Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions comprising crosslinked amine polymers. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of renal diseases and hyperphosphatemia.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phosphate transport inhibiting compound represented by Structural Formula (I): R1 and R2 are independently —H, an electron withdrawing group or a C1-C10 alkyl group. Y is a covalent bond, a substituted methylene group, an unsubstituted methylene group or —CR1R2P(O)(OH)—. R3 is a hydrocarbyl group optionally comprising one or more amine, ammonium, ether, thioether or phenylene linking groups, a substituted hydrocarbyl group optionally comprising one or more amine, ammonium, ether, thioether or phenylene linking groups, a heteroaryl group, a substituted heteroaryl group or a phenyl group substituted with one or more groups selected from —Cl, —Br, —F, —CN, —NO2, —ORa, —N(Ra)2, —COORa, —CON(Ra)2, —CORa, —S(O)Ra, —S(O)2Ra, —S(O)2N(Ra)2, —NRaS(O)2Ra, —NRaCORa, a halogenated lower alkyl group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, or a halogenated alkoxy group. Each Ra is independently —H, lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl.

Abstract: The present invention discloses recombinant adenovirus and methods of administration of the virus to a host inorder to elicit an immune response against various pathogens in the host. Specifically, a vaccination method to enhance immunity of the host to the pathogen is disclosed herein. Such a method comprises recombinant adenoviruses expressing viral antigens, where the recombinant adenoviruses are derived from different serotypes or subtypes. Alternatively, the adenoviruses in such a method can also be constructed by modifying the backbone of one of the adenoviruses (e.g. the knob, shaft or fiber regions) so that it is of a serotype that is different from the corresponding region(s) in the backbone of the other recombinant adenovirus.

Abstract: This invention involves methods and materials for conferring a direct proliferative advantage on a genetically modified subpopulation of cells. Selection is then accomplished by exerting a positive selective stimulus on the engineered cells rather than a negative pressure on nonengineered cells.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel endophytic fungus, Muscodor, that produces a mixture of volatile antibiotics with activity on specific plant pathogens, bacteria, nematodes and insects. Also provided is a method for treating or protecting plants, soil and seeds from microbial infections comprising applying an effective amount of a volatile antibiotic producing Muscodor sp. The invention also relates to fungicidal, bactericidal, insecticidal and nematicidal compositions comprising this novel Muscodor strain and the antibiotics and metabolites produced by this strain either alone, or in combination with other chemical and biological pesticides. Also provided is a method for identifying and isolating related gas producing fungi.

Abstract: Secondary bile acid production inhibitors and cholesterol-lowering agents containing a yeast as the active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the supply of coenzyme Q which is highly useful in maintaining human health, and provides a method and preparations whereby coenzyme Q can be efficiently supplied to patients having difficulties in oral administration, aged having swallowing difficulties and patients with diseases caused by topical disorders. It is found that the coenzyme Q concentration in the blood or topical mucosae can be elevated by using a composition for transmucosal administration containing oxidized coenzyme Q and/or reduced coenzyme Q as the active ingredient, wherein the total content of the oxidized coenzyme Q and the reduced coenzyme Q amounts to 0.0001 to 99% by weight of the whole composition.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating cancer via administering to a patient having a solid tumor a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody against Delta-like ligand 4 (D114). The solid tumor may comprise solid tumor stem cells.

