Abstract: The present invention provides a vaginal pessary that offers mid-urethral support and is anchored proximate the cervix by a proximal annulus engaging opposing walls of the vagina and supporting a distal annulus engaging opposing walls of the vagina posterior to the mid-urethra. The proximal and distal annulus are joined by compressible cross rods compressible to reduce a diameter of at least one of the proximal and distal annuli.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaginal pessary that offers mid-urethral support and is anchored proximate the cervix by a proximal annulus engaging opposing walls of the vagina and supporting a distal annulus engaging opposing walls of the vagina posterior to the mid-urethra. The proximal and distal annulus are joined by compressible cross rods compressible to reduce a diameter of at least one of the proximal and distal annuli.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaginal pessary that offers mid-urethral support and is supported laterally near the vaginal opening, rather than between the apex of the vagina and the back of the pubic bone as is found in current pessaries. The pessary is inserted closer to the opening of the vagina so that it will support the mid-urethra, rather than the bladder neck, in accordance with the new understanding of the importance of mid-urethral support. The pessary is smaller and applies minimal force along the inner walls of the vagina.

Abstract: A method of preparing flourescent in situ hybridization slides, comprising: providing a slide with a raised ring thereon; providing to the slide a DNA probe; providing to the slide cells and target DNA; providing to the slide a formamide-free mixture of 10%.+-.2% by weight dextran sulfate and 15%-25% glycerol and 0.9% by weight salt or a solution of 10%.+-.2% by weight dextran sulfate, 10-30% by volume formamide and 0.9% by weight salt; placing a coverglass on the ring; denaturing and hybridizing the slide; and performing a post-hybridization wash of the slide.

Abstract: A fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) procedure and solutions is provided. The entire FISH procedure is fast (15 minutes or less), with the hybridization step occurring in 5 minutes or less. The entire FISH procedure with digoxygenin- or biotin-labeled probes takes approximately 30 minutes. A formamide-free solution (dextran sulfate and glycerol) is provided. An additional solution (10% dextran sulfate and 20% formamide) is also provided. Additional solutions are provided for mRNA in situ hybridization whereby the process takes less than 24 hours.