Abstract: A blood purification apparatus that accurately calculates the colloid osmotic pressure of a patient's blood. A dialyzer included in the blood purification apparatus has thereinside blood flow routes and dialysate flow routes that are separated from each other by hollow fibers. An ultrafiltration pump draws out water from the blood in the blood flow routes through the hollow fibers into the dialysate flow routes. Four detecting units measure the pressures of liquid flowing into the blood flow routes, the liquid discharged from the blood flow routes, dialysate flowing into the dialysate flow routes, and the dialysate discharged from the dialysate flow routes. The pressures at the four positions, the transmembrane pressure difference can be calculated. The blood flow routes are filled with a priming solution, and the transmembrane pressure difference (TMPa) is measured. Subsequently, the blood flow routes are filled with the patient's blood, and the transmembrane pressure difference (TMPb) is measured.

Abstract: A method of investigating the monotypia of a population of T-cells comprising detecting expression of the T cell receptor beta chain constant region TRBC1 and TRBC2, and/or the T cell receptor gamma chain constant region TRGC1 and TRGC, in a population of T-cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of modulating pericytes in subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel violaxanthin-overproducing strain of Chlorella vulgaris and a method of producing violaxanthin therefrom. The inventors have developed a strain that produces violaxanthin at a significantly higher level than a wild-type strain by inducing a random chemical mutation in a Chlorella vulgaris strain to, and then as a result of analysis, confirmed that the strain produces violaxanthin up to 0.41% based on dry weight, which reaches the highest level that is possible to be produced in microalgae. Furthermore, as a method of effectively extracting a carotenoid pigment containing violaxanthin from the strain was established, since the strain and the developed pigment extraction method according to the present invention allow effective production and separation of violaxanthin, the strain is expected to increase commercial applications such as cosmetics, health functional foods and feed.

Abstract: SCGB-based preparations and methods to use these preparations to protect the glycocalyx in medical, veterinary, and cosmetic applications are provided. The secretoglobins (SCGBs) are a family of small secreted globular proteins present in all mammals and sharing conserved structure and thought to share similar immunomodulatory functions. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan proteins (HSPGs) are expressed on the outer membranes of cells and have carbohydrate side chains that, together, make up the glycocalyx. The glycocalyx is a protective layer surrounding all cells, acting as a filter regulating the passage of nutrients into the cell and modifying cell signaling by external factors. There are two major families of HSPGs including syndecans and glypicans, plus several other HSPGs in all mammals. SCGBs bind to, and interact with, HSPGs to further modulate cell signaling and cellular responses to external factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Abstract: Cyclic peptide of formula I X1-GQRETPEGAEAKPWY-X2, wherein X1 comprises an amino acid (sequence), with 1 to 4 members, comprising natural and unnatural amino acids, and X2 comprises a natural amino acid, and wherein X1 comprises the N-terminal amino acid left in position 1, and X2 the C-terminal amino acid in the ultimate, right position, in the form of a lyophilisate without additives and/or stabilizers and its use.

Abstract: Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a member of the collectin family of collagenous lectin domain-containing proteins that is expressed in epithelial cells of the lung. Described herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of disorders associated with lung injury, including methods and compositions for the treatment of bronchopulmonary disorder (BPD).

Abstract: The proteasome inhibitors of this invention include peptide-based compounds with a short linear sequence of amino acids. An oxo or thio group is attached to the N-terminal amino acid. A protein-reactive electrophilic group such as an epoxyketone, an aziridinylketone, or a beta-lactone is attached to the C-terminal amino acid. Upon contact with a proteasome complex in a target cell, the electrophilic group reacts with a functional group in or near a binding pocket or active site of the proteasome, forming a covalent bond and thereby inactivating the proteasome. These and other proteasome inhibitors can be screened for binding affinity and an ability to selectively eliminate senescent cells or cancer cells. Compounds that selectively remove senescent cells can be developed for the treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis, ophthalmic disease, pulmonary disease, and atherosclerosis.

