Abstract: Methods for treating cognitive dysfunction by modulating brain energy metabolism are discussed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition of a practically usable solution capable of stably maintaining, against oxidation, reduced coenzyme Q, which has not been employed in practice so far because of being liable to undergo oxidation and hydrophobic, a method of preparing the solution and a method of storing the solution. A solution of reduced coenzyme Q which can be stored at a low temperature or room temperature over a long time can be prepared by coating reduced coenzyme Q with liposome made of refined soybean lecithin, etc, and solubilizing, or solubilizing or emulsifying reduced coenzyme Q by using a surfactant at a low temperature.

Abstract: A composition having sustained pain-relieving properties such that the composition may be administered to a subject to alleviate chronic pain. The composition includes an effective amount of at least one inhibitor of neurotransmitter synthesis. A method for alleviating chronic pain in a subject for an extended period of time is also disclosed, in which the compound is administered to a subject suffering from chronic pain at a site of inflammation such that the administration of the compound results in a reduction in at least one of thermal and mechanical pain responses at the site of inflammation for a period of at least two days without any resulting acute pain behavior. The composition may further include an effective amount of at least one compound having analgesic effects such that the composition also alleviates acute pain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for intravaginal administration of peroxide-generating enzymes and substrates for promoting the growth of Gram-positive bacilli, inhibiting Gram-negative bacilli, promoting an oxidizing environment, and/or treating or preventing disturbances of the vaginal bacterial flora accompanying the reduction of Gram-positive bacilli or the increase in pathogenic microbes, such as Gram-negative bacilli, resulting in vaginal infections.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that proteins produced in insect cell cultures are glycosylated in a unique manner that causes them to be selectively imported by cells that express mannose receptors on their membranes, particularly macrophages. Proteins that are selectively imported into cells containing mannose receptors are provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such proteins and methods for producing such proteins. Application of the present invention to produce proteins useful for treating lysosomal storage disorders is also disclosed. Engineering of cells to express mannose receptors so that they will selectively import proteins produced in insect cells is also taught, as well as a protein targeting system using such cells and proteins. Finally, an improved elution buffer for the purification of proteins produced in insect cells from a Concanavalin A column is provided.

Abstract: Human Immune Cell Cytokine-like Hormone polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide in a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells of the immune system. Antagonists against such polypeptides are also disclosed. The antagonists include antibodies which may be employed as a therapeutic to treat leukemia and lymphoblastoma, may also be used as imaging agents and diagnostic agents for detecting expression levels of the protein. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to mutations in the nucleic acid sequences and altered concentrations of the polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods of treating TNF&agr;-related disorders comprising administering TNF&agr; inhibitors, including TNF&agr; antibodies are described.

Abstract: Methods for treating coronary disease in which TNF&agr; activity is detrimental are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of compounds, compositions, combinations, kits, and methods for treatment, prevention, suppression, and/or delaying the onset of type 1 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of BMP-2, which is overexpressed in most common cancers, as 1) a target for cancer treatment therapies and 2) a means to diagnose cancer. The therapeutic component of this invention involves administering to a patient a composition that inhibits bone morphogenetic-2 activity. Such inhibition may be accomplished by ligands or antibodies that bind to BMP-2 or BMP-2 receptors. It may also be achieved by preventing the processing of pro-BMP-2, or blocking transcription or replication of BMP-2 DNA or translation of BMP-2 mRNA. The diagnostic component of the invention involves measuring the BMP-2 level in biological samples from both a patient and a subject and comparing those levels. Elevated levels of BMP-2 in the patient compared to the non-cancerous subject indicate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ligands which bind to human tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) in a manner such that upon binding of these ligands to TNF the biological activity of TNF is modified. In preferred forms the ligand binds to TNF in a manner such that the induction of endothelial procoajulant activity of the TNF is inhibited; the binding of TNF to receptors on endothelial cells is inhibited; the induction of fibrin deposition in the tumour and tumour regression activities of the TNF are enhanced; and the cytotoxicity and receptor binding activities of the TNF are unaffected or enhanced on tumour cells. The ligand is preferably an antibody, F(ab) fragment, single domain antibody (dABS) single chain antibody or a serum binding protein. It is preferred, however, that the ligand is a monoclonal antibody or F(ab) fragment thereof.

