Abstract: The invention concerns a vaccine capable of protecting a recipient from infection caused group B Streptococcus. The vaccine comprises polysaccharide-protein moieties or protein moieties without a polysaccharide. The vaccine can contain, inter alia, (a) a group B Streptoccus polysaccharide conjugated to (b) either the N-terminal region of the epsilon antigen, a fragment thereof or their functional derivatives such that the vaccine retains the ability to elicit protective antibodies against group B Streptoccus. The vaccine may contain only one type of such polysaccharide-protein unit or may contain a mixture of more than one type of unit. Alternatively, the vaccine may contain antigens from different species of Group B Streptococcus. Additionally, the invention concerns a passive vaccine obtained following immunization with either the capsular polysaccharide-protein conjugate or the non-conjugated protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic protein-polysaccharide conjugates comprising pneumococcal surface protein (PspA) obtained from Streptococcus pneumoniae conjugated to a capsular polysaccharide from N. meningitidis, and compositions comprising the same. Also provided are methods of manufacture of such immunogenic combinations as well as methods of use of such immunogenic combinations in the prevention and treatment of bacterial meningitis, particularly pneumococcal and meningococcal meningitis.

Abstract: A polypeptide self-antigen useful in a tumor-specific vaccine mimics one or more epitopes of an antigen uniquely expressed by cells of the tumor. The polypeptide is preferably produced in a plant that has been transformed or transfected with nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide and is obtainable from the plant in correctly folded, preferably soluble form without a need for denaturation and renaturation. This plant-produced polypeptide is immunogenic without a need for exogenous adjuvants or other immunostimulatory materials. The polypeptide is preferably an scFv molecule that bears the idiotype of the surface immunoglobulin of a non-Hodgkin's (or B cell) lymphoma. Upon administration to a subject with lymphoma, the plant-produced, tumor-unique scFv polypeptide induces an idiotype-specific antibody or cell-mediated immune response against the lymphoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic complexes of heat shock proteins (hsp) noncovalently bound to exogenous antigenic molecules which when administered to an individual elicit specific immunological responses in the host. Methods of prevention and treatment of cancer and infectious disease are provided.

Abstract: Moraxella bovis cytotoxin and a gene encoding Moraxella bovis cytotoxin. Identification, isolation, cloning and identification of nucleotide sequence of the Moraxella bovis genes mbxA, mbxB, mbxC and mbxD, partial purification of the native cytotoxin, preparation of partially purified native and a recombinant Moraxella bovis cytotoxin, identification of an amino acid sequence of the cytotoxin, preparation of antibodies against the Moraxella bovis cytotoxin, preparation of vaccines against Moraxella bovis. Method for prevention and treatment of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis caused by Moraxella bovis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic responses, particularly anaphylactic allergic responses, in subjects who are allergic to allergens or susceptible to allergies. Methods of the present invention utilize administration of microorganisms to subjects, where the microorganisms produce allergens and protect the subjects from exposure to the allergens until phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells. Particularly preferred microorganisms are gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Particularly preferred allergens are proteins found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex that elicit allergic reactions and anaphylactic allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to the proteins or are susceptible to allergies to the proteins. The proteins may also be modified to reduce the ability of the proteins to bind and crosslink IgE antibodies and thereby reduce the risk of eliciting anaphylaxis without affecting T-cell mediated Th1-type immunity.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of inactivating a microorganism and preparing a vaccine including the step of applying to said microorganism a cross-linking agent simultaneously with a separate inactivant. This invention further relates to vaccine prepared by such methods and a kit including such inactivated microorganism. The cross-linking agent is typically formaldehyde (FA) and the inactivant typically binary ethyleneimine (BEI).

Abstract: Immune enhancement compositions for vaccines for virus, bacteria and/or infectious pathogens which contain stable activity-type antioxidant provitamins; a method of enhancing the immunity of vaccines for virus, bacteria and/or infectious pathogens with use of these compositions; and use of the above composition. As the stable activity-type antioxident provitamins, at least one compound selected from among L-ascorbic acid derivatives and &agr;-tocopherly phophates is used.

