Abstract: The present invention relates to the PUR protein, nucleotide sequences and expression vectors encoding PUR, and to methods for inhibiting PUR activity. More specifically, the invention relates to polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that bind PUR or PUR related proteins. Antibodies that bind PUR protein and which neutralize. PUR activity may be used to treat hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: Recombinant negative-strand viral RNA templates are described which may be used with purified RNA-directed RNA polymerase complex to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cells and/or to rescue the heterologous gene in virus particles. The RNA templates are prepared by transcription of appropriate DNA sequences with a DNA-directed RNA polymerase. The resulting RNA templates are of the negative-polarity and contain appropriate terminal sequences which enable the viral RNA-synthesizing apparatus to recognize the template. Bicistronic mRNAs can be constructed to permit internal initiation of translation of viral sequences and allow for the expression of foreign protein coding sequences from the regular terminal initiation site, or vice versa.

Abstract: A DNA sequence encoding the .delta.-amino levulinate type 2 gene, methods to detect the gene, diagnostic kits to detect the gene and recombinant vectors containing the type 2 gene sequence.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the harmful effect of UVR exposure to the human skin comprising topically applying a therapeutically effective amount of genistein to the skin at a time sufficiently close to the time of UVR exposure to inhibit UVR-induced damage to the skin. The genistein appears to act as a chemo preventative agent since it has no appreciable sun blocking effect. The genistein may be mixed with a variety of carriers and skin treatment compositions.

Abstract: Recombinant negative-strand viral RNA templates are described which may be sed with purified RNA-directed RNA polymerase complex to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cells and/or to rescue the heterologous gene in virus particles. The RNA templates are prepared by transcription of appropriate DNA sequences with a DNA-directed RNA polymerase. The resulting RNA templates are of the negative-polarity and contain appropriate terminal sequences which enable the viral RNA-synthesizing apparatus to recognize the template. Bicistronic mRNAs can be constructed to permit internal initiation of translation of viral sequences and allow for the expression of foreign protein coding sequences from the regular terminal initiation site, or vice versa.

Abstract: Recombinant negative-strand viral RNA templates are described which may be used with purified RNA-directed RNA polymerase complex to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cells and/or to rescue the heterologous gene in virus particles. Heterologous gene products include peptides or proteins derived from HIV which may be presented by a chimeric influenza virus to generate an immune response that is protective against challenge with HIV. A chimeric virus is described which contains an HIV peptide inserted into an influenza protein and which induced both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against HIV. The RNA templates are prepared by transcription of appropriate DNA sequences with a DNA-directed RNA polymerase. The resulting RNA templates are of the negative-polarity and contain appropriate terminal sequences which enable the viral RNA-synthesizing apparatus to recognize the template.

Abstract: There is disclosed according to the present invention a method for the control of autonomic nerve function in a mammal comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of botulinum toxin to the mammal. Preferred embodiments include administering the toxin to control the function of an autonomic nerve which contributes to at least one symptom of rhinorrhea, otitis media, excessive salivation, asthma, COPD, excessive stomach acid secretion, spastic colitis or excessive sweating.

