Abstract: Multimeric protein structures are disclosed herein, as well a process for preparing same, and methods employing same for treating various diseases or disorders. The multimeric protein structures comprise at least two monomers of a therapeutic protein, including a TNF-alpha, a luteinizing hormone, an immunoglobin, a TNF-alpha receptor, a CTLA-4, a urate oxidase, a VEGF, a PDGF, a VEGF receptor, a PDGF receptor, an interleukin-17, and/or fragments thereof, the monomers being covalently linked to one another via a linking moiety. The multimeric protein structures exhibit improved performance as compared to the corresponding native proteins, including a longer lasting activity in vivo.

Abstract: It was discovered that insulin binding to insulin receptors signals the upregulation of expression of the liver enzyme deiodinase 1 (Dio1), which in turn activates the ApoA-1 promoter, thereby thereby increasing ApoA-1 expression (primarily in the liver), that in turn raises the levels of plasma ApoA-1, the major and necessary protein in HDLC. Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to methods for increasing circulating HDLC levels in an animal by administering therapeutically effective amounts of Dio1, or by increasing the level of Dio1 through gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising dosage units of pyridoxamine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and methods for their use in limiting the progression of renal disease and/or diabetic complications in human diabetic patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a sterile formable implant composition for application to a bone defect site comprising bioactive glass particles in an aqueous carrier solution, the bioactive glass particles being added to a viscous carrier at a concentration ranging from about 68% to about 76% (w/w), the carrier comprising a mixture of glycerol and polyethylene glycol ranging from 24% to 32% (w/w) with the ratio of glycerol to polyethylene glycol ranging from about 45:55 to about 65:35.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides that home to a joint of an animal, wherein said peptide comprises an amino acid motif selected from the group consisting of NQR and ADK. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having an arthritic joint, comprising the step of administering to said subject a pharmacologically effective dose of a composition provided herein.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for treating inflammation related diseases. Particularly, the present invention provides methods and compositions of administering thiocyanate to treat inflammation related diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, lung disease, lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis, pancreatic disease, digestive track disease, diabetes, neurological disorder, cardio-vascular disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis, nephritis, or stroke, and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or autism. The invention provides the use of thiocyanate to diagnose inflammation related diseases.

Abstract: The teachings provided herein generally relate to site-activated binding systems that selectively increase the bioactivity of phenolic compounds at target sites. More particularly, the systems taught here include a phenolic compound bound to a reactive oxygen species, wherein the phenolic compound and the reactive oxygen species react at a target area in the presence of an oxidoreductase enzyme.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomarkers associated with Diabetes, including protein and lipid metabolite biomarkers, methods of using the biomarkers to determine the risk that an individual will develop Diabetes, and methods of screening a population to identify persons at risk for developing Diabetes and other pre-diabetic conditions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR?)-ligand 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (16:0/18:1-GPC) are disclosed. These compositions may be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of PPAR?-related liver disorders including, but not necessarily limited to, fatty liver disease, to lower lipid and triglyceride levels, and to increase high density lipoprotein levels in animals. Foods modified with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (16:0/18:1GPC) may be used to improve the metabolism of animals.