Abstract: Methods for treating pathological pulmonary conditions and bleomycin associated pulmonary fibrosis administer IL-16 antagonists, for example, anti-IL-16 antibodies, to subjects.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel binding domain-immunoglobulin fusion proteins that feature a binding domain for a cognate structure such as an antigen, a counterreceptor or the like, a wild-type IgG1, IGA or IgE hinge region polypeptide or a mutant IgG1 hinge region polypeptide having either zero, one or two cysteine residues, and immunoglobulin CH2 and CH3 domains, and that are capable of ADCC and/or CDC while occurring predominantly as polypeptides that are compromised in their ability to form disulfide-linked multimers. The fusion proteins can be recombinantly produced at high expression levels. Also provided are related compositions and methods, including cell surface forms of the fusion proteins and immunotherapeutic applications of the fusion proteins and of polynucleotides encoding such fusion proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel binding domain-immunoglobulin fusion proteins that feature a binding domain for a cognate structure such as an antigen, a counterreceptor or the like, a wild-type IgG, IGA or IgE hinge-acting region, i.e., IgE CH2, region polypeptide or a mutant IgGI hinge region polypeptide having either zero, one or two cysteine residues, and immunoglobulin CH2 and CH3 domains, and that are capable of ADCC and/or CDC while occurring predominantly as polypeptides that are compromised in their ability to form disulfide-linked multimers. The fusion proteins can be recombinantly produced at high expression levels. Also provided are related compositions and methods, including cell surface forms of the fusion proteins and immunotherapeutic applications of the fusion proteins and of polynucleotides encoding such fusion proteins.

Abstract: Antibodies binding to sites on the ?-subunit (Na++K+)-ATPase increase cardiac contraction of both ventricular myocytes and mouse heart. In particular, antibodies binding to the RSATEEEPPNDD (SEQ ID NO: 1) or DVEDSYGQQWTYEQR (SEQ ID NO: 2) peptides (or isoforms/derivatives thereof) of the ?-subunit of the (Na++K+)-ATPase, have been found to be highly inotropic. Both the antibodies and the peptides are important for the treatment of human heart failure and other contractile disorders.

Abstract: Novel immunotoxins and methods of treating neoplastic diseases are provided. More specifically, immunotoxins comprised conjugation of a c-erbB-2 targeting moiety and a cell growth modulator are provided. These immunotoxins specifically and selectively kill tumor cells that over-express the c-erbB-2 protein. The novel immunotoxins would be useful in treating human mammary carcinomas, human ovarian carcinomas, lung carcinomas, gastric tumors, salivary gland adenocarcinomas, and colon adenocarcinomas.

Abstract: Oral, topical and injectable contraceptives, which are based on sperm protein 22 kDa (SP22) polypeptides and antibodies and infertility diagnostics are provided.

Abstract: High affinity antibody antagonists of human interleukin-13 receptor alpha 1 are disclosed. The antibody molecules are effective in the inhibition of IL-13R?1-mediated activities and, accordingly, present desirable antagonists for the use in the treatment of conditions associated with hIL-13R?1 activity. The present invention also discloses nucleic acid encoding said antibody molecules, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising the antibody molecules. Methods of using the antibody molecules for inhibiting or antagonizing IL-13R?1-mediated activities are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

Abstract: The present invention clearly demonstrates that vWF-collagen interaction, via the A3 domain of vWF, plays an important role in acute platelet-dependent arterial thrombus formation and that blocking the A3 domain in a vWF-collagen interaction can induce complete abolition of thrombus formation in the injured and stenosed baboon femoral arteries. Accordingly, an antibody or an antigen recognizing fragment thereof binding specifically to the A3 domain of vWF or an epitope thereof can be used for the prevention of acute arterial thrombotic syndromes or to manufacture medicines to for the prevention of acute arterial thrombotic syndromes.

Abstract: Methods and kits for treating inflammatory conditions are described that include modulating kallikrein 6 protease activity.

Abstract: The use of HMG box-binding molecules and molecules having sequence homology with HMG box for the preparation of therapeutic agents for the treatment of vascular diseases is described.

Abstract: To improve the stability of vaccines comprising aluminum salt(s), the invention uses the amino acid histidine. This can improve pH stability and adjuvant adsorption and can reduce antigen hydrolysis. Histidine is preferably present during adsorption to the aluminum salt(s). The antigen in the vaccine may be a protein or a saccharide and is preferably from N. meningitidis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for delivering exogenous proteins to the cytosol, by binding a target antigen (such as a protein) to a transport factor that contains a fragment of a bipartite protein exotoxin, but not the corresponding protective antigen. Preferably, the target antigen is fused to the transport factor. Preferred transport factors include the protective antigen binding domain of lethal factor (LFn) from B. anthracis, consisting of amino acids 1-255, preferably a fragment of at least 80 amino acids that shows at least 80% homology to LFn, and a fragment of about 105 amino acids from the carboxy portion that does not bind PA. The target antigen can include any molecule for which it would be desirable to elicit a CMI response, including viral antigens and tumor antigens.

