Abstract: The present invention relates to capsules encapsulating cytochrome P450 producing cells and cytochrome P450 producing retroviral packaging cells. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the treatment of cancer or any other relevant disease with said capsules and to the use of said capsules for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for said treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening for compounds which affect the activity of a physiologically important calcium pump, the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), using the nematode worm C. elegans.

Abstract: A virulent preparation of Agrobacterium cells, includes Agrobacterium cells, an acidulant, and a phenolic compound that is preferably ethyl vanillin. A method of preparing the preparation includes the steps of preparing a suspension of Agrobacteria in a liquid desiccation medium which includes an acidulant and the phenolic compound and dehydrating the suspension. The preparation is shelf stable at ambient temperature for several months. The preparation may further contain a dry excipient material, a food coloring agent, a flow agent, a plant hormone, a bacterial growth promoter and an antifungal agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a new nematocidal composition particularly useful against plant parasitic nematodes and also a process to prevent damage resulting from nematode infestation. The method for production of the composition involves heating a pH-adjusted fermentation broth of microorganisms to a temperature of at least about 100° C. for at least about 15 minutes. Preferably, the microorganism is Gibberella fujikuroi, Streptomyces erythraeus, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus thuringiensis or Fusarium moniliforme.

Abstract: Methods for modulating immune responses are provided. The methods involve contacting an immune cell with an agent that modulates interaction of a compound comprising a Lewis antigen with the immune cell such that production by the immune cell of at least one cytokine that regulates development of a T helper type 1 or T helper type 2 response is modulated. Stimulatory forms of the agent can comprise multivalent conjugates containing a Lewis antigen, such as a Lewisy, Lewisx or Lewisa-containing oligosaccharide, or a derivative thereof. Inhibitory forms of the agent can comprise non-crosslinked forms of a Lewis antigen, such as a Lewisy, Lewisx or Lewisa-containing oligosaccharide, or a derivative thereof. Stimulatory forms of the agent can be used in methods for stimulating a specific immune response to an antigen in vivo. Inhibitory forms of the agent can be used in methods for inhibiting allergic responses in vivo.

Abstract: A method for generating antigen-sensitized Ig-A-producing lymphoblasts in a mammal, using an immunogen comprising an antigen or antigen mixture in association with hydroxylated calcium phosphate (hydroxy apatite) is administered to a mucosal surface of the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable compacted, compressed or hard tableted vaccine composition comprising at least one freeze dried antigenic component and a dissolution aid. A method to facilitate immunizing a subject against a disease comprising the steps of first dissolving the compacted, compressed or hard tableted vaccine composition in a package with a diluent to form a vaccine solution, and administering the resulting vaccine solution in an amount effective for immunizing is also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for rendering a polypeptide capable of binding with Vpr and to susceptible to incorporation into a are provided. Methods of treating a human patient infected with a virus which expresses Vpr and methods of providing a polypeptide to a cell of a human patient are also included. The invention further includes a method of determining whether a polypeptide comprises a Vpr-binding region.

Abstract: A live attenuated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) whose replication is not constitutive but is instead conditionally regulated (such that rounds of reverse transcription with accompanying potential for error are strictly limited) might yield a paradigm that minimizes evolution to virulence and facilitate vaccine development. We have broached the concept of conditional control of HIV-1 through gain-of-function. Here, we describe the design of constitutively inactive HIV-1 genomes (HIV-DoxT and HIV-DoxSp) which can be conditionally resuscitated to an active state by tetracycline or related analogues. The HIV-DoxT construct comprises an inactivating mutation engineered into TAR, thereby rendering the virus non-responsive to Tat, a 302-bp DNA fragment (TetopT) which contains the tet-operator ligated into a position upstream of the HIV TATAA box, in both the 5′ and 3′ LTRs, and a reverse tetracycline-controlled activator (RTTA) coding sequence in place of the nef coding region.

Abstract: The ethyl ester of derivatives of benzoyl ecgonine are provided having a linking group at the para position of the benzoyl group. The derivatives are used to bond to immunogenic polypeptides for production of antisera and monoclonal antibodies. The antisera and antibodies find use in assays, for treatment of cocaine overdose and detoxification.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods related to the administration of red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, and chromium, with or without inositol hexanicotinate, selenium, and mixed tocopherols to reduce or control blood cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, or increasing or controlling high density lipoproteins in a mammal, to reduce arterial plaque build-up, atherosclerosis, in a mammal which may be associated with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular, or intestinal vascular disorders.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods related to the administration of red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, and chromium, with or without inositol hexanicotinate, selenium, and mixed tocopherols to reduce or control blood cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, or increasing or controlling high density lipoproteins in a mammal, to reduce arterial plaque build-up, atherosclerosis, in a mammal which may be associated with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular, or intestinal vascular disorders.

