Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of blood-borne and toxin mediated diseases, and in particular anti-C5a antibodies for the prevention and treatment of sepsis in humans as well as other animals. The present invention also relates to methods of generating anti-C5a antibodies employing C-terminal truncated C5a peptides.

Abstract: Protein and polypeptide derivatives and their salts are claimed characterized in that a protein or polypeptide is conjugated via an intermediate grouping containing at least one radical of the formula —C(R)═N— (or —N═C(R)—) or —CH(R)—NH— (or —NH—CH(R)—), wherein R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon residue which may be substituted, with the same or a different protein or polypeptide, with a reporter group or a cytotoxic agent as well as a process for their preparation and the novel intermediates therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for inducing an immune response in a subject, wherein the subject is administered an effective amount of a heat shock protein complexed to a hybrid antigen comprising an antigenic domain and a heat shock protein-binding domain. These methods and compositions may be used in the treatment of infectious diseases and cancers.

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 vaccines 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: The invention relates to a peptide with the sequence of RLLEFYLAM, methods for the use of the peptide, and antisera and monoclonal antibodies against the peptide. The peptide is derived from the NY-ESO-1 molecule, which form complexes with HLA molecules, leading to lysis of cells presenting these complexes, by cytolytic T lymphocytes.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of particulate antigens isolated from various species of Leishmania protozoa, or immunogenic variants thereof, are disclosed for the treatment and clinical remission of psoriasis. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding such polypeptides, vectors incorporating such nucleic acid sequences, methods for genetically engineering microbial host cells to produce such polypeptides, and such recombinant microbial host cells. In another embodiment, immunotherapeutic agents incorporating the polypeptides or the nucleic acid sequences are disclosed for the treatment and clinical remission of psoriasis. In another embodiment, methods for the production of the polypeptides using recombinant microbial host cells are disclosed. Finally, methods for the treatment and clinical remission of psoriasis comprising administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more of the polypeptides or one or more of the nucleic acid sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a condition or disease characterized by an excess of one or more androgens, the method comprising administering an effective amount of MIS protein or nucleic acid encoding MIS to a patient. The present invention also provides a method of decreasing the level of one or more androgens to a level below the normal level, the method comprising administering an effective amount of MIS protein or nucleic acid encoding MIS to a patient. The methods of the present invention are particularly well-suited for the treatment of prostatic cancer, polycystic ovarian disease, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and precocious puberty.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel recombinant vaccines providing protective immunity against tuberculosis. Further, the present invention refers to novel recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors containing said nucleic acid molecules, cells transformed with said nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides encoded by said nucleic acid molecules.

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 rotavirus nonstructural glycoprotein, NSP4, performs multiple functions in the virus replication cycle, especially during viral morphogenesis. Specifically, NSP4 is an intracellular receptor that mediates the acquisition of a transient membrane envelope during the budding of newly formed subviral particles into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The present invention relates to NSP4 and methods of use. More particulary, it relates to the use of NSP4 and fragments thereof (NSP4 114-135, NSP4 120-147, NSP4 112-174, or NSP4 112-150) as a prevention and/or treatment of rotaviral disease.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of Ehrlichia infection, inparticular human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of an Ehrlichia antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides or DNA sequences are also provided. Diagnostic kits containingsuch polypeptides or DNA sequences and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Ehrlichia infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns an alkaloid glycoside for use in medicine. In a preferred aspect, the alkaloid glycoside is used for the stimulation of a class I-restricted immune response and/or a class II-restricted immune response. In a preferred aspect, the alkaloid glycoside is tomatine.

Abstract: Wet wipes impregnated with a solution which includes a mono alkyl phosphate are described. In particular, the solution in the wet wipes includes a phosphate ester surfactant which includes a mono alkyl phosphate having the following structural formula: wherein R represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents a number of 0 to 20, and each of Y and Z represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanol amine. Such wet wipes have improved tactile properties and cleaning efficacy without excessive skin irritation or foaming when compared to conventional wet wipes.

Abstract: The present invention teaches the composition of terminally modified, amino, polyether, siloxanes, known henceforth as amino siloxane alkokylates, and their use as adjuvants. The amino siloxane alkoxylates of the present invention enhance the efficacy of agrichemicals on plants as compared to conventional TSE's alone. The amino siloxane alkoxylates have at one end, an amine functionality and at the other end, a polyalkyleneoxide functionality.

Abstract: A preferred emulsifier blend includes ethoxylated alcohols containing hydrocarbons of C10-C16 and preferably having on average at least 2.8 ethoxy and/or alcohol groups per chain and a glycerol mono- and/or dioleates, preferably in a ratio of from 9:1 to 4:6. These emulsion blends are particularly useful when mixed with hydroisomerized oils and water, for subsequent application as a spray oil to agricultural crops. The emulsion blends of the present invention also find particular utility when mixed with conventional spray oils and hard water.

