Abstract: The subject invention provides for the production of lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments using the host cells Aspergillus in combination with novel plasmid constructs. More specifically, the subject invention provides novel vector constructs capable of producing lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments in Aspergillus host cells. More particularly, the subject invention provides for novel plasmid constructs suitable for use with Aspergillus and especially Aspergillus awamori, niger and oryzae host cells, which enables them to produce large amounts of recombinant lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant viral nucleic acid selected from a (+) sense, single stranded RNA virus possessing a native subgenomic promoter encoding for a first viral subgenomic promoter, a nucleic acid sequence that codes for a viral coat protein whose transcription is regulated by the first viral subgenomic promoter, a second viral subgenomic promoter and a second nucleic acid sequence whose transcription is regulated by the second viral subgenomic promoter. The first and second viral subgenomic promoters of the recombinant viral nucleic acid do not have homologous sequences relative to each other. The recombinant viral nucleic acid provides the particular adivantage that it systemically transcribes the second nucleic acid in the host. Host organisms encompassed by the present invention include procaryotes and eucaryotes, particularly animals and plants.

Abstract: Methods and kits for structurally analyzing carbohydrate molecules are taught. Carbohydrates for analysis are derivatized (preferably methylated) and then hydrolyzed into constituent monosaccharides. The derivatized monosaccharides are then labeled by a fluorophore and separated from one another by electrophoresis. The identity of derivatized monosaccharides is established by comparison with identification standards. The electrophoresis separation patterns may be visualized by a charged coupled device camera or photographically.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for isolating and purifying viruses, proteins and peptides of interest from a plant host which is applicable on a large scale. Moreover, the present invention provides a more efficient method for isolating viruses, proteins and peptides of interest than those methods described in the prior art. In general, the present method of isolating viruses, proteins and peptides of interest comprises the steps of homogenizing a plant to produce a green juice, adjusting the pH of and heating the green juice, separating the target species, either virus or protein/peptide, from other components of the green juice by one or more cycles of centrifugation, resuspenion, and ultrafiltration, and finally purifying virus particles by such procedure as PEG-precipitation or purifying proteins and peptides by such procedures as chromatography and/or salt precipitation.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for isolating and purifying viruses, proteins and peptides of interest from a plant host which is applicable on a large scale. Moreover, the present invention provides a more efficient method for isolating viruses, proteins and peptides of interest than those methods described in the prior art. In general, the present method of isolating viruses, proteins and peptides of interest comprises the steps of homogenizing a plant to produce a green juice, adjusting the pH of and heating the green juice, separating the target species, either virus or protein/peptide, from other components of the green juice by one or more cycles of centrifugation, resuspension, and ultrafiltration, and finally purifying virus particles by such procedure as PEG-precipitation or purifying proteins and peptides by such procedures as chromatography and/or salt precipitation.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that includes an optical disk, adapted to be read by an optical reader, comprising a first sector having substantially self-contained assay means for localizing an analyte suspected of being in a sample to at least one, predetermined location in the first sector and a second sector containing control means for conducting the assay and analyte location information, with respect to one or more analytes suspected of being in a sample, accessible to the reader, wherein the presence or absence of the analyte at said location is determinable by the reader using the control means and the location information. Depending on the nature of the assay, the disk will include fluid storage means, fluid transfer means, such as one or more capillary ducts, valves, batteries, dialyzers, columns, filters, sources of electric fields, wires or other electrical conductive means such as metallic surface deposits and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of detection of an mRNA having HPV and cellular sequences in a body sample, comprising the following steps:(a) obtaining a body sample;(b) isolating mRNA from the body sample of (a);(c) translating the mRNA of (b) into cDNA using a primer common for reverse transcription;(d) amplifying the cDNA of (c) by a PCR reaction with a 5' HPV primer and a 3' primer having sequences of the primer of (c);(e) cleaving the amplified cDNA of (d) with an endonuclease cleaving on the 5' side of the HPV polyadenylation sequence;(f) amplifying the non-cleaved cDNA of (e) with the primers of (d) or with "nested" primers; and(g) detecting the amplified cDNA of (f).Furthermore, this invention concerns the use of such a method of early detection of HPV-associated carcinomas and extreme dysplasias caused by HPV, respectively.

Abstract: A novel association between IBD and a polymorphism at amino acid residue 241 of ICAM-1 has been discovered. In accordance with the present invention there is provided methods of screening for IBD, methods for treating IBD, antibodies specifically reactive with ICAM-1 encoded by R241 allele and kits which exploit the inventive methods.

Abstract: A novel association between certain tumor necrosis factor microsatellite alleles and Crohn's disease has been discovered. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided methods for screening for Crohn's disease comprising detecting the presence or absence of nucleic acid of a subject encoding TNF microsatellite alleles associated with Crohn's disease, wherein the presence of nucleic acid encoding three or more of the alleles is indicative of Crohn's disease. Kits useful for screening for Crohn's disease are also provided which comprise nucleic acid encoding TNF microsatellite alleles associated with Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for making arrays of functionalized binding sites on a support surface. The invention further provides apparatus and methods for sequencing oligonucleotides and for identifying the amino acid sequence of peptides that bind to biologically active macromolecules, by specifically binding biologically active macromolecules to arrays of peptides or peptide mimetics.

