Abstract: A composition for topical application to the skin to provide tanning, comprising a liposome encapsulated ursolic acid, a tanning agent and a cosmetically acceptable carrier, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one dispersion of particles of a non-silicone-based grafted ethylenic polymer in a liquid fatty phase. Use for making up and caring for keratin materials, especially the skin and the lips.

Abstract: Degradable complexes comprising a polycation, a polyanion and a polynucleotide are useful for in vivo polynucleotide delivery applications.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the treatment of ocular conditions by the enhancement of lens regeneration. Enhancement of lens regeneration is accomplished by the administration of a composition comprising a polysiloxane polymer having functional acryl groups useful in the preparation of intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Abstract: A method of generating a change in a cellular process of a target cell is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the target cell with a solid buffer, so as to alter an intracellular pH value in at least a portion of the cell, thereby generating the change in a cellular process of a target cell of a multicellular organism. The method may be used to kill either eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells. Pharmaceutical compositions and devices are also enclosed.

Abstract: An improved synthetic blood substitute which exhibits excellent long-term storage stability at both high and low temperatures is suitable for use in various biomedical and biotechnical applications, including resuscitation of trauma victims that have suffered massive hemorrhaging, and transfusions for human and veterinary surgical procedures. The artificial blood solution comprises an aqueous carrier, and a dendritic polymer that is capable of carrying oxygen dissolved in the aqueous carrier. The dendritic polymer comprises fluorocarbon moieties and hydrophilic moieties.

Abstract: Disclosed are conjugates exhibiting VLA-4 antagonistic properties. Certain of these conjugates also inhibit leukocyte adhesion and, in particular, leukocyte adhesion mediated by VLA-4. The conjugates of this invention are characterized as containing more than one VLA-4 inhibiting compound covalently attached to a bio-compatible polymer, such as polyethylene glycol. Conjugates of the invention are defined by formula I, wherein A, B, and q are described in the specification. Such conjugates are useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in a mammalian patient, e.g., human, such as asthma, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, AIDS dementia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tissue transplantation, tumor metastasis, and myocardial ischemia. The conjugates can also be administered for the treatment of inflammatory brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ?9 elongases, which have the ability to convert linoleic acid (LA; 18:2 ?-6) to eicosadienoic acid (EDA; 20:2 ?-6) and/or ?-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 ?-3) to eicosatrienoic acid (ETrA; 20:3 ?-3). Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding ?9 elongases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these ?9 elongases in oleaginous yeast are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition for delivery of a gene to a syncytial structure comprising stem cells incorporated with the gene. This invention also provides a composition for ion channel transfer which comprises stem cells incorporated with a compound in an amount sufficient to create ion channels. This invention also provides for a method of expressing a functional gene product in a syncytial structure comprising administering a composition, comprising stem cells that have been incorporated with a gene, to the syncytial structure. This invention further provides a method of expressing a functional ion channel in a syncytial structure comprising administering a composition, comprising stem cells that have been incorporated with a compound in an amount sufficient to create ion channels, to the syncytial structure. This invention also provides a composition for delivery of small molecules comprising stem cells incorporated with the small molecules or genes encoding the small molecules.

Abstract: A method for production and delivery of a protein in vivo is described. The method includes steps of inserting a promoter and a gene encoding a protein in a vector, collecting an amount of host cells from a mammal, treating the host cells in vitro with the vector, then introducing the treated cells back to the mammal. In vivo, the treated host cells produce red blood cells and the protein which is contained in the red blood cells. The protein is released into peripheral blood of the mammal through a natural or an induced rupture of the red blood cells to supply the protein to the body.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for improved cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration and for differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human embryo-derived into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and other retinal progenitor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a chemotactic hematopoietic stem cell product comprising an enriched population of CD34+ cells containing a subpopulation of cells having chemotactic activity, methods of preparing these compositions and use of these compositions to treat or repair vascular injury, including infarcted myocardium.

Abstract: The present invention provides wound dressings, optionally surgically implantable, containing biodegradable, polymers and hydrogels having allogenic or autologous precursor cells, such as stem cells and progenitor cells dispersed within. Alternatively, the wound dressings can have conditioned medium obtained from the precursor cells dispersed within. The wound dressings promote tissue restoration processes at a site of application or implantation. Additional bioactive agents can also be dispersed within the polymer/hydrogel matrix, which can be formulated to biodegrade at a controlled rate by adjusting the composition. Methods are also provided for using such biodegradable wound dressings as a delivery device or carrier for the precursor cells, conditioned medium and bioactive agents, or as coatings on implantable medical devices, to promote tissue restoration at a lesion site.

