Abstract: Aerosolized Substance P can be used to mitigate the effects of main-stream or side-stream cigarette smoke. Functional, structural, genetic, organ limited, and systemic effects of the smoke are mitigated by the Substance P treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides a vector, preferably a herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector, comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) protein. The invention also provides a stock of such vectors and a pharmaceutical composition comprising such vectors. The invention further provides a method of treating pain, such as spinal cord injury pain, in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal a vector comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) protein in an amount effective to treat spinal cord injury pain.

Abstract: Clinical performance of currently available human skin equivalents is limited by failure to develop perfusion. To address this problem we have developed a method of endothelial cell transplantation that promotes vascularization of human skin equivalents in vivo. Living skin equivalents were constructed by sequentially seeding the apical and basal surfaces of acellular dermis with cultured human keratinocytes and Bcl-2 transduced HUVEC or umbilical cord cells sequentially. After orthotopic implantation of grafts comprising cultured human keratinocytes and Bcl-2 transduced HUVEC cells onto mice, the grafts displayed both a differentiated human epidermis and perfusion through the HUVEC-lined microvessels. These vessels, which showed evidence of progressive maturation, accelerated the rate of graft vascularization. Successful transplantation of such vascularized human skin equivalents should enhance clinical utility, especially in recipients with impaired angiogenesis.

Abstract: A therapeutic microencapsulation for embedding parathyroid live cells with TheraCyte® and a manufacturing method are disclosed, where in the agent is made by embedding at least 4×105 parathyroid live cells with TheraCyte®. The achieved agent can be planted into mammal objects for treating osteoporosis in long-term. The manufacturing method is characterized by immerging the parathyroid live gland in composition of Roswell Park Memorial Institute solution (85%), dimethyl sulfoxide (10%) and fetal calf serum 5% and depositing in ?179° C. liquid nitrogen. The frozen parathyroid gland is sliced to pieces to isolate the live cells after unfreezing and then the parathyroid live cells are embedded with TheraCyte® to achieve the therapeutic microencapsulation.

Abstract: By a method of inducing differentiation of cells having: a step of co-culturing amniotic epithelial cells and amniotic interstitial cells so as to induce their differentiation into predetermined tissue cells, it is possible to efficiently induce differentiation of the amniotic epithelial cells and the amniotic interstitial cells. It is preferable that the amniotic epithelial cells or the amniotic interstitial cells are prepared by being cultured by a predetermined culture method.

Abstract: A method of cell-based therapy for treating an autoimmune disease is disclosed. The method is directed at stimulating leukocytes and/or dendritic cells to interrupt autoimmunity in a host. The method provides a Fc? receptor-specific complex or a complex which results in the co-crosslinking of Fc?-chains for treating the leukocytes and/or dendritic cells which are in turn used to elicit an autoimmune interruption response in a subject with an autoimmune disease. The Fc? receptor-specific complex and/or complex which results in the co-crosslinking of Fc?-chains is used to treat a biological sample comprising leukocytes and/or dendritic cells from a patient, and upon reintroducing said biological sample to the patient, the pre-treated dendritic cells illicit an autoimmune interruption response in vivo.

Abstract: Prevention of autoimmune disease and induction of transplantation tolerance in a recipient can be achieved by induction of mixed chimerism via bone marrow transplantation (BMT), but this procedure requires total body irradiation (TBI)-conditioning of the recipient. The toxicity of radiation and potential for graft versus host disease (GVHD) prevents its clinical application. Donor CD8+ T cells play a critical role in facilitation of engraftment, but also contribute to induction of GVHD in TBI-conditioned recipients. It is disclosed herein that high doses of donor CD8+ T cells in combination with donor bone marrow (BM) cells induces mixed chimerism without GVHD in recipients conditioned with anti-CD3 mAb. These chimeric recipients display donor specific tolerance and reversal of insulitis. These results establish that donor CD8+ T cell-mediated facilitation of engraftment can be separated from GVHD in non-irradiated recipients.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for the treatment of avian influenza using a stem cell preparation. Also described is a method for the manufacture of a stem cell preparation which can be used to treat the symptoms associated with avian influenza and a method for cryogenically preserving and/or storing a stem cell preparation which can be used to treat the symptoms associated with avian influenza. Also disclosed is a composition of matter containing stem cells which is useful for treating symptoms associated with avian influenza.

