Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising a pharmaceutical compound having one or more Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein (MTP) inhibitors that are covalently linked to one or more Liver Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (L-FABP) inhibitors. Also disclosed are methods for using the inventive pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment of hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia while avoiding the harmful side effects of steatorrhea.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating hyperlipidemia by administering a Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein (MTP) inhibitor in combination with a Liver Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (L-FABP) inhibitor, methods of preventing the development of hepatic steatosis, methods of identifying an agent useful for treating hyperlipidemia, and methods of screening for inhibitors of MTP and L-FABP activity. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a MTP inhibitor and a L-FABP inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for introducing a population of Kupffer cells into an individual. The method includes the steps of (a) administering to an individual a Kupffer cell toxin, wherein the toxin ablates a first population of Kupffer cells of the individual, and (b) administering to the individual a population of Kupffer cell progenitors, wherein the population of Kupffer cell progenitors replaces the first population of Kupffer cells, thereby providing a second population of Kupffer cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid having a nucleotide sequence encoding an inhibitor of a pro-atherogenic molecule operationally linked to a macrophage-specific expression element. The invention also provides a recombinant macrophage expressing a nucleic acid encoding an inhibitor of a pro-atherogenic molecule. The invention further provides a method for inhibiting or reducing atherosclerosis including administering to an individual a population of recombinant cells expressing a nucleic acid encoding an inhibitor of a pro-atherogenic molecule. Additionally, the invention provides a method for inhibiting or reducing atherosclerosis including administering to an individual a nucleic acid encoding an inhibitor of a pro-atherogenic molecule, the inhibitor of a pro-atherogenic molecule operationally linked to a macrophage-specific expression element.

Abstract: Methods of treating liver inflammatory condition, disease or disorder are provided. Methods include administering amounts of a PPAR&ggr; agonist sufficient to ameliorate the inflammatory condition, disease or disorder. Methods of treating conditions associated with excess or undesirable cholesterol levels or decreased HDL levels or decreased CYP7A expression are also provided. Methods include administering amounts of a PPAR&ggr; agonist sufficient to decrease cholesterol levels or increase HDL levels or CYP7A expression.

Abstract: A gas valve apparatus is configured to receive a gas specific adapter. The apparatus includes a gas valve body having a first end configured to be coupled to a gas connection and a second end. A keyed body is configured to receive the second end of the gas valve body. The keyed body has a first keying mechanism. The apparatus also includes a cap coupled to the keyed body. The cap includes a keyed front face having a gas outlet configured to receive the gas specific adapter. The cap also includes a second keying mechanism configured to mate with the first keying mechanism on the keyed body to permit the cap to be coupled to the keyed body.

Abstract: An agitated bed apparatus (20) for heating, cooling, and/or drying particulate material (152) is provided which includes a housing (22) having an elongated flexible bed (24) therein adapted to receive the material (152). An agitator assembly (26) made up of a series of rotatable beater bar units (70) is located below the bed (24) and oriented for repeatedly impacting the bed (24) to establish an undulating bed movement for elevation and tumbling of the particulate material (152). A material conditioning unit (156) such as an infrared heating unit array (28) is located above the bed (24) so as to expose the particulate material (152) to hot, cool, or ambient air for heating, drying, or cooling thereof. In another embodiment, the apparatus (20) includes a plurality of units (156) which are slidably removable from the housing (22) of the apparatus (20).

Abstract: An agitated bed drying apparatus (20) for particulate material (152) is provided which includes a housing (22) having an elongated, essentially imperforate, flexible bed (24) therein adapted to receive the material (152). An agitator assembly (26) made up of a series of rotatable beater bar units (70) is located below the bed (24) and oriented for repeatedly impacting the bed (24) to establish an undulating bed movement for elevation and tumbling of the particulate material (152). An infrared heating unit array (28) is located above the bed (24) so as to expose the particulate material (152) to IR radiation for most effective drying thereof. Alternately, the bed (24) may be in the form of a length of material (58) mounted in tension and against translation within housing (24), or as a continuous belt (136).

Abstract: An agitated bed drying apparatus (20) for particulate material (152) is provided which includes a housing (22) having an elongated, essentially imperforate, flexible bed (24) therein adapted to receive the material (152). An agitator assembly (26) made up of a series of rotatable beater bar units (70) is located below the bed (24) and oriented for repeatedly impacting the bed (24) to establish an undulating bed movement for elevation and tumbling of the particulate material (152). An infrared heating unit array (28) is located above the bed (24) so as to expose the particulate material (152) to IR radiation for most effective drying thereof. Alternately, the bed (24) may be in the form of a length of material (58) mounted in tension and against translation within housing (24), or as a continuous belt (136).