Abstract: Methods, agents and compositions are provided for correcting immune response to a particular antigen or antigens. For example, the methods and agents disclosed herein can be used to stimulate an effective immune response against infection, e.g. an HIV infection. Alternatively, the inventive concepts embrace the inhibition of inappropriate immune response, one application of which is the prevention of restenosis following coronary angioplasty/arthrectomy.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition useful to prepare influenza A viruses, e.g., in the absence of helper virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides having T cell stimulating activity termed recombitope peptides. Recombitope peptides of the invention preferably comprise at least two T cell epitopes derived from the same or from different protein antigens, and more preferably comprise at least two regions, each region preferably having human T cell stimulating activity and each region comprising at least one T cell epitope derived from a protein antigen. Recombitope peptides of the invention can be derived from protein allergens, autoantigens, or other protein antigens. The invention also provides methods of diagnosing sensitivity to a protein allergen or other protein antigen in an individual, methods to treat such sensitivity and therapeutic compositions comprising one or more recombitope peptides. The invention further provides methods for designing recombitope peptides of the invention where the protein antigen to which the individual is sensitive has unknown or ill-defined T cell epitopes.

Abstract: The invention provides soluble CTLA4 mutant molecules which bind with greater avidity to the CD86 antigen than wildtype CTLA4.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic comprising a superoxide scavenger containing a desirable material which is different from any conventional unstable superoxide dismutase and is available at a low cost. The cosmetic of the present invention comprises a superoxide scavenger including a composition extracted from a specific liquid. This specific liquid is prepared by: boiling a grain with a liquid to obtain a grain liquor; cooling the obtained grain liquor; adding a yeast into the cooled grain liquor; leaving the grain liquor with the yeast while supplying oxygen thereto; and sterilizing the resulting liquid by heating to obtain the specific liquid.

Abstract: A topical composition useful for reducing in hair growth includes &agr;-difluoromethylornithine and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle comprising at least 4% by weight of a polyoxyethylene ether having the chemical formula R(OCH2 CH2)bOH, where R is a saturated or unsaturated alkyl group including from 6 to 22 carbon atoms and b is from 2 to 200.

Abstract: There are disclosed skin treatment compositions containing cell signaling compounds, which induce and promote the biosynthesis and/or bioactivity of endogenous chemicals that mediate cell to cell communication in the skin between keratinocytes, fibroblasts and other cell types present in the skin. The cell signaling compound is selected from the group consisting of: andrographolide and its derivatives; adenosine cyclic phosphate and its derivatives; hydrolyzed milk proteins; sunflower seed extract; plankton extract; phytol and its derivatives; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Methods for producing thin keratin films, sheets, and bulk materials, and products formed using these methods. One method includes providing hair, reducing the hair such that the disulfide linkages are broken and free cysteine thiol groups formed, separating out a more soluble keratin fraction in solution, forming a thin layer from the more soluble fraction, and air drying the keratin fraction in the presence of oxygen, thereby forming new disulfide bonds imparting strength to the resulting thin keratin film. One method includes reducing hair by heating the hair under nitrogen in an ammonium hydroxide and ammonium thioglycolate solution followed by centrifuging and collecting the supernatant containing the more soluble keratin fraction. The more soluble keratin in this method is precipitated using HCI, removed, and resuspended in ammonium hydroxide. The keratin solution thus formed is poured onto a flat surface and allowed to air dry into a thin keratin film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method of using vitamin E, vitamin C and a carotenoid in the manufacture of a foodstuff for reducing nucleic acid damage in a companion animal. The inventions is also directed to a process and a foodstuff for reducing nucleic acid damage in a companion animal that includes the step of feeding the companion animal a foodstuff containing vitamin E, vitamin C and a carotenoid. The process and foodstuff can also include taurine. Preferably the vitamin E is present at a concentration of from 25 IU/400 kcal diet or above, the vitamin C is present at a concentration of from 10 mg/400 kcal or above and the carotenoid is present at a concentration of from 0.01 mg/400 kcal or above.

Abstract: Methods and enzyme supplements for enhancing fiber digestion in mammals and birds are described. The supplement comprises an effective amount of acetyl esterase, formulated for feeding to animals consuming significant percentages of forages in the diet. The compositions of this invention improve dry matter and neutral detergent fiber disappearance rates, and are useful dietary supplements for improving fiber digestion. The compositions of this invention may be utilized alone or in combination with known exogenous fibrolytic enzyme supplement to improve fiber digestion in mammals and birds. The acetyl esterase advantageously used in the compositions and methods of the present invention is produced by a ruminal isolate of Orpinomyces.

Abstract: The invention concerns a conditioned composition comprising at least a liquid absorbed on a support containing a precipitated silica, said silica being in the form of substantially spherical pellets and having: an average pellet size greater than 150 &mgr;m; a filling density in compacted state (DRT) less than 0.29; an oversize rate for a sieve with aperture size of 75 &mgr;m of at least 88% wt. %; a porous volume (Vd1), consisting of pores with diameter less than 1 &mgr;m, greater than 2.0 cm3/g. The invention also concerns the use of said silica as a support for liquid.

