Abstract: The present invention relates to uses of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in promoting bone marrow regeneration, increasing peripheral white blood cells, and increasing platelet levels in subjects if administered prior to treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, particular embodiments of the invention are directed to uses of IL-1Ra as an adjuvant or ancillary therapy to alleviate the hematopoietic toxicities associated with chemotherapy.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating T-cell mediated diseases and a method of inhibiting the activation of T-cells using certain diketopiperazines. The invention also provides methods of synthesizing diketopiperazines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising certain diketopiperazines. The invention further provides methods of making improved pharmaceutical compositions of proteins and peptides by either increasing or decreasing the content of diketopiperazines in the compositions and the resultant improved pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides fusion proteins comprising an extracellular domain of a VEGF receptor and a death ligand. The fusion proteins bind to VEGF and to death receptors on tumor cells thereby inhibiting VEGF activation of VEGF receptors and inducing apoptosis in the tumor cells. Fusion proteins of the present invention are useful for inducing apoptosis and cytotoxic effects in cells, treating cancer and diseases or disorders related to unregulated angiogenesis and/or vasculogenesis. Thus, this invention further provides methods for treating angiogenesis related diseases using the fusion proteins, polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins, vectors containing the polynucleotides, pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing the fusion proteins or the polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins.

Abstract: Leukotriene B4 binding polypeptide is obtained from Ixodes ricinus. Leukotriene B4 polypeptide, the polynucleotide encoding Leukotriene B4 polypeptide, and Leukotriene B4 polypeptide related polypeptides may be used as research reagents and for treatments and diagnostics specific to animal and human diseases.

Abstract: The present inventions are directed to compositions and methods regarding the reprogramming of other cells (such as glial cells) into neurons without introducing exogenous genes to the samples. In particular, the present inventions are directed to transducible materials that are capable of transducing into the biological samples but are not genes or causing genetic modifications. The present inventions also are directed to methods of reprogramming the path of biological samples or treating diseases using the transducible compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising peptides that may be variants, derivatives and structural equivalents of cupredoxins that inhibit the development of premalignant lesions in mammalian cells, tissues and animals. Specifically, these compositions may comprise azurin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and/or the 50-77 residue region of azurin (p28). The present invention further relates to compositions that may comprise cupredoxin(s), and/or variants, derivatives or structural equivalents of cupredoxins, that retain the ability to inhibit the development of premalignant lesions in mammalian cells, tissues or animals. These compositions may be peptides or pharmaceutical compositions, among others. The compositions of the invention may be used to prevent the development of premalignant lesions in mammalian cells, tissues and animals, and thus prevent cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to liquid, aqueous pharmaceutical compositions stabilized against chemical and/or physical degradation containing Factor VII polypeptides, and methods for preparing and using such compositions, as well as vials containing such compositions, and the use of such compositions in the treatment of a Factor VII-responsive syndrome. The main embodiment is represented by a liquid, aqueous pharmaceutical composition comprising at least 0.01 mg/mL of a Factor VII polypeptide (i); a buffering agent (ii) suitable for keeping pH in the range of from about 4.0 to about 9.0; and at least one stabilizing agent (iii) comprising a —C(?N—Z1—R1)—NH—Z2—R2 motif, e.g. benzamidine compounds and guanidine compounds such as arginine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of plasminogen/plasmin and its derivatives as agents for enhancing host defense against infection or other infectious diseases. The invention also relates to a method for screening of compounds which enhance host defense against infection by evaluating the host defense against bacterial arthritis and spontaneous otitis media in an animal model.

Abstract: The invention provides multivalent ligand binding agents (traps) for members of the TGF-? superfamily and polypeptide linkers and methods for making and using such constructs. The traps may be used as therapeutic or diagnostic (imaging or non-imaging) agents for diseases/disorders caused by over-production/activity of the target ligand.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising SGEF protein or gene as a therapeutic means to clinical or subclinical defects associated with anomalies of at least one from among the macula, corpus callosum, hippocampus, liver or immune system or feverless response to infection. Methods of diagnosis of such disease and development anomalies are based on detection of mutations of the SGEF gene. The SGEF protein is also used as a preventive or curative treatment of atherosclerosis by local or systemic delivery. The invention also provides a composition comprising an inhibitor of the SGEF gene expression or SGEF protein concentration, as a therapeutic means for glaucoma, osteoarthritis, auto-inflammatory diseases, tumors or cancers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or N-oxide thereof. The present disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I), and to their methods of use in therapy.

