Abstract: Described herein is the discovery that human interleukin-1&bgr; convertase (ICE) is structurally similar to the protein encoded by the C. elegans cell death gene, ced-3. Comparative and mutational analyses of the two proteins, together with previous observations, suggest that the Ced-3 protein may be a cysteine protease like ICE and that ICE may be a human equivalent of the nematode cell death gene. Another mammalian protein, the murine NEDD-2 protein, was also found to be similar to Ced-3. The NEDD-2 gene is implicated in the development of the murine central nervous system. On the basis of these findings, novel drugs for enhancing or inhibiting the activity of ICE, ced-3, or related genes are provided. Such drugs may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases and/or diseases characterized by cell deaths, as well as cancers, autoimmune disorders, infections, and hair growth and hair loss. Furthermore, such drugs may be useful for controlling pests, parasites and genetically engineered organisms.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for the treatment of prostate cancer, and involves administering an antibody that specifically binds with prostate antigen.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions useful in altering the migration and/or proliferative activity of cells and to methods of using them. Reagents that can regulate cell migration and reorganization are useful in managing diseases in which cell migration and tissue remodeling play a role, including inhibiting vascular stenosis and restenosis that can result from endothelial injury. Migration-altering compositions include the proteins clusterin and gp38k and fragments thereof which retain the migration-altering activity, peptides derived from the proteins which possess the migration-altering activity, polyclonal, monoclonal and recombinant humanized antibodies directed against the proteins and fragments thereof and anti-sense oligonucleotides capable of binding clusterin and gp38k mRNAs.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for identifying chemical compounds which are capable of modulating the interaction between VASP and zyxin. VASP or a VASP derivative and zyxin or a zyxin derivative which interact with one another are brought into contact with a chemical compound to be examined. The effect on the interaction can be determined using antibodies against VASP or a VASP derivative and/or zyxin or a zyxin derivative, or with the aid of fluorescent labels on VASP or a VASP derivative and zyxin or a zyxin derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody which catalyzes hydrolysis of &bgr;-amyloid at a predetermined amide linkage. The antibody preferentially binds a transition state analog which mimics the transition state adopted by &bgr;-amyloid during hydrolysis at a predetermined amide linkage and also binds to natural &bgr;-amyloid with sufficient affinity to detect by ELISA. Alternatively, the antibody preferentially binds a transition state analog which mimics the transition state adopted by &bgr;-amyloid during hydrolysis at a predetermined amide linkage, and does not bind natural &bgr;-amyloid with sufficient affinity to detect by ELISA. Antibodies generated are characterized by the amide linkage which they hydrolyze. Specific antibodies provided include those which catalyze the hydrolysis at the amyloid linkages between residues 39 and 40, 40 and 41, and 41 and 42, of &bgr;-amyloid.

Abstract: This invention relates to crystals of whole antibodies and fragments thereof, and formulations and compositions comprising such crystals. More particularly, methods are provided for the crystallization of high concentrations of whole antibodies, and fragments thereof, in large batches, and for the preparation of stabilized whole antibody crystals for use alone, or in dry or slurry formulations or compositions. This invention also relates to methods for stabilization, storage and delivery of biologically active whole antibody crystals.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery that IMXP-888, a protein with homology to the FGF receptor family, is a proinflammatory cytokine. The invention encompasses therapeutic compositions of IMXP-888 polypeptides and antagonists, methods of use thereof, and screening methods.

Abstract: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor antagonists are provided. The HGF receptor antagonists include HGF receptor antibodies and fragments thereof. The HGF receptor antagonists can be employed to block binding of HGF to HGF receptors or substantially inhibit HGF receptor activation. The HGF receptor antagonists may be included in pharmaceutical compositions, articles of manufacture, or kits. Methods of treating cancer using the HGF receptor antagonists are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to adjuvants comprising CD40 ligands crosslinked to antigens, wherein the adjuvants have reduced toxicity and adjuvants comprising CD40 ligands crosslinked to viral antigens.

Abstract: Methods for treating and/or preventing a TNF-mediated disease in an individual are disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition comprising methotrexate and an anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody. TNF-mediated diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and acute and chronic immune diseases associated with transplantation.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammal afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis comprising administering a soluble form of IL-17 receptor is disclosed.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies directed against coagulation factors and their use in inhibiting thrombosis in combination with plasminogen activators are disclosed.

