Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assessing impairment of blood circulation of a patient by measurement of PCO.sub.2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) in the upper digestive/respiratory tract of the patient. The method includes introducing a CO.sub.2 sensor into the mouth-nose area and against a mucosal surface. In one example, the sensor is placed under the tongue, in the manner of an oral thermometer, and sublingual (under the tongue) measurements of CO.sub.2 are taken. This allows for the triage of patients or victims in emergency of disaster settings. The measurement involves minimal invasion while avoiding false readings. For monitoring of more than about one or two minutes, holders are used to hold the CO.sub.2 sensor instrument stabily in the mouth or nose, and to isolate the mucosal area immediately around the CO.sub.2 sensor from air flow that could carry away CO.sub.2, while maintaining high humidity.

Abstract: Novel anti-estrogenic compounds are provided which are useful to treat a variety of disorders, particularly estrogen-dependent disorders. Preferred compounds have a 1,3,5-estratriene nucleus, and are substituted at the C-17 or C-11 position with a molecular moiety which renders the compounds effective to competitively block the binding of estrogen to its receptor. Particularly preferred compounds are 17-desoxy-1,3,5-estratrienes. Therapeutic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided as well.

Abstract: The subjects of this invention are pharmaceutical compositions that comprise gallium complexes of 3-hydroxy-4-pyrones. The compositions have been developed to provide pharmaceutically acceptable gallium bioavailability together with low toxicity, particularly for oral administration. Compositions included in this invention should be useful in providing gallium to humans and other animals for a wide variety of medical and veterinary applications, including the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of certain bone diseases, certain cancers, and certain disorders of calcium homeostasis.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing metallocene compounds useful as polymerization catalysts and the like. The method involves (a) preparation of an amino alcohol-derived ligand by reacting a silane reactant with an amino alcohol in the presence of base, followed by (b) metallation of the ligand so provided. The metallocenes may be provided in chiral form when the amino alcohol contains an asymmetric center, and are thus useful in catalyzing stereospecific polymerization and other stereospecific bond formation reactions.

Abstract: Novel compounds useful as inhibitors of estrone sulfatase are provided. The compounds have the structural formula (I) wherein r1 is an optional double bond, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alky, or together form a cyclic substituent (II) ##STR1## wherein Q is NH, O or CH.sub.2, and the other various substituents are as defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using the compounds of formula (I) to treat estrogen-dependent disorders are provided as well.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating erectile dysfunction in a mammalian male individual. The method involves the local administration of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, amide or derivative thereof within the context of an effective dosing regimen. A preferred mode of administration is transurethral. Pharmaceutical formulations and kits are provided as well.

Abstract: A method for preventing or treating restenosis and for preventing the recurrence or progression of coronary heart disease is provided. The method involves administration of a selected active agent to a patient following coronary intervention, e.g., coronary artery bypass surgery, endarterectomy, heart transplantation, heart balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, laser ablation or endovascular stenting. The active agent comprises cis-resveratrol, trans-resveratrol, a mixture thereof, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, ester, amide, prodrug or analog thereof. Administration may be oral, parenteral, or the like. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in conjunction with the therapeutic method are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that comprise gallium complexes of 3-hydroxy-4-pyrones. These compositions provide enhanced gallium bioavailability particularly when orally administered as compared to the gallium bioavailability achieved by use of pharmaceutical compositions containing gallium salts. Compositions included in this invention are useful in providing gallium to humans and other mammals for a wide variety of medical and veterinary applications, including the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of hypercalcemia, certain cancers, certain disorders of calcium homeostasis, and certain bone diseases including osteoporosis, osteopenia, and Paget's disease.

Abstract: Novel methods for the preparation of polymers useful as precursors to ceramic materials by catalytic activation of Si--H bonds are disclosed. The methods comprise reacting, in the presence of a catalyst effective to activate Si--H bonds, Si--N bonds, or both, and/or a reactive solvent, a polymer in the form of a polysilane, polysilazane, polysiloxane or polycarbosilane with a reactant having the structural formula R--X--H, wherein X is NR' or O, R is H, organic, silyl, siloxyl, silazanyl or carbosilyl and may contain at least one additional X--H group, and R' is H, amino, silyl or silazanyl, to produce a modified polymer containing at least one Si--X bond. Polymers produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing polymer compositions which are multimodal in nature. The process involves contacting, under polymerization conditions, a selected addition polymerizable monomer with a metallocene catalyst having two or more distinct and chemically different active sites, and a catalyst activator.

Abstract: Novel devices for providing shielding from and absorption of broadband electromagnetic radiation, and methods of manufacturing and using these devices, are disclosed. The device is comprised of a perforated electrical absorbing layer, containing conductive polymers, laminated to a metal plate. Additional layers may be incorporated into the device including one or more additional layers of electrical absorbing layers, magnetic absorbing layers and impedance matching layers.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating sensors used to analyze characteristics of physiologic fluids such as blood. The method involves the use of a sensor assembly having an analyte-responsive sensor in communication with a passageway which is in divertable fluid communication with a physiologic line and a conduit by which a reference sample may be introduced into the passageway. The method involves exposing the sensor to the reference sample, thereby producing a sensor response. The method also allows performing quality control on the sensors. Also provided is an apparatus with which the claimed method may be practiced.

Abstract: A disinfectant and cleansing composition is provided in the form of an extruded solid. The active agent in the composition is a halogen-releasing agent such as a halogenated 5,5-dialylhydantoin. An inert binder such as a fatty acid salt or a hectoritic clay is used to enable manufacture of the composition using an extrusion process. Fragrance, colorants, and other pressure-sensitive materials may be included; fragrance and colorants are preferably incorporated in encapsulated form. Methods for manufacturing the compositions are also provided, as are methods for using the compositions in sanitizing water, particularly in disinfecting and cleansing flush toilets.

Abstract: A method for treating peripheral vascular disease (PVD), related vascular diseases, and vascular impotence associated with such diseases, is provided. The method involves transurethral administration of a pharmaceutical formulation containing a selected vasoactive agent within the context of an effective dosing regimen. Preferred vasoactive agents are vasodilating agents selected from the group consisting of naturally occurring prostaglandins, synthetic prostaglandin derivatives, and combinations thereof. The pharmaceutical formulations used in conjunction with the novel method may also contain enzyme inhibitors, transurethral permeation enhancers, carriers, preservatives, surfactants, and the like. Kits and pharmaceutical formulations are provided as well.

Abstract: Surfaces of various types of substrates, including glass, ceramics, metals and fabrics, are rendered thermally stable by treatment with a silicon-containing polymer which may be a polysilazane, a polysiloxane, or a polysiloxazane. Curing the polymer in an atmosphere which contains an oxygen donor additionally renders the substrate surface nonwetting.