Abstract: This invention relates to somatic gene therapy to cells associated with fluid spaces, such as follicles of the thyroid, the synovium of the joint, the vitreous of the eye and the inner or middle ear. Formulated DNA expression vectors are introduced with or without formulation elements into fluid spaces under conditions in which cells associated with the fluid space can incorporate the formulated DNA expression vector. Formulated DNA expression-mediated gene therapy allows treatment of diseases involving cells associated with fluid spaces.

Abstract: The verified cDNA sequences for human, bovine and porcine lactoferrin protein have been used to prepare recombinant lactoferrin for therapeutic and nutritional applications. Regions of the cDNA such as the Fe binding sites can be used to make an hLF polypeptide product.The present invention provides novel plasmids, transfected eucaryotic cells and methods of producing these plasmids and transfected eucaryotic cells. The novel plasmid contains the cDNA for lactoferrin protein. Methods for the production of lactoferrin protein in fungi and bacteria are also provided. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin protein and lactoferrin related polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of determining the antagonist and agonist activity of a compound for steroid hormone receptors. The present invention also provides a method of determining antagonist activity of a compound for a hormone receptor by inducing the conformational change in the receptor. In addition, the present invention provides a novel method of determining the level of agonist activity of a compound for steroid hormone receptors.

Abstract: This invention relates to gene therapy by using vectors which encode stable MRNA and methods of using such vectors. In particular, this invention relates to vectors which establish controlled expression of recombinant genes within tissues at certain levels. The vector includes a 5' flanking region which includes necessary sequences for expression of a nucleic acid cassette, a 3' flanking region including a 3' UTR and/or 3' NCR which stabilizes mRNA expressed from the nucleic acid cassette, and a linker which connects the 5' flanking region to a nucleic acid sequence. The linker has a position for inserting a nucleic acid cassette. The linker does not contain the coding sequence of a gene that the linker is naturally associated with. The 3' flanking region is 3' to the position for inserting the nucleic acid cassette. The expression vectors of the present invention can also be regulated by a regulatory system and/or constructed with a coating.

Abstract: A medical implant, such as an orthopedic implant, having a first antimicrobial coating layer and a second protective layer, and a method for coating such an implant is provided. The medical implant has one or more of its surfaces coated with an antimicrobial coating layer and a protective coating layer formed over the antimicrobial coating layer. The protective coating layer includes a durable coating layer composed of material such as collodion and nylon, and a resilient coating layer composed of material such as collodion. The coating layers are applied by applying an antimicrobial coating layer to at least a portion of the surfaces of the medical implant, applying a durable coating layer over the antimicrobial coating layer, and applying a resilient coating layer over the durable coating layer.

Abstract: Methods of treating diseases or conditions, characterized by elevated serum lipoprotein levels, by providing elevated levels of a VLDL receptor in an animal, e.g., a human are set forth. Such receptors aid in removal of circulating VLDL and related lipoproteins, and thus decrease the risk of developing coronary diseases or conditions or decrease the severity of such diseases or conditions. Clones of human and mouse VLDL receptor which can be used in the invention are also provided. Vectors for the expression of VLDL receptors, stably transfected and transformed cells and transgenic animals are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the use of a class of dyes for improved DNA sequencing by the chain termination method of DNA sequencing, and internal labelling of polynucleotides by enzymatic incorporation of fluorescently-labeled ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides are provided. A new class of dyes, BODIPY.RTM. fluorophores, has been described recently. The parent heterocyclic molecule of the BODIPY.RTM. fluorophores is a dipyrrometheneboron difluoride compound which is modified to create a broad class of spectrally-discriminating fluorophores. BODIPY.RTM. fluorophores have improved spectral characteristics compared to conventional fluorescein and rhodamine dyes. BODIPY.RTM. fluorophores have narrower band width, insensitivity to solvent or pH, and improved photostability, thus, BODIPY.RTM. fluorophores lead to improved DNA sequencing and/or detection in any method where electrophoresis and detection of DNA is required. Additionally, the spectral properties of the BODIPY.RTM.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for desorption and ionization of analytes for the purpose of subsequent scientific analysis by such methods, for example, as mass spectrometry or biosensors. More specifically, this invention relates to the field of mass spectrometry, especially to the type of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometry used to analyze macromolecules, such as proteins or biomolecules. Most specifically, this invention relates to the sample probe geometry, sample probe composition, and sample probe surface chemistries that enable the selective capture and desorption of analytes, including intact macromolecules, directly from the probe surface into the gas (vapor) phase without added chemical matrix.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood pump, used for heart-lung machines or the like, having at least one impeller, a casing having an inlet and an outlet, the casing formed to have a space for rotatably housing the at least one impeller and a magnetic drive disposed outside the casing. The impeller may have vanes attached thereto for forcing fluid through the casing. Further the vanes may have magnets imbedded therein. The magnetic drive and the imbedded magnets cooperate to rotate the impeller. The impeller may have pivots integrated at opposing ends for allowing the impeller to rotate about a horizontal axis. The pivots may be supported by pivot bearings disposed within the casing. The pivots and the pivot bearings may be made of a ceramic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantitatively determining chlorine content and fractional abundance of chlorine isotopes in unknown samples. When using this method and apparatus to determine chlorine content, isotope dilution principles may be employed. Chlorine isotopes used for diluting an unknown sample may be .sup.35 Cl or .sup.37 Cl, and relative isotope content in the diluted mixture may be measured using infrared spectrometry.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide primers and methods for identifying strains of bacteria by genomic fingerprinting are described. The methods are applicable to a variety of samples. The testing procedure includes amplifying the bacterial DNA in the sample to be tested by adding a pair of outwardly-directed primers to the sample. The primers are capable of hybridizing to repetitive DNA sequences in the bacterial DNA and extending outwardly from one hybridizable repetitive sequence to another hybridizable repetitive sequence. After amplification the extension products are separated by size and the specific strain of bacteria is determined by measuring the pattern of sized extension products. The procedure to identify strains of bacteria by fingerprinting has a variety of uses including: identifying bacteria in infections, agriculture and horticulture plots, bioremediation, food monitoring, production monitoring and quality assurance and quality control.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the formation of organic gels by dissolving organic gelling agents in organic solvents. The aryl cyclohexanol gelling agents employed in this invention are not structurally related to previously known gellation agents and they exhibit potent gellation activity, for example, from 0.2-5%, by weight, of gelling agent is able to immobilize a variety of organic solvents. The gels formed range from optically transparent to slightly translucent, and complete fluidity can be restored by either increasing the temperature (reversible) or by chemical treatment (irreversible).