Abstract: Metastin, compounds that promote the activity of metastin or its receptors and the like are excellent gonadal function improving agents, ovulation inducers or promoters, gonadotropic hormone secretion promoters, gonadotropic hormone secretion inhibitors, sex hormone secretion promoters, sex hormone secretion inhibitors, etc., and can be used as agents for preventing/treating sterility, hormone-sensitive cancers, endometriosis, etc. Metastin and its receptors are useful for screening for these pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides safe vaccines and methods of preparing such vaccines. The vaccines of the present invention contain at least two live mutant viruses of the same family or nucleic acid molecules encoding such viruses, wherein each of the two viruses or the encoding nucleic acids contains a mutation that confers a desirable phenotype and the mutations in the viruses reside in the same genomic site such that the mutant viruses cannot recombine with each other to eliminate the mutations.

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: Sequences encoding two immunoreactive glycoproteins were cloned from Ehrlichia canis (p153 gene) and Ehrlichia chaffeensis (p156 gene). These two glycoproteins are species-specific immunoreactive orthologs that are useful as subunit vaccines and for serologic and molecular diagnostics for E. canis and E. chaffeensis.

Abstract: A method of preventing or treating staphylococcal bacterial infection in an individual is disclosed. A vaccine based on a conjugate of PS1 polysaccharide antigen can be used for active protection in individuals who are to be subjected to conditions that place them at immediate risk of developing a bacterial infection, as would be case in the context of a catheterization or a surgical procedure. Alternatively, antibodies raised in response to the antigen can be used to treat or to provide passive protection to individuals. The method can be used in a population of patients at risk for infection by various species of Staphylococcus or various types of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of use comprising peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPI) polypeptides of group C and G streptococci and polynucleotides encoding same. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising the PPI polypeptides and polynucleotides, as well as antibodies and antibody fragments that bind the PPI polypeptides. In addition, the invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response in a subject against beta hemolytic streptococci using the immunogenic compositions, as well as conferring passive immunity by administering a therapeutic antibody or antibody fragment.

Abstract: This invention relates to conjugates of the Vi polysaccharide of S. typhi with the carrier Pseudomonas aeruginosa recombinant exoprotein A (rEPA), and compositions thereof, and to methods of using of these conjugates and/or compositions thereof for eliciting an immunogenic response in humans, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, S. typhi bacterial infections. The conjugates, and compositions thereof, are useful as vaccines to induce serum antibodies against S. typhi and are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by S. typhi.

Abstract: Cytotoxic T-cell epitopes from C.pneumoniae proteins have been empirically determined. The epitopes from corresponding C.trachomatis proteins have also been identified, and some of these are identical to those from C.pneumoniae. The empirical method showed that algorithmic prediction was inadequate. The epitopes are useful for immunisation and/or diagnosis.

Abstract: The formation of a cream and gel is described using a biopolymer, such as a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a polylactide (PLA), a polylactideglycolide (PLGA) and a polyglycoside (PGA), or a derivative thereof, in a latex form with the addition of a binder, which is generally an amphiphilic chemical entity. An hydrophobic domain of the amphiphilic chemical entity interacts with at least one biopolymer forming a water soluble complex, while the hydrophilic domain of the amphiphilic chemical entity maintains the soluble complex in suspension in an aqueous solution, which after proper heating becomes a gel or a cream. As a result, a versatile gel or cream is created with different compositions and textures that are obtained based on the nature of the binder used and the ratio of biopolymers and binder(s).

