Abstract: The present invention provides a method to determine sperm activity comprising the steps of: (a) contacting an appropriate concentration of human zona pellucida protein 3 with an appropriate amount of sperm under conditions permitting the formation of a complex between the human zona pellucida protein 3 and the sperm; and (b) determining the complex formed. The invention further provides a method to determine sperm activity comprising the steps of (a) contacting an appropriate concentration of human zona pellucida protein 3 with an appropriate amount of sperm under conditions permitting an acrosome reaction to occur; and (b) determining the extent of the acrosome reaction.

Abstract: This invention provides organic biomolecule markers (e.g., proteins) useful for differentiating prostate cancer, prostate intraepithelial neoplasia or benign prostate hyperplasia, from a negative diagnosis (i.e. normal and benign prostate epithelial cells).

Abstract: Protein biomarkers that may advantageously be utilized in diagnosing prostate cancer, benign prostate hyperplasia or to make a negative diagnosis are described. Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, methods for aiding in, or otherwise making, a diagnosis of prostate cancer or benign prostate hyperplasia are provided. In one form of the invention, a method includes detecting various protein biomarkers of defined molecular weight and correlating the detection to a diagnosis of prostate cancer, benign prostate hyperplasia or to a negative diagnosis. In yet another aspect of the invention, kits are provided that may be utilized to detect the biomarkers described herein. In a further of the invention, methods of using a plurality of classifiers to make a probable diagnosis of prostate cancer of benign prostate hyperplasia are provided. In certain forms of the invention, the methods include use of a boosted decision tree analysis. Various computer readable media are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing recombinant human zona pellucida protein (“rhZP3”) and glycosylated peptide having biological activity of binding to human spermatozoa. A human ovarian cell line is used to produce rhZP3 having a glycosylation pattern required for full biological activity. Methods of determining useful peptides with binding activity for human sperm and their syntheses, as well as using such peptides and proteins in therapeutics and diagnostics are discussed.

Abstract: A system, method and medium for standardizing a manner of acquisition and display of ultrasound images. In one embodiment of the invention, a volumetric image of an organ is acquired in a standardized manner. Relationships such as formulas are utilized to automatically generate anatomical planes of interest within the volume that can be displayed independent of the user.

Abstract: A system, method and medium, for use in a medical-imaging environment, that acquires ultrasound image data for at least a portion of a body organ, utilizes data defining a reference plane for the body organ to define at least one other plane with respect to the reference plane, and displays ultrasound images corresponding to at least one of the reference plane and the data defining the at least one other plane.

Abstract: A microarray device for the analysis of biological samples is provided. The device includes a liquid permeable layer having a plurality of microregions, each including a plurality of probe-labeled microbeads embedded in the liquid permeable layer. The microbeads in a given microregion include a plurality of the same target probes on their surfaces. The target probes are capable of specifically binding to one or more particular target molecules (e.g., nucleic acid, polypeptide, small molecule antigen). The device typically has the capability of inducing a sample solution to move through the liquid permeable layer under the influence of an applied voltage. Kits which include the device and methods of simultaneously detecting a plurality of different target molecules in a sample solution are also provided.

Abstract: A method for intracellular electro-manipulation is provided. The method includes applying at least one ultrashort electric field pulse to target cells. The ultrashort electric field pulse has sufficient amplitude and duration to modify subcellular structures in the target cells and does not exceed the breakdown field of the medium containing the target cells. The amplitude and duration of the ultrashort electric field pulse are typically insufficient to substantially alter permeability of the surface membranes of the target cells, e.g., by irreversibly disrupting the cell surface membranes. An apparatus for intracellular electro-manipulation is also provided. The apparatus includes a pulse generator capable of producing an ultrashort electric pulse output and a delivery system capable of directing the electric pulse output to target cells.

Abstract: Mono- and di-iodinated nonoxynol-9-derivatives and methods for their use are disclosed.

Abstract: Mono- and di-iodinated nonoxynol-9-derivatives and methods for their use are disclosed.

Abstract: Derivatives useful in the protection of living organisms against damage due to free radical reactions derived from methoxypolyethylene glycols (MPEG), which are modified by chemically attaching chelating groups in an amide or amine linkage to the nonmethyl end of the polymer. Such chelating groups include ethylene-diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), and ethylene glycol aminoethyl ether tetraacetic acid (EGTA), and pharmacologically acceptable salts or esters thereof.