Abstract: A composition for promoting regeneration of tissue which has degenerated in a subject as a result of a disease or disorder and a method of using the composition is provided. The composition comprises a biodegradable acellular matrix, and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, integrated within the matrix. The method of using the composition to promote regeneration of tissue involves placing the composition on a site of degenerated tissue in a subject so that the composition promotes tissue regeneration at the site. The composition and the method of its use have applications promoting regeneration of tissue (i) that has degenerated as a result of numerous diseases or disorders or (ii) that has a defect, including, but not limited to, defects of the oral mucosa, trauma to the oral mucosa (e.g., extraction of a tooth), periodontal disease, diabetes, cutaneous ulcers, venous stasis, scars of the skin, or wrinkles of the skin.

Abstract: There is provided a preparation comprising Bifidobacterium breve and a mixture of non-digestible carbohydrates for non- or partially breast-fed infants as well as the use thereof for the treatment or prevention of immune disorder in non- or partially breast-fed infants. Also provided herein are sequence primers and probe for the detection of Bifidobacterium species as well as diagnostic kit thereof.

Abstract: A method of producing a water-in-oil product is described. The method comprises the step of: admixing a hydrophobic component with a water-in-oil emulsion to form said water-in-oil product, wherein said hydrophobic component comprises a probiotic in a hydrophobic medium.

Abstract: The invention provides agents for phase-adjusting or enhancing the amplitude of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm and for improving a circadian rhythm, which may be taken daily and continuously, have excellent safety, and may effectively prevent or ameliorate disorders of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm or of a circadian rhythm without administration of exogenous melatonin, as well as functional food containing such an agent, which may prevent or ameliorate various symptoms, such as sleep disorder or prolonged sleep latency. The agent for phase-adjusting or enhancing the amplitude of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm according to the invention contains whey as the active component. The functional food for improving an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm according to the invention contains the agent for phase-adjusting or enhancing the amplitude of an endogenous melatonin secretion rhythm.

Abstract: A tablet for use in a drip tray including an excipient selected so that the tablet will not fully dissolve in water at ambient temperature for a period of at least one month, more preferably up to 12 months, a biocide, at least one enzyme, preferably a proteolytic or hydrolase enzyme, and enzyme preserving means, such as a boron compound for maintaining enzyme activity in a moist environment. The excipient may be for example poly vinyl alcohols, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, high molecular weight polypropylene glycols, esters or partial esters of polyethylene glycols or of polypropylene glycols, and high molecular weight thermoplastic surfactants. The invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the growth of biofilm in an drip tray or the like, including the step of adding to the tray a tablet according to the invention.

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: A method of treating a metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance by administering to a mammal an inhibitor of a NH2-terminal Jun Kinase (JNK), e.g., a compound or peptide which inhibits JNK1 expression or enzymatic activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical preparation that significantly reduces leakage of a low-molecule medicine in a strong acidic environment, while allowing release of the low-molecule medicine in the enteric canal or the like which is in a weak acidic to neutral environment. The S/O type pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is characterized in comprising a medicine-containing complex dissolved or dispersed in an oil phase, wherein the complex contains a mixture and a surfactant, the mixture is covered by the surfactant, and the mixture contains a hydrophilic low molecule medicine, and a hydrophilic medicine-leakage-suppressive protein and/or a medicine-leakage-suppressive polysaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide therapeutic agent, useful in enzyme replacement therapy, with increased therapeutic benefits for the central nervous system. The invention provides a method of enhancing the effect of a polypeptide or protein on the central nervous system by the attachment of a short acidic amino acid sequence. Specifically the inventors disclose the attachment of a 4-15 acidic amino acid sequence to human ?-glucuronidase by construction of a fusion protein. This molecule is useful in the treatment of type VII mucopolysaccharidosis when administered to a patient.

Abstract: KCC2, KCC3, and KCC4 potassium-chloride cotransporter proteins, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. Recombinant host cells, recombinant nucleic acids and recombinant proteins are also disclosed, along with methods of producing each. Isolated and purified antibodies to KCC2, KCC3, and KCC4 homologs, and methods of producing the same, are also disclosed. KCC2, KCC3, and KCC4 gene products have biological activity in potassium-chloride cotransport. Thus, therapeutic methods involving this activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: Natalizumab is a safe and efficacious treatment for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn's Disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Rare occurrences of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy during treatment suggest the possibility that it may be related to natalizumab treatment. Monitoring for JCV and informing caregivers and patients about the manifestations of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy can improve the safety of natalizumab therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the treatment of hematopoietic tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods comprising administering anti-CD26 antibodies for the prevention and treatment of cancers and immune diseases associated with expressing CD26 are provided. The invention describes various types of anti-CD26 antibodies and modes of administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and method for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutically amount of at least one proteasome inhibitor to a subject in need of treatment of spinal muscular atrophy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chimeric mouse/human antibody (ch-mAb6B5) for treatment of abuse and toxicity of the arylcyclohexylamines class of drugs (i.e., phencyclidine- or PCP-like drugs). This antibody comprises light and heavy chain PCP binding regions of mouse mAb6B5, coupled to the light and heavy chain constant regions of a human kappa IgG2 or IgG4 isoform. Also provided are the DNA and amino acid sequences of the chimeric light and heavy chain of this antibody. Further provided are data that demonstrate that the new chimeric antibody retains the high affinity and specificity of a previously generated mouse anti-PCP monoclonal antibody (mAb6B5) yet being minimally immunogenic since it has human immunoglobulin constant region. This new medication would allow safe and effective treatment of PCP drug overdose, decrease mortality, and reduce harmful effects due to excessive and prolonged PCP drug use.

