Abstract: Provided herein are methods for accurately determining the alleles present at a locus that is broadly applicable to any locus, including highly polymorphic loci such as HLA loci, BGA loci and HV loci. Embodiments of the disclosed methods are useful in a wide range of applications, including, for example, organ transplantation, personalized medicine, diagnostics, forensics and anthropology.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes polyurethane composites that include tissue component(s), as well as methods of making such composites and uses thereof. The polyurethane component can comprise a polyisocyanate prepolymer and a polyol. The tissue component can be a polysaccharide. Exemplary composites can be moldable and/or injectable, and can cure into a porous composite that provides mechanical strength and/or supports the in-growth of cells. Inventive composites have the advantage of being able to fill irregularly shaped areas, voids, or the like. Exemplary composites can be used for treating wounds.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting graft rejection includes isolating Hepatic Stellate Cells from a mammal liver, activating the isolated Hepatic Stellate Cells, and administering a combination of Hepatic Stellate cells and a graft to a mammal.

Abstract: An atopic dermatitis inducer binding to a human own IgE antibody and activating mast cells and basophiles, which includes a purified human secretion fraction, or an antigenic molecule or an antigenic determinant in the purified fraction, and obtained through the following steps of: filtering a human secretion, removing insoluble matters and collecting the filtrate; mixing the filtrate with a ConA-affinity carrier and collecting the supernatant; and separating a component having a histamine-releasing activity from the supernatant by column chromatography. This inducer is effective in diagnosing and treating human atopic dermatitis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of an agonist of an hypothalamic hormone for the preparation of a pharmaceutical agent to support the luteal phase during infertility treatment of female mammals and more specifically of woman. According to this invention, the pharmaceutical agent is suitable to be used for supporting the luteal phase after a spontaneous ovulation or after stimulation of follicular growth, trigger of final follicular maturation and ovulation with one or several additional agents.

Abstract: A medical component comprising a human parathyroid hormone peptide or its derivative, and acetic acid contained at a concentration less than its chemical equivalent with respect to the human parathyroid hormone peptide or to its derivative. Since in the medical component acetic acid, which is present as a salt of or attached to the peptide or its derivative, has been reduced to an amount less than chemical equivalent with respect to the human parathyroid hormone peptide or its derivative, a medical component, which is highly stable and will ensure an excellent use feeling when introduced into a pharmaceutical composition, is obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for accomplishing a noninvasive screen for breast disease markers, including breast cancer markers and cytologically abnormal cells. Intraductal fluid is noninvasively aspirated using compression, heating and suction cycles. The removed sample is thereafter assayed for the presence of cytologically abnormal cells and/or one or more breast disease markers. Sample size and intraductal mobility of breast disease markers may be enhanced by retrograde introduction of a carrier. Devices and assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described which allow for the sublingual absorption of peptides by oral administration. A liquid and a tablet format for the sublingual approach are demonstrated. The peptides are stable at room temperature and in the compositions herein described.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for prevention or treatment of premature ejaculation and/or hypersensitivity of sexual stimulation is provided, which contains a therapeutically effective amount of a purified essence of Bufonis venenum for prevention or treatment of dysspermia or the symptom of non-controlled ejaculation in male, due to premature ejaculation and/or hypersensitivity of sexual stimulation. The Bufonis venenum may be a purified essence of Bufonis venenum extracted by use of one or more organic solvent selected from a group consisting of ethyl acetate, dichloromethane or chloroform, and concentrated, and is purified and fractionated by use of silica gel column. The composition may be formulated in a pharmaccutically acceptable formulation of ointment, suspension, gel, spray, patch or solution.

Abstract: A method of producing a sustained localized immunosuppressive effect in localized tissues is achieved by transplanting Sertoli cells proximate to the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for islet cell expansion, which comprises the steps of: a) preparing dedifferentiated cells derived from cells in or associated with post-natal islets of Langerhans; b) expanding the dedifferentiated cells; and c) inducing islet cell differentiation the expanded cells of step b) to become insulin-producing cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays to identify compounds that affect microglial cell activation, and specifically assays to identify compounds that affect secretion of cytokines from these microglial cells by modulating PGE2-mediated activity. The assays of the invention include assays for testing microglial cell activation by contacting microglia with compounds that modulate &bgr;-amyloid PGE2-mediated activation, which can be identified by cellular activity such as secretion of cytokines, e.g., TNF-&agr; and IL-1&agr;. The effect of the candidate compound can be determined by comparing the effect with a control culture which is not contacted with the compound, or by comparing the effect with a standardized profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for zsig45, a novel human protein expressed in thyroid. The polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding them, may be used for detecting human disease states and chromosomal abnormalities, and as a therapeutic. The present invention also includes antibodies to the zsig45 polypeptides.

Abstract: Novel cyclic ether vitamin D3 compounds having a cyclic ether side chain are disclosed. These compounds were first identified as metabolites of 3-epi vitamin D3 produced via a tissue-specific metabolic pathway which catalyzes the formation of a cyclic ether structure. Also disclosed are 1&agr;(OH) 3-epi vitamin D3 compounds, which are produced via the epimerization of a 3-&bgr;-hydroxyl group of 1&agr;(OH) vitamin D3 precursor in vivo. The vitamin D3 compounds of the present invention can be used as substitutes for natural and synthetic vitamin D3 compounds.

Abstract: Islet cell membrane antigen has been purified and, since it displaces islet cell surface antibodies, is of utility in the prevention or treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: A method of administering growth hormone includes (a) osmotically shocking aquatic animals for about 60 seconds with a hyperosmotic salt solution; and (b) placing the shocked aquatic animals in a tank containing a solution of about 300 mg/l of growth hormone (preferably bST). The treatment solution is preferably at least slightly saline. The aquatic animals are immersed in the treatment solution for between about 30 minutes and about two hours. The growth hormone solution is supersaturated with oxygen to place the aquatic animals in a state of suspended animation. Depending on the aquatic species treated, the osmotic salt solution and the treatment solution may be refrigerated. The aquatic animals are preferably treated when less than 24 hours old.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of manufacturing implantable biocompatible cell encapsulation devices, wherein the cell encapsulation devices have a jacket made of a permeable, biocompatible material that is loaded with a core made of a reticulate foam scaffold having interconnected pores, with cells that are dispersed in the interconnected pores.

Abstract: Compounds and samples may be screened for estrogenic, androgenic, and thyroid hormone activity simultaneously, by administering the compound or sample to larval amphibians or tissue obtained therefrom, particularly Hyperolius argus, prior to the end of metamorphosis, and observing developmental differences between the test amphibians and normal development for said amphibians.

Abstract: A biocompatible cell device having an internal foam scaffold to provide a growth surface for encapsulated cells which produce a biologically active molecule.

Abstract: The invention includes a substantially pure preparation of a peptide having corticotropin release inhibiting factor (CRIF) activity comprising at least three contiguous amino acids contained within the amino acid sequence positioned between the fourth and fifth thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) sequence on a prepro-TRH protein. The CRIF peptide further comprises the fourth uncleaved TRH portion of prepro-TRH positioned at the amino terminus of CRIF. Compositions, methods of diagnosis and methods of treating CRIF related diseases are also included in the invention.

Abstract: The use of certain types of CNS transplants in preventing and reversing excitotoxic CNS damage.

Abstract: A multi-agent tri-daily comestible of vitamin, mineral, plant extracts, aminos, neurochemical precursors, enzymes, and Ph regulating agents which supply key elements necessary for proper metabolization and function of the human body delivered at specific times of the daily biocycle when the need for such specific agents exists in order to maximize the body's extra- and intra-cellular matrix to cellular and biochemical protective and repair mechanisms utilized to deter the effects of otherwise normal aging.

Abstract: D-factor, growth hormone, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factors are employed alone or in combination as synergistic cytoprotective agents for patients exposed to toxic doses of ionizing radiation and/or chemotherapy. Synergistic cytoprotective regimens are provided. Use of D-factor, growth hormone, tumor necrosis factors, and/or IL-1, alone or in synergistic combination, is disclosed for the prevention and treatment of alopecia.

