Abstract:
The HHV-6 transcription suppressor (ts) gene acts at the level of transcription to shut-off expression of the HIV LTR promoter and of the H-ras gene, a gene whose mutational activation is associated with numerous human cancers. The ts gene is delivered to cells by a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and acts as either a preventative or therapeutical agent against cancer or against viral infections.
Abstract:
An improved method for encapsulating high molecular weight nucleic acids in liposomes, which provides for high nucleic acid entrapment efficiencies, is provided. The resulting compositions provide enhanced in vitro and in vivo transfection and are useful, for example, in producing cell lines expressing a desired nucleic acid sequence.
Abstract:
Antisense oligonucleotides that hybridize to segments of the preS1, S, C, and epsilon regions of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA pregenome inhibit replication of the virus. The figure illustrates the relative positions of antisense oligonucleotides targeted against the HBV S gene. Pharmaceutical compositions which contain these oligonucleotides as the active ingredients are effective against HBV infection.
Abstract:
A dosimetry method and associated apparatus characterized by the steps of storing information in a three-dimensional optical memory element (20), then exposing the optical memory element to neutron or other high LET radiation to alter the information stored in the optical memory element as a function of the radiation to which the optical memory element is exposed, and then retrieving the altered information from the optical memory element. In a preferred embodiment, subsequent analysis of the altered information uses a neural network computer apparatus (30). The altered information is used to provide a measure of both the radiation dose and energy. The optical memory may be a 3-D ORAM (20) with a volume of a transparent polymer doped with a light sensitive chemical and, in particular, spirobenzopyran. Also, a spectrometer (40) for monitoring neutron and other types of radiation, an electronic dosimeter (50) for providing real-time monitoring of radiation exposure, and associated methodologies, are all based on use of an optical memory element.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for predicting susceptibility to sudden cardiac death (208) involves simultaneously assessing cardiac electrical stability (206), represented by either the beat-to-beat alternation in the T-wave of the patient's ECG or dispersion of the QT interval and the autonomic influence on the heart (204), represented by either the magnitude of heart rate variability in the ECG or by baroreceptor sensitivity.
Abstract:
A novel functionally active derivative of cobra venom factor is described in which the beta -chain has been cleaved by treatment with a protease. Gel-electrophoretic analyses of the purified derivative revealed the absence of an intact beta -chain and a decrease of the molecular weight.
Abstract:
A radiation shield (5) includes an aperture (15) connected to an edge of the shield by a slit (20), which is held closed by a releasable flap (25). Instrumentation can be inserted through the aperture to contact a patient over which the shield (5) is draped. By releasing the flap (25) and thereby opening the aperture (15) toward the edge of the shield, the shield (5) can be removed from the patient without removing the instrumentation inserted through the aperture (15). A secondary shield (37) is releasably secured over the aperture (15), affording further protection. Because the shield is placed within the septic field during use, the shield includes a sterilizable outer covering (155).
Abstract:
A method is provided for preventing or treating an autoimmune disorder and/or recurrent autoimmune disorder in a transplant tissue in a mammal, which entails administering an effective amount of a single subtype of alpha - and/or beta -interferon or a hybrid or analog of either or mixture thereof to the mammal.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the non-invasive, dynamic tracking and diagnosing of cardiac vulnerability to ventricular fibrillation features simultaneous analysis of T-wave alternans (206) and heart rate variability (204). T-wave alternation is an absolute predictor of cardiac electrical instability. Heart rate variability is a measure of autonomic influence, a major factor in triggering cardiac arrythmias. By simultaneously analyzing both phenomena (208) the extent and cause of cardiac vulnerability can be assessed.
Abstract:
A novel 170kD membrane protease is isolated from malignant human melanoma cell line LOX and RPMI7951. The protease is useful in a method of diagnosing cellular transformation.