Abstract: The present invention provides an iontophoretic drug delivery device having electrode renewing features includes a housing having a first electrode, a second electrode, a circuit for providing electrical communication between the first and second electrodes. The circuit is capable of engaging a source of current. Control means is provided for effecting the amount of current passing between the electrodes. A removable electrolyte reservoir is capable of holding electrolyte and removably engaging the housing so that one of the electrodes can contact electrolyte contained within the reservoir. A removable active agent reservoir is capable of holding an active agent for iontophoretic delivery. The active agent reservoir is capable of removably engaging the housing so that the active agent contacts one of the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides radiation synovectomy compositions for treating inflamed synovium containing a radionuclide complex bound to a substantially insoluble particle as the radiolabelled synovectomy agent in a sufficient amount of provide satisfactory synovectomy of the inflamed synovium together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, the radionuclide being a beta emitter that will substantially ablate the inflamed synovium, but not significantly damage underlying articular cartilage, the radionuclide complex being substantially kinetically stable, and if said radionuclide or radionuclide complex leaks from said joint it will be excreted from the body, the agent having a particle size such that there is essentially little or no leakage of the radionuclide complex from the joint after administration.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for enhancing .sup.19 F magnetic resonance imaging which utilize trifluorometyl derivatives of iodinated X-ray contrast media. Typical magnetic resonance contrast media within the scope of the present invention include bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene derivatives, tris(trifluoromethyl)benzene derivatives, tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)benzene derivatives, and other related trifluoromethylated benzene derivatives.

Abstract: Novel magnetic resonance imaging agents comprise complexes of paramagnetic ions with hydrazide derivatives of polyaminocarboxylic acid chelating agents. These novel imaging agents are characterized by excellent NMR image-contrasting properties and by high solubilities in physiological solutions.A novel method of performing an NMR diagnostic procedure involves administering to a warm-blooded animal an effective amount of a complex as described above and then exposing the warm-blooded animal to an NMR imaging procedure, thereby imaging at least a portion of the body of the warm-blooded animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radiopharmaceutical products used in the treatment of thyroid diseases. In particular, the present invention relates to sodium iodide .sup.131 I capsules which have increased stability and lower volatility.The objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a .sup.131 I capsule having a matrix material and antioxidant additive combination which provides for increased stability and reduced volatility of the capsule.

Abstract: Amide-thiolate ligands having improved metal chelate formation kinetics are disclosed. The ligands include a tertiary amine strategically located to facilitate rapid formation of an amine-amide-thiolate intermediate complex, followed by transfer of the metal to a thermodynamically stable amide-thiolate complex. The amide-thiolate ligands of the present invention may be used for post formed labeling of biological substances for use in the fields of diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the stabilization of radiopharmaceutical preparations and to the stabilization of components of radiopharmaceutical kits. In particular, the present invention relates to stabilization of lyophilized components of radiopharmaceutical kits by the addition of a cyclic oligosaccharide, such as, a modified or unmodified cyclodextrin, to the kit.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing magnetic resonance imaging in at least a portion of a warm-blooded animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a radiolabelled technetium complex by bringing Tc-99m in the form of a pertechnetate solution in a complex-forming reaction with a compound of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 -R.sub.12 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, a carboxy group, or a carboxy(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl group;or whereinR.sub.1 +R.sub.2, R.sub.3 +R.sub.4, R.sub.5 +R.sub.6, R.sub.7 +R.sub.8, R.sub.9 +R.sub.10 and R.sub.11 +R.sub.12 each independently represent an oxo or imino function;and wherein furthermore:R.sub.13 is a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group or a carboxy(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl group;R.sub.14 is a hydrogen atom or an amino group; n is 0, 1 or 2;A represents an amino group or a mercapto group; andB represents a mercapto group, or a group of the general formula NH--Z--CO--NH--.sub.m Z--COOH, wherein:Z is an optionally substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reservoir for at least one capsule for oral administration which comprises a substance which is dangerous for the environment, in particular a radioactive composition, which reservoir can be enclosed within an at least substantially cylindrical shielding sleeve, has a closed bottom and can be closed at its open upper end by means of a cap, the reservoir internally comprising a plurality of longitudinal ribs. The reservoir is preferably constructed so that it is locked against rotation within the shielding sleeve. The invention further relates to a shielded holder comprising the last-mentioned locked reservoir and a shielding sleeve having a bottom portion with an internal cross-section which is triangular to dodecagonal or forms a segment of a circle.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid method for lysing Mycobacteria. In one embodiment is provided a method for lysing Mycobacteria which comprises exposing the bacteria to a lysis effective amount of the enzyme achromopeptidase.The method of the invention is particularly advantageous since only one step is involved, it is expedient compared to prior methods, and little instrumentation is necessary. By practicing the present invention it is possible to lyse Mycobacteria with minimal effort. In addition, practicing the invention results in liberating cellular components including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Mycobacteria. Not only is DNA liberated, but the DNA is suited for subsequent analysis by way of probe hybridization, restriction enzyme analysis, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to increased expression of HBcAg. Methods are disclosed which exhibit increased levels of expression of HBcAg. Increased levels of expression is also achieved by various modifications of the HBcAg sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to increased expression of HBcAg. DNA Sequences are disclosed which exhibit increased levels of expression of HBcAg. Increased levels of expression is also achieved by various modifications of the HBcAg sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to vectors and hosts with increased expression of HBcAg.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for obtaining blood from a patient which comprises:(a) iontophoretic delivery of a bacteriocidal effective amount of a bacteriocide through the patient's skin, and(b) obtaining blood through the skin at the site of the iontophoretic delivery.The invention is particularly advantages in reducing the effects of contaminants responsible for large numbers of false positives. This advantageous is beneficial not only to a patient who benefits from an accurate diagnosis, but is also beneficial economically by eliminating unnecessary hospital stays, testing, and consulting.

Abstract: A material and method are described to reduce the non-specific binding of a labelled material, wherein the labelled material comprises a fluorochrome and a specific binding pair member. The invention is particularlly suited to the lysis of peripheral blood wherein a labelled material is used to identify and detect cell populations within a sample of blood.

Abstract: A method for cleaning cellular contamination in a flow cytometer comprising the sequential use of a strong oxidizing solution, particle-free neutral pH fluid and a weak acid.

Abstract: Novel xanthene dyes are disclosed which excite in the range of 450-650 nm and which will emit to the red of fluoroscein. These dyes may be coupled to tagging agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, and used to detect cells in a sample.

Abstract: A method of recovering biologically active somatotropins which are produced as insoluble refractile bodies in transformed microorganisms which comprises dissolving refractile bodies in a denaturant and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, homogenizing, and diluting to fold.