Abstract: The present invention provides methods for predicting the viability of an embryo or for predicting the likelihood of a negative outcome during pregnancy by identifying the presence or absence of or determining the amount of one or more pregnancy associated markers such as molecular isoforms of hCG in a sample. In many instances, the invention is applicable to embryos generated by in vitro fertilization techniques, for instance, to embryos developing in a growth media. The present invention further provides methods for determining the amount of a pregnancy associated markers such as molecular isoforms of hCG (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for predicting the viability of an embryo or for predicting the likelihood of a negative outcome during pregnancy by identifying the presence of or determining the amount of one or more pregnancy associated markers such as molecular isoforms of hCG in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed ?-particle emitting nanoparticles that comprise a lanthanide phosphate sequestration shell enclosing an ?-emitting-radioisotope-doped lanthanide phosphate core such that the shell allows at least some of the ? emissions from the ?-emitting radioisotope to pass therethrough and prevents at least some radioactive decay products of the ?-emitting radioisotope from exiting the ?-particle emitting nanoparticle. Further, such ?-particle emitting nanoparticles may be coated with gold and functionalized. Additionally, a method for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel radiation associated markers. The radiation associated markers may be one or more of albumin, LTGF-?, or any protein or peptide listed in any one of Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 provided herein. The present invention also provides methods of assessing exposure to ionizing radiation by determining the presence of one or more radiation associated markers. The methods may optionally include quantifying one or more of the radiation associated markers. The methods may further include comparing the amount of one or more radiation associated markers in the sample determined to be present in the sample with either (i) the amount determined for temporally matched, normal samples or (ii) the amount determined for samples obtained from individuals or subjects that have not been exposed to an elevated level of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel radiation associated markers. The radiation associated markers may be one or more of albumin, LTGF-?, or any protein or peptide listed in any one of Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 provided herein. The present invention also provides methods of assessing exposure to ionizing radiation by determining the presence of one or more radiation associated markers. The methods may optionally include quantifying one or more of the radiation associated markers. The methods may further include comparing the amount of one or more radiation associated markers in the sample determined to be present in the sample with either (i) the amount determined for temporally matched, normal samples or (ii) the amount determined for samples obtained from individuals or subjects that have not been exposed to an elevated level of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel radiation associated markers. The radiation associated markers may be one or more of albumin, LTGF-?, or any protein or peptide listed in any one of Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 provided herein. The present invention also provides methods of assessing exposure to ionizing radiation by determining the presence of one or more radiation associated markers. The methods may optionally include quantifying one or more of the radiation associated markers. The methods may further include comparing the amount of one or more radiation associated markers in the sample determined to be present in the sample with either (i) the amount determined for temporally matched, normal samples or (ii) the amount determined for samples obtained from individuals or subjects that have not been exposed to an elevated level of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed ?-particle emitting nanoparticles that comprise a lanthanide phosphate sequestration shell enclosing an ?-emitting-radioisotope-doped lanthanide phosphate core such that the shell allows at least some of the ? emissions from the ?-emitting radioisotope to pass therethrough and prevents at least some radioactive decay products of the ?-emitting radioisotope from exiting the ?-particle emitting nanoparticle. Further, such ?-particle emitting nanoparticles may be coated with gold and functionalized. Additionally, a method for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel radiation associated markers. The radiation associated markers may be one or more of albumin, LTGF-?, or any protein or peptide listed in any one of Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 provided herein. The present invention also provides methods of assessing exposure to ionizing radiation by determining the presence of one or more radiation associated markers. The methods may optionally include quantifying one or more of the radiation associated markers. The methods may further include comparing the amount of one or more radiation associated markers in the sample determined to be present in the sample with either (i) the amount determined for temporally matched, normal samples or (ii) the amount determined for samples obtained from individuals or subjects that have not been exposed to an elevated level of ionizing radiation. The present invention further provides a method of predicting outcome in a subject after exposure to elevated levels of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel radiation associated markers. The radiation associated markers may be one or more of albumin, LTGF-?, or any protein or peptide listed in any one of Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 provided herein. The present invention also provides methods of assessing exposure to ionizing radiation by determining the presence of one or more radiation associated markers. The methods may optionally include quantifying one or more of the radiation associated markers. The methods may further include comparing the amount of one or more radiation associated markers in the sample determined to be present in the sample with either (i) the amount determined for temporally matched, normal samples or (ii) the amount determined for samples obtained from individuals or subjects that have not been exposed to an elevated level of ionizing radiation. The present invention further provides a method of predicting outcome in a subject after exposure to elevated levels of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing carcinoma, providing a prognosis for a carcinoma or assessing the likelihood that a tissue may become cancerous by identifying the presence or absence of or determining the amount of one or more carcinoma associated markers. Further, the present invention provides methods for determining whether a tissue should be surgically resected and for determining the territorial extent of resection. The carcinoma markers may be those provided in FIG. 1. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for diagnosing carcinoma, providing a prognosis for a carcinoma or assessing the likelihood that a tissue may become cancerous by identifying the presence of or determining the amount of one or more carcinoma associated markers. The methods and kits are especially useful regarding colon, rectal or colorectal carcinoma.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for predicting the viability of an embryo or for predicting the likelihood of a negative outcome during pregnancy by identifying the presence or absence of or determining the amount of one or more pregnancy associated markers such as molecular isoforms of hCG in a sample. In many instances, the invention is applicable to embryos generated by in vitro fertilization techniques, for instance, to embryos developing in a growth media. The present invention further provides methods for determining the amount of a pregnancy associated markers such as molecular isoforms of hCG (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for predicting the viability of an embryo or for predicting the likelihood of a negative outcome during pregnancy by identifying the presence of or determining the amount of one or more pregnancy associated markers such as molecular isoforms of hCG in a sample.

Abstract: A method of constructing a miniature balloon (96) for use as a catheter in blood vessels (10) involves spraying aerosolized particles to form successive coats of a highly diluted silicone-rubber solution (42) onto a Teflon coated mandril (48,50) having a roughened surface. Each coat is allowed to cure somewhat prior to applying a further coat. The silicone-rubber solution comprises 5% silicone and 95% solvent. The balloon products of this process have thinner, more delicate thickness-controlled walls than balloons made by the prior-art process of dipping.

Abstract: This method of using a miniature balloon (102) in blood vessels (104) usually involves using a balloon that is thinner, more delicate (with thickness-controlled walls) than most balloons made previously. The process includes the steps of inserting the balloon (102) into a blood vessel (104) on the end of a cannula (106), inflating the balloon through the cannula until the balloon bursts, and then perfusing perfusate into the blood vessel via the burst balloon (108).

Abstract: A miniaturized balloon catheter assembly includes a cannula and an inflatable tubular balloon constructed of a silastic tubing detachably mounted on the cannula for performing a surgical procedure in a human vessel in response to pressure therein. In one embodiment, the balloon is detachable mounted with the detachability being responsive to pressure. For example, the balloon elastically grips the cannula and there is a small metallic C-shaped spring mounted about the balloon and cannula. In another embodiment, a valve, such as a pin-hole in the silastic material for example, is included in the balloon which opens only after the pressure within the balloon exceeds a predetermined amount.According to a method of the invention, the cannula and the attached balloon are inserted into a small vessel and the balloon is pressurized therethrough. The balloon is partially inflated to allow fluid flow in the vessel to position the balloon at a desired location.

Abstract: A catheter delivery system for delivering an elongated cannula-type catheter, normally including a cannula with an attachment on the tip thereof, to a body of a mammal and for controlling the movement of the cannula in the mammal's body includes both a cannula-control fitting and an enlarged hollow cannula delivery housing. The cannula control fitting has at least three openings therein. A cannula to be delivered to the mammal's body extends through the first and second openings of the cannula-control fitting and pressurized fluid can be inserted into the third opening. A sealing clamp is at the first opening for selectively, sealingly clamping the cannula-control fitting to the cannula. Thus, when the sealing clamp is tightened, fluid introduced at the third opening leaves the cannula-control fitting at the second opening. The hollow cannula delivery housing is attached to the third opening and has a relatively large cavity for receiving gathered portions of the cannula therein.

Abstract: A catheter delivery system for delivering an elongated cannula-type catheter, normally including a cannula with an attachment on the tip thereof, to a body of a mammal and for controlling the movement of the cannula in the mammal's body includes both a cannula-control fitting and an enlarged hollow cannula delivery housing. The cannula control fitting has at least three openings therein. A cannula to be delivered to the mammal's body extends through the first and second openings of the cannula-control fitting and pressurized fluid can be inserted into the third opening. A sealing clamp is at the first opening for selectively, sealingly clamping the cannula-control fitting to the cannula. Thus, when the sealing clamp is tightened, fluid introduced at the third opening leaves the cannula-control fitting at the second opening. The hollow cannula delivery housing is attached to the third opening and has a relatively large cavity for receiving gathered portions of the cannula therein.

Abstract: A miniaturized balloon catheter assembly includes a cannula and an inflatable tubular balloon constructed of a silastic tubing detachably mounted on the cannula for performing a surgical procedure in a human vessel in response to pressure therein. In one embodiment, the balloon is detachable mounted with the detachability being responsive to pressure. For example, the balloon elastically grips the cannula and there is a small metallic C-shaped spring mounted about the balloon and cannula. In another embodiment, a valve, such as a pinhole in the silastic material for example, is included in the balloon which opens only after the pressure within the balloon exceeds a predetermined amount. According to a method of the invention, the cannula and the attached balloon are inserted into a small vessel and the balloon is pressurized therethrough. The balloon is partially inflated to allow fluid flow in the vessel to position the balloon at a desired location.