Abstract: A vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 for detecting antibody against Toxocara spp. in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of detecting the antifungal cyclic hexapeptides Pneumocandin B0 and/or Pneumocandin C0 specific fragment is/are detected using MS in negative mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure defines a method for identifying and/or treating risk and/or occurrence of cardiac defect. As is shown herein, microbiomes are reproducibly and detectably associated with cardiac defect risk factors and changes to the microbiome can directly alter cardiac defect risk. The present disclosure demonstrates that microbial signatures can be used to characterize components of microbiomes that associate with altered risk or occurrence of cardiac defects and to identify treatments to reduce risk or severity of cardiac defects.

Abstract: The invention concerns new Bacitracin compounds containing methylene-isoleucine.

Abstract: A topical ointment is described for use in the treatment of indolent wounds composed of fat-soluble vitamins, namely, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and a subantimicrobial amount of polypeptide antibiotic, which, in turn, acts as a proteinase inhibitor. The active ingredients are combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable topical carrier of lanolin, white petrolatum, mineral oil, and admixtures thereof. In treating these difficult to heal wounds, the selection of the level of the antibiotic at near trace amounts was surprisingly found to be above the proteinase inhibiting threshold and below the wound irritation level. The formulation hereof produced unexpected healing results not found in vitamin-enriched ointments or in antibiotic ointments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-binding polypeptides and methods for using these polypeptides to inhibit biological activities mediated by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). The present disclosure also provides various improvements relating to single domain binding polypeptides.

Abstract: Novel peptides produced by bacteriocin-producing bacteria stimulate the production of bacteriocins in vitro. The producer bacteria are cultured in the presence of a novel inducer bacteria and a peptide having a carboxy terminal sequence of VKGLT in order to achieve an increase in bacteriocin production.

