Abstract: The use of Afamin, in particular in combination with vitamin E is described for producing a preparation for the treatment of oxidative stress.

Abstract: Hypersecretion of mucus in the lungs is inhibited by the administration of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) antagonist. The EGF-R antagonist may be in the form of a small organic molecule, an antibody, or portion of an antibody that binds to and blocks the EGF receptor. The EGF-R antagonist is preferably administered by injection in an amount sufficient to inhibit formation of goblet cells in pulmonary airways. The degranulation of goblet cells that results in airway mucus production is thereby inhibited. Assays for screening candidate agents that inhibit goblet cell proliferation are also provided.

Abstract: Polymers comprising a polyethylenimine, a biodegradable group, and a relatively hydrophobic group are useful for the delivery of bioactive agents to cells.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of tumors and cancer by exploiting the surface expression of the usually nuclear-localized protein, nucleolin.

Abstract: Hypersecretion of mucus in the lungs is inhibited by the administration of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) antagonist. The EGF-R antagonist may be in the form of a small organic molecule, an antibody, or portion of an antibody that binds to and blocks the EGF receptor. The EGF-R antagonist is preferably administered by injection in an amount sufficient to inhibit formation of goblet cells in pulmonary airways. The degranulation of goblet cells that results in airway mucus production is thereby inhibited. Assays for screening candidate agents that inhibit goblet cell proliferation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, compositions and methods that enhance the transfer of an agent into a cell. The agents can include polypeptides, polynucleotides such as genes and antisense nucleic acids, and other molecules. In some embodiments, the agents are modulating agents that can modulate a cellular activity or function when introduced into the cell. The compounds, compositions and methods are useful for introducing agents such as genes into individual cells, as well as cells that are present as a tissue or organ.

Abstract: The invention relates to agents for the prevention of organ damage, in particular of the kidneys and the inner ear, induced by the administration of aminoglycosides. Agents according to the invention are all substances which are megalin and/or cubilin antagonists (inhibitors). In particular, these are molecules (compounds) having polybasic structures which bind to megalin and inhibit the binding of aminoglycosides and related substances.

Abstract: To provide a novel preventive and/or therapeutic agent against a virus, disclosed is a preventive and/or therapeutic agent against a viral infection containing geranyl-geranyl acetone as an active ingredient. Also, disclosed are inducers for increasing the activity of an anitiviral factor and for protein kinase containing geranyl-geranyl acetone as an active ingredient. Moreover, a method for preventing and/or treating a viral infection which contains administering a patient a effective amount of an agent containing geranyl-geranyl acetone as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable release-sustaining pharmaceutical formulation using a biodegradable release-sustaining base material which can prevent an effective component drug from being released too rapidly just after administration of the formulation and then allow continued release of the drug for at least one month at a defined rate, is provided. For the biodegradable release-sustaining base material, a lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA) with an adjusted distribution in molecular weight is used.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with a fear-related disorder comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor agonist. This invention further provides a method for inhibiting in a subject the onset of a fear-related disorder resulting from exposure to a traumatic experience comprising administering a prophylactically effective amount of a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor agonist to the subject prior to and/or following the traumatic experience.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ligand/receptor and antigen/antibody specificity exchangers comprising a saccharide or glycoconjugate. Methods of making these specificity exchangers and methods of using said specificity exchangers to treat or prevent human disease are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ligand/receptor and antigen/antibody specificity exchangers comprising a saccharide or glycoconjugate. Methods of making these specificity exchangers and methods of using said specificity exchangers to treat or prevent human disease are described herein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating angiogenesis in a host are provided. In the subject methods, an effective amount of Ca2+/calcineurin/NF-ATc signaling pathway modulatory agent is administered to the host. In many embodiments, the Ca2+/calcineurin/NF-ATc signaling pathway modulatory agent is an NF-ATc antagonist, e.g., in those embodiments of inhibiting angiogenesis. The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications, including the inhibition of tumor growth and the treatment of disease conditions characterized by tumor presence. Also provided are methods of screening for agents that inhibit angiogenesis by modulating the Ca2+/calcineurin/NF-ATc signaling pathway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying or testing active substances, which influence the growth and survival of nerve cells, wherein a cell is brought into contact with at least one substance and subsequently, within said cell, the mRNA of the ?-actin or the ?-actin protein alone or together with the SMN protein and/or a ribonucleic protein hnRNP, in particular the ribonucleic protein hnRNP-R and/or hnRNP-Q, are determined, and the determined amounts of said components are compared to the amounts of said components in a cell, which has not been brought into contact with the prospective active substance, to a test system for carrying-out said method and to uses of such test systems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ligand/receptor and antigen/antibody specificity exchangers comprising a saccharide or glycoconjugate. Methods of making these specificity exchangers and methods of using said specificity exchangers to treat or prevent human disease are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a transdermal delivery system that can deliver high molecular weight pharmaceuticals and cosmetic agents to skin cells. A novel transdermal delivery system with therapeutic and cosmetic application and methods of use of the foregoing is disclosed.

