Abstract: A method of inhibiting, moderating or diagnosing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is disclosed. In one embodiment, this method comprises inoculating a patient with an effective amount of PcrV antigen.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided articles for use in non-invasive measurements of nitric oxide levels in a variety of fluid media, e.g., in mammalian body fluids. Articles according to the present invention comprise a nitric oxide trapping agent contained within a vessel, wherein the vessel comprises a semi-permeable membrane. Nitric oxide diffuses through the semi-permeable membrane and is trapped therein for subsequent quantitative analysis. Articles of the present invention are particularly useful in selectively detecting nitric oxide in the presence of other NOx species.

Abstract: A local head coil for an MRI system includes a passive shim assembly having ferroshims placed to reduce B0 field inhomogeneities caused by susceptibility effects in the subject being imaged. A prescan is performed with the subject in place to measure B0 field inhomogeneities and the passive shim assembly is tailored to the subject by attaching ferroshim inserts based on these measurements.

Abstract: A method for oral treatment of patients using different types of drugs that are not usually transported to circulation, if administered orally, is disclosed. Because the TC II-Cbl complex is stable to acid and proteolytic enzymes both outside and inside the intestinal absorptive cells, the method consists of oral administration of a drug bound to TC II-Cbl complex. In addition, the method can also be used for delivering Cbl to a large number of patients who do not absorb Cbl due to a variety of causes such as surgery of their stomach (ulcers) or of their terminal ileum (Crohn's disease).

Abstract: A method for evaluating a sample for the presence or absence of multiple virus infections is disclosed. In one embodiment, this method comprises the step of evaluating a biological sample for nucleic acid sequences complementary to nucleotide primers and probes derived from the sequences of human parainfluenza virus 1, 2 and 3, respiratory syncytial virus A and B and influenza virus, A and B. In another embodiment, the invention is an improved PCR method.

Abstract: We have cloned and sequenced the cDNA encoding the 61 kD active fragment of a unique porcine chondrocyte nucleotide pyrophosphohydrolase (NTPPHase) from a porcine chondrocyte library. Degenerate oligonucleotides, corresponding to the N-terminal amino acid sequence of this peptide were hybridized to porcine chondrocyte cDNA and used to amplify DNA encoding the N-terminal sequence of 61 kD with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were then used as probes to clone the entire open reading-frame for the 61 kD fragment from a porcine chondrocyte cDNA library. The length of the cloned cDNA was 2509 bp. Translation of the open-reading-frame predicts the 61 kD fragment to be a 459 amino acid protein. BLAST and FASTA analysis confirmed that this amino acid sequence was unique and did not possess high homology to any known proteins in the non-redundant protein data base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of stimulating the proliferation of natural killer cells with in vitro IL-16. A mixed lymphocyte cell population which contains natural killer cells can be nylon wool-purified, and cultured in the presence of an effective amount of IL-16 to stimulate the proliferation of natural killer cells. Effective concentrations of IL-16 which enhance the proliferation of natural killer cells range from 1 ng/ml to 1000 ng/ml. Both the full length IL-16 protein or the naturally occurring carboxy terminal-truncated form of IL-16 are suitable for stimulating the proliferation of the natural killer cells. The IL-16 induced proliferation results in at least a five-fold enrichment of natural killer cells, and the natural killer cells can be subsequently isolated from the mixed lymphocyte culture.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the in vivo reduction of nitric oxide levels in a mammalian subject. In contrast to the inhibitory approach described in the prior art (i.e., wherein the function of the enzymes responsible for nitric oxide production is inhibited), the present invention employs a scavenging approach whereby overproduced nitric oxide is bound in vivo to a suitable nitric oxide scavenger. The resulting complex renders the nitric oxide harmless, and is eventually excreted in the urine of the host. An exemplary nitric oxide scavenger contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention is a dithiocarbamate-ferrous iron complex. This complex binds to .NO, forming a stable, water-soluble NO-containing complex having a characteristic three-line spectrum (indicative of a mononitrosyl-Fe complex) which can readily be detected at ambient temperatures by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method of detecting cone-photoreceptor-based vision disorders is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of examining the amino acid sequences of a patient's L or M photopigments and correlating the amino acid combinations associated with vision disorder.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the in vivo reduction of nitric oxide levels in a mammalian subject. In contrast to the inhibitory approach described in the prior art (i.e., wherein the function of the enzymes responsible for nitric oxide production is inhibited), the present invention employs a scavenging approach whereby overproduced nitric oxide is bound in vivo to a suitable nitric oxide scavenger. The resulting complex renders the nitric oxide harmless, and is eventually excreted in the urine of the host. Further in accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and formulations useful for carrying out the above-described methods. An exemplary nitric oxide scavenger contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention is a dithiocarbamate-ferrous iron complex. The present invention relates to methods for reducing in vivo levels of .multidot.NO as a means of treating subjects afflicted with inflammatory and/or infectious disease.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for evaluating a biological sample for the presence or absence of human parainfluenza virus 1 (HPIV-1) infection and for the quantitation of HPIV-1. This method comprises the steps of isolating RNA from a biological sample, creating cDNA from the isolated RNA, exposing the cDNA to a pair of oligonucleotide primers selected from sequences from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-9 and inverse complements of SEQ ID NOs:1-9 under conditions in the which the primers will amplify a human parainfluenza-1 sequence if the human parainfluenza-1 virus is present, and determining whether the amplified sequence is present by EHA. The present invention is also a kit for the detection and quantitation of parainfluenza virus 1 and a kit for the detection of parainfluenza virus-1, 2 and 3 genomic RNA.

