Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting cells showing smooth muscle differentiation. The present invention further provides methods of detecting tumor cells. The present invention further provides compositions and methods for treating smooth muscle cell disorders.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of malignancies associated with gamma-herpesvirus infection. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of gamma-secretase inhibitors to prevent the production of intracellular Notch1 thereby arresting the growth of the infected cells.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a dephosphorylation enzyme that regulates cardiomyocyte differentiation, dominant negative enzyme thereof, a gene encoding the enzyme protein and use thereof. A protein or the like consisting of any one of the following amino acid sequences (A) to (C) is used: (A) the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2; (B) an amino acid sequence wherein one or several amino acids except for cysteine at position 138 are deleted, substituted or added in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence has a dual specificity phosphatase activity; and (C) an amino acid sequence having at least 60% or more homology to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and having cysteine at position 138, wherein a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence has a dual specificity phosphatase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cancer including tumor therapy. More particularly, the present invention relates to the treatment of solid cancers, including solid tumors, and the prevention or reduction of cancer metastasis, by chemoablation of cancer cells by an agent which also stimulates the generation of cancer-specific T-cells, a process referred to herein as immunostimulatory chemoablation. The present invention further contemplates combination therapy comprising immunostimulatory chemoablation and one or more other therapeutic regimens, which enhance, co-operate and/or synergize with the cancer-specific T-cells induced by the chemoablation. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions for use in treating cancers.

Abstract: Orally administrable, site-specific (colonic), particulate delivery systems including adsorbents are disclosed. When delivered specifically to the colon, they can remove various substances present in, or as they reach, the colon. Methods of treatment using the delivery systems, and methods of preparing the delivery systems, are also disclosed. The particulate delivery systems are based on adsorbent matrices encapsulated into and/or onto particles, which selectively deliver the adsorbents to the colon. Representative drug delivery devices include pectin beads, which can optionally be crosslinked with metal ions such as zinc and/or calcium. The delivery system protects the adsorbent and prevents its adsorbing effect in the upper gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. When the particles are made from pectin, and the beads are administered to the colon, specific pectinolytic enzymes in the colon degrade the pectin, allowing the adsorbent to be released and to be fully active.

Abstract: The amino acid sequence of the heavy chain polypeptide and the light chain polypeptide of the STRO-1 antibody is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for detecting and isolating cells expressing the STRO-1 cell surface protein.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates that the diagnosis and prediction of clinical behavior in patients with hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia, can be accomplished by analysis of proteins present in a plasma sample. Thus, in particular embodiments the present invention uses plasma to create a diagnostic or prognostic protein profile of a hematologic malignancy comprising collecting plasma samples from a population of patients with hematologic malignancies; generating protein spectra from the plasma samples with or without fractionation; comparing the protein spectra with clinical data; and identifying protein markers in the plasma samples that correlate with the clinical data. Protein markers identified by this approach can then be used to create a protein profile that can be used to diagnose the hematologic malignancy or determine the prognosis of the hematologic malignancy. Potentially these specific proteins can be identified and targeted in the therapy of these malignancies.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are methods that are predictive of resistance to endocrine therapy in an estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer patient. An exemplary method comprises detecting the overexpression of MN/CA9 gene expression product(s) in a sample from an affected subject, wherein if MN/CA9 is overexpressed, then the subject is considered to have a greater probability of resistance to endocrine therapy, particularly tamoxifen, and a corresponding poorer prognosis if undergoing endocrine therapy, than if MN/CA9 is not overexpressed. MN/CA9 gene expression products useful in the predictive/prognostic methods include MN/CA IX, MN proteins/polypeptides, MN nucleic acids and soluble MN/CA IX antigen (s-CA IX). The methods are useful as an aid in the selection of treatment for a patient with an ER-positive breast tumor.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for sensitizing multi-drug resistant cancer or radiation resistant cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents are provided. Compositions include ligands of hyaluronan receptors, including glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronan oligomers and derivatives of these oligomers, hyaluronan binding proteins, antibodies specific for hyaluronan receptors, hyaluronan mimetics, inhibitors of hyaluronan synthesis, and stimulators of hyaluronan degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid seasoning, which brings on a sufficient salty taste although it has a low common salt concentration, and which exhibits for example a pharmacological effect such as an antihypertensive effect at a high level. The present invention relates to a liquid seasoning, which contains the following components (A) to (C): (A) 3.55% or less by weight of sodium; (B) 0.5% to 4.2% by weight of potassium; and (C) 0.1% to 10% by weight of a food material having an antihypertensive effect, wherein the remaining portion of the liquid seasoning excluding component (C) is adapted by incorporation of a substance other than component (C) to have a nitrogen content (D) of 1.6% or more based on the total weight of the liquid seasoning.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating cancer by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a fixed, non-antagonistic molar ratio of cytarabine and an anthracycline. Such methods are particularly useful in the treatment of patients with advanced hematologic cancers or proliferative disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods and kits based on the ADAM-mediated cleavage of Her-2. The present invention also relates to treatments for cancer, and in particular, breast cancer, by modulating the ADAM-mediated cleavage of Her-2. Further, the invention relates to compositions, methods and kits based on the surprising synergistic effect between inhibition of Her-2 cleavage by an ADAM and certain cytostatic (e.g., Herceptin) and cytotoxic (e.g., Taxol) compounds in, among other things, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and inducing cell death. Additionally, the invention relates to novel variants of ADAM15, designated ADAM15 variant 1 and ADAM15 variant 2, now identified and isolated.