Abstract: Compositions and methods of employing compositions in flushing and coating medical devices are disclosed. The compositions include selected combinations of a chelating agent, anticoagulant, or antithrombotic agent, with an non-glycopeptide antimicrobial agent, such as the tetracycline antibiotics. Methods of using these compositions for coating a medical device and for inhibiting catheter infection are also disclosed. Particular combinations of the claimed combinations include minocycline or other non-glycopeptide antimicrobial agent together with EDTA, EGTA, DTPA, TTH, heparin and/or hirudin in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for diagnosing an increased risk for breast or ovarian cancer by assaying for the presence of a mutant human progesterone receptor protein which contains a valine to leucine substitution at amino acid 660, wherein the presence of said mutant human progesterone receptor protein indicates an increased risk for breast or ovarian cancer.

Abstract: A mastopexy or mammaplasty procedure to reshape and/or reduce the size of sagging breasts includes the steps of making a generally anchor-shaped incision having a bottom line along the inframammary crease, using a circular cutter to form the top portion of the incision and an incision around the areola to reduce the diameter thereof, after removing excess skin inside the incision, and breast tissue in the case of mammaplasty, shifting the areola, nipple and underlying breast tissue upward to position the areola/nipple complex within the circular top portion, pulling the flaps of skin formed to the sides of the incision down and around the areola and underneath same, and then suturing adjacent skin edges to complete the lifting and reshaping.

Abstract: Poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) polymers and copolymers having tetraalkyl- or trialkylammonium ion end groups and methods of synthesis, thereof. The methylene-containing copolymers, in general, adhere to glass and metals, including aluminum, iron, and copper. Poly(methylene-co-ethylene terephthalate) is a clear film useful in the protection of metals or glass from corrosion or scratching. Glass may be bound to glass or to metal using the polymers of the present invention or metal to metal seals may be made.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the recording of distortion product emission (DPE) levels in human beings. At least one microphone and a sound-delivery system is inserted in the external ear canal. Two primary tones T.sub.f1, T.sub.f2 are applied simultaneously to the ear. The cochlea of the inner ear produces a DPE tone which is sensed by the microphone. DPE levels are sensed as a function of input frequencies f.sub.1 and f.sub.2. Such DPE frequency is equal to 2f.sub.1 -f.sub.2. Such DPE frequencies are collected in 100 Hz step by adjusting f.sub.1 and f.sub.2 and maintaining a substantially constant ratio between f.sub.1 and f.sub.2. Two output forms are created: an DPE audiogram and a DPE input/output function. Noise picked up is reduced by averaging the DPE signals many times, yet causing each of the DPE signals that is averaged to be of the same phase a every other DPE signal. Random phase noise is reduced by the averaging process.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides capable of inhibiting the production of proliferation-associated proteins are provided. Oligonucleotides designed to be hybridizable with nucleic acids encoding nucleolar proteins are believed to be therapeutically useful. Certain of such oligonucleotides, hybridizable to portions of the gene coding for p120, especially the 3' untranslated region, were made and found to inhibit the synthesis of p120. The oligonucleotides of the invention are useful for the treatment of diseases characterized by hyperproliferation of cells such as malignancies, inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Treatment of human breast cell carcinoma, human epitheloid cervix carcinoma, human amelanotic melanoma, human renal cell carcinoma and other tumors are indicated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using a monolithic array of test sites formed on a substrate upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes probes formed therein to bond with a predetermined target molecular structure or structures. A signal is applied to the test sites and certain electrical, mechanical and/or optical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for diagnosing an increased risk for breast or ovarian cancer by assaying for genetic markers in the human progesterone receptor gene.