Abstract: Disclosed are an antigen protein of black-lip pearl oyster egg extract, an antibody specific thereto, and a method of quantitative assessment of the reproductive effort of black-lip pearl oyster using the antibody. The method accomplishes quantitative assessment of reproductive effort of black-lip pearl oysters easily and accurately. In addition, the method provides important information for the study of life cycles of black-lip pearl oysters, and allows efficient management of black-lip pearl oysters.

Abstract: The invention relates to relatively short peptides (termed ?-conotoxins herein), about 10-30 residues in length, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogous to the naturally available peptides, and which preferably include two disulfide bonds.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel conopeptides and/or novel uses of conopeptides. The conopeptides of the invention are analogs of ?-Conotoxin MII that are selective for ?6-containing nAChRs as described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to relatively short peptides (termed ?-conotoxins herein), about 10-30 residues in length, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogous to the naturally available peptides, and which preferably include two disulfide bonds.

Abstract: The invention relates to relatively short peptides (termed ?-conotoxins herein), about 10-30 residues in length, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogous to the naturally available peptides, and which preferably include two disulfide bonds.

Abstract: A method of preparing a biomaterial comprises steps of acellularizing the fish scale, decalcifying the fish scale, and cleaning the fish scale and then extruding the fish scales.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel conopeptides and/or novel Luses of conopeptides. The conopeptides of the invention are analogs of ?-Conotoxin MII that are selective for ?6-containing nAChRs as described herein.

Abstract: A novel peptide found as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in octopuses, a member of mollusks. The structure and the activities of the peptide have been unraveled. The peptide finds use as a reagent used in the studies of correlations between the structure and the activities of GnRH and the information processing mechanisms of the nervous systems in higher animals. It can also serve as a base compound in the development of pesticides and drugs. The peptide has the GnRH activity and has the following amino acid sequence (I): <Glu-Zaa-Zaa-His-Zaa-Ser-Zaa-Zaa-Zaa-Zaa-Pro-Gly-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 7) ??(I) wherein <Glu represents pyroglutamic acid and Zaa represents any amino acid. Specifically, the peptide has the following amino acid sequence (1): <Glu-Asn-Tyr-His-Phe-Ser-Asn-Gly-Trp-His-Pro-Gly-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1) ??(1) wherein <Glu represents pyroglutamic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to relatively short conotoxin peptides, about 10-20 residues in length as described herein, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogous to the naturally available peptides, and which preferably include two disulfide bonds. These conotoxin peptides have analgesic activity and are thus useful for treating or preventing pain.

Abstract: Novel bioactive peptide compositions and process for producing the same and the use of such compositions for enhancing the growth of warm blooded animals and fish is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-microbial and immunostimulatory molecules of the cathelicidin family derived from fish. The invention provides a novel cathelicidin molecule, fragments, derivatives and uses thereof, and nucleic acids encoding the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel variants of the fluorescent protein GFP having improved fluorescence properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to relatively short peptides (termed ?-conotoxins herein), about 10-30 residues in length, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogous to the naturally available peptides, and which preferably include two disulfide bonds.

Abstract: Described is a nucleic acid coding for a protein called “cyplasin” that shows a preferential toxicity to autonomously growing mammalian cells. Cell death induced by this protein differs from both apoptosis and necrosis. An intracellular cell death which occurs when recombinantly preparing cyplasin in cell cultures can be avoided by removal of the secretion signal in the cyplasin sequence. This modification makes it possible to express the cyplasin in a mammalian cell culture which is preferable with regard to the glycosylation pattern of the obtained protein. Thus, the present invention also relates to a method of recombinantly producing a protein in eukaryotic cells, preferably mammalian cells, which is cytotoxic for said cells when applied externally.

Abstract: An anti-hypertensive fish protein hydrolysate is provided, wherein the fish is of the genus Salmo or Oncorhynchus, and wherein the fish protein hydrolysate comprises at least 1 peptide selected from the group consisting of: Leu-Ala-Phe, Leu-Thr-Phe, Ile-Ile-Phe, Leu-Ala-Tyr, Ile-Ala-Tyr, Val-Phe-Tyr, Tyr-Ala-Tyr, Val-Leu-Trp, Ile-Ala-Trp, Tyr-Ala-Leu and Tyr-Asn-Arg. Methods of making and methods for using such fish protein hydrolysates are also provided.

