Abstract: In a solution composition for use in an aerosol inhaler which comprises an active material, a propellant containing a hydrofluoroalkane, a cosolvent and optionally a low volatility compound the use of a mixture of HFA 134a and HFA 227 allows to modulate the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of the aerosol particles on actuation of the inhaler to target specific regions of the respiratory tract. Moreover the fine particle dose (FPD) of the active ingredient in the composition increases by reducing the metering chamber volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic formulations for solutions of &Dgr;9-tetrahydrocannabinol (&Dgr;9 THC) to be delivered by metered dose inhalers. The formulations, which use, non-CFC propellants, provide a stable aerosol-deliverable source of &Dgr;9 THC for the treatment of various medical conditions, such as: nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy-muscle spasticity; pain; anorexia associated with AIDS wasting syndrome, epilepsy; glaucoma; bronchial asthma; and mood disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral composition comprising a polymeric surface active agent wherein the oral composition provides surface conditioning effects on a subject's teeth and/or oral mucosa. The surface conditioning effects include (a) increased hydrophilic character of oral surfaces as measured by a decrease in water contact angles or an increase in anionic surface charge and surface charge density and (b) decreased pellicle film thickness. The present invention also relates to methods of providing surface conditioning effects to a subject's tooth and mucosal surfaces and methods of preventing and controlling tartar and tooth staining by administering to the subject an oral composition comprising a polymeric surface active agent.

Abstract: A method and composition for the treatment of hair, nail, ex-vivo organ, ex-vivo cell or ex-vivo tissue to improve the biomechanical and diffusional characteristics comprising an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula (I): or the formula (II):

Abstract: Antiperspirant compositions comprising an astringent aluminum or zirconium salt can suffer from perceived irritancy when applied topically, which can be ameliorated or overcome by incorporating within the composition a PPAR activating fatty acid and/or hydrolyzable precursor thereof such as a triglyceride or ester of the PPAR, especially in an amount selected in the range of from 0.5 to 10 wt %. The compositions advantageously comprise an activated aluminum salt or aluminum-zirconium glycine complex.

Abstract: Novel chemokines for mobilizing stem cells are provided. Methods of mobilizing stem cells are also provided.

Abstract: The use of interleukin 7 or T cells pre-incubated in the presence of IL-7 for preparing a drug or pharmaceutical composition for treating an auto-immune disease, particularly an auto-immune disease induced by a defect in CD4+ T cell immunoregulation, is disclosed.

Abstract: Broadly, disclosed is a novel approach to the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) that exploits the effective cellular immune response that is initially generated in CFS individuals. One aspect is a method for preparing cells for treating patients afflicted with CFS, which includes subjecting cytokine-producing cells derived from lymph nodes excised from patients afflicted with CFS to mitogenic stimulation in serum-free media for their expansion. The resulting therapeutic agent for treating patients afflicted with CFS includes in a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier cytokine-producing having been produced by the step of subjecting cells derived from lymph nodes excised from patients afflicted with CFS to mitogenic stimulation in serum-free media for their expansion. As another aspect of the present invention, disclosed is a method for treating patients afflicted with CFS that includes administering to the patient an effective amount of the therapeutic agent disclosed herein.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for specifically killing cancer cells which can be used in the course of human therapy. Vectors of the invention comprise an encoding sequence for a glycosyltransferase, under control of a tumor or tissue specific transcriptional control element, such as the promoter for telomerase reverse transcriptase. Exemplary glycosyltransferases are the A or B transferase enzymes, which cause the cancer cells to express ABO histo blood group allotypes against which humans have naturally occurring antibody. This provides for ongoing surveillance for newly emerging cells with a malignant phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combined preparation containing as active substance the following individual components, in the form of a kit-of-parts: monocyte derived cells, particularly cytotoxic macrophages, chemotherapy or immunotherapy drugs, for the simultaneous, separate or sequential use, for the treatment of cancer or infectious diseases.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modulating serum cholesterol in a subject mammal. In one aspect, the invention features novel anti-lipemic drugs that include at least one identified effector of the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and at least one identified serum cholesterol inhibitor. In a particular aspect, the drugs include one identified sphingolipid or protein modifying same linked to one identified serum cholesterol inhibitor. Additionally provided are methods for identifying anti-lipemic drugs capable of modulating the LDL receptor and specifically SREBP-1 maturation, including assays designed to identify pharmacological drugs capable of stabilizing or reducing serum cholesterol levels in a mammal and particularly a human patient.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for alleviating the symptoms of neuropathic conditions with a pharmaceutical composition including an effective amount of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic conjugate comprising a carrier molecule coupled to an autoinducer of a Gram negative bacteria. The immunogenic conjugate, when combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, forms a suitable vaccine for mammals to prevent infection by the Gram negative bacteria. The immunogenic conjugate is also used to raise and subsequently isolate antibodies or binding portions thereof which are capable of recognizing and binding to the autoinducer. The antibodies or binding portions thereof are utilized in a method of treating infections, a method of inhibiting autoinducer activity, and in diagnostic assays which detect the presence of autoinducers or autoinducer antagonists in fluid or tissue samples.