Abstract: A method of promoting drainage of congested mucous secretions in the sinuses of a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the sinuses of the subject a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) or P.sup.1,P.sup.4 -di(uridine-5') tetraphosphate (U.sub.2 P.sub.4), an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote drainage of congested fluid in the sinuses by hydrating mucous secretions or by stimulating ciliary beat frequency in the sinuses. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include any liquid suspension (including nasal drops or spray), oral form (liquid or pill), aerosol inhalation, powder form, topical, injected, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foreign peptide sequences fused to recombinant plant viral structural proteins and a method of their production. Fusion proteins are economically synthesized in plants at high levels by biologically contained tobamoviruses. The fusion proteins of the invention have many uses. Such uses include use as antigens for inducing the production of antibodies having desired binding properties, e.g., protective antibodies, or for use as vaccine antigens for the induction of protective immunity, including immunity against parasitic infections.

Abstract: A method of promoting drainage of congested mucous secretions in the sinuses of a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the sinuses of the subject a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) or P.sup.1,P.sup.4 -di(uridine-5') tetraphosphate (U.sub.2 P.sub.4), an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote drainage of congested fluid in the sinuses by hydrating mucous secretions or by stimulating ciliary beat frequency in the sinuses. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include any liquid suspension (including nasal drops or spray), oral form (liquid or pill), aerosol inhalation, powder form, topical, injected, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical compositions of uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) for use in promoting increased mucociliary clearance of retained mucous secretions of the human airways, middle/inner ears or sinuses are disclosed. Novel Formulation I comprises UTP and aqueous solution having a therapeutic concentration between 5 and 45 mg/mL, a controlled tonicity within the range of 250 to 100 mOsM, a pH between 7.0 and 7.5, and is sterile. The pH-adjusted composition is capable of long-term storage in the refrigerated state with a shelf life of up to 30 months. Formulation I may be delivered therapeutically either in a nebulized form or in a liquid form. Novel Formulation II comprises UTP in an aqueous solution or suspension having a therapeutic concentration approaching the limit of UTP's solubility at ambient temperature. This high concentration allows delivery of a therapeutic amount of UTP in very small volumes (50 to 100 .mu.L) suitable for administration via portable hand-held devices such as metered dose inhalers.

Abstract: A novel method of over expressing genes in plants is provided. This method is based on the RNA amplification properties of plus strand RNA viruses of plants. A chimeric multicistronic gene is constructed containing a plant promoter, viral replication origins, a viral movement protein gene, and one or more foreign genes under control of viral subgenomic promoters. Plants containing one or more of these recombinant RNA transcripts are inoculated with helper virus. In the presence of helper virus recombinant transcripts are replicated producing high levels of foreign gene RNA.Sequences are provided for the high level expression of the enzyme chloramphenicol acetyltransferase in tobacco plants by replicon RNA amplification with helper viruses and movement protein genes derived from the tobamovirus group.

Abstract: A method of promoting drainage of congested mucous secretions in the sinuses of a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the sinuses of the subject a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) or P.sup.1,P.sup.4 -di(uridine-5') tetraphosphate (U.sub.2 P.sub.4), an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote drainage of congested fluid in the sinuses by hydrating mucous secretions or by stimulating ciliary beat frequency in the sinuses. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include any liquid suspension (including nasal drops or spray), oral form (liquid or pill), aerosol inhalation, powder form, topical, injected, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.

Abstract: This invention relates to a submerged fermentation process for producing high biomass levels of mushrooms mycelia in liquid media suitable for semi-continuous or continuous mushroom spawn production. The process provides a sterile, log phase inoculum for a solid substrate that, when based on biomass, exceeds normal inoculation levels by several thousand fold mycelia substrate production. The liquid inoculum so produced can be aseptically transferred to bulk sterilizer to inoculate a sterilizer grain or sawdust substrate for commercial mushroom production. The liquid inoculum may also be inoculated directly onto the mushroom compost. This invention further relates to microcapsules used to enhance the fermentation process and the equipment used to conduct such process.

Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5'-triphosphate ?UTP!, dinucleotides, cytidine 5'-triphosphate ?CTP!, adenosine 5'-triphosphate ?ATP!, or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant plant viral nucleic acids and to hosts infected thereby. The recombinant plant viral nucleic acids comprise a native plant viral subgenomic promoter, at least one non-native plant viral subgenomic promoter, a plant viral coat protein coding sequence, and optionally, at least one non-native nucleic acid sequence to be transcribed or expressed in the infected host plant. The recombinant plant viral nucleic acids are stable, capable of systemic infection and capable of stable transcription or expression in the plant host of the non-native nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A novel method of over expressing genes in plants is provided. This method is based on the RNA amplification properties of plus strand RNA viruses of plants. A chimeric multicistronic gene is constructed containing a plant promoter, viral replication origins, a viral movement protein gene, and one or more foreign genes under control of viral subgenomic promoters. Plants containing one or more of these recombinant RNA transcripts are inoculated with helper virus. In the presence of helper virus recombinant transcripts are replicated producing high levels of foreign gene RNA.Sequences are provided for the high level expression of the enzyme chloramphenicol acetyltransferase in tobacco plants by replicon RNA amplification with helper viruses and movement protein genes derived from the tobamovirus group.