Abstract: A method for subtractive hybridization of desired DNA sequences from two cell or tissue populations. cDNA from experimental cells or tissues is modified by incorporation of nucleoside analogs to prevent subsequent exonuclease attack. Hybridization of the experimental and control cDNA is performed using the phenol-emulsion reassociation technique. The hybridized DNA is incubated with exonucleases, resulting in degradation of all but the desired duplex DNA which may then be amplified. This technique may be used to isolate differentially expressed genes or gene fragments and will contribute to our understanding of pathological conditions and developmental regulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing XSCID in a male subject or determining whether a female subject is a carrier of XSCID which comprises determining whether the male or female subject possesses a mutated IL-2R.gamma. gene, the presence of the mutated IL-2R.gamma. gene being indicative that the male subject has XSCID or the female subject is a carrier of XSCID. The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing XSCID in a subject which comprises determining whether the subject possesses a truncated IL-2R.gamma. protein, the presence of the truncated IL-2R.gamma. protein being indicative of XSCID. The present invention further provides kits for diagnosing XSCID in a male subject or determining whether a female subject is a carrier of XSCID. The present invention still further provides methods for treating XSCID and a method for monitoring therapy. Lastly, the present invention provides a promoter which regulates expression of IL-2R.gamma.

Abstract: A irradiation attachment for an optical fiber which provides an output of light that has a highly uniform intensity. The device includes a hollow spherical shell having a diffusive reflective surface or target supported therein. Light is directed into the hollow spherical shell so that it reflects off the diffusive reflective surface or target. The reflected light is internally reflected off the inner surface of the hollow spherical shell several times before passing through an output aperture. As a result of the internal reflection within the hollow spherical shell, the light leaving the device has a highly uniform intensity. The device is particularly useful for photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for arresting or inhibiting the growth of cells in Kaposi's Sarcoma lesions and a method for arresting or inhibiting the growth of the Kaposi's Sarcoma lesions, said methods comprising contacting the cells in the lesions with an effective amount of SP-PG, a naturally occurring sulfated polysaccharide-peptidoglycan produced by a specific species of the bacterium Arthrobacter, AT-25. The invention is also directed to blocking or inhibiting the activity of cellular vascular permeability factor(s), which comprises contacting vascular cells with an effective amount of SP-PG. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for blocking or inhibiting increased vascular permeability (and resulting edema) in diseases and disorders in which the increased vascular permeability contributes to the pathology, for example, in Kaposi's Sarcoma, tumorigenesis, inflammation, diabetic retinopathy, etc.

Abstract: Improved Pseudomonas exotoxins of low animal toxicity and high cytocidal activity are described. Substitution of positively charged amino acid residues with an amino acid residue without a positive charge provides markedly changed exotoxins. Conjugation of the new exotoxins with suitable targeting agents provides cytocidal specificity for killing desired cellular entities.

Abstract: Antigenic proteins may be expressed in bacteria by use of vectors having inserted therein DNA fragments from an envelope gene. The DNA fragments employed in the example are coding sequences found in the HTLV-I envelope gene. The bacteria used was E. coli. The antigenic proteins are useful in identifying antibodies to the organisms from which the DNA fragments were originally obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the construction and application of vaccinia virus containing DNA sequences for encoding and efficient expression of enzymatically active cytochrome P-450 polypeptides in mammalian cells. Preparation and use of pure P1-450 and P3-450 cytochromes have been described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel synthetic route to a key precursor, i.e., an (S,S)-.alpha.-fluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-propanoic acid ester useful in the preparation of FddA and FddC. The instant diastereoselective process utilizes a novel intermediate which contains a chiral auxiliary. The chiral auxiliary can be any chiral auxiliary moiety such as for example an auxiliary containing a substituted oxazolidinone group. The intermediate containing the chiral auxiliary is fluorinated utilizing a fluorination method applied for the first time in the synthesis of fluorinated sugars to give a fluorinated intermediate which after removal of the chiral group provides the desired key intermediate. In summary, in the instant process, a fluorine is introduced diastereoselectively into an intermediate via the reaction of a chiral enolate with an electrophilic fluorinating agent and the intermediate which is fluorinated is derived from mannitol.

Abstract: A solid-state fluorescent dosimeter for monitoring therapy irradiation dosage during a photodynamic therapy procedure. The solid-state fluorescent dosimeter includes an optical fiber -having a distal end and a proximal end, and a solid-state fluorescent tip attached to the proximal end of the optical fiber. The solid-state fluorescent tip includes a fluorescent material which emits fluorescence when exposed to non-ionizing radiation in the visible or near infrared range. The solid-state fluorescent tip has a sufficient length so as ensure isotropic response characteristics to the non-ionizing radiation regardless of the orientation or alignment of the solid-state fluorescent tip relative to the irradiation source.

Abstract: A protein, in particular MAP 30, obtainable from both the fruit and seeds of Momordica charantia or produced by recombinant means useful for treating tumors and HIV infections is disclosed. In treating HIV infections, the protein is administered alone or in conjunction with conventional AIDS therapies. Also provided are processes for purifying the protein, DNA sequences encoding the protein, and recombinant DNA methods for expressing the protein.