Abstract: A diagnostic protocol and kit for evaluating pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretory capability as a means to identify the etiology of GH deficiency in children and adults is disclosed. The inventive protocol includes measuring GH secretion, provoked by independent, sequential administration of the xenobiotic GH releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6) or any of its peptidyl or non-peptidyl synthetic analogues (GHRX) that release GH by the same cellular mechanism as GHRP-6 followed by the naturally occurring GH releasing hormone or its analogues (GHRH) to children and adults afflicted with disorders related to GH deficiency. After evaluating the effects of independent, sequential administration of the GH secretagogues upon changes in blood GH concentrations, the effect of the co-administered GH secretagogues on blood GH concentrations in the child or adult subject is then measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of treating osteopenias, particularly osteoporosis, in mammals comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation agent comprising the polypeptide Insulin-like Growth Factor II or an osteoblastic stimulating fragment thereof, either alone or in the presence of a potentiating amount of fluoride ion, and in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.The invention further relates to a method of preventing osteopenias in a susceptible population of mammals consisting of administering a prophylactically effective amount of the pharmaceutical agent described above.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the discovery of antigenic cross reactivity between a pancreatic 64K autoantigen and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Autoantibodies toward GAD were found to be associated with insulin dependent diabetes (IDD). More specifically, the invention pertains to the use of GAD for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of insulin dependent diabetes (IDD).

Abstract: A method of generating in situ trophic factor production by transplanting Sertoli cells into the central nervous system of a mammal, the cells creating trophic factors in situ.

Abstract: A method of increasing the number of adult pancreatic islet cells available for transplantation by contacting the cells with laminin 5 extracellular matrix. When contacted with the deposited matrix produced by 804G rat bladder carcinoma cells, a 1,500 fold increase in cell number is observed after three passages in culture. Islet cell expansion also occurs when cells are contacted with 804G soluble matrix. The expanded islet cells contain insulin and respond to glucose challenge.

Abstract: A method of expanding the number of pancreatic islet cells for transplantation. Fetal islet cells are cultured in the presence of laminin 5 extracellular matrix, resulting in a significant increase in cell number after passaging in culture. The expanded islet cells contain insulin and respond to glucose challenge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a physiologically active substance which inhibits plasma kallikrein production, improves peripheral blood flow, and exhibits analgesic, antiinflammatory and antiallergic action. The physiologically active substance of the present invention is prepared by activating various animals or animal tissues by means of inoculation with virus or tumor cells which act as a stressor, and then extracting the effective factor from the activated tissues. The substance exhibits a pharmacological action of inhibiting activity for production of plasma kallikrein and recovering and normalizing abnormal functions which are associated with the diseased state. The physiologically active substance and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention exhibit excellent regulating activity for biofunctions. They provide recovery and normalization of abnormal functions in living organisms in various diseased states.

Abstract: A flowable demineralized bone powder composition is provided for use in surgical bone repair.

Abstract: A new use of calcitonin, as an active principle, is provided for the preparation of topically appliable medications in the treatment of pre-senile and senile idiopathic cataract; and a pharmaceutical composition containing elcatonin as active principle for the preparation of a collyrium.

Abstract: A highly purified, Na.sup.+,K.sup.+ -ATPase inhibitory factor is disclosed herein. The factor does not cross-react with anti-digoxin antibody and exhibits uniquely characteristic UV absorbance maxima at approximately 202-210 nm and at 274-280 nm. The inhibitory factor has a molecular weight of less than 1000 Daltons, is non-peptidic, non-lipidic, and loses activity following charring or alkaline hydrolysis. The factor is useful as a pharmaceutical composition in methods for treating essential hypertension, cardiac malfunction and in regulating angiogenesis and active sodium transport and other conditions. Methods for purifying the factor from tissue and fluid extracts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Human parathyroid hormone is provided in an ultrapure form characterized by the absence of protein contaminants detectable by capillary electrophoresis analysis. A method for obtaining such ultrapure human parathyroid hormone is also described.

Abstract: Absorption of Tissue Respiration Factor (TRF) into the gingival tissues is materially enhanced when it is formulated as a non-astringent hydrophilic pharmaceutical composition containing penetration promoting substances which are both hydrophilic and lipophilic. Additionally, a highly efficient means for effecting absorption of TRF into the gingival tissues is to utilize liposomes as carriers for the TRF in a non-astringent pharmaceutical composition.