Abstract: Polypeptides of A1-Arg-A2-Cys-Tyr-A3-A4-X-A5-A6-Cit Cys-A7 (I) or their salts (wherein A1 is hydrogen or a residue of arginine, lysine, ornithine, citrulline, alanine, or the like; A2 is an aromatic amino acid residue; A3, A4 and A6 are each a residue of arginine, lysine, ornithine, citrulline, or alanine; A5 is a residue of tyrosine, phenylalanine, alanine, naphthylalanine, or citrulline; A7 is a lysine or arginine residue whose carboxyl group may be converted into amido; and X is a residue of D-ornithyl-proline, prolyl-D-ornithine, D-lysylproline, or the like, with the proviso that any one of A1, A3, A4, A5, A6 and A7 is a residue of alanine or the like or that X is citrulline or the like).

Abstract: The present invention relates to high molecular weight Dermatophagoides proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins, and therapeutic and diagnostic reagents derived from such proteins.

Abstract: Novel bioactive peptide compositions and process for producing the same and the use of such compositions for enhancing the growth of warm blooded animals and fish is disclosed.

Abstract: The use of CCH-A subunit isolated from hemocyanin of the marine gastropod Concholepas concholepas (CCH), or a combination thereof, as an immunostimulant agent in the innate or adaptive immune response of vertebrates or as an immunotherapeutic agent in cancer of either humans or animals, where the CCH-A subunit has a molecular weight of about 404 kDa, is stable in the absence of Ca+2 and Mg+2 and is at least 95% pure.

Abstract: Peptide SY is produced by applying a mixture of peptides obtained by processing fish meat with a protease to a peptide-adsorbing resin (ODS resin or the like), eluting this with water, then with a 11 to 18% v/v ethanol aqueous solution and further with water, and collecting and mixing a latter fraction of the water elution (1), a fraction of the 11 to 18 % v/v ethanol elution and a fraction of the water elution (2). Further, peptide SY-MD is produced by isolating only the fraction of the 11 to 18% v/v ethanol elution. Peptide SY and peptide SY-MD are both novel peptide mixtures. They not only contain a large amount of blood pressure-depressing peptide Val-Tyr newly found but also have less bitterness and are excellent in taste and stability, and can be used as a blood pressure-depressing agent or as functional foods for inhibiting blood pressure elevation or preventing blood pressure elevation.

Abstract: Novel bioactive peptide compositions and process for producing the same and the use of such compositions for enhancing the growth of warm blooded animals and fish is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human Ependymin protein which is a member of the ependymin family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human Ependymin protein. Ependymin polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of Ependymin activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting nervous system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating nervous system-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for improving the raising of pre-adult anadromous fish, or preparing pre-adult anadromous fish for transfer to seawater. The methods involve adding PVCR modulators (e.g., calcium and/or magnesium) to the freshwater in an amount sufficient to increase expression and/or sensitivity of at least one PVCR; and adding feed for fish consumption to the freshwater, wherein the feed comprises amounts of NaCl and an amino acid sufficient to contribute to a significantly increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the pre-adult anadromous fish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that biocompatible anionic polymers can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that anionic polymers effectively inhibit invasion of cells associated with detrimental healing processes, and in particular, that the effectiveness of an anionic polymer at inhibiting cell invasion correlates with the anionic charge density of the polymer. Thus the present invention provides a large number of materials for use in methods of inhibiting fibrosis and fibroblast invasion. Anionic polymers for use in the invention include but are not limited to natural proteoglycans, and the glycosaminoglycan moieties of proteoglycans. Additionally, anionic carbohydrates and other anionic polymers may be used. The anionic polymers dextran sulfate and pentosan polysulfate are preferred. In a more preferred embodiment, dextran sulfate, in which the sulfur content is greater than about 10% by weight, may be used.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to the prevention of elastic fiber injury by administering HA or any other polysaccharide or carbohydrate moiety that binds to and coats elastic fibers, thereby preventing enzymes, oxidants, or other injurious agents from contacting and damaging these fibers. The method may be used to prevent elastic fiber damage which occurs to the skin and blood vessels as a consequence of aging, to the uterus during pregnancy, and in diseases such as pulmonary emphysema, aortic aneurysm, and joint disease. The treatment is intended for humans and a variety of other mammals. The polysaccharide or carbohydrate moiety may be administered orally, cutaneously, subcutaneously, intravenously, intratracheally, or by any other route deemed efficacious. It may be administered alone or in combination with another polysaccharide or carbohydrate moiety, with or without a carrier such as saline solution, DMSO, alcohol or water.