Abstract: A C-terminal pilin peptide vaccine for immunizing or treating a patient for infection by a Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection is disclosed. The peptide comprises the peptide identified as SEQ ID NOS. 3-6; and a carrier protein conjugated to the peptide. Also disclosed is a pilin peptide C-terminal PA pilin peptide having the amino acid sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:3, and analogs thereof having one of residues T, K, or A at position 130, D, T, or N at position 132, Q, A, or V at position 133, E, P, N, or A at position 135, Q, M, or K at position 136, and I, T, L, or R at position 138, excluding SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 9, 10, and 11, and the ability to cross-react with antibodies against the corresponding C-terminal peptides from PA strains PAK and PAO.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that a viral VEGF-like protein from the orf virus strain NZ2 and from the orf virus strain NZ10 is capable of binding to the extracellular domain of the VEGF receptor-2 to form bioactive complexes which mediate useful cellular responses and/or antagonize undesired biological activities. Disclosed are methods which stimulate or inhibit these biological activities, methods for therapeutic applications and antagonists of ORFV2-VEGF and/or NZ10.

Abstract: A mutant virus for use as a vaccine, wherein the genome of the virus is defective in respect of a gene essential for the production of infectious virus. In one aspect the mutant virus is capable of protecting a susceptible species immunized therewith against infection by the corresponding wild-type virus. In another aspect, the mutant virus acts as a vector for an immunogenic protein derived from a pathogen and which is encoded by foreign DNA incorporated in the mutant virus. The mutant virus can be produced in a recombinant host cell which expresses a gene complementing the defect. The mutant virus is preferably infectious for the host to be protected, but the defective gene allows expression in the infected host of at least some of the viral genes, which can provoke a cell-mediated immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least one alphavirus structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA. Preferably, the helper cell is co-transfected with a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging segment and an inserted heterogeneous RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell, with said replicon RNA packaged therein.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system comprising an AAV vector, which contains a foreign DNA, and rep 68/78 sequences of AAV with delayed expression, these sequences being present (a) in cis or (b) in trans. The invention also concerns the use of such a system for the production of AAV vectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for suppressing bovine leukemia-related cell proliferation. In the methods, a Shiga-toxin composition is administered in an amount effective to suppress bovine leukemia-related cell proliferation. The Shiga-toxin composition can include a Shiga-toxin polypeptide; a probiotic microorganism expressing a Shiga-toxin polypeptide; or a transgenic plant expressing a Shiga-toxin polypeptide. In one embodiment, the Shiga-toxin polypeptide is Stx1A and, in another embodiment, the Shiga-toxin polypeptide is Stx1 holotoxin.

Abstract: An antiviral product is comprised of at least three dosages forms, each of which has a different release profile, with the Cmax for the antiviral product being reached in less than about twelve hours. In one embodiment, there is an immediate release dosage form, as well as two or more delayed release dosage forms, with each of the dosage forms having a different release profile, wherein each reaches a Cmax at different times.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene glycol) carbamate derivatives useful as water-soluble pro-drugs are disclosed. These degradable poly(ethylene glycol) carbamate derivatives also have potential applications in controlled hydrolytic degradation of hydrogels. In such degradable hydrogels, drugs may be either trapped in the gel and released by diffusion as the gel degrades, or they may be covalently bound through hydrolyzable carbamate linkages. Hydrolysis of these carbamate linkages releases the amine drug at a controllable rate as the gel degrades.

Abstract: This invention relates to monoalkyl phosphoric esters, dialkyl phosphoric esters, and, in small amounts, trialkyl phosphoric esters or salts thereof, which are preferably based on &bgr;-branched fatty alcohols, particularly Guerbet alcohol, which are effective in lowering the surface tension of both polar and also nonpolar liquids, and which have high stability, even at elevated temperatures, and low sensitivity to electrolytes and acids. The invention further relates to the use of such mixtures as emulsifiers in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations, and to the resulting products.

