Abstract: The osmoprotectants proline, 2-methyl-4-carboxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine (“THP(B)”, and 2-methyl-4-carboxy-5-hydroxy-3,4,5,6,-tetrahydropyrimidine (“THP(A)”) are capable of increasing the thermal stability of DNA polymerases at elevated temperatures. THP(B) is further effective in lowering the melting temperature of double-stranded DNA. Proline, THP(A) and THP(B) are thus useful in procedures involving melting of double-stranded DNA and/or polymerase-mediated DNA synthesis, such as in primer extension, in PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and in DNA sequencing.

Abstract: The osmoprotectants proline, 2-methyl-4-carboxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine (“THP(B)”, and 2-methyl-4-carboxy-5-hydroxy-3,4,5,6,-tetrahydropyrimidine (“THP(A)”) are capable of increasing the thermal stability of DNA polymerases at elevated temperatures. THP(B) is further effective in lowering the melting temperature of double-stranded DNA. Proline, THP(A) and THP(B) are thus useful in procedures involving melting of double-stranded DNA and/or polymerase-mediated DNA synthesis, such as in primer extension, in PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and in DNA sequencing.

Abstract: Novel amino-modified polysaccharides are provided. The amino-modified polysaccharides have one or more amino groups, each being linked to one or more arginine residues.

Abstract: The osmoprotectants proline, 2-methyl-4-carboxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine (“THP(B)”, and 2-methyl-4-carboxy-5-hydroxy-3,4,5,6,-tetrahydropyrimidine (“THP(A)”) are capable of increasing the thermal stability of DNA polymerases at elevated temperatures. THP(B) is further effective in lowering the melting temperature of double-stranded DNA. Proline, THP(A) and THP(B) are thus useful in procedures involving melting of double-stranded DNA and/or polymerase-mediated DNA synthesis, such as in primer extension, in PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and in DNA sequencing.

Abstract: Novel conjugates composed of a saccharide-containing moiety (e.g., aminoglycosides) covalently linked to a moiety containing two or more basic amino acid residues (e.g., a polyarginine) and processes of preparing same are disclosed. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing these conjugates and uses of these conjugates as antiviral and antibacterial agents.

Abstract: A method of treating a bacterial infection in an individual is provided. The method is effected by administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of a pharamaceutical composition including an acetamidino- or guanidino- conjugated saccharide.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided. The pharmaceutical composition comprises an amino-modified polysaccharide having at least one amino group linked to a peptide composed of at least two basic amino acid residues.

Abstract: Conjugates of a saccharide and an acetamidino- or guanidino-compound, of the formula: wherein A is CH3 or NH2; X is a linear or branched C1-C8 alkyl chain optionally containing hydroxy, amino and/or oxo groups; n is an integer from 1 to 6, and Sac is the residue of a mono-or oligo-saccharide, provided that when A is NH2 and X is -(CH2)3—CH(NH2)—C(=O)-, the monosaccharide residue is not substituted at the position 1, and n is an integer from 2 to 6 when Sac is the residue of an oligosaccharide, are useful as antiviral, particularly as antiretroviral, agents, and can be used either alone or together with other compounds used in AIDS treatment such as AZT and/or protease inhibitors, for the treatment of HIV-infection, AIDS and manifestations of AIDS such as Kaposi sarcoma.

Abstract: The osmoprotectants proline, 2-methyl-4-carboxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine (“THP(B)”, and 2-methyl-4-carboxy-5-hydroxy-3,4,5,6,-tetrahydropyrimidine (“THP(A)”) are capable of increasing the thermal stability of DNA polymerases at elevated temperatures. THP(B) is further effective in lowering the melting temperature of double-stranded DNA. Proline, THP(A) and THP(B) are thus useful in procedures involving melting of double-stranded DNA and/or polymerase-mediated DNA synthesis, such as in primer extension, in PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and in DNA sequencing.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising as active ingredients at least two tetrahydropyrimidine derivatives selected from (a) 2-methyl-4-carboxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine ?THP(B)! or a salt thereof, and (b) 2-methyl-4-carboxy-5-hydroxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine ?THP(A)!, or a salt, a 5-ether or a 5-ester thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.