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in the reduction of localized fat deposits in patients in need thereof using pharmacologically active detergents are disclosed. The pharmacologically active detergent compositions can additionally include anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, dispersion or anti-dispersion agents and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The pharmacologically active detergent compositions are useful for treating localized accumulations of fat including, for example, lower eyelid fat herniation, lipodystrophy and fat deposits associated with cellulite and do not require surgical procedures such as liposuction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of, and apparatus for, utilizing ultrasonic energy so as to mechanically disrupt the collagenous architecture of biological matrices in a controlled manner so that the tissue can be rapidly recellularized in continuous form. The present invention also provides for the production of tissue matrices with improved recellularization properties, cell stratification or patterning.

Abstract: A method for preventing adhesion using a co-polyester comprising the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and at least one lactone, wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and ethylene glycol; and the co-polyester comprises about 40 to 50% by weight of the polycondensation polyester based on the total weight of the co-polyester.

Abstract: A composition comprising an antacid, and a local, topical anesthetic. The composition is used to relieve pain or discomfort associated with a sore throat, and therefore, the invention is also directed to a method of alleviating the pain or discomfort associated with a sore throat comprising instructing a human to orally administer the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive capable of affording an adhesive layer showing reduced stickiness, reduced cohesive failure and the like. An adhesive containing a copolymer obtained by copolymerizing monomers containing a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester as a main component, and a vinyl monomer having a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxyl group and which has an average molecular radius of not less than 70 nm as measured by a multi angle laser light scattering method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patch which is free from any migration of a drug into a substrate and has favorable anchoring properties between the substrate and adhesive layer, in which the drug containing adhesive layer firmly adheres onto the substrate and which gives no adhesion residue when applied to the skin and then peeled off. Namely, a patch comprising a substrate made of a polyester-based film and a drug-containing adhesive layer laminated thereon wherein the surface roughness (also known as “the central line mean roughness” or “Ra”) of the polyester-based film surface in the side in contact with the adhesive layer is from 0.05 to 0.8 ?m is provided.

Abstract: A method for repelling insects from the skin of a subject by applying thiamine to the skin in a transdermal patch in an effective amount for systemic absorption through the skin. The area of transdermal patch which contacts the skin is about 35 cm2, and the amount of thiamine in the transdermal patch is about 50 mg. After application, the transdermal patch provides insect repelling activity up to 48 hours.

Abstract: Administration of a formulation comprising a antirestenotic compound conjugated to a microparticle carrier is effective to inhibit stenosis formation in a blood vessel. Such stenosis typically results, in the absence of treatment, from trauma to a vessel, such as an incision, excessive pressure, an angioplasty procedure and/or stent implantation. The antirestenotic compound is typically an antiproliferative, immunosuppressive, or antiinflammatory drug, such as rapamycin, tacrolimus, paclitaxel, dexamethasone, or an active analog or derivative, an antisense oligonucleotide, or combinations thereof. The microparticle carrier comprises a suspension of gas-filled microbubbles or biocompatible polymeric microparticles, in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid vehicle, and is effective to deliver the conjugated therapeutic to the site of vessel injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule comprising a core and at least one envelope comprising at least one film-forming polymer, characterized in that it exhibits a total solubilization time for its envelope of less than or equal to 85 s, according to a test A, preferably less than or equal to 80 s, more preferably less than or equal to 70 s. The invention also relates to the method of producing said capsule, and also to the products comprising said capsule, such as the food, pharmaceutical, oral hygiene or cosmetic products.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical formulation for topical administration on a mammal, comprising a unit dose of a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier medium therefor, said formulation being solid at ambient temperature and having a softening point of not higher than 35° C., such that when the formulation is placed in continuous contact with the skin of a mammalian patient, it is softened to a consistency to effect substantial application of the unit dose of said therapeutic agent onto a desired skin area of the mammalian patient within a time period of less than 10 minutes.

