Abstract: The present invention provides a method for blocking a cellular proton pump that comprises contacting a cell with a cellular proton pump-blocking effective quantity of In-EDTA or Tl-EDTA. The present invention also provides a method of treating or preventing cell-mediated disorders in a vertebrate animal by administering In-EDTA or Tl-EDTA to the vertebrate animal, as well as a method for stopping the cellular proton pump-blocking effect of Group IIIa metals such as Ga, In, and Tl, through use of suitable chelating agents. Suitable compositions for use in the aforementioned methods are provided as well.

Abstract: A method for ligand-based binding of lipid encapsulated particles to molecular epitopes on a surface in vivo or in vitro comprises sequentially administering (a) a site-specific ligand activated with a biotin activating agent; (b) an avidin activating agent; and (c) lipid encapsulated particles activated with a biotin activating agent, whereby the ligand is conjugated to the particles through an avidin-biotin interaction and the resulting conjugate is bound to the molecular epitopes on such surface. The conjugate is effective for imaging by x-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance or positron emission tomography. Compositions for use in ultrasonic imaging of natural or synthetic surfaces and for enhancing the acoustic reflectivity thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and compositions for inhibiting the hepatic clearance of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) using receptor-associated protein.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of superficial urinary tract tumors in a mammal involves administering a diagnostically effective amount of a liposomal composition comprising a liposome, a chemotherapeutic agent or immune activating drug carried by the liposome and a purified protein which functions as a mycobacterial receptor for fibronectin on the surface of the liposome whereby the liposomal composition becomes attached to and internalized in the cells of the tumors. In lieu of the purified protein an antibody to an integrin receptor on the surface of the cells of the tumors may be used or a delivery system composed of a conjugate of a chemotherapeutic agent or immune activating drug and an antibody to an integrin receptor may be employed.

Abstract: A prostate-derived growth factor is disclosed which has a mol. wt. of about 28 kDa, an NH.sub.2 -terminal sequence substantially identical to the NH.sub.2 -terminal sequence of the 6 kDa mature rat EGF, potent mitogenic activity against NRK cells without additional carboxy terminal processing to the mature 6 kDa EGF molecular species, cross-reacts with antisera against rat EGF and its mitogenic activity is blocked by anti-EGF receptor antisera.

Abstract: A travel restricting device for use with a wheelchair of the type having a frame, a seat attached to the frame and wheels mounted for rotation on opposite sides of the frame. The device includes arms having longitudinally opposing outer ends, and hooks at the outer ends of the arms for engaging the wheels. The arms can be extended to move the hooks away from each other or retracted to move the hooks toward each other. A spring biasing the arms toward a retracted position secures the hooks in the wheels such that the device is supported by the wheels for movement with the wheels. The device as secured to the wheels engages the frame upon rotation of the wheels in a first direction for restricting travel of the wheelchair in the first direction and engages the surface supporting the wheelchair upon rotation of the wheels in a second direction for restricting travel of the wheelchair in a second direction.

Abstract: Improved treatment of superficial bladder tumors through the administration by intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette-Guerin is realized through the use of therapeutic composition comprising bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) suspended in a 0.15 M sodium chloride solution containing a buffer to maintain the pH of the solution in the range 6.6 to 7.4, preferably 7.0. A kit and method are provided whereby such a composition may be employed to maximize intravesical attachment of BCG for improved efficacy.