Abstract: A class of 2?-fluoro-nucleoside compounds are disclosed which are useful in the treatment of hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection, HIV and abnormal cellular proliferation, including tumors and cancer.

Abstract: A method of remediation of one or more of an animal, mineral, or vegetable for beryllium. The method includes the steps of applying ?-aminobenzyl-?,?,-diphosphoric acid to the one or more of the animal, mineral, or vegetable; and allowing chelation of the beryllium.

Abstract: A compound comprised of a hydrophilic polymer covalently yet reversibly linked to a amine-containing ligand through a dithiobenzyl linkage is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mutant oligonucleotide composition encoding a cellular c-Src tyrosine kinase oncogene. Methods for isolating, expressing and characterizing recombinant Src mutant polypeptide are also provided. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such oligonucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate to research, diagnostics, and clinical arts. More specifically, this invention provides methods of diagnosing, treating, immunizing, and creating transgenic animals based on use of such mutant Src.

Abstract: Conjugates of a hydrophobic moiety, such as a lipid, linked through a cleavable dithiobenzyl linkage to a therapeutic agent are described. The dithiobenzyl linkage is susceptible to cleavage by mild thiolysis, resulting in release of the therapeutic agent in its original form. The linkage is stable under nonreducing conditions. The conjugate can be incorporated into liposomes for administration in vivo and release of the therapeutic agent in response to endogeneous in vivo reducing conditions or in response to administration of an exogeneous reducing agent.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting an inflammatory cytokine cascade in a patient are provided. The methods are directed to treating the patient with a cholinergic agonist in an amount sufficient to inhibit the inflammatory cytokine cascade, wherein the cholinergic agonist is selective for an ?7 nicotinic receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for delivering a therapeutic agent across a membrane that has limited permeability for the therapeutic agent. The method includes delivering the therapeutic agent to the membrane in a composition which includes a sulphated chitinous polymer as a primary carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of oligonucleotide containing cationic liposomal formulations to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, particularly as a means to sensitize cancerous tumor tissues to the efficiencies of chemotherapy. This is particularly advantageous in the context of treating raf expressing tumors such as breast, lung, pancreatic and prostate tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides vancomycin analogs and methods related to synthesis of these analogs via chemoenzymatic techniques.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds and methods for treating inflammation. The compounds modulate the core 2 oligosaccharide-mediated binding of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, to endothelial cells and other myeloid cells. Significantly, the of the invention methods block inflammation without affecting lymphocyte trafficking. In some embodiments, the compounds inhibit the activity of a core 2 GlcNAc transferase that is involved in synthesizing the core 2 oligosaccharides.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing flowable compositions, e.g. pastes, that set into calcium phosphate products that include an osteoclastogenic agent. In the subject methods, dry reactants that include a calcium source and a phosphate source are combined with a setting fluid and an osteoclastogenic agent, e.g., RANKL or a mimetic thereof, and the combined reactants are mixed to produce the flowable composition. Also provided are the compositions themselves as well as kits for preparing the same. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications, including hard tissue repair applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences which may be associated with commercially or aesthetically relevant traits in domesticated plants or animals. The methods employ comparison of homologous genes from the domesticated organism and its ancestor to identify evolutionarily significant changes and evolutionarily neutral changes. Sequences thus identified may be useful in enhancing commercially or aesthetically desirable traits in domesticated organisms or their wild ancestors.

Abstract: The invention provides new compositions and methods for immunomodulation of individuals. Immunomodulation is accomplished by administration of immunomodulatory polynucleotide/microcarrier (IMP/MC) complexes. The IMP/MC complexes may be covalently or non-covalently bound, and feature a polynucleotide comprising at least one immunostimulatory sequence bound to a biodegradable microcarrier or noncarrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a polycationic compound for the preparation of a medicament with retarded in vivo release.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for transplanting organs, tissues and individual cells. Also featured are methods for maintaining cells in vitro and for enhancing survival and/or function of cells following transplantation. The methods include the administration of carbon monoxide in an amount sufficient to enhance cell survival and/or function.

Abstract: A conjugate comprised of a hydrophilic polymer covalently yet reversibly linked to a amine-, hydroxy- or carboxyl-containing ligand is described. The resulting conjugate is capable of releasing the parent amine, hydroxy, or carboxyl-containing compound via thiol-mediated cleavage. The system allows for delivery of various amino-, hydroxy-, or carboxy-containing drugs in the form of their thiolytically cleavable macromolecular conjugates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods used to modulate a NH2-terminal Jun Kinase activity. These compositions and methods can be employed to regulate metabolic disorders associated with, for example, insulin such as diabetes. The reduction in NH2-terminal Jun Kinase activity can lead to the reduction in weight and improve insulin sensitivity.

Abstract: This patent describes a novel in vitro cell-based method for biological validation and pharmacological screening of drugs, new chemical entities (NCEs) and biologics, which is predictive of in vivo testing for efficacy and adverse events in patients, as occurs in clinical trials. The same method can be used to create an in vitro cell-based assay to identify the ‘right marketed medication for the right patient’ (personalized medicine), and to identify responders/non-responders in ongoing clinical trials with NCEs. In addition this approach can be used to identify new indications for existing medicines and new indications for NCEs that were unsuccessful in their intended uses.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for treating and preventing atherosclerosis other undesired blood clotting. The methods for treating and preventing atherosclerosis and related conditions involve administering to a mammal an agent that reduces activity of an ST3Gal IV sialyltransferase, which results in enhanced clearance of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) from the mammal.

Abstract: A new class of activated polyalkylene glycol acids and their active ester reagents for conjugation to biopharmaceuticals such as polypeptides, sugars, proteins and therapeutically active small molecules to produce biologically active conjugates of these pharmaceuticals and methods for producing these conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the identification of a biological target of a chemical compound, such as saframycin A, known to bind a polynucleotide. The invention also provides methods of screening chemical compounds for those which act in a similar method and may be more potent than known compounds. The inventive methods are particularly useful in the high-throughput screening of chemical compounds that target GAPDH. The invention also provides kits useful in the practice of the inventive method. Compounds identified by inventive methods are also included in the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions that enhance or inhibit the interactions of galectin-8 and galectin-8-like proteins with other extracellular matrix proteins or cell surface receptors, and methods for the use thereof as physiological modulators of cell adhesion and in treatment of tumors, both in vivo or ex vivo. It further provides compositions and methods for modulating the expression of galectin-8, and galectin-8-like proteins, particularly to novel antisense oligonucleotides.

Abstract: Bioerodible poly(ortho esters) useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents from dioxane-based di(ketene acetals). Block copolymers contain these bioerodible poly(ortho esters). These block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are deglycosylated fragments of a kringle 1-3 region of plasminogen, nucleotides encoding deglycosylated kringle 1-3 region proteins and antibodies specific for deglycosylated kringle 1-3 region proteins. The compositions of the present invention have increased antiangiogenic activity as compared to previously isolated kringle 1-3 region proteins. Also included in the present invention are methods of treating angiogenesis-associated diseases and conditions such as cancer using the compositions described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method comprising a 2–20 base 3?-OH, 5?-OH synthetic oligonucleotide (sequence) selected from the group consisting of (GxTy)n, (TyGx)n, a(GxTy)n, a(TyGx)n, (GxTy)nb, (TyGx)nb, a(GxTy)nb, a(TyGx)nb, wherein x and y is an integer between 1 and 7, n is an integer between 1 and 12, a and b are one or more As, Cs, Gs or Ts and wherein the sequence induces a response selected from the group consisting of induction of cell cycle arrest, inhibition of proliferation, activation of caspases and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells and production of cytokines by immune system cells.

