Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating movement of eukaryotic cells with migratory capacity. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating movement of CaR receptor expressing cells of hematopoietic, neural, epithelial, endothelial, or mesenchymal origin, in a specific site in a subject. The foregoing are useful, inter alia, in the treatment of conditions characterized by a need to modulate migratory-cell movement associated with specific sites in a subject. Specific sites include sites of inflammation and modulation of migratory-cell movement is movement away from an agent source, or repulsion. The invention also relates to methods for manipulating hematopoeitic progenitor cells and related products.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient suffering from a neoplastic disease are disclosed and described. A number of diseases can be treated under the present methods, including without limitation gall bladder cancer, hepato cellular cancer, ovarian cancer, small intestine cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, breast cancer, kidney cancer, pancreas cancer, prostate cancer, carcinoid cancer, leiomyosarcoma, or metastasis thereof. A general method for providing such treatment may include: 1) identifying in a patient one or more sentinel and/or metinel lymph nodes draining the neoplasm; 2) resecting the one or more nodes and, optionally all or part of the tumour or metastasis; 3) isolating tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes from said lymph nodes; 4) in vitro expanding said tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes; and 5) administering the thus obtained tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated and substantially purified recombinant human arginase having sufficiently high enzymatic activity and stability to maintain Adequate Arginine Depletion in a patient. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the modified invention enzyme and method for treatment of diseases using the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing cathepsin B-induced cleavage of amyloid-? (A?) peptide in a cell or tissue, the method generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that increases the level of cathepsin B in the cell or tissue. The present invention further provides variant cathepsin B polypeptides that are resistant to inhibition by a cysteine protease inhibitor; as well as nucleic acids encoding the variants, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids.

Abstract: Compositions comprising nonpolar amino acids and specific binding agents to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are provided. Methods of making and using such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides humanized, chimeric and human MN3 antibodies, fusion proteins, and fragments thereof. The antibodies, fusion proteins, and fragments thereof, as well as combinations with other suitable antibodies, are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of granulocyte related disorders and diseases, such as leukemia.

Abstract: The present invention provides for fully human antibodies and chimeric antibodies that bind human TYRP1 antigen with an affinity comparable to or higher than TA99, a murine antibody specific to TYRP1. The invention further provides polynucleic acids and host cells that encode and express these antibodies. The invention also provides for methods of modulating activity of TYRP1, treating growth of a cancer cell, and treating a malignant melanoma in mammals by administering an effective amount of an antibody either alone or in combination with an anti-cancer agent or treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods comprising “lymphotoxin-?-receptor blocking agents”, which block lymphotoxin-? receptor signalling. Lymphotoxin-? receptor blocking agents are useful for treating lymphocyte-mediated immunological diseases, and more particularly, for inhibiting Th1 cell-mediated immune responses. This invention relates to soluble forms of the lymphotoxin-?.receptor extracellular domain that act as lymphotoxin-? receptor blocking agents. This invention also relates to the use of antibodies directed against either the lymphotoxin-?. receptor or its ligand, surface lymphotoxin, that act as lymphotoxin-? receptor blocking agents. A novel screening method for selecting soluble receptors, antibodies and other agents that block LT-? receptor signalling is provided.

Abstract: Inhibitors of IL-22 are disclosed as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using same. The inhibitors include IL-22 antibodies and are useful for treating inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The invention features a method for promoting neural growth in vivo in the mammalian central nervous system by administering a neural cell adhesion molecule which can overcome inhibitory molecular cues found on glial cells and myelin to promote neural growth. Also featured active fragments, cognates, congeners, mimics, analogs, secreting cells and soluble molecules thereof, as well as antibodies thereto, and DNA molecules, vectors and transformed cells capable of expressing them. The neuroprotective of the agents as well as their ability to promote and effect myelination and remyelination are also disclosed, as are the concomitant benefits that these capabilities confer, in the former instance, with regard to reduction of apoptosis and necrosis, and in the latter instance, the treatment of Parkinsonism, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. The invention also includes transgenic mouse lines expressing a neural adhesion molecule in differentiated astrocytes, and cells and tissues derived therefrom.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing antitumor activity of an immune cell comprising contacting the immune cell with a Stat3 inhibitor are described. Also described are methods of killing a tumor cell or inhibiting tumor growth in a subject comprising contacting an immune cell of the subject with a Stat3 inhibitor.

