Abstract: The embodiments herein are concerned with methods and hCVF compositions, including pharmaceutical formulations, useful in complement depletion, the reduction or prevention of unwanted immunogenicity or other immune-related reactions, especially as a consequence of administering a biologic therapy. Such methods and compositions have been found to be effective in complement depletion during more than one administration in the same subject, thereby being useful for prolonged/repeated use.

Abstract: A modified human complement C3 protein (C3) is disclosed comprising a substitution of a portion of a human C3 protein, with a corresponding portion of a Cobra Venom Factor protein (CVF) which results in a human C3 protein with CVF functions, but with substantially reduced immunogenicity. Advantageously, the C3 protein can be manipulated to contain at least one of the following CVF functions: increased stability of the C3 convertase and increased resistance to the actions of factors H and/or I. A large number of hybrid C3 proteins containing substitutions in the C-terminal portion of the alpha chain of C3 are presented and tested for the above functions. Methods of treatment of diseases such as reperfusion injury, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases of increased complement activation are presented as well as methods of increasing the effectiveness of gene therapeutics and other therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention provides modified human complement C3 proteins, comprising a human C3 protein, wherein amino acid residues in the human C3 protein are substituted with a corresponding portion of a Cobra Venom Factor (CVF) protein, and wherein one or more amino acid residues in the CVF portion of the modified human complement C3 protein are further modified.

Abstract: A modified human complement C3 protein (C3) is disclosed comprising a substitution of a portion of a human C3 protein, with a corresponding portion of a Cobra Venom Factor protein (CVF) which results in a human C3 protein with CVF functions, but with substantially reduced immunogenicity. Advantageously, the C3 protein can be manipulated to contain at least one of the following CVF functions: increased stability of the C3 convertase and increased resistance to the actions of factors H and/or I. A large number of hybrid C3 proteins containing substitutions in the C-terminal portion of the alpha chain of C3 are presented and tested for the above functions. Methods of treatment of diseases such as reperfusion injury, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases of increased complement activation are presented as well as methods of increasing the effectiveness of gene therapeutics and other therapeutics.

Abstract: A modified human complement C3 protein (C3) is disclosed comprising a substitution of a portion of a human C3 protein, with a corresponding portion of a Cobra Venom Factor protein (CVF) which results in a human C3 protein with CVF functions, but with substantially reduced immunogenicity. Advantageously, the C3 protein can be manipulated to contain at least one of the following CVF functions: increased stability of the C3 convertase and increased resistance to the actions of factors H and/or I. A large number of hybrid C3 proteins containing substitutions in the C-terminal portion of the alpha chain of C3 are presented and tested for the above functions. Methods of treatment of diseases such as reperfusion injury, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases of increased complement activation are presented as well as methods of increasing the effectiveness of gene therapeutics and other therapeutics.

Abstract: Recombinant proCVF exhibits substantially the same activity as CVF and is useful for lowering complement activity.

Abstract: Recombinant proCVF exhibits substantially the same activity as CVF and is useful for lowering complement activity.

Abstract: Recombinant proCVF exhibits substantially the same activity as CVF and is useful for lowering complement activity

Abstract: A method for in-vivo targeting a functional moiety in a patient by administering a targeting moiety coupled to an affinity component, wherein the targeting moiety has affinity for binding sites in a target area, and administering a binding partner to the affinity component coupled to a functional moiety to localize the functional moiety in the target area. Preferably the targeting moiety is an antibody and the functional moiety is a radiometal when performing in vivo imaging or therapy. The affinity component may be a novel methotrexate analog. Preferably, the affinity component is thermo-stabilized.

Abstract: Recombinant proCVF exhibits substantially the same activity as CVF and is useful for lowering complement activity.

Abstract: DNA sequences encoding cobra C3, CVF1, and CVF2, as well as plasmids and transformed hosts comprising such DNA sequences, are provided.

Abstract: A novel functionally active derivative of cobra venom factor is described in which the .beta.-chain has been cleaved by treatment with a protease. Gel electrophoretic analyses of the purified derivative revealed the absence of an intact .beta.-chain and a decrease of the molecular weight.

Abstract: A method for site-specific in-vivo activation of a prodrug in an animal using an activator-targeting moiety conjugate to localize an activator at a predetermined site of use and a prodrug compound that is converted to an active drug in the presence of the activator. In the preferred embodiment, the targeting moiety, the activator, and the prodrug demonstrate little or no immunogenicity in the animal being treated. The targeting moiety is relatively specific for binding to the target tissue than to non-target tissue. The activator is not found or present in only small amounts in circulation or in non-target tissue, does not have a substrate for its activity in circulation or in non-target tissue, can be linked to the targeting moiety, and is capable of converting the prodrug to an active drug. The prodrug is selected for its ability to exert a cytotoxic activity on the target tissue after conversion by the activator.

Abstract: A method and unit for filling electrochemical cells, especially lithium cells, with an electrolyte. The cells are first evacuated while simultaneously checking the same for short circuits. The further filling process is terminated for any cell determined to have a short circuit. After the final vacuum level has been achieved, the cells are subsequently filled with the electrolyte while simultaneously monitoring the electrical voltage at the cells. The filling process is terminated for any cell determined to have a deviation from a prescribed voltage.

Abstract: Site-specific heterobifunctional crosslinkers of the formula:X--COCH(NH.sub.2)--Y--Zwhere X is a carbonyl reactive group, Y is a variable length spacer, and Z is a thiol reactive group, are useful for the specific labelling of biomolecules or bioaffecting molecules.

Abstract: Ligand-label conjugates which are an oligopeptide of 5 to 100 amino acid residues, bonded to a ligand or receptor, which contain a plurality of chemiluminescent or fluorescent labels and a plurality of polyoxoanions of sulfur or phosphorus are useful for immunoassays. Such conjugates are hydrophilic and exhibit very low nonspecific binding, thereby significantly increasing the signal to background ratio in immunoassays.

Abstract: Structural component made of powder metallurgical materials, particularly temperature resistant alloys, nickel base alloys, are produced by injection molding or pressing. The sintering is divided into individual work steps for producing dense and smooth structural components which are true to shape.

Abstract: This invention provides for a cephalosporin immobilized on a solid phase support comprising a beta-lactamase releasable, detectably labeled substituent at the 3-position thereof.This invention also provides for an assay for detecting the presence of beta-lactamase enzyme in a sample comprising:(a) immobilizing a cephalosporin on a solid phase support wherein at the 3-position of said cephalosporin is a detectably labeled substituent releasable by beta-lactamase;(b) contacting said sample with the immobilized cephalosporin of step (a); and,(c) detecting the released substituent.

Abstract: In an arrangement of at least two discrete structural parts in package form which are spaced apart from each other, the individual structural parts are coated at least on one circumference of the structural part with a metal- or ceramic-powder collar. The powder collars serve as spacers between adjacent structural parts, are preferably sprayed on, and reliably prevent fretting corrosion between the structural parts.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle for internal combustion engines having a valve needle which enters an intermediate position in a retarded fashion and subsequently reaches its final position quickly. The valve needle is coupled in a positively-engaged manner with a supplementary body which as a result of its mass and/or hydraulically damps the movement of the valve needle over the course of a first stroke portion. At the end of this stroke portion, the supplementary body strikes a shoulder attached to the housing, whereupon the valve needle after the attainment of a notably higher fuel pressure, is separated from the supplementary body and translated quickly into its open position. In special cases, it is also possible for two supplementary bodies to be provided, which are uncoupled one after another from the valve needle and then again recoupled to the valve upon the closure of the valve.