Abstract: Compositions for skin treatment are disclosed and include nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, and nicotinic esters as active ingredients. The compositions are applied topically to the skin to treat skin conditions including acne, fine lines and age spots, itching and pain from insect bites, bee stings, fungi (including athletes foot and jock itch), flaking and/or scaly skin (including dandruff, sebouheir dermatitis, psoriasis and heat rash), and burns. Different compositions are presented for use as an acne treatment, a face and body wash, a dermatophyte (nail fungus) treatment, still another is intended for use in makeup, and another in lipstick.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imidazotriazinone-containing compositions for nasal administration which, besides the cGMP PDE inhibitor, contain a small amount of a local anaesthetic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate material, comprising an upper layer (I) and a lower layer (II) which is joined to the upper layer over substantially the entire surface thereof, the upper layer (I) comprising a thin layer of leather material (1), and the lower layer (II) comprising a layer of material which can be stretched in two directions, in which laminate material the lower layer (II) comprises at least one support layer (3) which is resilient in two directions and comprises at least two sorts of interwoven fibres, at least one type of fibres being produced from an elastic substance, as well as a layer (5) of a compressible substance which is joined to the support layer over substantially the entire surface thereof and is resilient in three mutually perpendicular directions.

Abstract: A medicinal combination for the treatment of diabetes, in particular of type 2 diabetes, combining a biguanide, in particular an N-dimethylbiguanide, as a first medicament, and an agent for transporting the said biguanide, as a second medicament, said combination comprising:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing hemofiltration for reducing inflammatory mediator related diseases. In one form, a hemofiltration system for treating inflammatory mediator related diseases is disclosed. The system includes a hemofilter to receive blood from a specimen, the hemofilter removing selective inflammatory mediators from the blood and at least one therapeutic agent used in association with the hemofilter, the therapeutic agent to reduce adverse inflammatory mediator effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting intracellular cholesterol. The method provides contacting a permeabilized cell with labeled C&thgr; complex. Methods of using this detection method to identify agents which modulate cholesterol accumulation in a cell are also provided.

Abstract: The use of the G protein coupled receptor GPR56 to identify appetite control agents and diagnostic agents.

Abstract: The use of the G protein coupled receptor GPR3 to identify appetite control agents and diagnostic agents.

Abstract: A composition and method of treating Alzheimer's disease or a dementia of vascular origin are disclosed. The composition and method utilize an endothelin antagonist as the active agent to treat Alzheimer's disease or a dementia of vascular origin in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating degenerative conditions and diseases of the eye with histone deacetylase inhibitors are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and products that modulate the activity of the human epithelial calcium channel type 2 (hECaC2). Modulation of hECaC2 activity permits control of cellular differentiation and proliferation. Such methods and products may be applied to control hyperplastic skin growth in psoriasis and basal and squamous cell carcinomas or to promote tissue repair. Methods for identifying ligands for hECaC2, as well as methods for identifying hECaC2 polypeptides with functional activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for discovering pain-relevant or pain-regulating substances, associated polynucleotides, peptides, proteins, vectors and cells, to compounds identified thereby, corresponding medicaments, diagnostic reagents, and to their use in pain therapy.

Abstract: Elevated levels of homocysteine have been implicated as an important risk factor for cardiovascular and other diseases. A composition for decreasing levels of plasma homocysteine and a method for administering the composition are provided, the composition containing dextromethorphan (DM), folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. The composition provides a synergistic therapeutic effect so that lower amounts of the above ingredients may be employed to minimize any undesirable side effects caused by the use of high levels of a component such as DM. Preferred compositions for cardiovascular diseases further include lecithin, vitamin E, betacarotene, procyanidins/flavonoids, trimethylglycine, garlic oil and minerals. Other compositions for treating glaucoma include bilberry, bioflavonoids and beta-carotene and for treating tardive dyskinesia include an antioxidant such a grape seed extract and pine bark extract, lecithin and oligomeric proanthocyanidins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying pharmacologically active ingredients which influence the function of cells in the central nervous system. The inventive method comprises the following steps: a) a sample is brought into contact with at least one potential active ingredient, and b) the activity of Raf, especially B-Raf, in the sample is determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides uses of compounds that bind selectively to cells undergoing perturbations and alterations of their normal membrane organization, while binding to a lesser degree to cell having membranes of normal organization. These compounds are termed perturbed-membrane-binding compounds (PMBC). The PMBC group of compounds includes new compounds and also known compounds.