Abstract: The subject-matter of the present invention is a stable anhydrous composition for cosmetic or pharmaceutical use comprising at least one silicone oil and at least one pigment, wherein said composition further comprises at least one oxyalkylenated silicone substituted at the &agr; and &ohgr; positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanoemulsion, that includes: an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase; and at least one glycerol fatty ester surfactant which is solid at a temperature of less than or equal to 45° C.; wherein the oily phase includes oil globules having a number-average size of less than 100 nm; wherein the oily phase includes at least one oil having a molecular weight of greater than 400; and wherein a weight ratio of the oily phase to the surfactant ranges from 2 to 10. The invention also provides a process for making the nanoemulsion and methods for its use. Ideally, the emulsion is transparent and stable on storage. It can ideally contain large amounts of oil while retaining good transparency and good cosmetic properties. The nanoemulsion is particularly useful in the cosmetics and dermatological fields, in particular for moisturizing the skin and/or mucous membranes, as well as for treating the hair, and, in the ophthalmological field, as an eye lotion for treating the eyes.

Abstract: Use as preservative in formulations for topical use containing water of a component A): a (per)fluoropolyether phosphate of general formula: Rf—[CF2CH2—Q—L—P(O) (OZ1) (OZ2)]l  (I) wherein l=1 or 2; L is a bivalent linking group; Z1 equal to or different from Z2 selected from H, alkaline or ammonium cation, di- or tri-alkanolammonium cation, di- or tri- or tetra-alkylammonium cation; Rf is a (per)fluoropolyether chain having number average molecular weight in the range from about 400 to about 1,800.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are taught that may be used to administer specific bioactive polypeptides, known as T20 and T1249 to a patient, e.g., as a method of treating a disease or disease state. In particular, the invention teaches carrier hydrogel composition that contain (a) a polymer material and (b) an effective dose of T20, T1249 or a derivative thereof. The polymer materials used in the carrier hydrogel composition preferably have reverse gelation properties and exist as a liquid, aqueous solution at temperatures below physiological temperatures (e.g., below the body temperature of a patient) but form hydrogels under physiological conditions (e.g., at temperatures at or near the body temperature of a patient). The carrier hydrogel compositions may thus be administered to a patient by injection while they are in a liquid state. Upon administration the carrier hydrogel compositions then form hydrogels with the T20 and/or T1249 polypeptides embedded therein.

Abstract: The invention features devices and methods for the systemic delivery of fentanyl or a fentanyl congener (e.g., sufentanil) to treat pain. In the present invention, a drug formulation comprising fentanyl or a fentanyl congener is stored within a drug delivery device (e.g., contained in a reservoir or impregnated within a matrix within the controlled drug delivery device). The drug formulation comprises an amount of drug sufficient for treatment and is stable at body temperatures (i.e., no unacceptable degradation) for the entire pre-selected treatment period. The drug delivery devices store the drug formulation safely (e.g., without dose dumping), provide sufficient protection from bodily processes to prevent unacceptable degradation of the formulation, and release the drug formulation in a controlled fashion at a therapeutically effective rate to treat pain.

Abstract: Disclosed are advantageous methods for patterning and/or mineralizing biomaterial surfaces. The techniques described are particularly useful for generating three-dimensional or contoured bioimplant materials with patterned surfaces or patterned, mineralized surfaces. Also provided are various methods of using the mineralized and/or patterned biomaterials in tissue engineering, such as bone tissue engineering, providing more control over ongoing biological processes, such as mineralization, growth factor release, cellular attachment and tissue growth.

Abstract: Use of collagen of aquatic origin for the production of supports for tissue engineering is disclosed. The collagen may be obtained from fish skin, preferably in its native form. Novel tissue engineering supports with a low risk of contamination are produced.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for augmenting bone formation by administering isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with a ceramic material or matrix or by administering hMSCs; fresh, whole marrow; or combinations thereof in a resorbable biopolymer which supports their differentiation into the osteogenic lineage. Contemplated is the delivery of (i) isolated, culture-expanded, human mesenchymal stem cells; (ii) freshly aspirated bone marrow; or (iii) their combination in a carrier material or matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is an oral drug delivery system for delivering unpalatable pharmaceuticals, wherein the pharmaceutical delivery system comprises a lipid, dry particles including at least one pharmaceutical and at least one filler, and a surfactant, wherein the dry particles are continuously coated by the lipid and form a suspension with the lipid, making the pharmaceutical more palatable.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions comprising aloe vera, hydrolyzed collagen, garcinia cambogia, chromium polynicotinate, chromium picolinate, chromium cruciferate, conjugated linoleic acid, fiber and natural amino acids are disclosed. Nutritional compositions comprising aloe vera, hydrolyzed collagen, garcinia cambogia tea, fenugreek tea, coleus forskohli tea, chromium polynicotinate, chromium picolinate, chromium cruciferate, conjugated linoleic acid, fiber and natural amino acids are also disclosed. Methods for preparing and using these compositions are additionally provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns lactic acid bacteria with anxiolytic properties and not inducing sedative effect. Said lactic acid bacteria are useful in particular for preparing foods or medicines.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for promoting healing of wounds which result from corneal resurfacing procedures, e.g. from laser surgery to alter refractive of the eye. The methods involve the application of a sheet of cultured epithelial cells to the laser corneal resurfacing wound of a subject in need of such treatment. The methods promote faster healing of corneal resurfacing wounds relative to prior art methods of healing such wounds. The invention also provides corneal wound healing devices having the shape and dimensions of a contact lens.

