Abstract: A blood clot filtering system including an anchor which is permanently affixed in a blood vessel, and a filter which is removably attached to the anchor.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treatment of patients suffering from accumulation of a metabolite within macrophages, such as in lysosomal storage diseases. The methods comprise treating the patient with a macrophage depleting amount of a bisphosphonate compound, such that apoptosis of macrophages is induced and the metabolite is released into circulation so that the metabolites may be eliminated from the patient. The methods may further include administration of a gene therapy vector for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases.

Abstract: A shelving system is provided which includes a polygonal shelf assembly, shelf supporting assemblies and post. The polygonal shelf assembly includes at least three bracket receiving sections. At least three shelf supporting assemblies are provided for supporting the polygonal shelf assembly. At least three posts are provided for releasably coupling to the at least three shelf supporting assemblies for supporting a polygonal shelf assembly. Each of the shelf supporting assemblies includes a collar and a support bracket. The support brackets have a shelf receiving section. When assembled, each of the collars are frictionally coupled to the at least three posts and each of the support brackets are frictionally engaged to the collars. The at least three bracket receiving sections of the polygonal shelf assemblies are then releasably coupled to the shelf receiving sections of the support brackets to form a shelving system that may be easily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: Transition metal ions enhance the ability of the body to increase vascularization, particularly for revascularizing damaged tissues, apparently because they enhance expression of the vegF gene, so as to increase VEGF levels. According, hypoxic tissue damage can be treated or prophylactically reduced by administering a composition comprising a transition metal ion capable of stimulating vascularization. Treatment can be accomplished using compositions of matter which include a transition metal ion in a sterile, biologically compatible carrier, packaged as a unit dosage effective to increase vascularization in hypoxic tissue. For systemic administration, the transition metal ion is formulated at a concentration that is non-toxic and ineffective to increase vascularization in non-hypoxic tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is an in-vitro blood assay method for determining the past and/or present use of exogenous erythropoietin by a living subject. The blood assay method detects, identifies, and determines the consequences of using an exogenous erythropoietin to generate an increase in red blood cell production in the living subject and provides a methodology by which to detect and determine both surreptitious as well as authorized therapeutic uses and applications of erythropoietin.

Abstract: An improved valve cutter for in-situ incision of valve leaflets which safely, efficiently, and consistently renders venous valves incompetent while minimizing frictional forces on the endothelium of the vessel and preventing inadvertent contact between cutting surfaces and the intima of the vein wall. The valve cutter includes a plurality of proximally directed prongs presenting sharp edges, where the prongs are separated by slots similarly presenting sharp edges to pierce the valve leaflets so that the cutting head is provided with a continuous cutting surface in multiple planes running along the entire forward edge of the cutting head.

Abstract: Improved method and means for the detection of nitrogenous material or assaying of nitrogenous material in an object on the basis of nuclear resonant attenuation of 9.17 MeV .gamma.-rays. A target in form of one or several .sup.13 C pellets at least 25.mu. thick, or alternatively in form of a body that bears a composite thin film including at least one .sup.13 C layer not more than 1.mu. thick and at least one other substance that is capable of generating supplementary .gamma.-radiation for determining the non-resonant component of attenuation, is bombarded with 1.75 MeV protons to produce a source of 9.17 MeV .gamma.-rays. The target is placed on one side of the inspected object and a .gamma.-ray detector or an array of such detectors is placed on the other side and the total and non-resonant attenuation are read and evaluated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the administration of Interleukin 6 for the purpose of enhancing endogenous erythropoietin levels in vitro and in vivo. The invention further encompasses methods of treatment of disorders characterized by, or including, erythropoietin deficiency. Such disorders include the anemias of chronic inflammation, renal failure, AIDS, and malignancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved environmental strip curtain system which allows for easy installation, removal, replacement and adjustment of the plastic strips. The environmental strip curtain system includes a curtain-holding apparatus and a plurality of flexible, transparent strips. The curtain-holding apparatus includes a bar which can be mounted above an opening and a plurality of pegs spaced equidistance from each other. Each peg includes a leg extending substantially perpendicularly from said bar, and a foot spaced from the bar and mounted to the leg so that each foot is substantially perpendicular to the leg. The strips have multiple holes near the top of each strip which are spaced the same distance from each other as the distance between the pegs. Thus, the strips may be removably suspended from the curtain-holding apparatus to create a barrier over the opening.

Abstract: A method for the detection of a nitrogenous explosive material in an object is provided which makes use of nuclear resonance absorption. The object to be tested is placed between a 9.17 MeV .gamma.-rays source and an .gamma.-rays detector holding a nitrogen medium. The total and the non-resonant attenuation of the .gamma.-rays flux is read by the detector and fed into a recorder. From the measured attenuation the net non-resonant attenuation is calculated and the amount of a nitrogenous explosive present in the object is determined therefrom.Also provided by the invention is a system for detecting a nitrogenous explosive in an object.