Abstract: A polymer having a satisfactory balance between in vivo degradability and satisfactory mechanical properties, which is an A1BA2 type polymer comprising a segment A1 and a segment A2 each having a modified amino acid and a segment B consisting of polyethylene glycol with a number-average molecular weight of 8000 or higher bonded at one end to the segment A1 and at the other end to the segment A2, and has a number-average molecular weight of 10000 to 600000; an in vivo degradable material which comprises the polymer; and a film for preventing tissue adhesion, an artificial dura mater, a suture, an implant preparation, or a sustained-release drug base each comprising the degradable material.

Abstract: Resorbable polylactide polymer scar tissue reduction barrier membranes and methods of their application are disclosed. The scar-tissue reduction barrier membranes are constructed entirely of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The scar tissue reduction barrier membranes are formed to have thicknesses on the order of microns, such as, for example, thicknesses between 10 and 300 microns. The membranes are preshaped with welding flanges and stored in sterile packaging.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing the permeability of skin or mucosal tissue to topical or transdermal application of local anesthetic agents. The methods entail the use of a base in order to increase the flux of the agent through a body surface while minimizing the likelihood of skin damage, irritation or sensitization. The permeation enhancer can be an inorganic or organic base. Compositions and transdermal systems are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusogenic liposome comprising a lipid capable of adopting a non-lamellar phase, yet capable of assuming a bilayer structure in the presence of a bilayer stabilizing component; and a bilayer stabilizing component reversibly associated with the lipid to stabilize the lipid in a bilayer structure. Such fusogenic liposomes are extremely advantageous because the rate at which they become fusogenic can be not only predetermined, but varied as required over a time scale ranging from minutes to days. Control of liposome fusion can be achieved by modulating the chemical stability and/or exchangeability of the bilayer stabilizing component(s). The fusogenic liposomes of the present invention can be used to deliver drugs, peptide, proteins, RNA, DNA or other bioactive molecules to the target cells of interest.

Abstract: A new pharmaceutical formulation comprising the thrombin inhibitor HOOC—CH2—(R)-Cgl-Aze-Pab in combination with medium chain glycerides, a process for the preparation of such a pharmaceutical formulation, the use of a such formulation in the treatment of thromboembolism as well as a method of treating a patient in need of such a treatment by using said formulation.

Abstract: A breast enhancement system for reducing the symptoms of PMS and/or non-invasive breast augmentation. The composition includes an amount of saw palmetto extract, an amount of soybean extract, an amount of pomegranate extract, an amount of wild yam extract, an amount of fennel seed, an amount of dong quai, an amount of blessed thistle, an amount of dandelion root and an amount of watercress. The composition is preferably distributed in an oral system, preferably in the form of a plurality of capsule, caplet, tablets, soft gelatin capsule or the like taken separately, orally administered on a daily basis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to oral modified/controlled release methylphenidate formulations which provide a rapid initial onset of effect and a prolonged duration of effect. Preferably, the peak concentration is lower than that provided by the reference standard for immediate release methylphenidate formulations, and the duration of effect falls rapidly at the end of the dosing interval so as not to affect the appetite of the patient at dinner nor the patient's sleep thereafter.

Abstract: Remedies effective for the improvement of colonic motor dysfunction such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation or intestinal atony without causing side effects on the central nerve system. These colonic motor dysfunction remedies comprise, as active ingredients, aminothiazole derivatives represented by the following formula (I) or a salt or hydrate thereof: wherein R1, R2 and R3 may be the same or different and each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, amino, nitro or cyano group, R4 and R5 may be the same or different and each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and n stands for an integer of from 2 to 4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlled release pharmaceutical composition comprising amounts ranging from about 0.1 to about 4.5% w/w, of one or more of rate controlling cellulosic ether polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are oxidized collagen compositions wherein the thiomethyl group of one or more of the methionine residues of the collagen have been replaced with methylsulfoxy and/or methylsulfonyl groups.

Abstract: A composition which has a thickened fluid form comprises: (i) a first (shear gel) phase comprising at least one polymer which is capable of forming a gel, which polymer is present in the composition as a shear gel (i.e., a multiplicity of separate gel particles which have been formed by subjecting the polymer to shear while gel formation takes place); and (ii) a second (encapsulated) phase which is in the form of particles or droplets which comprise a hair benefit agent and are entrapped by the gel matrix of at least a proportion of the gel particles. The composition may allow enhanced delivery of the encapsulated phase.