Abstract: A nutrient infusion preparation comprises a fat emulsion essentially consisting of fat particles having a mean particle size of 0.003 to 0.100 &mgr;m and a dispersion medium, and a solution containing electrolytes and amino acids. Also the nutrient infusion preparation comprises a fat emulsion (A) consisting essentially of fat particles having a mean particle size of 0.003 to 0.100 &mgr;m and a dispersion medium, and a solution (B) containing electrolytes and/or amino acids. A container having a plurality of chambers which are isolated from each other by partitions capable of being easily opened, whose respective chambers contain the fat emulsion (A) and said solution (B) and optionally a solution (C) containing saccharides. The infusion preparation of the present invention supplies various nutrient components including fatty acids required biologically to patients and enables amelioration or prevention of essential fatty acid deficiencies during TPN therapy.

Abstract: A microcapsule capable of thoroughly encapsulating environmentally-sensitive or volatile core materials and capable of releasing said core material on contact with water. A process for manufacture of water soluble microcapsules comprising the admixture of a water soluble cellulosic material, a water soluble glucopyranosidyl material, at least two surfactants and core material, subjecting said mixture to an abrupt pressure change and drying the pressure-treated mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for delayed and gentle release of active substances (4) in the body, containing a carrier material which is insoluble or of low solubility in water and gastrointestinal fluids or other body fluids, active substances (4) and, where appropriate, other ancillary substances and, where appropriate, a coating which is soluble in water and gastrointestinal fluids or other body fluids, wherein the composition is obtainable by compressing to various shapes a sponge-like structure (1, 2) of the carrier material which is loaded with active substances (4) and, where appropriate, providing it with a coating.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of finely divided dye-containing polymers PD in the form of an aqueous polymer dispersion or a polymer powder obtainable therefrom, the polymer matrix of which comprises at least one organic dye D in homogeneously dispersed form, as color-imparting constituent in cosmetic compositions. The present invention also describes cosmetic compositions which comprise a color-containing polymer in an amount of from 0.1 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the cosmetic composition, and additives customary for cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the development of pharmaceutical compositions which provide for sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of thermosensitive, biodegradable hydrogels, consisting of a block copolymer of poly(d,l- or l-lactic acid)(PLA) or poly(lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), for the sustained delivery of biologically active agents, such as leptin.

Abstract: A matrix material containing sugars and/or sugar alcohols serves to encapsulate solid or liquid substances, in particular pharmaceutically active substances and/or at least one pharmaceutically admitted flavor and the like. The material contains a substance that during cooling from its melt largely suppresses crystallization of the melt. The substance can be, for example, an inner ester of a hydroxy acid, particularly gluconic acid delta-lactone. The suppression of crystallization can be achieved by adding a small amount of a pharmaceutically admitted, and preferably weak, acid, such as lactic acid or malic acid, that simultaneously reduces the risk of saponification by alkaline components of an effervescent system that might be present.

Abstract: Microspheres, having a size lower than 1&mgr; and comprising a biocompatible polysaccharidic polymer, are prepared with a process comprising the precipitation of polymer induced by means of a supercritical antisolvent (SAS). These microspheres are used as vehicling agents or carriers in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions administrable by oral, nasal, pulmonary, vaginal or rectal route. These microspheres can also be advantageously used as vehicling agent or carriers in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of human diseases associated with genic defects, for the preparation of diagnostics and in the agro-alimentary industry.

