Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of placental growth factor (PLGF)-comprising therapeutic and cosmetic compositions capable of increasing angiogenesis of the cutaneous, subcutaneous and internal organ connective tissue. Such compositions are suitable for the treatment of pathological or natural states benefiting from the formation or regeneration of new vessels of the cutaneous compartment, such as scleroderma, its various manifestations, skin aging or loss of hair.

Abstract: A highly safe liquid preparation for contact lenses which contains 0.3 to 50 ppm of a polyamine having recurring units of the formula (I): wherein n is 0 or 1, and which has a high antibacterial effect even at low concentrations.

Abstract: This invention provides a recombinant super-compound interferon or an equivalent thereof with changed spatial configuration. The super-compound interferon possesses anti-viral or anti-tumor activity and therefore is useful to prevent and treat viral diseases and cancers. This invention also provides an artificial gene which codes for the super-compound interferon or its equivalent. Finally, this invention provides methods to produce recombinant super-compound interferon or its equivalent and various uses of said interferon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to endothelial and smooth muscle cells genetically altered to express or over-express one or more cell adhesion factors. The invention further relates to cells genetically altered to express or over-express both cell proliferation growth factor(s) and cell adhesion factor(s). In addition, the present invention relates to nucleic acid constructs and nucleic acid construct systems that encode the cell adhesion and cell proliferation growth factors and that are used to transfect/transform the cells so that they can express the factors.

Abstract: This invention comprises cellular vaccines and methods of using them in cancer immunotherapy, particularly in humans. The vaccines comprise a source of tumor-associated antigen, and a cytokine-secreting cell line. Tumor antigen may be provided in the form of primary tumor cells, tumor cell lines or tumor extracts prepared from the subject. In certain embodiments of the invention, the cytokine-secreting line is a separate tumor line that is allogeneic to the patient and genetically altered so as to produce a cytokine at an elevated level. Exemplary cytokines are IL-4, GM-CSF, IL-2, TNF-?, and M-CSF in the secreted or membrane-bound form. In these embodiments, the cytokine-producing cells provide immunostimulation in trans to generate a specific immune response against the tumor antigen.

Abstract: Colon cancer specific promoter sequences and adenovirus vehicles are provided. By providing for transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon transcription factors that are only active in specific, limited cell types, virus replication will be restricted to the target cells. The modified adenovirus may be used as a vehicle for introducing new genetic capability, particularly associated with cytotoxicity for treating neoplasia.

Abstract: This invention is a method for constructing recombinant organisms that produce proteins lethal to the larvae of insects. Nucleotide sequences were isolated from Bacillus popilliae that encode two adjacent, putative genes; orf1 and cryhime1. The cryhime1 sequence was related to other Bacillus popilliae genes that encode proteins active against Scarabaeidae insect larvae. When these nucleotide sequences were transferred to Bacillus thuringiensis, a protein was produced that had a lethal effect on the larvae from Scarabaeidae insects. When the orf1 sequence was removed from the recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis strain, no protein active against Scarabaeidae insect larvae was produced, strongly suggesting that the orf1 sequences are required for expression of the cryhime1 gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for inducing an immunological CTL response to an antigen by sustained, regular delivery of the antigen to a mammal so that the antigen reaches the lymphatic system. Antigen is delivered at a level sufficient to induce an immunologic CTL response in a mammal and the level of the antigen in the mammal's lymphatic system is maintained over time sufficient to maintain the immunologic CTL response. Also disclosed is an article of manufacture for delivering an antigen that induces a CTL response in an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human K+ ion channel, to nucleic acid molecules encoding the same and to vectors comprising said nucleic acid molecules. The invention additionally relates to antibodies specifically directed to the novel K+ ion channel and to pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits containing at least one of the above-mentioned components. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods of treating a disease caused by malfunction of the polypeptide of the present invention or by the (over)expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprising administering an inhibitor of said (over)expression or of ion channel function or an inhibitor abolishing said malfunction to a patient in need thereof. Methods of devising drugs for treating or preventing the above-mentioned disease, methods of inhibiting cell proliferation and methods of prognosing cancer are additional embodiments comprised by the present invention.