Abstract: Endotoxin binding/neutralizing proteins capable of binding endotoxin in vivo, thereby neutralizing the toxic effect or bioactivity of endotoxin which are isolated from a horseshoe crab such as Limulus polyphemus, pharmaceutical compositions and pharmaceutical uses of the proteins, a method of purifying the proteins and an assay for endotoxin based on the proteins, are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel bioactive peptide compositions and process for producing the same and the use of such compositions for enhancing the growth of warm blooded animals and fish is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of producing MAP-products from mussel feet. The process is characterised by extracting the mussel feet in a weakly acid aqueous solution containing, for instance, 1-10 percent by weight of a weak acid and 0.5-3 percent by weight of perchloric acid, whereafter the proteins in the aqueous solution are precipitated by adding inorganic or organic salts and separated from the system, subsequent to having extracted the solid substances.

Abstract: A (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D-glucan binding protein obtainable by affinity chromatography or gel filtration of an extract of horseshoe crab amoebocytes and having a molecular weight of about 580 kDa, as determined by gel filtration under non-reducing conditions, and about 170 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions, is provided.An antibody which selectively recognizes the protein is also provided. Methods for detecting or removing (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D-glucan in or from a sample using the protein and antibody are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to contryphan peptides having 6-12 amino acids, preferably including one or more D-tryptophan or D-leucine residues. The peptides of the present invention are generically termed "contryphans," although the D-leucine containing contryphans are sometimes referred to as leu-contryphans. More specifically, the present invention is directed to contryphan peptides having the general formula Xaa.sub.1 -Cys-Xaa.sub.2 -Xaa.sub.3 -Xaa.sub.4 -Pro-Xaa.sub.5 -Cys (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein Xaa.sub.1 is any amino acid or des-Xaa.sub.1, Xaa.sub.2 is Pro, 4-trans-hydroxyproline or Val, Xaa.sub.3 is D-Trp, L-Trp, D-Leu or L-Leu, preferably D-Trp or D-Leu, Xaa.sub.4 is any amino acid and Xaa.sub.5 is Trp or Tyr. When the peptide contains Xaa.sub.1, it is preferably Gly, Glu, or Lys, most preferably Gly. When Xaa.sub.3 is D- or L-Trp, Xaa.sub.2 is preferably Pro or 4-trans-hydroxyproline. When Xaa.sub.3 is D- or L-Leu, Xaa.sub.2 is preferably Val.

Abstract: Dehydrodidemnin B with useful biological activity has formula (1). It can be isolated from natural sources or synthesized, and it forms active derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that biocompatible anionic polymers can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that anionic polymers effectively inhibit invasion of cells associated with detrimental healing processes, and in particular, that the effectiveness of an anionic polymer at inhibiting cell invasion correlates with the anionic charge density of the polymer. Thus the present invention provides a large number of materials for use in methods of inhibiting fibrosis and fibroblast invasion. Anionic polymers for use in the invention include but are not limited to natural proteoglycans, and the glycosaminoglycan moieties of proteoglycans. Additionally, anionic carbohydrates and other anionic polymers may be used. The anionic polymers dextran sulfate and pentosan polysulfate are preferred. In a more preferred embodiment, dextran sulfate, in which the sulfur content is greater than about 10% by weight, may be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that biocompatible anionic polymers can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that anionic polymers effectively inhibit invasion of cells associated with detrimental healing processes, and in particular, that the effectiveness of an anionic polymer at inhibiting cell invasion correlates with the anionic charge density of the polymer. Thus the present invention provides a large number of materials for use in methods of inhibiting fibrosis and fibroblast invasion. Anionic polymers for use in the invention include but are not limited to natural proteoglycans, and the glycosaminoglycan moieties of proteoglycans. Additionally, anionic carbohydrates and other anionic polymers may be used. The anionic polymers dextran sulfate and pentosan polysulfate are preferred. In a more preferred embodiment, dextran sulfate, in which the sulfur content is greater than about 10% by weight, may be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that biocompatible anionic polymers can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that anionic polymers effectively inhibit invasion of cells associated with detrimental healing processes, and in particular, that the effectiveness of an anionic polymer at inhibiting cell invasion correlates with the anionic charge density of the polymer. Thus the present invention provides a large number of materials for use in methods of inhibiting fibrosis and fibroblast invasion. Anionic polymers for use in the invention include but are not limited to natural proteoglycans, and the glycosaminoglycan moieties of proteoglycans. Additionally, anionic carbohydrates and other anionic polymers may be used. The anionic polymers dextran sulfate and pentosan polysulfate are preferred. In a more preferred embodiment, dextran sulfate, in which the sulfur content is greater than about 10% by weight, may be used.

