Abstract: A method of chronic modification of cell barrier properties by exposing a cell to a modification-effective amount of IGF-I for at least about 7 days wherein the modification effective amount is between about 50 .mu.g/kg and less than about 500 .mu.g/kg is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of chronic amelioration or reversal of insulin resistance as well as a method of diagnosing and screening for rhIGF-I sensitive cell barrier properties.

Abstract: Methods of treating a non-malignant, disease state-producing immune response in a mammal are provided. The methods involve administering to the mammal an IL-2 receptor-specific substance during a proliferative burst of IL-2 receptor-bearing lymphocytes associated with the immune response, whereby the lymphocytes undergoing the proliferative burst are selectively killed.

Abstract: New compounds that bind specifically to vascular permeability factor (VPF) are used in methods of targeting these compounds, which include effector molecules that are, e.g., toxic, radioactive, or serve as marker labels, for tumor cells and the associated blood vessel endothelial cells, based on the discovery that VPF concentrates selectively in the endothelium and basement membrane lining tumor-associated blood vessels to a far greater degree than in normal vessels. By targeting VPF rather than the tumor cells themselves, the invention avoids the problems of tumor heterogeneity and diffusion distance.

Abstract: A method for accurately and quickly positioning a double lumen gastroduodenal tube into predetermined locations utilizing an endoscopically placed guide wire to retrieve duodenal fluid uncontaminated by gastric fluid, with little or no discomfort to the patient, and minimal radiation exposure. Specifically, an endoscope is passed through a patent's esophagus and stomach into the duodenum such that its distal end is located at a predetermined location, such as the fourth portion of the duodenum. While the endoscope is held in place, a guide-wire is passed through its center instrument channel to position a distal end of the guide-wire adjacent to the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope is then withdrawn from the patient, leaving the guide-wire.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modifying the mesothelial cells of a mammalian recipient in situ are provided. The methods include forming a mesothelial cell expression system in vivo or ex vivo and administering the expression system to the mammalian recipient (by way of the body cavities normally lined by mesothelial cells). The mesothelial cell expression system is useful for the localized and systemic delivery of therapeutic agents in situ.

Abstract: A method for preparing a ds DNA from a ss DNA template, which method includes:(a) providing a first DNA strand;(b) adding a homopolymeric oligonucleotide tail to the 3' end of the first DNA strand, to yield a tailed first DNA strand;(c) providing a ss homopolymeric oligonucleotide primer complementary to a portion of the tail;(d) contacting the primer with the tailed first DNA strand;(e) synthesizing, in the presence of the primer and the tailed first DNA strand, a second DNA strand complementary to the first DNA strand; and(f) removing the tail and the primer from the first and second DNA strands, respectively; provided that one or both of the tail and the primer contain(s) RNA.

Abstract: A method of chronic modification of cell barrier properties by exposing a cell to a modification-effective amount of IGF-I for at least about 7 days wherein the modification effective amount is between about 50 .mu.g/kg and less than about 500 .mu.g/kg is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of chronic amelioration or reversal of insulin resistance as well as a method of diagnosing and screening for rhIGF-I sensitive cell barrier properties.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammal suffering from an autoimmune disease state is provided. The method comprises administering to the mammal a cytotoxin-conjugated IL-2 receptor-specific substance during a proliferative burst of IL-2 receptor-bearing lymphocytes associated with the disease state, whereby the lymphocytes undergoing the proliferative burst are selectively killed.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting the rejection and prolonging the survival of an allograft in a mammal are provided. The methods involve administering to the mammal a cytotoxin-conjugated IL-2 receptor-specific substance during a proliferative burst of IL-2 receptor-bearing lymphocytes associated with the allograft whereby the lymphocytes undergoing the proliferative burst are selectively killed.

Abstract: The sequence, molecular structure and expression of a cDNA clone, denoted D4, of human and murine origin, preferentially expressed in hematopoietic cells is described herein. The human cDNA clone has been expressed in bacteria and the predicted 24 Kd protein purified. The protein has been used in studies of its biochemical function. As predicted on the basis of sequence, D4 can function as a GDP-dissociation inhibitor of at least several small GTP-binding proteins (CDC42 and rac). The D4 protein was used to generate a polyclonal antibody specific for the protein. The human cDNA was used to obtain several full length murine genomic clones. A clone has been analyzed and sequenced to use for the construction of a gene-targeting vector to produce animals deficient in D4 through disruption of the gene by homologous recombination. These animals can then be used as models for fundamental and applied research on the GTP-binding proteins.