Abstract: The invention relates to ACE2 activating compounds for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, lung disease and hypertension. The invention also includes methods of diagnosing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, lung disease and hypertension by measuring ACE2 expression or nucleotide polymorphism analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pharmaceutical composition for the prophylaxis and treatment of restenosis, comprising a peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx II) protein as an active ingredient. Optionally, the composition may contain other active ingredients suppressive of restenosis at the carotid artery, the coronary artery, the peripheral artery, and the renal artery. Also, a composition and a method are provided for screening therapeutics for restenosis. This screening composition comprises a peroxiredoxin 2 gene or protein. Together with the method, the composition is useful for searching and developing therapeutics for restenosis.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use in the prevention and treatment of burn induced compartment syndrome facilitates the rapid and efficient deployment of enzymatic compositions to the affected limb or limbs of a burn victim suffering from a circumferential burn. The apparatus includes a flexible, water-impermeable generally cylindrical covering layer. The covering layer has an inner surface facing the limb and an outer surface. The covering layer has a proximal sealable open end through which the burned limb is inserted and a distal closed end. An enzymatic escharotomy agent is contained within the covering layer. The covering layer retains the enzymatic escharotomy agent in close proximity to the burned limb, and the apparatus is enclosed within a sterile sealed package evacuated from moisture.

Abstract: The invention features methods of enhancing the responsiveness of a T cell. Such methods involve interfering with the interaction between a T cell and a B7-H1 molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel agent for treating chondroma and chondrosarcoma containing a substance which inhibits binding of parathyroid hormone related peptide to its receptor for improving the prognosis of chondroma or chondrosarcoma.

Abstract: This application relates to the production and characterization of a mutant strain of Aspergillus fumigatus. The application also relates to a method for inhibiting siderophore biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus and an assay for identifying drug candidates or other agents having potential inhibitory activity. The method may comprise, for example, the step of inhibiting an enzyme catalyzing siderophore biosynthesis, such as L-ornithine N5-oxygenase. In one embodiment the siderophore is a hydroxamate siderophore, such as N?N?N??-triacetylfusarinine C (TAF) or ferricrocin. A method of preventing or treating fungal infections in a patient is also described comprising administering to the patient an agent suitable for inhibiting fungal secretion of siderophores. The method is particularly useful for immunocompromised patients susceptible to fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, such as pulmonary aspergillosis.

Abstract: Monotherapies and combination therapies for treating hyperproliferative disorders are described, as are compositions for performing such methods.

Abstract: Anti-peptide monoclonal antibodies (MAb's) specific for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) are used for rapid diagnostic identification between poultry infected with vaccine strains of NDV (LaSota/B1) and END virus (ENDV). Exotic Newcastle Disease is a contagious and fatal viral disease of birds and poultry. The present invention provides for diagnostic detection of ENDV in commercial poultry.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of inflammatory disorders is disclosed, particularly the treatment of arthritis. The method comprises particular therapeutic and preventive treatment regimens for the administration of a T-cell immune response cDNA 7 (TIRC7) antagonist, preferably an anti-TIRC7 antibody. Particularly useful monoclonal, in particular chimeric anti-TIRC7 antibodies are described. Furthermore, a combination therapy for the treatment of an inflammatory disease, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, is provided involving the use of TIRC7 antagonist, such as anti-TIRC7 antibody in conjunction with an anti-inflammatory drug such as TNF-? antagonist.

Abstract: A composition is provided to prevent, limit the effects of, delay the onset of, or treat one or more of the causes, symptoms or complications of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia and/or intrauterine growth restriction. The composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that reacts immunologically with or binds digoxin and has a high dose of digoxin binding capacity as the active ingredient. There is also provided a method of preventing, limiting the effects of, delaying the onset of, or treating a cause, symptom or complication of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction, comprising the step of administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that reacts immunologically with or binds digoxin and has a high dose of digoxin binding capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating one or more diseases or disorders which are improved, inhibited or ameliorated by reducing interleukin-4 (IL-4) activity. The methods of the invention comprise administering to a patient an antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, which specifically binds to a human IL-4 receptor.

Abstract: The invention provides immunosuppressive polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides. Compositions and methods for utilizing such polypeptides and nucleic acids are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibody molecules capable of specifically recognizing two regions of the R-A4 peptide, wherein the first region comprises the amino acid sequence AEFRHDSGY as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof and wherein the second region comprises the amino acid sequence VHHQKLVFFAEDVG as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or a fragment thereof. Furthermore, nucleic acid molecules encoding the inventive antibody molecules and vectors and hosts comprising said nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition, the present invention provides for compositions, preferably pharmaceutical or diagnostic compositions, comprising the compounds of the invention as well as for specific uses of the antibody molecules, nucleic acid molecules, vectors or hosts of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated canine animal plasma, a method for isolating canine animal plasma, plasma obtained form an immunised or hyperimmunised canine animal and treating a canine animal with the isolated canine animal plasma. The method includes the step of selecting a canine animal having a blood group compatible with a recipient canine animal having an unmatched blood group, namely, selecting a canine animal for a blood group that does not cause plasma transfusion reaction and/or haemolysis. In one form, the method includes the step of immunising or hyperimmunising a canine animal plasma donor with one or more antigens of a canine animal pathogen. The pathogen is preferably a bacteria or virus.

