Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for synthesis of well-defined conjugates of peptides to the tolerogenic polymer monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This method results in the preparation of conjugates in which one molecule of tolerogenic polymer is specifically coupled to one or the other or both of the termini of an otherwise unaltered peptide molecule. A synthetic peptide synthesized using this method and corresponding to a myasthenogenic region of an acetylcholine receptor was conjugated to monomethoxypolyethylene glycol. Injection of animals with the mPEG-conjugate and subsequent immunization with whole receptor suppressed the development of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) by electrophysiological criteria. Specifically-conjugated, tolerogenic peptides are also disclosed for diseases as diverse as ragweed pollen allergy and Grave's disease.

Abstract: Pepzymes, chemically synthesized cyclic peptides, modeled on lysozyme and ribonuclease have been prepared which efficiently catalyze the same reaction as the native enzyme being modeled. The synthetic pepzymes have a sequence of amino acids which is substantially shorter than the naturally occurring enzymes. Methods of producing these pepzymes are described. Pepzymes may be useful catalysts under conditions where the native enzymes are inactive.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved stimulation electrode for cardiac pacing and defibrillating, methods of manufacturing same, and methods of using same. Specifically, the electrodes of the invention by virtue of the methods of manufacturing and using, demonstrate improved capabilities of stimulating and sensing neuromuscular tissues. The electrodes have enhanced electrically-accessible surface areas which are coated with oxides of valve metals.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making an improved stimulation electrode for cardiac pacing and defibrillating. Specifically, the electrodes of the invention by virtue of the methods of manufacturing and using, demonstrate improved capabilities of stimulating and sensing neuromuscular tissues. The electrodes have enhanced electrically-accessible surface areas which are coated with oxides of valve and noble metals.

Abstract: A nucleic acid transporter to deliver a nucleic acids into cells, comprising a cationic compound having a cationic head group for binding the nucleic acid and a lipid tail for association with the membrane. A cationic compound usually is a polyamine or a short basic peptide. The lipid tail is usually selected from the group consisting of plant steroid, animal steroid, isoprenoid compound, aliphatic lipid, pore forming protein, pore forming peptides and fusogenic peptides. The cationic head and the lipid tail are linked through a carbamate linkage. When polyamine is used, it is preferably either spermidine or spermine and the nucleic acid can be any of a variety, including triplex forming oligonucleotides, antisense oligonucleotide, aptamers, ribozymes, plasmids and DNA for gene therapy. Also described is a method for treating individuals using the transporter linked to a therapeutic nucleic acid.

Abstract: Methods, circuits and devices useful for maximizing the likelihood of successful defibrillation or cardioversion using an automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator ("AICD") system are provided which are capable of monitoring the impedance of AICDs for purposes of detecting lead malfunctions. After detection of a lead malfunction, the methods, circuits and devices are capable of connecting or disconnecting leads and electrodes to maximize the likelihood of effective cardioversion and defibrillation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel antibodies, in particular monoclonal and single chain antibodies derived therefrom which specifically bind to erbB-2, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic uses thereof. The present invention also relates to a combination of at least two erbB-2 specific antibodies which are capable of preventing and treating human malignancies wherein the malignant cells overexpress gp185.sup.erbB-2. The monoclonal antibodies of the combination preferably recognize different epitopes of the gp185 expression product of erbB-2, therefore, the antibodies do not cross react with each other. Preferably, the combination will provide for synergistic decrease in the expression of the erbB-2 gene product.

Abstract: A method and compositions for treating viral infection in vitro and in vivo using a guanosine-rich oligonucleotides. The oligonucleotides are composed of at least about 50% guanosine nucleotides. Also provided are guanosine-rich oligonucleotides and methods for treating viral infections in humans, and a method for designing guanosine-rich oligonucleotides having anti-viral activity.