Abstract: Human inositol monophosphatase H1 polynucleotide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques and utilizing such polypeptide for therapeutic purposes, for example, screening and designing compounds capable of inhibiting hIMP-H1 and mapping genetic diseases are disclosed. Further disclosed are antibodies against hIMP-H1 polypeptides and methods for producing such antibodies and utilizing such antibodies for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Also disclosed is antagonists against such polypeptide along with procedures for using such antagonists for therapeutic purposes, for example, for treating psychotic and depressive disorders. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer, particularly melanoma, myeloma, small cell lung cancer, thymic lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and acute T-cell leukemia, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions include one or more anti-ganglioside antibodies and polynucleotides that encode such anti-ganglioside antibodies. These antibodies may be for example, hamster antibodies, chimeric human/hamster antibodies, or humanized antibodies. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the treatment of cancer and can be used to induce apoptosis in a cancer cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combined use of conjugates of CD44 specific antibodies with cytotoxic compounds and chemotherapeutic agents in cancer therapy, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and/or chemotherapeutic agents, and methods of cancer treatment. Preferred conjugates contain maytansinoids as cytotoxic compounds, and preferred chemotherapeutic agents are taxanes, epothilones, and vinca alcaloids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating neurological-urological conditions. This is accomplished by administration of at least one neurotoxin.

Abstract: The invention relates to intranasal immunization with detoxified lipooligosaccharide from nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis.

Abstract: A host is immunized against infection by a strain of Chlamydia by initial administration of an attenuated bacteria harbouring a nucleic acid encoding a Chlamydia protein followed by administration of a Chlamydia protein in ISCOMs. This procedure enables a high level of protection to be achieved.

Abstract: The invention provides active and passive immunization methods for preventing and treating Clostridium difficile infection, which involve percutaneous administration of C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin, C. difficile toxoids, or combinations thereof. Also provided by the invention are C. difficile toxoids, C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin, and methods of identifying subjects that produce C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin.

Abstract: For the purpose of preparing the immunoglobulin of yolk (IgY) against dental caries bacteria and the combination, Streptococcus mutans type c and type d are used as antigen bacteria, the antibody is purified by water dilution, DEAE-Sephadex A50 and Sephadex G200 chromatography. It is low cost of production, high titer, strong resistance to osmotic pressure, and high immune activity and wide range of cross-reaction to streptococcus mutans. Present invention provides the combination preventing dental caries wherein the effective components are IgY and antiseptic features in safe use and effective prevention; The combination is effectively preventing dental caries.

Abstract: A method of screening, diagnosing, or treating an NF-&kgr;B induced pathology through the use of NF-&kgr;B modulating agents. These cells isolated from pathological regions of a subject can be cultured in the presence or absence of a modulating agent to detect a change in proliferation of the cells, wherein a change in proliferation in modulator treated cells compared to control cells shows that the cells are derived from an NF-&kgr;B induced pathology. A subject that contains cells derived from an NF-&kgr;B induced pathology can be diagnosed with this pathology. NF-&kgr;B modulators can then be used to treat the NF-&kgr;B induced pathology.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a vaccine composition comprising a mutant or wild-type p53 protein in a form that, when presented to the immune system of a mammal, induces an effective immune response, i.e., either on the surface of an antigen presenting cell or combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant. Further, the subject invention provides a method of inhibiting the growth of tumors in mammals comprising treating a mammal with an immunologically effective amount of a vaccine comprising the mutant or wild-type p53 protein.

Abstract: Five fluorogenic probe hydrolysis reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (TaqMan™) assays are described for serotype-specific detection of dengue 1-4 and group-specific detection of dengue viruses. Type- and group-specific oligonucleotide primers and fluorogenic probes were designed against conserved regions of the dengue genome. The invention provides TaqMan PCR assays, which are rapid, sensitive, and specific screening and serotyping tools for the epidemiological study of dengue infections.

Abstract: An in vitro method to conduct genomic replication of the viral genomes of viruses that utilize RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication (RDRP viruses), such as HCV. The method employs a construct comprising the 3′ and 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of the viral genome which are operably linked on the 5′ and 3′ ends of a reporter sequence, in antisense orientation, such that when viral replication is occurring within the cell which produces RDRP, the reporter protein will be made. The method of the invention provides an efficient means for measuring genomic replication in RDRP viruses, and also for the rapid screening of compounds for their ability to inhibit genomic replication of RDRP viruses, including the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of vaccine formulation, particularly the field of novel adjuvant compositions comprising outer membrane vesicles (or blebs), and advantageous methods of detoxifying these compositions, and advantageous methods of use of such adjuvants.