Abstract: A composition for treating a subject is provided. The composition includes a pentameric secretory IgM therapeutic. Formulating agents are mixed with the pentameric secretory IgM to yield a dosing form of a capsule, tablet, and a suppository. A process for manufacturing a medicament for the treatment of C. difficile associated disease in a human is also provided that the modification of pentameric IgM with secretory component to form a pentameric secretory IgM therapeutic. The pentameric secretory IgM therapeutic is then mixed with formulating agents to create a capsule, tablet, or suppository dosing form. The therapeutic is amenable to enrobement directly through microencapsulation or the dosing form is coated with an enteric coating. A method of C. difficile treatment with the therapeutic is also provided that is amenable to supplementation with concurrent or prior antibiotic administration.

Abstract: Compositions comprising NKT cell agonist compounds and a physiologically acceptable vehicle are provided. Methods of stimulating an NKT cell and enhancing an immune response are also disclosed. Further provided are vaccine preparations comprising NKT cell agonist compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to proteins or peptides that elicit T cell mediated immunity, and to cancer vaccines and compositions for anti-cancer treatment comprising such proteins or peptide fragments. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the proteins or peptides and methods for generating T lymphocytes capable of recognizing and destroying tumor cells in a mammal. More specifically, a telomerase protein or peptide for use in a method of treatment or prophylaxis of cancer is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises generating a T cell response against telomerase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to veterinary immunology, namely to the immunological response of fish to a virus. More specifically, the invention provides an epitope of salmonid alphaviruses which epitope is capable of inducing a virus neutralising immune response. In particular the invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a certain amino acid sequence, a protein comprising such polypeptide, to a carrier comprising such protein, and to a method of producing antibodies. Further the invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding such polypeptide or such protein, and to a carrier comprising such a nucleic acid. Also, the invention relates to a vaccine and a diagnostic kit comprising such a polypeptide, protein, carrier, or nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID NO:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mutants of lysine decarboxylase, nucleic acids encoding the mutants, and vaccines comprising the mutants for inhibiting and reducing the development of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. The vaccine composition comprises a recombinant lysine decarboxylase mutant which is based on a native version of the enzyme from E. corrodens and induces production of antibodies that inhibit the activity of the lysine decarboxylase enzyme in the oral cavity. The recombinant lysine decarboxylase mutant, in one version, comprises a mutation at residue 365 or at other locations within the active site, and in a preferred embodiment is produced from E. coli in large amounts and to form inclusion bodies. The purified inclusion bodies can then be used in the vaccine composition to induce in vivo production of antibodies that inhibit the activity of native E. corrodens lysine decarboxylase.

Abstract: A chimeric polyvalent recombinant protein for use as a vaccine and diagnostic for Lyme disease is provided. The chimeric protein comprises epitopes of the loop 5 region and/or the alpha helix 5 region of outer surface protein C (OspC) types. The OspC types may be associated with mammalian Borrelia infections.

Abstract: Attenuated Listeria bacteria are provided. The subject bacteria are characterized by having a mutation in a gene chosen from the IpIA gene and the hly gene. The subject bacteria find use in a variety of applications, where representative applications of interest include, but are not limited to: (a) use of the subject bacteria as adjuvants; (b) use of the subject bacteria as delivery vectors for introducing macromolecules into a cell; (c) use of the subject bacteria as vaccines for eliciting or boosting a cellular immune response; etc.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods and kits for inducing an immune response to a tumor and for treating cancer with a Listeria vaccine strain expressing an antigen fused to a truncated LLO protein.

Abstract: A novel polyvalent attenuated live bacterial vaccine for preventing and curing vibriosis of cultivated fish is provided. The vaccine mainly comprises attenuated deletion strain of Vibrio anguillarum without marker gene, which has significant low toxicity, but remains immunogenicity against wild type strain of V. anguillarum, as compared with wild type strain MVM425. Moreover, the vaccine strain has excellent cross immunoprotection against Vibrio alginolyticus. The attenuated live vaccine made from the vaccine strain is effective to prevent and cure vibriosis of fish resulted from wild type strain of V. anguillarum and V. alginolyticus.