Abstract: Novel genes designated and set forth in FIG. 2 and their respective encoded proteins, and variants thereof, are described wherein a gene of the invention exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers such as those listed in Table I. Consequently, of gene products of a gene of FIG. 2 provide diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic targets for cancer. A gene of FIG. 2 or fragment thereof, its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with a gene product of FIG. 2 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product which comprises a C4bp domain of a non-mammalian origin, particularly SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:23 or SEQ ID NO:37, or a variant thereof, and an antigen. The product is desirably in the form of a fusion protein. The chicken C4bp domain of SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:23 is also described. Antigens include monomeric antigens such as malarial and influenza antigens. The C4bp domain provides for assembly of multimeric complexes of the antigen, or mixtures thereof. The complexes are useful as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mosaic clade M HIV-1 Env polypeptides and to compositions comprising same. The polypeptides of the invention are suitable for use in inducing an immune response to HIV-1 in a human.

Abstract: The immunoadhesions of the present invention are useful in treating rhinovirus infections. The immunoadhesions contain a chimeric ICAM molecule and may optionally also contain J chain and secretory compounds. The chimeric ICAM molecule is a fusion protein that has a rhinovirus receptor protein linked to an immunoglobulin protein. This invention also includes the greatly increased and improved method of producing immunoadhesions in plants. Each of the components of an immunoadhesin is produced in a plant cell and thereby assembles within the plant cell. This method of producing the immunoadhesions of the present invention results in the efficient and economic production of these molecules. The present invention also contemplates the production of immunoadhesions in a variety of eukaryotic cells including plants and mammalian cells. The immunoadhesions of the present invention are useful as a therapeutic against the common cold in humans which is caused by rhinoviruses.

Abstract: The invention provides a therapeutic drug that uses hollow protein nanoparticles displaying an antibody against a specific cell or specific tissue. The effectiveness of the drug has been proved by animal testing. The invention also provides a therapeutic method using such a drug. In a drug according to the present invention, a substance to be transferred into a cell for treating a disease (for example, a cancer treating gene such as a thymidine kinase gene derived from simple herpes virus) is encapsulated in hollow nanoparticles of a particle-forming protein (for example, hepatitis B virus surface-antigen protein that has been modified to lack its infectivity to hepatocytes and display an antibody). The particle surface of the drug displays an antibody, such as a cancer specific antibody, that recognizes an antigen molecule displayed on the surface of a specific cancer cell.

Abstract: Polypeptide growth factors, methods of making them, polynucleotides encoding them, antibodies to them, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an amino acid segment that is at least 70% identical to residues 52-179 of SEQ ID NO:2 or residues 258-370 of SEQ ID NO:2. Multimers of the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising gastrointestinal proliferative factor (GIPF) polynucleotides and polypeptides. The invention further relates to the therapeutic use of GIPF to prevent or treat conditions or disorders associated with the degeneration of the epithelial mucosa.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the identification of biological markers associated with an increased risk of developing Diabetes, as well as methods of using such biological markers in diagnosis and prognosis of Diabetes. The biological markers of the invention may indicate new targets for therapy or constitute new therapeutics for the treatment or prevention of Diabetes.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding recombinant genomes or antigenomes of Human Parainfluenza Viruses that are useful as vaccines. The recombinant genomes or antigenomes can be incorporated into expression vectors for production of recombinant viruses in vitro. The invention also provides recombinant Human Parainfluenza viruses having one or more mutations that attenuate replication of the virus in a host.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the method of making and using a novel, non-infective, paramyxovirus vaccine. Paramyxovirus structural proteins within a virus-like particle (VLP) comprise one example of such a vaccine. It is observed that the presence of matrix protein, alone, is sufficient and necessary to provide an effective VLP release. Co-expression of four paramyxovirus structural proteins, however, result in the release of non-infective VLPs with densities and efficiencies of release similar to that of infective particles. Representative diseases wherein a VLP vaccine might be useful include, but are not limited to, Newcastle disease, measles, respiratory syncytial virus infection, and parainfluenza 3 virus infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strain of Enterococcus mundtii having probiotic qualities. The strain of E. mundtii (ST4SA) produces an antimicrobial peptide which exhibits antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria. The invention also provides an isolated nucleotide sequence which codes for the antimicrobial peptide (peptide ST4SA). Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for the production of a peptide of the invention which comprises cultivating Enterococcus mundtii strain ST4SA in a nutrient medium under micro-aerophilic conditions at a temperature of between 100 C. and 45° C., until a recoverable quantity of said peptide is produced, and recovering said peptide. The isolated peptide of the invention may be used as an antimicrobial agent in a liquid formulation or a gel formulation as a topical treatment and may also be used as an antimicrobial agent following encapsulation in a polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides the sequence of 5,299 nucleotides from the E. canis genome. There are four proteins, ProA, ProB, MmpA, and a cytochrome oxidase homolog, as well as a partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog at the carboxy terminus, coded for in this cloned fragment. The antigenic properties of these proteins allow them to be used to create a vaccine. An embodiment of this invention includes the creation of a DNA vaccine, a recombinant vaccine, and a T cell epitope vaccine. Another embodiment of this invention includes the use of serological diagnosis techniques.

