Abstract: Precursors of adenosine triphosphate are administered orally to increase intracellular ATP concentration as dietary supplements or for treatment of reduced energy availability resulting from strenuous physical activity, illness or trauma. Pentose sugars are administered individually, mixed into dry food or in solution. The preferred pentose is D-ribose, singly or combined with creatine, pyruvate, L-carnitine and/or vasodilating agents. Additionally, magnesium, electrolytes, fatty acids and hexose sugars can be used. The compositions and methods of this invention are especially beneficial to mammals having reduced energy availability or high energy demand.

Abstract: Persons encountering high altitudes without being acclimatized can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of acute mountain sickness by administration of ribose one to four times a days, beginning immediately on encountering high altitudes and continuing for at least five days.

Abstract: Blood platelets stored in an isotonic, balanced salt solution under standard storage conditions retain function after ten days of storage when micormolar or nanomolar amounts of pentose are added to the solution. The preferred pentoses are D-Ribose, xylulose-5-phosphate and the pentose-related alcohol xylitol.

Abstract: D-Ribose and methods for using D-Ribose are provided for enhancing the immune response in mammals. Those with a less than optimal immune response will benefit from oral or parenteral administration of D-Ribose. Methods are also provided for the enhancement of the immune response in isolated leukocytes. Leukocytes are cultured ex vivo in the presence of D-Ribose and transfused into a patient in need of leukocyte augmentation.

Abstract: A method of determining the viability of a hibernating or stunned myocardial segment comprises the administration of ribose, a vasodilator and an inotropic agent. The preferred agent is dobutamine, which has both a vasodilation and an inotropic effect. The segments may be identified by myocardial imaging by any known means, such as echocardiography, Thallium-201 tracing or positron emission tomography. Ribose is preferably given one minute to three hours prior to administration of the vasodilator and inotropic agents.

Abstract: The administration of ribose raises the hypoxic threshold of mammals experiencing a hypoxic condition. The presence of an effective amount of ribose in the tissue of a mammal increases the tolerance to hypoxia and decreases the symptoms of hypoxia in mammals experiencing chronic hypoxia due to cardiovascular disease or peripheral vascular disease. Such mammals are additionally benefited by administration of ribose and a vasodilator or an isotropic agent. Mammals experiencing transient hypoxia from high altitude, anesthesia or exercise are also benefited.

Abstract: Precursors of adenosine triphosphate are administered orally to increase intracellular ATP concentration as dietary supplements or for treatment of reduced energy availability resulting from strenuous physical activity, illness or trauma. Pentose sugars are administered individually, mixed into dry food or in solution. The preferred pentose is D-ribose, singly or combined with creatine, pyruvate, L-carnitine and/or vasodilating agents. Additionally, magnesium, electrolytes, fatty acids and hexose sugars can be used. The compositions and methods of this invention are especially beneficial to mammals having reduced energy availability or high energy demand.

Abstract: Ribose administered before exercise reduces or prevents exercise-induced muscle cramping and soreness. Ribose taken both before and immediately after exercise further reduces or prevents exercise-induced muscle cramping and soreness.

Abstract: A two layer prophylactic device taking the form of a male or female condom, or female diaphragm. The invention includes two latex layers bonded to one another along a spiral path which defines a corresponding spiral chamber between the latex layers. This spiral chamber extends between two compliant chambers at opposed ends of the device and is filled with a pharmacological fluid to help kill disease-bearing microbes and sperm cells which may permeate through the device during coitus. Due to the unique spiral chamber design leading between the complaint chambers, this pharmacological fluid remains uniformly dispersed during coitus and the device is less subject to rupture. Should one layer rupture during use, the pharmacological fluid will flow through the rupture and coat the adjacent sex organ. The present invention is especially effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Abstract: A tool structure employs a rectilinear body having a front wall, the front wall including a lowermost end orthogonally oriented relative to the front wall and extending beyond a bottom wall in an orthogonal relationship, wherein the lowermost end of the front wall includes a plurality of rods arranged in a parallel relationship relative to one another, and the first rod having a first hook, the second rod of the plurality of rods having a cutting edge therewithin, whereupon the hook permits lifting and the cutting edge effects severing of sutures.