Abstract: A system for determining a reconstruction of a particle distribution in an object based on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurement data of the object comprising the distribution of particles is described. The system comprises a data input for obtaining electron paramagnetic resonance measurement data of the object under study. The system also comprises a processor for processing the obtained data by applying a numerical model for solving a numerical inverse problem of deriving from the electron paramagnetic resonance measurement data a reconstruction of the particle distribution. The system furthermore comprises an output port for outputting data based on the derived reconstruction of the particle distribution.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes assays that involve measurement of expression levels of prognostic biomarkers, or co-expressed biomarkers, from a biological sample obtained from a prostate cancer patient, and analysis of the measured expression levels to provide information concerning the likely prognosis for the patient, and likelihood that the patient will have a recurrence of prostate cancer, or to classify the tumor by likelihood of clinical outcome or TMPRSS2 fusion status.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for separating polypeptide glycoforms using a medium that includes an Fc receptor. In certain embodiments, a medium includes an Fc receptor which comprises an extracellular portion of an Fc gamma RIII receptor.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods to inhibit inflammation or pathogen infection by administering at least one anionic lipid or compositions comprising at least one anionic lipid to an individual. The invention also relates to methods to prevent or inhibit respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection by administering at least one anionic lipid or compositions comprising at least one anionic lipid to an individual. The invention further relates to compositions comprising randomly mixed surfactant lipids and methods to produce the compositions.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention is a peptide for preventing or treating sepsis. The peptide can improve symptoms of sepsis by inhibiting production of TNF, IL-1, and IL-6, which are cytokines that are related to sepsis, or can prevent or treat sepsis. Also disclosed are a pharmaceutical composition or a food composition containing the peptide as an active ingredient, a usage of the peptide for preventing or treating sepsis, and a kit comprising the peptide and instructions.

Abstract: What is described is a peptide which consists of 7-20, especially 7-17, adjacent amino acids and comprises the hexamer TX1EX2X3E where X1, X2 and X3 may be any natural or unnatural amino acid, where the peptide does not have any TNF receptor binding activity and is cyclized, for use for the treatment and avoidance of the pulmonary form of altitude sickness.

Abstract: A protein free surfactant composition comprising dipalmitoylphosphatidyl choline (DPPC) and eugenol having a ratio in the range of 10:5 to 4:2 with >99% airway patency in the presence of albumin, for treating acid lung injury, adult respiratory distress syndrome and meconium aspiration syndrome.

Abstract: This invention relates to molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly fusion proteins that include a serpin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serpin and second polypeptide comprising of at least one the following: an Fc polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from an Fc polypeptide; a cytokine targeting polypeptide or a sequence derived from a cytokine targeting polypeptide; a WAP domain containing polypeptide or a sequence derived from a WAP containing polypeptide; and an albumin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serum albumin polypeptide. This invention also relates to methods of using such molecules in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic indications, as well as methods of producing such molecules.

Abstract: There is provided a method of treating an inflammatory response to infection and complications associated therewith, by administering a proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor to a subject, in need thereof. There is also provided a method of treating or preventing treating or preventing renal failure; renal dysfunction; respiratory failure; respiratory dysfunction; or acute lung injury. Provided herein are uses, pharmaceutical compositions, and commercial packages associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic agent, a treatment method and an inspection method for diseases caused by activation of neutrophils. More specifically, the invention relates to a neutrophil activation regulator which comprising a histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) as an active ingredient, and provides a therapeutic agent for diseases caused by neutrophil activation comprising the neutrophil activation regulator, a treatment method for diseases caused by neutrophil activation, and further an inspection method for diseases caused by neutrophil activation. The present invention is based on the neutrophil activation regulator including the HRG as an active ingredient. The present invention extends to the depressant agent for neutrophil-vascular endothelial cell interaction including the HRG of the present invention as an active ingredient, the treatment method for diseases caused by neutrophil activation and/or inflammatory diseases accompanied by neutrophil activation.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), salts thereof, and compositions and uses thereof are described. The compounds are useful as V1a vasopressin agonists, for the treatment of e.g., complications of cirrhosis, including bacterial peritonitis, HRS2 and refractory ascites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, in particular peptides which are capable of stabilizing barrier functions of epithelium and endothelium. The peptides and other compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases or disorders associated with a localized or systemic breakdown of epithelial and endothelial barrier functions. Particular diseases and disorders to be treated and/or prevented with the peptides or other compounds, methods and uses provided herein are burns, acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ventilator induced lung injury (VILI), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), acute kidney injury (AKI), sepsis, multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS), or edema.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide with anti-inflammatory activity, wherein the peptide comprises SEQ ID NO: 1, the peptide has above 80% homology of amino acid sequence with above-mentioned sequence, or the peptide is the fragment of the above-mentioned peptides. The present invention also relates to an inflammatory composition comprising the above mentioned peptides. According to the present invention, a peptide comprising a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 has outstanding efficacy in both suppressing inflammation and in prophylactic means. Therefore, the composition comprising the peptide of this invention can be used as anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical composition or as cosmetic composition, in turn, treating and preventing a variety of different types of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A dipeptide derivative as formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) antagonist is provided. The dipeptide derivative is represented by formula (I), wherein: the chiral centers in formula (I) are S and R configurations respectively; each of RK and RT is selected from a group consisting of a hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, a C1-C4 alkyl-substituted hydroxyl group, a C1-C4 alkoxyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a C1-C4 alkyl nitrile-substituted, C1-C4 alkyl-substituted or C1-C4 alkoxyl-substituted amido group, a C1-C4 alkyl-substituted ester group and a benzoyl group having a C1-C4 alkyl-substituted benzene ring; and each of RM and RS is selected from a group consisting of a hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, a phenyl group, a pyridinyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a C1-C4 alkoxyl substituted ester group, and a benzoyl group having a hydroxyl-substituted, a halogen-substituted, a C1-C4 alkoxyl-substituted or a C1-C4 alkyl-substituted benzene ring.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for the reduction or neutralization of toxins associated with a bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, viral, or protozoal agent. More particularly, the invention is directed to sterically stabilized phospholipid micellar and liposomal compositions, which interact with the toxins to decrease or neutralize their toxicity. Additionally, the invention includes the use of sterically stabilized phospholipid micellar compositions comprising one or more water-insoluble antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal, or anti-inflammatory agent(s), wherein the micellar or liposomal composition inhibits the formation of aggregates. The invention further includes the use of sterically stabilized micelle and liposomal compositions to deliver compounds to the site of action, and in some cases targets the compound to the site of action, for the treatment of inflammation and infection.

