Abstract: A catheter for insertion in body vessels for removing occlusions or obstructions such as thrombus, clot, plaque and other vascular or arterial deposits without generating distal emboli. Removal of freshly or recently formed obstructions is a preferred application. Concurrently or subsequently, suction or aspiration removal of the resulting occlusion debris is disclosed. A catheter system of this invention comprises elongate, hollow, inner and outer coaxial catheters having distal and proximal ends. The distal end of the outer catheter terminates short of the distal end of the inner catheter. The catheters may be independently movable with respect to each other. The inner catheter wall defines a central lumen which fluidically couples the proximal and distal ends of the inner catheter and through which a guidewire can pass. The central lumen has a reduced diameter distal portion which, with an occluder means (e.g., a guidewire), is adapted to restrict distal fluid delivery therethrough.

Abstract: Method of increasing activated vitamin D blood level by administering orally a 1.alpha.-hydroxyprevitamin D. This previtamin D form increases vitamin D blood level without significant risk of hypercalcemia associated with other oral dosing of vitamin D forms. The 1.alpha.-hydroxyprevitamin is compounded into a pharmaceutical composition in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: A high performance, low cost, regenerator/heat enthalpy exchanger matrix or bed. The bed consist of a matrix of tensioned sheets with flow channels therethrough. The matrix is of the parallel plate type with high porosity, and narrow, uniform, unobstructed channels. The bed is ideal for near room temperature regenerator applications. The elastomer bed regenerative heat transfer structures are suitably used in heat and moisture exchangers which are used on humans to reduce moisture and heat loss during breathing.

Abstract: The invention provides a bi-material tubing formed of a composite member and a noncomposite member. The tubing has a locking portion where the composite member is secured to the noncomposite member by chemically bonding alone or in combination with mechanical joining techniques. A method of making the tubing is also provided.

Abstract: Method of increasing activated vitamin D blood level by administering orally a 1.alpha.-hydroxyprevitamin D or a delayed and sustained release formulation of activated vitamin D or a combination thereof. Both the previtamin D form and the delayed and sustained release activated vitamin D formulation increase vitamin D blood level without significant risk of hypercalcemia associated with other oral dosing of vitamin D forms.

Abstract: A method for preventing loss of bone mass or bone mineral content in a human being suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism by administering a sufficient amount of 1.alpha.-OH vitamin D.sub.2, 1.alpha.,24(S)-(OH).sub.2 vitamin D.sub.2, 1.alpha.-OH vitamin D.sub.4 or 1.alpha.,24(R)-(OH).sub.2 vitamin D.sub.4.

Abstract: A method and composition for the enhanced stimulation of antigenic response in animals and humans is disclosed. The method involves administering an effective amount of a compound of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or hydroxyl. L-carnitine and gamma-butyrobetaine are preferred compositions embraced by formula (I).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating magnetically responsive particles from a nonmagnetic test medium in which the magnetically responsive particles are suspended. The separator comprises a container comprising, e.g., plurality of multiwell chambers, which hold the nonmagnetic test medium, one or more pins disposed substantially within the test medium, an external magnet for producing a magnetic field within the test medium. The external magnet is proximate the pins so as to create magnetic flux lines, magnetizing the pins and creating a magnetic field substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pins thereof in the test medium. According to the method of the invention, the container holding the test medium is positioned in the separator, producing a magnetic field operative to cause the magnetically responsive particles to be attracted to and adhere to the pins and which is substantially parallel thereto.

Abstract: Methods are described for regulating neuropeptide secretion to alleviate premature labor, hypertension, fluid imbalance, and risk of heart disease: using neuroactive steroids targeted for a newly-identified site of action in the nerve terminals of neurosecretory neurons. The steroids 17 betaestradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone increase the release of neuropeptide hormones such as oxytocin and vasopressin. Pregnalone derivatives decrease the release of the same hormones.

Abstract: A guidewire extension system including a guidewire and an extension wire is disclosed. The system includes female and male connector segments located on the proximal end of the guidewire or the distal end of the extension wire. The hollow female connector segment, in one embodiment, includes a radial lip which intersects with lateral slots. The male connector segment includes an external groove. When the male connector is inserted into the female connector segment, the slots are expanded and the lip snaps into the groove providing a tactile indication that connection is completed.No restriction or frictional fit is created. The guidewire and extension wire are freely rotatable with respect to each other and can be multiply connected and disconnected. Methods of catheter exchange with tactile indication of guidewire extension wire connection are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to delayed and sustained release oral medicaments and, more specifically, to delayed and sustained release activated vitamin D, oral medicament.

Abstract: Disclosed are ceramic materials and methods of making the same comprising yttrium, barium, silver, and either selenium or sulfur. Those ceramic materials show changes in magnetic susceptibility at around 373.degree. K. with selenium and 195.degree. K. with sulfur.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to syringes which include a substantially rigid, hollow syringe body, a plunger and a flexible, finger-conformable grip, guard, collar or collet which are disposed about one end thereof.