Abstract: A murine anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody having cell growth inhibitory activities is disclosed. Cell growth inhibitory activities include apoptosis against human CD20 antigen expressing cells in culture of the CD20 antigen expressing cells without effector cells. The anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody is incorporated into chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in which the amino acid sequences of the variable regions of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and the amino acid sequences of the constant regions of human immunoglobulin are fused. Also a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody is described which includes all of the variable region CDRs of the H chain of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and all of the variable region CDRs of the L chain of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and an amino acid sequence of human immunoglobulin. A nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of the chimeric or humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody can be expressed in mammalian cells.

Abstract: A pulmonary function filter includes an adapter, which maybe resilient, allowing the filter to be used on a pulmonary function sensor having a different sized inlet. A pulmonary function sensor and filter combination can be joined by an adapter that may allow such sensor and filter to be joined even though they may have different sized inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a bladder element (10) which is at least partially filled with fluid, a belt-like element (12) which holds the bladder against the patient's abdomen with some pressure, and a pressure monitoring device (18) which is connected to the bladder (10) to detect changes in the pressure of the fluid in the bladder (10) as the abdomen hardens due to uterine contractions.

Abstract: An apparatus/method for measuring the volume of urine in a human bladder, including a scanhead and transceiver for transmitting a plurality of ultrasound signals (10, 24) into the bladder and for receiving the returning ultrasound signals (10,24). The apparatus further includes a signal processor for automatically processing the received signals (26), a digitizer for converting the analog signal into a series of digital data elements (28) and a CPU and signal processing software for processing the data elements (12,34) so as to determine the distance between the front and rear of the bladder or the area of the plane of the ultrasound signals, and for computing the volume of the bladder and hence the volume of urine in the bladder from the distance or area information (12, 34).

Abstract: The article includes a first vial (12) which is positioned within a second larger vial (32). The first vial (12) separately contains a first fluid, such as a first calibrating fluid, and the second vial (32) contains a second fluid, such as a second calibrating fluid. A stopper (18) seals the first vial (12) and holds a sensing portion (21) of the sensor in the first vial (12). The first vial (12) is released from the second vial (32) by activating a plunger (36).An encapsulation package (50) having first and second elements (51, 52) maintains the chemical sensor and a calibrating article or vessel in a sterile condition. The package includes a first cavity (54) which receives the calibrating vessel, the sensing portion of the sensor and a substantial portion of the sensor cable, and a second cavity (56) which receives the sensor connector. A passageway (58) connecting the two cavities (54, 56) is adapted to receive a portion of the sensor cable.

Abstract: A combined spiral EKG electrode and pH probe for use in monitoring a fetus during labor is described. The combined probe includes a spiral-shaped needle which acts as an EKG electrode and also houses a fiberoptic pH probe. Optical fibers and wires from the needle as well as from a reference electrode on the probe assembly are passed back through the cervix and vagina of a woman in order to provide simultaneous information as to both EKG and pH of the fetus during labor.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition suitable for extracorporeal treatment of whole blood comprises a dialyzable chemotherapeutic agent and a dialyzable fluorescable tracer means. The removal rate of the fluorescable tracer compound from treated blood during hemodialysis is a function of the removal rate of unreacted chemotherapeutic agent present. The residual chemotherapeutic agent concentration after hemodialysis is ascertained by measuring the concentration of the fluorescable tracer compound in a dialysate using fluorometric techniques.

Abstract: A doppler transducer which is particularly well adapted for use in fetal heartbeat measurements is comprised of a piston type transducer with a pair of lenses, which together provide both a divergent acoustic pattern and a flat surface for good acoustic coupling between the transducer and the mother's abdomen.

Abstract: An extracorporeal method is provided for the treatment of a disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms in the bloodstream in which blood is withdrawn from a patient and at least a fraction thereof is treated with a microorganism inactivator. Then, the inactivator and any endotoxins that may be present are removed from the blood or blood fraction, and the treated blood is returned to the patient. The method may also be used to prevent the transmission of pathogenic organisms from a blood donor to a transfusion recipient.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition suitable for extracorporeal treatment of whole blood comprises a dialyzable chemotherapeutic agent and a dialyzable fluorescable tracer means. The removal rate of the fluorescable tracer compound from treated blood during hemodialysis is a function of the removal rate of unreacted chemotherapeutic agent present. The residual chemotherapeutic agent concentration after hemodialysis is ascertained by measuring the concentration of the fluorescable tracer compound in a dialysate using fluorometric techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided suitable for use in draining liquid from inside the human body. The apparatus incorporates two reciprocating pumps and a pair of inlet and outlet valves driven by a common linkage system. One pump draws fluid from a reservoir of additive fluid and mixes the additive with the fluid drawn from the body by the second pump. The mixture is discharged to a common collection means. A pressure sensor terminates the pumping if the fluid pressure in the flow path joining the apparatus with the body becomes abnormal. The apparatus may be mounted externally on the body of the patient and may be driven by a portable source of power. Major components may be changed quickly and easily if the flow capacity is to be changed or if a component must be replaced.

Abstract: A reactor suitable for extracorporeal treatment of blood includes a conduit defining within itself a passage of generally circular cross section and wound in a plurality of concentric helices so as to generate a transverse double toroidal secondary fluid flow in a fluid passing through the conduit. A spacer means is provided about the conduit to separate adjacent helices and permit circulation of a heat transfer fluid around each helix of the conduit.