Abstract: The invention provides a human Nek1-related protein kinase (NRPK) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NRPK. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of NRPK.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Death Domain Containing Receptor (DR3 and DR3-V1) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human DR3 and DR3-V1 proteins. DR3 and DR3-V1 polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of DR3 and DR3-V1 activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are new outer membrane proteins and nucleic acids from Acinetobacter and related biological compositions and methods. The biological materials provided are useful in diagnostic, immunological and therapeutic applications, particularly those connected with peptic ulcers and cancers, respiratory diseases, sepsis and a variety of other conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel synthetically-modified B. thuringiensis chimeric crystal proteins having improved insecticidal activity and broader insect host range against coleopteran, dipteran and lepidopteran insects. Also disclosed are the nucleic acid segments encoding these novel peptides. Methods of making and using these genes and proteins are disclosed as well as methods for the recombinant expression, and transformation of suitable host cells. Transformed host cells and transgenic plants expressing the modified endotoxin are also aspects of the invention.

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the primary etiologic agent for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV exhibits considerable genotypic and phenotypic variability as manifested by different replicative kinetics, susceptibility to serum neutralization, antiviral drug resistance, cytopathic effects, and host-cell range specificity. Infection by HIV leads to progressive deterioration of cell-mediated immune responses making infected patients susceptible to a variety of opportunistic infections, such as pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), as well as, to the development of tumors such as Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). While the use of live-attenuated viruses to treat HIV infection has been proposed, to date researchers have been unable to demonstrate their efficacy in a clinical setting.

Abstract: This application pertains to methods and compositions that modulate proliferation and/or differentiation of undifferentiated mesodermally-derived cells so as to have an effect on at least one of vascular growth and hematopoiesis.

Abstract: Recombinant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are provided in which expression of the second translational open reading frame encoded by the M2 gene (M2ORF2) is reduced or ablated to yield novel RSV vaccine candidates. Expression of M2 ORF2 is reduced or ablated by modifying a recombinant RSV genome or antigenome to incorporate a frame shift mutation, or one or more stop codons in M2 ORF2. Alternatively, M2 ORF2 is deleted in whole or in part to render the M2-2 protein partially or entirely non-functional or to disrupt its expression altogether. M2 ORF2 deletion and knock out mutants possess highly desirable phenotypic characteristics for vaccine development. These changes specify one or more desired phenotypic changes in the resulting virus or subviral particle. Vaccine candidates are generated that show a change in mRNA transcription, genomic or antigenomic RNA replication, viral growth characteristics, viral antigen expression, viral plaque size, and/or a change in cytopathogenicity.

