Abstract:
The present invention relates to defective recombinant viruses which contain at least one inserted gene encoding all or part of the protein GAX or of a variant of this protein, and to their therapeutic use, in particular for treating post-angioplastic restenosis.
Abstract:
The subject invention relates to solid polymer electrolyte membranes comprising proton conducting polymers stable at temperatures in excess of 100 DEG C, the polymer being basic polymer complexed with a strong acid or an acid polymer. The invention further relates to the use of such membranes in electrolytic cells and acid fuel cells. Particularly, the invention relates to the use of polybenzimidazole as a suitable polymer electrolyte membrane.
Abstract:
A method and composition for treating cystic fibrosis comprising administering to a patient a first component, a second component, and preferably a third component. The first component is an inhibitor which is specific for a cGMP-inhibited type III cAMP phosphodiesterase, preferably milrinone or amrinone; the second component is an adenylate cyclase activator, preferably forskolin, isoproterenol or albuterol; the third component is cAMP or cAMP analog which activates protein kinase A.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a series of novel phthalocyanine compositions (or compounds) suitable for use as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. Specifically, the invention relates to a series of new aluminum (Al) and/or silicon (Si) phthalocyanines having substituted amine or quaternary ammonium axial ligands attached to the central metal, and the use of these new phthalocyanine compositions for the treatment of cancer through photosensitization. Moreover, the present invention is directed to the methods of preparing these compositions for use in photodynamic therapy.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a biological bandage (10), comprising an envelope (12) enclosing cells (16) which secrete biologically active cellular products (17) such as growth factors, which promote the healing of wounds. The envelope (12) is further comprised of a permeable bottom membrane (15) through which the cellular product (17) diffuses, and an impermeable top membrane (14). Preferably the bandage (10) has a separator (30) interposed betwen the two membranes. This invention also relates to a method for genetically engineering the cells (16), and a method for treating wounds. The bandage (10) provides a continous, uniform source of fresh, pure cellular product (17).
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of depositing diamond crystals using apparatus of the type conventionally employed in subatmospheric pressure deposition apparatus wherein improved deposition is achieved by employing a substrate such as graphite, related aromatic ring compounds, beryllium oxide, hexagonal boron nitride, molybdenum, silicon, diamond or the like, as well as effecting an increase in the rate of mass transfer, such as by imparting motion to the substrate during deposition.
Abstract:
Cuff electrodes (40a, 40b) are surgically implanted around S3 sacral ventral root nerve trunks (16a, 16b). The sacral ventral roots have smaller diameter nerve fibers (20a, 20b) which convey action potentials to cause detrusor activation to contract the bladder (10) and larger diameter nerve fibers (18a, 18b) which carry action potentials for causing contraction of a urethral sphincter (12) to block the flow of urine from the bladder. A current source (50) causes current pulses (52) between such electrical contacts (46, 48) and a central electrical contact (44). The current pulses have an appropriate amplitude and waveform to initiate action potentials adjacent the central contact and to block the propagation of action potential adjacent the end electrodes along the larger diameter nerve fibers (which have fewer nodes between the contacts) but not the smaller diameter nerve fibers (which have more nodes between the electrodes). In this manner, action potentials are electrically excited to propagate at least downstream on the smaller diameter nerve fibers causing contraction of the bladder. Concurrently, blocking action potentials are allowed to propagate upstream on at least the larger diameter nerve fibers, collision blocking naturally occurring action potentials propagating downstream. The transmission of action potentials downstream on the larger diameter nerve fibers is blocked by the current pulses allowing the urinary sphincter to relax.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods for the prognosis, diagnosis, and staging of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and to methods for monitoring response to therapy in a patient with AD. The methods of the invention involve the measurement of the levels in a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the SIMILAR 25 kDa, SIMILAR 105 kDa, and SIMILAR 125 kDa soluble derivatives of the beta amyloid protein precursor ( beta APP). In specific embodiments, detection of an increase in the percentage amount of the SIMILAR 25 kDa protein and/or decrease in the percentage amount of the SIMILAR 105 kDa derivative and/or high absolute levels of all three soluble beta APP derivatives, relative to healthy individuals, can be used to diagnose or prognose AD. The foregoing can also be used to diagnose Down's syndrome, to prognose disorders in Down's syndrome patients associated with amyloid deposition, and as an indication of neurologic aging. In other embodiments, determination of the percentage amounts of the SIMILAR 25 kDa protein and/or the SIMILAR 105 kDa protein relative to such amount present prior to therapy or in healthy individuals can be deemed a poor response to therapy of AD. The invention is also directed to the soluble SIMILAR 25 kDa amino-terminal form of the beta APP.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a cryopreserved preparation of an isolated, homogeneous population of viable human mesenchymal stem cells obtained from periosteum, bone marrow, cord blood, peripheral blood, dermis, muscle, or other known sources of mesenchymal stem cells. After restoration from cryopreservation, the human mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into cells of connective tissue types, including bone, cartilage, adipose, tendon, ligament, muscle, dermis, and marrow stromal connective tissue which supports the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. The cryopreserved preparation of human mesenchymal stem cells binds to antibodies produced from hybridoma cell lines SH2, SH3, and SH4, which have the ATCC accession numbers HB 10743, GB 10744, and HB 10745, respectively.
Abstract:
An apparatus for forming an integral three-dimensional object from a plurality of individual laminations includes a cutting surface on which each of the laminations is individually deposited. A concentrated energy source cuts each of the plurality of laminations into a shape required for assembly of the laminations into the integral three-dimensional object. A transfer mechanism removes each of the cut laminations from the cutting surface and stacks each of the cut laminations on an assembly surface. The transfer mechanism includes a gripper face having a peripheral portion and a central portion. A mask is positioned on the gripper face. The mask has an apertured central portion corresponding to the cut lamination. A source of suction communicates with the gripper face and a valve mechanism selectively draws a suction on the gripper face peripheral portion, the gripper face central portion, both or neither. An electronic control device is provided for controlling the operation of the cutting surface, the concentrated energy cutter and the transfer mechanism.