Abstract: A treated substrate with improved availability of a beneficial component for transfer to a target surface and methods for making the same are described. The substrate has a contacting surface with a beneficial component that is transferred from the contacting surface to a target surface during use of the article. The beneficial component is applied to the article in such a way as to “Top-Bias” the component on or near the contacting surface of the article.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad comprises a spinel powder having the formula of AB2O4 which emits 3-18 or 3-30 micron wave length depending the composition of the spinel for treatment of pain. A novel method for treatment of pain by placing the said pad with the spinel powder over the painful area.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for percutaneous administration containing a mixture of polymers forming a surface-segregated film, and (B) an active ingredient. The composition provides excellent percutaneous absorption efficacy of the active ingredient, particularly, a water-soluble active ingredient, has excellent feeling and is convenient to use.

Abstract: Compositions are described for linking drugs or pharmaceutical agents to substrates such that the drug or pharmaceutical agent can be rendered relatively ineffective when not exposed to an enabling enzyme contained within a compartment of a living animal or human.

Abstract: A tansdermal delivery device for effectively treating seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticariain in humans is disclosed and methods thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for delivering nucleic acid catalysts e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R-1) ribozyme, into a biological system.

Abstract: Liposomal-encapsulated taxane or an antineoplastic derivative thereof or a mixture thereof is provided which is used to effect a therapeutically enhanced method of treating cancer. The liposomal encapsulated paclitaxel allows for administration to a patient, particularly a human patient, in less than one hour without substantial toxicity.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a narcotic analgesic in mixed micellar form are disclosed. The mixed micelles are formed from an alkali metal alkyl sulfate, and other micelle-forming compounds as described in the specification. Micelle size ranges between about 1 and 10 nanometers. Methods for making and using the compositions are also disclosed. A preferred method for administering the present composition is through the buccal mucosa of the mouth.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with solid oral dosage forms of comprising

Abstract: A novel method is provided for enhancing dispersion of drug-containing particles in an aqueous medium. According to this method, a solid dosage form of the drug is provided having incorporated therein a dispersion-enhancing amount of an effervescent agent wherein (a) the dosage form is adapted for swallowing without prior disintegration in water or in the mouth, and (b) the amount of the effervescent agent is not sufficient to substantially enhance disintegration of the dosage form in the aqueous medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a sustained release composition free of food effect comprising:

Abstract: Disclosed herein is sustained-release formulations of tramadol comprising tramadol saccharinate coated with at least one sustained-release coating. The sustained release formulations may also contain tramadol in non-sustained release form, and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Also disclosed are methods of preparation of and methods of treatment using the inventive formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral controlled release pharmaceutical composition for once-a-day therapy for the treatment and prophylaxis of cardiac and circulatory diseases comprising carvedilol or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester and release rate controlling excipients, wherein the said composition is adapted to release the carvedilol in a controlled manner so as to provide control over carvedilol plasma levels, such that the ratio of peak plasma levels to the plasma levels at 24 hours after administration, and the mean residence time of carvedilol, are within a desirable range for said once-a-day therapy for the treatment and prophylaxis of cardiac and circulatory diseases.

Abstract: Patients are treated with 24-hour oral sustained release opioid formulations which, upon administration, provide an initially rapid opioid absorption such that the minimum effective analgesic concentration of the opioid is more quickly achieved. These sustained release opioid formulations include an effective amount of at least one retardant material to cause said opioid analgesic to be released at a such a rate as to provide an analgesic effect after oral administration to a human patient for at least about 24 hours, and are characterized by providing an absorption half-life from 1 to about 8 hours. A method of titrating a human patient utilizing these sustained release opioid formulations is also disclosed.

Abstract: Microparticles and nanoparticles prepared from oppositely charged polymers are provided in which a drug is incorporated into the core and is conjugated to one polymer by a Schiff-base crosslink. The particles are suitable for use in injectable formulations in which the rate of release of the drug through the particle shell is slowed as compared to noncrosslinked drugs. Enzymatically degradable polymers can be incorporated in otherwise hydrolytically stable particles to provide drug release at particular sites within the body where the enzyme of interest is present.

Abstract: New pharmaceutical compositions in unit dosage form are disclosed for both intraoral and oral administration to a patient, said unit dosage form configured to be placed intraorally of said patient, which comprises:

Abstract: A once a day bupropion hydrochloride formulation is disclosed.

Abstract: Improved edible films for mucoadhesion are provided. The films include at least three types film forming agents other than pullulan, such as maltodextrins, hydrocolloids and fillers. Medicaments and other additive agents can also be incorporated into the edible films. In this regard, the edible films can be utilized to deliver or release the medicaments into an oral cavity, thereby providing effective oral treatment with respect to, for example, oral cleansing and breath freshening.