Abstract: A degradable hydrogel and a method of making a degradable hydrogel is disclosed herein. The method comprises obtaining a hydrophilic polymer having at least two hydroxyl groups, reacting the hydrophilic polymer with a di-functional monomer comprised of an acid halide group and an alkyl halide group to form an intermediate having an ester bond and a terminal alkyl halide group, reacting the terminal alkyl halide group of the intermediate with a metallic salt of a vinyl acid monomer to form a macromonomer comprised of an ester, an alkyl group spacer, and a terminal vinyl group, and polymerizing the macromonomer to form a degradable hydrogel. A method is also disclosed for varying the degradation rate of the hydrogel as a function of the chemical composition of the alkyl group spacer in the terminal linkage of the macromonomer.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on the unexpected discovery that particles for pulmonary delivery of a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent that comprise a phospholipid and a sufficient amount of leucine can produce sustained effect of the agent. Specifically, particles for pulmonary delivery of a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent that contain a phospholipid or combination of phospholipids, wherein the phospholipid or combination of phospholipids is present in the particles in an amount of about 1 to 46 weight percent; and leucine, wherein leucine is present in the particles in an amount of at least 46 weight percent, can contribute to sustained effect of the agent. Particles that comprise at least 46 weight percent leucine but that do not contain phospholipids do not exhibit these same sustained effect properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved supercritical fluid processing technique that can be used to form particulate suspensions of biologically useful materials. The disclosed processes include variations of RESS processes. The disclosed processes do not form micelles of any stabilizing agents in the aqueous solution that receives the product materials following rapid expansion through a nozzle. In particular, stabilizing agents in the aqueous solution are either materials that will not form micelles in aqueous environments, or else they are materials that can form micelles, but are utilized at conditions that are insufficient for the formation of micelles or at least not suitable for any significant presence of micelles in the product. Through utilization of the disclosed process, particulate suspensions can be formed exclusively of very small particles, for example, particulate suspensions in which all of the particles formed are less than 100 nm in size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composition useful in growing hair. The compositions are particularly suited for re-growing hair in subjects who have experienced hair loss due to any cause. The compositions comprise essentially the lipoidic fraction of mammalian bone marrow. Methods of using the compositions and processes of preparing the lipoidic fraction for the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solid bio-material for the detection of a bio-electromagnetic signal, which senses an information signal generated from living organisms and changes thereof by using fish scale, feathers of fowl and carapaces of tortoises among epidermal tissues of animals having the function of detecting, memorizing and transferring a weak information signal (bio-signal) of an electromagnetic field generated from bio-tissues, and a method for producing the same. The method for producing a solid bio-material for the detection of a bio-electromagnetic signal by using epidermal tissues of living organisms comprises the steps of: immersing the carcass of an animal with a developed epidermis such as fish, fowl, tortoises, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a particulate composition adapted for forming a bone graft substitute cement upon mixing with an aqueous solution, including i) a calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder having a bimodal particle distribution and a median particle size of about 5 to about 20 microns, wherein the calcium sulfate hemihydrate is present at a concentration of at least about 70 weight percent based on the total weight of the particulate composition; ii) a monocalcium phosphate monohydrate powder; and iii) a ?-tricalcium phosphate powder having a median particle size of less than about 20 microns. Bone graft substitute cements made therefrom, a bone graft substitute kit comprising the particulate composition, methods of making and using the particulate composition, and articles made from the bone graft substitute cement are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resuscitation fluid which includes an ionic salt at a concentration above about 0.9%, at least one soluble protein, at least one intermediate energy substrate, and optionally an agent to mitigate intracellular acidosis. Methods of making and using the fluid are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ingestible compositions containing Cotinus coggygria extract and/or Malva sylvestris extract and the use thereof in enhancing the elasticity or structural integrity of skin, urogenital tissue, blood vessel walls, or mucosal tissue and/or reducing the levels of triglycerides or uric acid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for use in the treatment or prevention of hair loss and/or the promotion of hair growth. The compositions comprise in combination Centella asiatica extract, or one or more active principles thereof, green coffee extract, or one or more active principles thereof, and one or more antioxidants, and a dermatologically acceptable carrier.