Abstract: A device for sterilizing females by occluding the uterotubal junction. The device includes a catheter with a releasable heat generating plug which is used to thermally damage the uterotubal junction and cause it to constrict around the plug, after which the plug is released from the catheter and left in place in the uterotubal junction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of generating a signal indicative of the presence of said target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, comprising, incubating a sample comprising a an amplified target nucleic acid and a nucleic acid polymerase which substantially lacks 5? to 3? exonuclease activity, adding a thermostable fen nuclease consisting of 5? to 3? exonuclease and/or endonuclease activity so as to cleave a cleavage structure and generate a signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to and methods for generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample. The compositions and methods include a reverse transcriptase, a nuclease, an upstream primer and downstream probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample, where the compositions and methods include an RNA polymerase, a FEN nuclease, and a probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample, where the method includes forming a cleavage structure by incubating a sample comprising a target nucleic acid with a probe. The invention also includes the steps of cleaving the cleavage structure with a nuclease to release a nucleic acid fragment to generate a signal, wherein generation of the signal is indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detection and typing of HPV infection using PNA probes. More specifically, methods are provided for detecting high-risk types of HPV infection with minimal numbers of PNA probes or using PNA probes to selectively amplify only high-risk types of HPV.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample. The compositions include a reverse transcriptase, a nuclease, an upstream primer and downstream probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample, where the compositions include a probe having a 5? region and a 3? flap and a P. furiosus polymerase having 3? exonuclease activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample by forming a cleavage structure comprising duplex and single-stranded nucleic acid by incubating a sample comprising a target nucleic acid with a thermostable nucleic acid polymerase substantially lacking 5? to 3? exonuclease activity and cleaving said cleavage structure with a thermostable Fen nuclease lacking 5? to 3? synthetic activity to generate a signal.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions and kits for generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample comprising forming a cleavage structure by incubating a sample comprising a target nucleic acid sequence with upstream and downstream oligonucleotides, and cleaving the cleavage structure with a nuclease to generate a signal. The presence of a detectable signal is indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence and a non-invasive cleavage structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to kits and compositions for generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, comprising a nucleic acid polymerase lacking 5? to 3? exonuclease activity and a thermostable FEN nuclease consisting of a 5? to 3? exonuclease and/or endonuclease activity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that increase retrievable cells from ductal fluid of a patient. Ductal fluid typically contains ductal epithelial cells and other markers that can aid in identifying a breast condition, including breast cancer and precancer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits and methods of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample by forming a cleavage structure. The cleavage structure is formed by incubating a sample containing a target nucleic acid with a downstream probe that forms a 3? flap when hybridized to the target. The cleavage structure is cleaved with a 3? nuclease and a detectable signal is produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample utilizing a primer-probe duplex.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample utilizing a cleavage resistant probe.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample to detect cells infected by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is provided. The method includes passing a medium containing the sample across a filter. The filter has a pore size that is greater than a dimension of a HPV particle, but smaller than a dimension of a HPV infected cell, such that most of the HPV particles pass through the filter, while leaving the cells on the filter. The material collected on the filter is then examined to determine if HPV infected cells are present in the material.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying a virus in breast ducts are provided. In addition, antiviral therapy for treating a virally infected breast duct is also provided. Patients with a viral infection identified in the breast ducts may be at risk for developing breast precancer or cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, kits and methods for delivering an agent to a breast milk duct. Intraductal agent delivery provides an opportunity to treat a breast condition locally and avoid the pitfalls of systemic drug delivery for a local condition. Time-released agents delivered into the ducts using an intraductal device or formulation reduces the frequency of intraductal administration required for desired efficacy over time. The methods include methods of treating a breast condition, including the conditions of cancer or precancer.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the amplification of a DNA template by subjecting a sample of biological material containing a target nucleotide sequence to amplification using a non-extendable oligonucleotide blocker. The method comprises using oligonucleotide primers and blockers to create primer extension products that are susceptible to cleavage by double-strand-specific ribonucleases. The continuous production and cycling of ribonuclease cleaved products allows for amplification of a target sequence.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.