous gene. The method comprises co-administration of the exogenous gene with a herpes virus gene, whereby such co-administration prolongs the expression of the exogenous gene in the transduced cell. The method is particularly useful as a means of effecting gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensors for the determination of organometallic compounds comprising the following elements: