Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to inhibit telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity and means are shown for slowing the loss of telomeric repeats in aging cells.

Abstract: Method and compositions for increasing telomere length in normal cells can be used to increase the proliferative capacity of cells and to delay the onset of cellular senescence.

Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to inhibit telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity.

Abstract: The presence of telomerase activity in a human somatic tissue or cell sample is positively correlated with the presence of cancer and can be used to diagnose the course of disease progression in a patient.

Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to increase or decrease telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity and means are shown for slowing or reversing the loss of telomeric repeats in aging cells.

Abstract: Inhibition of the enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase can delay the onset of senescence and inhibitors of the enzyme can be used to treat diseases caused or exacerbated by cellular senescence.

Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to inhibit telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity.

Abstract: Purified trypsin-sensitive agent or analog thereof, able to downregulate collagenase, PAI-1 and .beta.APP expression in senescent cells isolatable from culture medium having growing fibroblasts or U937 promyelocytic cells.

Abstract: A zone valve of the type using a heat motor includes a biasing spring that operates on a lever, the lever operating on a valve. The spring includes arms that slidingly engage the lever. The arms each include a bent portion adjacent the point of contact with the lever. By providing the bent portion on each arm, the effective biasing force produced on the lever is decreased when the lever is in a raised position.

Abstract: A rising stem valve includes a scale plate attached to the stem and rising with the stem. A stationary reference mark on the valve bonnet indicates the degree of opening of the valve on the scale plate. The scale plate is rotatable around the valve stem to permit viewing from any position.

Abstract: A zone valve is described in which the frame for the operator unit is assembled without separate fasteners. Tongue and groove on the frame pieces fit together in an interlocking manner to provide a rigid frame construction. The assembly of the frame, hinges the parts against each other so that they snap together and are rigidly retained together by the inherent spring force of the members.

Abstract: In a zone valve, an improved arrangement for connecting the operator unit to the valve unit is provided. A one piece wire locking spring carried by the operator unit in conjunction with a groove on the valve unit valve plug provides a snap connection.

Abstract: A rotary plug valve includes a rotary plug which has a relatively thin-walled valving portion. To lock the valve in position or to achieve leak tight closure of the valve, the rotary plug is subjected to pressure such that the wall of the thin-walled valving portion deflects outward to tightly contact the surrounding wall of the plug receiving cavity in the valve housing.