Abstract:
The present invention provides a method of inhibiting tumor progression in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of a phospholipase C inhibitor. Also provided is a method of inhibiting metastasis in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of a phospholipase C inhibitor. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a phospholipase C inhibitor of tumor invasiveness and metastasis and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a phospholipase C inhibitor of tumor invasiveness and metastasis, an antineoplastic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method of stimulating expression of a functional full-length cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of an aminoglycoside. Also provided is a method of treating cystic fibrosis in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering to said individual a therapeutically effective dose of an aminoglycoside. Further provided is a method of screening for a drug useful in the treatment of an individual having cystic fibrosis, comprising the step of determining said drug's ability to suppress premature stop mutations in a model of cystic fibrosis and a method of pharmacologically suppressing premature stop mutations in an individual having such mutations, comprising the step of administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of an aminoglycoside.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a 5' flanking sequence of the human fas gene containing a promoter region. This sequence also contains at least three transcription initiation sites, as well as consensus sequences for AP-1, GF-1, NY-Y, CP-2, EB20, and c-myb. Also disclosed are methods of altering senescence of the immune system by modifying Fas activity in cells to increase or decrease apoptosis. Fas expression and function on T cells from old (22-26-month-old) mice is also compared to young (2-month-old) mice and old CD2-fas transgenic mice. Fas expression and ligand-induced apoptosis was decreased on T cells from old mice compared to young mice. In 26-month-old CD2-fas transgenic mice, Fas and CD44 expression, Fas-induced apoptosis, T cell proliferation and cytokine production were comparable to that of the young mice. These results suggest that T cell senescence with age is associated with defective apoptosis and that the CD2-fas transgene allows the maintenance of Fas apoptosis function and T cell function in aged mice comparable to that of young mice.
Abstract:
DNA fragments from Porphyromonas gingivalis which express hemagglutinin/proteases that elicit anti-P. gingivalis immunologic responses are described. Microorganisms, genetically modified to express P. gingivalis antigens, are provided. Also disclosed are probes, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies for the detection and prevention of periodontal disease.
Abstract:
A composition that expands against an exerted pressure, which comprises a polymeric material having an inverse temperature transition in the range of liquid water, wherein at least a fraction of the monomers in the polymer contain a hydrophobic group that is present in an amount sufficient to provide PdV/dS for the polymer of at least 0.2 DEG K. The composition can be used in a variety of different application to produce mechanical work or cause chemical changes in a sealed environment by varying the pressure on the composition, with the degree of mechanical or chemical change being controlled by selection of the number, hydrophobicity, and size of the hydrophobic group and the presence or absence of reactive functional groups in the polymer.
Abstract:
Compositions for reducing oxidative injury to an animal that includes a modified superoxide dismutase, wherein the modification comprises substituting a first amino acid residue located within 3-12 ANGSTROM of the active site of the superoxide dismutase with a second amino acid residue capable of reacting with a highly reactive nitrating species, such as nitronium ion, formed from the reaction of peroxynitrite and superoxide dismutase.
Abstract:
An electrode catheter is disclosed for creating a linear lesion in heart tissue of a heart chamber in order to correct cardiac arrhythmia. The catheter is elongated in dimension such that, upon insertion of the catheter in the patient, the catheter substantially continuously contacts either the endocardial or epicardial heart tissue. The catheter (12) includes a plurality of electrodes (14) and the electrodes are positioned at spaced intervals along the catheter (12). The electrodes are then sequentially energized with a radio frequency (20) in conjunction with a back plate (22) attached to the patient such that the electrodes form a continuous lesion conforming in shape to the shape of the catheter on the heart tissue. This lesion, furthermore, is of sufficient depth such that the lesion interrupts electrical nodal conduction across the lesion.
Abstract:
A cavity resonator is disclosed for use in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems. The resonator has a housing defining a cavity having a selected length and cross-sectional shape. A layer of electrically conductive material is provided around at least a portion of the housing enclosing a dielectric material (air, gasses, teflon, etc.) and the cavity is energized at a Larmor radio frequency useful for NMR systems. The cavity, i.e. a volume enclosed by conductive walls, furthermore, is dimensioned to resonate at the selected radio frequency to thereby generate an alternating magnetic field through the cavity. An opening in the housing is adapted to be placed adjacent an object to be analyzed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of increasing the absorption of a compound via the ocular, nasal, nasolacrimal or inhalation route into the circulatory system of a patient. In particular, a method comprising administering with the compound an absorption enhancer comprising a nontoxic, nonionic alkyl glycoside is provided. Additionally provided are methods of raising or lowering the blood glucose level by administering glucagon or insulin, respectively, with such absorption enhancers. Finally, compositions for raising or lowering the blood glucose level are provided.