Abstract: A highly sensitive method to detect melanoma micrometastasis by examining lymph nodes for the presence of tyrosinase messenger RNA. In a preferred mode, this is accomplished using the combination of reverse transcription and double round polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The amplified samples are examined on a 2% agarose gel and tyrosinase is seen as a 207 base pair fragment. The lymph nodes examined are determined using pre- and intra- operative node mapping.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating and preventing diseases, wherein at least one of the causes of the disease is .beta.-amyloid peptide induced change in free radical production resulting in vascular endothelial dysfunction and vasoactivity, by antagonizing vascular free radicals in excess of functional equilibrium.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a straight branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is hydrogen or methyl; and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, methyl or carboxyl; which is useful in the treatment of seizure disorders. Processes are disclosed for the preparation of the compound. Intermediates prepared during the synthesis of the compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal implant fixation assembly includes a bone fixation member, such as a screw or hook for fixation to a bone. A rod receiving seat is operatively connected to the bone fixation element for seating a portion of a rod therein. A locking mechanism, in the form of a nut and locking ring engage the rod receiving seat for forcing an inner wall of the rod receiving seat to contour around and engage the rod seated therein and for locking and fixing the rod relative to the inner housing. In one embodiment, the locking ring secures a head portion of the bone fixation element within the assembly. A method is also provided for locking the rod to a bone by fixing a rod seating member to a bone and seating a portion of a rod within a substantially U-shaped seat of the seating member. The rod is then locked within the U-shaped seating member while engaging and contouring at least a portion of the U-shaped seat about the rod.

Abstract: A lock unimolecular micelle includes at least one engineered acceptor specifically binding a ligand (or specifically a "key" unimolecular micelle) thereto. A key unimolecular micelle comprises a core molecule and a plurality of branches extending therefrom, at least one of the branches including a shank portion extending therefrom having a terminal moiety at an end thereof for binding to a complimentary acceptor of a lock unimolecular micelle. Together, the lock and key micelles form a unit, either irreversibly or reversibly bound wherein the lock micelles is a soluble receptor engineered to specifically bind to the specifically engineered key micelle.

Abstract: A synthetic nuclease resistant antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) capable of selectively modulating human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) production and a composition comprising at least one AS-ODN as an active ingredient. A nuclease resistant antisense targeted against the splice junction in the AChE mRNA post-splice message is disclosed. The synthetic nuclease resistant AS-ODNs are capable of selectively modulating human AChE production in the central nervous system or capable of selectively reducing human AChE deposition of the neuromuscular junction. The present invention also provides a method to restore balanced cholinergic signalling in the brain and spinal cord or reduce AChE in the neuromuscular junction in patients in need of such treatment by administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the synthetic nuclease resistant AS-ODN capable of selectively modulating human AChE production.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is hydrogen or methyl; and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, methyl or carboxyl; which is useful in the treatment of seizure disorders. Processes are disclosed for the preparation of the compound. Intermediates prepared during the synthesis of the compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: A synthetic nuclease resistant antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-OND) capable of selectively modulating human acetylcholinesterase production in the central nervous system is provided. In an embodiment the antisense oligodeoxynucleotide can be selected from5'ACGCTTTCTTGAGGC 3' SEQ ID No:1, or - 5'GGCACCCTGGGCAGC 3' SEQ ID No:2.The present invention also discloses a pharmaceutical or medical composition comprising as active ingredient at least one synthetic nuclease resistant antisense oligodeoxynucleotide capable of selectively modulating human acetylcholinesterase production in the central nervous system in a physiologically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: A non-invasive device for the quantitative determination of the level of dants and/or antioxidants in the skin of a subject includes a reference electrode and a working electrode which are connected to an electrical voltage measuring device; and a test solution container which is open at a bottom side thereof and which is placed on the skin of the subject and is sealingly but releasably affixed to the skin, is filled with a test solution, and which permits contact between the test solution and the skin. The test solution container further includes a top opening through which the electrodes are immersed in the test solution.

Abstract: A process for rendering hydrophilic a separation membrane having a hydrophobic matrix polymer comprises doping the membrane solvent system with a cyclic ester additive which is compatible with the matrix polymer and adding a wetting agnet additive, such that the resulting membrane is instantaneously wetted. The invention further relates to the membrne formed in accord with this process.

