Abstract: Guanosine-rich oligonucleotides having sequences that favor the formation under physiological conditions of a stable four-stranded structure containing two stacked guanosine quartets (G4s) are disclosed. These oligonucleotides demonstrate enhanced nuclease resistance, cellular uptake and biological efficacy. Methods and composition for treating viral infection using these guanosine-rich oligonucleotides are also disclosed. Certain embodiments of the new oligonucleotides are 16-17 nucleotides long and contain at least one C-5 propynyl dU substitution. A method for designing anti-viral oligonucleotides is also disclosed.

Abstract: A recombinant adenoviral vector encoding the human tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) gene is disclosed which is useful for transduction of vascular smooth muscle cells at a selected blood vessel site to provide local vascular expression of TFPI. A method of using the transduced hTFPI cDNA as an in vivo antithrombotic agent to provide localized production of hTFPI for protecting an at-risk site against thrombus deposition is also disclosed. Gene therapy using the new TFPI expression vector is also expected to deter the development of chronic vascular stenosis in blood vessels (arteries, veins, arteriovenous shunts, and endovascular grafts) and deterring intimal hyperplasia.

Abstract: Methods for induction of E2F-1 related vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) death to limit vascular stenosis or restenosis, to regress atherosclerotic plaque and to prevent atherogenesis are disclosed. Also disclosed is an adenovirus vector containing the E2F-1 gene, and a method of transferring the gene to a vessel or graft. A method of limiting cell proliferation and/or reducing cell numbers includes transferring the E2F-1 gene into VSMC to achieve overexpression of E2F-1 gene product, which drives vascular cells into S-phase and thereby causes their subsequent death.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prosthetic knee devices providing for an expanded range of translational movement without substantially reducing the risk of inadvertent dislocation of the knee when implanted. The devices of the invention achieve the expanded range of motion without requiring a substantial posterioral shifting of the points of contact between the femoral and tibial components. The prostheses of the invention also reduce the risk of breakdown of the plastic components of the prosthesis and the underlying resectioned proximal tibia surface by providing an expanded, winged fixation post.

Abstract: Compositions of the current invention are directed toward inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, particularly fungi. The compositions consist of chemically-synthesized antibiotics comprising certain amino acids. Methods of identifying particular antibiotic compositions from libraries of such compositions are disclosed. In addition, methods for preventing microbial growth in plants and animals are disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable flexible plastic enema nozzle with self-adhesive securing means for convenient attachment to the patient's buttocks is disclosed. The securing means comprises an annular positioning collar disposed about the enema tip or tube. The positioning collar has an elongated self-adhesive plastic sheet with easily removable protective tabs covering the adhesive. In one embodiment of the invention the positioning collar is fixed near the distal end of the tube, while in another embodiment the positioning collar is slidable along the tube for adjusting the insertion length of the tube. The invention is particularly applicable to diagnostic enema procedures, such as barium enema for radiological examination, performed on infants, small children, the infirm and the elderly.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards peptidic compositions, methods, and diagnostic kits for the accurate and sensitive detection of human acetylcholine receptor (AChR) autoantibodies associated with the disease myasthenia gravis (MG). Eighteen synthetic overlapping oligopeptides encompassing the entire extracellular domain (residues .alpha.1-210) of the .alpha.-chain of human AChR and an additional peptide (residues .alpha.262-276) corresponding to the extracellular connection between the two transmembrane regions were prepared. The immunologic reactivity of these peptides against autoantibodies in the plasma of patients with MG was ascertained by solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Autoantibody responses were subjected to genetic regulation as indicated by the variation in recognition profiles from patient to patient. However, it was possible to detect AChR autoantibodies in a heterogenous patient population by employing a peptide mixture comprising at least four peptides (SEQ ID NOS. 8, 17, 18, and 23).

Abstract: A hand held carrier for transporting garments on clothes hangers is disclosed. The carrier is a single structure comprising a contoured handle, a textured post and a shield that houses a hanger port. Within the hanger port, hooks are compressed or bundled while being supported on a semi-circular support bar that orients the hangers substantially parallel to the user's arm when carried. The shielded hanger port serves to protect the user's hand from contact with the tips of the hanger hooks and deters accidental snagging and disengagement. The carrier includes a thumb hook receiver on the underside of the handle for supporting the device on a conventional automobile interior hook. The carrier also includes a centering notch to stabilize the device during loading and unloading when temporarily placed on a clothes rod.

Abstract: A method for extracting polyisoprenes from cells, comprising the steps of contacting the cells with an organic protein-denaturing compound, rupturing the cells to release the polyisoprene from the cells and recovering the polyisoprene. The preferred protein denaturing compound comprises an aqueous solution of a guanidine salt.