Abstract: An eyelid scrub composition comprising polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and a pH stabilizing surfactant solution present in an amount effective to control the pH level of the composition between 5.5 and 7.5. The composition can further comprise moisturizers and foam stabilizers. The composition can be combined with a fabric pad for use as an eyelid scrub, where the fabric pad is pre-moistened with the composition and packaged for use. The composition may be applied to the eyelid scrub and rubbed to induce foaming. The composition is produced by preparing a modified Ringer's solution and adding 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and an effective amount of one or more pH stabilizing surfactants. The mixture is then heated and allowed to cool before polyhexamethylene biguanide is added.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination.

Abstract: A slow-release microcapsule composition for the safe delivery of agriculturally active material is formed using an encapsulation process. A microencapsulated suspension of agriculturally active material includes an encapsulating agent formed from a graft copolymer of starch and at least on vinyl monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fucans with a weight-average molar mass of between 5000 and 100 000 g/mol, for the purposes of bone grafting, engineering and regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microarray polymeric barriers designed to control the release rate of therapeutic agents. By varying the thickness of the coating or affecting, physically and/or chemically, the constituents of the barrier composition, the release profile of the underlying therapeutic agent can be modified and controlled.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions, devices and protocols for the treatment of keloids and other abnormal scars with improved appearance and a much lower recurrence rate. A therapeutic drug delivery device comprises an injectable mixture of a fibroblast inhibitor such as corticosteroid and a slow release carrier such as milled gel sponge dispersed in a fluid medium such as biological saline. The composition can be injected perilesionally in the dermis following excision of the keloid or other scar tissue, to circumscribe the wound. The infiltration of the mixture around the wound can provide a slow release of the fibroblast inhibitor for an extended period of time until normal wound closure can dominate and keloid or abnormal scar recurrence is inhibited.

Abstract: An implantable delivery system includes a macrostructure formed of bioresorbable material selected from a group of alphahydroxy acids and defined to include an internal architecture of intercommunicating void spaces. A first cytotoxic agent in the preferred form of cisplatin is joined to the macrostructure during formation. A microstructure in the preferred form of a blend of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid conjugated with a second cytotoxic agent in the preferred form of paclitaxel and of pure high molecular weight hyaluronic acid is invested in the void spaces. Thus, when implanted, the paclitaxel and cisplatin are released sequentially, each initially at high level concentrations followed by lower release. Radiotherapy can be begun after the release of the paclitaxel has been completed but while the cisplatin is being released.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dermal for aminolaevulinic acid, wherein a self-adhesive matrix system is used containing crystalline aminolaevulinic acids.

Abstract: Preparing a nanoliposome for encapsulating a protein includes preparing a dispersion by dispersing a phospholipid in an aqueous solution containing the protein, applying a shearing force to the dispersion; adding an additional amount of the phospholipid to the result of the step of applying the shearing force to the dispersion and then applying a shearing force higher than that of the step of applying the shearing force to the dispersion, and repeating the step of adding the additional amount of the phospholipid and applying the higher shearing force with an additional amount of the phospholipid and a shearing force higher than the prior step to obtain a nanoliposome having a desired diameter and encapsulation efficiency.

Abstract: Dosage forms for oral administration of a PDE 4 inhibitor whose solubility is slight are described. They contain PVP as binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical technology and describes a novel advantageous preparation for an active ingredient. The novel preparation is suitable for producing a large number of pharmaceutical dosage forms. In the new preparation, an active ingredient is present essentially uniformly dispersed in an excipient matrix composed of one or more excipients selected from the group of fatty alcohols, triglycerides, partial triglycerides and fatty acid esters.

Abstract: A process is described for the activation (increase in solubility and bioavailability) of drugs. The process, carried out in a vibrational mill, is characterised by the use of given proportions between the physical mixture made up of drug and pharmaceutical carrier and the empty volume among the grinding means contained inside the mill. The process leads to obtaining powders for pharmaceutical use in which the drug has a high and constant degree of activation; this result is obtainable irrespective of the nature of the drug and carrier used, and of their weight ratio.

Abstract: A coated tablet formulation is provided which includes a medicament such as the DPP4-inhibitor, saxaglipitin or its HCl salt, which is subject to intra-molecular cyclization, which formulation includes a tablet core containing one or more fillers, and other conventional excipients, which tablet core includes a coating thereon which may include two or more layers, at least one layer of which is an inner seal coat layer which is formed of one or more coating polymers, a second layer of which is formed of medicament which is the DPP4-inhibitor and one or more coating polymers, and an optional, but preferable third outer protective layer which is formed of one or more coating polymers. A method for forming the coated tablet is also provided.

