Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against a bacterial or protozoal disease in a subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate comprising a live bacteria or protozoa and a neutralizing factor bound to the live bacteria or protozoa. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live bacteria or protozoa is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live bacteria or protozoa.

Abstract: A complex including an HLA class I molecule and attaching means for selectively attaching the HLA class I molecule to a target is disclosed, and a method is provided for producing or enhancing an immunological response against a target cell, by attaching said complex to the target cell. Where the target cell is diseased, foreign, or malignant cell, this method may be used to promote lysis of the target cell by T cells in the immune system. Where the target cell is an antigen presenting cell, this method may be used to promote proliferation of specific T cell clones. Uses include prevention and treatment of diseases including cancer, leukaemia, infectious diseases, viral infections, such as HIV, bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, and parasitic infections such as malaria.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding novel CD100 molecules which stimulate a leukocyte response, such as a B cell response, including B cell aggregation, B cell differentiation, B cell survival, and/or T cell proliferationare disclosed. These novel molecules have a certain homology to semaphorins, proteins which are growth cone guidance molecules that are critical for guiding growing axons of neurons to their targets. In addition to isolated nucleic acids molecules, antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced are also described. The invention further provides isolated CD100 proteins, fusion proteins and active fragments thereof. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

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: A method of achieving safe and effective treatment or prevention of potentially harmful blood clots, or in inhibiting the coagulation of blood when so desired such as during a wide array of disease conditions including stroke, myocardial infarction, sickle-cell crisis and venous thrombosis, is provided by the administration of a fibrinogen-binding protein capable of binding at the N-terminal B&bgr; chain of fibrinogen, such as SdrG or Fbe, or their respective binding regions such as the A domain. In addition, compositions comprising effective amounts of the fibrinogen-binding proteins are also provided. The present anti-coagulation compositions have been shown to inhibit thrombin-induced fibrin clot formation by interfering with the release of fibrinopeptide B and the resulting anti-coagulation effects can be achieved without potential for causing or exacerbating unwanted side effects such as thrombocytopenia associated with prior art anticoagulants such as heparin.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the isolation of the human and murine wild-type Int6 gene and the cDNAs corresponding to these genes. The invention further describes the use of reagents derived from the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of the Int6 gene in diagnostic methods, immunotherapy, gene therapy and as vaccines.

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: First generation adenoviral vectors and associated recombinant adenovirus-based HIV vaccines which show enhanced stability and growth properties and greater cellular-mediated immunity are described within this specification. These adenoviral vectors are utilized to generate and produce through cell culture various adenoviral-based HIV-1 vaccines which contain HIV-1 gag, HIV-1 pol and/or HIV-1 nef polynucleotide pharmaceutical products, and biologically relevant modifications thereof. These adenovirus vaccines, when directly introduced into living vertebrate tissue, preferably a mammalian host such as a human or a non-human mammal of commercial or domestic veterinary importance, express the HIV1-Gag, Pol and/or Nef protein or biologically modification thereof, inducing a cellular immune response which specifically recognizes HIV-1.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid vaccines containing genes to protect animals or humans against rickettsial diseases. Also described are polypeptides and methods of using these polypetides to detect antibodies to pathogens.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for efficiently expressing antibody fusion proteins. Antibody fusion proteins of the invention include a hybrid antibody moiety containing sequences from more than one type of antibody and/or mutant antibody sequences. Hybrid antibody fusion proteins of the invention may be produced at high levels and may combine functional properties characteristic of different antibody types in addition to functional properties of a non-antibody moiety.

Abstract: A novel immuno-enhancing composition or functional food, novel killer activity-inducing composition or functional food, novel tumor proliferation inhibitory composition or functional food, novel interleukin 12-inducing composition or functional food, novel TGF-&bgr; activity inhibitory composition or functional food, and novel active oxygen-capturing composition or functional food, comprising as an active ingredient a hot water extract of Tricholoma matsutake or an alkaline solution extract of Tricholoma matsutake, or an adsorption fraction of a hot water extract of Tricholoma matsutake or an alkaline solution extract of Tricholoma matsutake by an anion exchange resin; and a novel adsorption fraction of a hot water extract of Tricholoma matsutake or an alkaline solution extract of Tricholoma matsutake by an anion exchange resin are disclosed.

Abstract: An adjuvant complex composed of bacterial outer membrane protein proteosomes complexed to bacterial liposaccharide is prepared to contain the component parts under a variety of conditions. The complex can be formulated with antigenic material to form immunogenic compositions, vaccines and immunotherapeutics. An induced immune response includes protective antibodies and/or type 1 cytokines is shown for a variety of protocols.