Abstract: A hydrodissection apparatus for treatment of the prostate of a patient using a moving apparatus for moving the prostate away from the adjacent rectum and using heat to heat the prostate while keeping the rectum protected from any damage that could be caused by the heat.

Abstract: A method for the identification of genes that are essential for the maintenance of specific cell phenotypes is disclosed. The method includes the initial step of identifying a cell type with a phenotype of interest. Gene inactivation is performed on an aliquot of cells of the cell type of interest. Positive selection is then performed to an aliquot of the cell culture to which gene inactivation has been applied. Cells which continue to maintain the phenotype following gene inactivation have not had the gene of interest inactivated whereas cells in which genes necessary for maintaining the phenotype have been inactivated have been lost. Utilizing subtraction analysis between treated and untreated aliquots the gene in the cells which has been inactivated that affects the phenotype of interest is identified. Genes that are identified by the method are also disclosed as well as antibodies directed against the gene product of the identified genes.

Abstract: A compound and method of making a compound for use as a diagnostic or therapeutic pharmaceutical comprises at least one functionalized hydroxyalkyl phosphine donor group and one or more sulfur or nitrogen donor and a metal combined with the ligand.

Abstract: A container bag having a base, side walls and lifting loops, the base having a reclosable bottom opening, characterised in that a liner is provided attached to the bag, the liner having a cone shaped lower portion. Preferably the liner is made from a lighter, and less expensive, material than the outer bag. Conveniently the liner is attached to the outer bag by means such as clips, adhesive or sewing, and may advantageously be sewn to the outer bag along the top thereof. Preferably the cone-shaped lower portion of the liner terminates in an opening which may be tied off, as is known in the FIBC art. The bottom closure of the outer bag may be a "petal" or "pyjama" closure, but advantageously is larger than may have been common hitherto. The cone-shaped lower portion of the liner will depend through the opening in the outer bag when the latter is untied.

Abstract: A controlled release delivery system includes a functional gene vector in a biodegradable polymeric microsphere encapsulating the vector. The present invention further provides a method of making a controlled release delivery system by encapsulating the functional gene vector in a biologically degradable polymeric microsphere.

Abstract: A synthetic nuclease resistant antisense oligodeoxynucleotide capable of selectively modulating expression of human tumor necrosis factor-alpha by targeting exon sequences flanking donor splice sites, thereby regulating expression of TNF-.alpha. in a patient in need of such therapy is provided. In an embodiment either AS-ODN having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID No:4 or SEQ ID No:6 or a combination thereof can be used. The AS-ODN is administered either as the active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition or by utilizing gene therapy techniques as an expression vector.

Abstract: A testing apparatus 10 having an absorbent matrix 12, including a membrane 14 which contains a plurality of counter-ions 16. Chromoionophore (or fluorionophore)s 18 and affinophores 22 compete to carry ions into the membrane 14 and neutralize the charge of the counter-ions 16. Biological recognition molecules 42 bind to a portion of the affinophores 22 and prevent them from entering the membrane 14, thereby allowing more chromoionophore (or fluorionophore)s 18 to enter the membrane 14. The portion of affinophores 22 bound to the biological recognition molecules 42 is inversely proportional to the amount or concentration of analyte 40 occurring within the solution or medium 30. The result of this is that the color of the membrane-covered matrix changes in a manner related to the concentration of the analyte. One application of this apparatus is a strip test for prediction of ovulation.

Abstract: A method for preserving meat and the meat processed thereby is disclosed. The method includes the steps of exposing raw meat to an atmosphere consisting essentially of carbon monoxide and maintaining the meat in a sealed container to maintain color and freshness while retarding bacterial growth.

Abstract: A method for removing arsenic species from an aqueous medium with modified zeolite minerals comprising providing an aqueous medium containing arsenic species in the form of both arsenate and arsenite, contacting the aqueous medium with an iron (II) laden zeolite mineral so that arsenic in the form of at least one of arsenate and arsenite contained in the aqueous medium can be adsorbed onto the iron (II) laden zeolite mineral forming an arsenic adsorbed iron (II) laden zeolite mineral, and separating the arsenic adsorbed iron (II) laden zeolite mineral from the aqueous medium.