Abstract: A method for suppressing an immune response in a mammal by treating the mammal with an effective amount of spiperone derivative that is without significant neuroleptic effect due to decreased binding to serotonin and/or dopamine receptors as compared with unmodified or uncomplexed spiperone, or due to topical application which maximizes local immunosuppression while limiting systemic absorption and neuroleptic effects. The spiperone derivatives are capable of inhibiting classic contact hypersensitivity reactions.

Abstract: The invention features a transgenic mouse having a substantial deficiency in functionally active natural killer cells and T lymphocytes which is useful as a model system for immune diseases, tumorigenesis and transplant rejection.

Abstract: A method for suppressing an immune response in a mammal by systemically treating the mammal with an effective amount of buspirone that is capable of inhibiting classic contact hypersensitivity reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preventing pneumococcal infection. In particular, the invention relates to identification of the major reception for Streptococcus pneumoniae on activated human cells, and diagnostic and therapeutic compositions and methods based thereon. In particular, the invention relates to the discovery that platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor is an adhesive ligand for pneumococcal adherence to activated lung epithelial and venous endothelial (i.e., host) cells. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method for preventing or treating an infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae by administering an antagonist of platelet activating factor receptor. The invention further relates to recognition that adherence to activated cells also involves a carbohydrate ligand found on such activated cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording an electroencephalogram (EEG) during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nonmagnetic electrodes are attached to a patient's scalp. EEG signals are multiplexed, amplified, and transmitted to an EEG machine or a personal computer located outside the MRI room. By reducing the amount of magnetic metal and radio frequency generating equipment associated with the recording of the EEG that is within the bore of the MRI magnet, and moving all significant radio frequency generating equipment outside the MRI room, EEG signals can be recorded and MRI images can be obtained simultaneously. The EEG signals are analyzed and, in response to a predetermined pattern, the MRI machine is triggered.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accurate, rapid and precise methodology for assessing maturity of the lungs in a fetus prior to birth, especially for premature fetuses having a gestation period of 37 weeks or less. The methodology quantitatively measures a specific phosphoglyceride, dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline, in samples of amniotic fluid for the assessment of fetal lung maturity. The process enzymatically cleaves such phophoglycerides and preferably detects the resulting diacylglycerols by HPTLC-reflectance spectrodensitometry.

Abstract: A stent comprising a wire skeletal frame, the frame being adapted to assume a first condition in which the frame is relatively rigid and substantially tubular in configuration and a second condition in which the frame is flexible, of reduced stress, and collapsible, such that in the second condition walls of the frame are adapted to be positioned proximate each other to form a stent diameter approximating the combined thickness of the frame walls, the frame in its second condition being substantially devoid of bias therein urging the frame to assume the first configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating disease states in a living patient using oxidized lipoproteins, preferably low density peroxidized lipoproteins. Methods and apparatus are provided for preparing the oxidized lipoproteins. It has been discovered that diseased cells, characterized by an increased number of lipoprotein receptors or an enhanced ability to take up lipoproteins are more susceptible than healthy cells to the the cytotoxic effect of oxidized lipoproteins. Oxidized lipoproteins are used to treat disease states such as cancer, malaria and viral infections such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Proton and carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy is used to measure the degree and effect of treatment with oxidized lipoproteins.

Abstract: A stent comprising a wire skeletal frame, the frame being adapted to assume a first condition in which the frame is relatively rigid and substantially tubular in configuration and a second condition in which the frame is flexible, of reduced stress, and collapsible, such that in the second condition walls of the frame are adapted to be positioned against each other to form a stent diameter substantially equal to the combined thickness of the frame walls in abutting engagement with each other, the frame in its second condition being substantially devoid of bias therein urging the frame to assume the first configuration.

Abstract: A method of lysing unwanted, non-malignant cells in a mammal, the cells having on their surfaces a receptor for a growth factor, and the method including administering to the mammal a cell-lysing amount of a substance characterized in that it has specific affinity for the receptor of the growth factor and has the ability to effect the lysis of the cells.