Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes an external rail system which enables the surgeon to position a stabilization arm having first and second shaft segments on either of the arms or the rack segment of the retractor and also includes a connector which is spaced apart from the sled member and stabilization device to releasably control the movement and rotation of the stabilization device with respect to the stabilization arm and the rotation of the stabilization arm with respect to the retractor actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: Chemotactic activity of defensins and CAP37 is disclosed. Methods of treatment associated with such activity and compositions for such treatment are also provided.

Abstract: A novel human megakaryocytopoietic growth promoting activity factor capable of stimulating the growth of megakaryocytes and augments the differentiation or maturation of megakaryocytes. Also provided are processes for obtaining the factor in homogeneous form and producing it by recombinant genetic engineering techniques.