Abstract: This invention relates to attenuated pestiviruses characterised in that their enzymatic activity residing in glycoprotein ERNS is inactivated, methods of preparing, using and detecting these.

Abstract: By virtue of the present invention, there is provided methods and compositions for interfering with the proliferation of cells infected and/or transformed by papillomaviruses. The processes and compositions of this invention may be used to treat any mammal, including humans. According to this invention, mammals are treated by the pharmaceutically acceptable administration of an E2 peptidomimetic to reduce the symptoms of the specific papillomavirus-associated disease, or to prevent their recurrence.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the treatment of HIV infected individuals. The method is practiced by combining immunization with an HIV immunogenic composition with structured cycles of anti-retroviral treatment and withdrawal from treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunomodulatory flagellin peptide having at least about 10 amino acids of substantially the amino acid sequence GAVQNRFNSAIT, or a modification thereof, and having toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) binding. Methods of inducing an immune response are also provided.

Abstract: A cloned gene encoding the expression of an antigenic mutant pertussis toxin with substantially reduced enzymatic activity has been described.

Abstract: This invention relates to an over-expressing homologous antigen vaccine, a method of producing the same, and use of the vaccine for prophylaxis or treatment of vertebrates at risk of or suffering from disease caused by a pathogenic micro-organism. The vaccine is an attenuated or avirulent pathogenic micro-organism that over-expresses at least one homologous antigen encoded by at least one gene derived from the pathogenic micro-organism, and may also express a heterologous antigen.

Abstract: A package comprising components which, upon being mixed, are capable of forming a pharmaceutical composition that is effective in treating acne, the composition tending to degrade prematurely, one of the components comprising an oxidizing agent and another of the components comprising an antibiotic which is effective against acne-associated bacterial species, the components separated one from the other in the package, one component having a viscosity within about 50% of the viscosity of the other component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a suspension of a pharmaceutically-active compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first organic solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous. The process includes the steps of: (i) dissolving a first quantity of the pharmaceutically-active compound in the water-miscible first organic solvent to form a first solution; (ii) mixing the first solution with the second solvent to precipitate the pharmaceutically-active compound; and (iii) seeding the first solution or the second solvent or the presuspension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel pharmaceutical composition based on the use of a particular oil phase which comprises a lipophilic, pharmaceutically active agent, a mixture of diglyceride and monoglyceride in a ratio of from about 9:1 to about 6:4 by weight (diglyceride:monoglyceride) wherein the diglyceride and monoglyceride are mono- or di-unsaturated fatty acid esters of glycerol having sixteen to twenty-two carbon chain length, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable solvents, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable surfactants. The composition is in a form of self-emulsifying formulation which provides high concentration and high oral bioavailability for lipophilic compounds.

Abstract: A composition capable of forming a film that ionically bonds to the skin comprising one or more active agents; a nonionic or skin comprising: one or more active agents; a nonionic or substantially nonionic first film forming component; one or more cationic surfactants comprising one or more fatty moieties that are soluble in the first film forming component; and a liquid carrier. Also provided are stable emulsions of such compositions, compositions that are especially adapted to delivering medicinal agents to the surface of the skin, and methods for preparing such compositions.

Abstract: A tropical composition is provided. The topical composition can be prepared by diluting a topical composition precursor with water and adding additional components, if desired. The topical composition precursor can be prepared by melt processing a hydrophobic polymer composition that includes repeating pyrrolidone/alkylene groups wherein the alkylene groups contain at least 10 carbon atoms, and a hydrophilic polymer composition including repeating carboxylic groups and/or repeating hydroxyl groups. A topical composition precursor and methods for manufacturing and using a topical composition are provided by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic compositions that comprise a safe and effective amount of a bonding agent comprising the structure 1

Abstract: A cosmetic or dermatological composition characterized in that it comprises an association between an elastase inhibitor compound of the N-acylaminoamide family and at least one metalloproteinase inhibiting compound.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the condition of non-diseased skin by application of compositions containing adenosine or an adenosine analog are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for increasing DNA synthesis or protein synthesis in dermal cells, and methods for increasing dermal cell size, by application of compositions containing adenosine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic makeup composition and/or care composition for the skin, comprising a dispersion, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, of particles comprising an at least partially internal supple phase comprising at least one supple polymer having a glass transition temperature of less than or equal to 60° C., and an at least partially external rigid phase which is an amorphous material having a glass transition temperature of greater than 60° C., the supple polymer being at least partially attached by chemical grafting onto the rigid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed are cosmetic preparations that consist of a continuous phase and active agents dispersed therein and are characterized in that the continuous phase consists of pearly luster waxes.