Abstract: The present invention is an assay for determining glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blockade in whole blood. Agglutinization of small polymeric beads coated with a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa ligand such as fibrinogen results when the beads are contacted with whole blood containing platelets with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors that are not blocked. Failure to agglutinate indicates that blockade of the GPIIb/IIIa receptors has been achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the addition of a thrombin receptor activator results in an assay that is rapid and convenient enough to be performed at bedside and that results in agglutination of the small polymeric beads within a convenient, known period of time if the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors are not blocked.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for inhibiting the proliferation of a tumor in a mammal. The method involves the steps of (a) isolating a stress protein-peptide complex from tumor cells previously removed from the mammal and (b) administering the isolated stress protein-peptide complex back to the mammal in order to stimulate in the mammal an immune response against the tumor from which the complex was isolated. Stress protein-peptide complexes having particular utility in the practice of the instant invention include the Hsp70-peptide, Hsp90-peptide and gp96-peptide complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the GnRH-R genes and proteins. The DNA sequences disclosed herein may be engineered into expression systems designed for the production of GnRH-R and/or cell lines which express the GnRH-R and preferably respond to GnRH induced signal transduction. Such cell lines may advantageously be used for screening and identifying GnRH agonists and antagonists. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the GnRH DNA, antisense oligonucleotide sequences, the GnRH expression products, and antibodies to such products may be used in the diagnosis and therapy of reproductive disorders associated with abnormal expression of the GnRH-R; e.g., overexpression, underexpression or expression of a dysfunctional mutant receptor. Transgenic animals containing the GnRHR transgene may be used as animal models for the evaluation of GnRH analogs in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting malignancy in a body cavity effusion, Also disclosed is a method of distinguishing a benign hyperplastic lymph node from a lymph node involved by a low grade follicular lymphoma, Also disclosed is a method of distinguishing a benign tumor from a malignant tumor which overexpresses GLUT-1.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for concentrating motile erm from a sperm sample, including concentrating sperm in the vicinity of one or more oocytes for in vitro fertilization. The method comprises placing a volume of fertilization medium in a container, said container having at least one microchamber and being shaped such that the fertilization medium, when placed in the container, fills the microchamber and a portion of the container outside of the microchamber, such that when a sperm sample is placed in the medium outside the chamber motile sperm swim into the microchamber, where they may be harvested or, if an oocyte is in the microchamber, in vitro fertilization occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the acid sphingomyelinase gene and to methods of diagnosing Niemann-Pick disease. It is based, at least in part, on the cloning and expression of the full-length cDNA encoding acid sphingomyelinase, the cloning and characterization of the genomic structure of the acid sphingomyelinase gene, and on the discovery of frequent mutations in the acid sphingomyelinase gene of Ashkenazi Jewish Niemann-Pick disease patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for diagnosing breast cancer in humans. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a substantial percentage of human breast cancer tissue samples contained nucleic acid sequences corresponding to a portion of the mouse mammary tumor env gene. In contrast, such sequences were absent in almost all other human tissues tested.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sysem for hands-free tracheoesophageal speech in a pent who has undergone a laryngectomy, said system comprising a one-way valve prosthesis adapted to be placed in a stoma surgically created in the anterior wall of the trachea of a patient, said stoma extending through the skin of the patient thereby permitting the passage of air inwardly through the one-way valve prosthesis and into the trachea but not permitting the passage of air from the trachea outwardly through the stoma, supporting means attached to and extending laterally from the one-way valve prosthesis, said supporting means adapted to contact the anterior mucosa of the trachea around the circumference of the stoma and thereby to achieve an airtight seal between the one-way valve prosthesis and tracheal mucosa and to support the one-way valve in place in the stoma, said system thereby permitting hands-free tracheoesophageal speech by preventing exhaled air from passing outwardly through the one-way valve prosthesis and the stom

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detecting a polymorphism in the .delta.-aminolevulinate dehydratase gene which is associated with an altered susceptibility to lead poisoning. A point mutation which generates an MspI restriction endonuclease recognition site was found in the ALAD2 allele of the .delta.-aminolevulinate dehydratase gene which is not present in the ALAD1 allele. Kit containing primers for the amplification of the polymorphic region of the ALAD gene are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for concentrating motile erm from a sperm sample, including concentrating sperm in the vicinity of one or more oocytes for in vitro fertilization. The method comprises placing a volume of fertilization medium in a container, said container having at least one microchamber and being shaped such that the fertilization medium, when placed in the container, fills the microchamber and a portion of the container outside of the microchamber, such that when a sperm sample is placed in the medium outside the chamber motile sperm swim into the microchamber, where they may be harvested or, if an oocyte is in the microchamber, in vitro fertilization occurs.

Abstract: There is provided according to the invention a digital retractor to protect ndex finger, palm and thumb of the non-dominant hand of the surgeon during surgery, where the non-dominant hand is used to retract or position tissue. The retractor comprises a curved base plate which fits against the palmar surface of the index finger and extends toward the thumb, and includes one or two rings attached to the base plate through which the surgeon's index finger, and optionally also the long finger, are poised and positioned.

Abstract: The design, construction, and use of transgenic animals which exhibit features, including neurofibrillary tangles and aluminum sensitivity, is described. The founder transgenic animals of the invention are produced by methods well known in the art, and utilize DNA sequences designed to express all or any part of the human neurofilament subunit genes, NF-L, NF-M, NF-H, in a neural-enriched manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for suctioning the sinonasal tract of a subject, wherein at least one suction tube is passed through the oral cavity into the nasal tract, to extend at least as far as the nasopharynx.