Abstract: A method of liposome-based therapy for a mammalian subject is disclosed. The method uses liposomes with outer surfaces that contain an affinity moiety effective to bind specifically to a biological surface at which the therapy is aimed, and a hydrophilic polymer coating effective to shield the affinity moiety from interaction with the target surface. The hydrophilic polymer coating is made up of polymer chains covalently linked to surface lipid components in the liposomes through releasable linkages. After a desired liposome biodistribution is achieved, a releasing agent is administered to cause cleaving of a substantial portion of the releasable linkages in the liposomes, to expose the affinity agent to the target surface.

Abstract: A method of treating cancer in a subject, by administering to the subject a combination of genes including wt p53, Pax5 and HSV-tk genes is disclosed. The method may involve subsequently treating the subject with ganciclovir.

Abstract: A unit cell for use in a medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed along with a description of a stent formed from a plurality of unit cells and for use in the treatment of restenosis or other vascular narrowing. The unit cell is designed and configured for uniform radial expansion with minimal axial shortening and recoil, and is selectively variable in flexibility and expendability.

Abstract: A method of preparing an aqueous suspension of organosilanized colloidal silica particles is disclosed. Such particles are used in a variety of applications including density gradient separation media, anti-abrasion coatings and toner materials. The disclosed process is environmentally safe and produces a product that is aqueous and non-toxic to most biological cells.

Abstract: A method of producing analgesia in nociceptive and neuropathic pain is disclosed. The method includes administering to a subject an omega conopeptide which is characterized by its ability to (a) inhibit electrically stimulated contraction of the guinea pig ileum, and (b) bind selectively to omega conopeptide MVIIA binding sites present in neuronal tissue. Also disclosed are novel omega conotoxin peptides effective in producing analgesia.

Abstract: A stent designed to be carried on the balloon of a balloon catheter to a target site is described. The stent is formed of a series of expandable, strip-like segments, each formed of a memory polymer and adapted for movement between a closed, high-curvature condition and an expanded, low-curvature condition upon exposure to a selected stimulus.

Abstract: A liposome composition containing an entrapped cisplatin compound is described. The liposomes have a surface coating of hydrophilic polymer chains on inner and outer surfaces and an entrapped cisplatin compound. The compound is entrapped with substantially greater retention in the liposomes, when compared to liposomes lacking the polymer coating. A method of preparing the composition is also described.

Abstract: Combinatorial libraries of different-sequence peptide members is disclosed. The libraries are comprised of stabilized, alpha-helical polypeptides having a similar tertiary structure but different amino acid residues at specific, "variable" positions in the sequence. The polypeptides are stabilized through coiled-coil interactions with other .alpha.-helical polypeptides and/or via intrahelical lactam bridges. Also disclosed are methods for using such libraries to screen for selected macromolecular ligands.