Abstract: A variant of a polypeptide comprising a human IgG Fc region is described, which variant comprises an amino acid substitution at one or more of amino acid positions 270, 322, 326,327, 329, 331, 333 or 334 of the human IgG Fc region. Such variants display altered effector function. For example, C1q binding and/or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activity may be altered in the variant polypeptide. The application also discloses a variant of a parent polypeptide comprising a human IgG Fc region, which variant has a better binding affinity for human C1q than the parent polypeptide.

Abstract: A method for treating IL-20 induced inflammation. An antagonist to IL-20 is administered to treat inflammation and associated diseases. The antagonist can be an antibody that binds to IL-20 or its receptor or a soluble receptor that binds to IL-20. Examples of such diseases are adult respiratory disease, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, septic shock, multiple organ failure, inflammatory lung injury, bacterial pneumonia, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The invention provides purified ACT-4 receptor polypeptides, antibodies against these polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding ACT-4 receptor polypeptides. Also provided are methods of diagnosis and treatment using the same. ACT-4 receptors are preferentially expressed on the surface of activated CD4+ T-cells. ACT-4 receptors are usually expressed at low levels on the surface of activated CD8+ cells, and are usually substantially absent on resting T-cells, and on monocytes and B-cells (resting or activated). An exemplary ACT-4 receptor, termed ACT-4-h-1, has a signal sequence, an extracellular domain comprising three disulfide-bonded intrachain loops, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the occurrence of fever, headache, nausea and/or vomiting associated with administration of a therapeutic compound to a mammal in need thereof, comprising administering to the mammal a first conditioning dose of a non-target cell depleting compound which binds to a cell surface receptor on a target mammalian cell; and administering a second therapeutic dose of the compound, wherein the second dose is higher than the first dose.

Abstract: A polynucleotide, comprising a contiguous nucleotide sequence coding for a human antibody with factor VIII specificity, or complementary to a nucleotide sequence coding for a human antibody for factor VIII specificity, or capable of selectively hybridizing under stringent conditions to such nucleotide sequence. Such polynucleotide may be used as a probe or primer for detection of factor VIII inhibitors, or be used for producing a recombinant polypeptide. A polypeptide, comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence corresponding to or mimicking a fragment or derivative of a human antibody with factor VIII specificity capable of specific binding to factor VIII. An antibody, comprising a recombinant human antibody with factor VIII specificity or an anti-idiotypic antibody directed against a human antibody with factor VIII specificity. Pharmaceutical compositions which contain such polypeptide or antibody.

Abstract: Antibodies that interact with osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) are described. Methods of treating osteopenic disorders by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of antibodies to OPGL are described. Methods of detecting the amount of OPGL in a sample using antibodies to OPGL are described.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof which bind, neutralize and provide passive immunotherapy to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigenic subgroups A and B are disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic and immunotherapeutic methods of using the monoclonal antibodies as well as cell line producing the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which can bind to the ClfA protein and which are generated from binding subdomains or active fragments of the ClfA protein from Staphylococcus aureus, including the active fragments proteins from its fibrinogen binding domain such as Clf40 protein, the Clf33 protein, or ClfA N3, are provided which can be useful in the treatment and protection against infection from staphylococcal bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, medical instruments can be treated using the monoclonal antibodies of the invention in order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of their becoming infected or further spreading the infection. In particular, the antibodies of the present invention are advantageous because they can prevent adherence of the bacteria to host cells by impairing or inhibiting the ability of S. aureus ClfA to bind to fibrinogen or fibrin, and thus can be utilized in methods or treating or preventing staphylococcal inventions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lipopolysaccharide moiety comprising a conserved triheptosyl inner-core moiety of lipopolysaccharide substantially free of variable outer core oligosaccharide chain extension, and to vaccines obtaines therefrom which are cross-reactive for Haemophilus influenzae strains. The invention also relates to defined mutations in the biosynthetic machinery for lipopolysaccharide (LPS;) expression in Haemophilus influenzae useful to obtain the abovementioned moiety. The invention also relates to using conjugates of the LPS from the mutant strains so obtained to elicit a heterologous immune response against a wide range of disease-causing H. influenzae strains. More specifically, the invention relates to vaccines for prevention of bacterial infections comprising core lipopolysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae.