Abstract: A method of producing hexose oxidase by recombinant DNA technology, recombinant hexose oxidase and the use of such enzyme, in particular in the manufacturing of food products such as doughs and dairy products, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dental care products and in the manufacturing of lactones. Suitable sources of DNA coding for the enzyme are marine algal species including Chondrus crispus, Iridophycus flaccidum and Euthora cristata. In useful embodiments, the recombinant hexose oxidase is produced by Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or E. coli.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for encapsulating active protein in a polymeric nanocarrier. The instant method employs homogenization at subzero temperatures so that enzyme activity is retained. Enzymes which can be encapsulated by the present method include, for example, antioxidant enzymes and xenobiotic detoxifying enzymes. Encapsulation of an enzyme protects it from protease degradation and increases therapeutic half-life. Advantageously, polymeric nanoparticles of the invention are permeable to enzyme substrates and therefore enzymes encapsulated by the instant method can exert their effect without release from the nanocarrier. Methods for decomposing a reactive oxygen species, protecting against vascular oxidative stress, and detoxifying a xenobiotic are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of spray drying pharmaceutical powders from a vibrating nozzle at low pressures. The method can effectively spray dry thick or viscous solutions or suspensions to provide small uniform particles. The invention includes dry particle compositions prepared by methods of low pressure spraying from vibrating nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses anti-cancer compositions, and associated methods, including an anti-cancer composition comprising: a cellular energy inhibitor having the structure according to formula I wherein X is selected from the group consisting of: a nitro, an imidazole, a halide, sulfonate, a carboxylate, an alkoxide, and amine oxide; and R is selected from the group consisting of: OR?, N(R?)2, C(O)R??, C1-C6 alkyl, C6-C12 aryl, C1-C6 heteroalkyl, a C6-C12 heteroaryl, H, and an alkali metal; where R? represents H, alkali metal, C1-C6 alkyl, C6-C12 aryl or C(O)R??, R? represents H, C1-C6 alkyl, or C6-C12 aryl, and R?? represents H, C1-C20 alkyl or C6-C12 aryl. The anti-cancer composition can additionally comprise at least one sugar, which stabilizes the cellular energy inhibitor by substantially preventing the inhibitor from hydrolyzing. Also, the anti-cancer composition can comprise a hexokinase inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention provides a copolymer of hyaluronic acid (HA) grafted with a dextran-tyramine (Dex-TA) conjugate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to treating muscle wasting-associated disorders in a patient, using a therapeutically effective amount of an antagonist of Fbxo40, wherein the antagonist reduces the expression, level or activity of Fbxo40. The Fbxo40 antagonist increases muscle mass, or prevents, limits or reduces muscle mass loss, in the patient. The Fbxo40 antagonist can be a low molecular weight (LMW) compound, a protein, an antibody, or an inhibitory nucleic acid, such as a siRNA. The disclosure also relates to methods of screening for antagonists of Fbxo40, and methods of diagnosing or monitoring levels of muscle mass maintenance, loss or increase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of poly(amino oxalate) (PAOX) using oxalyl chloride, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and piperazinediethanol, the preparation of biodegradable polymer particles using the PAOX, and the use of PAOX particles as a drug delivery vehicle. The PAOX according to the present invention is a polymer that has three characteristics of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and cationic properties at the same time with appropriate hydrophobicity and thus can be prepared as particles that allow rapid drug release. Moreover, the particles improve the delivery efficiency of a drug into cells and thus can be efficiently used as a drug delivery vehicle for the treatment of acute inflammatory diseases such as acute liver failure and acute lung injury.

Abstract: A mechanism of macrophage-induced T cell suppression is the selective elimination of tryptophan and/or increase in one or more tryptophan metabolites within the local macrophage microenvironment Expression of IDO can serve as a marker of suppression of T cell activation, and may play a significant role in allogeneic pregnancy and other types of transplantation. Inhibitors of IDO can be used to activate T cells. Inhibiting tryptophan degradation, or supplementing tryptophan concentration, can be used in addition to, or in place of, inhibitors of IDO. Increasing tryptophan degradation (thereby, decreasing tryptophan concentration and increasing tryptophan metabolite concentration), for example, by increasing IDO concentration or IDO activity, can suppress T cells. One can manipulate local tryptophan concentrations, and/or modulate the activity of the high affinity tryptophan transporter, and/or administer tryptophan degrading enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials and the methods of making and using protein biocoacervates and biomaterials. More specifically the present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials that may be utilized for various medical applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, coated medical devices (e.g. stents, valves . . . ), vessels, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, wound healing devices including protein suture biomaterials and biomeshes, dental plugs and implants, skin/bone/tissue grafts, tissue fillers, protein biomaterial adhesion prevention barriers, cell scaffolding and other biocompatible biocoacervate or biomaterial devices.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of treating oxidative stress disorders by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound that elevates the intracellular levels of glutathone or intracelluar levels of at least one Phase II detoxification enzyme in animal tissue. The present invention also relates to the field of protecting a subject from oxidative stress disorders by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound that elevates the intracellular levels of glutathone or intracelluar levels of at least one Phase II detoxification enzyme in the subject. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition useful for the treatment of oxidative stress disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to composition comprising a dextran-tyramine conjugate and a conjugate selected from the group consisting of chondroitin sulphate-tyramine, collagen-tyramine, chitosan-tyramine, chitosan-phloretic acid, gelatine-tyramine, heparan sulphate-tyramine, keratin sulphate-tyramine, hyaluronic acid-tyramine and heparin-tyramine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a humanized recombinant uricase and mutants thereof, wherein the humanized recombinant uricase is a chimeric protein which comprises amino acids of non-human mammal uricase and amino acids of human uricase. The humanized recombinant unease and mutants thereof have reduced immunogenicity in human, and can be used for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity. More specifically, the invention relates to proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising a block of an elastin pentapeptide and method of making and using the copolymer are provided. The copolymer may be used as a coating on a stent. Methods of using a stent coated with the copolymer are also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses particulate complexes composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one bioactive agent, wherein equal moles of the positively charged chitosan and the negatively charged poly-glutamic acid substrate form an electrostatic network enabling improved loading the bioactive agent.