Abstract: Arterial and venous smooth muscle cells are molecularly distinct from the earliest stages of angiogenesis through to adulthood. This distinction is revealed by expression on arterial cells (e.g., arterial endothelial cells, arterial smooth muscle cells) of a transmembrane ligand, called EphrinB2 whose receptor EphB4 is expressed on venous cells. Targeted disruption of the EphrinB2 gene prevents the remodeling of veins from a capillary plexus into properly branched structures. Moreover, it also disrupts the remodeling of arteries, suggesting that reciprocal interactions between pre-specified arterial and venous cells are necessary for angiogenesis. Expression of EphrinB2 in arterial cells (e.g.

Abstract: A microbial adherence inhibitor in the form of fowl egg antibodies is disclosed, along with the method of making it and methods of using it. The inhibitor functions by substantially preventing the attachment or adherence of colony-forming immunogens in the rumen and intestinal tracts of host food animals. The inhibitor is made by inoculating female birds with the immunogen, harvesting the eggs which contain antibodies to the immunogen, harvesting the eggs which contain antibodies to the immunogen, drying the egg contents and adding to the feed or water for the host animals.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, particularly colon cancer, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more colon tumor polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, particularly colon cancer.

Abstract: The present invention combines physical and immunologic therapies for the treatment of neoplasms by conditioning a targeted neoplasm with an immunoadjuvant (also called immunomodulator or immunopotentiator) and then physically destroying the conditioned neoplasm. A number of physical therapies can be used to achieve the physical destruction of the conditioned tumor mass.

Abstract: A substantially pure capsular exopolysaccharide adhesin of coagulaso-negative staphylococcal strains, and a general method to prepare such adhesins, are described. Vaccines composed of such adhesins, and uses of such adhesins to produce polyclonal and mono-clonal antibodies against such adhesins, are also disclosed. The adhesins are useful in coating polymeric medical materials to prevent colonization by coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains, and as a probe in selecting desirable polymeric medical materials. Such adhesin antibodies are useful in vivo to prevent infection by noso-comial coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains, in assays for the detection of such bacteria, in assays for the estimation of such adhesins in complex mixtures, and as an affinity chromatography matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conjugate which includes at least one vitamin D moiet thereof and at least one targeting molecule moiety to pharmaceutical compositions of the conjugate. and to methods for using the conjugate for target- specific delivery of vitamin D or analogs thereof to tissues in need thereof. When a particularly preferred form is administered to a patient, the targeting molecule component of the conjugate of this invention seeks out and binds to a tissue of interest, such as bone or tuinor tissue, where the vitamin D has a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward compositions comprising one or more transportable complexes and one or more carriers and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: 8-11-Mer peptides are identified, from four Plasmodium falciparum antigens, circumsporozoite protein, thrombospondin-related anonymous protein, spirozoite hepatocyte binding antigen and liver-stage antigen-1, as actual or potential cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes for human leucocyte antigen class I molecules HLA-A2, HLA-B8, HA-B7 and HLA-B17. Vaccines for immunization against malaria contain these peptides or oligonucleotides coding for them. A method of inducing primary cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses to a chosen antigen or microorganism comprises incubating lymphocytes ex vivo with the chosen antigen or microorganism in the presence of keyhole limpet haemocyanin.

Abstract: A novel antigenic protein which is effective for stimulating antibody production in animals against the sheep scab mite, Psoroptes ovis is disclosed. In cattle, administration of the protein provides protection from infestation by P. ovis by eliciting an immediate-type hypersensitivity response and/or immunizing the animal against P. ovis. The protein is also effective for producing and/or binding antibodies to P. ovis, and may be used as an immunodiagnostic reagent.

Abstract: This invention discloses means for obtaining immunogenic peptides, polypeptides, proteins, and their corresponding nucleic acid sequences, target cells with vaccine interest, or lysates thereof, without making structural changes in said antigens, through their association with Very Small Size Proteoliposomes.

Abstract: The L2 protein of papillomavirus (particularly BPV-2 and BPV-4) has been cloned as a fusion protein with beta-galactosi-dase and GST; both as the whole protein and as fragments. Vaccination of calves is found to have both a prophylactic effect in tumor prevention and a therapeutic effect in tumor regression.

