Abstract: Retrocyclin peptides are small antimicrobial agents with potent activity against bacteria and viruses. The peptides are nonhemolytic, and exhibit minimal in vitro cytotoxicity. A pharmaceutical composition comprising retrocyclin as an active agent is administered therapeutically to a patient suffering from a bacterial and/or viral infection, or to an individual facing exposure to a bacterial and/or viral infection, especially one caused by the HIV-1 retrovirus or other sexually-transmitted pathogens.

Abstract: The patient positioning kit described herein is a set of vinyl-coated polyurethane foam forms and storage unit. The kit functions to support injured patient extremities during specific surgical procedures. The kit may be tailored to certain surgical specialties such as orthopedic traumatology or orthopedic sports medicine. For the given surgical specialty, each kit is composed of foam forms specifically for the most often performed surgical procedures within that specialty. Each kit contains a significant variety of support pieces such that various patient sizes and extremity positions may be stabilized. Both arm and leg associated procedures are facilitated by component pieces of the patient positioning kit. The kit pieces are coated with a polymeric material that forms a protective shell that increases piece durability and reduces fluid uptake.

Abstract: An intramedullary catheter nail apparatus and method is disclosed that provides both the mechanical stabiliazation and therapeutic drug delivery needed to optimize long bone repair. In the preferred embodiment, the intramedullary catheter nail contains circular channels running along its length that have open communication with the outer surface of the nail, but are primarily receded within the nail. Enclosed in these channels are end-capped, catheter tubes with perforated regions mared with radiographically-visible rings. Once the nail is mechanically fixed within the repaired long bone, the catheter tubes are retracted the needed distance so as to position the perforated regions adjacent to the site of bone fracture or disease. Internal catheter tubes would preferably unite as exiting the nail. Catheter tubing would exit the patient's body through a subcutaneous port, thus allowing convenient and sterile connection to a pumping source of therapeutic agents, such as an infusion pump.

Abstract: A pressing tool for fastening a seal 6 in a groove 5 of a support body is a rotatable holder 12 carrying ball rollers 22. A lip 4 forms a wall of the groove 5. The ball rollers are moved in a circular path along the lip 4 to press the lip 4 so as to grip the seal 6 in the groove 5.