Abstract: The present invention is a fibrin sealant and a method for producing a fibrin sealant from fish blood. Whole blood is drawn from the donor fish and centifuged to separate blood cells from plasma. Prothrombin and fibrinogen are extracted from this plasma, and the prothrombin is activated to thrombin. The fibrinogen and thrombin components are then combined as needed to form the fibrin sealant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that biocompatible anionic polymers can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that anionic polymers effectively inhibit invasion of cells associated with detrimental healing processes, and in particular, that the effectiveness of an anionic polymer at inhibiting cell invasion correlates with the anionic charge density of the polymer. Thus the present invention provides a large number of materials for use in methods of inhibiting fibrosis and fibroblast invasion. Anionic polymers for use in the invention include but are not limited to natural proteoglycans, and the glycosaminoglycan moieties of proteoglycans. Additionally, anionic carbohydrates and other anionic polymers may be used. The anionic polymers dextran sulfate and pentosan polysulfate are preferred. In a more preferred embodiment, dextran sulfate, in which the sulfur content is greater than about 10% by weight, may be used.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of .omega.-conotoxins for the prevention and treatment of retinal or optic nerve head damage in humans. Compositions and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a system which enable simple and inexpensive removal of heavy metals from a heavy-metal-containing substance. In this method, a substance containing heavy metals and water are introduced into a mixing bath in proportions by weight of 1:3 to 1:6. A strong acid is added to the mixture, and the mixture is stirred while its pH is maintained at a pH lower than 4. As a result of stirring of the substance at a pH 4, heavy metals are extracted into the liquid as metal ions. The metal-ion-containing liquid is input to a heavy metal precipitation bath, and the pH of the liquid is increased to a pH higher than 10 by addition of alkali to the liquid. Gas bubbles of carbonic acid gas are input to the liquid from a lower portion of the heavy metal precipitation bath, and they are broken into a large quantity of small gas bubbles of carbonic acid gas by turbine blades. The large quantity of gas bubbles of carbonic acid are brought into contact with the metal-ion-containing liquid having a pH higher than 10.

Abstract: This invention relates to relatively short peptides about 14-17 residues in length, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogs to the naturally available peptides, and which include two cyclizing disulfide linkages. More specifically, the present invention is directed to conopeptides having the general formula: Gly-Cys-Cys-Ser-Tyr-Xaa.sub.1 -Xaa.sub.1 -Cys-Phe-Ala-Thr-Asn-Xaa.sub.2 -Xaa.sub.3 -Xaa.sub.4 -Cys (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein Xaa.sub.1 is Pro or Hyp (trans-4-hydroxy-Pro), Xaa.sub.2 is Ser, Pro or Hyp, Xaa.sub.3 is Gly or Asp and Xaa.sub.4 is a Tyr or des- Xaa.sub.4. The disulfide bridges are between the first and third between the second fourth cysteine residues. The C-terminal end is preferably amidated.

