Abstract: A dipeptide antigen determinant is disclosed where haptenic Cit and Cys residues are connected by means of a peptide bond having the formula III: where A is —NH2, B is —O—, D is —NH—, F is —NHCO—, or —NR—, where R is hydrogen or acyl, G is —CONH—, or —COOR, wherein R is alkyl, E is (CH2)n?, wherein n? is an integer from 1 to 6, S is —SH, or —SS—, on the condition that free thiol (SH) of Cys is crosslinked by a disulfide bond to another Cys. The antigen determinant reacts sensitively and specifically with serum autoantibodies present in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which is useful for diagnosing or treating RA.

Abstract: A water or liquid substance filtration device is disclosed which removes microorganisms and organic contamination and sterilizes the containers and water lines after the unit. The unit is portable, or can be mounted stationary. The unit has a five-stage filtration and sterilization system controlled by an independent onboard computer system that can link to a central computer system to keep track of all independent units. The unit will physically filter out of the water contaminants that can be reused, destroyed, or flushed down a safe drain. It can also be modified to filter for a certain size of particulate, making recovery of certain substances possible. The unit has a self-diagnostic system that can determine if the unit is operating properly and can shut down a part thereof if one of the capillary units fails. The system is hydrophilic, can run at low pressures and can be designed from low to extremely high volumes. The unit uses ozone to disinfect containers and water lines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards various topical protective formulations which may be used as an adjunct in preventing the spread of a broad range of sexually transmitted diseases. The product is intended to be used as a topical lotion, cream, emulsion, or the like. The film forming excipients and active ingredients in the following formulations have demonstrated unique skin protective barrier properties with enhanced persistence that inhibits transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.