Abstract: A method of preparing recombinant ubiquitin cross-reactive protein (UCRP) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of purifying UCRP from a host cell in the presence of a cobalt or Group IIb metal, wherein the cobalt or Group IIb metal prevents proteolytic inactivation of UCRP occurring by cleavage of the UCRP carboxyl terminal glycine dipeptide. In another embodiment the method comprises purifying UCRP comprising an additional arginine or lysine residue at the carboxy terminal. A preparation of UCRP with an additional arginine residue at the carboxy terminus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A preparation of recombinant 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase is disclosed, wherein the preparation has at least 0.024 unitsg specific activity. Preferably, the preparation has at least 0.24 units/mg specific activity and is a crude cell extract. Preferably, at least 90% of the synthase molecules have not been substantially proteolytically cleaved. A preparation of recombinant HMG-CoA synthase wherein the preparation retains 50% activity after storage at 4.degree. C. for six months is also disclosed. A method of evaluating the efficacy of candidate anti-isoprene and anti-cholesterol drugs is also disclosed which comprises exposing the candidate drug to a recombinant 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA synthase preparation.

Abstract: An EPI pulse sequence is performed by an NMR system which acquires 128 images of the brain over a time interval during which the subject performs a function or is stimulated. The acquired time course NMR data is displayed in different ways for analysis. Four different methods for producing brain function images from the NMR data are described.

Abstract: A genetic construct containing a coding region for exoenzyme S activity from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is disclosed. A essentially pure protein preparation of the 49 kDa form of exoenzyme S is also disclosed. The protein product of the genetic construct may be used to modify the RAS protein function in mammalian carcinomas, used as a vaccine, or used to diagnose Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an X-ray imaging system includes a cassette with a section for receiving a sheet of photographic film. An intensifier screen emits light upon being stuck by X-rays and is positioned within the cassette so that the light strikes the photographic film. A light sensor produces an electrical signal representing the intensity of light emitted by the intensifier screen and an electrometer integrates the signal. A first analog to digital converter produces a digital value that corresponds to the magnitude of the integrated signal. The digital value is recorded on the photographic film by a light emitting numerical display. A control circuit activates the numerical display after an X-ray exposure has terminated so that the value recorded on the film represents the magnitude of that exposure.

Abstract: A local RF and gradient coil for acquiring images of the human brain using fast NMR pulse sequences includes an end capped RF bird cage coil surrounded by a 3 axis gradient coil assembly. An RF shield is disposed between the RF coil and the gradient coils and it is divided into separate segments to reduce eddy currents induced by the changing gradient fields.

Abstract: A local RF and gradient coil for acquiring images of the human brain using fast NMR pulse sequences includes an end capped RF bird cage coil surrounded by a 3 axis gradient coil assembly. An RF shield is disposed between the RF coil and the gradient coils and it is divided into separate segments to reduce eddy currents induced by the changing gradient fields.

Abstract: A method of detecting nitric oxide in an aqueous body fluid of a mammal comprises introducing into the body fluid the agents required to form a water-soluble, stable, paramagnetic complex with nitric oxide and then subjecting the body fluid to magnetic resonance methods which can detect the complex to determine if any nitric oxide was present. A paramagnetic complex containing nitric oxide also is described, as well as, a method of diagnosing septic shock in a mammal by stabilizing and detecting the presence of nitric oxide in a body fluid of the mammal.

Abstract: A video system for use by a patient positioned in the bore of an MRI scanner includes a scope through which the patient can view a remote target area while a scan is being performed. A liquid crystal display system produces a color image at the target area which can be manipulated with a computer to perform MRI brain function experiments or tests.