Abstract: An attenuated herpes virus which lacks a functional vhs gene or a functional equivalent thereof, but which has a functional UL43 gene or functional equivalent thereof, stimulates an immune response when dendritic cells are infected with the virus.

Abstract: The recombinant live vaccine comprises a viral vector incorporating and expressing in vivo a heterologous nucleotide sequence, preferably a gene of a pathogenic agent, and at least one adjuvant compound chosen from the acrylic or methacrylic polymers and the copolymers of maleic anhydride and an alkenyl derivative. It is in particular a polymer of acrylic or methacrylic acid cross-linked with a polyalkenyl ether of a sugar or polyalcohol (carbomer), in particular cross-linked with an allyl sucrose or with allylpentaerythritol. It may also be a copolymer of maleic anhydride and ethylene cross-linked, for example, with divinyl ether.

Abstract: There is a substantial degree of structural similarity (although not sequence similarity) between the carboxy-terminal one-third of Filovirus glycoprotein and the transmembrane proteins of the very distantly related retroviruses, especially those of avian sarcoma viruses. The high degree of structural similarity implies functional homology as well. A number of compounds that are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of African hemorrhagic fever (“AHF”) are disclosed. AHF infections (e.g., Ebola, Marburg) may be inhibited with low concentrations of peptides or antibodies of low toxicity. For example, analogs of a portion of the natural fusion glycoprotein of a Filovirus may be used to inhibit the normal fusion process of the virus in vivo, thus preventing or limiting infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to viral particles which are released by mammal cells after the infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). The invention also relates to particles whose antigenicity has been optimized by changing the HCMV using genetic engineering. The invention further relates to the use of such particles as a vaccine and a method for multiplying the HCMV in mammal cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to five novel, low molecular weight proteins from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), which are capable of inducing, or contributing to the induction of, a protective immune response in swine against APP. The present invention is further directed to polynucleotide molecules having nucleotide sequences that encode the proteins, as well as vaccines comprising the proteins or polynucleotide molecules, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Immunologically active polypeptides with no or reduced toxicity useful for the preparation of an antipertussis vaccine. Method for the preparation of said polypeptides which comprises, cultivating, a microorganism transformed with a hybrid plasmid including the gene/s which codes for at least one of said polypeptides in a suitable medium and recovering the desired polypeptide from the cells or from the culture medium.

Abstract: A method of vaccinating poultry by spraying the poultry with an effective amount of a live avirulent derivative of an enteropathogenic enterobacteria is disclosed.

Abstract: The cosmetic topical formulation of this invention is directed toward diminishing skin wrinkling, fine line, improving skin tone, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the topical formulation contains a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, MMPI, and advantageously includes a natural estrogen, e.g., a true estrogen compound, such as 17-beta estradiol, or an estrogen-like steroid, (such as various phytoestrogens found in herbal preparations), as opposed to a synthetic estrogen. Other forms of the cosmetic topical formulation of this invention include combinations of synthetic estrogen and MMP inhibitor. Exemplary synthetic estrogens include, but are not limited to, ethinyl estradiol and clomiphine citrate. The cosmetic topical formulation is safe and effective diminishing wrinkling, and improving skin tone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic compositions that comprise: a) a safe and effective amount of a bonding agent selected from the group consisting of aldehydes and ketones having the structure wherein X represents a cosmetic benefit agent that may or may not be attached to a chemical linker and R represents hydrogen, straight or branched alkyls, substituted or unsubstituted aryls, and combinations thereof; and b) a cosmetically acceptable carrier for the bonding agent wherein the composition is administered topically to mammalian proteinaceous substrates and wherein the bonding agent reacts with a protein contained in the substrate such that the bonding agent, and thus the cosmetic benefit agent, is covalently attached to the substrate. The invention further relates to methods of using the compositions described above as well as various products that include the claimed compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a contaminant from a gas phase or a liquid phase by contacting an article composed of (1) a fabric or cellulosic fiber and (2) a polyoxometalate, wherein the polyoxometalate is incorporated in the fabric or cellulosic fiber, with the gas phase or liquid phase containing the contaminant. The invention further relates to a polyoxometalate-modified fabric composed of a fabric and a polyoxometalate of the present invention incorporated in the fabric. The invention further relates to an article containing the polyoxometalate-modified fabric. The invention further relates to a method for making the polyoxometalate-modified fabric, by contacting the fabric with a polyoxometalate to produce a polyoxometalate-modified fabric.

