Abstract: The invention is directed to binding agents having binding loops and a stable beta barrel conformation. The binding loops of these agents can easily be altered so that the binding agent can bind any selected target molecule. A variety of methods for generating binding agents with different binding loops are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases that are useful for encouraging the development of healthy skin and for treating wounds. The inhibitors are peptides having sequences related to cleavage regions of the proenzyme forms of matrix metalloproteinases. The peptide inhibitors of the invention can be formulated into therapeutic compositions, lotions, creams, skin covering and wound dressings that facilitate healing and healthy skin development, discourage scarring and wrinkling and ameliorate the effects of healing.

Abstract: The premature rupture of amniotic fluid (PROM) may be discovered through a number of inventive means. Methods of evaluating whether PROM is present include; a) through the testing of the pH of vaginal fluids using an irreversible pH test; b) through the detection of analytes (e.g. enzymes) specific to amniotic fluid in the vaginal fluids; c) though the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the vaginal fluid; and d) through the detection of cholesterol in vaginal fluid. While individually indicative of PROM, it is desirable to combine at least two of these techniques to yield a powerful tool of even greater reliability. Test devices and feminine hygiene pads into which the test methods may be incorporated are also included herein.

Abstract: The invention provides inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases that are useful for encouraging the development of healthy skin and for treating wounds. The inhibitors are peptides having sequences related to cleavage regions of the proenzyme forms of matrix metalloproteinases. The peptide inhibitors of the invention can be formulated into therapeutic compositions, lotions, creams, skin covering and wound dressings that facilitate healing and healthy skin development, discourage scarring and wrinkling and ameliorate the effects of healing.

Abstract: The invention provides inhibitors of chondrosarcoma cell growth that are useful as anti-cancer and anti-tumor agents. The inhibitors are peptides having sequences related to cleavage regions of the proenzyme forms of matrix metalloproteinases and that can inhibit the activity of matrix metalloproteinases. The peptide inhibitors of the invention can be formulated into therapeutic compositions, lotions, creams and wound dressings.

Abstract: The invention provides stable peptide backbones into which one or interactive domains may be incorporated. Such interactive domains may be specific binding domains, inhibitor domains, linkers, labels, solid supports, reactive sites, catalytic sites, useful chemical entities, and reagents. Attachment or incorporation of an interactive domain into the peptide backbone generates a peptide-based reagent.

Abstract: The invention provides proteinoid microsphere made up of a mixture of thermally condensed amino acids that are crosslinked with a bis dithiol crosslinker reagent. The proteinoid microspheres of the invention may be used to encapsulate a material or a compound and to provide slow, sustained or timed release of the material or compound. The proteinoid microspheres are stable in solution until exposed to a reducing agent. However, the in vivo environment provides a sufficient reduction potential to provide slow, sustained release of materials contained therein from the proteinoid microspheres of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to binding agents having binding loops and a stable beta barrel conformation. The binding loops of these agents can easily be altered so that the binding agent can bind any selected target molecule. A variety of methods for generating binding agents with different binding loops are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases that are useful for treating wounds. The inhibitors are peptides having sequences related to cleavage regions of the proenzyme forms of matrix metalloproteinases. The peptide inhibitors of the invention can be formulated into therapeutic compositions and wound dressings that facilitate healing.

Abstract: The invention provides peptides, and compositions containing those peptides, that increase the amount of fibronectin in tissue. These compositions are useful for encouraging the maintenance and development of healthy skin, for preventing and treating wrinkles, and for treating wounds. The peptides can be formulated into therapeutic compositions, lotions, creams, skin coverings and wound dressings that facilitate healing and healthy skin development, discourage scarring and wrinkling, and ameliorate the effects of healing.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides that can inhibit the activity of matrix metalloproteinases. Such polypeptides are useful for treating wounds, for example, chronic wounds.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies reactive with distinct lipocalin epitopes that are useful for detecting inflammation and bacterial infections in mammals.

Abstract: The invention provides peptides and compounds that can bind to P2Y2 receptors that are useful for modulating the secretion of mucus within mucosal surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides probes, antibodies and methods for detecting a gene that is only found in Enterobacteriaceae, the deoxyguanosine triphosphate triphosphohydrolase gene. These probes and methods are useful for the detecting whether test samples, including food and water samples, are infected with enteric bacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides probes, antibodies and methods for detecting a gene that is only found in Enterobacteriaceae, the deoxyguanosine triphosphate triphosphohydrolase gene. These probes and methods are useful for the detecting whether test samples, including food and water samples, are infected with enteric bacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides probes, antibodies and methods for detecting a gene that is only found in Enterobacteriaceae, the deoxyguanosine triphosphate triphosphohydrolase gene. These probes and methods are useful for the detecting whether test samples, including food and water samples, are infected with enteric bacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases that are useful for encouraging the development of healthy skin and for treating wounds. The inhibitors are peptides having sequences related to cleavage regions of the proenzyme forms of matrix metalloproteinases. The peptide inhibitors of the invention can be formulated into therapeutic compositions, lotions, creams, skin covering and wound dressings that facilitate healing and healthy skin development, discourage scarring and wrinkling and ameliorate the effects of healing.

Abstract: The invention provides stable peptide backbones into which one or interactive domains may be incorporated. Such interactive domains may be specific binding domains, inhibitor domains, linkers, labels, solid supports, reactive sites, catalytic sites, useful chemical entities, and reagents. Attachment or incorporation of an interactive domain into the peptide backbone generates a peptide-based reagent.

Abstract: The invention provides inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases that are useful for encouraging the development of healthy skin and for treating wounds. The inhibitors are peptides having sequences related to cleavage regions of the proenzyme forms of matrix metalloproteinases. The peptide inhibitors of the invention can be formulated into therapeutic compositions, lotions, creams, skin covering and wound dressings that facilitate healing and healthy skin development, discourage scarring and wrinkling and ameliorate the effects of healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that are effective in treating disorders caused by the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases. These disorders include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, periodontal disease, aberrant angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis, corneal ulceration, and in complications of diabetes. The present invention is also is useful for treating wounds.