Abstract: A hand-held retractor that is adapted for endoscopic use at a predetermined area of a patient. The retractor is comprised of a longitudinally-extending blade with a proximal end, a distal end, and a top surface. A handle is connected to the proximal end of the blade by a separating member. The separating member is configured to allow a surgeon direct access to and visualization of the area adjacent the top surface and distal end of the blade after positioning the distal end of the blade at the predetermined area. Also provided is a method of endoscopic retrosternal adhesiolysis which utilizes a retractor to provide access to and visualization of adhesions adjacent the cranial portion of a patient's sternum while retracting away and protecting underlying tissue.

Abstract: Novel cationic amphiphiles are provided that facilitate transport of biologically active (therapeutic) molecules into cells. The amphiphiles contain lipophilic groups derived from steroids, from mono or dialkylamines, or from alkyl or acyl groups; and cationic groups, protonatable at physiological pH, derived from amines, alkylamines or polyalkylamines. There are provided also therapeutic compositions prepared typically by contacting a dispersion of one or more cationic amphiphiles with the therapeutic molecules. Therapeutic molecules that can be delivered into cells according to the practice of the invention include DNA, RNA, and polypeptides. Representative uses of the therapeutic compositions of the invention include providing gene therapy, and delivery of antisense polynucleotides or biologically active polypeptides to cells. With respect to therapeutic compositions for gene therapy, the DNA is provided typically in the form of a plasmid for complexing with the cationic amphiphile.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for lysing cells. The method comprises simultaneously flowing a cell suspension and a lysis solution through a static mixer, wherein the cells exit the static mixer lysed. In another aspect of the present invention, the invention relates to a method for precipitating cell components, protein, and nucleic acids from a cell lysate or other solution containing precipitable material. The method comprises simultaneously flowing a cell lysate or other protein containing solution and a precipitating solution through a static mixer, wherein the lysate or protein solution exits the static mixer with its precipitable components precipitated. In another aspect of the present invention, the invention relates to a method where the two above-mentioned methods above are combined by using static mixers in series.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying genetic alterations in a target sequence present in a nucleic acid sample, comprising immobilizing samples on a support, contacting the samples simultaneously with different purine and pyrimidine containing polymers under conditions of hybridization, separating the hybridized polymers from the samples; and identifying the hybridized polymers to identify the genetic alteration(s). The present invention also provides methods for identifying target sequences present in a nucleic acid sample, comprising immobilizing nucleic acid samples on a support, contacting the samples simultaneously different purine and pyrimidine containing polymers under hybridization conditions, separating the polymers from the complementary target sequence(s), and identifying the hybridized polymers to identify the target sequence(s).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating CF by mobilizing mutant forms of CFTR, which retain at least some functional activity, to the plasma membrane where they can mediate chloride ion transport are disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held surgical instrument with an improved handle, the instrument being of the type generally including a handle and a tool with a body member having at least one articulated member thereon. The handle has an elongated base, an elongated lever with a downwardly projecting actuator arm and a mechanism for connecting the lever and base at a rearward pivot point, which mimics the natural pivot point of the surgeon's hand. An actuator of the surgical tool moves an actuator rod distally by closing the handle lever, and the lever is biased in an open position by a spring longitudinally positioned around the actuator rod within the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel adenovirus vectors for use in gene therapy which are designed to prevent the generation of replication-competent adenovirus (RCA) during in vitro propagation and clinical use. The invention also provides methods for the production of the novel virus vectors. These vectors maximize safety for clinical applications in which adenovirus vectors are used to transfer genes into recipient cells for gene therapy.

Abstract: An improved rib retractor adapted to contact adjacent ribs in a person through a thoracotomy incision comprising a longitudinally-extending rack with two support members, each having a longitudinal edge. The longitudinal edge of each of the support members is attached to the rack wherein at least one of the support members is movable along a portion of the length of the rack so that the support members are longitudinally movable relative to each other. A pair of blunt blades is provided, each adapted to contact a selected one of the ribs in the patient. A hinge rotatingly connects a portion of each of the support members to a portion of each of the blades.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the repair of articular cartilage defects in a mammal. Denuded chondrogenic cells are proliferated ex vivo as monolayer cultures in order to expand the pool of available chondrogenic cells. During proliferation the chondrogenic cells stop secreting the extracellular matrix components, type II collagen and sulfated proteoglycans. The proliferated cells then are seeded into a pre-shaped well having a cell contacting, cell abhesive surface. The cells cultured in the well redifferentiate and begin to secrete cartilage-specific extracellular matrix again. Accordingly, essentially unlimited amounts of synthetic cartilage may be prepared from small samples of biopsy tissue. Also provided are methods for surgically repairing articular cartilage defects in mammals using the synthetic cartilage prepared in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing lipoprotein (a) from a volume of biological fluid that is substantially free of lipoproteins of another class. The method involves an ultracentrifugation step in which at least one fraction is recovered that contains Lp(a). This material is then reacted with immobilized ligand to remove non-Lp(a) interfering substances from the fraction, the Lp(a) remaining unbound. The non-reacted Lp(a) is subsequently obtained in a form that is suitable for use in the analysis of any of protein concentration, protein isoform determination or cholesterol assays. A method of identifying and measuring an amount of one or more isoforms of Lp(a) is further provided.

