Abstract: A gene encoding a leukocyte-derived growth factor (LDGF) has been isolated, cloned and sequenced. LDGF is believed to correspond to a PDGF-like monocyte-derived growth factor with chemotactic activity which is found in human wound fluid. Protease-resistant and other analogues of LDGF, as well as recombinant LDGF of native amino acid sequence, may now be produced by gene expression in transformed hosts.

Abstract: A method for detecting presence or absence of a nucleic acid of interest in fetal nucleic acid derived from a sample of peripheral blood obtained from a pregnant woman is described. The method involves obtaining a sample of peripheral blood from a pregnant woman, treating the sample of peripheral blood such that fetal nucleic acid present in fetal granulocytes is made available for detection and detecting presence or absence of a nucleic acid of interest in the available fetal nucleic acid. The proportion of fetal granulocytes present in the sample of peripheral blood can be increased relative to the sample of peripheral blood forming a sample enriched in fetal granulocytes prior to the detection step.

Abstract: Autoinducer molecules, e.g., N-(3-oxododecanoyl)homoserine lactone, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa are described. The molecules regulate gene expression in the bacterium. Therapeutic compositions and therapeutic methods involving analogs and/or inhibitors of the autoinducer molecules also are described. The molecules are useful for treating or preventing infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: Polyhalogenated biphenyl compounds can be degraded by white-rot fungus grown on a sugar beet pulp substrate. The method is useful for bioremediation of materials contaminated with polyhalogenated biphenyl compounds.

Abstract: A DNA element which was isolated from the upstream regulatory region of the CT/CGRP gene and which exhibits cell-specific enhancement of transcription is described. The enhancer activity of the element is further regulated by members of the superfamily of steroids and retinoids which increase or decrease transcription in a cell-specific manner. Methods of gene regulation and therapeutic uses involving the DNA element are also described. Furthermore, proteins which bind to the element and regulate transcription of genes under the control of the DNA element are also described. These proteins can be used for purposes of regulation of gene expression.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least one virulence-associated factor (VAF), e.g., a bacterial toxin, in a sample is described. The sample suspected of containing the VAF-producing bacteria is contacted with a VAF releasing solution under conditions which release VAF from the bacteria. The released VAF subsequently is immunochemically detected. The preferred method is a membrane-based enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for immunochemically detecting the well-characterized Shiga family toxins including SLT I and SLT II. Also described is the VAF releasing solution and a kit containing the reagents for conducting the described methods.

Abstract: A directly visualized method for deploying a detachable balloon to a target site in vivo is described. The method allows a physician or technician to deploy the detachable balloon to the target site while directly visualizing the detachment of the balloon and/or the effects of the detached balloon on the target site in vivo. The present invention alleviates problems associated with the use of indirect visualization techniques conventionally used for deploying such detachable balloons. The directly, visualized method of this invention includes the steps of providing a scope capable of directly visualizing a target site in vivo, passing a balloon catheter including an uninflated, detachable balloon through the lumen of a positioning element of the scope, and inflating and detaching the balloon at the target site in vivo.