Abstract: Described is a plasmid prepared by recombinant techniques which is used to prepare a vaccine against Y. pestis.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from Neissena meningitidis (strains A & B), including amino acid sequences, the corresponding nucleotide sequences, expression data, and serological data. The proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics.

Abstract: A cancer preventive agent and food are disclosed, which contain Tricholoma matsutake, in particular Tricholoma matsutake of the FERM BP-7304 strain, and any of mycelia, broths, or fruit bodies (including spores) thereof, as they are, dried products thereof, or extracts thereof (e.g., a hot water extract or an alkaline solution extract). Methods of preventing a cancer by the use of the cancer preventive agent and food are also disclosed.

Abstract: An infection preventive or therapeutic agent and food are disclosed, which contain as an active ingredient an anion exchange resin adsorption fraction of a mixture obtained by mixing a hot water extract of mycelia of basidiomycetes belonging to the genus Tricholoma, in particular the Tricholoma matsutake FERM BP-7304 strain, with an alkaline solution extract of a mycelia residue when the mycelia hot water extract is obtained. The anion exchange resin adsorption fraction has a carbohydrate content of 60% to 72% in glucose equivalent determined by a phenol-sulfuric acid method and (b) a protein content of 28% to 40% in albumin equivalent determined by a copper-Folin method. Methods of preventing or treating infection(s) with a pathogenic microorganism by the use of the preventive or therapeutic agent and food are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel combined vaccine compositions are provided, comprising a herpes simplex virus (HSV) antigen and a HPV antigen and optionally in addition one or more of the following: an EBV antigen, a hepatitis A antigen or inactivated attenuated virus, a hepatitis B viral antigen, a VZV antigen, a HCMV antigen, a Toxoplasma gondii antigen. The vaccine compositions are formulated with an adjuvant which is a preferential stimulator of TH1 cell response such as 3D-MPL and QS21.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying recombinant HCV single or specific oligomeric envelope proteins selected from the group consisting of E1 and/or E2 and/or E1/E2, characterized in that upon lysing the transformed host cells to isolate the recombinantly expressed protein a disulphide bond cleavage or reduction step is carried out with a disulphide bond cleavage agent. The present invention also relates to a composition isolated by such a method. The present invention also relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic application of these compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of HCV E1 protein and peptides for prognosing and monitoring the clinical effectiveness and/or clinical outcome of HCV treatment.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a patient suffering from a disease, disorder or condition and associated pain include the administration to the patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin selected from a group consisting of Botulinum toxin types A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a patient suffering from a disease, disorder or condition and associated pain include the administration to the patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin selected from a group consisting of botulinum toxin types A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

Abstract: The invention relates to newly identified cancer associated antigens. It has been discovered that each of these molecules provokes antibodies when expressed by a subject. The ranifications of this observation are also a part of this invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for dewaxing wax-embedded biological specimens prior to histochemical analysis. The compositions and methods provided can effectively remove wax or improved wax-based embedding materials, particularly paraffin-based, from specimens during preparation for histochemical or other diagnostic analyses, while minimizing danger to users, achieving compatibility with automated use, and maintaining compatibility with downstream histochemical analyses, particularly immunostaining. Compositions of the invention comprise a paraffin-solubilizing organic solvent, a polar organic solvent, and a surfactant. Compositions can further comprise water. The method involves contacting a wax-embedded specimen with the dewaxing composition to solubilize the wax impregnating the specimen prior to histochemical analysis.

Abstract: Microparticle carriers, particularly protein-encapsulated microbubbles, are used to deliver antiproliferative drugs to target sites in a subject. In particular, antirestenotic drugs are delivered to areas of vascular injury for treatment or prevention of hyperproliferative disease, e.g. stenosis, in blood vessels; and antineoplastic drugs are targeted to tumor sites.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium containing a fatty phase:

Abstract: The invention is a method for attracting mosquitoes by producing a volatilized acid by combining an acid precursor with water to produce the humidified vapor acid attractant, preferably hydrogen chloride. The humidified volatilized acid can be further combined with carbon dioxide, or carbon dioxide can be simultaneously produced to attract mosquitoes. The acid precursor can be a hydrate of ferric chloride, such as ferric chloride hexahydrate. The acid precursor can be impregnated in a carrier, and can be combined with water through exposure to water vapor in the atmosphere, the intentional addition of water, or water produced by a chemical reaction.