Abstract: A method of inducing resistance to or regression of tumor growth comprising placing tumor cells in culture in vitro or ex vivo supplemented with a pro-apoptotic agent for a period of time, transferring the tumor cells into a diffusion chamber, thereby producing a cell-containing chamber, inserting the chamber into a human for a therapeutically effective time, thereby inducing resistance to or regression of tumor growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides delivery vehicles comprising a synthetic, poorly crystalline apatite (PCA) calcium phosphate and a biologically active agent. The PCA calcium phosphate offers many advantages over known delivery materials and is particularly useful for delivery of agents to bone sites, the central nervous system, intramuscular sites, subcutaneous sites, interperitoneal sites, and occular sites. The invention also provides methods of preparing delivery vehicles, of altering delivery vehicle characteristics, and of delivering biologically active agents to a site. The invention is useful for both medical and veterinary applications.

Abstract: A method for treating wood, characterized by impregnating wood with a metal-containing treating agent containing lignin and/or lignin derivatives and a metal, a metal compound, and/or a metal ion and oxidizing and/or macromolecularizing of the lignin and/or lignin derivatives in the wood to fix the metal component in the wood, and wood and woody materials obtained by the treating method. According to the method of the present invention, while effectively utilizing lignins, lignosulfonic acids, or lignosulfonic acid salts, leaching of the metal component can be suppressed to a low level to thereby retain the effects due to the incorporation of the metal components for a prolonged period.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanoscale particles suited especially for use in tumor therapy by hyperthermia. Said particles comprise a (preferably superparamagnetic) iron oxide-containing core and at least two shells surrounding said core. The (innermost) shell adjoining the core is an envelope which comprises groups capable of forming cationic groups and is broken down by human or animal tissue at such a slow rate as to allow for association of the core surrounded by said envelope with the surface of cells and/or for absorption of said core into the inside of cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture for use as wound dressing, which comprises: a) paraffins complying with DAB and/or synthetic waxes selected from the group consisting of montan waxes, petroleum waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, polyolefin waxes, petrolatum, wax alcohols, and oxidates of the aforementioned substances; b) at least one metal hydroxide. The mixture is stable on prolonged storage at room temperature and promotes collagen regeneration in vivo in cases of bone trauma.

Abstract: Crude drug extracts containing soluble silicon compounds as an effective component are obtained by subjecting a crude drug to extraction with water or an aqueous solvent, preferably at an alkaline pH. The crude drugs subjected to extraction to obtain the extracts may be derived from animals, plants, etc. The quality of the crude drug extract can be standardized using the soluble silicon compounds as an index. The soluble silicon compounds exhibit inhibitory action towards the production of plasma kallikrein. The amount of soluble silicon compounds in the dry extract may be used as an index whereby the quality of various crude drugs can be standardized which contributes to providing crude drug extracts having a stable or consistent quality. Consequently, the present invention greatly contributes to the appropriate standardization of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A therapeutically effective combination comprising 5-25% by weight of terpinen-4-ol-containing essential oils and 0.01 to 10% by weight of tannin-containing medicinal plants or extracts thereof, which is used for the topical treatment of cutaneous and mucous membrane affections in the veterinary sector is described. Used as a terpinen-4-ol-containing essential oil is, in particular, tea tree oil and as a tannin-containing medicinal plant or extract thereof is, in particular, a ratanhia root extract.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is provided which can be used both with and without ethical drugs now used to treat ADHD. The composition contains dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), omega 3-fatty acids, betaine, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC), folic acid, vitamins C, E, B12, B6, B5 and beta-carotene and minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium). Ethical drugs such as amphetamines, methylphenidate HCl and pemoline are known to control ADHD, but each has significant side effects when used in their therapeutic dose. When combining the composition with such ethical drugs, the amount of the ethical drug can be lowered below a level which causes undesirable side effects which is an important feature. Preferred compositions contain one or more of lecithin, choline, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tyrosine, Reishi Extract, Kava Extract, Gingko, Ginseng and St. John's Wort.

Abstract: A method of making an extract from kava-kava root includes drying the kava-kava root, and grinding the dried root to a powder. Compounds are extracted by contacting the ground root with CO2 at an extraction pressure of at least about 500 bar, and at a temperature of less than about 65° C. The dissolved kava-kava compounds are separated from the CO2 into at least a first fraction by collecting the carbon dioxide after extracting and decreasing the pressure to a predetermined first separation pressure lower than the extraction pressure, at a temperature sufficient to prevent the carbon dioxide from solidifying. A composition including a kava-kava extract comprises greater than about 70% kavalactone, greater than about 0.3% flavokawin, and preferably comprises about 30% flavokawin. The composition comprises substantially no solvent residue and includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition is taken orally for nutritinal supplementation in a substantially soft gel capsule.