Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transplantable cartilage matrix and a method for its in vitro production. In accordance with the method, chondrocytes are cultered for an amount of time effective for allowing formation of a chondrogenic cell-associated matrix. Chondrogenic cells, each with a cell-associated matrix, are recovered and cultured on a semipermeable membrane for a time effective for formation of a cohesive cartilage matrix.

Abstract: A method for preventing, inhibiting, or treating vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis using polystyrene sulfonate is provided. The polystyrene sulfonate used in the present invention inhibits Trichomonas (a flagellate protozoon), Gardnerella, and other vaginitis/vaginosis-causing bacteria. The method of this invention generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent into the vagina of a female in need of prevention, inhibition, and/or treatment of vaginitis and/or bacterial vaginosis. Preferably the polystyrene sulfonate in contained in an aqueous based composition, more preferably in an aqueous based composition buffered to a pH of about 3.5 to about 7.5, and even more preferably in an aqueous based composition buffered to a pH of about 3.5 to about 5.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing gastrointestinal sounds includes a microphone array to be positioned on a body for producing gastrointestinal sound signals. The signals are digitized and their spectra and duration is determined by a processor. A characterization as to the state of the gastrointestinal tract is made on the basis of the spectra and duration of the sound or event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing gastrointestinal sounds includes a microphone array to be positioned on a body for producing gastrointestinal sound signals. The signals are digitized and their spectra and duration is determined by a processor. A characterization as to the state of the gastrointestinal tract is made on the basis of the spectra and duration of the sound or event.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transplantable cartilage matrix and a method for its in vitro production.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay for detecting a negative-strand RNA virus in a sample and a genetically engineered cell for use in the assay are disclosed. The cell expresses a heterologous DNA-dependent RNA polymerase that synthesizes a minigenome or miniantigenome of the RNA virus from a cDNA template present in the cell. The cell also expresses the nucleocapsid proteins of the negative-strand virus that are necessary for replication of the minigenome or miniantigenome. Infection of the cell by the negative-strand virus results in expression of a reporter gene product encoded by the miniantigenome.

Abstract: A method for the reduction in the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease—especially HIV and/or HSV—during sexual activity is provided. This method generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent, preferably as a topical formulation, to the area or areas of sexual contact prior to engaging in sexual activity. Inhibitory agents which are useful in the present invention include, for example, phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H2SO4-modified mandelic acids, and the like. This method can be used by heterosexuals, homosexuals, and/or bisexuals engaged in a wide variety of sexual activities. In addition to anti-STD activity, these agents may also act as vaginal contraceptives; moreover, they generally have fewer side effects than conventional vaginal contraceptives (e.g., nonoxynol-9).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the risk of infections and the risk of conception. In particular, the invention relates to cellulose sulfate having contraceptive and anti-microbial properties. Cellulose sulfate may be administered in appropriate dosage forms to reduce the risk of infections or the risk of conception. It can also be used during sexual contact to concomitantly reduce the risk of conception and the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing gastrointestinal sounds includes a microphone array to be positioned on a body for producing gastrointestinal sound signals. The signals are digitized and their spectra and duration is determined by a processor. A characterization as to the state of the gastrointestinal tract is made on the basis of the spectra and duration of the sound or event.

Abstract: A method for the reduction in the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease--especially HIV and/or HSV--during sexual activity is provided. This method generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent, preferably as a topical formulation, to the area or areas of sexual contact prior to engaging in sexual activity. Inhibitory agents which are useful in the present invention include, for example, phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 -modified mandelic acids, and the like. This method can be used by heterosexuals, homosexuals, and/or bisexuals engaged in a wide variety of sexual activities. In addition to anti-STD activity, these agents may also act as vaginal contraceptives; moreover, they generally have fewer side effects than conventional vaginal contraceptives (e.g., nonoxynol-9).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing tissue destruction associated with autoimmune inflammatory diseases by utilizing anti-CD44 monoclonal antibodies to induce the loss of the CD44 receptor from cell surfaces, thus preventing the interaction between cell-surface CD44 and extracellular hyaluronan.