Abstract: The disclosure also relates to a method of reducing the number of neutrophils in a body region by administering a Serum Amyloid P (SAP) composition in an amount and for a time sufficient to suppress neutrophil movement into the body region. In particular, it relates to a method of reducing the number of neutrophils in a body region suffering from an acute injury or from a chronic or long-term disease. Further, the disclosure relates to a method of increasing the number of neutrophils in a body region by administering an anti-SAP antibody or material able to bind SAP. The disclosure further relates to compositions usable with these methods.

Abstract: Reduction of HSP27 expression is in beneficial in the treatment of pleural and pulmonary fibrosis and in particular subpleural fibrosis and IPF. Pharmaceutical compositions for this purpose contain an inhibitor of HSP27 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods relating to bioactive peptide analogs of PEDF.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of molecular physiology. Specifically, this invention relates to the prevention and/or treatment of acute inflammation of the respiratory tract, especially acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Levels of CCL7 have been demonstrated to be increased in patients suffering from such conditions and animal models of such conditions. Antagonists of CCL7 and/or other members of the PAR1-CCL7 axis, or CCL2 can be used to prevent and/or treat these conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of promoting bronchodilation by administration of streptolysin O to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions containing hemoglobin, particularly PEGylated hemoglobin. The PEGylated hemoglobin molecule is capable of transferring oxygen or carbon monoxide bound thereto to a tissue or red blood cells with which it is in proximity. Exemplary PEGylated hemoglobin formulations of the invention are virally inactivated. Various compositions of the invention include hemoglobin, which may be conjugated with one or more water-soluble polymer. PEGylated hemoglobin includes those species in which the iron atom of the hemoglobin molecule is not bound to oxygen or any other species, and hemoglobin molecules in which a species other than oxygen, e.g., carbon monoxide, is bound to the iron atom. The compositions of the invention are formulated as hypo-, iso- or hypertonic solutions of the PEGylated hemoglobin. The compositions are of use to treat and/or ameliorate disease, injury and insult by providing for the oxygenation of tissues and/organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I, IA, II, HA, III, or IHA and their pharmaceutical uses. Particular aspects of the invention relate to the use of those compounds for the selective inhibition of one or more caspases. Also described are methods where the compounds of Formula I, IA, II, IIA, III, or IIIA are used in the prevention and/or treatment of various diseases and conditions in subjects, including caspase-mediated diseases such as sepsis, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative disease (e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases).

Abstract: The invention provides human secreted proteins (SECP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode SECP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of SECP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nociceptin peptide mimetics that have ?-helical structures and bind to and modulate the opioid receptor-like-1 (ORL-1) receptor. The peptide mimetics are constrained cyclic nociceptin analogs which have either agonist or antagonist activity. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the nociceptin peptide mimetics and methods of treating or preventing a disease or condition ameliorated by modulating the ORL-1 receptor are also described.

Abstract: A peptide is described, which consists of 7-17 adjacent amino acids and comprises the hexamer TXEXXE, wherein X, X and X can be any natural or non-natural amino acid, wherein the peptide has no TNF receptor binding activity and is cyclized, for the prevention and treatment of hyperpermeability of epithelial cells and endothelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide which is capable of binding to a tumor necrosis factor in vivo or ex vivo, or to a fragment thereof. The modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or the fragment thereof according to the present invention exhibit improved binding affinity to the tumor necrosis factor.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject with pulmonary disease by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a defensin polypeptide including at least one arginine residue susceptible to ADP-ribosylation and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), are described. The polypeptide and/or NAD can be administered via inhalation. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition including at least one defensin polypeptide and NAD. In vitro methods of producing a polypeptide with altered activity, including contacting the polypeptide with NAD and an arginine-specific mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase to produce a polypeptide including at least one ADP-ribosylated arginine residue, incubating the ADP-ribosylated polypeptide under conditions sufficient for conversion of at least one ADP-ribosylated arginine residue to ornithine, and isolating the ornithine-containing polypeptide, are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of compounds, immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with Toll-Like Receptors 2. In one aspect, the compounds are useful as adjuvants for enhancing the effectiveness of a vaccine.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome comprising administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or fragment, analog, complex or aggregate thereof, or any combination thereof, to an individual in need thereof