Abstract: A method of preventing damage to the shoots and foliage of a plant by a pest includes treating the seed from which the plant grows with a composition that includes at one pyrethrin or synthetic pyrethroid. In another embodiment, the pesticide is not limited to pyrethrins or synthetic pyrethroids when the seed is a transgenic seed having at least one heterologous gene encoding for the expression of a protein having pesticidal activity against a first pest and the pesticide has activity against at least one second pest. Treated seeds are also provided.

Abstract: Retrocyclin peptides are small antimicrobial agents with potent activity against bacteria and viruses. The peptides are nonhemolytic, and exhibit minimal in vitro cytotoxicity. A pharmaceutical composition comprising retrocyclin as an active agent is administered therapeutically to a patient suffering from a bacterial and/or viral infection, or to an individual facing exposure to a bacterial and/or viral infection, especially one caused by the HIV-1 retrovirus or other sexually-transmitted pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stimulating vascularization at a site in a mammal, said method comprising contacting said site with a matrix comprising gelatin and a nitric oxide inhibitor. The gelatin is preferably denatured collagen. The nitric oxide inhibitor may be a sulfonated moiety. The inhibitor may be an L-arginine analog, such as aminoguanidine, N-monoethyl L-arginine, N-nitro-L-arginine and D-arginine. The matrix may further comprise a nitric oxide scavenger, such as dextran, heparin, cysteine and cystine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intra-ocular lens that is made from hydrophilic polymer. An effective amount of medicine is dispersed in the mass of the of the polymer and when implanted in the eye of a subject, the lens releases the medicine into the intra-ocular tissues so that the medicine is in the vicinity of the site where action is needed.

Abstract: Ocular implant devices for the delivery of a therapeutic agent to an eye in a controlled and sustained manner. Dual mode and single mode drug delivery devices are illustrated and described. Implants suitable for subconjunctival placement are described. Implants suitable for intravitreal placement also are described. The invention also includes fabrication and implementation techniques associated with the unique ocular implant devices that are presented herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising carbohydrate and peptide material as well as an amount of at least one additional free amino acid selected from the group consisting of leucine and phenylalanine. This composition will enhance the blood insulin response after oral intake by humans and is intended for an enhanced recovery after physical exercise or to delay exhaustion during physical exercise.

Abstract: The invention provides a material for use in a wound dressing or wound implant, the material comprising a plurality of beads, wherein each bead comprises a porous core of a first bioabsorbable material and a substantially non-porous layer of a second bioabsorbable material around the core. The porous core is preferably a sponge formed by freeze-drying a liquid suspension of the first bioabsorbable material. The preferred diameter of the beads is 0.1-4.0 mm, and the beads are preferably dispersed in a liquid or solid matrix. The invention also provides a method of making beads for use in the materials of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for promoting healing of wounds which result from skin resurfacing procedures, e.g., from laser surgery to remove or alter superficial features of the skin. The methods involve the application of a sheet of cultured epithelial cells to the laser skin resurfacing would of a subject in need of such treatment. The methods promote faster healing of skin resurfacing wounds relative to prior art methods of healing such wounds.

Abstract: Healing of mucosa injury is promoted by applying thereto a membrane of purified collagen material derived from natural collagen-containing tissue.