Abstract: Silk is purified to eliminate immunogenic components (particularly sericin) and is used to form fabric that is used to form tissue-supporting prosthetic devices for implantation. The fabrics can carry functional groups, drugs, and other biological reagents. Applications include hernia repair, tissue wall reconstruction, and organ support, such as bladder slings. The silk fibers are arranged in parallel and, optionally, intertwined (e.g., twisted) to form a construct; sericin may be extracted at any point during the formation of the fabric, leaving a construct of silk fibroin fibers having excellent tensile strength and other mechanical properties.

Abstract: Modified Rv3616c proteins and their use as medicaments, particularly for the prevention of reactivation of tuberculosis.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing cells within a lineage (lineage restricted cells) from post-mitotic differentiated cells of the same lineage ex vivo and in vivo, and for treating a subject in need of tissue regeneration therapy by employing these lineage-restricted cells. In addition, the production of lineage restricted cells from postmitotic tissues derived from patients with diseases allows for a characterization of pathways that have gone awry in these diseases and for screening of drugs that will ameliorate or correct the defects as a means of novel drug discovery. Also provided are kits for performing these methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel muteins derived from human tear lipocalin. The invention also refers to a corresponding nucleic acid molecule encoding such a mutein and to a method for its generation. The invention further refers to a method for producing such a mutein. Finally, the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a lipocalin mutein as well as to various uses of the mutein.

Abstract: Described herein is the discovery that human interleukin-1? convertase (ICE) is structurally similar to the protein encoded by the C. elegans cell death gene, ced-3. Comparative and mutational analyses of the two proteins, together with previous observations, suggest that the Ced-3 protein may be a cysteine protease like ICE and that ICE may be a human equivalent of the nematode cell death gene. Another mammalian protein, the murine NEDD-2 protein, was also found to be similar to Ced-3. The NEDD-2 gene is implicated in the development of the murine central nervous system. On the basis of these findings, novel drugs for enhancing or inhibiting the activity of ICE, ced-3, or related genes are provided. Such drugs may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases and/or diseases characterized by cell deaths, as well as cancers, autoimmune disorders, infections, and hair growth and hair loss. Furthermore, such drugs may be useful for controlling pests, parasites and genetically engineered organisms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in one embodiment to a tissue adhesive or sealant composition comprising an electrophilic group containing cross-linking compound having a linker moiety of a diglycolic acid, a water soluble core moiety and an electrophilic group that is covalently bonded to the diglycolic acid linker moiety and a nucleophilic group containing protein. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to a delivery device or a medical device on which the composition has been applied or incorporated therein. The present invention is also directed to a method for sealing tissue using the tissue adhesive or sealant composition.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for inhibiting vascular permeability and pathologic angiogenesis are described herein. Methods for producing and screening compounds and compositions capable of inhibiting vascular permeability and pathologic angiogenesis are also described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions are included in the compositions described herein. The compositions described herein are useful in, for example, methods of inhibiting vascular permeability and pathologic angiogenesis, including methods of inhibiting vascular permeability and pathologic angiogenesis induced by specific angiogenic, permeability and inflammatory factors, such as, for example VEGF, bFGF and thrombin. Methods for treating specific diseases and conditions are also provided herein.

Abstract: This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diseases caused by a dysregulation of the BMP/GDF branch of the TGF-? signaling pathway. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compounds useful for such therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an antisecretory protein or a derivative, homologue, and/or fragment thereof, having antisecretory activity, and/or a pharmaceutically active salt thereof, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition and/or a medical food for the treatment and/or prevention of compartment syndrome. A compartment syndrome may be caused by or a cause of a variety of other conditions which are also encompassed by the present invention, such as viral and bacterial infections. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the treatment and/or prevention of compartment syndrome in a mammal in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ficolin-associated polypeptides, and polypeptides derived from these ficolin-associated polypeptides for the use in the treatment of conditions associated with inflammation, apoptosis, autoimmunity, coagulation, thrombotic or coagulopathic related diseases, as well as the use as biomarkers. The present invention further relates to anti-bodies recognising such novel ficolin-associated polypeptides, and polypeptides derived thereof, nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, vectors and host cells used in the production of the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating and preventing the inflammatory effects of viral infection of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, including infection by SARS coronovirus (SARS), pandemic Influenza A H5N1 (avian influenza) and pandemic influenza A H1N1 (swine 'flu).

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for inhibiting cell death or inflammation in a mammal, wherein the methods each include the step of administering to a mammal a Bcl protein in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell death or inflammation in the mammal. The invention also provides methods for identifying a Bcl protein that inhibits cell death or inflammation when administered to a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Mycoplasma pneumoniae community acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin, biologically active fragments/domains of the CARDS toxin, antibodies to the CARDS toxin and nucleic acids encoding the CARDS toxin. Also provided are methods of diagnosing, treating and/or preventing infection by Mycoplasma pneumoniae using the compositions provided herein.