Abstract: The invention includes auxotrophic attenuated mutants of Listeria and methods of their use as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a vaccine against tuberculosis and other intracellular pathogens, this vaccine is targeted against intracellular pathogens, more particularly the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Salmonella in this case.

Abstract: The fusion (F) protein, attachment (G) protein and matrix (M) protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are isolated and purified from respiratory syncytial virus by mild detergent extraction of the proteins from concentrated virus, loading the protein onto a hydroxyapatite or other ion-exchange matrix column and eluting the protein using mild salt treatment. The F, G and M proteins, formulated as immunogenic compositions, are safe and highly immunogenic and protect relevant animal models against decreased caused by respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the effect of vaccines in animals, such as domestic, sport, or pet species, and humans are disclosed. More particularly, vaccine compositions comprising ribavirin and an antigen, preferably an antigen that has an epitope present in Hepatitis C virus (HCV), are disclosed for use in treating and preventing disease, preferably HCV infection.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for removing toxic lipooligosaccharide (LOS) from outer membranes of Gram-negative cocci, such as Neisseria meningitidis.LOS-depleted outer membranes and LOS-depleted soluble outer membrane proteins can be prepared, which are able to elicit bactericidal antibodies against homologous strains of bacteria. Vaccines and other uses of the preparations are further described.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions protective against Chlamydia psittaci infections in animals, including but not limited to humans and avian species, comprising an immunogenic amount of a C. psittaci major outer membrane protein (MOMP) polypeptide lacking regions VD1 and VD2 are provided. Nucleic acid vectors for the expression of MOMP polypeptides and MOMP polypeptide fusion proteins are disclosed. Nucleic acid vectors encoding a C. psittaci major outer membrane protein (MOMP) polypeptide lacking regions VD1 and VD2 useful for genetic, or “naked nucleic acid” vaccination are disclosed. Methods for preventing a Chlamydia psittaci infection in a subject using MOMP polypeptides, MOMP polypeptide-fusion proteins, or nucleic acid expression vectors are also provided.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition- in the form of a waterinoil emulsion comprising: (a) continuous oil phase and. (b) discontinuous aqueous phase comprising (i) water; (ii) acidic skin care active which is insoluble in said aqueous phase; and (iii) nonionic surfaictanit selected from polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene ethers of C4C22 alcohols. aind mixtures thereof. The compositions of the invention provide increased product stability and improved acidic skin care active solubility.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a drug delivery device, that is pH insensitive, for the sustained in situ production and release of a dispersion, in an environment of use, which comprises

Abstract: A method for improving the integrity of a cosmetic film applied to nails or surrounding cuticle surfaces comprising applying to the surface an effective amount of a composition comprising less than 5% by weight of the total composition of a fluorinated oil. The invention also comprises a nail and cuticle conditioning composition and a semi-permanent film forming composition containing the fluorinated oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one emulsifier comprising

Abstract: Pickering emulsions, which are finely disperse systems of the water-in-oil or oil-in-water type, comprising

Abstract: The invention relates to insecticidal formulations based on polymers, to processes for their preparation and to their use for controlling insects encountered indoors. These novel formulations are characterized in that they contain at least one type of insecticide which is incorporated into an appropriate polymer. The formulations are capable of emitting the insecticide at a certain temperature in a controlled manner without changing their form and macroscopic appearance.

Abstract: The invention provides aqueous soil treatment compositions comprising water and dissolved ionic water-soluble fertiliser in an amount of at least 10 wt. % and dissolved water-soluble anionic polymer having IV at least 60 l/g and ionic content at least 40 wt. %. Such concentrates can have low viscosity and be pourable and be used as concentrates for dilution in irrigation processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dosage form for the treatment of bacterial, viral or fungal conditions which comprises, a pharmaceutically acceptable acidifying agent in an amount sufficient to reduce the pH at an environment of use to below pH4, and a pharmaceutically acceptable source of nitrite ions or a nitrate precursor therefor; wherein said acidifying agent and said source of nitrite ions or nitrate precursor are separately disposed in respective pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for admixture at the intended environment of use to release NO or NO2 ions.