Abstract: Amphiphilic biocompatible cyclodextrin grafted polymers comprising a hydrophobically modified cyclodextrin moiety, a linear linker and a biocompatible hydrophilic polymer backbone, wherein said cyclodextrin moiety is grafted to said biocompatible hydrophilic polymer backbone by said linker are disclosed. The cyclodextrin-grafted biocompatible polymers of this invention may be used as bioactive agent carriers. Methods of making and using such cyclodextrin-grafted biocompatible polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: A lubricant coating vehicle for medical devices used to reduce the coefficient of friction of such devices upon exposure thereof to moisture. The lubricant coating vehicle allows the introduction of a pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria. The release rate is adjusted by utilizing different salt forms of the additive and adjusting the concentration of a urethane pre-polymer.

Abstract: Cyclic peptides and compositions comprising such cyclic peptides are provided. The cyclic peptides comprise a classical cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence HAV. Methods for using such peptides and compositions for inducing apoptosis in cadherin-expressing cells, such as cancer cells, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides new compositions and methods for immunomodulation of individuals. Immunomodulation is accomplished by administration of immunomodulatory polynucleotide/microcarrier (IMP/MC) complexes. The IMP/MC complexes may be covalently or non-covalently bound, and feature a polynucleotide comprising at least one immunostimulatory sequence bound to a nonbiodegradable microcarrier or nanocarrier.

Abstract: A method of cancer screening comprising the steps of administering the Blood CA 27,29 testing procedure; if the result is positive administering a mammogram; if the result is positive administering a needle biopsy; if the result is positive administering a PET scan; if the result is positive administering a blood tumor cell count. If all of the foregoing steps are positive, the cancer is treated by applying imiquimod transdermally to rotating sites, preferably by mixing ALDARA (TM) (imiquimod) 5% cream with an equal amount of H base cream (TM); administering a vaccine that induces production of tumor necrosis factor, preferably the BCG vaccine; and orally administering Valtrex (TM) (valacyclovir) twice daily. The foregoing treatment method is also effective in treating Type I diabetes, MS, and other epidermal cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method comprising purified HA, a second anti-neoplastic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the purified HA and the second anti-neoplastic agent are administered to a mammal having cancer in an amount effective to treat the cancer.

Abstract: Linked nucleosides having at least one functionalized nucleoside that bears a substituent such as a steroid molecule, a reporter molecule, a non-aromatic lipophilic molecule, a reporter enzyme, a peptide, a protein, a water soluble vitamin, a lipid soluble vitamin, an RNA cleaving complex, a metal chelator, a porphyrin, an alkylator, a pyrene, a hybrid photonuclease/intercalator, or an aryl azide photo-crosslinking agent exhibit increased cellular uptake and other properties. The substituent can be attached at the 2?-position of the functionalized nucleoside via a linking group. If at least a portion of the remaining liked nucleosides are 2?-deoxy-2?-fluoro, 2?-O-methoxy, 2?-O-ethoxy, 2?-O-propoxy, 2?-O-aminoalkoxy or 2?-O-allyloxy nucleosides, the substituent can be attached via a linking group at any of the 3? or the 5? positions of the nucleoside or on the heterocyclic base of the nucleoside or on the inter-nucleotide linkage linking the nucleoside to an adjacent nucleoside.

Abstract: Neoplasia is treated by administering to a mammalian host a composition comprising ligands for the NKG2D receptor. In addition, other NKG2D ligands, proteins specific for the neoplastic cells and cytokines may be included to enhance the immune response. The composition may be cells comprising expression constructs for the ligands, liposomes or combinations of protein molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to the inhibition of histone deactylase. The invention provides compounds and methods for inhibiting histone deacetylase enzymatic activity. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating cell proliferative diseases and conditions.