Abstract: Multivalent, multispecific molecules having at least one specificity for a pathogen and at least one specificity for the HLA class II invariant chain (Ii) are administered to induce clearance of the pathogen. In addition to pathogens, clearance of therapeutic or diagnostic agents, autoantibodies, anti-graft antibodies, and other undesirable compounds may be induced using the multivalent, multispecific molecules.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The instant invention is concerned with genes associated with obesity. Additionally, the invention provides methods of using the differential expression of these genes associated with obesity to diagnose and treat obesity, as well as to screen for compounds useful for treating obesity.

Abstract: Mammalian subjects having a neoplasm are treated with a virus and a camptothecin compound, for example irinotecan or topotecan. The virus is selected from the group consisting of a Newcastle disease virus, a measles virus, a vesicular stomatitis virus, an influenza virus, a Sindbis virus, a picornavirus, and a myxoma virus. The treatment can also include administration of a monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor, for example cetuximab.

Abstract: Modified annexin proteins, including a homodimer of human annexin V, are provided. Methods for their use, such as to prevent thrombosis without increasing hemorrhage and to attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury (IPI), are also provided. The modified annexins bind phosphatidylserine (PS) on cell surfaces, thereby preventing the assembly of the prothromkinase complex. The modified annexin decreases the binding of leukocytes and platelets during post-ischemic reperfusion, thereby restoring microvascular blood flow and decreasing organ damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, such as an antibody, a protein, a peptide or the like, an agent of promoting the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, and an immunologically functional molecule having the promoted activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies that immunospecifically bind to human brain natriuretic peptide or a human brain natriuretic peptide fragment with a high binding affinity, methods for producing and selecting said antibodies, immunoassays for human brain natriuretic peptide or a human brain natriuretic peptide fragment that employ said antibodies and therapeutic compositions containing said antibodies.

Abstract: A therapeutic and/or preventive agent for inner ear disorders comprising an IL-6 antagonist, preferably an anti-IL-6R antibody, as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A method of modulating vascularization in a tissue of a mammal comprises controlling a PAR signaling pathway (e.g., the PAR-1 or PAR-2 signaling pathway) in a mammalian tissue, for example, by controlling phosphorylation of tissue factor cytoplasmic domain (i.e., phosphorylation of Ser258 of the cytoplasmic tail of TF). In a preferred method pathological is treated by administering to a mammal suffering from pathological neovascularization, a therapeutically effective amount of a PAR signaling pathway inhibitor. Preferably the mammal is a human.

Abstract: The present invention describes antibodies generated against platelet membrane glycoprotein VI (GPVI), methods of producing the anti-GPVI antibodies, and the use of these antibodies as research, diagnostic and immunotherapeutic agents, in particular, as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for the detection and treatment of thrombosis and other vascular diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treatment of hyperproliferative disorders and cancers, including multiple myeloma and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, comprising administering to a patient in need of the treatment a TACI-Ig fusion molecule in amount sufficient to suppress proliferation-inducing functions of BlyS and APRIL.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of G250-antigen-expressing tumors, in particular renal clear cell carcinoma comprising the administration of G250-antigen-specific antibodies to high-risk patients diagnosed with non-metastasising disease.