Abstract: This invention is directed to pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions comprising anti-lipopolysaccharide (anti-LPS) factor proteins derived from horseshoe crabs, either in the native form or produced by recombinant means. The pharmaceutical formulations, which may include anti-LPS factor proteins alone or in combination with other antimicrobials, may be used in the treatment of gram-negative bacterial infections, endotoxemia, septic shock, gram-positive bacterial infections, and yeast infections. The anti-LPS factor protein-containing pharmaceuticals can be formulated for systemic or topical administration. They may also be used to control mold growth. Anti-LPS factor proteins can be used in cosmetic compositions or skin or hair preparations as antimicrobial preservatives, either alone or in combination with conventional preservatives, to prevent or control the growth of bacteria, yeast and mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of fish hemoglobins that exhibit a Root effect to increase tissue oxygenation in patients suffering from disease states associated with compromised oxygen delivery to tissues.

Abstract: Endotoxin binding/neutralizing proteins capable of binding endotoxin in vivo, thereby neutralizing the toxic effect or bioactivity of endotoxin which are isolated from a horseshoe crab such as Limulus polyphemus, pharmaceutical compositions and pharmaceutical uses of the proteins, a method of purifying the proteins and an assay for endotoxin based on the proteins, are disclosed.

Abstract: An isolated sequence is provided that encodes crab procollagenase (Seq ID NO 5) that upon cleaving off the 29 amino acid propeptide (Seq ID NO 6) transforms into an active collagenase (Seq ID NO 4). The procollagenase has the MW of about 26.6 kD and the mature collagenase has a MW of 23.5 kD. Procollagenase mutated at positions 201 and 235 is also provided. A storage-stabilized composition providing long-term, shelf-stable protease that can be readily activated when collagenolytic activity is desired is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing collagen finings. The process comprises providing collagen in the form of undried fish isinglass which has been freshly prepared or frozen, substantially in the absence of any pre-drying, and hydrolyzing the isinglass under conditions to solubilize the collagen. By using freshly-prepared or frozen isinglass, the irreversible changes to collagen arising from pre-drying of isinglass are largely avoided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to A-lineage conotoxin peptides, which are conotoxin peptides that have strong homology in the signal sequence and the 3'-untranslated region of the genes coding for these peptides to the sequences in the .alpha.-conotoxin peptides. The A-lineage conotoxin peptides include the .alpha.-conotoxin peptides, the .alpha.-conotoxin-like peptides and the .kappa.-conotoxin peptides, described further below. The .alpha.-conotoxin-peptides generally share a "core" sequence motif. This core sequence is termed the .alpha.3/5 core and is represented as Cys-Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa- Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Cys (SEQ ID NO:1). The .alpha.-conotoxin-like peptides generally share a core sequence termed the .alpha.4/7 core and is represented as Cys-Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Cys-Xaa- Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Cys (SEQ ID NO:2). The .kappa.-conotoxin peptides generally have a core sequence termed the .kappa.

Abstract: Biodegradation additive characterized in that it consists of a mixture of (i) at least one assimilable nitrogen source composed of at least one unsubstituted or substituted amino acid; (ii) at least one phosphorus source, the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus ranging from 2 to 100, said additive being subjected to a treatment to make it oleophilic. The invention also concerns an additive in accordance with any of the foregoing claims for the biodegradation of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that biocompatible anionic polymers can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that anionic polymers effectively inhibit invasion of cells associated with detrimental healing processes, and in particular, that he effectiveness of an anionic polymer at inhibiting cell invasion correlates with the anionic charge density of the polymer. Thus the present invention provides a large number of materials for use in methods of inhibiting fibrosis and fibroblast invasion. Anionic polymers for use in the invention include but are not limited to natural proteoglycans, and the glycosaminoglycan moieties of proteoglycans. Additionally, anionic carbohydrates and other anionic polymers may be used. The anionic polymers dextran sulfate and pentosan polysulfate are preferred. In a more preferred embodiment, dextran sulfate, in which the sulfur content is greater than about 10% by weight, may be used.

Abstract: Endotoxin binding/neutralizing proteins capable of binding endotoxin in vivo, thereby neutralizing the toxic effect or bioactivity of endotoxin which are isolated from a horseshoe crab such as Limulus polyphemus, pharmaceutical compositions and pharmaceutical uses of the proteins, a method of purifying the proteins and an assay for endotoxin based on the proteins, are disclosed.