Abstract: An acellular, anion-depleted platelet-derived peptide-rich composition comprising proteins, polypeptides and peptides <10 kDa in size, wherein the composition has anti-microbial and/or anti-inflammatory activity is disclosed. The composition can be substantially free of non-active and immunogenic factors. The composition can have a platelet-to-bacteria ratio ?1000:1. The composition can comprise plasma at a range of ?10% to ?50% plasma, optionally about 10% plasma. Methods of using the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The novel synthetic polyethylene fluids of the present invention are characterized by high viscosity indices (about 94-151 VI), low pour points (about -60 to -10.degree. C.), and a kinematic viscosity of about 6 to 28 cSt KV at 100.degree. C. The product compositions comprise polymers having a molecular weight of from about 300 to 30,000 and a high branching index of 151 to 586 branches per 1000 CH.sub.2 groups, or BI=0.18-0.40, wherein the polymer is substantially free of methyl branches. Highly-branched polyethylene fluids that have less than 5 methyl branches per 1000 CH.sub.2 groups are prepared by polymerizing ethylene in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of [C] and [B], wherein [C] is a catalyst having the empirical formula MX.sub.4 and [B] is a co-catalyst having the empirical formula R.sub.n AlX.sub.3-n, where M is a Group IVB transition metal, X is a halogen anion, R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: The novel synthetic polyethylene fluids of the present invention are characterized by high viscosity indices (about 94-151 VI), low pour points (about -60 to -10.degree. C.), and a kinematic viscosity of about 6 to 28 cSt KV at 100.degree. C. The product compositions comprise polymers having a molecular weight of from about 300 to about 30,000 and a branching index of 151 to 586 branches per 1000 CH.sub.2 groups, or BI=0.18-0.40. A process for preparing such novel synthetic polyethylene fluids comprises polymerizing ethylene in the presence of a catalyst system, said catalyst system comprising [A] and [B], wherein [A] is a catalyst having the formula MX.sub.5 and [B] is a co-catalyst having the formula R.sub.n AlX.sub.3-n where M is a Group VB, VIB, or VIII transition metal; X is a halogen anion; R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl group; and n is 1-2.

Abstract: In thoracoscopic surgery digital palpation of intrathoracic anatomical structures is facilitated by the use of a rigid finger sheath which prevents the forces exerted by the patients ribs from causing numbness in the surgeon's finger. The finger sheath has an enlarged end which prevents it from falling into the patient's thoracic cavity.