Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric fatty body-pro-GRF analogs with increased biological potency, their application as anabolic agents and in the diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiencies. The chimeric fatty body-pro-GRF analogs include an hydrophobic moiety (tail), and can be prepared, either by anchoring one or several hydrophobic tails to the GRF, or by substituting one or several amino-acids by a pseudomicellar residue in the chemical synthesis of GRF. The GRF analogs of the present invention are biodegradable, non-immunogenic and exhibit an improved anabolic potency with a reduced dosage and prolonged activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for closing cutaneous wounds without sutures, which comprises a pair of three-dimensionally flexible strips adopted to be positioned on each side of a wound and formed of a plurality of laterally spaced apart elongated anchoring members extending side-by-side in succession and transversely of the wound and being interconnected in a three-dimensionally flexible manner to follow the lips of an open wound.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting the water lines of a dental unit is provided with first and second unidirectional check valves. Water at a first pressure is normally supplied to the water lines of the dental unit through the first check valve. A reservoir of liquid disinfectant can be pressurized at a second pressure higher than the first pressure by the air compressor already equipping the dental unit to supply disinfectant to the water lines of the dental unit through the second check valve. Liquid disinfectant is prevented from reaching the water supply line by the first check valve. In the same manner, when the reservoir is not pressurized, the second check valve prevents water from the water supply line from reaching the disinfectant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of porcine platelet-extract containing matured growth factors, which comprises the steps of: a) centrifuging whole porcine blood at about 1000 g to about 5000 g to isolate the platelets from the platelet-rich-plasma; b) resuspending the isolated platelets of step a) in Plasma-Lyte A and centrifuging to concentrate the platelets; c) washing the concentrated platelets of step b); d) lyophilizing the washed platelets of step c); whereby causing lysis of the platelets and producing the platelet extract in optimal amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a long-acting galenical formulation of GRF peptides, pro-GRF and/or analogs thereof which comprises about 1 to about 100 mg of a GRF peptide, fragment or analog thereof pressed from about 1 to about 100 kg/mm.sup.2 in a tablet for parenteral administration, whereby these GRF peptides are released as the tablet is eroded.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a biological substance with a substantially uniform quantity of radiation energy comprises a radiation-generating device for producing radiation energy, a support structure for receiving the biological substance, and a motorized mechanism for reciprocating the radiation-generating device along a given path whereby the biological substance receives radiation energy from the radiation-generating device at each passage of the radiation-generating device. A series of sensors lie into a given plane and are subjected to radiation energy from the radiation-generating device upon each passage of that radiation-generating device for sensing and measuring the quantity of radiation energy by surface unit passing through the given plane and reaching the biological substance. Finally the radiation-generating device and the motorized mechanism are de-energized when the measured quantity of radiation energy by surface unit has reached a predetermined value.

Abstract: The electronic stethoscope is designed to minimize the influence of the various types of noise while optimizing auscultation of the sounds of interest, and to enable a cardiologist to auscultate mechanical heart valves. It comprises a probe for sensing sounds of interest produced within a patient's body and for converting these sounds to an electric signal, and an audio amplifier and earphones for reproducing the sounds of interest in response to this electric signal.