Abstract: An ointment composition for treating decubitus ulcers and methods for its making and its use. The composition includes a skin protestant ointment, a rash cream, an antibiotic ointment, virgin olive oil, and boric acid powder. The skin protestant ointment includes active ingredients petroleum 53.4%, lanolin 15.5%, and inactive ingredients cod liver oil containing vitamin A & vitamin D, a fragrance, light mineral oil, microcrystalline wax, and paraffin. The rash cream includes active ingredients dimethicone 1% and zinc oxide 10%, and inactive ingredients aloe barbadensis extract, benzyl alcohol, coconut oil, cod liver oil containing vitamin A & vitamin D, a fragrance, glycerol oleate, light mineral oil, ozokerite, paraffin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, synthetic beeswax, and water. The antibiotic ointment includes active ingredients polymyxin B sulfate 5,000 units, bacitracin zinc 400 units, and neomycin base (as sulfate) 3.5 mg., and an inactive ingredient white petroleum.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed which employ PARIS proteins that are useful for suppressing proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Preferred PARISs are soluble proteins that are secreted by vascular smooth muscle cells, and include PARIS-1 (neuronal pentraxin 1), PARIS-2 (SBP (MIC-1, GDF-15), PARIS-3 (BTG2) and PARIS-4 (soluble fractalkine). Methods of preventing or treating restenosis by administering the new compositions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating patients undergoing angioplasty procedures, patients with atherosclerosis, and patients with other proliferative disorders, in order to suppress the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells or other cells that play a role in the particular proliferative disorder or condition. A method of screening mRNAs and identifying genes encoding PARISs is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides cross-linked glycopeptide—cephalosporin compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are useful as antibiotics. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds; methods for treating bacterial infections in a mammal using such compounds; and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formulation of pharmaceutical compounds. More particularly, the invention provides stable, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions prepared from boronic acid compounds and methods for preparing the compositions. The invention also provides novel boronate ester compounds. The invention further provides boronic acid anhydride compounds useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides cross-linked glycopeptide—cephalosporin compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are useful as antibiotics. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds; methods for treating bacterial infections in a mammal using such compounds; and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are highly specific for Bacillus spores. Also provided are peptides derived from those monoclonal antibodies. Both the antibodies and peptides are highly specific and can discriminate between spores of potentially lethal organisms such as Bacillus anthracis and other harmless but closely related bacilli and provide a very powerful tool in the construction of detection instruments as counter measures.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a modified therapeutic peptide capable of forming a peptidase-stabilized therapeutic peptide conjugate, the peptide having between 3 and 50 amino acids, is k. In a first step of the method, a therapeutic peptide having a carboxy terminal amino acid and amino terminal amino acid is synthesized. In a second step, pairs of cysteine residues present in the therapeutic peptide are sequentially and selectively oxidized to form disulfide bridges in the therapeutic peptide. In a third step, a protecting group is attached to remaining cysteine residues that do not form disulfide bridges in the therapeutic peptide. Finally, the peptide is coupled to a reactive group capable of reacting with amino groups, hydroxyl groups or thiol groups on a blood component to form a covalent bond therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antimicrobial peptide, monodoncin, which is isolated and purified from Penaeus monodon and is capable of being mass produced by molecular cloning techniques in a heterologous expression system, such as yeast. Monodoncin demonstrates a wide-range of bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on G(−) and G(+) bacteria as well as fungicidal activities, and can be used in combination with conventional antibiotics as “cocktail therapy” to improve the therapeutic effects of the conventional antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for detecting or measuring Notch activation by observing or measuring the appearance of Notch on the cell surface or by observing or measuring Notch cleavage products that are indicative of Notch activation. The present invention is also directed to methods for detecting a molecule that modulates Notch activation by observing or measuring a change in the amount of Notch expressed on the cell surface or a change in the amount or pattern of Notch cleavage products. The present invention is also directed to a substantially purified activated heterodimeric form of Notch and components thereof and pharmaceutical compositions and kits thereof. The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that Notch in its active form, i.e.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery of a class of reagents that effectively form intramolecular disulfide bonds in peptides. Intermolecular disulfide linkage formation is low or essentially non-existent. In addition, preferred reagents of this invention are relatively mild and do not oxidize “vulnerable” residues in the subject peptide(s). In addition the reagents and reaction products are safe and essentially non-toxic. One particularly preferred reagent is [Pt(en)2Cl2]2+ where en is ethylenediamine.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for preventing and treating sepsis in humans and animals. Surgical patients, low birth weight infants, and burn and trauma victims can be treated prophylactically. Methods for treating acute infections are provided with advantages over current therapeutic approaches.

Abstract: The invention provides novel &bgr;-peptides comprising 2 or more different &bgr;-amino acid residues, preferably compounds of formula I 1

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods of killing bacteria, including antibiotic resistant bacteria, by contacting said bacteria with a membrane permeabilizing compound or combination of compounds and a membrane impermeant toxic agent or combination of agents, resulting in the death of the bacteria without substantial injury to the infected host or patient. The present invention is also drawn to compositions and kits for effecting the method of the present invention. The present invention is further drawn to methods of rendering toxic agents such as toxic organic molecules, membrane impermeant for use in the methods and compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of identifying a protein, polypeptide or peptide by means of mass spectrometry and especially by tandem mass spectrometry is disclosed. The method preferably models the fragmentation of a peptide or protein in a tandem mass spectrometer to facilitate comparison with an experimentally determined spectrum. A fragmentation model is used which takes account of all possible fragmentation pathways which a particular sequence of amino acids may undergo. A peptide or protein may be identified by comparing an experimentally determined mass spectrum with spectra predicted using such a fragmentation model from a library of known peptides or proteins. Alternatively, a de novo method of determining the amino acid sequence of an unknown peptide using such a fragmentation model may be used.

Abstract: The invention involves the reception of particular nonapeptides by HLA molecules. The nonapeptides are derived from expression products of the MAGE gene family. The resulting complexes are identified by cytolytic T cells. Such recognition may be used in diagnostics, or therapeutically.

Abstract: A protected template molecule and a new one-dimensional UniChemo Protection (UCP) organic synthetic method for preparing polyfunctional organic molecules is described. The synthetic method can be used with many kinds of chemical reactions and provides selective access to many functional groups in a template molecule. The method utilizes protection groups that are each composed of building block units that can be removed one by one affording a new protection group one unit shorter or exposing a functional group on the template molecule. The exposed functional group on the template molecule can react with a target group. Different target groups can be introduced into the template molecule by using protection groups containing different numbers of building block units.