Abstract: ACE-2 modulating compounds for the treatment of body weight disorders are disclosed. Methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds are also claimed.

Abstract: Compounds according to formula (1), wherein R1 is H or CN, X1 is S, O, SO2 or CH2, X2 is CO, CH2 or a covalent bond, Het is a nitrogen-containing heterocycle and n is 1-5 are new. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV. Pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds of the invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful in the treatment of, inter alia, type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: A method for prophylaxis or treatment of a mammal, particularly human, at risk for a fibrogenic disorder is disclosed. The compositions and methods of the invention are directed both to treatments for existing fibrogenic disorders and prevention thereof. Such disorders include, but are not limited to, connective tissue diseases, such as scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis), polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosis and rheumatoid arthristis, and other fibrotic disorders, including liver cirrhosis, keloid formation, interstitial nephritis and pulmonary fibrosis. A therapeutic composition according to the invention includes, as a therapeutic agent, an inhibitor of a collagen promoter in a pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier vehicle, preferably for local, and particularly topical, application. Exemplary inhibitors include those that interfere with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp 90) chaperone function, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for using osteocalcin. The invention also relates to methods for using polynucleotides encoding osteocalcin. The invention relates to methods using the osteocalcin polypeptides and polynucleotides as a target for diagnosis and treatment osteocalcin related conditions. The invention further relates to drug-screening methods using the osteocalcin polypeptides and polynucleotides to identify agonists and antagonists for diagnosis and treatment. The invention further encompasses agonists and antagonists based on the osteocalcin polypeptides and polynucleotides. The invention further relates to agonists and antagonists identified by drug screening methods with the osteocalcin polypeptides and polynucleotides as a target. The invention further related to methods of treating a subject suffering from an osteocalcin mediated condition.

Abstract: Elevated levels of homocysteine have been implicated as an important risk factor for cardiovascular and other diseases. A composition for decreasing levels of plasma homocysteine and a method for administering the composition are provided the composition containing dextromethorphan (DM), folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. The composition provides a synergistic therapeutic effect so that lower amounts of the above ingredients may be employed to minimize any undesirable side effects caused by the use of high levels of a component such as DM. Preferred compositions for cardiovascular diseases further include lecithin, vitamin E, beta-carotene, procyanidins/flavonoids, trimethylglycine, garlic oil and minerals. Other compositions for treating glaucoma include bilberry, bioflavonoids and beta-carotene and for treating tardive dyskinesia include an antioxidant such as grape seed extract and pine bark extract, lecithin and oligomeric proanthocyanidins.

Abstract: The present invention provides crystalline LuxS, machine readable media embedded with the three-dimensional atomic structure coordinates of LuxS, and subsets thereof, and methods of using them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation of members of fungal-specific kinase families and their use in identifying compounds that modulate kinase activity and the use of those compounds as antifungal agents for therapeutic treatments and medicaments in animals and plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preparation, for preventing a decrease in skin elasticity, comprising a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor as an active ingredient and also a method of preventing a decrease in skin elasticity using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment and diagnosis of body weight disorders, including, but not limited to, obesity, overweight, anorexia, cachexia, insulin resistance, and diabetes. The invention further provides methods for identifying a compound capable of treating a body weight disorder or modulating thermogenesis. The invention also provides a method for modulating thermogenesis, e.g., modulating thermogenesis in a subject. In addition, the invention provides a method for treating a subject having a body weight disorder characterized by aberrant DHDR-2 polypeptide activity or aberrant DHDR-2 nucleic acid expression. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for modulating thermogenesis in a subject.

