Abstract: A high internal phase emulsion composition comprising: a) at least three components; b) component A is a polymer, monomer or mixture thereof; c) component B is a polymer; d) component C is a compatiblizer; e) substantially no voids; and wherein the volume fraction of component A represents at least about 80% by volume of the total volume of components A, B and C; and wherein the volume fraction of component B represents less than about 20% by volume of the total volume of components A, B and C; and wherein at least two phases are formed, a phase containing a majority of component A is discrete and a phase containing a majority of component B is continuous.

Abstract: A method has been developed to detect the levels of apolipoproteins A-1 and B in saliva, which is correlated with the levels of HDL and LDL in serum, respectively. In unstimulated saliva, the ration of Apo A to Apo B is correlated with the ration of HDL to LDL in serum. Albumin can be used to normalize the sample for dilution. The high degree of correlation in combination with a simple, quick test that can be performed at the site of collection provides a cost effective, patient friendly means to monitor an individual's risk of heart disease. In the preferred embodiment, saliva production is stimulated by means such as breath mint or tart solution (such as lemon) and the effect of dilution controlled by reference to albumin.

Abstract: Microarray technology is a fast-growing field of biomedical research, aiming to investigate changes in molecular features of hundreds of genes. The multiple parallel processing of information generated from matrices of huge numbers of loci on a solid substrate has allowed the gathering of gene signatures defining specific biological states. A new approach has been developed to facilitate this process wherein genes of the same regulatory modality are selected. The transcriptional regulation of these genes is related to the same control element, the E-box, defined by the sequence CACGTG. PCR products of selected regions of all known genes either binding to this sequence or whose expression is dependent on this binding, as well as genes interacting with E-box-binding genes and control genes, are arrayed on a nylon membrane or other appropriate microchip susbstrate, which is then used as an E-box-specific microarray.

Abstract: Proton conducting membranes having improved resistance to methanol crossover are provided, along with methods for their manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric membranes are formed by (a) dissolving a polymer, preferably a polyphosphazene, in an organic solvent to form a polymer solution; (b) adding an oxyacid to the polymer solution; (c) optionally, adding water to the polymer solution, preferably in a molar ratio equivalent to the oxyacid; (d) optionally, concentrating the polymer solution; (e) casting the polymer solution on a casting surface, such as one formed of or coated with TEFLON™; and (f) removing the organic solvent, so as to form the polymeric membrane. A particularly useful application for these polymeric membranes is in fuel cells, such as those wherein methanol and oxygen are converted into electrical energy.

Abstract: A radiopaque brachytherapy seed for implantation into a subject includes a biocompatible component, a therapeutically active component including a non-radioactive drug, and a radiopaque marker. The biocompatible component is (a) physically associated with a therapeutically active component and (b) in contact with the radiopaque marker. The brachytherapy seed has a size and shape suitable for passing through the bore of a needle having an interior diameter of less than about 2.7 millimeters (10 gauge).

Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.

Abstract: Formulations have been developed for regional delivery of drugs, for example, into a cavity such as the pelvic region, peritoneal region, or directly on organs of interest. Regional delivery increases comfort and bioavailability of the drug, resulting in rapid and relatively high blood levels in the regions to be treated in the substantial absence of side effects due to the high levels required for efficacy following systemic delivery. In the preferred embodiment, these formulations consist of drug micro or nanoparticles, which may be formed of drug alone or in combination with an excipient or polymeric carrier. The excipient or polymer may be used to manipulate release rates and to increase adhesion to the affected region. The drug formulation can be applied as a dried powder, a liquid suspension or dispersion, or as a topical ointment, creme, lotion, foam or suppository.

Abstract: An optical filter including at least one multiport optical coupler formed on a gallium arsenide substrate, one connection port of the at least one multiport optical coupler receiving an input output signal, and another connection port of the at least one multiport optical coupler outputting a filtered optical signal and at least one electrically tunable optical resonator, formed on the gallium arsenide substrate and connected to at least one of the at least multiport optical coupler.

Abstract: A baby formula is provided having enzymes added to imitate the effect of those present in normal breast milk, aiding digestion of protein, carbohydrate (simple and complex sugars), and lipid. The enzymes are either of procaryotic or eucaryotic origin, isolated from fermentation broth or tissue, or expressed from recombinant gene sequences. The enzymes are provided in a form for addition to the formula prior to feeding the infant or at the time of feeding. In the preferred form, the enzymes are provided in a form that is stable to storage in the formula, but active when the formula reaches the portion of the gastrointestinal tract where the formula would normally be digested. In the most preferred embodiment, the enzymes are provided in a matrix with an enteric coating that releases the enzyme in the upper portion of the intestine. Depending on the formulation, proteases, carbohydrate degrading enzymes such as alpha-amylase, lactase, fructase, and sucrase, or lipases, are added to the formulation.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: It has been discovered that any RNA can be targeted for cleavage by RNAase P from eukaryotic cells, for example, human RNAase P, using a suitably designed oligoribonucleotide ("external guide sequence", or EGS) to form a hybrid with the target RNA, thereby creating a substrate for cleavage by RNAase P in vitro. The EGS hydrogen bonds to the targeted RNA to form a partial tRNA like structure including the aminoacyl acceptor stem, the T stem and loop, and part of the D stem. The most efficient EGS with human RNAase P is the EGS in which the anticodon stem and loop was deleted. Modifications can also be made within the T-loop. Methods are also disclosed to randomly select and to express a suitable EGS in vivo to make a selected RNA a target for cleavage by the host cell RNAase P, thus preventing expression of the function of the target RNA. The methods and compositions should be useful to prevent the expression of disease-causing genes in vivo.