Abstract: Charged compounds are provided that comprise one or more regions of localized positive charge, compositions comprising such compounds, methods of synthesizing such compounds, methods of screening such compounds to identify those having anti-infective activity, and methods of using such compounds to prevent or inhibit infections. These compounds, and compositions containing them, have multiple applications, including use in human and animal medicine and in agriculture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for zfsta2, a novel member of the follistatin family. The polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding them are useful for binding to members of the TGF-&bgr; family and mediating central nervous system, reproductive, hematopoietic and bone-related activities. The present invention also includes antibodies to the zfsta2 polypeptides.

Abstract: A 3,5-dioxa-12-azawurtzitane compound represented by the formula (I) shown in the specification. The dioxaazawurtzitane compound may be prepared by reacting an amino acid, an oligo- or polypeptide or a polyamino acid with a trialdehyde represented by formula (II) shown in the specification.

Abstract: Metallopeptide combinatorial libraries and methods of making libraries and metallopeptides are provided, for use in biological, pharmaceutical and related applications. The combinatorial libraries are made of peptides, peptidomimetics and peptide-like constructs, and include a metal ion-binding region thereof which includes at least one orthogonal sulfur-protecting group, in which the peptide, peptidomimetic or construct is conformationally fixed on deprotection of the sulfur and complexation of the metal ion-binding region with a metal ion. Thereafter the library members may be screening to select those with the desired specificity and affinity.

Abstract: The invention involves the formation of a prodrug from a fatty acid carrier and a neuroactive drug. The prodrug is stable in the environment of both the stomach and the bloodstream and may be delivered by ingestion. The prodrug passes readily through the blood brain barrier. Once in the central nervous system, the prodrug is hydrolyzed into the fatty acid carrier and the drug to release the drug.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel amino acid, neo-tryptophan, as well as polypeptides containing this novel amino acid such as neurotensin analogs. In addition, the invention provides neo-tryptophan derivatives, serotonin-like neo-tryptophan derivatives, and polypeptides containing such derivatives. The invention also provides methods for making neo-tryptophan, neo-tryptophan derivatives, serotonin-like neo-tryptophan derivatives, and compositions containing these compounds. Further, the invention provides methods for inducing a neurotensin response in a mammal as well as methods for treating a mammal having a serotonin recognition molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of &ggr;-lactams of the general formula I 1

Abstract: Analogs of glucagon-like peptide 2, a product of glucagon gene expression, have been identified as intestinal tissue growth factors. Their formulation as pharmaceutical, and therapeutic use in treating disorders of the small bowel, are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel depsipeptide has been isolated from a new marine strain L-13-ACM2-092 belonging to the family Micromonosporaceae. Its production by aerobic fermentation under controlled conditions of the strain, and the isolation and purification of PM-93135 are described herein. The compound and the fermentation broth demonstrate significant activity against several cancer cell lines. The compound also shows activity against several gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polypeptide selected from muteins of streptavidin which is characterized in that it (a) contains at least one mutation in the region of the amino acid positions 44 to 53 with reference to wild type-(wt)-streptavidin and (b) has a higher binding affinity than wt-streptavidin for peptide ligands comprising the amino acid sequence Trp-X-His-Pro-Gln-Phe-Y-Z in which X represents an arbitrary amino acid and Y and Z either both denote Gly or Y denotes Glu and Z denotes Arg or Lys. In addition nucleic acids coding for the polypeptide, a vector containing this nucleic acid, a cell transfected with the vector as well as the use of a polypeptide in a method for the isolation, purification or determination of proteins are disclosed. Yet a further subject matter is a reagent kit containing the polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention provides a conjugate comprising Substance P, and analogs thereof, and Saporin. This invention provides a method of reducing the perception of pain by a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition of the conjugate comprising Substance P, and analogs thereof, and Saporin, so as to reduce the perception of pain by the subject. This invention provides a method of selectively destroying NK-1 receptor expressing cells in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of the conjugate comprising Substance P, and analogs thereof, and Saporin so as to selectively destroy NK-1 receptor expressing cells. Lastly, this invention provides a method for treating a NK-1 receptor associated disorder in a subject, which comprises administering to the subject an amount of the pharmaceutical composition comprising Substance P, and analogs thereof, and Saporin thereby treating the disorder associated with the NK-1 receptor.

