Abstract: Bone resorption by osteoclast cells is promoted by activated vitamin D-binding factor, thereby providing an effective treatment for osteopetrosis. Conversely, inflammation-mediated bone loss is inhibited with antibody against the activated factor, providing a treatment for inflammation-mediated osteolytic diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease. The antibodies are further utilized in an antigen binding assay for diagnosing inflammation-mediated bone loss.

Abstract: The invention generally discloses the cloning and characterization of a nucleotide sequence encode for at least a part of primate T-cell suppressor inducer factor (TsFl) protein and in particular, a putative gene for TsFl produced by the murine cell line A.1.1. The nucleotide sequence is 2936 bp in length comprising an encoding sequence 2565 bp in length and encoding a protein of 690 amino acids.

Abstract: Fluorescence ligand binding assay of a sample containing an unknown amount of ligand is performed by making direct intensity measurements. In an immunoassay the sample is in a solution containing dye labeled analyte and an antibody specific to the analyte. Surfactant, added to the solution in an amount sufficient to form micelles, provides markedly different fluorescent intensity from bound and unbound labeled analyte if the surfactant ions and dye ions have the same charge polarity and the analyte moeity has the opposite charge polarity.

Abstract: A new method for treatment of skin burn is disclosed. A known material, sodium polyacrylate, has been discovered to be useful in the treatment of burns. The method of treatment includes spreading sodium polyacrylate powder as a dressing over the skin burn area, and wetting the powder, such as by spraying with sterilized distilled water until the powder becomes moist. The outer wetted surface of the moistened powder layer dries to provide a parchment like surface. Such a dressing may be maintained in position over the skin burn area for about 2-3 weeks, operating to control loss of water from the body through the burn area, avoiding capillary permeability, and appearing to prevent infection of the burn area. The dressing may be selectively removed or is sloughed off, and is eventually pushed off by the growth of new tissue under the bottom surface of the protective layer. Sodium polyacrylate (PANa) may be used by itself, or mixed with an anti-inflammatory, or with an antibiotic.

Abstract: Fluorescence ligand binding assay of a sample containing an unknown amount of ligand may be performed by making direct intensity measurements. In an immunoassay, for example, the sample may be added to a solution containing fluorescein labeled analyte and then is added an antibody specific to the analyte. Sodium dodecyl sulfate, a surfactant, added to the solution in an amount sufficient to form micelles provides markedly different fluorescent intensity from bound and unbound labeled analyte.

Abstract: A unique ingestible and retrievable ambulatory esophageal monitor for colorimetric analysis of ambient pH within selected portions of the esophagus comprising a nasoesophgeal conduit at least one generally transparent semi-permeable envelope carried proximal the distal end of the conduit for positioning within the distal esophagus. The envelope contains an ion exchange color indicator composition comprised of a weak cation exchange substance selected from the group comprising a resin, a cellulose or an agarose and intermixed and bound therein being an indicator dye preferably either methylene blue or azure A. The ion exchange substance having a disassociation potential (pK) of at least 4 so that the indicator dye selectively disassociates causing the envelope to visually discolorize when exposed to a clinically significant ambient pH of 4 or less within the esophagus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new, useful and simple apparatus, and surgical method, for implantation of same, for selective control of evacuating the urinary bladder in mammals by electrical stimulation of the motor innervations of the bladder's detrusor urinae muscle. Contractions of this muscle occur by timed electrical pulses conducted by electrodes placed in the fluid of the sacral canal, to conduct electrical stimulus through the fluid in the sacral region of the spinal cord. Nerve roots located in this region of the sacral canal, and which innervate the bladder, are stimulated by the electricity conducted by the fluid, causing contraction of the bladder's detrusor muscle, and results in micturition. In preferred form, the apparatus may be used on paraplegic or quadriplegic humans and could be selectively controllable by a paraplegic human. The apparatus may also be used to evacuate the bladder in paraplegic mammals such as dogs and cats.