Abstract: A granular composition for use in a personal care product comprises at least one water-insoluble inorganic material having a particle size of no more than 50 &mgr;m and up to 10 percent by weight based on weight of water-insoluble inorganic material of a non-binding swelling agent, the granules having a particle size greater than about 50 &mgr;m and up to about 1000 &mgr;m, as measured by sieve analysis, a dry strength such that from about 20 to about 70 percent by weight pass through a 212 &mgr;m sieve when subjected to the attrition test defined herein and a wet strength such that less than 12 percent by weight residue remains on a 45 &mgr;m sieve after ultrasonification in water for 1 minute with 48 &mgr;m amplitude of vibration, and wherein said granules possess sufficient strength so as not to substantially break down when present in said personal care product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for use to control parasitic mites of honey bees, particularly Varroa mites. In one aspect, the invention is directed to control of parasitic mites of honey bees wherein the active ingredient is a miticidally effective amount of a selected ketone or 1-heptanol, ethyl butyrate, benzaldehyde, heptaldehyde, or d-limonene. In a second aspect, the invention is directed to control of parasitic mites of honey bees wherein the active ingredient is an effective attractant amount of 2-heptanone. The attracted mites are then trapped or otherwise removed from the locus of the bees. The present invention is also directed to methods and compositions which include 2-heptanone to control hive invading pests of honey bees.

Abstract: A method of making an implantable scaffold for repairing damaged or diseased tissue includes the step of suspending pieces of an extracellular matrix material in a liquid. The extracellular matrix material and the liquid are formed into a mass. The liquid is subsequently driven off so as to form interstices in the mass. Porous implantable scaffolds fabricated by such a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An osteogenic composition is prepared by a process including the steps of subjecting demineralized bone to an extraction medium to produce an insoluble extraction product and a soluble extraction product, separating the insoluble extraction product and the soluble extraction product, drying the soluble extraction product to remove all or substantially all of the moisture in the soluble extraction product, and combining the dried soluble extraction product of step c) with demineralized bone particles. Preferably, the process does not involve heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered pharmaceutical delivery device for the administration of pharmaceuticals or other active compounds to mucosal surfaces. The device may also be used by itself without the incorporation of a therapeutic. The device of the present invention consists of a water-soluble adhesive layer, a non-adhesive, bioerodable backing layer and one or more pharmaceuticals if desired in either or both layers. Upon application, the device adheres to the mucosal surface, providing protection to the treatment site and localized drug delivery. The “Residence Time”, the length of time the device remains on the mucosal surface before complete erosion, can be easily regulated by modifications of the backing layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to antimicrobial lenses and methods for their production where the lenses contain silver and a polymerizable monomer of Formula I, II, III or IV 1

Abstract: A preservative for high-moisture organic materials including one or more organic acids combined with either or both a surfactant and an antioxidant. Preferably, the organic acids include propionic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, or sorbic acid; the surfactants include propylene glycol, lecithin, lysolecithin, and mono- and diglycerides; the antioxidants include synthetic and natural antioxidants, specifically, TBHQ, citric acid, BHT, BHA, tocopherols, and extracts of rosemary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functional foods or cosmetics containing sphingoglycolipids and a process of producing the same.

Abstract: This invention features an oral vaccine that includes a multiple-cell organism for use as food for an aquatic animal to be vaccinated, and a single-cell organism fed to, and as a result, bioencapsulated by, the multiple-cell organism. The single-cell organism has been transformed to express a recombinant antigen that induces an immune response in the aquatic animal and thereby vaccinates the aquatic animal (e.g., a fish or a shrimp).