Abstract: The present invention describes the generation of site-directed RNA cleaving agents. These agents consist of RNA-binding proteins, or polypeptides derived thereof, which are modified to contain a moiety capable of cleaving RNA backbones. Alternatively, the agents are oligonucleotides having nuclease resistant backbones to which a moiety capable of cleaving RNA backbones has been attached. The present invention also describes a method of cleaving target RNA substrates using the cleaving agents described herein. Further, the invention describes a method for inhibiting RNA virus expression in infected cells.

Abstract: A herpes virus proteinase has been found to be encoded by a member of a family of four nested genes in simian cytomegalovirus. Another member of the nested genes encodes the assembly protein precursor, which is a substrate for the proteinase. Homologous genes are found in other herpes viruses. Cleavage sites recognized by the proteinase are identified in cytomegalovirus and are found to be highly conserved in other herpes viruses. Substrates, inhibitors, assay kits, and methods of assaying are provided which rely on the proteinase and its activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating or preventing diseases or disorders associated with hematopoietic deficiency by administration of human chorionic gonadotropin, .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin or a peptide containing a sequence of a portion of .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin. The invention also relates to methods of treating or preventing diseases or disorders associated with hematopoietic deficiency by administration of hematopoietic cells, the numbers of which have been increased by contacting the cells with human chorionic gonadotropin, .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin or a peptide containing a sequence of a portion of .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin. The invention also provides assays for the utility of particular human chorionic gonadotropin preparations in the treatment or prevention of hematopoietic deficiencies or in the increasing of hematopoietic cell numbers in vitro. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of administration of are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilized feed additive, more particularly containing zinc bacitracin, and processes for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A synthetic pulmonary surfactant comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable phospholipid admixed with a polypeptide comprising at least 10 amino acid residues and no more than about 60 amino acid residues, said polypeptide including a sequence having alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acid residue regions represented by the formula (Z.sub.a U.sub.b).sub.c Z.sub.d, wherein:Z is a hydrophilic amino acid residue independently selected from the group consisting of R and K;U is a hydrophobic amino acid residue independently selected from the group consisting of V, I, L, C, Y and F;a has an average value of about 1 to about 5;b has an average value of about 3 to about 20;c is 1 to 10; andd is 1 to 3;said polypeptide, when admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable phospholipid, forming a synthetic pulmonary surfactant having a surfactant activity greater than the surfactant activity of the phospholipid alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel nasal composition comprising a nona- or decapeptide having LHRH agonist or antagonist activity and a surfactant which is a bile acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a buffered aqueous solution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination of bacitracin and acyclovir or equivalent derivatives thereof. The combination, as well as bacitracin itself, are useful for treating herpes viral infections.

Abstract: Two new groups of A-21978C cyclic peptides, anhydro- and isomer-A21978C peptide derivatives, have antibacterial activity and are useful as intermediates. The two groups are prepared via transpeptidation of the parent cyclic peptides. Pharmaceutical formulations containing the new peptides as active ingredients and methods of treating infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria with the formulations are also provided. The invention also provides an antibacterial composition containing the new drug substance LY 146032 in substantially pure form.

Abstract: Antibiotic A-21978C complexes, in particular the A-21978C complex, comprising microbiologically active, related factors, C.sub.0, C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, and C.sub.5. A-21978 complex and A-21978C complex are produced by submerged aerobic fermentation of Streptomyces roseosporus NRRL 11379. The individual A-21978C factors are separated and isolated by chromatography. The A-21978 and A-21978C complexes, the A-21978C factors, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are antibacterial agents and improve growth promotion in poultry.