Abstract: The functions and operations of a matching service and electronic process solutions are disclosed. This includes the identification of multiple candidates to participate in a reverse auction process. The parties will exchange information in a prescribed format. Following an automated bidding process and selection of the winning proposal, communications will take place between the selecting and the selected party to enable performance of the work proposed. Upon delivery and acceptance of the service, payment is made and user satisfaction is measured and documented. Related functions and operations include electronic payment, performance measurement and secure collaboration tools.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of detecting a malignancy or a pre-malignant lesion in breast or other tissue, or a pathologic condition, by detecting the presence of single-chain or two-chain forms of matriptase in the tissue. The invention is further directed to a method of treating malignancies, which have the phenotype of matriptase production by administering a tumor formation inhibiting effective amount of concentrate of Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBIC), or other matriptase inhibitor. The invention also is directed to nucleic acids encoding a matriptase protein or fragments thereof, and their use for structure elucidation and modeling to identify other inhibitors of matriptase, as well as to methods of identifying matriptase modulating agents, including activators and inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of detecting a malignancy or a pre-malignant lesion in breast or other tissue, or a pathologic condition, by detecting the presence of single-chain or two-chain forms of matriptase in the tissue. The invention is further directed to a method of treating malignancies, which have the phenotype of matriptase production by administering a tumor formation inhibiting effective amount of concentrate of Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBIC), or other matriptase inhibitor. The invention also is directed to nucleic acids encoding a matriptase protein or fragments thereof, and their use for structure elucidation and modeling to identify other inhibitors of matriptase, as well as to methods of identifying matriptase modulating agents, including activators and inhibitors.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inducing dephosphorylation of a hyperphosphorylated cell cycle regulatory protein in a tumor cell in which hyperphosphorylation of said protein contributed to cell transformation, the method comprising contacting the tumor cell with a procyanidin oligomer of five monomeric units connected via a C-4?C-8 linkage. Examples of such compounds are [EC-(4??8)]4-EC, and [EC-(4??8)]3-EC-(4??8)-C, wherein EC is epicatcchin and C is catechin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of detecting a malignancy or a pre-malignant lesion in breast or other tissue, or a pathologic condition, by detecting the presence of single-chain or two-chain forms of matriptase in the tissue. The invention is further directed to a method of treating malignancies, which have the phenotype of matriptase production by administering a tumor formation inhibiting effective amount of concentrate of Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBIC), or other matriptase inhibitor. The invention also is directed to nucleic acids encoding a matriptase protein or fragments thereof, and their use for structure elucidation and modeling to identify other inhibitors of matriptase, as well as to methods of identifying matriptase modulating agents, including activators and inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting carcinoma progression wherein matriptase plays a role in a subject in need of such inhibition including administering to a subject an effective amount of a compound comprising two positively charged groups, which are the same or different. The groups are linked by a chemical group having a length of between 5 and 30 A, and preferably between 15 and 24 A. Diagnostic methods based on matriptase action and therapeutic methods involving inhibition of matriptase activity are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in vitro method of diagnosing the presence of a pre-malignant lesion, a malignancy, or other pathologic condition, in a subject, which is characterized by the presence of activated matriptase including the steps of: (A) obtaining a biological sample from a subject that is to be tested for a pre-malignant lesion, a malignancy, or other pathologic condition; B) exposing the biological sample to a detectable agent which recognizes and binds to activated matriptase; and (D) determining whether said detectable agent is bound to the biological sample. Preferably, the detectable agent is an antibody which specifically binds to activated matriptase. More preferably the antibody is selected from M69 and M123.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting carcinoma progression wherein matriptase plays a role in a subject in need of such inhibition including administering to a subject an effective amount of a compound comprising two positively charged groups, which are the same or different. The groups are linked by a chemical group having a length of between 5 and 30 A, and preferably between 15 and 24 A. Diagnostic methods based on matriptase action and therapeutic methods involving inhibition of matriptase activity are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for studying chromosomal gains and losses in cells from nipple aspirate fluid comprising the steps of: (1) aspirating fluid from breasts; (2) placing the samples of fluid obtained in step 1 onto dishes containing conditioned medium composed of a mixture of (a) supernatant from immortalized mammary epithelial cells and (b) mammary epithelial growth medium; (3) incubating the product of step 2 in a humidified incubator; (4) replenishing the medium in the dishes prepared in step 2 at regular intervals to maintain cell growth; (5) isolating the cells from the cultures; (6) preparing DNA from these cells; (7) amplifying the DNA; (8) labeling an aliquot of the amplified DNA; and (9) evaluating the labeled DNA for evidence of chromosomal gains or losses.

Abstract: Compositions of the instant invention comprise a monoclonal antibody designated as 21-9 which binds selectively with an 80 kDa matrix-degrading proteinase having an average molecular weight of about 80 kDa, which is active in the presence of Ca.sup.2, Mg.sup.2+ and Mn.sup.2+.

Abstract: An 80 kDa metaloproteinase is found in hormone-dependent human breast cancer cells. The enzyme is active in the presence of calcium, manganese, or magnesium ions. The 80 kDa proteinase is useful for evaluating therapeutic progress and in formulating plans for treatment.