Abstract: New solid drug dispersions are described in which a drug is present in amorphous form and dispersed within the particles of an organic carrier selected from cross-linked polymers and/or complexing agents. These dispersions are obtainable by mixing the drug and the carrier and applying an oscillating electromagnetic field in the microwave region according to a specific heating cycle wherein the drug-carrier mixture is heated at a temperature higher than the melting point of the drug for at least 5 minutes.

Abstract: A drug delivery particle including a reservoir region having primarily large pores and a metering region. The particle can be highly spherical.

Abstract: A process for forming drug multiparticulates having improved drug crystallinity is disclosed, comprising modifying a conventional melt-congeal process by adding a volatile cospecies either to the molten mixture or to the process atmosphere, or to both.

Abstract: A storage-stable aqueous concentrate for the preparation of a disinfectant and a disinfectant obtainable from such a concentrate by dilution are disclosed. The concentrate comprises hydrogen peroxide, colloidal silver, a biopolymeric stabilizer such as gum arabic, and phosphoric acid. In order to improve long-term stability and to reduce initial decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide in the first few days after preparing the concentrate, the concentrate further comprises sodium nitrate or sodium sulfate. The concentrate is free of any synthetic organic complexing agents, thus rendering the concentrate suitable for food- and drinking water applications. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and using the concentrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating tumors or tumor metastases in a patient, comprising administering to the patient simultaneously or sequentially a therapeutically effective amount of an EGFR kinase inhibitor and cisplatin combination, with or without additional agents or treatments, such as other anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy. The invention also encompasses a pharmaceutical composition that is comprised of an EGFR kinase inhibitor and cisplatin combination in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A preferred example of an EGFR kinase inhibitor that can be used in practicing this invention is the compound erlotinib HCl (also known as Tarceva™).

Abstract: The present invention relates to extracts and compounds which are isolated from Calomeria amaranthoides, and to derivatives and analogues of such compounds, which demonstrate cytotoxic activity against a variety of cell types exhibiting hyperproliferative cell division.

Abstract: A method of stimulating or enhancing an ornithine-urea cycle in ruminant gut tissues, which entails either feeding to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant feed or feed supplement containing an effective amount of a compound which stimulates activity of one or more enzymes required in the ornithine-urea cycle.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improved ruminant diets are disclosed. The invention relates to the use of metal ion/metal ion salts in ruminant feed, at levels from about 0.25 to about 1 g/kg dry matter, in any ruminant diet, for improvement of bypass protein content, as well as to influence the rate of rumen starch digestion and the flow of starch to the duodenum.

Abstract: A method of marking an egg is disclosed and comprises applying radiant energy to the shell of an egg so as to cause discoloration of the eggshell, thereby forming a marking comprising at least a traceability code and a freshness date. Apparatus is also disclosed for applying markings on eggs being processed by an egg-handling machine that is designed and configured to transport a plurality of eggs therethrough, wherein the apparatus comprises a radiant energy source located in proximity to the egg-handling machine, the radiant energy source being configured to apply radiant energy to the eggs as the eggs are transported past the radiant energy source to selectively discolor the shell of the eggs and form markings on the shell, including a freshness date and a traceability code.

Abstract: A nutritionally complete infant formula containing sialic acid derived from one or a number of nutritionally appropriate sources is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product which may be frozen for future heating within a microwave or other oven for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid yolk portion is preheated and then is added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, packaging, and storage. At a future time the frozen formulated fried egg product may be retrieved for thawing and cooking for consumption by an individual.

Abstract: A method is provided for depositing a hard wear resistant surface onto a porous or non-porous base material of a medical implant. The wear resistant surface of the medical implant device may be formed by a Laser Based Metal Deposition (LBMD) method such as Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS). The wear resistant surface may include a blend of multiple different biocompatible materials. Further, functionally graded layers of biocompatible materials may be used to form the wear resistant surface. Usage of a porous material for the base may promote bone ingrowth to allow the implant to fuse strongly with the bone of a host patient. The hard wear resistant surface provides device longevity, particularly when applied to bearing surfaces such as artificial joint bearing surfaces or a dental implant bearing surfaces. An antimicrobial material such as silver may be deposited in combination with a metal to form an antimicrobial surface deposit.

Abstract: A balloon for a catheter and a method of making the balloon, having a layer of a porous polymeric material with a modified outer surface and a lubricious coating bonded to the modified outer surface. In one embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a polymer impregnated in the porous polymeric material, and the subsequently applied lubricious coating bonds to the impregnating polymer. In another embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a functionality deposited on the porous polymeric material which bonds to the subsequently applied lubricious coating. The modified outer surface provides an improved strong bond between the lubricious coating and the balloon, for improved catheter performance.