Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for oral contraception. Certain compositions of the invention contain androgens, preferably methyltestosterone to be taken by younger users of the contraceptives to inhibit adverse effects of oral contraceptive use on bone mineral density.

Abstract: A method of treating hepatitis virus infection is disclosed. The method comprising administering to a human subject in need of such treatment an effective hepatitis virus-combatting amount of an alkyl lipid or alkyl lipid derivative.

Abstract: Selective blockade of DA and 5-HT uptake sites with 3-aryltropane derivatives.

Abstract: Selective blockade of DA and 5-HT uptake sites with 3-aryltropane derivatives.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for detecting and treating heart failure which are based on the down-regulatory activity of the cytoplasmic RNA-binding polypeptide, AUF1 (A+U-rich element RNA-binding/degradation Factor) toward .beta.-adrenergic receptors. Methods are disclosed for detecting pharmacologicals that inhibit the down-regulatory activity of AUF1 polypeptide for .beta.-adrenergic activity. Methods are disclosed for treating a patient with a high level of the AUF1 gene.

Abstract: A method of using a steroidal compound, 17.alpha.-dihydroequilenin, to prevent and treat neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction in estrogen deficient females and to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's related dementia and other senile dementia related conditions in both males and females. The method comprises administering 17.alpha.-dihydroequilenin in a therapeutically effective amount to a mammal in need of increased cognitive function or to a mammal susceptible to estrogen deficiency-related neurodegeneration or to senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Abstract: An expandable, intraluminal stent is provided which can be inserted into a body passage, and is capable of supporting an intact vascular graft. The stent is a thin-walled, generally tubular member having a plurality of rigid support tabs spaced uniformly around the perimeter of the two ends of the stent. A plurality of spacer bars span longitudinally between the rigid support tabs at one end of the stent and corresponding rigid support tabs at the other end. The spacer bars serve as struts to prevent longitudinal expansion or contraction of the stent so that the length of the stent is maintained. Plastically deformable connecting links interconnect adjacent rigid support tabs around each end of the stent to enable the stent to be expanded to an enlarged diameter. The stent can be expanded with a delivery system which applies a radially, outwardly extending force from the exterior of the stent. Alternatively, the stent can be expanded using an angioplasty balloon.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of employing compositions in flushing and coating medical devices are disclosed. The compositions include selected combinations of a chelating agent, anticoagulant, or antithrombotic agent, with an non-glycopeptide antimicrobial agent, such as the tetracycline antibiotics. Methods of using these compositions for coating a medical device and for inhibiting catheter infection are also disclosed. Particular combinations of the claimed combinations include minocycline or other non-glycopeptide antimicrobial agent together with EDTA, EGTA, DTPA, TTH, heparin and/or hirudin in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition that stimulates and improves wound healing in a patient in need of same. To this end, a method for stimulating wound healing comprising the step of administering to a patient a composition including a therapeutically effective amount of a source of carnosine is provided. In an embodiment, the composition also meets the nutrient requirements of a patient that are generated due to tissue repair and healing requirements.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method of treating tissue damage comprising applying a negative pressure to a wound sufficient in time and magnitude to promote tissue migration and thus facilitate closure of the wound. The method is applicable to wounds, burns, infected wounds, and live tissue attachments. Configurations of apparatus for carrying out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to ligands having the formula (I), in which X represents a heterocyclic group, together with the process for their preparation. The invention also concerns mono- or polymetallic complexes formed by said ligands with metallic ions selected from lanthanide ions, transition metal ions, barium ion, bismuth ion, lead ion and the radioisotopes 99m.sub.Tc, 111.sub.In, 90.sub.Y, 64.sub.Cu and 169.sub.Yb, as well as salts physiologically acceptable to these complexes. The salts of said complexes can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic agents in magnetic resonance imaging, radiology, in vivo chemical displacement agents and in nuclear medicine.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue damage comprises applying a negative pressure to a wound sufficient in time and magnitude to promote tissue migration and thus facilitate closure of the wound. The method is applicable to wounds, burns, infected wounds, and live tissue attachments. A wound treatment apparatus is provided in which a fluid impermeable wound cover is sealed over a wound site. A screen in the form of an open-cell foam screen or a rigid porous screen is placed beneath the wound cover over the wound. A vacuum pump supplies suction within the wound cover over the treatment site.

Abstract: Triciribine and analogs are effective antiviral agents.

Abstract: Quaternary amine-containing ether lipid analogs of the formulaR.sub.1 --X--R.sub.2 --N.sup.+ (R.sub.3) (R.sub.4) (R.sub.5) Z.sup.-are disclosed. R.sub.1 represents a hydrophobic group and R.sub.2 represents the backbone of the molecule, with the quaternary amine being linked directly to the backbone. Pharmaceutical compositions including these compounds and methods of combating tumors with these compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of combating viral infections with both these compounds and ET-18-OMe and its analogs.

Abstract: A process of enantioselective synthesis of seven-membered carbocycles in the presence of di-rhodium(II) tetracarboxylate catalysts.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a cardiotonic effect by administration of carnosine (N-.beta.-Alanyl-L-histidine) or it's pharmaceutically acceptable salt in an amount sufficient to produce such effect.

Abstract: A nutritional composition and methods of using same for treating and preventing renal failure is provided. The nutritional composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of a source protein including meat proteins. Furthermore, the nutritional composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of specific amino acids, peptides, and/or polypeptides. The specific amino acids, peptides and polypeptides are selected such that they counteract a pathophysiologic mechanism contributing to the renal failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the DNA sequence encoding the AUF1 polypeptide, or fragments thereof. Also, the invention relates to the AUF1 polypeptide itself or fragments thereof. Methods are disclosed for detecting the severity of neoplastic transformation. Methods are disclosed for detecting pharmacologicals that enhance the anti-tumor activity of AUF1. Methods are disclosed for treating a patient with a low level of the AUF1 gene.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for oral delivery. The composition includes about 1-2 mg mammalian estrogen and about 25-100 mg phytoestrogen. Compositions of the type described above are utilized, for example, in a therapeutic regimen designed to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This method comprises the oral administration of a composition comprising a mixture of estrogen and phytoestrogen, the dosages of mammalian estrogen and phytoestrogen being about 1-2 mg, about 25-100 mg, respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a cardiotonic effect by administration of carnosine (N-.beta.-Alanyl-L-histidine) or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt in an amount sufficient to produce such effect.