Abstract: A method for the reduction in the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease--especially HIV and/or HSV--during sexual activity is provided. This method generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent, preferably as a topical formulation, to the area or areas of sexual contact prior to engaging in sexual activity. Inhibitory agents which are useful in the present invention include, for example, phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 -modified mandelic acids, and the like. This method can be used by heterosexuals, homosexuals, and/or bisexuals engaged in a wide variety of sexual activities. In addition to anti-STD activity, these agents may also act as vaginal contraceptives; moreover, they generally have fewer side effects than conventional vaginal contraceptives (e.g., nonoxynol-9).

Abstract: A method for the reduction in the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease--especially HIV and/or HSV--during sexual activity is provided. This method generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent, preferably as a topical formulation, to the area or areas of sexual contact prior to engaging in sexual activity. Inhibitory agents which are useful in the present invention include, for example, phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 -modified mandelic acids, and the like. This method can be used by heterosexuals, homosexuals, and/or bisexuals engaged in a wide variety of sexual activities. In addition to anti-STD activity, these agents may also act as vaginal contraceptives; moreover, they generally have fewer side effects than conventional vaginal contraceptives (e.g., nonoxynol-9).

Abstract: A computer-implemented user interface for generating an echocardiographic report includes a patient menu screen from which a user can select an existing report to modify or create a new report. After the user selects a patient, the first echocardiographic data screen, which includes a plurality of data entry windows for entering echocardiographic data, appears. At least one data entry window displays echocardiographic data for two paired cardiac structures and includes a button for selecting a desired one of the paired cardiac structures. The user selects whether data will be entered for one or the other of the paired cardiac structures, then inputs patient data through a series of buttons. Pairing of the cardiac structures saves on display real estate and takes advantage of commonality between the pairs. Paired cardiac structures include the left ventricle and right ventricle, the left atrium and right atrium, the aorta and pulmonary artery, mitral and tricuspid valve, and the aortic and pulmonary valve.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for reducing or eliminating multidrug resistance in cancers or certain infections by drug resistant microorganisms in patients. According to the method and composition of the present invention, a non-ionic amphipathic diester of fatty acids or a reverse poloxmer is administered to a patient in which a cancer or microorganism exhibits multidrug resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent. The method and composition of the present invention may be employed with particular efficacy where multidrug resistance to any chemotherapeutic agent has been conferred upon a cancer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for reducing or eliminating multidrug resistance in cancers or certain infections by drug resistant microorganisms in patients. According to the method and composition of the present invention, a non-ionic amphipathic diester of fatty acids or a reverse poloxmer is administered to a patient in which a cancer or microorganism exhibits multidrug resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent. The method and composition of the present invention may be employed with particular efficacy where multidrug resistance to any chemotherapeutic agent has been conferred upon a cancer.

Abstract: The subject invention permits diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) by analyzing peripheral blood mononuclear cell subset populations and activation markers. A positive diagnosis for CFS is associated with an increase in the percentage of CD8+ cells showing CD38 or HLA-DR cell markers or a decrease in CD11b markers in CD8+ cells. The analysis is preferably performed using fluorochrome-labelled monoclonal antibodies specific for a determinant of the above subset cells and activation markers.

Abstract: The invention comprises monoclonal antibodies reactive with native C-reactive protein (CRP) and modified CRP having the specificities described herein. The invention also comprises the hybridomas used to produce these antibodies. The antibodies may be used to detect or quantitate native CRP and modified CRP, and kits for performing such assays are part of the invention.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for placing therapeutic devices such as embolic coils includes a probe assembly carried within a catheter. The probe assembly includes a fiber-optic cable with a connector retained thereon by crimping. The connector has a cable-receiving end resembling a ferrule, which is crimped about the cable. The other end of the connector provides mounting of a therapeutic device, such as an embolic coil. Heat releasable adhesive bonds the therapeutic device to the mounting portion of the connector. Laser energy transmitted through the fiber-optic cable is converted to heat by the connector, which thereupon becomes heated, releasing the adhesive bond between the connector and the therapeutic device. The probe assembly can then be withdrawn from the treatment site.

Abstract: It is found that abnormal levels of keratan sulfate in the peripheral blood are indicative of abnormalities of cartilage or cartilage-like tissues. Specifically, elevated levels of keratan sulfate in the peripheral blood plasma or serum are indicative of osteoarthritis and either substantially complete absence of or very elevated levels of keratan sulfate in the peripheral blood are indicative of muscular dystrophy and related disorders. The level of keratan sulfate in the peripheral blood is determined by an immunoassay using a monoclonal antibody. Preferably the immunoassay employs a colorimetric reporter system.