Abstract: A blocking device is non-surgically inserted in a duct of a reproductive system of either a male or female subject. The device may be in the form of a stent including an expandable section for sealingly engaging the duct to effect sterilization by preventing passage of gametes therethrough. The stent preferably includes a predetermined portion which is ablatable by application of a known intensity of laser irradiation. When desired, a laser beam may be used to ablate the portion of the blocking device in order to reopen the duct and to re-establish fertility of the subject. One embodiment of the device includes a guiding segment for guiding a fiber optic device to a position adjacent the ablatable portion and for accurate application of the laser beam thereto, thereby reducing potential organic damage from a misdirected laser beam. In another embodiment, the stent includes a collapsible frame structure compressed by a spring, and a central ablatable blocking portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymorphic markers (two tetranucleotide and one dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms) that are useful for human individualization. Applications are in forensic medicine and for paternity and prenatal screening as well as genetic mapping. These markers are characterized by sets of oligonucleotide primers according to the invention useful in PCR amplification and DNA segment resolution. The invention further relates to an assay for measuring the subtle differences in genetic material regarding an added or omitted set of dinucleotide or tetranucleotide repeat polymorphisms which comprises obtaining an amount of nucleotide segments effective for testing, amplifying the segments by the PCR procedure using at least one primer nucleotide sequence according to the present invention, resolving the amplified segments using gel electrophoresis, and comparing the resolved segments by autoradiography to observe the differences in migration patterns due to structural differences.

Abstract: Potent neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to the human .alpha. PDGF receptor (.alpha. PDGFR) and fragments thereof are described. These monoclonal antibodies specifically bind to an epitope on .alpha. PDGFR, inhibits PDGF binding with PDGF, antagonizes PDGF, and does not bind .beta. PDGFR receptor. A hybridoma cell line producing such a monoclonal antibody, methods of in vivo imaging of a pathological conditions and methods of inhibiting the growth of a neoplasia expressing .alpha. PDGFR, which use these monoclonal antibodies are also described. In vitro assays for detecting the presence of .alpha. PDGFR and for evaluating the binding affinity of a test compound are also described.

Abstract: An electric field shield for non-grounded AC powered appliances is connected to a neutral return terminal of the AC power distribution system. A polarized two prong connector assures connection of the shield to neutral. By eliminating a requirement for connection of the shield to ground, shields are made available for appliances precluded from ground connection such as bedding heaters. A double pole control switch is included to eliminate E-field generation in an OFF state caused by improper wiring or the use of unpolarized intermediate connectors. The shield is insulated and a current limiting device is series connected between the shield and neutral to reduce electrical hazards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a three-stranded DNA molecule wherein each strand of the three-stranded DNA molecule is hybridized (that is, non-covalently bound) to at least one other strand of the three-stranded DNA molecule. The method comprises:contacting a recombination protein with a double-stranded DNA molecule and with a single-stranded DNA molecule sufficiently complementary to one strand of the double-stranded DNA molecule to hybridize therewith, which contacting is effected under conditions such that the single-stranded DNA molecule hybridizes to the double-stranded molecule so that the three stranded DNA molecule is formed.

Abstract: A target-specific, cytotoxic, recombinant Pseudomonas exotoxin is described. Such toxins are made by inserting specific recognition molecules at specific cloning sites in at least domain III near the carboxyl terminus of the PE molecule. Various modifications of the carboxyl terminus of the PE molecule to increase cytotoxicity are set forth. Multifunctional, recombinant, cytotoxic fusion proteins containing at least two different recognition molecules are provided for killing cells expressing receptors to which the recognition molecules bind with specificity. Methods for producing novel recombinant PE molecules with specific properties are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides new antiviral compounds, i.e., michellamines and derivatives and pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof, methods for isolating such antiviral compounds from a plant species of the genus Ancistrocladus, antiviral compositions containing such antiviral compounds, and methods of using such antiviral compounds for treating patients with viral infections. The antiviral compounds of the present invention inhibit the reproduction and cytopathicity of human acquired immunodeficiency viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the purification of the human chorionic gonadotropin .beta.-core molecule which can then be used as the antigen in the preparation of antibodies to the .beta.-core molecule. The combination of the purified .beta.-core molecule and the antibodies can be used in an immunoassay kit to measure .beta.-core molecules in the presence of structurally similar molecules, i.e., hCG, LH, hCG.beta.-subunit and LH.beta.-subunit. Measurement of the .beta.-core molecule is particularly useful in testing for pregnancy and many malignancies.

Abstract: A tip design for a multilumen catheter which includes a plurality of inflatable tubes each of which is attached to a lumen at the distal end of the multilumen catheter. The inflatable tubes are normally inverted in their respective lumens, but can be individually everted, inflated, deflated and retracted or inverted back into their lumen by the application of fluid pressure and vacuums at the proximal end of the multilumen catheter. In a procedure to open a constricted passageway one or more of the inflatable tubes can be inverted into the constriction and thereafter inflated to open the passageway. Thereafter, addition inflatable tubes can be inverted into the constriction and inflated to effect further opening of the passageway. In another embodiment, the inflatable tubes are provided with gripping surfaces and are manipulated by appropriate fluid pressures like fingers to grasp and recover target objects in a blocked passageway.

Abstract: A new NM23 gene and its relationship with metastatic potential of tumor cells is described.