Abstract: The inventive coating may be employed to deliver a pharmaceutical agent to a selected body area that is involved within the insertion or application of a medical device. Such medical devices may include silicone based urinary catheters and other medical implants as well as other silicone based devices having deformable portions which could benefit from the release of a pharmaceutical agent from its surface. The coating allows the introduction of the pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria. The release rate is adjusted by utilizing different salt forms of the additive and adjusting the concentration of urethane and RTV silicone. The coating incorporates additive compounds such as anti-microbial, anti-fungals and other organic compounds. Methods are also provided for the manufacture of the subject coating and for the application of the same to surfaces of medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for topical administration comprising an interleukin 2 inhibitor and an antimicrobial agent as active ingredients thereof, wherein said interleukin 2 inhibitor contains a tricyclo compound as shown by the general formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The present invention further provides a method for treating inflammations and/or infections comprising topical administration of an effective amount of an interleukin 2 inhibitor and an antimicrobial agent to a subject in need of the treatment of inflammations and/or infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system for application to the skin and/or mucosa consisting of at least one active substance in the form of a solid dispersion in combination with at least one destructuring agent and/or at least one structuring agent in a common matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition containing liposome and/or emulsion, characterized in that it is prepared by colliding the following two solutions at the time of use: (1) an oil-phase containing a surfactant; and (2) an aqueous phase, wherein at least one phase contains an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for preparing polymer hydrogel spherical particles on a nanometer scale (nanogels). The method includes encapsulating hydrogel-forming components into liposomes, diluting the large unilamellar liposomes suspension to prevent polymerization outside the liposomes, and polymerizing the encapsulated hydrogel-forming components. The lipid bilayer may be solubilized with detergent. The phospholipid and detergent molecules and their micelles may then be removed by dialysis. The resulting nanogels may then be dried by evaporation in a temperature gradient. Poly(acrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) hydrogel particles with a diameter from 30 to 300 nm were detected and characterized by dynamic light scattering technique. The solvent, temperature, pH, and ionic sensitivities of the nanogels were studied.

Abstract: This invention provides gelatin and gelatin hydrolysate peptide for food, medical and cosmetic use derived from such raw materials as poultry skins, bones and/or tendons, with an isoelectric point at pH 7-10, and characterized by no or low antigen-antibody reactivity to the serum of gelatin-allergic individuals. Since the gelatin and its hydrolysate peptide of the invention are hypoallergenic, they can safely be used for gelatin-allergic individuals and for food, medicine and cosmetics, for which the safety is particularly required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual release solid dosage form containing a first composition that releases oseltamivir in a controlled manner and a second composition that releases an H1 antagonist in a rapid and/or immediate manner. A wide range of H1 antagonist antihistamines, especially fexofenadine and loratadine, can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. The device is useful for the treatment of respiratory congestion and other viral infection associated symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oral dosage form comprising a first composition and a second composition. The first composition comprises an effective amount of a therapeutic agent and the second composition comprises an effective amount of an adverse-effect agent. The adverse-effect agent is covered with a coating that is substantially insoluble in the gastrointestinal tract. In one embodiment, the adverse-effect agent is coated with an outer base-soluble layer and an inner acid-soluble layer. The therapeutic agent can be uncoated or can be coated with a coating having an outer acid-soluble layer and an inner base-soluble layer. The dosage form discourages administration of the therapeutic agent by other than oral administration.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with means for adjusting the bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium by modulating its rate of release from multiparticulate formulations and with multiparticulate formulations, especially tablets and capsules, having said modulated rate of release.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary systems and methods for producing dry powder formulations. In one embodiment, a system (10) includes at least one conditioning zone (12) having an inlet (20) to introduce an atomized formulation (18) into the conditioning zone. A controller (14, 16) controls temperature and relative humidity of the airflow into the conditioning zone to allow amorphous-to-crystalline transformation of the atomized formulation. In another embodiment, the formulation is suspended in the conditioning zone for a residence time of sufficient duration to allow surface orientation of surface active components. A dryer (24) is coupled to the conditioning zone to dry the atomized formulation, and a collector (28) collects the formulation in powder form.

Abstract: Compositions consisting essentially of carbetapentane tannate and guaifenesin which are effective when administered orally for the symptomatic relief of cough associated with respiratory tract conditions such as the common cold, bronchial asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis are disclosed.

Abstract: This application describes a method of preparing stabilized sustained release tablets containing bupropion hydrochloride and carboxyvinyl polymers, in which the composition contains, at least about 90% w/w of undegraded Bupropion hydrochloride after storage for two weeks at 55° C. and for three months at 40° C. and 75% relative humidity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preventing gel formation of a hydrophobic peptides by contacting the hydrophobic peptide with a counter-ion in an amount and at a molar ratio with the peptide that are sufficient to provide a fluid, milky microcrystalline aqueous suspension of the peptide without formation of a gel. The invention also relates to a fluid, milky microcrystalline aqueous suspension of a hydrophobic peptide and a counter-ion in water, wherein the peptide and counter-ion are present in amounts and at a molar ratio sufficient to form, upon mixing, the suspension without formation of a gel.