Abstract: The potent reverse transcriptase inhibitor Efavirenz is produced in crystalline form. Crystalline Efavirenz exists in several physical forms which are-designated Forms 1, 2, 3 and 4, and are characterized by x-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are useful for the treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Abstract: The present invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions for azole antimicrobial drugs such as itraconazole, saperconazole, ketoconazole, and fluconazole. The pharmaceutical compositions are in the form of pellets which comprise a core and a drug emulsion layer, and optionally, a protective layer. The drug emulsion layer contains the azole antimicrobial drug, an emulsifier, a binder, and an absorbent aid. The preferred emulsifier is vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate. The preferred binder is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The preferred absorbent aid is DL malic acid. The drug is dissolved in organic solvents. The preferred organic solvents are ethanol and methylene chloride. The protective layer contains polyethylene glycol (PEG) 20,000, which is coated on the drug emulsion layer.

Abstract: This application relates to a pharmaceutical composition and methods for treating inflammatory skin conditions. The compositions include hydrogen peroxide, one or more moisturizing agents, and an anti-inflammatory agent. The pharmaceutical compositions may optionally include one or more exfoliants. The compositions can be used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis, including, but not limited to seborrheic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis; psoriasis; folliculitis; rosacea; acne; impetigo; erysipelas; paronychia, erythrasma; and eczema.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multipurpose, high-functional, alkaline solution composition, preparation therefor and use thereof as a nonspecific immunostimulator. The composition comprises 1-25 parts by weight of borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 10−5-10−4 parts by weight of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O), 30-150 parts by weight of potassium carbonate, 30-200 parts by weight of refined sugar (C12H22O11), and 100-200 parts by weight of water, based on 100 parts by weight of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3.5H2O). In addition to bringing about an improvement in disease resistance, weight gain rate, crop yield, crop quality, harvest time, the composition shows nonspecific immunostimulating activities, including antibody production and immune enhancement, by activating immune cells, thereby maximizing vaccination effects on malignant viral diseases.

Abstract: A method of preparing a solution is described, in particular a dialysis or infusion solution, and a storage system for preparing such a solution. An acid-reacting component comprising a solid acid and/or a solid salt which is water-soluble and is not hygroscopic, is dissolved in water in a first container and mixed with an alkaline-reacting bicarbonate solution in a second container. The quantity ratios are selected so that the acid and/or salt content does not exceed 6 mmol per liter of finished solution and the bicarbonate content does not exceed 40 mmol per liter of finished solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extracts derived from Pueraria mirifica, Butea superba and/or Mucuna collettii and extraction thereof, foods, beverages, pharmaceutical products and/or cosmetics containing the extracts as an active ingredient and manufacturing thereof. The extracts isolated from the said plants contain higher concentration of isoflavones. The products produced from composition containing the extracts considerably increase a resilience and gloss of skin at its application in human body.

Abstract: An anti-catabolic dietary supplement, phosphatidylserine, and diet and exercise programs using phosphatidylserine for lean muscle development and optimized conditioning.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

Abstract: Chewy confectionery products, and processes for producing said products, are provided as delivery systems for minerals such as calcium. The carbohydrates of the fortified confectionery products include at least one reducing sugar and one non-reducing sugar in a weight ratio of about 1:0.2 to about 1:1 reducing sugar:non-reducing sugar. The chewy confectionery products offer a matrix for about 0.2 wt. % to 45 wt. % of a fortifying component while maintaining a smooth and soft texture.

Abstract: A composition for human or animal consumption for supplying folate which includes a natural isomer of reduced folate, such as (6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid. 5-methyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5-formyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 10-formyl-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5,10-methylene-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5,10-methenyl-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5-formimino-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, and their polyglutamyl derivatives is disclosed. Such compositions include multivitamin preparations (with or without minerals and other nutrients); breakfast foods such as prepared cereals, toaster pastries and breakfast bars; infant formulas; dietary supplements and complete diet and weight-loss formulas and bars; animal feed (for example pet foods) and animal feed supplements (such as for poultry feed). The amount of the natural isomer of a reduced folate in a composition for human consumption can range between about 5% and about 200% of the daily requirement for folic acid per serving or dose.

Abstract: Addition of a specific sugar compound to an iron-containing protein composition solution can provide an excellent freezing and thawing stability and restrained precipitate productivity in a thawed solution of its frozen product and increase the efficiency in the use of the iron-containing protein useful for enrichment of iron in a food or drink, production of iron preparations.

