Abstract: HIV-1 does not cause disease in any non-human species. Thus, there is no animal model system to evaluate the efficacy of strategies aimed at preventing or ameliorating disease caused by this virus. The instant invention provides an animal model for HIV-1 induced disease, virus for generating such model animals, and methods for generating pathogenic SHIV.

Abstract: A method of screening a sample for the presence of a matrix metalloproteinase employing discriminatory peptide substrates is provided. The method involves providing a peptide substrate of 6-14 amino acid residues containing at least one matrix metalloproteinase cleavage site. The peptide substrate contains Mca as a fluorogenic group and Lys(Dnp) as a quenching group separated by at least four amino acid residues, wherein the peptide substrate is specific for the matrix metalloproteinase of interest. The peptide substrate is combined with a sample containing at least one matrix metalloproteinase to form a mixture. The fluorescence of the mixture is monitored to determine if the matrix metalloproteinase of interest is present.

Abstract: The instant invention demonstrates that the 7S domain of type IV collagen disrupts cell aggregation and tissue development. Structural changes in mesoglea, inhibition of cell proliferation, and changes in cell differentiation patterns accompanies the blockage of cell aggregates which indicate that blockage may be due to alterations in mesoglea (extracellular matrix) structure with accompanying effects on cell behavior. Type IV collagen has a critical role in the initial formation of mesoglea and that perturbation of mesoglea formation affects cell division, cell differentiation, and morphogenesis.

Abstract: The instant invention demonstrates that the 7S and NC1 domains of type IV collagen disrupts cell aggregation and tissue development. Structural changes in mesoglea, inhibition of cell proliferation, and changes in cell differentiation patterns accompanies the blockage of cell aggregates which indicate that blockage may be due to alterations in mesoglea (extracellular matrix) structure with accompanying effects on cell behavior. Type IV collagen has a critical role in the initial formation of mesoglea and that perturbation of mesoglea formation affects cell division, cell differentiation, and morphogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a topical anesthetic gel composition, comprising: (a) one or more topical anesthetic agents; (b) an adrenergic sympathomimetic compound; and (c) a pharmaceutical gel component. The present invention also provides a topical anesthetic gel composition, comprising: (a) tetracaine HCl, wherein said tetracaine HCl is contained in said composition in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 1.0% by weight, based upon the total weight of said composition; (b) epinephrine HCl topical solution, wherein said epinephrine HCl is contained in said composition in an amount of from about 0.04% to about 0.1% by weight, based upon the total weight of said composition; (c) cocaine HCl, wherein said cocaine HCl is contained in said composition in an amount of from about 3.0% to about 12.0% by weight, based upon the total weight of said composition; and (d) GELFOAM.RTM., wherein said Gelfoam.RTM. is contained in said composition in an amount of from about 6.0% to about 9.

Abstract: An isolated and substantially pure polynucleotide encoding 238 amino acids of the carboxy terminal end of the triple helical domain and all 233 amino acids of the carboxy terminal noncollageneous domain of the bovine .alpha.3 chain of type IV collagen. An isolated and substantially pure polynucleotide encoding 218 amino acids of the carboxy terminal noncollagenous domain of the human .alpha.3 chain of type IV collagen. Such polynucleotides are useful to express large amounts of proteins in vectors and such expressed proteins are useful to detect Goodpasture antibodies in blood and to remove Goodpasture antibodies from the bloodstream of patients suffering from Goodpasture syndrome.

Abstract: A hot tip catheter assembly is disclosed which resolves atherosclerotic plaque buildup in vivo. The catheter has a heater, a cap, a thermocouple, power leads, thermocouple leads, and a central distal lumen to position the catheter within the artery. The catheter tip has a thin, non-adhesive coating of a hard, heat-conducting material. The thermocouple is used to continuously evaluate the temperature at the tip of the catheter, and the temperature is then regulated by a computer-controlled feedback system. The catheter can completely melt the buildup without damage to the artery by direct contact with the plaque, without use of balloon catheter angioplasty.