Abstract: A gastrostomy tube including a retention device includes an elongated hollow shaft having a proximal first end and a distal second end and at least one retention member extending from the distal second end of the shaft. The at least one retention member moves between a retracted orientation and an open orientation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for performing homozygous gene inactivation assays are provided. A feature of the subject methods is the use of a library of constructs that synthesize predefined nucleic acids, where each constituent predefined nucleic acid of the library is of known sequence that corresponds to a sequence of a chromosomal transcript, e.g., where a representative embodiment of a predefined nucleic acid is an expressed sequence tag (i.e., EST). In certain embodiments, the subject libraries are produced using an amplification protocol that preserves the sequence representation profile of the template nucleic acids. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including the identification of novel diagnostic and therapeutic genetic targets.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing taxane sensitivity are provided. Aspects of the subject methods include administering to a subject a txr1 pathway modulatory agent in conjunction with a taxane. Also provided are txr1 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding the same. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the use of SOS pathway targeted agents in antimicrobial formulations. The innate sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics is increased by disrupting a mechanism that normally activates the bacterial SOS response or by inhibiting steps in the SOS response pathway itself. SOS response induction can result from exposure of bacteria to certain antibiotics, including ?-lactam antibiotics and other agents that affect cell wall synthesis. By transiently delaying bacterial cell division, SOS response induction interferes with bacterial killing by ordinarily lethal concentrations of these drugs A pharmaceutical composition comprising an SOS targeted agent is administered to a patient suffering from a microbial infection, in combination with an antibiotic that induces an SOS response.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating a subject for an anthrax toxin mediated disease condition are provided. Aspects of the subject methods include administering to a subject an effective amount of an agent that inhibits cellular internalization of an anthrax toxin, e.g., such as a LRP6 modulatory agent. Also provided are active agents suitable for use in the subject methods, as well as pharmaceutical preparations thereof.

Abstract: TSG101 is a tumor susceptibility gene whose homozygous functional knock out in fibroblasts leads to transformation and the ability of these cells to form metastatic tumors in nude mice. The cellular transformation that results from inactivation of TSG101 is reversible by restoration of TSG101 function. Decreased expression of TSG101 is associated with the occurrence of certain human cancers, including breast carcinomas. The TSG101 nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as treatment of cancer, identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating angiogenesis in a subject are provided. Aspects of the invention include administering an effective amount of a TXR1 modulatory agent, e.g., a TXR1 agonist or antagonist, to a subject. Embodiments of the methods find use in a variety of different applications, including the inhibition of tumor growth and the treatment of disease conditions characterized by tumor presence.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying peptides in a mammalian. Tsg101 protein that binds to the PTAPP motif or L domain of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1). Such peptides can be used to inhibit Tsg101-HIV Gag binding, and is therefore effective in reducing HIV particle production. The invention also provides the peptides identified by the method of the invention and to method of using such peptides for treating HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying peptides in a mammalian. Tsg101 protein that binds to the PTAPP motif or L domain of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1). Such peptides can be used to inhibit Tsg101-HIV Gag binding, and is therefore effective in reducing HIV particle production. The invention also provides the peptides identified by the method of the invention and to method of using such peptides for treating HIV infection.

Abstract: A resuscitation-assistive timer is utilized to provide audio or visual signals which act as cues to aid pediatric and adult resuscitations by indicating timing for chest compression and respiratory effort in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Short audio and visual signals are utilized to indicate the compression period whereas an elongated audio and/or visual signal is used to indicate the period for respiratory effort. For infants a ratio of five compressions to each respiratory effort is utilized, with the respiratory effort taking approximately two times as long as the cardiac compression. In one embodiment short pulses to signal chest compression are provided by a one-shot multivibrator which is actuated by a series of counted-down pulses from a variable frequency oscillator which may be set in accordance with the age of the individual to whom resuscitation is applied.

Abstract: A new procedure has been devised for the preparation of pure epidermal growth factor (EGF) in high yield which involves passing homogenates of submaxillary glands of adult male mice through a polyacrylamide gel column of a low acid pH. Preferably a two step procedure is used wherein the fraction obtained from the polyacrylamide gel chromatography is subjected to DEAE-cellulose chromatography.The new procedure also provides a new derivative of EGF, lacking the COOH-terminal Leu-Arg residues.