Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting abnormal entry of gastrointestinal contents into the respiratory tract of a patient. The method comprises orally administering to a subject formulation comprising a detectable label that is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but can be absorbed from the respiratory tract. The extent of the gastrointestinal contents entering the respiratory tract can be estimated by measuring the level of the detectable label in a body fluid, e.g., blood or urine.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing in a subject for the purpose of determining if the subject's gastrointestinal contents has entered the subject's respiratory tract. The qualitative analysis can be also expanded into quantitative analysis, enabling the estimation of either the concentration, or the amount, or both, of the gastrointestinal contents that entered the respiratory tract. The invention also provides methods of treatment based on the identification of aspiration using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing in a subject for the purpose of determining if the subject's gastrointestinal contents has entered the subject's respiratory tract. The qualitative analysis can be also expanded into quantitative analysis, enabling the estimation of either the concentration, or the amount, or both, of the gastrointestinal contents that entered the respiratory tract. The invention also provides methods of treatment based on the identification of aspiration using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing in a subject for the purpose of determining if the subject's gastrointestinal contents has entered the subject's respiratory tract. The qualitative analysis can be also expanded into quantitative analysis, enabling the estimation of either the concentration, or the amount, or both, of the gastrointestinal contents that entered the respiratory tract. The invention also provides methods of treatment based on the identification of aspiration using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing respiratory fluid in a patient suffering from gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is disclosed. The method comprises (1) orally administering to a subject suspected of suffering from gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), a formulation comprised of a plurality of particles comprised of a biocompatible polymer (e.g. carnauba wax) and a detectable, non-radioactive label (e.g. a fluorescent label), (2) allowing the formulation to remain in the subject over a period of time during which the subject would be expected to aspirate the formulation, (3) collecting respiratory fluid from the subject, and (4) analyzing the respiratory fluid to determine if the fluid contains the detectable label, and thereby determining if the subject regurgitates fluid into the respiratory tract.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing in a subject for the purpose of determining if the subject's gastrointestinal contents has entered the subject's respiratory tract. The qualitative analysis can be also expanded into quantitative analysis, enabling the estimation of either the concentration, or the amount, or both, of the gastrointestinal contents that entered the respiratory tract. The invention also provides methods of treatment based on the identification of aspiration using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing in a subject for the purpose of determining if the subject's gastrointestinal contents has entered the subject's respiratory tract. The qualitative analysis can be also expanded into quantitative analysis, enabling the estimation of either the concentration, or the amount, or both, of the gastrointestinal contents that entered the respiratory tract. The invention also provides methods of treatment based on the identification of aspiration using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for identifying individuals who are likely to have negative responses to regular administration of &bgr;-agonists. The invention also provides kits useful for this purpose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for identifying individuals who are likely to have negative responses to regular administration of .beta.-agonists. The invention also provides kits useful for this purpose.

Abstract: Electromagnetic structure is described useful as either a position indicator or a differential transformer. The structure includes a pair of magnetic bodies, one of which is rotatable on its axis with respect to the other. The stationary body has three magnetic flux conductive poles projecting from the same to be in alignment with corresponding lobes circumscribing the rotatable body. Aligned poles and lobes define a portion of a pair of closed-loop magnetic flux paths through the two bodies. The middle one of the lobes extends generally transverse to the rotatable axis of the rotatable body, whereas the two outer lobes are spirally related thereto. Rotation of the rotatable body with respect to the stationary body will vary the transverse area of the magnetic material of each of its lobes facing corresponding poles of the other body and, hence, vary the amount of flux which can travel along the flux paths.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a variable flux transformer are described which are quite simple in design and yet provide a greater range of adjustment of the output emf than prior art arrangements. Each transformer includes a core of a magnetic flux-conductive material having three legs extending from a common cross bar, which legs terminate at free ends which are spaced from one another. A primary electrical coil is interactively associated with one of the legs, and a secondary electrical coil is interactively associated with another leg. The third leg is used to complete a magnetic flux path from the primary coil leg bypassing the secondary coil leg. A magnetic flux control switch which is also of magnetic flux-conductive material is positioned at the free ends of the legs for appropriately bridging the spacings therebetween to complete only those low reluctance flow paths between such legs desired at any given time.