Abstract: A conjugate comprises: (a) a mitochondrial membrane-permeant peptide; (b) an active agent or compound of interest such as a detectable group or mitochondrial protein or peptide; and (c) a mitochondrial targeting sequence linking said mitochondrial membrane-permeant peptide and said active mitochondrial protein or peptide. The targeting sequence is one which is cleaved within the mitochondrial matrix, and not cleaved within the cellular cytoplasm, of a target cell into which said compound is delivered. Methods of use of such compounds are also described.

Abstract: A method of stimulating melanogenesis in a skin surface of a patient, by treating the skin surface with a topical formulation comprising an effective amount of 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2? ethyl amide in a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The topical formulation may be a cream, a gel, a lotion, a spray, an ointment, an aqueous solution, a nonaqueous solution, or a transdermal patch. The dermatologically acceptable carrier may contain an oily carrier or an aqueous carrier.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detoxifying nitrobenzodiazepines with nitroreductase mutants.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a drug activator carrier comprising: a) particles having a metallic or metallic oxide core prepared from a paramagnetic material, said metallic core being coated with a coating material selected from polymer, metal or metal oxide; b) a biological material, having reductase activity, bound onto the metal coating the particles of step a), and wherein said biological material is capable of activating non-toxic pro-drugs into active and toxic drugs suitable for treating a disease; said drug activator carrier allowing targeted delivery of the toxic drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity. More specifically, the invention relates to proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases.

Abstract: Methods of treating a wound, an ulcer and/or a burn responsive to inhibition of xanthine oxidoreductase to thereby reduce uric acid in an animal are provided wherein the methods include topical administration of a therapeutic agent effective for treatment of the wound, the ulcer and/or the burn wherein the therapeutic agent inhibits xanthine oxidoreductase to thereby reduce uric acid in the wound, ulcer and/or burn. Also provided are methods and kits for determining the severity of a wound, a burn and/or an ulcer including the step of detecting one or more of (i) a level of uric acid; (ii) a level of one or more uric acid precursors; and (iii) a presence, or absence of or level of xanthine oxidoreductase.

Abstract: A composition with enhanced thermogenic activity and the use thereof in the prevention and treatment of obesity Pharmaceutical compositions of a dietary supplement or medical device, useful for the treatment and prevention of overweight and obesity and metabolic syndrome comprising: a) menthol or a peppermint essential oil comprising menthol, in association with one or more components having a thermogenetic activity, selected from: b1) capsaicin or a capsacinoid derived from Capsicum genus or a Capsicum extract containing capsaicin and/or capsacinoids; b2) a sulphur containing active principle derived from the Allium genus or an Allium extract containing it; b3) a catechin active substance derived from the genus Camellia or a Camellia extract containing it. The menthol and mint essential oil have a potentiating action on the biological activities of the other aforementioned components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specially selected catalase enzymes and their use in reducing hydrogen peroxide in applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.

Abstract: A process for forming a solid electrolytic capacitor and an electrolytic capacitor formed by the process. The process includes: providing an anode wherein the anode comprises a porous body and an anode wire extending from the porous body; applying a thin polymer layer onto the dielectric, and forming a dielectric on the porous body to form an anodized anode; applying a first slurry to the anodized anode to form a blocking layer wherein the first slurry comprises a first conducting polymer with an median particle size of at least 0.05 ?m forming a layer of crosslinker on the blocking layer; and applying a layer of a second conducting polymer on the layer of crosslinker.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions and methods of using the nutritional compositions with exercise to attenuate the loss of functional status are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a nutritional composition including whey protein, and Vitamin D. The nutritional composition and exercise can be specifically used to attenuate the loss of functional status, especially in the elderly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specially selected catalase enzymes and their use in reducing hydrogen peroxide in applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating pulmonary conditions and for reducing the negative effects of pulmonary inflammation. Such compositions and methods employ protease inhibitors and a lung surfactant mixture. The compositions and methods can also include lipase inhibitors (e.g. a phospholipase inhibitors) and anti-oxidants.