Abstract: A method of inducing relaxation or sleep comprising applying a drop of herbal formula to at least two of a group of twelve body locations, such as two points each on the inside of each wrist two inches above wrist crease, the center of the back of the head in a large hollow under the base of the skull, below the base of the skull, on the two large vertical neck muscles to either side of the spine, along large bone behind each ear and downward, and at the temples at the edge of the hairline.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying an operational reaction pathway of a biosystem. The method includes (a) providing a set of systemic reaction pathways through a reaction network representing said biosystem; (b) providing a set of phenomenological reaction pathways of said biosystem, and (c) comparing said set of systemic reaction pathways with said set of phenomenological reaction pathways, wherein a pathway common to said sets is an perational reaction pathway of said biosystem. Also described is a method of refining a biosystem reaction network; a method of reconciling biosystem data sets; a method of determining the effect of a genetic polymorphism on whole cell function; and a method of diagnosing a genetic polymorphism-mediated pathology.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gel preparation for oral administration which contains a first eatable gel containing a medicinally effective ingredient and having a resolvability in the digestive tract, and a second eatable gel containing a medicinally effective ingredient and showing a behavior in the digestive tract different from that of the first eatable gel, the second eatable gel being contained in the first eatable gel.

Abstract: Methods are provided for accurately predicting efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Methods of the invention increase the positive predictive value of chemosensitivity assays by assessing both the ability of a chemotherapeutic to destroy cells and the genetic propensity of those cells for resistance. Results obtained using methods of the invention provide insight into the in vivo effectiveness of a therapeutic, and lead to more effective chemotherapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preventives/remedies for inflammatory diseases containing ornithine and/or branched amino acid(s) and a method of treating or preventing an inflammatory disease by administering to a subject in need thereof a composition containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transgenic animal into which a gene encoding a trans-synaptic tracer protein is introduced so as to direct specific expression in particular neurons. The use of this transgenic animal permits the selective visualization of functional neural pathways through a particular group of neurons, which could not have been achieved by tracing technique using a conventional trans-synaptic tracer protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing formation or progression of neoplasms associated with immunosuppressive therapy in a mammal, the method comprising treating the mammal with an effective amount of an angiotensin II inhibitor. In addition the invention provides a method of preventing or treating a neoplasm in a mammal, the method includes treating the mammal with an effective amount of an angiotensin II inhibitor where the treatment is not associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Also provided are compositions comprising an angiotensin II inhibitor and an immunosuppressive agent such as cyclosporin or FK506. The angiotensin II inhibitor of the invention includes proteins and polypeptides that bind angiotensin II receptors, anti-angiotensin II antibodies, angiotensin II receptors and fragments thereof. In another aspect the invention provides methods for identifying compounds capable of inhibiting the formation or proliferation of tumors in a mammal undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to the localisation of genetic factors associated with dermal inflammation and immunity to particular regions of the human genome. In particular, there are described methods of determining the genetic susceptibility of an individual to disease conditions involving dermal inflammation and immunity, especially but not exclusively atopic dermatitis, methods for the identification of polymorphic alleles which confer susceptibility to conditions involving dermal inflammation and immunity and methods for the identification of a human genes which contribute to or are responsible for the manifestation of disease conditions involving dermal inflammation and immunity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flea head, nerve cord, hindgut and Malpighian tubule proteins; to flea head, nerve cord, hindgut and Malpighian tubule nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such flea head, nerve cord, hindgut and Malpighian tubule proteins; to antibodies raised against such flea head, nerve cord, hindgut and Malpighian tubule proteins; and to compounds that inhibit flea head, nerve cord, hindgut and Malpighian tubule protein activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, or protective compounds derived from proteins of the present invention as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from flea infestation.

Abstract: Therapeutic composition and method for treating and preventing HIV infection, the composition comprising and active substance, which is capable of interacting with a complex of cell-uPAR-uPA-gp120-HIV so as to prevent or reduce the internalisation of HIV into the cell.

Abstract: The present invention describes in particular a method for stabilizing a pharmaceutical composition by contacting said composition with a polymeric material comprising in particular an ethylene oxide sterilization step.

