Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme COX-2. The method is comprised of administering a composition containing a Free-B-Ring flavonoid or a composition containing a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids to a host in need thereof. The present also includes novel methods for the prevention and treatment of COX-2 mediated diseases and conditions. The method for preventing and treating COX-2 mediated diseases and conditions is comprised of administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of a composition containing a Free-B-Ring flavonoid or a composition containing a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for simultaneously inhibiting the cyclooxygenase COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzymes. The method for the simultaneous dual inhibition of COX-2 and 5-LO is comprised of administering a composition containing an individual and/or a mixture of multiple flavans isolated from a single plant or multiple plants in the Acacia genus of plants to a host in need thereof. The present also includes novel methods for the prevention and treatment of COX-2 and 5-LO mediated diseases and conditions. The method for preventing and treating COX-2 and 5-LO mediated diseases and conditions is comprised of administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising an individual and/or a mixture of multiple flavans isolated from a single plant or multiple plants in the Acacia genus of plants and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for inhibiting the cyclooxygenase COX-2. The method is comprised of administering a composition containing a Free-enzyme B-Ring flavonoid or a composition containing a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids to a host in need thereof. The present also includes novel methods for the prevention and treatment of COX-2 mediated diseases and conditions. The method for preventing and treating COX-2 mediated diseases and conditions is comprised of administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of a composition containing a Free-B-Ring flavonoid or a composition containing a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Fixed-dried red blood cells (RBCs), and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The red blood cells, upon reconstitution with distilled water or appropriate buffer: bind oxygen with native affinities, have partial deformability, present minimal thrombogenicity to platelets, and have oblated blood group antigens. The RBCs are preferably fixed by means of cross-linkers with aldehyde functions such as paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde either alone or in combination. Native oxygen kinetics are achieved by preparing the red blood cells with 1,6-diphosphofructose. Blood group antigens and chemical functions that render the lyophilized RBCs thrombogenic are occluded by chemically attaching polyoxyethylene glycol polymers to the surface membrane of the red blood cells. The cross-linked red blood cells are preferably died by lyophilization.

Abstract: Isolated and purified platelet voltage dependent calcium channel (VDCC) &agr;1 subunit polypeptides, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. Recombinant host cells, recombinant nucleic acids and recombinant proteins are also disclosed, along with methods of producing each. Isolated and purified antibodies to platelet VDCC &agr;1 subunit polypeptides, and methods of producing the same, are also disclosed. Platelet VDCC &agr;1 subunit polypeptides have biological activity in calcium transport. Thus, therapeutic and diagnostic methods involving this activity are also disclosed.