Abstract: A new oral polymeric controlled release formulation suitable for the once-a-day administration of valproate compounds, such as divalproex sodium, has been discovered. This formulation exhibits significant advantages over the sustained release valproate formulations of the prior art. This formulation minimizes the variation between peak and trough plasma levels of valproate over a 24 hour dosing period. This formulation follows a zero-order release pattern thus producing essentially flat plasma levels of valproate, once steady-state levels have been achieved. This results in a significantly lower incidence of side effects for patients consuming such a formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sustained release composition comprising micron particles of labile agent and a method of preparing and using the sustained release composition. The invention further relates to micron particles of a labile agent and a method of preparing the micron particles. The method of the invention for preparing a composition for the sustained release of a labile agent, comprises forming a suspension comprising the labile agent dispersed in a polymer solution comprising at least one biocompatible polymer and at least one polymer solvent. The suspension is then wet milled to achieve micron particles of the labile agent. The polymer solvent is then removed resulting in a solid polymer/labile agent matrix. The composition for sustained release of a labile agent is likewise prepared according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A low viscosity filler boron nitride agglomerate particles having a generally spherical shape bound together by an organic binder and to a process for producing a BN powder composition of spherically shaped boron nitride agglomerated particles having a treated surface layer which controls its viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral modified release pharmaceutical composition for the administration of a therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective amount of an active substance (a drug substance), to obtain a relatively fast or quick onset of the therapeutic and/or prophylactic effect. The drug substances contained in a modified release pharmaceutical composition according to the invention are suitably a drug substance which has a pKa value below about 5, such as in a range of from about 4 to about 5.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixing assembly. The static mixing assembly preferably includes a preblending static mixer and a manifold. The emulsion flows out of the static mixing assembly into a quench liquid whereby droplets of the emulsion form microparticles. The residence time of the emulsion in the static mixing assembly is controlled to obtain a predetermined particle size distribution of the resulting microparticles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for lowering the concentration of alcohol in blood which comprises extracts of the leaves of the pepino, stalk and fruit of the pepino as an effective component, and method for the preparation thereof. The composition of the invention comprises mixing 60-70% by weight of the extracts of the leaves and the stalks of the pepino and licorice with 30-40% by weight of the extracts of the fruit of the pepino. The composition of the invention can be used as a beverage for curing a hangover, a drug for curing alcoholism or a diet food using dietary fiber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of the plant Withania Somnifera, and, more particularly to a high purity extract composition with advantageous levels of withanolide glycosides and oligosaccharides, a minimum of polysaccharides, and substantially low levels of free withaferin A and equivalents (withanolide aglycones), which composition provides enhanced cognition-enhancing effects for the user, and an extraction process for obtaining such composition, as well as pharmaceutical, nutritional and personal care use products thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antialopecia agent which is a drug for protecting, reducing or preventing alopecia frequently occurring as the side effect of anticancer agents, wherein the drug inflicts neither any pain nor unpleasantness on patients under the treatment with anticancer agents and has a high safety; and foods or beverages containing this antialopecia agent. The antialopecia agent of the present invention is characterized by containing oolong tea extract as the active ingredient.

Abstract: Provided is a method for therapy of a pulmonary disease, the method comprising administering to an individual a composition in an amount effective to inhibit pulmonary inflammation, wherein the composition comprises an extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, an extract of Crataegus pinnatifida, and an extract of Camellia sinensis.

Abstract: A product and process for stabilizing Aloe vera gel is disclosed. The process includes the steps of rapidly heating the Aloe vera gel to a temperature in the range of from about 35° C. to about 80° C., adding to the heated Aloe vera gel one or more stabilizing antioxidants, and rapidly cooling the heated Aloe vera gel to a temperature in the range of from about 20° C. to about 30° C. The stabilizing antioxidants may be a tocotrienol/tocopherol blend, rosmarinic acid, polyphenols, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions such as dietary supplements. Such compositions can be used to reduce pain, inflammation, stiffness, and/or discomfort associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. The invention also provides methods for reducing pain, inflammation, stiffness, and/or discomfort associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.