Abstract: A method for improving the chalky-off taste and/or the homogeneity of a solid, active component in a food product by incorporating in the food product an effective amount, preferably 1 to 70 wt % on food product, of a structured particulate system comprising one or more active components in a matrix in a weight ratio of 1:99 to 99:1 and wherein the mean weight diameter of the particles of the structured particulate system ranges from 25 to 500 microns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for imparting creamy mouthfeel to foods and beverages. Said agent comprises a water-insoluble component and a water-soluble component. Said water-insoluble component has particles with a mean particle size diameter of from about 0.1 to about 3.0 microns and comprises: (a) from about 5 to about 70% of a microparticlulate component; (b) from about 0 to about 60% of fat/oil component; (c) from about 0 to about 5% of emulsifier component; (d) up to about 5% of a microcrystalline cellulose component. Said water-soluble component comprises: (a) from about 0.05 to about 40% of a thickener; (b) from about 0 to about 10% sodium caseinate; (c) from 0 to about 40% milk solids; and (d) from about 0 to about 4% processing aids. The creamy mouthfeel agent of the present invention comprises from about 0 to about 10% flavorants; said flavorants may be part of the water-insoluble components, the water-soluble components; or both.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of forming a polymeric coating for a stent. The method can comprise applying a prepolymer or a combination of prepolymers to the stent and initiating polymerization to form a polymeric coating for the stent. The coating material can optionally contain a biologically active agent or combination of agents.

Abstract: A method for forming a pattern on a surface of a panel substrate, includes electrically charging pattern-forming material particles, jetting out the electrically charged pattern-forming material particles through a nozzle by applying electrostatic force to the pattern-forming material particles to form a pattern, and fixing the pattern onto the panel substrate.

Abstract: A process is described for formation of oxide films independent of thickness from precursor films comprising metals, metal oxides, and metal fluorides with properties and structures similar to those previously only obtained in thin films, for example less than about 0.4 microns.

Abstract: A method of making a charge containing element including the steps of depositing and patterning a dielectric material on a surface wherein the dielectric material includes a metallo-organic component and a liquid component; and decomposing by laser light the deposited dielectric material to substantially evaporate the liquid component to cause the metallic portion of the metallo-organic component to react with oxygen causing the dielectric material to have charge-holding properties.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of solid state capacitors and relates particularly to massed production methods for manufacturing solid state capacitors. The present invention seeks to provide a process simplification in order to provide an economic advantage.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a touch screen linearization pattern which is necessary for a five wire resistive type or current sensing type touch screen, and directly affects the accuracy, production price, and border area size of the touch screen, includes the steps of printing a linearization pattern on the border area of a conductive glass surface with a selected ink. The ink is made by blending highly conductive silver powder between about 59% to 62% in weight and carbon powder between about 14% to 16% in a contact agent solvent between about 24% to 25% in weight. The touch screen thus formed has a resistance value ratio of about ten between the square surface of the glass layer and the two ends of the linearization pattern.

Abstract: A coated substrate, such as thick, coated metal sheet is made using a system (10) where a moving metal sheet substrate (12), preferably aluminum over 0.1 mm thick contacts an applicator roll (20) which has a non-deformable, micro-porous flat ceramic surface which is coated with a coating liquid (14) which is picked up, by a metering roll (18) and applied to the applicator roll (20) by contact with the coated metering roll, and where a backup roll (22) usually helps support the moving substrate.

Abstract: A method of vertically aligning pure carbon nanotubes on a large glass or silicon substrate at a low temperature using a low pressure DC thermal chemical vapor deposition method is provided. In this method, catalytic decomposition with respect to hydro-carbon gases is performed in two steps. Basically, an existing thermal chemical vapor deposition method using hydro-carbon gases such as acetylene, ethylene, methane or propane is used. To be more specific, the hydro-carbon gases are primarily decomposed at a low temperature of 400-500° C. by passing the hydro-carbon gases through a mesh-structure catalyst which is made of Ni, Fe, Co, Y, Pd, Pt, Au or an alloy of two or more of these materials.

Abstract: A body is at least partially coated with one or more refractory layers of which at least one layer is of a finegrained &kgr;-Al2O3. Said &kgr;-Al2O3 layer has equiaxed grains with an average grain size of <0.5 &mgr;m. The Al2O3 layer also has at least one sublayer containing Al, Si and O. The finegrained &kgr;-Al2O3 microstructure is obtained by periodically introducing a silicon halide, preferably SiCl4, during the Al2O3-process.

Abstract: A process for producing printed articles which comprises forming an under coat on a cloth having a rough surface with a foamed composition of a resin emulsion by printing, drying the formed under coat, forming a top coat on the dried under coat by printing and drying the formed top coat. In accordance with the process, cloths having a rough surface such as frieze cloths, pile cloths, knit cloths, towel cloths, felt cloths and blanket cloths can be printed while the proper feel of the cloth is maintained and printed articles having excellent fastness and appearance are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wood-polymer composite, particularly wood which has been impregnated with a mixture containing polymerizable organic compounds, and more particularly to a method for preparing a wood-polymer-composite by impregnating wood material and/or wood-based material with a mixture containing polymerizable organic compounds, and most particularly uses thereof.