Abstract: Novel cationic amphiphiles are provided that facilitate transport of biologically active (therapeutic) molecules into cells. The amphiphiles contain lipophilic groups derived from steroids, from mono or dialkylamines, or from alkyl or acyl groups; and cationic groups, protonatable at physiological pH, derived from amines, alkylamines or polyalkylamines. There are provided also therapeutic compositions prepared typically by contacting a dispersion of one or more cationic amphiphiles with the therapeutic molecules. Therapeutic molecules that can be delivered into cells according to the practice of the invention include DNA, RNA, and polypeptides. Representative uses of the therapeutic compositions of the invention include providing gene therapy, and delivery of antisense polynucleotides or biologically active polypeptides to cells. With respect to therapeutic compositions for gene therapy, the DNA is provided typically in the form of a plasmid for complexing with the cationic amphiphile.

Abstract: A method for modifying the specificity or efficiency of an enzyme, while retaining its catalytic activity, is disclosed. The method is characterized by selecting an enzyme, the tertiary structure of which is substantially known or deduced; identifying a single specificity or efficiency-related region of the enzyme; identifying or constructing unique restriction sites bounding the identified region in the DNA coding therefor; generating a DNA sequence which corresponds to at least a portion of the identified region, except that the nucleotides of at least one codon are randomized, using the generated DNA sequence to replace the original such sequence; expressing the DNA including the generated DNA sequence; and selecting for a desired modification so that the DNA coding therefor may be isolated; the randomized DNA being generated by means of a PCR assembly method. Enzyme generated using this method, and having enhanced specificity or efficiency, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel cationic amphiphiles are provided that facilitate transport of biologically active (therapeutic) molecules into cells. The amphiphiles contain lipophilic groups derived from steroids, from mono or dialkylamines, or from alkyl or acyl groups; and cationic groups, protonatable at physiological pH, derived from amines, alkylamines or polyalkylamines. There are provided also therapeutic compositions prepared typically by contacting a dispersion of one or more cationic amphiphiles with the therapeutic molecules. Therapeutic molecules that can be delivered into cells according to the practice of the invention include DNA, RNA, and polypeptides. Representative uses of the therapeutic compositions of the invention include providing gene therapy, and delivery of antisense polynucleotides or biologically active polypeptides to cells. With respect to therapeutic compositions for gene therapy, the DNA is provided typically in the form of a plasmid for complexing with the cationic amphiphile.

Abstract: Biologically active heterodimeric human fertility hormones composed of two different subunits, each subunit being synthesized in the same cell transformed by at least one cell expression vector having heterologous DNA encoding each subunit with each subunit being controlled by a separate promoter. Preferred human fertility hormones include hCG, hLH and hFSH.

Abstract: A water insoluble, biocompatible composition that is formed by a method which combines, in an aqueous mixture, a polyanionic polysaccharide, a nucleophile, and an activating agent, under conditions sufficient to form the composition. Also, a water insoluble, biocompatible composition that is formed by a method which combines, in an aqueous mixture, a polyanionic polysaccharide, a modifying compound, a nucleophile and an activating agent under conditions sufficient to form the composition.

Abstract: Methods for treating cystic fibrosis are described. The methods involve the administration of a protein enhancing agent, differentiating agent and/or carboxy-compound to a subject afflicted with cystic fibrosis such that mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein present within cystic fibrosis-associated cells becomes functional. Other aspects described include therapeutic compositions and packaged drugs.

Abstract: Novel cationic amphiphiles are provided that facilitate transport of biologically active (therapeutic) molecules into cells. The amphiphiles contain lipophilic groups derived from steroids, from mono or dialkylamines, or from ether or ester-linked alkyl groups, and cationic groups, protonatable at physiological pH, derived from amines, alkylamines or polyalkylamines. There are provided also therapeutic compositions prepared typically by contacting a dispersion of one or more cationic amphiphiles with the therapeutic molecules. Therapeutic molecules that can be delivered into cells according to the practice of the invention include DNA, RNA, and polypeptides. Representative uses of the therapeutic compositions of the invention include providing gene therapy, and delivery of antisense polynucleotides or biologically active polypeptides to cells. With respect to therapeutic compositions for gene therapy, the DNA is provided typically in the form of a plasmid for complexing with the cationic amphiphile.