Abstract: Infection of human fibroblast cells with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes down regulation of cell surface expression of MHC class I. The present invention is directed to a mutant with a 9-kb deletion in the S component of the HCMV genome (including open reading frames IRS1-US9 and US11) which failed to down regulate class I heavy chains. By examining the phenotypes of mutants with smaller deletions with this portion of the HCMV genome, a 7-kb region containing at least 9 open reading frames was shown to contain the genes required for reduction in heavy chain expression. Furthermore, it was determined that two subregions (A and B) of the 7-kb region each contained genes which were sufficient to cause heavy chain down regulation. In subregion B, the US11 gene product is involved. It encodes a endoglycosidase H-sensitive glycoprotein which is intracytoplasmic, similar to the adenovirus type 2 E3-19K glycoprotein which inhibits surface expression of class I heavy chains.

Abstract: Infection of human fibroblast cells with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes down regulation of cell surface expression of MHC class I. The present invention is directed to a mutant with a 9-kb deletion in the S component of the HCMV genome (including open reading frames IRS1-US9 and US11) which failed to down regulate class I heavy chains. By examining the phenotypes of mutants with smaller deletions with this portion of the HCMV genome, a 7-kb region containing at least 9 open reading frames was shown to contain the genes required for reduction in heavy chain expression. Furthermore, it was determined that two subregions (A and B) of the 7-kb region each contained genes which were sufficient to cause heavy chain down regulation. In subregion B, the US11 gene product is involved. It encodes a endoglycosidase H-sensitive glycoprotein which is intracytoplasmic, similar to the adenovirus type 2 E3-19K glycoprotein which inhibits surface expression of class I heavy chains.

Abstract: Cellophane wrapping (CW) of hamster pancreas induces proliferation of duct epithelial cells followed by endocrine cell differentiation and islet neogenesis. Using the mRNA differential display technique a cDNA clone expressed in cellophane wrapped but not in control pancreata was identified. Using this cDNA as a probe, a cDNA library was screened and a gene not previously described was identified and named INGAP.

Abstract: Cellophane wrapping (CW) of hamster pancreas induces proliferation of duct epithelial cells followed by endocrine cell differentiation and islet neogenesis. Using the mRNA differential display technique a cDNA clone expressed in cellophane wrapped but not in control pancreata was identified. Using this cDNA as a probe, a cDNA library was screened and a gene not previously described was identified and named INGAP.

Abstract: Removal of the nucleotide sequence encoding the signal peptide from the INGAP coding sequence allows cultured cells to express substantial amounts of INGAP activity. Previous attempts have provided only low yields of INGAP, possibly because the signal sequence of INGAP is toxic to the cells.

Abstract: A method for preventing pregnancy in a mammal such as a human, by introducing into the reproductive tract of the mammal an effective contraceptive amount of beta-lactoglobulin, either alone or in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent.

Abstract: Lesions supplied by abnormal aggregations of vascular tissue or neovascular tissues are treated with photodynamic therapy by application of photosensitizing agent followed by precisely directed and calibrated laser activation to induce photothrombosis within target vascular tissue. The treatment forms a blood clot within the supply vessels thereby reducing the blood supply to the target lesion. Treated tissues atrophy or recede with low regrowth of vessels. The lower energy levels required significantly reduce damage to the surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A topical gel formulation containing aminocaproic acid prevents secondary hemorrhage following hyphema without the adverse side effects associated with systemically delivered aminocaproic acid. Of ten human patients treated with the formulation, none have experienced a secondary hemorrhage and none have experienced adverse side effects. The topical gel formulation is prepared by a process which ensures sterility, a pH compatible with conditions in the aqueous humor, and optimum consistency. A permeation enhancer such as proparacaine can be incorporated into the gel during formulation and be used to enhance the transport of aminocaproic acid across the corneal epithelium.

Abstract: Cellophane wrapping (CW) of hamster pancreas induces proliferation of duct epithelial cells followed by endocrine cell differentiation and islet neogenesis. Using the mRNA differential display technique a cDNA clone expressed in cellophane wrapped but not in control pancreata was identified. Using this cDNA as a probe, a cDNA library was screened and a gene not previously described was identified and named INGAP.