Abstract: A system is described for the use of a ribozyme as a diagnostic tool for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid, protein, or other molecule, in which the formation of an active ribozyme and cleavage of an assayable marker is dependent on the presence or absence of the specific target molecule. The essential component is a ribozyme specifically but reversibly binding a selected target in combination with a labelled co-target, preferably immobilized on a support structure. When both the target and co-target are bound, the ribozyme cleaves the label from the co-target, which is then quantifiable. Since the ribozyme is reversibly bound by target and co-target, it can reassociate with additional co-target, cleaving more label, thereby amplifying the reaction signal.

Abstract: Compositions degrading by hydrolysis to release a bioactive compound having carboxylic acid moieties, which are organic acid anhydrides having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R' is a residue of a therapeutic bioactive compound, for example, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent; a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic; or bioactive compounds for non-therapeutic use, for example, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, antimicrobials, pesticides, pheromones, and fertilizers; m is an integer of between 1 and 3; and R is a carrier. The resulting mixed anhydrides are characterized by having between one and three drug molecules attached to a single carrier molecule. The prodrugs are highly susceptibility to hydrolytic degradation in a predictable and controlled fashion, have variable solubilities in water and lipids, with increased biomembrane transport, elicit a bio-affecting/pharmacological response, and are less irritating to topical and gastric or intestinal mucosal membranes.

Abstract: P-selectin has been demonstrated to bind primarily to a single major glycoprotein ligand on neutrophils and HL-60 cells, when assessed by blotting assays and by affinity chromatography of [.sup.3 H]glucosamine-labeled HL-60 cell extracts on immobilized P-selectin. This molecule was characterized and distinguished from other well-characterized neutrophil membrane proteins with similar apparent molecular mass. The purified ligand, or fragments thereof (including both the carbohydrate and protein components), or antibodies to the ligand, or fragments thereof, can be used as inhibitors of binding of P-selectin to cells.

Abstract: Described herein is a multi-functional polymeric material for use in inhibiting adhesion and immune recognition between cells and cells, cells and tissues, and tissues and tissues. One component of the polymeric material adsorbs well to cells or tissue, and the other component of the polymeric material does not adsorb well to tissues. A water-soluble polymer that does not bear charge (polynonion) is used as the non-binding component, and a water soluble polymer that is positively charged at physiological pH (polycation) is used as the tissue binding component. When the bi-functional polymeric material contacts a tissue, the tissue-binding component binds and thus immobilizes the attached non-binding component, which will then extend generally away from the tissue surface and sterically block the attachment of other tissues.

Abstract: Sympathetically maintained pain is treated topically by administering to the site where sympathetically maintained pain is present an .alpha.-adrenergic antagonist, .alpha.-1-adrenergic antagonist, .alpha.2 adrenergic agonist, or other drug that depletes or blocks synthesis of sympathetic norepinephrine. Examples demonstrate relief of pain by application of phentolamine or clonidine.

Abstract: A biologically active component of emu oil is disclosed which is useful in pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of inflammation of environmental and systemic origins. Pharmaceutical composition including emu oil and dermal transport enhancing compounds are also disclosed as useful topical anti-inflammatory treatments.

Abstract: Polymers more suitable for use in organ transplantation are formed by coupling biologically active moieties to the free amino groups of polymers formed by incorporation of .alpha. amino acids into polymers formed of alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic acids. In the preferred embodiment, the peptides are coupled to the free amino groups.

Abstract: A method and compositions is described for treating sexual impotence with an oral drug regimen amenable to once a day therapy. The method combines the administration of a non-selective alpha.sub.1 -alpha.sub.2 adrenergic blocking drug, such as dibenzyline, with that of a particular type of beta adrenergic blocking agent which also possesses vasodilator activity, such as labetalol, celiprolol, or carvedilol. The net effect is a reciprocally balanced autonomic blockade in which the reactive beta adrenergic activity induced by pure alpha blockade is blocked by the beta-blockade while the unopposed or reactive alpha adrenergic tone consequent to pure beta blocker therapy is blocked by the alpha blocker. Accordingly, while each drug given by itself, either the alpha adrenergic blocker or the vasodilating beta adrenergic blocker, produces no benefit or at times some small benefit, the combined therapy works for restoring or enabling sexual function.

Abstract: A novel 100 kDa protein from Drosophila melanogaster (dp100) that recognizes both mammalian epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin and insulin-related growth factors, and crossreacts with antisera against the human EGF receptor. The binding spectrum and relative binding affinities of dp100 for growth factors and hormones, related and unrelated to EGF or insulin, demonstrate that dp100 binds to insulin-like and EGF-like factors with dissociation constants ranging from 10.sup.31 6 M to 10.sup.-9 M. Dp100 binds to human synthetic transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and insulin-like growth factor-II with the highest affinity and, unlike the mammalian EGF receptor, has the unique ability to differentiate between EGF and TGF-alpha with a difference in affinity of three orders of magnitude. Further, dp100 is able to differentiate on the basis of binding affinity between native TGF-alpha, TGF-alpha that has been synthesized chemically and TGF-alpha that has been produced in E.