Abstract: A search of the public human genome database identified a human EST, GenBank accession number AW293249, which has high homology to known pufferfish urocortin sequences. The full length sequence was amplified from human genomic DNA and sequenced. Sequence homology comparisons of the novel sequence with human urocortin I and urocortin II revealed that the sequence encoded a novel human urocortin, which was designated urocortin III (UcnIII). While urocortin III does not have high affinity for either CRF-R1 or CRF-R2, the affinity for CRF-R2 is greater than the affinity for CRF-R1. Urocortin III is capable stimulating cyclic AMP production in cells expressing CRF-R2? or ?. Thus, the affinity is high enough that urocortin III could act as a native agonist of CRF-R2. However, it is also likely that urocortin III is a stronger agonist of a yet to be identified receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for increasing the immunogenicity of a tumor antigen thus allowing treatment of cancer, as well as a vaccine that increases the immunogenicity of a viral antigen, thus allowing treatment of viral infection, including immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In particular, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a defensin fused to either a tumor antigen or viral antigen which is administered as either a protein or nucleic acid vaccine to elicit an immune response effective in treating cancer or effective in treating or preventing viral infection.

Abstract: The present application provides methods of prevention and/or treatment of breast cancer in a subject by inhibiting expression of PAX2. In the certain embodiments, the method of inhibiting expression of PAX2 is to administrate the subject a nucleic acid encoding an siRNA for PAX2. A method of treating cancer in a subject by administering DEFB1 or by increasing expression of DEFB1 is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cell support comprising an RGD-enriched gelatine that has a more even distribution of RGD sequences than occurring in a natural gelatine and with a minimum level of RGD sequences. More precise the percentage of RGD sequences related to the total number of amino acids is at least 0.4 and if the RGD-enriched gelatine comprises 350 amino acids or more, each stretch of 350 amino acids contains at least one RGD motif. Preferably the RGD-enriched gelatines are prepared by recombinant technology, and have a sequence that is derived from a human gelatine or collagen amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to RGD-enriched gelatines that are used for attachment to integrins. In particular The RGD-enriched gelatines of the invention are suitable for coating a cell culture support for growing anchor-dependant cell types.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the therapeutic and prophylactic use of C1 inhibitor for preventing, reducing and treating ischemia and reperfusion injury. The C1 inhibitor of the present invention is still therapeutically effective when administered after an ischemic period and reperfusion and therefore particularly useful for unforeseen occurrences of ischemic reperfusion such as e.g. a stroke.