Abstract: Specific genetic deletion are identified in mycobacteria isolates, including variations in the M. tuberculosis genome sequence between isolates, and numerous deletion present in BCG as compared to M. tb. These deletions are used as markers to distinguish between pathogenic and avirulent strains, and as a marker for particular M. tb isolates. Deletions specific to vaccine strains of BCG are useful in determining whether a positive tuberculin skin test is indicative of actual tuberculosis infection. The deleted sequences may be re-introduced into BCG to improve the efficacy of vaccination. Alternatively, the genetic sequence that corresponds to the deletion(s) are deleted from M. bovis or M. tuberculosis to attenuate the pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: A peptide comprising an amino acid sequence derived from a human papilloma virus (HPV) protein, wherein said amino acid sequence has the ability to bind to a human Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I molecule. Its use in prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of cervical carcinoma and other HPV-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel RSV proteins, antibodies, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one RSV protein or antibody, RSV vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: A nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein of PTD and CEA. The nucleotide sequence includes a CEA-encoding nucleotide sequence into which a PTD-encoding nucleotide sequence is inserted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, referred to as CBD-1, CBD-2, CBM-1/TH-1, CBM-1/TH-2, CBM-2/TH-1, CBM-2/TH-2 and C-20 peptides, which are antigenic and elicit a protective immune response against HIV infection. Compositions, pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising these antigenic peptides are also encompassed by the present invention, as well as neutralizing antibodies which inhibit infection of primary CD4+ T lymphocytes by various HIV isolates. Methods for diagnosis of HIV are also disclosed.

Abstract: A recombinant, attenuated strain of Brucella suis or Brucella melitensis with a deficiency in carboxyl-terminal protease activity or tail-specific protease activity can be used as a vaccine for the prevention or treatment of Brucellosis. Prior exposure to the Brucella species is identified by detecting a genetic sequence for carboxyl-terminal (i.e. tail-specific) protease activity in a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid concentrate for the preservation of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products which comprises 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC), at least one liquid carrier selected from the group consisting of: polyvalent alcohols, glycol esters and glycol ethers, and at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of: formic acid, formic acid salts, and formate esters, and comprising no additional carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of: benzoic acid, propionic acid, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, dehydroacetic acid and 10-undecylenic acid and a salt thereof being present.

Abstract: The combination of a polymyxin composition and a hop composition produces unexpected and synergistic activity against gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention includes a drug release system. The drug release system comprises a bulk polymer phase and a polymeric drug-enriched phase within the bulk polymer phase. At least one drug is incorporated into the drug-enriched phase.