Abstract: The present invention relates to targeting an intracellular enzyme for release of covalently linked bioactives which results in a synergistic effect between the bioactives. The present invention relates to the use of bioactives that are directly connected covalently or through a covalent molecular linker which have increased therapeutic activity when released as the free bioactives by intracellular enzymes as compared to when the bioactives are administered individually (i.e. not covalently linked). Further, methods are described of administering to patients in need thereof, bioactives as linked bioactives having increased therapeutic activity. Accordingly, this invention also relates to methods of treating patients for certain diseases.

Abstract: We describe an rspd(n/CRD) polypeptide, fragment, homologue, variant or derivative thereof for use in a method of treatment or prophylaxis of a disease. A method of treating an individual suffering from a disease or preventing the occurrence of a disease in an individual is also described, in which the method comprises administering to the individual a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an rspd (n/CRD) polypeptide, fragment, homologue, variant or derivative thereof. Preferably, the rspd (n/CRD) polypeptide and nucleic acid comprise SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptides that inhibit and/or reduce the opening of mammalian tight junctions, i.e. peptide tight junction antagonists. The present invention also provides methods for the treatment of excessive or undesirable permeability of a tissue by administering to a subject suffering from such a condition a composition comprising a peptide tight junction antagonist of the invention.

Abstract: Formulations have been developed to treat or reduce the spread of respiratory infections, especially chronic or drug resistant infections, particularly tuberculosis (TB), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), meningococcal meningitis, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and small pox. Formulations include a drug or vaccine in the form of a microparticle, nanoparticle, or aggregate of nanoparticles, and, optionally, a carrier, which can be delivered by inhalation. Giving the drugs via an inhaler sidesteps the problems associated with oral or injectable drugs by bypassing the stomach and liver, and delivering the medication directly into the lungs. In one embodiment, the particle containing the agent is a large porous aerosol particle (LPPs). In another embodiment, the particles are nanoparticles, which can be administered as porous nanoparticle aggregates with micron diameters that disperse into nanoparticles following administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) in immune modulation and/or in the treatment or prevention of pathogenic or aberrant immune responses or disorders and/or for use in the treatment or prevention of T-cell mediated disorders or diseases and/or for use in the treatment or prevention of diseases where the immune system contributes to the disease state.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides comprising a complement factor B analog. The invention also provides various complement factor B analogs including complement factor B analogs comprising a mutation of a free cysteine amino acid and related methods, nucleic acids and vectors. These complement factor B analogs and related methods, nucleic acids and vectors can be used to modulate a complement pathway or for the study and/or treatment of various conditions or diseases related to a complement pathway.

Abstract: Polypeptides are identified through an assay based on inhibiting AP-I signalling activity and others to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and clinical disorders associated with the development of ARDS.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptides that inhibit and/or reduce the opening of mammalian tight junctions, i.e. peptide tight junction antagonists. The present invention also provides methods for the treatment of excessive or undesirable permeability of a tissue by administering to a subject suffering from such a condition a composition comprising a peptide tight junction antagonist of the invention.

Abstract: [Problem] The topic of the present invention is the elucidation of the biological function of CTRP6 and its application. [Solution] A pharmaceutical composition containing CTRP6 for the prevention or treatment of autoimmune disease. Ideally, a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of inflammation associated with autoimmune disease, for example, rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes, is provided.

Abstract: A cyclic organic compound which comprises 16 amino acids or 17 amino acids and has no carboxyl group C-terminally and/or no amino group N-terminally. Optionally, one of the amino acids is a nonnatural amino acid. The ring closure is formed between a side chain of one amino acid and the C-terminus of another amino acid, or the ring closure is effected with the aid of a nonnatural amino acid. A process for producing and using the compound for regulating vectorial ion channels, for treating diseases associated with the lung function and for treating oedemas is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or a fragment thereof that binds to a tumor necrosis factor in vivo or ex vivo. The modified human tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 polypeptide or fragment exhibits improved ability to bind tumor necrosis factor and resistance to proteases.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for decreasing the viscosity and/or cohesiveness of and/or increasing the liquefaction of excessively or abnormally viscous or cohesive mucus or sputum. The composition contains a protein or peptide containing a thioredoxin active-site in reduced state and optionally further contains a reducing system.