Abstract: The present invention provides elastomeric copolyester amides, elastomeric copolyester urethanes, and methods for making the same. The polymers that are based on &agr;-amino acids and possess suitable physical, chemical and biodegradation properties. The polymers are useful as carriers of drugs or other bioactive substances. The polymers can be linked, intermixed, or a combination thereof, to one or more drugs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a complex of eletriptan and a sulphobutylether-beta-cyclodextrin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and to processes for the preparation of, pharmaceutical formulations including, and the uses of, such a complex.

Abstract: Isolated fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR5) polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides are provided. Also provided are modulators of FGFR5 gene expression and binding molecules that specifically bind to and agonize or antagonize FGFR5 polypeptide function. Specific binding molecules include antibodies, functional fragments thereof, as well as scFv and Camelidae heavy chain IgG that specifically bind to FGFR5 thereby modulating the activity of FGFR5 and, thus, are effective agents suitable for the treatment of diseases such as osteopontin-mediated autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, bone disorders including osteoporosis and osteopetrosis, and cancers, including cellular carcinomas such as hepatocellular carcinomas.

Abstract: The invention provides polyanhydrides with aliphatic hydrocarbon terminals having ester or amide bonds.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating infectious disease or suppressing inflammation associated therewith or ameliorating symptoms thereof by the suppression of the activity of a member of the interleukin-1&bgr;-converting enzyme (ICE)/CED-3 family of proteases. Also provided are compositions useful for these purposes. Exemplary compounds useful in the methods of the invention are provided herein.

Abstract: There is provided the use of a metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR7 agonist for the facilitation of neurotransmitter release from a nerve ending and the treatment of neurological conditions, including epilepsy. Moreover, the invention provides transgenic knockout non-human mammals lacking the mGluR7 gene, suitable for studying mGluR7 and modulators thereof as well as epilepsy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions #involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Methods and models for transporting agents across the blood brain barrier, the preparation of antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides, the preparation of experimental systems to study murine p97, the isolation of substances that modulate murine p97 expression and/or activity as well as the use of the murine p97 nucleic acid sequences and proteins and modulators thereof in diagnostic and therapeutic applications are described.

Abstract: The use of the G protein coupled receptor GPR22 to identify appetite control agents and diagnostic agents.

Abstract: The use of an antagonist of leptin for the manufacture of a medicament for the treamtne tof disorders resulting from deficiencies in insulin secretion, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel class of compounds which are IMPDH inhibitors. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting IMPDH enzyme activity and consequently, may be advantageously used as therapeutic agents for IMPDH mediated processes. This invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the activity of IMPDH using the compounds of this invention and related compounds.

Abstract: A method (FIG. 1)for reducing consumer errors in selecting a medicine for treatment of asymptomatic or chronic conditions and encouraging appropriate long-term use of the medicine. The first step of the method includes stepwise guidance to understanding label information, which leads the consumer through the criteria for determining whether use of the medicine is appropriate. Another step involves directing the consumer to packaging inserts, including an informational booklet and visual media such as a videotape, further explaining the label information. Yet another step involves communication of incentives to maintain long term usage, including incentives to call a toll-free service to speak to a trained product specialist. For eligible consumers, the product specialist gives advice about proper use of the product. For ineligible consumers, the product specialist advises the consumer to discuss the product and condition with a doctor and facilitates a full purchase price refund.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preventive against arthritis, foods and drinks, food additives, animal feeds and feed additives comprising an N-acylated hydrxyproline derivative or a salt thereof as an active ingredient, use of an N-acylated hydroxyproline derivative or a salt thereof for the production of a preventive against arthritis and a method for preventing arthritis which comprises administering an N-acylated hydroxyproline derivative or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A medicament for preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of fibrosis, which comprises, as an active ingredient, a substance selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following general formula (I) and a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, and a hydrate thereof and a solvate thereof: 1

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing and/or of treating tumors by administering a nucleoside analogue which is activated by thymidylate synthase and/or thymidine kinase enzyme into a diagnostic or toxic metabolite, and uridine analogue compounds, and compositions of same having a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. For diagnostic applications, compounds containing a label and methods of use of such compounds are described.