Abstract: A system for intramedullary preparations comprises a directional reamer including a flexible drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a cutting head operably connected to the distal end of the flexible drive shaft. The system further includes a means of displacing the distal end of the flexible drive shaft and deflecting the cutting head to selectively shape a medullary canal in a bone. A follower sleeve is also include in the system and has a proximal end and a distal end in the form of a collar, with the follower sleeve being configured to accept the flexible drive shaft. The system additionally includes a reaming plunger that extends through the follower sleeve and is positioned adjacent to the flexible drive shaft such that the reaming plunger engages the collar of the follower sleeve to deflect the cutting head.

Abstract: A system for intramedullary preparations comprises a directional reamer including a flexible drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a cutting head operably connected to the distal end of the flexible drive shaft. The system further includes a means of displacing the distal end of the flexible drive shaft and deflecting the cutting head to selectively shape a medullary canal in a bone. A follower sleeve is also include in the system and has a proximal end and a distal end in the form of a collar, with the follower sleeve being configured to accept the flexible drive shaft. The system additionally includes a reaming plunger that extends through the follower sleeve and is positioned adjacent to the flexible drive shaft such that the reaming plunger engages the collar of the follower sleeve to deflect the cutting head.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of aiding in a renal cell carcinoma prognosis that include quantifying expressed carbonic anhydrase in samples derived from renal cell carcinoma patients. The methods also identify patients that are likely to respond positively to selected courses of treatment. The invention further provides related computer program products.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time YY1, a transcription factor gene over-expressed and/or functionally overactive in human cancer. The present invention provides methods of diagnosing and providing a prognosis for cancer such as prostate cancer, as well as methods of drug discovery. YY1 is also a therapeutic target for treatment of cancer resistant to conventional and experimental cancer therapeutics. Inhibition of YY1 expression and/or activity sensitizes resistant tumor cells to cytotoxic treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of aiding in a renal cell carcinoma prognosis that include quantifying expressed carbonic anhydrase in samples derived from renal cell carcinoma patients. The methods also identify patients that are likely to respond positively to selected courses of treatment. The invention further provides related computer program products.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing body fluid or blood electrolytes in a body fluid or blood serum sample includes three testing stations. The blood sample is automatically transported from an input point serially and in a linear manner along a track past the three testing stations to an output point. The first testing station removes a first portion of the sample at a first location along the track and has a rotating structure including a container which receives and stores the first portion and rotates it to a first testing position at a first time. A testing structure tests the first portion while at the first testing position at that first time.The second testing station removes a second portion of the sample at a second location along the track and includes a second rotating structure including a container which receives and stores the second portion and rotates the stored second portion to a second testing position, also at the first time.