Abstract: Use of an anti-infective and/or anti-inflammatory agent for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diseases of external or internal parts of the human or animal body which are susceptible to the administration of such agents.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, nucleic acids, compounds, and compositions for expressing a product of interest in a cell that involve a secretable RNA Polymerase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reduced coenzyme Q-containing solution capable of being retained more stably against oxidation, by using a reduced coenzyme Q which is hydrophobic and susceptible to oxidation and thus unstable. The aqueous solution containing a reduced coenzyme Q obtained in the present invention is a solution containing a reduced coenzyme Q and an antioxidant such as vitamin C and/or a chelating agent such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is disclosed which comprises a solid dispersion of an HIV protease inhibitor in a water soluble carrier, such as PEG, having enhanced bioavailability and improved dissolution properties. The solid dispersion may optionally be encapsulated in hard gelatin capsules, compressed into a tablet, or may be granulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable granulating agent. Also disclosed are methods of making said solid dispersion and methods of treating an HIV infection employing said solid dispersion.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for using the same to restore dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels in humans are described. The compositions comprise magnesium chloride, a suitable solvent, a gelling agent and a glycerin. The compositions are administered to the skin of humans to enhance DHEA levels through the transdermal absorption of magnesium. The compositions can be administered in various forms, including as a lotion, an ointment, or as a bath additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for photodynamic therapy. The composition comprises ceramic nanoparticles in which a photosensitive drug/dye is entrapped. The ceramic nanoparticles are made by formation of a micellar composition of the dye. The ceramic material is added to the micellar composition and the ceramic nanoparticles are precipitated by alkaline hydrolysis. The precipitated nanoparticles in which the photosensitive dye/drug is entrapped can be isolated by dialysis. The resulting drug doped nanoparticles are spherical, highly monodispersed, and stable in aqueous system. Irradiation with light of suitable wavelength of the photosensitizing drug entrapped inside nanoparticles resulted in generation of singlet oxygen, which was able to diffuse out through the pores of the ceramic matrix. The drug loaded ceramic nanoparticles of the present invention can be used as drug carriers for photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: Calcium phosphate modified with a fatty acid wax in a weight ratio of 50:50 to 95:5, respectively, is useful as an excipient.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for imparting antiviral properties to a hydrophilic polymeric material comprising preparing a hydrophilic polymeric slurry, dispersing an ionic copper powder mixture containing cuprous oxide and cupric oxide in said slurry and then extruding or molding said slurry to form a hydrophilic polymeric material, wherein water-insoluble particles that release both Cu++ and Cu+ are directly and completely encapsulated within said hydrophilic polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating patients suffering from, or at risk for, intimal hyperplasia and/or arteriosclerosis. The treatment includes administering a pharmaceutical composition that includes carbon monoxide to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising Graptopetalum and uses thereof Graptopetalum can protect animals from liver diseases and medical conditions, such as inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis. In particular, Graptopetalum inhibits proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells, which play a pivotal role in liver fibrosis. Graptopetalum also has anti-fibrosis activities as well as inhibits proliferation of lung fibroblasts. Therefore, in addition to being a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for the liver, Graptopetalum is useful against fibrosis or inflammation of tissues or organs other than the liver, in particular lung, kidney, and bladder. Other plants in the family of Crassulaceae, particularly Echeveria, have similar effects as Graptopetalum.

Abstract: A skin whitening composition includes an extract of black cohosh obtained by sequentially exposing the black cohosh to two or more solvents of varying solvent strengths. The root of the black cohosh can be separately used to obtain the extract. The composition can be topically applied to the human skin and can further include one or more cosmetically acceptable ingredients. A method of suppressing melanogenesis includes topically applying to the skin a composition comprising an extract of black cohosh obtained by sequentially exposing the black cohosh to two or more solvents of varying solvent strength.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency diseases, especially human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and its simian and feline counterparts (simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)), and to methods for their use.

Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum, as well as the chewing gum so produced, incorporates a physiological cooling agent, such as acyclic carboxamide, or combinations of physiological cooling agents. In another embodiment a combination of physiological cooling agents is made in a modified release structure. The modified release/cooling agents combination is preferably obtained by physically modifying the properties of the combination of cooling agents by coating and drying. When incorporated into gum, these particles are adapted to enhance the shelf stability of the flavor and/or produce a modified release when the gum is chewed. In another embodiment, the physiological cooling agent is present with menthol and menthone.

Abstract: Food heating method and apparatus using containing means, e.g., a pre-formed container 1, such as a relatively flat pouch or envelope comprising at least one panel made of flexible multilayer film with layers 3 and 5 of Perfluoralkoxy (PFA) and Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), respectively, on a core layer 3 of Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE). A sandwich or other foodstuff 23, baked beans or french fries, for example, “chips” or “frites”, can be heated by being inserted in the containing means which is then heated by a radiant heat applying device, such as an electric bread toaster. The containing means can be wholly of the multilayer film. The containing means can be in the form of an open bag, which is reusable, or it can be a closed bag sold with the food therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of reducing oxidation in foods by selectively adding one or more antioxidants to the polar lipid fraction of a food product.

