Abstract: Sensors for detecting catabolic proteinase enzymes and proenzymes in the fluid of a human or animal and methods for detecting the enzymes and then providing treatment that is specific for the detected enzyme are disclosed. The sensors of the present invention can be used to detect catabolic proteinase enzymes and proenzymes in the fluid of chronic wounds of humans and animals. Upon detection of any proteinase enzyme, the wound can be treated with an inhibiting complex that is specific for the detected enzyme or proenzyme. Enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases and human neutrophil elastase in the active and proenzyme form can be detected and treatment provided with inhibitors for the detected enzyme.

Abstract: The invention provides inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases that are useful as anti-tumor agents 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 inhibit expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and encourage healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to MMP regulators that comprise new synthetic peptides, that comprise amino acid sequences structurally similar to those of MMP binding region of TIMPs, coupled to zinc chelators. The invention also relates to methods for making these MMP regulators and their use for the treatment of chronic and acute wounds and for the treatment of angiogenesis-associated diseases.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for executing payment for a transaction of goods or services between a merchant and a consumer over a network by using a prepaid consumer account, such as a telephone calling card account, to pay for the transaction. The consumer provides an account identifier to the merchant, which then sends a first transaction request message to a digital petty cash server (DPCS). The DPCS determines which one of several available account servers holds the consumer account identified by the consumer, and then sends a second transaction authorization request message to that account server. The account server determines if the consumer account is sufficient to cover the transaction amount; and then either deducts the transaction amount from the consumer account and completes the transaction, or it denies the transaction if the consumer account is insufficient to cover the DPCS transaction amount.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article having at least one nonwoven web material and at least one reducing agent disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the at least one nonwoven web material.