Abstract: The invention provides a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. Also provided are compositions comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. The invention also discloses methods of making a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. The invention further provides pharmaceutical formulations and methods for inducing an immune response against Yersinia pestis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods effective for eliciting an immune response for preventing or reducing infection or improving clinical outcomes caused by Bacillus anthracis are provided. The compositions include a naturally occurring or synthetic protein, peptide, or protein fragment containing all or an active portion of an antigenic epitope associated with anthrax toxin proteins optionally combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The preferred antigenic epitopes correspond to immunogenic regions of protective antigen, lethal factor or edema factor, either individually or in combination. In addition, methods and compositions containing antibodies for reducing the effects of anthrax toxins are described. The methods involve administering to a human or animal the compositions described herein in a dosage sufficient to elicit an immune response or treat the anthrax infection.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of the Omp85 proteins of N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis, and fragments thereof are useful in vaccine compositions, therapeutic compositions and diagnostic compositions for use in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of non-symptomatic gonococcal infection or symptomatic disease and non-symptomatic meningococcal infection and symptomatic disease. Antibodies are developed to these proteins and also useful in the compositions and methods described herein.

Abstract: Vaccine preparations for the prevention and treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and, in particular, its most severe form, termed “shipping fever”, are provided. The preparations comprise chimeric proteins comprising immunodominant epitopes of recombinant Mannheimia haemolytica outer membrane protein PlpE, and immunodominant epitopes of recombinant M. haemolytica leukotoxin.

Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of animal health and in particular the causative agent of a new bacterial poultry disease, Gallibacterium. The invention provides said Gallibacterium bacteria, vaccine comprising inactivated Gallibacterium, and a method of immunizing to prevent disease in poultry.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo Leishmania KMP11 or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a dog against Leishmania, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against Leishmania, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: This invention concerns extrudates having high surface area materials and at least one metal ion adsorbed onto the high surface area material. The extrudates may be breathable films, multilayer laminates and pultruded articles. The extrudates may be made into storage and packaging material to reduce odor and retard the ripening of fruit. The extrudates, if in the form of a breathable film or multilayer laminate may be used as outer cover material for personal care products like diapers, adult incontinence products, training pants and the like. The high surface area particle-containing extrudate may be made by adding modified nanoparticles to a filler before the filler is treated with a fatty acid. Alternatively, a filler previously treated with a fatty acid may be modified by subjecting the filler to sonic energy in the presence of an aqueous solution of metal ions and nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a composition, method of enhancing potency and method of delivering corticosteroids in a vehicle comprising at least two penetration enhancers, and solvents and emulsifiers. The propylene glycol and penetration enhancers are present in ratio to the total of the propylene glycol, penetration enhancers, and solvents and emulsifiers of at least about 0.70.

Abstract: A method for effectively exerting a cell proliferation promoting effect of a purine nucleic acid-related substance, and a composition for cell proliferation containing a purine nucleic acid-related substance and a pyrimidine nucleic acid-related substance. Also a method for potentiating the cell proliferation promoting effect of the purine nucleic acid-related substance by using the purine nucleic acid-related substance in combination with the pyrimidine nucleic acid-related substance and a method for promoting cell proliferation, where the method includes the step of applying the purine nucleic acid-related substance in combination with the pyrimidine nucleic acid-related substance to the skin or mucosa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions comprising (a) a transparent component; and (b) a non-interference platelet component having an average particle size of 25? or less, the platelet exhibiting a light transmission value of about 20% to about 70%, and a light reflectance value of about 10% to about 20%. The compositions are useful in providing effective but sheer concealment to skin flaws, without the necessity of using large amounts of metal oxide pigments.

Abstract: A personal care composition is provided having a fragrance which incorporates limonene, gamma terpinene, ethylene brassylate or combinations thereof in conjunction with a quaternary ammonium salt. The salt has a structure AB, wherein A is a cationic charge component, B is an anionic charge component, and A has one quaternized nitrogen atom, at least two hydroxyl groups and a molecular weight no higher than about 250. The quaternary ammonium salt functions as a scent boosting agent to enhance volatilization of the fragrance components when the personal care composition is first applied to skin or hair of the human body.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a biomaterial having at least one biocompatible surface. The biocompatible surface comprises a plurality of immobilized Notch ligand molecules, wherein the plurality of immobilized Notch ligand molecules are capable of promoting differentiation in one or more epithelial cells. In another aspect, the present invention provides an implantable medical device comprising a layer of a biomaterial. Another aspect of the invention provides methods for promoting epithelial cell differentiation. The methods of this aspect of the invention include the step of contacting one or more epithelial cells with a biomaterial comprising an amount of immobilized Notch ligand molecules sufficient to promote differentiation in the one or more epithelial cells.

Abstract: Polycationic peptide coatings for implantable medical devices and methods of making the same are described. The methods include applying an emulsion on the device, the emulsion including a polymer and a polycationic peptide. Other methods include incorporation of the polycationic peptide in microspheres and liposomes.