Abstract: Provided are methods of isolating RNA from a biological sample, methods and means for determining the presence of particular RNA splice-form variants in a biological sample, methods and means for determining the relative ratio of RNA ratios in a biological sample, and methods and means for predicting the progression of precancerous cervical lesions.

Abstract: Target-specific hybrid capture (TSHC) provides a nucleic acid detection method that is not only rapid and sensitive, but is also highly specific and capable of discriminating highly homologous nucleic acid target sequences. The method produces DNA:RNA hybrids which can be detected by a variety of methods.

Abstract: Target-specific hybrid capture (TSHC) provides a nucleic acid detection method that is not only rapid and sensitive, but is also highly specific and capable of discriminating highly homologous nucleic acid target sequences. The method produces DNA:RNA hybrids which can be detected by a variety of methods.

Abstract: An intravascular expandable filter which has centering members that work to center the filter in a body vessel, the centering member creating a zone at the radial extent of the filter substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter. A device to deploy the filter consisting of an inner sheath with radially expandable distal arms having slots in them to receive the elongate members of the filter. A device to receive the filter consisting of a member to push a central portion of the filter into a receiving portion of the device.

Abstract: A barrel formed from a sheet of blank material includes a plurality of side wall panels for forming sides of the barrel including a front panel, a rear panel, two opposing end panels, and at least one diagonal corner panel, at least one bottom flap for forming a bottom of the barrel, and a plurality of top flaps for forming a top of the barrel including a top front flap foldably connected to the front panel, a top rear flap foldably connected to the rear panel, and two opposing top end flaps each foldably connected to one of the end panels. The top front flap and the top rear flap include at least one closure slot. Each of the two opposing top end flaps includes at least one locking finger. The locking fingers are inserted within the closure slots for securing the top of the barrel in a closed position.

Abstract: A machine for forming a case from a blank of sheet material includes a body, a mandrel mounted on the body and having an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the case, a member mounted on the body adjacent the mandrel for applying a force to the blank for at least one of folding a portion of the blank around the mandrel, moving the blank, and securing portions of the blank together, and a servomechanism operatively connected to the member for driving and controlling movement of the member to apply the force to the blank.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter assembly and method of making the same. In at least some embodiments, the present invention relates to embolic protection filters having at least one radiopaque component.

Abstract: A sheath for delivering and/or retrieving an embolic protection filtering devices. The sheath may include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion may be expandable and may include a bulbous member or region. Additionally, the sheath may include structural support in a number of different forms.

Abstract: An intravascular filter having centering capabilities and a device for manipulation of the filter within a vessel. The manipulation device includes a grasping member disposed at the distal end of an elongate shaft, wherein the grasping member may be used to engage a portion of the filter.

Abstract: Target-specific hybrid capture (TSHC) provides a nucleic acid detection method that is not only rapid and sensitive, but is also highly specific and capable of discriminating highly homologous nucleic acid target sequences. The method produces DNA:RNA hybrids which can be detected by a variety of methods.

Abstract: Methods and devices for retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A catheter for retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate shaft and a housing fixed to the elongate shaft proximate a distal end thereof. A tip member is slidingly disposed within a cavity defined by the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the tip member is configured such that the housing is substantially centered about the guidewire. In another preferred embodiment, the tip member is slidingly disposed within the housing, and the tip member may be moved between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A pigmentation dispenser utilizes a hopper having two rotors therein. One rotor moves the pigmentation material through an outlet opening and deposits it on a conveyor containing a concrete mix. The concrete mix and pigmentation material are then moved to a mixer which mixes them together.

Abstract: An intravascular expandable filter which has centering members that work to center the filter in a body vessel, the centering member creating a zone at the radial extent of the filter substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter. A device to deploy the filter consisting of an inner sheath with radially expandable distal arms having slots in them to receive the elongate members of the filter. A device to receive the filter consisting of a member to push a central portion of the filter into a receiving portion of the device.

Abstract: A sheath for delivering and/or retrieving an embolic protection filtering devices. The sheath may include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion may be expandable and may include a bulbous member or region. Additionally, the sheath may include structural support in a number of different forms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting intravascular devices through a body lumen are disclosed. A filter system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a guide tip having a guidewire lumen adapted to receive a guidewire, an elongated wire operatively coupled to an embolic protection filter, and a filter delivery device including an elongated tubular member extending distally to a distal sheath, the elongated tubular member may include a first lumen adapted to receive the elongated wire, and a second lumen adapted to receive the guidewire.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics.

Abstract: A filter disposed at the distal end of an elongate guidewire. Catheters are provided for delivering the filter to, and retrieving the filter from, a treatment site. The catheters can be over-the-wire or single operator exchange. The catheters include a housing for receiving the filter therein. The housing has an atraumatic distal end.

Abstract: An improved anti-dust helmet comprising a shell spaced from the wearer's head by a supporting harness and provided with a transparent visor sealed at the sides to the wearer's face. Between the helmet shell and the wearer's head there is a sealing member extending continuously from the visor seals around the upper occipital part of the wearer's head. The sealing member is formed of a soft and resilient material and is so formed that the edge of the sealing member that rests against the wearer's head approaches the head at an acute angle. The sealing member may be fabricated or moulded from natural or synthetic rubber or from other elastomeric materials.