Abstract: A method includes positioning an effective amount of a thermal target material at a treatment site of a patient. The treatment site, that is, the location of the thermal target material, comprises a location adjacent to biological tissue to be treated. The thermal target material includes carbon molecules preferably in a carrier fluid. Regardless of the particular structure of the carbon, the carbon molecules in the material heat very rapidly in response to incident microwave radiation and radiate heat energy. The heat energy radiated from an effective amount of the thermal target material when subjected to an effective quantity of microwave energy causes localized heating around the thermal target material. This localized heating may be applied for therapeutic purposes. However, the microwave radiation necessary to produce therapeutically effective heating is insufficient to cause cellular damage in the biological tissue by direct absorption in the tissue.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating activity of store-operated calcium entry in cells or tissues are provided. The compositions comprise the P311 protein, fused to a cell-penetrating peptide and formulated for delivery to tissues and cells. This protein has been shown to increase the levels of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in gingival cells, skeletal muscle cells, and prostate epithelial cells. Also provided are methods for preventing and treating diseases that involve administration of the P311 fusion protein, as well as methods for increasing levels of SOCE in cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are formulae and methods for the simultaneous relief of a variety of unpleasant symptoms of poison ivy on the skin. The compositions of the present invention remove toxic urushiol, relieve itching of the skin from urushiol, and heal the dermatitis caused by urushiol. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a topical dosage form which can be applied as often as desired, may be scrubbed onto the skin, and leaves a soothing effect on the skin after rinsing with warm water.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases such as neoplastic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases. The methods are based on the concept of pretargeting and include the administration of complexes comprising a recognizable compound A coupled to annexins, and the administration of complexes comprising of pharmaceutical or diagnostic compounds coupled to a compound B recognizing and binding to compound A to subjects. The compositions include annexins, annexin variants, that are not internalized by the target cells, derivatives thereof, and complexes thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nutritional composition which is liquid and shelf-stable or powdered and reconstitutable. The composition has a fiber content of more than 2.5 g/fibber per 100 ml of the composition. Furthermore, it has an energy content of 1.3-1.8 kcal/ml. The composition is useful to improve and maintain gut comfort, restoring a well-balanced gut flora, especially in an elderly patient prone to malnutrition. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the nutritional composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for modulating the activity of one or more neurotrophins, such as neural growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), in an animal and methods for treatment of a disease or disorder in an individual by modulation of neurotrophin activity. The modulation is carried out by interfering with binding between a neurotrophin and a receptor of the Vps10p-domain receptor family or modulating the expression of a receptor of the Vps10p-domain receptor family. Methods for screening for agents capable of modulating neurotrophin activity and agents selected using these screening methods are also disclosed, as are methods for determining the effect of an agent on one or more neurotrophins in cells. The present invention also pertains to methods for modulating the transport of one or more neurotrophins.

Abstract: Methods are provided for inhibiting stenosis following vascular trauma or disease in a mammalian host, comprising administering to the host a therapeutically effective dosage of a therapeutic conjugate containing a vascular smooth muscle binding protein that associates in a specific manner with a cell surface of the vascular smooth muscle cell, coupled to a therapeutic agent dosage form that inhibits a cellular activity of the muscle cell. Methods are also provided for the direct and/or targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to vascular smooth muscle cells that cause a dilation and fixation of the vascular lumen by inhibiting smooth muscle cell contraction, thereby constituting a biological stent. Also discussed are mechanisms for in vivo vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation modulation, agents that impact those mechanisms and protocols for the use of those agents.

Abstract: VEGFR-2 biomarkers useful in a method for identifying and monitoring a mammal that will respond therapeutically to a method of treating cancer comprising administering an VEGFR-2 modulator, wherein the method comprises (a) exposing the mammal to the VEGFR-2 modulator and (b) measuring in the mammal the level of the at least one biomarker, wherein a difference in the level of the at least one biomarker measured in (b) compared to the level of the biomarker in a mammal that has not been exposed to the VEGFR-2 modulator indicates that the mammal will respond therapeutically to the method of treating cancer and (c) wherein the level of the biomarker in a mammal after exposure to a VEGFR-2 modulator indicates that the mammal has responded therapeutically to the method of treating cancer.

Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide termed ply_pitti26 comprising the sequence as depicted in SEQ ID NO:1 as well as variants of this polypeptide. Furthermore, the present invention relates to nucleic acids and vectors encoding for said polypeptide and variants thereof as well as host cells comprising these nucleic acids and/or vectors. Finally, the present invention relates to the uses of said polypeptide, variants thereof, nucleic acid sequences, vectors and host cells, in particular for the treatment or prophylaxis of a subject infected by or exposed to Staphylococci.

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 relates to targeted killing of a cell utilizing a chimeric polypeptide comprising a cell-specific targeting moiety and a signal transduction pathway factor. In a preferred embodiment, the signal transduction pathway factor is an apoptosis-inducing factor, such as granzyme B, granzyme A, or Bax.

Abstract: The present application is directed to radiolabeled cyclic polyazapeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising radiolabeled cyclic polyazapeptides, and methods of using the radiolabeled cyclic polyazapeptides. Such polyazapeptides can be used in imaging studies, such as Positron Emitting Tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide sequences exhibiting endothelial cell specific promoter activity, novel cis regulatory elements and methods of use thereof enabling treatment of diseases characterized by aberrant neovascularization or cell growth are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for delivering polynucleotides are provided. One embodiment provides a non-viral vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide-binding protein comprising a protein transduction domain operably linked to a targeting signal. Methods for modifying the genome of non-nuclear organelles are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided to increase resistance to cell damage in a subject. The increase in resistance to cell damage in a subject in the subject is accomplished by decreasing activity of eEF2 kinase in the subject. The eEF2 kinase activity can be decreased by decreasing the amount of functional eEF2 kinase produced by the subject, including contacting the eEF2 kinase with a compound that inhibits phosphorylation of eEF2 kinase substrate or decreasing the amount of functional eEF2 kinase is decreased by reducing expression of a gene encoding the eEF2 kinase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using GPR119 receptor to identify compounds useful for increasing bone mass in an individual. Agonists of GPR119 receptor are useful as therapeutic agents for treating or preventing a condition characterized by low bone mass, such as osteoporosis, and for increasing bone mass in an individual. Agonists of GPR119 receptor promote bone formation in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition useful for treating bacterial infections in humans and animals which comprises administering to a human or animal in need thereof, an antibacterially effective combination of a ?-lactam antibiotic and an inhibitor of any bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis enzyme, especially GlmU, GlmU, MurA, MurB, MurC, MurD, MurE, MurF, MurG, MraY, and UppS.

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 present invention relates to methods of using GPR119 receptor to identify compounds useful for increasing bone mass in an individual. Agonists of GPR119 receptor are useful as therapeutic agents for treating or preventing a condition characterized by low bone mass, such as osteoporosis, and for increasing bone mass in an individual. Agonists of GPR119 receptor promote bone formation in an individual.

Abstract: Compositions that can include a cationic polymeric carrier, targeting agent, and therapeutic agent are disclosed herein. The therapeutic agent may have a therapeutic activity such as inhibiting fibrosis within a target organ or tissue or inhibiting the growth of a cancer cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) to screen one or more candidate compounds as a modulator of body mass or of adiposity or of percentage body fat in a subject or as a pharmaceutical agent for obesity and conditions related thereto. Inverse agonists and antagonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of obesity and conditions related thereto, including hypertension, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Agonists and partial agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of disorders ameliorated by increasing body mass including, but not limited to, cachexia.