Abstract: Use of IL-31 agonists, including IL-31, are used to treat agonists are used to treat asthma, airway hyper-responsiveness or allergic rhinitis. The method comprise inhibiting, reducing, limiting or minimizing production of proinflammatory cytokines and include administration of the IL-31 agonist during sensitization or challenge resulting in the asthma, airway hyper-responsiveness or allergic rhinitis state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for selecting in parallel (i.e., synchronously or simultaneously) peptides that target a number of organs, in which each peptide targets distinct tissues or organs. Typically, the methods of the invention provide for peptide selection in a Minimal number of subjects and still provides a selectively binding peptide. In certain aspects, methods of identifying peptides that bind to multiple selected tissues or organs of an organism may comprise the steps of administering a phage display library to a first subject; obtaining a sample of two or more selected tissues; obtaining phage displaying peptides that bind to the samples from the first subject; enriching for peptides by administering phage isolated from the samples of the first subject to a second subject; obtaining a sample of two or more selected tissues from the second subject; and identifying the peptides displayed.

Abstract: The invention provides human transmembrane proteins (HTMPN) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HTMPN. 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 expression of HTMPN.

Abstract: As a substance which pharmacologically regulates the function of a cell surface functional molecule, a substance which has specificity and an activity or efficacy equal or superior to an antibody and does not require an advanced production technique and facility for application thereof to a pharmaceutical product has been demanded. The invention relates to a multimer of an extracellular domain of a cell surface functional molecule, particularly a tetramer of an extracellular domain of PD-1 or PD-L1. Further, the invention relates to an application of such a tetramer as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for cancer, cancer metastasis, immunodeficiency, an infectious disease or the like and an application of PD-1 or PD-L1 as a testing or diagnostic agent or a research agent for such a disease.

Abstract: Improved matrix or hydrogel that is formed by enzymatic crosslinking of polymers wherein the crosslinking enzyme molecules have been modified for the purpose of improving the crosslinking density, mechanical properties, or other properties of the matrix, and/or to provide improved control over the rate and/or extent of crosslinking, wherein the enzyme molecules are modified to alter the perceived volume of the enzyme molecules in the crosslinked matrix being formed. Methods of production and of use are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multi-component formulations for enzymatically producing aqueous solutions of peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in, e.g., disinfectant and/or bleaching applications. The multi-component peroxycarboxylic acid formulations comprise at least one carbohydrate esterase family 7 enzyme having perhydrolytic activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of imatinib for treating viral liver diseases and in particular for viral hepatitis. The invention provides the use of imatinib for inhibiting replication, transmission or both of hepatitis viruses. The invention further relates to the use of imatinib for inhibiting replication, transmission or both of other viruses including herpes virus, poxvirus, influenza virus, para influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, yellow fever virus, west nile virus, and encephalitis virus.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide includes an ApoA1 mimetic or fragment thereof that are resistant to oxidation.

Abstract: The present specification provides for methods for purifying fibroins, purified fibroins, methods of conjugating biological and synthetic molecules to fibroins, fibroins conjugated to such molecules, methods of making fibroin hydrogels, fibroin hydrogels and fibroin hydrogel formulations useful for a variety of medical uses, including, without limitation uses as bulking agents, tissue space fillers, templates for tissue reconstruction or regeneration, cell culture scaffolds for tissue engineering and for disease models, surface coating to improve medical device function, or drug delivery devices.

Abstract: The internalization sequence at the C-terminal end of the ROMK protein has been identified and sequenced. It has been discovered determined that endocytosis is triggered by binding of the ROMK internalization sequence to ARH protein, which is co-localized and expressed with ROMK. New methods of treating or preventing hyperkalemia have been discovered that include administering to a patient who is at risk of developing hyperkalemia or who has hyperkalemia, a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that blocks the interaction of the ROMK internalization sequence with ARH protein, thereby preventing or reducing ARH-induced endocytosis of ROMK.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of amphiphilic self-assembling proteins for formulating poorly water-soluble effect substances.