Abstract: Lipobeads (liposome-encapsulated hydrogels) combine properties of hydrogels and liposomes to create systems that are sensitive to environmental conditions and respond to changes in those conditions in a fast time scale. Lipobeads may be produced by polymerizing anchored or unanchored hydrogels within liposomes or by mixing anchored or unanchored hydrogels with liposomes. Giant lipobeads may be produced by shrinking unanchored nanogels in lipobeads and fusing the resulting lipobead aggregates, long-term aging of anchored or unanchored lipobeads, or mixing anchored or unanchored aggregated nanogels with liposomes. Poly(acrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) lipobeads were produced and characterized.

Abstract: A method for processing and preserving an acellular collagen-based tissue matrix for transplantation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of processing biological tissues with a stabilizing solution to reduce procurement damage, treatment with a processing solution to remove cells, treatment with a cryoprotectant solution followed by freezing, drying, storage and rehydration under conditions that preclude functionally significant damage and reconstitution with viable cells.

Abstract: An ultra fine mineral compound and method of processing native Dead Sea minerals into this ultra fine mineral compound that can be used to manufacture all natural Dead Sea mineral compositions particularly compositions for use in bath and body products is disclosed. Even with the extreme ionic character of the Dead Sea minerals, the Dead Sea mineral compositions prepared remain in suspension creating a viable cosmetic preparation that can maintain adequate shelf life and provide a more pleasant feel for the consumer.

Abstract: A composition, and methods of forming and using said composition, for the sustained release of non-aggregated, biologically active, erythropoietin (EPO). The sustained release composition of this invention comprises a polymeric matrix of a biocompatible polymer and particles of biologically active, aggregation-stabilized EPO, wherein said particles are dispersed within the biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: Fine-clustered water made from pure water is obtained by fine clustering treatment of pure water and is able to disperse at least about 1.5 times as much glyceryl trioleate as purified water can disperse.

Abstract: A composition and therapeutic methods therefore for pharmacologically strong acid solutions comprising a mixture of strong and weak acids.

Abstract: Microbicidal formulations are described which are preferably ecologically friendly and non-toxic to mammals, and are highly effective against a broad spectrum of detrimental pathogenic microorganisms. The microbicidal formulation contains complexes having the formula R-M, wherein R is at least one organic chelating moiety and M is at least one metal ion which is microbicidal to at least one microorganism. These complexes can disrupt microorganism activities by penetrating the natural protecting bio-films of such microorganisms through the reaction of the R-group with the organic constituents of these microorganisms while releasing M into their intra-cellular media. Thus, this process exhibits its biocidal activities from the inside-out, contrary to other methods which rely on damaging the protective biofilms.

Abstract: A reconstituted ocean mixture comprising, sea salt, and the purified product of reverse osmosis of water. A method is provided for treating a pierced area of a person's skin comprising applying to the pierced area a reconstituted ocean water mixture of sea salt and the product of reverse osmosis of water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to gel compositions useful in the preparation of medicated gel products. Such medicated gel products are suitable for use in the treatment of anorectal disorders such as hemorrhoids. Also disclosed is a method for the treatment of such anorectal disorders using the claimed medicated gel products.

Abstract: A composition effective in suppressing the growth of cancer cells comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of oridonin, lupulone, bavachin, bavachalcone, bavachinin, bavachromene, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters, their selectively substituted analogs, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. Another embodiment is an improved method for the treatment of various cancers, comprising administration of a pharmaceutically effective quantity of a compound selected from the group consisting of oridonin, lupulone, bavachin, bavachalcone, bavachinin, bavachromene, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters, their selectively substituted analogs, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

Abstract: A biorational insecticide and fungicide and method of application on trees and plants, fruits and vegetables to enhance the growth thereof and to effectively control insects and fungi comprising at least one surfactant and at least one high terpene containing natural oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures comprising at least one of the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3) and the plant Zingiber officinale Roscoe or parts thereof or an extract or a component thereof as novel pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements or cosmetic compositions containing such mixtures, and to the use of such mixtures for preparing a medicament or a dietary supplement for the suppression of hypersensitivity and/or inflammatory reaction.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a control system for controlling the injection of fluid molding material during an injection cycle. The control system includes a controller for generating control signals and a servo control circuit responsive to the control signals for controlling the injection of the fluid molding material. The servo control circuit implements a first control mode which controls only a velocity of the fluid molding material during a first part of the injection cycle and a second control mode which controls only a pressure of the fluid molding material during a second part of the injection cycle.