Abstract: The soluble roasted natural chicory in powder form with a high content of inulin and fructo oligosaccharides (FOS) about from 50% to 60% by weight relative to the dry matter. Its color index as measured by the absorbance of a 1% solution at 500 nm lies in the range 0.4 to 0.7. In addition, its combined content of fructose plus glucose is greater than 5%, preferably lying in the range 7% to 9% by weight relative to the dry matter.

Abstract: During the defatting of coconut gratings from freshly harvested coconuts, the gratings are cooled to temperatures at which crystallization, i.e., solidification of the fat components occurs, before the coconut gratings are pressed. However, this temperature must not drop below the freezing point of water, preferably <2° C., in order to avoid crystallization of the aqueous/liquid components of the coconut milk. As a result, the aqueous/liquid coconut milk with reduced fat content is separated from the coconut gratings in the next pressing. To separate the coconut oil from the coconut gratings, these are subsequently heated to temperatures at which the coconut oil becomes liquid in order to then separate it from the coconut gratings by pressing. The coconut oil (virgin coconut oil) is now obtained in an extremely efficient and gentle manner.

Abstract: A novel toasted flavor additive for enhancing the toasted flavor and appearance of food products. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, toasted corn flavor additive (“TCF”) is made by the steps of cooking whole corn kernels in a solution of lime and water; steeping the corn; draining and washing the corn; grinding, sheeting and cutting the corn into pieces; toasting the pieces until significant browning has occurred beyond the level normally associated with consumed masa products; and grinding the toasted pieces into a powder that can be administered as toasted corn flavor additive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food additive having carraghenate ? and sodium stearyl-2-lactylate (SSL). The inventive food additive, which has emulsifying and/or stabilising properties, can be used in the food industry and in the production of food products.

Abstract: Coatings are provided in which surfaces may be activated by covalently bonding a silane derivative to the metal surface, covalently bonding a lactone polymer to the silane derivative by in situ ring opening polymerization, and depositing at least one layer of a polyester on the bonded lactone. Biologically active agents may be deposited with the polyester layers. Such coated surfaces may be useful in medical devices, in particular stents.

Abstract: A wiring pattern-forming apparatus, includes a transfer plate 15 for transferring a wiring material 11 arranged to form a wiring pattern onto a substrate 10, a wiring material feeder 2 for feeding the wiring material 11 onto the transfer plate 15, and an energy feeder 6, 7 to feed energy to the wiring material 11 fed to the transfer plate 15 by the wiring material feeder 6. By utilizing the energy fed from the energy feeder 6, 7, the viscosity of the wiring material 11 when the material 11 is fed from the material feeder 2 to the transfer plate 15 is made different from that of the wiring material 11 when the material 11 is transferred from the transfer plate 15 to the substrate 10.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide coated fine particles with a uniform particle size, having stable crystals on the surface, and to provide colored fine particles which exhibit good color development. A recorded image formed by a dispersion and an ink, using the coated fine particles, is provided with good color development and fastness. The present invention provides coated fine particles comprising fine particles as cores, the fine particles having a crystal layer on the surface, respectively.

Abstract: A method for producing a fluorine-containing polyimide film excelling in heat resistance, resistance to chemicals, water repellency, dielectric properties, electrical properties, and optical properties and a spin coater suitable for the method are to be provided. A method for the production of a fluorine-containing polyimide film which comprises forming a coating film of a fluorine-containing polyimide precursor in an atmosphere having a relative humidity thereof adjusted to a level of not more than 50 RH % and then subjecting the fluorine-containing polyimide precursor to heat treatment thereby forming a fluorine-containing polyimide film is provided. By adjusting the relative humidity in accordance with this method, the fluorine-containing polyimide precursor can be prevented from being decomposed by the absorption of moisture and consequently prevent effectively the fluorine-containing polyimide film from forming piriform spots and scratches.