Abstract: The object is to find a nitric oxide synthase activator, a method for the administration of the activator, and the amount of the activator to be administered. Disclosed is a nitric oxide synthase activator comprising a midkine family protein or a midkine derivative as an active ingredient. Specifically disclosed is a nitric oxide synthase activator which is intended to be administered through the blood, a coronary artery or a vein and which comprises a midkine family protein or a midkine derivative as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, by administering to a subject a CTLA4 molecule that block endogenous B7 molecules from binding their ligands.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides including MCP1 fused, optionally, by a linker, to an immunoglobulin. Methods for using the polypeptides to treat medical disorders are also covered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of receptor-associate protein (RAP) and fragments and variants thereof to improve delivery of therapeutic compounds to the liver and provides methods to treat liver disorders and conditions, such as hepatic carcinoma, by administering RAP or RAP variants conjugated to active agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a patient having disorder characterized by a deficient amount of functional CLN2 protein in the affected cells, which comprises administering to the patient an amount of CLN2 protein effective to reduce or eliminate the symptoms caused by the deficiency in CLN2 protein.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods and compositions for treating any condition involving prostatitis and similar diseases and/or conditions. These methods and compositions involve the use of targeted modified pore-forming proteins, including variant proaerolysin proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new polynucleotide which encodes a polypeptide expressed in the salivary glands of ticks, more particularly the Ixodes ricinus arthropod tick, during the slow-feeding phase of the blood meal have. The polynucleotide and related polypeptide may be used in different constructions and for different applications which are also included in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide derived from a highly conserved region (HCR) I-III of an extracellular region of a CD99 and CD99 family such as CD99L2 and PBDX (or XG), which are a kind of transmembrane protein, or a fused protein thereof. The polypeptide or the fused protein thereof has an activating function of inhibiting the extravasation of white blood cells, or inhibiting the growth and/or metastasis of cancer cells. The present invention also provides a polynucleotide coding the polypeptide, a vector including same, and a transformant transformed by the vector. In addition, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition including the polypeptide or the fused protein thereof for preventing or treating inflammatory diseases. Further, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition including the polypeptide or the fused protein thereof inhibiting the growth and/or metastasis of cancer cells, i.e., a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides silk proteins, as well as nucleic acids encoding these proteins. The present invention also provides recombinant cells and/or organisms which synthesize silk proteins. Silk proteins of the invention can be used for a variety of purposes such as in the manufacture of personal care products, plastics, textiles, and biomedical products.

Abstract: Provided are high affinity T cell receptor variable regions that are useful for treating diseases caused by superantigens including atopic dermatitis, pneumonia and delayed wound healing. The variable regions contain mutants that result in high affinity binding to the superantigen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of demyelinating disorders, e.g. multiple sclerosis, using a soluble lymphotoxin beta receptor (LT?R) as an inhibitor of the lymphotoxin pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Cardiac Targeting Peptides or CTPs that are able to transduce cardiomyocytes specifically in culture and in vivo, and to methods for using such peptides and their derivatives to deliver peptides, proteins or nucleic acids specifically to the heart. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the peptide APWHLSSQYSRT (SEQ ID NO:1) functioned as a cardiac-specific protein targeting peptide and was successful in delivering a number of different cargoes to cardiac muscle cells in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: A method of promoting healing of a wound in a patient, the method comprising administering to the patient (i) a prostaglandin E (PGE) or an agonist thereof and/or an agent that increases the local concentration or effect of PGE and (ii) granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) or a derivative thereof. Use of (i) a PGE or an agonist thereof and/or an agent that increases the local concentration or effect of PGE and (ii) GMCSF or a derivative thereof in the preparation of a medicament for promoting healing of a wound in a patient. A wound dressing, bandage or fibrin glue comprising (i) a PGE or an agonist thereof and/or an agent that increases the local concentration or effect of PGE and (ii) GMCSF or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric VEGF receptor proteins comprising amino acid sequences derived from the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors flt-1 and KDR, including the murine homologue to the human KDR receptor FLK-1, wherein said chimeric VEGF receptor proteins bind to VEGF and antagonize the endothelial cell proliferative and angiogenic activity thereof. The present invention is also directed to nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding these chimeric VEGF receptor proteins, host cells harboring such expression vectors, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising such proteins, methods of preparing such proteins and to methods utilizing such proteins for the treatment of conditions associated with undesired vascularization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disintegrin and metalloproteinase containing thrombospondin 1-like domains (ADAMTS) and in particular to a novel ADAMTS13 protease and to nucleic acids encoding ADAMTS13 proteases. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of ADAMTS13, as well as mutant and variant forms including fragments, some of which posses altered characteristics relative to the wild-type ADAMTS13. The present invention also relates to methods of using ADAMTS13, including for treatment of TTP. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for the presence of TTP. The present invention further relates to methods for developing anticoagulant drugs based upon ADAMTS13.