Abstract: Described is use of a netrin selected among netrin-4, mutated netrin-4, netrin-1, netrin G1 or netrin-3, or one of their fragments or a nucleotide sequence encoding one of the netrins or one of the fragments, or an anti-idiotypic antibody of one of the netrins or of one of the fragments, or of a Fab fragment of the anti-idiotypic antibodies, for preparing a medicine for preventing or treating tumoral or non-tumoral pathologies.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting, visualizing, or treating cells, particularly cancerous cells, that express a uPA/uPAR complex. The method employs a PAI-2 conjugate molecule that comprises PAI-2 or a functional derivative, homologue, analogue, chemical equivalent or mimetic thereof, which PAI-2 is bound, linked, or otherwise associated with a toxin or label.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymer constituted by a sequence of identical or different components of the general formula (I): AaXxYy, in which A represents a monomer, X represents a carboxyl group fixed on a monomer A, Y represents a sulfate or sulfonate group fixed on a monomer A; a represents the number of monomers A, x represents the substitution rate of the set of monomers A by the groups X, y represents the substitution rate of the set of monomers A by the groups Y. The invention also pertains to the pharmaceutical or diagnostic compositions containing at least one polymer of general formula (I).

Abstract: The invention relates to ?-galactoside binding protein (?GBP) and compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising ?GBP for use in therapy and related applications. In particular, the invention relates to use of ?GBP and the manufacture of medicaments for the treatment or prevention of conditions in which disease associated cell division occurs, wherein the cells which result from said disease associated cell division comprise a cell in respect of which the effect of ?GBP is not inhibition of growth. The invention also relates to methods of inducing apoptosis, methods of treating or preventing conditions in which disease associated cell division occurs and methods of assessing the suitability of ?GBP as a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the biomarker TFF-3 that measures ?-secretase mediated Notch processing. TFF-3 has utility in predicting and/or determining in vivo Notch-related toxicity associated with inhibition of Notch processing mediated by ?-secretase. The reagents and methods of the invention can be utilized before, after, or concurrently with, pre-clinical, clinical, and/or post-clinical testing. The reagents and methods of the invention can be used to identify and maintain preferred doses of test compounds and thereby prevent medical complications, such as gastrointestinal cellular damage.

Abstract: Gel-based lipstick compositions are disclosed comprising an ester terminated poly(ester-amide) (ETPEA) polymeric gellant, a first wax component having a melting point above the sol-gel transition temperature of the ETPEA gellant, a second wax compositions having a melting point equal to of below the sol-gel transition temperature of the ETPEA gellant, optionally a silicone T-resin co-gellant, and one or more oils capable of forming a gel with the ETPEA gellant. The gel compositions are solid or semi-solid at room temperature and are capable of being molded into self-supporting sticks. The disclosed gels provide high gloss films when applied to the lips and/or provide a rheology characterized by a high viscosity over repeated shear cycles.

Abstract: A method of reducing damage to cells and tissue caused by an ischemic or hypoxic event is disclosed. The method includes administering to the cell or tissue, either in vivo or ex vivo, ??RACK peptide. The peptide can be administered before, during or after the ischemic or hypoxic event.

Abstract: The invention relates to Cerberus/Dan/Gremlin polypeptides or variants thereof for use in treating a variety of disorders associated with myostatin, nodal and GDF-11. Preferred polypeptides are Coco or Cerberus derivatives.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel Siah-Mediated-Degradation-Proteins (SMDPS) and/or SCF-Complex Proteins (SCPs). Nucleic acid sequences encoding such proteins and assays employing same are also disclosed. The invention SMDPs and/or SCPs can be employed in a variety of ways, for example, for the production of anti-SMDP and/or SCP antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions, and methods employing such proteins and/or antibodies for drug screening, functional genomics and other applications. Also provided are transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention protein. Also provided are compositions and methods for targeting the destruction of selected polypeptides in eukaryotic cells based on the ubiquitin-independent mechanism by which ornithine decarboxylase is degraded by the 26S proteasome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of exacerbation periods of pulmonary diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, by administering alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) to a subject in need thereof. Particularly, the present invention discloses the efficient treatment of exacerbation periods of pulmonary diseases by administering AAT via inhalation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses anti-histone H1 monoclonal antibodies, hybridomas for the production thereof, and polypeptides, which are useful for suppressing, predicting, or diagnosing transplant rejection in organ transplantation.