Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapid, continuous flow histological processing of tissues is disclosed. The steps of fixation, dehydration, clearing and impregnation are performed in less than one hour; this allows a pathologist to evaluate samples shortly after receipt, perhaps while the patient is still in the operating room. Rapid and continuous processing is accomplished by decreasing the thickness of tissue sections, use of nonaqueous solutions composed of admixtures of solutions, solution exchange at elevated temperature and with agitation, and impregnation under vacuum pressure. The patient in surgery is thus provided with point-of-care surgical pathology.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering fractionally inspired oxygen (FiO2) to a patient in response to receiving an arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation signal (SpO2) are disclosed. The SpO2 is measured, for example, by using a pulse oximeter. An algorithm receives a signal indicating the SpO2. The algorithm determines wither the SpO2 is in the normoxemia range, hypoxemia range or hyperoxemia range. The algorithm also determines trends by calculating a slope of second-to-second changes in the SpO2. Based on the current SpO2 and the trend, the algorithm determines the appropriate FiO2 for the patient and instructs a device, such as a mechanical ventilator or an air oxygen mixer as to the appropriate FiO2 to be delivered to the patient. The system initializes various parameters with default values, but a user (e.g., a nurse) can also update the settings at any time.

Abstract: A multicomponent vaginal cylinder system composed of a tandem capable of housing one or more radiation sources, one or more removable ovoid cartridges, each cartridge capable of housing a radiation source, and a vaginal cylinder structure having corresponding hollow cavities to accommodate the insertions of the tandem and the ovoid cartridges. Radiation shielding may be removably attached to portions of the vaginal cylinder structure to shield tissues from unwanted radiation. A method for using this vaginal cylinder system to treat gynecological cancers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microprobe useful for assessing auditory function by enabling clinical and intraoperative measurements of blood flow, particularly cochlear blood flow and neural compound action potentials, particularly of the auditory nerve (cranial nerve VIII) is disclosed. In addition, a monitoring system containing this microprobe and a method of using the microprobe are described.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are: a composition including at least one glycosaminoglycan, e.g., CIS, at least one perfluorinated substance and at least one alginate, e.g., sodium alginate, wherein: the at least one glycosaminoglycan and/or the perfluorinated substance and/or the alginate are cross-linked or polymerized, e.g., the alginate is cross-linked or polymerized, for instance by addition of an inorganic salt, such as a calcium salt; or the at least one glycosaminoglycan, the perfluorinated substance and the alginate are covalently bound, e.g., by means of a coupling reaction involving a linker molecule such as DVS; or the at least one glycosaminoglycan and/or the perfluorinated substance and/or the alginate are cross-linked or polymerized, e.g., the alginate is cross-linked or polymerized, for instance by addition of an inorganic salt, such as a calcium salt, and the at least one glycosaminoglycan and the alginate are covalently bound, e.g.

Abstract: A metabotropic glutamate taste receptor having a molecular weight of approximately 68 kDa, encoded by a cDNA sequence having the mRNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 is disclosed, which functions as a umami taste receptor. Also disclosed are cells expressing the cloned receptor and a method of screening for umami mimics using the receptor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapid, continuous flow histological processing of tissues is disclosed. The steps of fixation, dehydration, clearing and impregnation are performed in less than one hour; this allows a pathologist to evaluate samples shortly after receipt, perhaps while the patient is still in the operating room. Rapid and continuous processing is accomplished by decreasing the thickness of tissue sections, use of non-aqueous solutions composed of admixtures of solutions, solution exchange at elevated temperature and with agitation, and impregnation under vacuum pressure. The patient in surgery is thus provided with point-of-care surgical pathology.

Abstract: An integrated rigid fixation orbital expander has a coupling tunnel, an injection port, and a substantially spherically shaped expansion chamber. The coupling tunnel is configured with opposing side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The top wall of the coupling tunnel may have a depression denoting a mid-point of the coupling tunnel and serves as an entry point to introduce a needle for injection. The depression lines up with a hole on the vertical arm of a plate. The plate may glide within the coupling tunnel to align the depression with a desired hole in the plate. The injection port has a floor and a dome and a plurality of channels. The floor of the injection port may have a backstop plate to block a needle from further penetration. The dome of the injection port is connected to the bottom wall of the coupling tunnel.

Abstract: A water sampling apparatus is disclosed having a water inlet and a water collecting scoop. A pump, in fluid communication with the water inlet, draws a water sample from a body of water through the water inlet. A plurality of testing units, in fluid communication with the pump and the water inlet, determine characteristics of a the water sample. The plurality of testing units are contained within an instrument module. A plurality of electrical components, in communication at least with some of the plurality of testing units, generates data signals concerning the characteristics of the water sample. The plurality of electrical components are contained within a computer module. A computer, in communication at least with some of the plurality of electrical components, collects the data signals generated by the plurality of electrical components and provides the data signals both to a local database and also by satellite transmission to a remote central data base.