Abstract: A conjugate is disclosed herein, wherein the conjugate includes a ligand having the ability to specifically and stably bind to an external receptor or binding site on a tumor vasculature endothelial cell, wherein the external receptor or binding site is specific for tumor vasculature endothelial cells. The conjugate also includes an anticancer agent that is selectively toxic to cancer cells operatively attached to the ligand. The anticancer agent may be L-methioninase. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the conjugate are also disclosed, as well as methods of treating a cancer tumor or cancer cells with a therapeutically effective amount of the conjugate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the immune response of a mammal to an antigen by engaging the OX-40 receptor on the surface of T-cells are disclosed, comprising administering to the mammal a composition comprising a purified OX-40 receptor binding agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said composition is administered to the mammal such that the OX-40 receptor binding agent is presented to T-cells of the mammal during or shortly after priming of the T-cells by the antigen. Such compositions and methods can be used in immunization and cancer treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions for inhibiting apoptosis, containing one to all components of: (a) an APO-1-inhibiting compound; (b) a compound inhibiting and catching, respectively, the APO-1 ligand; and (c) a compound inhibiting the intracellular APO-1 signalling pathway, the component(s) being not considered foreign in an individual, as well as conventional excipients. Furthermore, this invention relates to compounds suitable for inhibiting apoptosis and having at least one extracellular APO-1 domain and a carrier, the domain(s) and the carrier being not considered foreign in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention discloses immunomodulating compositions. More particularly, the present invention discloses compositions comprising an immune-modulating agent and a lectin-interactive agent, which are useful for stimulating and prolonging host immune cell responses. The compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a range of conditions including pathogenic infections, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, graft versus host disease, allergies, inflammatory disease, as well as cancers and tumours.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for suppressing the immune system of a mammal using ubiquitin and derivatives and analogs thereof

Abstract: Recombinant soluble Fc receptors according to the present invention are characterized by the absence of transmembrane domains, signal peptides and glycosylation. Such Fc receptors can easily be obtained by expressing respective nucleic acids in prokaryotic host cells and renaturation of the obtained inclusion bodies, which procedure leads to a very homogenous and pure product. The products can be used for diagnostic as well as pharmaceutical applications and also for the generation of crystal structure data. Such crystal structure data can be used for the modelling of artificial molecules. A further embodiment comprises coupling the Fc receptors according to the invention to solid materials like chromatography materials that can be used to separate and/or enrich antibodies.

Abstract: Ligands for flt3 receptors capable of transducing self-renewal signals to regulate the growth, proliferation or differentiation of progenitor cells and stem cells are disclosed. The invention is directed to Flt3-ligand as an isolated protein, the DNA encoding the Flt3-ligand, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding Flt3-ligand, compositions comprising Flt3-ligand and methods of using Flt3-ligand in hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel proteins, e.g., antigens, from Piscirickettsia salmonis. The present invention further discloses nucleic acids that encode these proteins. The present invention also discloses the use of the proteins, e.g., antigens, and nucleic acids to prepare vaccines against salmonid rickettsial septicemia (SRS). The present invention further provides recombinant Yersinia ruckeri cells to be used to construct vaccines against SRS. The present invention also discloses vaccines that can be used to protect fish from Piscirickettsia salmonis, as well as other pathogens. In addition, the present invention discloses methods of using the vaccines of the present invention to protect fish from SRS as well as from other pathogenic diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inducing an immune response against a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a mammal. The method comprises administering to the mammal an adenoviral vector composition comprising one or more adenoviral vectors encoding two or more different HIV antigens, the production of which induces an immune response against HIV in the mammal. The invention also provides an adenoviral vector composition comprising four adenoviral vectors encoding an HIV clade A Env protein, an HIV clade B Env protein, an HIV clade C Env protein, and a fusion protein comprising an HIV clade B Gag protein and Pol protein, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant vaccines, based on a phage vector system, which enhance immunological response and allow rapid construction and deployment of vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for prevention of the transmission of a pathogen of an animal of a first species to an animal of a second species characterized in that antigen of a pathogen of an animal of a first species is used for the immunization of an animal of a second species against the pathogen of the animal of the first species, wherein the administration of said antigen results in the reduction or the absence of the reproduction of pathogen of the animal of the first species in an animal of the second species.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a use of human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) or derivatives thereof, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition intended to be administered during early childhood, for the prevention of IgE sensitization and allergy development in young children. Examples of viral compositions include, but are not limited to live human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6).

Abstract: The invention provides a bacterium containing a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous antigen, as well as fusion protein partners. Also provided are vectors for mediating site-specific recombination and vectors comprising removable antibiotic resistance genes.

Abstract: The invention provides a bacterium containing a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous antigen, as well as fusion protein partners. Also provided are vectors for mediating site-specific recombination and vectors comprising removable antibiotic resistance genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reversibly inhibiting S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) hydrolase. The compounds of the present invention can be used in combination with an anti-hemorrhagic viral infection agent, an immunosuppressant, a homocysteine lowering agent, or an anti-neoplasm agent. The compositions and methods of the present invention can be used for the prevention and treatment of lupus, hemorrhagic virus infection, autoimmune diseases, autograft rejection, neoplasm, hyperhomocysteineuria, cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, or diabetes.