Abstract: A microbicidal composition in the form of a concentrate includes a) one or more isothiazolin-3-ones, b) one or more organic amines with an alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms and c) one or more oxidizing agents. The concentrate is storage-stable and is used for the preservation of technical and domestic products.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising an amount of a live attenuated or avirulent Toxoplasma gondii strain or a soluble extract thereof or a soluble extract of a wild-type T. gondii strain effective to inhibit or prevent heterologous microbial pathogen infection or replication, or one or more symptoms or manifestations of the microbial pathogen infection or replication, and methods of making or using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specially selected catalase enzymes and their use in reducing hydrogen peroxide in applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.

Abstract: In a process of forming a hydrogel from a mixture comprising hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and a polymer comprising a crosslinkable phenol group, the gelation rate in the solution and the crosslinking density in the hydrogel can be independently adjusted or controlled by selection of the molarity of H2O2 and concentration of HRP in the solution when the molarity of H2O2 is limited to be within a range and the concentration of HRP is limited to be above a threshold. A method for determining the range and threshold is disclosed. The hydrogel may be used to grow cells, in which case, the molarity of H2O2 may be selected to affect the differentiation or growth rate of the cells in the hydrogel. Also, the hydrogel system may be used for sustained delivery of a therapeutic protein, for example in the treatment of liver cancer, fibrosis or hepatitis.

Abstract: Methods for regulating the formation of a sulfilimine crosslink in a subject by administering a sulfilimine crosslink modulator are disclosed The sulfilimine modulator may inhibit or create a sulfilimine crosslink and maybe useful for treating a disease, such as cancer The sulfilimine crosslink may be between two or more peptides

Abstract: The present invention provides an HDL comprising an agent selected from the group consisting of antiproteases, antixoxidants, antimitotics, anti-apoptotic agents and agents involved in the iron metabolism for use as a medicament.

Abstract: Patients needing NO donor therapy or inhibition of pathologically proliferating cells or increased NO bioactivity are treated with a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase.

Abstract: Conventional commercial hair dyes form potent allergens and may also have irritant properties. If they were not already well established in the market and the side effects tolerated by consumers they would likely be deemed unsafe for use. The invention relates to compounds, compositions, formulations and methods for reducing, avoiding or eliminating allergic contact dermatitis reactions to conventional commercial hair dyes.

Abstract: The invention relates to functional polypeptides secreted from Botryospaeria rhodina CBS 274.96.

Abstract: Nano-sized particles are provided comprising at least one multi-headed amphiphilic compound, in which at least one headgroup of said multi-headed amphiphilic compound is selectively cleavable or contains a selectively cleavable group, and at least one biologically active agent, which is both encapsulated within the nano-particle and non-covalently associated thereto.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to epidermal lipoxygenase obtained from axolotl and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. In particular, in a first aspect the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing lipoxygenase obtained from axolotl or functional homologues thereof having a lipoxygenase activity, in particular for use in wound healing, bone healing or conditioning of injured tissue, e.g. in wound dressings. In a further aspect, the present inventions relates to cosmetical compositions containing said lipoxygenase. Finally, the present invention provides methods for identifying modulators of wound healing, scarring, etc. comprising the step of determining compounds able to alterate the lipoxygenase enzyme activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of inclusion bodies as vehicles for therapeutic protein delivery. This method is applicable to the delivery of therapeutic proteins to intracellular locations. In addition, the invention also relates to the administration of a cell or a pharmaceutical composition comprising inclusion bodies formed by therapeutic proteins. These inclusion bodies formed by therapeutic proteins could be used for the treatment of different diseases.

Abstract: A method and a composition for delivery of a biomaterial to an animal cell or a tissue, the composition includes (a) a biomaterial; (b) a biodegradable cross-linker portion having a hydrolyzable bond, wherein the biodegradable cross-linker portion is covalently bound to the biomaterial; and (c) a substrate, wherein the substrate is covalently bound to the biodegradable cross-linker portion, provided that the biodegradable cross-linker is adapted to hydrolyze by breaking the hydrolyzable bond and thereby release and deliver the biomaterial. A process of making the composition is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the uses of the protein PRG4 and therapeutic modulation thereof. In particular, the present invention relates compositions and methods utilizing PRG4 and therapeutic modulation thereof, including, use as a surgical lubricant, use in a treatment for prevention or reduction of post-surgical adhesions, use in a treatment for oral ulcerations, use as an athletic lubricating patch, use as a dermal filler, use in a treatment for dry mouth, use in a drug delivery method or composition, and use in nursing lubrication.