Abstract: A grossing board for preparing gross tissue samples having relatively uniform thickness features one or more tissue-receiving depressions and one or more knife-guiding members. The bottom surface of a tissue-receiving depression is essentially parallel to the upper, cutting surface of the grossing board, and the knife-guiding members are configured to guide the pathologist's knife so as to ensure cuts that are parallel to the bottom surface of the tissue-receiving depression, thereby yielding gross tissue samples of desired reproducible, uniform thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to CTGF fragments comprising at least exon 2 or exon 3 of CTGF and having the ability to induce extracellular matrix synthesis, in particular, collagen synthesis and myofibroblast differentiation. The present invention is further directed to methods using said CTGF fragments to identify compositions which modulate the activity of said CTGF fragments and to the compositions so identified. The invention also relates to methods of treating CTGF-associated disorders and diseases associated with the overproduction of the extracellular matrix.

Abstract: A metabotropic glutamate taste receptor having a molecular weight of approximately 68 kDa, encoded by a cDNA sequence having the MRNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 is disclosed, which functions as a umami taste receptor. Also disclosed are cells expressing the cloned receptor and a method of screening for umami mimics using the receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions related to the administration of connective tissue growth factor, alone or in combination with other growth factors, compositions or compounds, to induce the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes or asteablasts.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient having meibomian gland disease, ocular irritation associated with delayed tear clearance, or recurrent corneal epithelial erosion, is disclosed. Preferably, the method concerns treatment of a patient with topical tetracycline, a derivative or analogue of tetracycline, or a chemically modified tetracycline (CMT). Oral administration of a CMT is also disclosed as part of the method for treating meibomian gland disease, ocular irritation associated with delayed tear clearance, or recurrent corneal epithelial erosion.

Abstract: A method of evaluating clearance of fluorescein dye instilled into tear film having a greater sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing a tear film disorder as the cause of a patient's ocular irritation and ocular surface disease than can be achieved using the traditional methods. The inventive method can be performed using a diagnostic kit for evaluating tear fluorescence clearance in which the concentration of tear fluorescein is visually quantified via a color standard.

Abstract: The invention is a method of inhibiting a sarcoma, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, in a mammal. The method employs 6-demethyl-6-deoxy-4-de(dimethylamino)tetracycline (CMT-3.

Abstract: A novel method using anti-interleukin 2 receptor monoclonal antibodies for treating patients having severe viral hepatitis C is described. The inventive method may be used to treat recurrent hepatitis C following liver transplantation, thereby reducing complications in recipients of liver allografts.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering fractionally inspired oxygen (FiO2) to a patient in response to receiving an arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation signal (SpO2) are disclosed. The SpO2 is measured, for example, by using a pulse oximeter. An algorithm receives a signal indicating the SpO2. The algorithm determines wither the SpO2 is in the normoxemia range, hypoxemia range or hyperoxemia range. The algorithm also determines trends by calculating a slope of second-to-second changes in the SpO2. Based on the current SpO2 and the trend, the algorithm determines the appropriate FiO2 for the patient and instructs a device, such as a mechanical ventilator or an air oxygen mixer as to the appropriate FiO2 to be delivered to the patient. The system initializes various parameters with default values, but a user (e.g., a nurse) can also update the settings at any time.

Abstract: A mini capsulorhexis valve device is composed of a curved, flexible discoid flap-valve member shaped to align with an ocular lens capsular bag inner surface, and a curved, flexible retainer member shaped to align with an ocular lens capsular bag outer surface, the curved, flexible retainer member being attached at a fastening point to the curved, flexible discoid flap-valve member. Attachment of the curved, flexible discoid flap-valve member to the curved, flexible retainer member may be via bonding with a silastic adhesive. In a method of accessing an ocular lens, the mini capsulorhexis valve device establishes a portal controlling access to an ocular lens. The method may include inserting a cannula through the mini capsulorhexis valve device to permit removal of a crystalline lens matrix and replacement thereof with a capsular filling material.

Abstract: An integrated rigid fixation orbital expander has a coupling tunnel, an injection port, and a substantially spherically shaped expansion chamber. The coupling tunnel is configured with opposing side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The top wall of the coupling tunnel may have a depression denoting a mid-point of the coupling tunnel and serves as an entry point to introduce a needle for injection. The depression lines up with a hole on the vertical arm of a plate. The plate may glide within the coupling tunnel to align the depression with a desired hole in the plate. The injection port has a floor and a dome and a plurality of channels. The floor of the injection port may have a backstop plate to block a needle from further penetration. The dome of the injection port is connected to the bottom wall of the coupling tunnel.