Abstract: An ingestible mollusc poison contains a simple metal compound, an activity enhancing additive such as ethylene diamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) and derivatives thereof, and a carrier material edible to molluscs. In one embodiment the active agent of the mollusc poison may be in the form of a metal complex of EDDS. The composition may be used alone or in conjunction with molluscicidal co-active agents and/or fertilizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations for use in the administration of medicaments, in particular lipophilic medicaments, via mucosal surfaces.

Abstract: The antiallergic agent, antiinflammatory agent, anti-atopic dermatitis agent or antipsoriatic agent of the present invention is efficacious in preventing, reducing or relieving symptoms due to inflammation or allergic reactions, and in particular, it is useful in preventing, reducing or relieving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Abstract: A purified and modified phytase enzyme from Escherichia coli K12 appA phytase is provided. The enzyme has phytase activity and improved thermal tolerance as compared with the wild-type enzyme. In addition, the enzyme has improved protease stability at low pH. Glycosylation of the modified phytase provided a further improved enzyme having improved thermal tolerance and protease stability. The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In particular, the phytase of the present invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles including non-aqueous compositions for protecting the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include emollients, viscosity enhancers and extracted botanical actives.

Abstract: A method for delivering an sub-epidermal treatment by preparing a medicating solution and saturating a stauratable material with sufficient abrasive characteristics to abrade the epidermis and abrading said epidermis where a said abrasion enables sub-epidermal delivery of said medicating solution in said saturated material.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing the transmission of HIV, methods for prophylaxis of HIV transmission and methods for reducing the risk of HIV transmission vaginally or rectally using compositions having at least one of polyquaternium, glycerin, methylparaben or proplyparaben. The invention further provides methods for inhibiting the transmission of a sexually transmitted disease using the compositions. Additionally, the invention provides combinations of compositions and devices used with such methods.

Abstract: A patch for transdermal therapy comprising at least one layer of sheet material (10) for adhesive attachment to the skin of a user, particulate material (11; 11a; 16) including particulate copper or an alloy thereof provided on the surface of said layer of sheet material presented to the skin of the user in use, and, at least one (13; 13a) disposed on the opposite surface of said layer of sheet material.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting or preventing toxicity and other unwanted effects (a) caused by solvents for pharmaceuticals which solvents or emulsifier which contain amphiphilic molecules such as polyethoxylated oils or a derivative thereof, or (b) caused by a drug in a vehicle containing amphiphilic molecules such as phopholipids or derivative thereof, emptying a complement inhibitor. Drug compositions containing amphiphilic molecules, or derivatives thereof and a complement inhibitor, and pharmaceutical compositions including a drug, solvent or carrier containing amphiphilic molecules or derivatives thereof, and a complement inhibitor are also provided.

Abstract: Novel compounds of formula 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ribonucleotide oligonucleotides (RNOs) that are specifically designed to inhibit viral replication. The RNOs are capable of binding to both the negative and positive strands of influenza RNA segments, thereby inhibiting the virus' ability to produce various viral components, thus inhibiting viral propagation, and effectively killing the virus at the intracellular sites of infection in the respiratory tract. The RNOs provided may act independently, or in combination to optimize their antiviral activity. In addition, the RNOs provided may be formulated in liposomes, which facilitate their therapeutic delivery to intracellular sites of infection, and additionally increase antiviral efficacies.

Abstract: A method is provided for inducing a systemic immune response to an antigen. The method comprises providing a liposomal preparation comprising lyophilized liposomes containing at least one antigen. The liposomes have at least two sizes, before lyophilization, selected from small liposomes having a size, before lyophilization, of from about 20 nm to about 1 micron, medium liposomes having a size, before lyophilization, of from about 1 micron to about 3 microns, and large liposomes having a size, before lyophilization, of from about 3 microns to about 20 microns. An effective amount of the liposomal preparation is administered to a mammal, whereby sufficient antigen containing liposomes are absorbed in the Peyer's patches of the gut of the mammal and are taken up by macrophages in the Peyer's patches to stimulate a systemic immune response.

Abstract: A method of increasing glutathione levels in mammalian cells comprising administering an oral bolus of encapsulated pharmaceutically stabilized glutathione in a rapidly dissolving formulation to a mammal on an empty stomach. Pharmaceutical formulations including glutathione are also disclosed.