Abstract:
A system for imaging the human airway having highly advantageous optical and physical characteristics. In a specific embodiment, the human airway can be imaged during the intubation procedure. Plastic fibers are more robust than the glass optical fibers used in currently available imaging systems, and are therefore capable of being bent and/or twisted with less concern of breakage. In addition, the lower costs of plastic fibers enables scopes, in a specific embodiment, to be manufactured for single patient use thereby eliminating the requirement for cleaning, special care, the maintenance of expensive inventory, and most importantly eliminating the opportunity for cross contamination between patients. A further aspect concerns a novel sheath which covers the portion of the imaging system which enters the patient. In this case, the sheath and its optional associated fiber optic illumination is disposable after each use.
Abstract:
The subject invention concerns novel materials and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of autoimmune disease. In a specific embodiment, elevated production of prostaglandin synthase-2 (PGS-2) is correlated with autoimmune dysfunction.
Abstract:
Transgenic plants with increased amounts of high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) have improved breadmaking capability. A specific example of wheat (cv Bob White) transformed to express HMW-GS 1Ax1 is provided. In addition, advantageous uses of the 1Ax1 promoter are described.
Abstract:
A bioactive ceramic composition including 47 to 51 % SiO2, 23 to 25 % CaO, 23 to 25 % Na2O and 0 to 6 % P2O5, the bioactive ceramic having a bioactivity level such that the composition forms at least a thin layer of HCA within about 30 hours of implantation into a patient.
Abstract translation:一种生物活性陶瓷组合物,其包含47至51%的SiO 2,23至25%的CaO,23至25%的Na 2 O和0至6%的P 2 O 5,所述生物活性陶瓷具有生物活性水平,使得所述组合物至少在约 30小时植入患者。
Abstract:
The present invention describes hybrid interferon fusion polypeptides formed of a first segment that contains the N-terminal amino acid sequence of an interferon-tau polypeptide, and a second segment that contains the C-terminal amino acid sequence of a non-tau interferon type I polypeptide. The two segments are joined in the region of a mature interferon polypeptide between about residues 8 and 37. Also described are nucleic acid sequences encoding such interferon fusion polypeptides, expression vectors containing such sequences, and therapeutic applications of the interferon fusion polypeptides. The therapeutic applications include antiviral and anticellular proliferation applications. One advantage of the interferon fusion polypeptides of the present invention is that they do not have cytotoxic side-effects when used to treat cells.
Abstract:
A method of ventilating a patient comprises initially determining the class of the lungs of a given patient, selecting a pressure or flowrate inspiratory waveform and other ventilatory parameters like inspiratory pause and inspiratory time, among others, appropriate for that lung class, and then ventilating the patient with the selected inspiratory waveform and other ventilatory parameters. New ventilation inspiratory waveforms are provided which have been found to be advantageous for certain lung classes.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for operating a ventilator in a primary electronic mode or in a back-up pneumatic mode during primary electronic mode failure. A method and apparatus for operating a ventilator in an advanced mode, having a number of ventilatory modes, or in a basic mode, having a limited number of ventilatory modes is also disclosed. A method and apparatus for controlling a ventilator is disclosed wherein the body length of a patient to be ventilated is utilized in determining one or more ventilation parameters. Ventilation limits and alarm settings are also determined in accordance with body length. A method and apparatus is also disclosed for selecting a rate of rise of inspiratory pressure.
Abstract:
DNA fragments from Porphyromonas gingivalis which express hemagglutinin/proteases that elicit anti-P. gingivalis immunologic responses are described. Microorganisms, genetically modified to express P. gingivalis antigens, are provided. Also disclosed are probes, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies for the detection and prevention of periodontal disease.
Abstract:
The use of an MMP inhibitor, especially a collagenase inhibitor, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a natural or artificial tissue comprising extracellular matrix components to inhibit contraction of the tissue and methods for the treatment of tissue comprising extracellular matrix components to inhibit contraction.
Abstract:
The subject invention concerns novel superantigen proteins and peptides and methods of use of these superantigens. Specifically exemplified are superantigen proteins and peptide antagonists and agonists from mouse mammary tumor virus, feline immunodeficiency virus and human immunodeficiency virus. The proteins and peptides can also be used to produce, purify and detect antibodies that bind to superantigens. These superantigens and their corresponding peptides can be used in both diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.