Abstract: Ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites and lice, are removed from a human or animal host after applying a composition that causes the temperature of the treated area to become higher or lower than normal. In one embodiment, treatment is effected by applying a composition that releases heat when contacted with water. The elevated or decreased temperature immobilizes the parasites and facilitates their mechanical removal, such as by combing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tissue implant material for use in grafting procedures. More particularly, the present invention provides non-vascular tissue for use as vascular graft material. The present invention further contemplates a method of vascular grafting using non-vascular tissue. The tissue of the present invention is preferably autologous relative to the recipient of the graft and is conveniently prepared around or on a molding support or other foreign body inserted into a body cavity of the intended recipient of the graft. The tissues and methods of the present invention are particularly useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of diseased or damaged blood vessels such as in atherosclerosis.

Abstract: A three dimensional cell scaffold is provided including a biocompatible polymer formed from a plurality of fibers configured so as to form a non-woven three dimensional open celled matrix having a predetermined shape, a predetermined pore volume fraction, a predetermined pore shape, and a predetermined pore size, with the matrix having a plurality of connections between the fibers.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide/organic polymer hybrid materials for artificial bone produced by forming titania gel on the surface of a substrate made of an organic polymer and treating the titania gel with hot water or an aqueous solution of an acid to convert the titania gel into a titanium dioxide membrane on which apatite having such a Ca/P atomic ratio as to constitutes the bone of an mammal can be formed from the body fluid thereof.

Abstract: Cage systems that improve upon the prior art in various ways. In the preferred embodiments, devices are radiolucent, with markers, thereby allowing visualization of placement without excessive obscuration. Devices according to the invention eliminate multiple steps, instruments and trays, while being capable of a custom fit. The devices according to the invention permit easier and greater access to end plate surface area, and can be used with autografts, allografts, and biologics.

Abstract: Drug delivery film compositions containing a combination of a water-soluble, film-forming polymers and a fatty acid glyceride or ester are suitable for delivering ophthalmic drugs.

Abstract: Biomedical devices with antimicrobial coatings are provided. One or more surfaces of the device are coated with a cationic peptide, cationic proteins, or mixtures thereof to impart antimicrobial properties to the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing zinc-oligopeptides easily absorbable by the human body. A suspension of protein in deionized water at a neutral pH range in the presence of a protease is subjected to proteolysis to give a mixture of oligopeptides. Zinc ions are chelated with the oligopeptides to give a zinc-oligopeptide solution. The zinc-oligopeptide solution is concentrated and dried to a powder. Also provided is a beverage or food composition containing the zinc-oligopeptide, which can make contribution to avoid the lack of dietary zinc.

Abstract: A substantially dry personal care cleansing article is provided which includes a water-insoluble substrate and associated with the substrate a personal care cleansing composition. The latter includes at least one lathering surfactant and at least about 2% of a cationic polymer. The composition has an average particle size ranging from about 75 to about 900 micron. The cationic polymer improves the rapidity and duration of foam formation when the article is wetted with water to activate the surfactant.

Abstract: A small, cylindrical-shaped, disposable or reusable, and flexible bladder, cooled or frozen before applied to the anus of the user, and held in place by the user's buttocks. Said bladder is composed of a plastic, rubber or other flexible material sealed at its ends. A cooling agent or compound is contained within the bladder, which is intended to be cooled or frozen in one's refrigerator, icebox or freezer. Upon application, the bladder provides instant relief to the user by cooling the exposed hemorrhoidal tissue and by accelerating the shrinkage of said tissue.

Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces. A perforated skin adherent facing layer is secured to a proximal surface of the absorbent core and a liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer is connected to a distal surface of the absorbent core. The backing layer defines at least one compliant element disassociated from the distal surface of the absorbent core and including at least one ridge extending outwardly relative to the distal surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating, reducing, or preventing ear infections by topically administering a rifamycin of the invention to the ear of a patient. Infections amenable to treatment according to this invention include, for example, otitis media, otitis externa, or infections arising from surgery.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for application to an area of skin of a subject for local and/or systemic treatment of a COX-2 mediated disorder comprises a backing sheet that is flexibly conformable to the area of skin, the backing sheet having opposing surfaces that are respectively distal and proximal to the skin when applied; and a coating on the proximal surface of the backing sheet that comprises (a) an adhesive and (b) a water-soluble active agent selected from selective COX-2 inhibitory drugs, prodrugs and salts thereof, the active agent being in a therapeutically effective total amount and dispersed in a matrix that comprises zero to less than an active agent solubilizing effective amount in total of one or more solvents other than the adhesive.