Abstract: A method for generating light intensity inside a tumor to aid in the treatment of diseases such as cancer is disclosed. The light is generated inside the body to perform a modified photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT) that allows treatment of body regions that are inaccessible by normal PDT procedures. In addition, the use of two spatially and temporally coincident treatment modalities, i.e. radiation and PDT, have the potential for significant biological synergy in the tumor.

Abstract: A method for generating light intensity inside a tumor to aid in the treatment of diseases such as cancer is disclosed. The light is generated inside the body to perform a modified photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT) that allows treatment of body regions that are inaccessible by normal PDT procedures. In addition, the use of two spatially and temporally coincident treatment modalities, i.e. radiation and PDT, have the potential for significant biological synergy in the tumor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating osteoporosis using the compositions are disclosed where the compositions have reduced GI toxicity and improved bio-availability and include a bisphosphonate and zwitterionic phospholipid.

Abstract: A self-sealed irrigation system for supplying a treatment fluid to a treatment site is disclosed. The system includes a flexible containment member that has a delivery channel which delivers treatment fluid to the treatment site, a sealing channel supplied with a suction force, and a recovery channel. The delivery channel delivers the treatment fluid to the treatment site. The recovery channel removes spent treatment fluid from the treatment site. The sealing channel hermetically seals the containment member to the body surface surrounding the area to be treated. The containment member is designed such that any spent treatment solution which should by-pass the recovery channel is drawn into the sealing channel thereby preventing any treatment fluid from leaking to the outside environment. The containment member is connected to a suction pump which circulates treatment fluid through the treatment site and a reservoir which supplies the treatment fluid to the system.

Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to increase or decrease telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity and means are shown for slowing or reversing the loss of telomeric repeats in aging cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods of using clay-enclosed paramagnetic ions as image brightening or image contrast agents. In particular, T.sub.1 relaxivity measurements on Hectorite and mortmorillonite clay-enclosed trivalent gadolinium suggest improved imaging over zeolite-enclosed paramagnetic species. Clay-enclosed gadolinium complexes are amenable to convenient administration in oral preparations and are readily formulated in stable aqueous suspensions. Other transition metal ions, including divalent manganese, may be enclosed in the clay structures, either as free metals or in the forms of chelated complexes. Alternatively, improved relaxivities are envisioned for clays incorporating a paramagnetic metal ion as part of the framework structure.

Abstract: A method is described for blocking maturation and production of microfilariae in adult filarial nematodes utilizing a transglutaminase inhibitor, such as monodansyl cadaverine (MDC). Experiments applying this method to several Brugia filarial infections, including Brugia malayi, were successful. Higher concentration of transglutaminase inhibitor proved to be filariacidal.

Abstract: Improved articles having reduced thrombogenicity when in contact with blood products containing albumin and methods of their preparation and use are provided. The articles comprise at the surface of blood contact a water insoluble polymeric substrate material having covalently attached thereon aliphatic extension of 12 to 22 carbon atoms. When exposed to blood, the aliphatic chain extensions provide a hydrophobic binding site for albumin. The articles when implemented with whole blood or blood products selectively enhance albumin affinity binding to the exclusion of other blood components, and subsequently minimize thrombus formation as well as other biocompatibility parameters, such as foreign body immune responses.

Abstract: A method for determining the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide complementary to at least a portion of an original peptide or protein. In one aspect the method involves: (a) determining a first nucleotide sequence of a first nucleic acid coding for the biosynthesis of at least a portion of the original peptide or protein; (b) ascertaining a second nucleotide sequence of a second nucleic acid which base-pairs with the first nucleotide sequence of the first nucleic acid, the first and second nucleic acids pairing in antiparallel directions; and (c) determining the amino acid sequence of the complementary polypeptide by the second nucleotide sequence when read in the same reading frame as the first nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of combinations of a papaverine family member agent together with an interferon for the treatment of proliferative disorders such as neoplasias and hyperplasias. Disclosed are compositions and formulations which take advantage of the synergistic antiproliferative activities of these agents and the use of these compositions and formulations in the treatment of these disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus which allows concomitant imaging and rapid axial beam translation measurements used to calculate the attenuation characteristics of a target body. The present invention employs an ultrasonic scanner which contains a plurality of matched transducer elements. These elements are staggered on a mechanism which sequentially places each transducer opposite an acoustic window at axially spaced positions along a common axis. The present invention also enables axial beam translation techniques to be adapted to current ultrasonic imaging systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved device for use in the detection and identification of various misalignment conditions of the eye, for example heterophorias, strabismus and the like. The device, in its preferred embodiment, includes a unidirectional occluder having an occluding disk which occludes an individuals sight in one direction through the disk while allowing direct observation of the occluded eye from the other side of the disk. Preferred embodiments include a self contained hand held support having a handle region and an occluder region, the occluder region being of the size effective to occlude vision of a fixation target through one or both eyes, the disk formed of a reflective transparent material mounted within the occluder region, a light source positioned on one side of the disk so as to illuminate the side of the disk when energized, and a mechanism contained within the support for energizing the light source, the energizing mechanism including a switch mounted on the support.

Abstract: Antibodies having binding affinity for two desired antigens, hereinafter "recombinant monoclonal antibodies"; recombinant monoclonal antibodies produced by a quadroma cell or a trioma cell; and methods for producing recombinant monoclonal antibodies by means of a quadroma cell or a trioma cell, wherein a quadroma cell is the fusion product of a hybridoma cell which produces an antibody having specific binding affinity to one desired antigen and a hybridoma cell which produces an antibody having specific binding affinity for another desired antigen, and wherein a trioma cell is the fusion product of a hybridoma cell which produces an antibody having specific binding affinity to one desired antigen and a lymphocyte which produces an antibody having specific binding affinity to another desired antigen.

Abstract: A class of three substances has been isolated in highly purified form and in substantially pure form by utilizing thymus tissue as a source material. These three substances are designated thymone A, thymone B and thymone C. Thymones A and B are new peptides which yield approximately 13 and 14 individual amino acid moieties, respectively, on acid hydrolysis. Thymones A and B are chemically characterized by electrophoretic and chromatographic values which are appropriate for substances which are substantially pure. Thymone C was highly purified and its biological activity was reproducibly detected and measured. Thymones A, B and C stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes. Thymone A stimulates the formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Thymone B stimulates the formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate.